"Ask and I'll Give the Nations to you..."

2009-07-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

Here we are on the way to buy the shoes!

Shoe Shopping

2009-07-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

After visiting the Santa Isabel Daycare in south Quito and seeing the horrible conditions of some of the kids´ shoes, Byron suggested going shopping! So a week later we took 18 kids out shoe shoppping. It was a hectic adventure but well beyond worth it. All the kids were excited not only to get new shoes but to pick out ones they liked. They were adorable as they looked at themselves in the mirror and danced around in the new purchases. They took off the old and put on the new, something they could be proud to wear without shame.

Graduation

2009-06-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

Here are my kids from La Bretaña who graduated this past Saturday. They did a great job standing up there the whole time and singing the song "Old MacDonald" Soooooo cute!!

I was very excited to be with them in the service and watch them. I was also grateful because I was able to praticipate in the days events. The director had asked me to sing two songs. So in the middle of the program I sang two of my original songs. I was also excited because before I sang them I was able to share why I was in EC and how God brought me here (so a mini testimony). It was awesome!

My little friends at La Bretaña

2009-06-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

These are three little girls from the school I voluteer at. they are introducing themselves to you guys! Aren´t they just adorable?

14 days left

2009-06-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

I was sitting in bed with a philosophy book in hand as birds were chirping in the background (which let me say is a rare occurrence here). I began to reflect on my time here in Ecuador. I wondered how would I ever be able to express all I have seen and experienced here. How could I capture the joy a child shows when he or she has received food and toys from a person who has traveled over 3,000 miles to give it? How can I describe the look on a woman’s face who has been beaten by her husband, does not have food for herself or her kids but cannot leave for the consequence of only becoming more impoverished? How can I convey the power of compassion, the depth of love or the richness of relationships I have experienced here?

I honestly do not think such a feat is possible. There are too many things that can only be understood by living. But I have the hope in knowing that I will carry these images in my heart and mind. Though they hold a certain sadness, it marks a point of change. They have impacted me to a depth in which I know I will not leave the same. The value of life has a new meaning.

My hope is that this change will not only remain inside of me but will reach the lives of those I come into contact. I know not all will see, not all will have the same opportunity to come here. But through my life that has been imprinted by these stories, these children and these faces I pray others will also be imprinted. I cannot capture it all; there is no way to summarize. But I if can bring just a glimpse of what I have seen I know that others may also be changed.

God Bless,
Breana

More Kids for Sponsorship

2009-06-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

Thankfully there is another supporter for these kids. Therefore we were able to add three more kids to the sponsorship list.

Here are their pics (plus a newer photo from one of the other kids (he was just too cute to not take another pic :)

Game Day with Youth at La Libertad

2009-06-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

THANKS for all the prayers! Game Day (or night rather)went awesome. The kids had fun and did a great job. They were absolutely adorable too!! We played one particular game were they had to dress a particular theme with random objects I put in a bag. It was great to see their creativity.

This next week will be the last week before the point store. (which means it is my second to last week :( I will be giving a heart to heart with the kids just sharing some life lessons and encouraging them. I am praying God will lay on my heart the things that they need to hear.

Thanks again for the prayers! God Bless.
-Bre

Take a look at some cool pics!!

2009-06-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!! I was able to post a bunch of pictures from throughout my trip. I have pics from Guayaquil, Puyo, and all the diff things I am doing in Quito! Take a look on my facebook page. Here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/album.php?aid=264574&id=798280261&ref=nf

Prayer Requests

2009-06-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who have been praying. I can feel the prayers and know that they are invaluable. I appreciate them all...
These are some specific requests for what is going on. Some people have been asking for some things so here they are:

Youth at the Libertad- continued growth, for Game Day to go well
More supporters for the kids in Daycare
Adoption to open in Ecuador
My physical health
Outreach in el Oriente
The last 26 days of the trip to be the best!

Kids that need Support

2009-06-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Here are three of the kids that are supported through Isaiah 61 (more directly through the money from the Cd´s that people purchased and other donations from people at EABC, Greene Baptist of Maine and other individual supporters) Thank you!!!
Now these three children will be provided with care, food, and a safe place to be. I thank you for being a part. It was truly amazing to be in that room with the kids and workers who now found out that they will be taken care of. This is what it is all about. This is the reason I am here. I am so grateful that God has allowed me to be a part of these precious childrens´ lives. What a blessing and priveledge.

There are still more children in need of sponsorship that we plan on assisting, a few of which specific people have offered to sponsor as "their" kids. It is an exciting process. If you would like to know more please contact me at LivinChristian@aol.com

2009-05-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

After I saw him, I ate him.

Yard Sale

2009-05-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

I had my first experience yard saleing in Ecuador and let me say it was quite the experince. It is much more than an older person hobby here; it is an extreme sport. I must admit that it was fun. I was also able to purchase prizes for the kids at La Libertad. The point store for the youth is approaching soon and they are excited. Game Day is this coming Thursday which will be the big event of these six months. The points that they have been earning (through memorizing Bible verses, anwering sermon questions and attending the youth service) will be added to as they participate in Game Day. Then the following week they will be able to cash their points in for prizes. I am really proud of the youth as they have been working hard and it has been rewarding to see how they have been growing. This past week I was really impressed by some kids who stayed a little later to review sermon stuff. As I asked them questions they did an awesome job. It was a big encouragement to know that they are learning and that God is working in their lives. Here is a short video of the youth playing a game...

2009-05-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

The queen takes her rightful place on the throne... :)

A Walk in the Eucalyptus Park

2009-05-24T16:16:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day sunday. Becky, Byron and I went for a walk in the park. Here are some pics from the day!

I can sleep the whole night without any pain!

2009-05-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

After two full days of being bed-ridden, I was finally able to make my way out of the door and to the Doctors on Thursday. Something this past Tuesday agitated my stomach enough to keep me up almost all night in extreme pain, become dehydrated and suffer from some other undesirable symptoms which I won’t mention.

However, after going to the Dr (which might I add costs $3 here in Ecuador) she said I was experiencing extreme stomach acid which was causing my stomach to eat itself. It was most likely caused because of not eating at regular hours and consuming some type of bacteria. Thankfully she prescribed me some medicine to help relieve the pain and protect my stomach. Now I am feeling much better. Thank the Lord that I can sit up and not be in pain!

Please continue to pray for health and protection.

2009-05-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

I don´t even know

A Unexpected Friend

2009-05-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

I went to the mall yesterday to do a little reading and then pick up some groceries when something unexpected happened. I made a new friend. I was sitting in the food court reading and planning for La Libertad when I noticed a young girl glancing my way. I smiled at her and she smiled back. I got up to go to the restroom and when I returned she was there. Except now she was closer and she seemed more frequently look my way. Finally, after about ten minutes she approached me.

"Excuse me", she said, "What are you working on?." I told her and then invited her to take a seat and join me. After some more small talk this young, sixteen year old highschool student began to pour out her life story to me. We sat and talked I am sure for over an hour. I invited her to church, and talked to her about God. She tols me she was a Christian but not many of her friends were. So, we also exchanged numbers and I told her if she wanted to hang out again or needed anything to call me.

It was a cool meeting and I believe God put that together for a reason. I will be praying for Diana and ask that you would too. Even though she is young she has seen and experienced many things I cannot imagine experiencing in my lifetime.

Traveling in Quito

2009-05-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

The mountain you can see in the back Cotapaxi...

This is one of the main types of transportation in Quito. I have learned to love Ecuadorian transportation. There never seems to be a dull moment. Whether I am watching the sites or plastered against ten other people, there always is some type of adventure to be had.

A time of reflection

2009-05-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

There are exactly 58 days left until my return flight is to depart. It may sound like a lot to some but to me it is a reminder of how quickly my time here has gone. It is like watching the sand in an hour glass quickly fall to the bottom; there is nothing I can do to stop it.

My ever present knowledge of what is to come causes me to think on what I do have. It reminds me of all the wonderful things I am going to miss about Ecuador. Just for starters, I will miss the warmness of the people. There is always time to sit and talk to a friend or invite them in for a drink. I will miss being tackled by little Ecuadorian children who have a million questions about where I am from, my family and if my skin color is really natural. I will especially miss all the random things that to most North Americans would consider more than abnormal but always made me laugh. But most of all I will miss the feelings of contentment, peace and joy that cover my being as I live day to day. There is something about being exactly where God has called me to be that is full of sweetness. It does not matter what has taken place in the day. I could be frustrated, tired, or discouraged yet at the end of the day I still have this overwhelming sense of purpose; I think to myself, ¨there is no other place that I would rather be.¨ This is the calling of Christ.

I thought when I left Maine I escaped the crazy cold storms

2009-05-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

Last week Quito was hit with a flash hail storm. It was absolutely crazy. I was sitting on my bed reading my book when I heard this rumble outside. It sound like there were little children jumping on the roof (ok so maybe it was not that drastic, but it was loud) I looked outside to see marble-sized hail falling from the sky. Take a look at these videos that show just a glimpse of the storm that lasted for about an hour.

Fun in the Park

2009-05-08T21:19:00.000-07:00

One never knows the adventures that might await you in Ecuador...

Health Update

2009-05-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

Thank the Lord, I am recovering. The cough is gone and I continue to feel better.
I am on parasite cleansing medication as the Doctor thinks I am probably carrying around some friends.

The Girls

2009-04-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

Every Saturday I babysit three precious little girls. Their names are Naty, Josi and Flor. Here are some pictures from this past Saturday.

The English School

2009-04-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday I travel down to the south (about a two hour ecovia ride) from the house I stay at in the north. I go to about 5 different classes with the school's english teacher to assist with each class. I also do planning for each class such as putting together vocab lists, songs or other tools to help the students learn english.

Teaching english here is a very important job because many of the teachers here have trouble themselves with the language. I am especially excited to be at this school where not many are Christians. It is a great opportunity to share Christ to the teachers and students around me.

Welcome to Quito

2009-04-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

I made a little video so that all of you back home can take a peak at where I am living! I hope you enjoy my short mini video dialogue...

Prayer Requests

2009-04-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

Please pray for healing: The past week or more I have been struggling with a cough. I am not sure what is the cause but it is hard to fall asleep at night and deal with the really bad pollution here.

Please pray that adoptions would be reopened here in Ecuador and that the officials who need to sign the papers would do it

Please pray for the kids at La Libertad that they would grow in the knowledge of the Lord and past their difficulties.

What?!? It´s already April 17th?!?!

2009-04-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

Now, the trip is just more than half over although I feel as though it is just beginning in a lot of ways. I have been in Quito for just about a month, traveling between the north and the south. The schedule is starting to become more routine and will remain so now that Sarah is gone and travelling alone is more challenging.

I will continue with the same ministries for the remainder of the trip such as teaching an English class at a private school, babysitting, and working with La Libertad. Sarah and I started working with kids 10-18 in La Libertad in March and it has been going really well as we worked a lot on preparing sermons, games and planning the weeks to come.

There are also other opportunities to minister that I have recently got involved in. For example, this past Friday there was a special outreach service in the south. During the service I was able to share music and my testimony. Thank God for the doors He opens. It is amazing to see His hand moving and His will being done

A Hard Farwell

2009-04-17T18:29:00.001-07:00

As I drove my friend Sarah to the airport at 4:30 this morning it was one of the harder goodbye’s I have had to say. After her month long visit I was ready to hold her hostage. She has been such a blessing both to me and the people and ministries here. Her passion for God was evident to those around and had a deep impact on everyone she met. I hate to admit that she is gone now but I am extremely grateful for her time and that she was obedient to the call of God on her life. Thanks, Sarah and to all that supported her in her choice to come!

Bibles for the Kids at La Libertad

2009-04-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

Money update: After assigning weekly Bible verses to the teens at La Libertad we realized many kids struggled with memorizing them. We have a point system set up so that they will receive prizes this summer after earning points for memorizing verses, bringing their Bible’s or a friend or winning different games we play throughout the month.

This past week we asked how many of the kids had their own Bible. Only one kid raised his hand. We decided to buy each kid their own Bible and journal to take notes. Now they will be able to study throughout the week and take what they learn with them wherever they go.

Money update

2009-03-28T16:26:00.002-07:00

(Where has money been going?) As many of you know, all of the proceeds from the CD I recently completed in January are going to the people here. I will be posting “Money Updates” to indicate where all the money is going.
As of now…
$300 has gone to the church in Puyo. With this money Pastor Carlos will be able to continue bringing bags of food to needy families in the community. For about $30 one can buy fresh meat, vegetables, salt, flour, rice, oil, soap, detergent coffee, sugar, and more!! When I went to Puyo I saw that providing food for families was an answer to so many of the mother’s prayers. Their faith was multiplied as they received the blessing from some young people who came from miles and miles away. It was the practical love of the gospel in action.
$100 has gone to buy 30 Bibles for people in Cayambe. Many of these people go without Bibles and where so grateful to receive brand new ones for their families.
$50 has gone to bags of food for families in Cayambe.

Prayer Update

2009-03-28T16:26:00.001-07:00

Prayer Update:
Thank you for your prayers! Praise the Lord my finger is continuing to recover. It is now completely closed and scar tissue is visible. I have also been recovering from some stomach and throat sickness issues recently.
God has also enabled me to meet some other people serving here in Quito which has been a blessing.
Prayer Requests: continued health (getting over a sore throat and cough), protection (A single, white women in Quito can be very dangerous) wisdom and direction, language learning a fruitful ministry

2009-03-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

It has been almost two weeks since I have been in Quito and will soon mark the longest amount of time I have spent in one place. (That is of course if you exclude the weekend trip that I took to Cayambe). My friend Sarah has been here for just over a week now and it has been such a blessing to have her here. She has quickly become one of the team and has adjusted to culture with ease.

We met each other in Bible College and have kept in contact since graduation. She graduated with a minor in youth ministry and is helping greatly with Kid’s Club in La Libertad. Every Thursday there are services in La Libertad. Sarah and I will be working with youth age 10 to 18 while Becky is with younger kids and Byron with the adults.

Along with La Libertad, we will be working at an English School, Food Pantry, and Orphanage among other things. There is so much more to come in the next few months and I will be sure to continue sending out updates

2009-03-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

The group has returned from an amazing trip to Cayambe. We had the priviledge to see amazing sights, meet wonderful people, and most importantly be a part of the work of God.

Our group brought 30 Bibles to the people, bags full of toys, clothing, blankets and a special assortment of food for each family. While we were there we also took part of an ourtreach service. The service was rich with cultural music and dance. Very pleasant to watch. The people there also appreciated the songs we were able to share with them.

Tomorrow Daniella and Efra leave for the states and they will be missed. It has been great to have a bigger team around and to be involved in some bigger projects.
After they are gone the schedule of things will change again.

2009-03-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

Us at the Basilica ---->

Daniella, Sarah and I are all in Quito for the week. We have done a little sightseeing today and tomorrow we will be moving forward with more ministry. We will be running the youth group and going to the food pantry. On Saturday we leave for another town about 2 hours away called Cayambe. It is a town filled with indigenous people some of whom do not know the Gospel. When we go we will be taking part of an outreach put on by some local Christians.
Please pray for health and safety. This part of the country will be very different from the rest of the parts I have been to.

God Bless!

2009-03-15T18:40:00.000-07:00

Hello friends and family,

I am glad to announce that my finger has been recovering and I am no longer wearing a popsicle stick (as fashionable as it was). It is nice to use it normally.
I am also glad to say that I am approaching the end of a very successful week of ministry. The team from East Auburn Baptist Church and I have already gone to about 5 really poor families and to deliver bags of food. It has been amazing to see how far a dollar bill can stretch and how it can strengthen someone’s faith.
Our group has also been teaching an English class with about 30 students around the age of twelve (plus a few brave adults). Today they all graduated from the week-long class. We were able to give them a party, certificates and little gifts. They were all so excited to learn and did a great job. However the most exciting part of our class was the today. Pastor Carlos from, “La Iglesia de Dios” or “The Church of God” shared the gospel with the kids and around twenty of them prayed to receive Christ as their Savior. How exciting!
Tomorrow our team will go to “The Church of God” in Puyo to give food to about 11 more families and take part of a service that will be sharing the gospel with them. We will also be visiting a youth service to take part in their special prayer service as we lead a few worship songs.
On Sunday I will be heading back to Quito where I will be for the reminder of my time here in Ecuador. It may be hard to believe but I have not been in one place for more than two weeks since I first arrived in Ecuador- talk about living out of a suitcase! )
Once again I appreciate ALL of the prayers. Thank you! The Lord is my strength and He is faithful to answer the prayers of His children. James 5:15-18

Sincerely,
Breana

PICTURES

2009-03-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

Women from the church in Puyo on our way to visit a family

Teaching english classes---->

One of the families we visited and will be giving food to.

<---- A couple that I had not seen four five years. We finally had the opportunity to reunite.

Puyo

2009-03-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

There have been many great things happening since I have been in Puyo with the group from EABC. There are a lot of families we have been able to touch and share God´s love with. We have completed our first succesful english class as of yesterday and will be continuing to teach throughout the week.
The team consists of Alyssa Martin, Efra Becerra and Danielle Cyr and we are keeping regular updates on the blog . Please check it out

2009-03-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hola Amigos! (Hello friends)

Saludos desde Ecuador (Greetings from Ecuador)

Wow how the time goes here. It has only been two weeks since my last update but it seems like it has been much longer with everything that has happened. ..

I returned to Quito on the 15^th of February and living with my friends Ashley and Jairo. The first week I arrived they assisted me to register my visa. In the evenings I was helping them with music classes and taking part of the churches evening services. I was also meeting with the Gudiños to visit different ministry sites and people.

The following week I was continuing as normal until the fatal night… The night of 26^th, as I was washing dishes the plate I was holding broke in my hands. It cut into my right thumb and started bleeding immediately. I ran to the bathroom and my friend brought me a dish cloth. Within a few minutes the towel was saturated with blood. We headed to a local pharmacy to see what they could do. It was already 9:30 at night and they send us to a Dr. office to get it checked. Thankfully the Doctor was still in his office and was able to take me. After about a half hour later I had lost about a pint of blood and gained five stitches. It was an interesting experience to say the least and a crash course in Ecuadorian healthcare.

So needless to say I have been walking around with a wad of gauze wrapped to my finger along with a Popsicle taking it’s place as a mini cast. I only wish had a better story to tell (like I was fighting off a thief who tried to steal my purse or I was cut by a machete deep in the Amazonian jungle while searching for food.) But, nope I was washing dishes…

More recently, I have been in Ibarra working with the team from East Auburn Baptist church. We have spent the past few days bringing food to the families and teaching songs to the worship teams at the church. See more information and pictures check out the blog <food4puyo.blogspot.com>. I will be continuing to work with them as they travel to Puyo to teach English and hand out food to families in need.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support. They are greatly coveted in this crucial time of ministry and spiritual battle. God Bless.

Breana

After the Quinceñera

2009-02-13T14:42:00.000-08:00

After and the party and many tearful goodbyes Emily and I waved farewell to the Jenn and Anna. On Tuesday the 10th of February they headed back to the states.

This Sunday I will return to Quito. I need to register my visa (I just learned I have about a week or I will be fined) and then I will start my work with Isaiah 61 Ministries. I will miss the people here but am grateful for the time that I had.

Thank you everyone for your support and your prayers!

Please continue to pray for safety, health and His Spirit to shine through me despite cultural and language barriers.

2009-02-13T14:25:00.001-08:00

The overview (first leg of the race)… Since I arrived in Guayaquil I have had the wonderful opportunity of seeing people that I have not seen for nearly five years. I have visited with old friends and met some new ones…
After about a week a team arrived from East Auburn Baptist church…

With the group… On the 3rd of February Bill Legere, Anna Cousineau and Jenn arrived. We spent the next few days working on the foundation. We met with Pastor Dario, a lawyer and possible candidates for the program.

With the group minus Bill… Once Bill left all the girls got ready for Betsy’s quinceñera. A Quinceñera is the year that a young girl turns fifteen. It is similar to sweet sixteen in the US but it is much more important and rich with tradition. There is family, food and a lot of pink (sorry Bill that you missed out)

Where in the world is Breana???

2009-02-13T14:20:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

Greetings from the 36ºC tropical weather of Guayaquil, Ecuador!

It’s hard to believe that people are experiencing winter right now. (My deepest sympathies are with those living in the Northeast). It is also hard to believe that it has already been three weeks since I first arrived in the country. I have experienced and learned so much in the short amount of time. Scroll down to read more about it…

The short and quick… Well, in the short time I have been here I have traveled a lot. I started my journey in Quito. Quito is the capital of Ecuador and city where my flight arrived. I stayed there for two days then went to Puyo which is about a 5 hour drive away. From Puyo to Baños and then back again. I stayed in Puyo for about a week and helped a good friend prepare for her wedding. Then I drove back to Quito, stayed there for two days and left for Guayaquil (a 9 hour bus drive away) and have now been in Guayaquil for about two weeks. On Sunday I return to Quito… Are you confused yet?

Safe, sound and thankful

2009-01-27T12:11:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU!! Thanks to everyone none who has supported my both financially and with prayers. I am so grateful to have such awesome family in Christ.

I have made it safely to Ecuador and back and forth to Puyo. Thanks to God! I had a great time this week with my friend in whose wedding I was la dama de amor or the maid of honor.

I will soon be traveling to Guayaquil to work with Emily Goss.

Please continue to pray for health and safety as I am taveling around Ecuador.

Thank you!!

Bre

The CD has arrived!

2009-01-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

The album "Sunset Dreams" has arrived!!

If you are interested in purchasing a copy, send an e-mail to info4bre@gmail.com with your information.

The cost of the CD is $10 and ALL of the proceeds go directly to children and ministries in Ecuador.

Two weeks from the day

2009-01-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT!!!

There are exactly two weeks in counting and I can hardly believe that the time has come. In so many ways this trip is a dream come true. I have waited five years for the opportunity to return to Ecuador and work among the people. I am excited to see what God is going to do and pray that every moment is filled with His presence and lead by His hand.

Thank you all who helped support me in this dream!

"The smoldering flax He will not quench"

2009-01-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

I cannot contain my joy and excitement about going to Ecuador. My heart wants to leap out of my chest when I think about the fact that I AM GOING TO ECUADOR FOR 6 MONTHS!!!! It is such a huge blessing and I must remind myself to thank God. He has been so faithful and He is the one that gave me this passion. The anticipation is continuing to build. Just when I thought I could not love something anymore, my love grows deeper. The fire is burning and I can’t wait to let it run loose in the harvest fields of Ecuador.

This reminds me of the verse in Isaiah that talks about the “smoldering flax he will not quench…” Over all the years, the fire came close to dying. Circumstances, loss and depression threatened to take it away. My own fears and numbness almost took it away. Even at Bible school, wind of reality made the flame grow dim. Yet, as I stand here today and look at the course of events there is no doubt in my mind about the call of God. There is no doubt about what it is He has called me to do. How can I deny a burning so strong that wind nor rain could quench it? It could only be the hand of God upon my life. I know what it is I am called to and the God that has called me. Therefore, I can proceed in faith that great things will happen.

Did you know?

2008-12-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

Did you know that for just over $6 dollars a month a child in Ecuador can be provided with a safe place to stay, food, and an education? During my two week trip to Ecuador last summer I learned this truth. It takes very little money to help a lot of people live a life that we take for granted every day. I also learned that ministries like Isaiah 61 International are doing something about it. This has inspired me to invest what I have. I know that something seemingly small can have a huge impact in the lives of other people. This is the purpose of the album, "Sunset Dreams." The CD is meant to encourage and inspire as well as financially support children and ministries, such as Isaiah 61, in the country of Ecuador. If you would like to learn more visit Isaiah61international.org or to hear some of the music visit myspace.com/acolite777

Good News

2008-12-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

I just heard from the consulate of Ecuador in Washington about my visa. It looks like they need me to send them a prepaid envelope and then it should be on its way.

My visa status

2008-12-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

Still waiting to hear about my visa... A little over a month ago I sent out for my six month visa to be able to stay in Ecuador. Please pray that it will come back. All of my important documents were sent out with the paperwork and I need them to travel. There are 46 days in counting and the final peices are yet to come together. :)

Thoughts on integrity and destiny

2008-12-03T07:03:00.000-08:00

Integrity starts and continues with the little choices. It is way too easy to live life stuck in a rut by daily carrying out the same bad habits and devoting precious time to “busywork.” It is often overlooked that every decision is taking you one step closer to or farther from your destiny. The place that you would envision yourself in the future might, in reality turn out to be very different if you don’t take intentional action. You might wake up one day dismayed and dissatisfied because the lack of firm conviction has caused you to follow a path leading you away from your ultimate dream. Integrity enables you to look back on life and be unashamed of the choices you made and the direction your life has taken. Your story can be told without fear or shame. It was a life lived with purpose and purity… We need to be people who are consciously aware of the choices we are making, big and small alike. It says in Hosea 4:6 that the people perish because a lack of vision. So many times we get caught up in the here and now, accomplishing the tasks that are in the day, or devoting time to things that shift our vision off what really matters. Jesus must first and foremost be our vision. He has designed us to live diligently and purposefully with our eyes fixed on the “hope that is set before” us. With this in mind, our lives are instruments to be used. So take action! Live intentionally and realize that every choice is leading you in a specific direction. That direction can either be towards a good, pure, integrity-filled destiny or some unknown location to which you wander. It is your choice…

Big Dreams

2008-11-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid I had two dreams: to be a famous singer and to travel around the world helping other people. Like many other kids I had a lot of big ideas and even bigger passion. I wanted to make a difference and I wanted to sing until I could not sing anymore. I had no idea how it was going to happen I just knew that it is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. A lot has changed since the days of “mattress” concerts held in my room and raking leaves for “The Elise-Bre Missions fund” but the one thing that has never left is the passion.

Ok, so I am not a famous singer but I am taking part of something even more exciting. I am singing for the sake of the gospel. In Chronicles 16:8-9 it says, Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works.” This is the perfect picture of what I feel called to do.

I am working on a recording a cd to share the truth with hurting people. The cd contains songs such as, “Sunset Dreams” and “No Place to Go” that are inspired by personal life experiences and lessons that God has taught me. I am so excited because not only are they songs to encourage the listeners but also peoples all over the world, specifically in the country of Ecuador.

How will it affect people in Ecuador? Well, on the 19th of January I will be traveling to the beautiful nation of Ecuador. I plan to take as much money as I can to support the ministries I will be working with which would include any money that might come from the cd. This means ministries such as Isaiah 61 International and La Iglesia de Dios will be able to reach more people through the provision of more funds. (Did you know it can cost as little as 4 dollars a month to provide a child with food, shelter and care for a month?)

As I have seen from previous experience, every little bit helps. Like the parable of the talent, I may not have much but what I have I want to invest. Recording the cd and taking the trip to Ecuador are investments of time, money, and energy and I do not know what the return will be here. However, I know, eternally they are priceless investments.

I am grateful to God that the passion never died. I pushed it down, I denied it and sometimes I tried to hide it but He has always had a bigger, better plan. He used my little childhood desires and made them “a dream come true.” Now, it has turned out better than I could have planned or imagined and all because of His grace. All praise and glory be to Him!

For more details or about the cd, the trip, or the ministries please contact me at acolite777@hotmail.com . Or if you have any other questions, are interested in making a donation or joining the team through prayer support please contact me. Also, some of the songs from the cd can be sampled at www.myspace.com/acolite777

Why Ecuador? Why Now? (Part Two)

2008-11-03T12:39:00.000-08:00

Why Ecuador? Why Now? (Part Two)

In the fall of 2004 I went to Bible school. I stayed for three years and graduated with a major in Biblical Studies and a minor in Missions. Though many things had happened to get me to that point, it was there, at Elim Bible Institute the real journey began. I faced battles that I did not think I would survive. There were many times that I wanted to run and hide from call I had on my life. There was even a point were I doubted everything that I had been seeking all those years including the existence of God. But through all of the hard times and the struggles He kept me safe. He showed me that though the valleys are deep and He will always be there to see me through.

Even in the present I question whether or not I will be able to overcome the storms of life or if I will have the strength to do what God is calling me to do. Every day is a lesson on trust. I am learning to rely on Him and know that His truth will prevail over any kind of doubt. It is in these times that the words of my former teacher, Brother Jeff Clark, echo in my heart.

I listened in the chapel service as he relayed the story of the disciples in Matthew 14. Jesus had just commanded the disciples to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. He was on the shore watching. He saw them toiling and rowing and then He went to them. He stepped into the boat and calmed the storm, safely bringing them to the other side. Brother Jeff spoke these words, “everything you need is contained in the word ‘go to the other side’… the truth and the power of [His] command, ‘Go into all the word and preach the Gospel,’ in that word is all the resource that we need, all the strength, all the anointing, all the provision and all the power to do what [He] has commanded us to do.” He will take us to the “other side.” He will be with me even when everything else is against me. Even though the storms might rage the God who called me will see me through.

It is with this message woven into my life that I move forward. The command of God to “go into all the world” and the workings of His Spirit have put a love for Ecuador in my heart and continue to spur me onward. I cannot escape what He is leading me to do.

Just this past August, I was about to go back to school to get my degree in Social Work. I was enrolled in classes, playing on the Nyack Warrior volleyball team and set up to stay there for the school year. The more time that I spent there the more my heart was turning within me. Every day the simplest things would bring me to tears; the turmoil inside my spirit was strong. I wondered if I was doing the right thing. I would ask God to speak to me. I could not seem to hear His voice. But every time I prayed the song, “You said,” would come to mind. I would feel a burden in my heart for the country of Ecuador. I felt a peace as I sang, “Ask and I’ll give the nations to you, O Lord, that’s the cry of my heart…”

I knew what I needed to do. I knew that He was calling me to go. After some painful goodbye’s and hard decisions I packed my bags and headed home…

Now I am packing my bags to go to Ecuador. I will leave January 19th and return July 10th. All the details are slowly coming together as I talk with Isaiah 61 International ministries, and other people I hope to assist during the six months I will be there.

Praise God for His awesome plans! He has known and planned each one of our steps before we take it. I trust this truth for my life and for yours. Cling to His promises and know that He is faithful to see you through. Many blessings to you!

Why Ecuador? Why Now? (Part One)

2008-11-03T12:09:00.000-08:00

Why Ecuador? Why Now?

These two questions bring back a flood of memories. When I hear them, my mind starts scanning over the possible responses. It is difficult to keep my answer to the length most people expect when I think about all that has happened in relation to my decision to minister overseas for six months. In sifting through the stories and plethora of thoughts, it ultimately has to do with calling, timing and God’s hand working in my life.

Since I was ten years old I can remember having the desire to “go all around the world and help people.” I went to a camp where missionaries told about their adventures to foreign lands and about how they saw the lives of other people changed. Hearing the stories stirred up a strong desire in my heart to do the same.

As time passed and the teenage years approached the passion I had grew dormant. I was not sure if my childhood aspirations were a reality or an unattainable dream to which I once held. When I heard about a short term trip that my church was going to take to Ecuador I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to uncover the mystery.

I went for two weeks and I loved it. During my time in Ecuador the passion was reignited, even stronger than it had been before. I was so excited about it that I returned the following summer. As the year after that was approaching I began to question my purpose for going, “Do I want to go to Ecuador because I had an amazing time or because I am called? How do I know if I am really meant to be a missionary?” I wanted to know that I was meant to be there.

It was around that time I heard of an opportunity to go to Bolivia for two weeks. I decided to go there to “test” my true calling. I was excited about it but when I talked to other friends regarding Ecuador, my heart was saddened. I wanted to go there. At that point I had already committed to go to Bolivia and was going to continue in that direction. But I prayed to God, “Lord, if there is any way, please let it be. Let me go to Ecuador.” I asked Him to open and close doors accordingly so that I would be exactly where He wanted me to be.

A few days after I prayed that prayer I received a call from the leader of the Bolivia team. The group would no longer going on the trip. For some reason the plans were falling through. I was astonished but I knew that God was speaking to me- I was meant to go to Ecuador.

A few months later I was headed to Guayaquil, Ecuador ready for God to do something big. Every second there was a gift from God. One night in particular stands out in my memory. It was around 10:00 pm and I slipped out of my room. I headed for the rooftop of La Casa Alianza. The breeze was blowing and the temperature seemed perfect. When I got to the top I looked out upon the houses of the people living there and the grandiose mountains in the distance. I started talking to God and thanking Him for all the things He had done and for bringing me to such an amazing place. As I stood there God spoke to my heart, “You are going to come back here.” A peace settled over me. Here was my calling…