Seek Ye First

Alas, the day is upon us - in less than 24 hours, Joni and I will be on our way to South America at last. Today has been devoted to packing and preparations, however it’s all still a big mess in my bedroom floor at the moment. I love missions.

And tonight is a big deal for me. Because it will be time to move to college when I return from Uruguay, this is my unofficial last night at home (if I wanted to be overdramatic, I could also say last night of my childhood, but that’s just for the record.:))  This also marks my first international excursion without parental supervision and essentially my first step into the “real world.” Though it’s bittersweet, I’m ready.

To put it bluntly - I’m about to burst with excitement. I’ve always thought that the night before a missions trip is way more fun than the night before Christmas. As a child, the excitement came from knowing that the next day would be full of new, exciting things to satisfy my normally insatiable curiosity. Tonight, I feel the same way - the difference is that tomorrow will hold new, exciting things far more satisfying than the contents of my Christmas stocking. 

So as overwhelmed as I am tonight as I stand in between the deep breath and the plunge, I must not forget the purpose of it all. After months of praying and seeking, I’m confident that the Lord is doing great things in Uruguay. There is no normalcy or mediocrity when we get involved in what our God is doing, and oh how He’s stirring in South America this night! Though I seek great things in great faith from the Lord, my cousin reminded me tonight to “‘ ... seek first his kingdom ... and all these things will be given to you as well.”(Matthew 6:33)

As a side note ... I cannot express how grateful I am to each of you for the incredible outpouring leading up to this trip. You far exceeded my expectations with your prayers, support, gifts and enthusiasm. Because of you, we go forth lacking nothing and resting fully under the authenticity of your prayers. I could not ask for more.

So whatever we encounter this summer, it’s all simply added upon our sole pursuit of the Kingdom of God. For when heaven and earth collide, a revolution of eternal proportions ensues . . . Jesus, let our eyes be fixed on You!

Going out in joy ...

Preparaciones ...

My heart twinges in excitement as I sit here listening to "Revelation Song" in Spanish. My heart's desire to hear the nations worship, and this is but the faintest whisper . . .

We have 20 days until we depart to Uruguay, and preparations are in full swing. Joni and I were officially commissioned last week and given more resources for South America than we know 

what to do with! We've written packing lists and corresponded (via facebook message) about almost every detail for the trip. And there's still so much to do! We have resources to order, money to raise, and a language to learn. These are very busy days indeed!

Though the material preparations are well underway, we must also be mindful of the spiritual preparations. Our biggest need for the summer is prayer partners. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16) and we will not see great things in the Kingdom of God until we pray that we may become a part of it. If you'd like to commit to praying daily for us this summer, please let Joni or me know so we can keep you updated with prayer targets and praise reports!

I believe that one of the main objectives the Lord has entrusted to me for this summer is to raise up a prayer movement. To see the church pray has always been a passion of mine, and I believe He is asking me to target Uruguay with this intercessory initiative. In a nation where less than 1% is born again, a few will stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30) to plead healing from heaven. He will heal this land if His people pray (2 Chronicles 7:14), and the presence of these native prayer warriors will spare a nation!  He reveals His plans to His servants (Amos 3:7) and through prayer, we can see His plans implemented not only in Uruguay, but in America and across the farthest corners of the earth!

This objective for prayer was confirmed last week when a friend told me about a broadcast He was watching. During this broadcast, a large group of people united to pray specifically for Uruguay - that a prayer movement and disciples would rise up out of this tiny nation. Our God has a very strategic plan for Uruguay, and we have the privilege of being in the midst of it. Through prayer, we can partner with the existing church in Uruguay to see a nation turn to the LORD! 

There is no greater joy than this!

Jehovah Maccaddeschcem, let this nation cry 

"Santo, Santo, Santo Dios todopoderoso

Quien fue quien es y quien vendra

La creacion te canta hosanna al gran Yo Soy

tu eres mi todo y yo te adorare"

Translation:

Holy, Holy Holy is God Almighty

Who was and is and is to come

The creation sings Hosanna to the Great I Am

You are my everything and I will adore You!

(Revelation Song by Jennie Lee Riddle, translated by Kristy Motta)