No shoes, no service? No problem.
I’m on this journey – and I’m in the Dominican Republic
31 May 2011
Today marked historical moments across the globe. I feel honored to be a part of the
first (of many to come) "Homes of Hope,
Republica Dominicana."
God is miraculous, and His love is furious. We see miracles in finances, in healing, in restoration of life to those who were lost.
I loved being a part of the building team while my DTS was in Mexico. Memories surfaced with each swing of the hammer as I helped put those four walls and roof over a family of six. However, today I volunteered to paint and merely play with the children who flock to the site. It’s been hours since I have left that neighborhood and yet a supernatural joy and peace still remain deep within. As I imagine Jesus taking the time to play with the little children, I gain gentle revelation in the purity and innocence restored to me with each hug I received today.
Tonight, I walked to a little market with Josef and Andrew. Along the way, I asked a woman to direct us towards the closest ATM. She obliged and I was able to share with Nicole what God is doing through Juventud Con Una Mision & Casas de Esperanza. Preparing to go our separate ways, we lifted our voices in prayer and hugged goodbye. As I walked into the market, I saw my friend, Thomas, from Friday’s visit to the Haitian community nearby. Although Thomas speaks six languages, he lives in a refugee village with his wife and baby girl (who turned one today). We were able to pick up where our conversation had ended just five days ago. Iron sharpens iron. The curiosity and wisdom that God can spark up between believers never ceases to blow me out of the water.
This journey I have begun with the Lord is starting to click. What am I doing here in this world? I am here to be filled with God’s love until my cup overflows and I pour it out to my neighbors. It’s all so simple, and I’ve let my mind overcomplicate the Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
1 Peter 1:14-16 “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”
Hebrews 12:14 “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
Holiness is a commandment, but more than that it is a liberty we have access to when we make Christ the Lord of our lives. It is a privilege we gain when we stand in the authority we have as children of the Most High God. It is freedom to not be bound to sin, and holiness gives us a license not to be controlled by addictions or ruled by lust or envy or bitterness. It’s the most powerful thing in the world that when somebody treats you wrong, instead of treating them wrong back you can say, ‘Look, no one can manipulate me, nobody can tell me how to think. The devil can’t make me do this. No other person can provoke me into an ungodly situation, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, I can respond with a meek and gentle and quiet and peaceable spirit, under ALL circumstances.’
Pictures - Samila Oliveira - "Enslaved" Drama
One year ago, today, I did not comprehend God as anything but a term. I was clueless and indifferent when grasping this knowledge:
God speaks. God communicates. God pulls your eyes to verses of scripture when you’re reading your Bible; if they look extra clear to you, pray them aloud and ask God to make them come alive. God whispers to those who take time to respond to His pursuit of relationship. In my experience: for one moment, the world stands still and I am speechless as I catch one glimpse of the magnificence and grandeur of just how big God is. The complexity of it all is how I feel like everything makes sense, but only in that I am blissfully aware that I cannot comprehend the greatness of His Majesty. He literally blows my mind!
Jesus descended into Hell simply to take back the keys of death from Satan. The supremacy that we lost in the fall was restored when Jesus rose on the third day. He conquered death to reinstate authority and dominion to mankind. Because we follow Christ, the gospel of John tells us we will do more than what Jesus did (healings, miracles, wonders), because now the Son is with His Father, and they have sent the Holy Spirit those who invite Him to make His home in their heart.
The Holy Spirit is God, a person of the trinity who lives within my human body. He is not an imaginary friend. He is not silent. He has thoughts and emotions. Like God the Father, like God the Son.
Oh, how He loves us. A prophetic word was spoken over me earlier this month by my leader and dear friend, Heidi. She said to me that I had arrived in Hawai’i happy and carefree; but as I learn what it means to seek first the Kingdom of God, I have been made free, not just carefree, and been filled with a spirit of joy. This journey the Lord has led me on has altered me in inconceivable dimensions.. and my delight is simply that this is only the beginning. I can’t describe the immense love; I can’t vocalize the fire in my soul.
I once was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see.
Amazing grace.
Pictures - Sammy Oliveira - "Enslaved Drama"
These photos were taken during a ministry outreach to the people of San Pedro, Dominican Republic. After the thirteen minute drama, I shared some of the ways the devil had 'enslaved' me to the sins of my past. The Lord gave me all the right words as I shared the message of the gospel and we saw many children give their hearts to Christ!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!
