Mega Love!

This morning Amber and I served doing "Discipleship", cleaning the Angeles Temple. The Angeles Temple is where all of the Dream Center's services are. Sunday's and Thursday's they have some epic services. I LOVE the worship band. They get up there and jam for Jesus. It rocks, and you can see the fellowship within the worship team. So cool!

So we cleaned the bathrooms, and the auditorium seats. It took a while, but the man directing us was so positive, his name is Ken. He really made an impact on my morning. I really want to start waking up asking "God how can I be a blessing in someone's life today?"

After lunch, we headed to Project Prevention again. This time it was only Victoria (the leader), Casey (co-leader), then Amber and I. Yesterday when we did this ministry we had a group of over 10. Today it was so much more personal, and God had answered our hearts desire to go alone, in a much smaller group. A great gift God had given today was to this little boy named Angel. We had had 2 gameboy games and couldn't find anyone with a gameboy, until today. God had blessed Angel with 2 new games! I believe he will never forget that, he was so happy!

Amber and I missed dinner today but got to eat at an Italian pizza place downtown. It was straight up from Italy! haha not really, but sure did taste like it! So good! Amber could even see the chef making our food! A bit after dinner we headed to the Angeles Temple for the thursday night service. What a blessing! Every Thurs. night they have a guest speaker. Tonight was Charles Nieman from Texas. He spoke about God's love. I like the way he started it with the passage 1 Cor. 13:13: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." God can give us all these things, but God IS LOVE. There are so many different people from different backgrounds and races. But there is one thing that is the same: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23 We are all rotten sinners. Praise God, because John 3:16 says: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Did you catch that?! WHOEVER. That means you, that means me, that means WHO ever believes. God is love. Nothing can separate those who are in His love FROM His beautiful Love. mmm. mmm. mmm.

Romans 8:35-39 (message version): "So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. "

God has a MEGA love for us. Charles spoke about how you may be, or may have been many things. You may have been rejected..but you HAVE NEVER BEEN UNLOVED. You may be insecure..but you HAVE NEVER BEEN UNLOVED. You may be lonely but you have NEVER BEEN UNLOVED. You may be uneducated but YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN UNLOVED. You may have been an addict but YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN UNLOVED. You may be a hypocrite but YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN UNLOVED...and the list goes on. Please think about this thought. What have you been? What are you? Than override it with God's love, because His love does cover over a multitude of sins. His love washes away all diritness, and purifies. His love is why we live. I hope you realize how GREAT God's love is for you today, and that it increases daily.

This message tonight definately RE-awakened God's love for me. What an amazing Lover Jesus is!

"My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19 (the message version)

Oh yeah, can't forget, the Angeles Temple also had an amazing guest singer: Racheal Lampa. She sang 2 lovely songs. All I can say is WOW, she is gifted! Here is Amber, Shelley, and I tonight after the service:

Sex and Money Film

THis morning I had an awesome start of the day with some Tedashii :http://youtu.be/boegOs081YE
haha (get yo dance on!)

We headed to ministry at 9 for Project Prevention. This ministry helps those in need of food, and almost anything. They help parents gain custody of their children and really this ministry helps families stay together even if they don't have the means to. We went to 3 different houses. It is crazy how these people live. I have never seen something in the US like this, although I have seen it in the Dominican Republic. There was one women named Elizabeth who had 4 girls. Only 3 live with her but she is in the process of getting custody with her 4th girl. She was very open and shared what God has been doing in her life and how she teaches her girls to be grateful for everything they get. I quote her saying "I teach them to be grateful for what God gives us because I know he can give and take away." Elizabeth has seen God answer her prayers and I loved hearing what God was doing in her life. The means in where they sleep were very unsanitary but they are all moving to a 3 bedroom place soon. Praise God!
After the group prayed with/for Elizabeth and her girls I was able to tell her what her name means. She said she really appreciated it. I know it meant something special and I was so glad I could tell her!

After Project Prevention we ate lunch and than at 1 headed to Kids JAM. Kids JAM was located in a very hispanic area. We got to hang out with kids while parents went through a food pick-up line. We told them about God's love, got to play games and give out candy. We shared about the treasures on earth and treasures in heaven. Hearing them pray out the loud was beautiful.

Since being in YWAM (Youth With A Mission) last year I heard about a documentary about a national search for human worth. A group of YWAMers made this documentary over 2 years. Today they showed it at Sarah Jo (one of the team members) home church about 25 minutes from the Dream Center. Thankfully I heard about it from a good friend, who is staffing in CA with YWAM. It was so good seeing YWAMers again, feeling like home. They are touring every state in the U.S. to show the film to at least 1 Church and 1 University. They are going to be at Chapel Hill, you can check on their website when. I highly reccommend that you get your friends, family, strangers, anyone to go and see it. Definately will show you what is going on in the U.S. today. The worst Slavery in history is happening now. It is a spiritual battle in the spiritual realm, as well as a physical battle. Here is a fact: right now there are 100,000-300,000 american children, yes CHILDREN enslaved in the United States. The average age of entry into prostitution in the US is 13 years old. The worst part is that it's in our backyards and we do not realize it. It is a horrible, sick thing; but it is REAL. There are so many who still do not know it exists. If you do know, now it is your job to do something about it. Some do know, and choose to not care or don't believe it. "Once you know the truth, you can't sit in complacency because than your part of the problem." -Sex and Money Film

Check out the website below:
http://sexandmoneyfilm.com/

Amber and I got to invite a group we have been serving with from Colorado, and they changed plans to come with us and watch it. I know God is raising up a generation to bring justice! "What one generation allows, the next generation embraces."..."There is no other option but to end it."

Contact me if you wanna join the cause. God is moving in every nation, and in every city. "There's an army rising up! There's an army rising up! To break every chain, break every chain!" -United Pursuit Band

http://youtu.be/mohyR5xowFw

"This is what the Lord Almighty says:'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other." Zechariah 7:9-10

Marie "Angel"

YAYYY! Today was our first day of serving! We got our schedule for the week and got a tour of the Dream Center. I am so excited for ministry! We went to 3 different locations and fed the homeless today. The ministry is called "Under the Bridge". We served the food, or talked with/prayed with them. I loved getting on a personal level with those I met. It opened up my eyes to how easily we judge them and the worth of who they are just because they are on the street with little of anything. I always knew they were real people, but never acknowledged the fact that they were to spend time with them outside of church. I met this lady named Marie "Angel". I had met her on the block down from where we were giving out the food in Skid Row, LA. She refused to walk down there because of the other homeless people who were down there, but she wanted food. We asked if we could pray for her and she replied with "no I just want some food". So the group I was with walked back down to where we were serving the food and got 2 plates of spaghetti and pizza with 2 cups of water. One was for her "mom" who was her aunt, if I can remember correctly, and the other was for Marie. After we had handed them the food, they each immediately opened up to someone who would listen. This is where I got to know Marie a little better. As she cried, looking into my eyes, telling me about her days and nights on the streets I did not know how to respond but to listen. There were a few moments where I was able to encourage her. She knew her only hope was Jesus, and she does know where her true eternal home is. I will continue to pray for her and I ask you would pray as well. There are homeless everywhere in L.A. I have never seen so many.

Last Sunday night before any ministry, Amber and I went to McDonalds and we saw a homeless man. His name was Al, we got to ask him what he wanted and he responded with "2 apple pies and an iced coffee". I loved that we asked what Al wanted because I am glad we didn't just get something random that he didn’t want or prefer. I wanted him to really see we cared about the details. When we got the food, we decided to park and ask him if we could pray for him. He took a 5 sec. pause and then agreed. It was great to bless him physically and verbally.
Now that I have covered today and Sunday, I have some pics to fill you in on Monday. Amber and I went to the huge Market that connected to an outdoor/indoor mall. Then we spent some time at Santa Monica beach. The beach was packed and the water was FREEZING! Amber and I decided to go in after contemplating it for a bit. The waves crashed way before they got to us, perfect for boogie boarding, and we went numb after the first minute!

The reason I signed up for short term missions at the Dream Center was for one main reason. They have a new ministry called Project Hope. I wanted to be able to learn from them, make connections and get contacts. I believe the Lord has called me to a ministry somewhere to help sex-trafficked victims. The Project Hope ministry is having a meeting this Saturday and we will be attending, praise God! The Lord has already hooked me up with one connection and it was totally on God’s random timing. The man who led the “Under the Bridge” ministry, Mickey, asked if I needed prayer jokingly and I said I would love prayer anytime. He said alright come up here, and so I was like are u being for real? He said yeah if you want prayer, and I said sure! Then all the women in our group gathered around me and a women named Shelley, that Amber and I met (who is also interested in the Project Hope), prayed for me. Shelley knew I was also at the Dream Center to know more about Project Hope. While Mikey was standing there, praying as well, he immediately afterwards gave me a hook up. I’m planning on getting together with him and making contacts in London. Thank the Lord, He goes ahead. This morning I was worrying about the schedule and how vague it was, and how there is not anything on Project Hope, but I need to TRUST in God’s promises. It is so crazy how easy it is to forget God’s promises throughout the day. I understand why it’s important to meditate day and night, maybe even hourly! However often you may need it.

Thank you for all your support. Without your prayers and donations I would not be here. Love you all!

Pray:

1. against the Enemy
2. vision
3. Love to cover all
4. continued opportunities and open doors
5. anything the Spirit leads you to pray for!!

Lotus Festival

This is a step up to walk tall.

Today was the first full day in L.A. Yesterday was a little overwhelming. Going from the east coast to the west coast, it is so different! The flights were both very good!It took about 5 1/2 hours flying with an hour layover in Dallas, TX. We got some good old Texas BBQ for lunch, so good! On the flights, my time was spent worshiping with my ipod, soaking up the Word, and admiring God's beautiful creations! Amber and I were able to get some good dinner at FarmerBoys. It was delicious, but the prices were a little higher than I expected. Good thing Subway is still the same! $5.00 footlongs! haha.

After the flight, we grabbed our baggage and headed to get our car. It is a very nice pontiac G6. I dont really know much about cars, but it is very nice. We decided to get to our hotel and than ride around and see where the Dream Center is located and our surroundings. When we checked into our hotel, it was not what we expected. I was expecting something a little nicer inside our room. The beds are the best part. The bathroom is the worst part. (If you want more details or another view check out Amber's blog: http://revolution-startshere.blogspot.com/)

Well, after we were a bit taken back, we decided to go out and that was when we got dinner at FarmerBoys. Than we got in our black Pontiac (it starts by itself on the keychain, sweet right?) and drove to the Dream Center Building. The building was closed but it was good to see where it was and walk around a little. After driving towards the hotel, we saw a huge event going on, and of course we were curious! It was the Lotus Festival, they had everything from snow cones, soy milk samples, baby chickens to hold, a snake (WHICH I HAD AROUND MY NECK!), parrots, many of performances of dances (breakdance, philipino dance, thailand dance, and more!), jewelry, and more! It ended up being the 33rd Celebration, so cool! The reason they create the festival is to celebrate and honor Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Southern California. There are so many cultures here. I love it! Amber and I got some really cool earrings for a great deal.

So Today...was sooo great! We went to the church service this morning. The message was personal to me. It was about walking tall, meaning pushing aside every hinderance that causes you to not live up to what God says you are no matter what circumstance comes your way. Already, I was getting convicted for my bad attitude and complaining about the hotel. God was showing me He is providing for my every need and will. I cannot forget that He is going before me. Oh wow, just realized why I was impressed with the reading in Dueteronomy on the way here, I cannot forget as the Israelites did what God has done. I need to continue to glorify Him, give Him praise in everything! Yes, the Lord is good!...At the end of the service those who wanted to commit to walk tall could get a block of wood to remind them to walk tall. On that block of wood you would write the promises of God you need to remember, or the things your going to push aside in order to walk tall. That was my favorite part of today, so I made the title, "This is a step up to walk tall". Thank goodness God hears our cries and prayers! Thank Him, because God disciplines His children! His desire is to bring us closer to Him in everything. God I want to see you for who you are! That my view would be soley on you and all else doesn't matter, for you are constant!

Stay tuned for more! ahhhh God is firing us up! Pictures will be coming soon! <3

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

This week has been amazing being able to rest and relax with family. I enjoyed my birthday as well as fourth of July at the good old Avon Beach, N.C. WAYYYY on the east coast! I am sick right now, healing, but definately recognizing the enemy and that he wants to kill, steal, and destroy all God is about to do. God has the victory already!

It has been so long since I have posted a new blog. I do feel I need to be writing about this next journey the Lord has placed me on. I am leaving for L.A. this Saturday and I will be doing short term missions with a close friend, Amber (Aultman) Daniel. We have heard the Lord's voice separately about making this trip, and are so excited to what He will reveal together.

The main reason the Lord has put this trip on my heart is to learn and gain knowledge, as well as wisdom about how I can specifically be helping sex-trafficked victims. Last summer I was in Haiti and was able to minister to women in a brothel. That was one of my favorite moments. To share the Love of Christ with those broken women. Since coming back home, and learning about modern day slavery here in America, and worldwide in trafficking through YWAM, my heart grew towards justice. I want to bring justice to the nations. I want to free the captives. I know I am not the one to do that. Jesus HAS made the way, and He loves justice. I am only a tool to share Him.

Well, today I found out that you have to be 21 to serve in the Project Hope ministry in L.A. I got frustrated immediately because I know God is calling me there, and my emotions just took over my thoughts. Thankfully my dad said "God will make it happen". Than the word popped up in my heart "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways awknowledge me and I will make your paths straight" (Prov. 3:5-6)I know God's promises are true,but we have to obey the Word, do our part to not only read and listen but DO. The Holy Spirit was using my thoughts in reminding me the only way to be prepared for this trip was through the word. Being taught by the TRUE Teacher. So, my family and I went to the beach and I soaked in some truth in Proverbs and God revealed SO MUCH to me! Thank GOD! After that, in a matter of hours, Amber and I got an email saying it has been cleared for me to go to a Project Hope meeting. GOD IS SO GOOD! Once you obey, His promises are TRUE. His promises are true no matter whether we obey or not, but if we want the effects of His promises, we need to obey. God is SO AWESOME! He loves those who love Him and who seek Him, find HiM! Praise God!

So with all that being said, Amber and I are aware that we will hit obstacles. The joy of it all is that our God is with us and Our God goes BEFORE us! He is a true God and He loves His children. God moves mountains. Keep us in your prayers as we travel, and pray for our hearts, minds, soul's, and strength's. If God puts anything on ur heart, send it to us! I thank you all for being a part of this God filled journey! Stay tuned for more updates, coming soon!

Love,
Elizabeth

The groan of my heart.

As I see pictures and news about ANOTHER earthquake: the floods, all the distress and disease that is brought to Haiti my heart is broken. Now that I have seen with my own eyes and touched with my own hands these people that are hurting, I cannot go on without it hurting me. As 1.3 million Haitians already were living in tent cities because of the first earthquake on January 12th, now their very unstable tent homes are flooded, some are washed out and dirtier than before. Even though hurricane Tomas was a category 1 it did incredible damage. There was not anything left to be damaged it seemed, so now the rest is destroyed further more than before. How could I comprehend this? These friends of mine__these children of God, were already living off of a FEW things, and now even those things are gone. The choleria outbreak has effected over 7,000 Haitians and over 500 people have died. It is incredible how still people just don't get it. In this world, we don't understand the value of a person, the worth of a soul. If you do truly understand, it would be followed by actions.

Currently my heart is processing all of the news. Half of me is wishing I was there being with the people, loving them first hand while handing them water. The other half of me is thankful I am here. Seeing how blessed God has protected me. Just a month away from being face to face with it. I'm blessed to be here because I can help make aware the NEED there. The desperate need of JESUS and physical needs. As I think more about this nation, I feel as this is another chapter where God is weeping as in John chapter 11.


From CNN news there was a video I watched and a Haitian man said:"We always have foriegners come and talk to us and offer help. They take our stories and advantage of us and its about time this ends." Why do they believe this?! Where is the TRUTH!? Where is the LOVE?! There is righteous anger brewed inside of me because only 38% of the money sent to Haiti is actually being used to help and rebuild, one of the main reasons, if not the MAIN reason is the corrupt government. Recently, many Hatians say they no longer believe anyone can help them when the next calamity strikes.

I hold onto a bigger HOPE. The Lord IS doing great things. I captured an undying passion for Christ in thousands of Haitians twice during HOT August nights. During the crusade thousands were praising as one body, dancing and raising their voices to the one who Saves! "Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes the escape from death." Psalm 68:20
There is Hope. Still not everyone knows. We have the ability to change that! There are several people I know that are making a difference in Haiti. There are personal friends of mine who can USE the money that would be sent to them. (If you would like to donate let me know, your money would go to use fast.) Another way to help is PRAYER! We have the ability to effect Haiti through our prayers! These are our brothers and sisters here!!!

A fellow YWAM-er, Jasen Chung, who is currently in St. Marc, Haiti; He is starting a 200 Hour Burn "event" (in my words). If you go to this website, you can read all about it. Join me. The church needs THE CHURCH! Every body doing it's part. This is part of it! "The prayer of the righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16


I still trust in the Lord. "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. By this he meant the Spirit.." John 7:38-39

Lord, YOU be the water they need. Holy Spirit fall on Haiti.