Adara's post

In class I have been only focusing on relationship with God. I find that very fun. Every day I have been trying to focus on that subject. I guess I now know why they put this base in Hawaii!! It's just so pretty and it's easier to focus on him and see His Creation.

When I found out we were going to South Africa I wasn't that surprised.

I asked God to show me why we were going there. I wanted something like Finland/Sweden. Or maybe like Germany.(I don't think that was one of our choices but still.) I kinda thought right after “You'll see” I don't know if that was from God or just my plain mind.

My older adult friend (Jess) is going to Finland/Sweden. What? What about me? God really I wanted to go! Is all I could think. I got over that quickly forgot about that when I realized God had a plan and a purpose for me going to South Africa.

God has been doing a lot and I am waaaay closer to God than I really expected.

Love, Adara

The Kingdom of God

We have been learning a lot the past couple of weeks about the Kingdom of God. I am surprised at how much Jesus talked about it and how little I understand or have studied it. It seems the church as a whole has taken a bunker mentality In our mandate to preach the Kingdom. We don't really believe it is like yeast, or a mustard seed and will influence and radically change the atmosphere and structure of any area or society it is introduced. Our message has been to make sure you are saved, free yourself from any major sins and then hang on until he returns. The reality of Gods plan for creation, and his commitment to seeing It fulfilled is radical, amazing and fills me with awe for our creator. One of the foundational truths about the Kingdom, Don Stephens communicated very effectively by showing a series of popular pictures depicting God. He then asked what was most inaccurate about the pictures. I had no Idea, but one of our classmates got it. God was alone in all the pictures. Relationship and community are central to the three in one God we serve. It is at the core of who He is and why we were created. (John17) I have heard babies left untouched will die, I can assume this is true for all of us. In the Kingdom God is establishing, material things have no value whatsoever except in being used to serve others. In fact He tells us that until we learn to serve with the little things we have been given (material possessions) we will not be given things that do matter (Spiritual Gifts) (Luke 16) The Kingdom of God is good news for the poor, hurting, and persecuted of this world. I can almost hear the excitement in Jesus voice as he got to proclaim the Kingdom to the least of these for the first time(Mathew 5) Gods kingdom is scandalously inclusive. He gave a mandate to go and proclaim his kingdom to all nations years before it was even understood that he was messiah to the whole world and not just the Jews. He sought out the poor, broken, hurting and outcast wherever he went to tell them the good news (Mathew 28:19,20) The kingdom of God is in each one of us, and we have been created for it. This is why Gods glory can be seen and experienced in many things created by man even without a relationship with their creator. Art, music architecture, clothing design, writing, and any expression of mans soul will carry the fingerprint of our creator (Colossians 1:16-Rev 4:11-Romans 11:36-Proverbs 16:4) . One call to action that is stirring in me was made by Trey Sheppard. He said that as believers we have the answer to many of the problems we experience in society. As Christs body we need to recognize that all the problems we read about in the daily news are a direct result of our inaction. He challenged us to go meet with leaders of our local government, ask them what their five biggest problems are and then ask God for the kingdom solution. Working together in unity we could have a big impact on bringing the kingdom to our towns which will result in praise and glory to our King (Isaiah 9:6) The Kingdom of God is within you and is not subject to geography or population. Jesus told his disciples that some of them would not taste death before they see the kingdom of God in all its glory (Luke 9:27) Will you?

Worldviews Week

Last week was such a rich, full week with an amazing speaker who shared so much revelation and wisdom with us...we're still processing it!

His name is Don Stephens and he really gave us a lot to prepare as we're sent out into the world. He taught on the heart of God as the center...and gave we spent most of the week on worldviews. Which is super important to understand where other people are coming from and the different belief systems. Gotta tell you, most of this was new information to me and I hadn't heard or understood most of it.

One question he focused on is one many of us have asked ourselves...what is the why? Why do we believe what we do? Why are we here? What's the point?

We started in Isaiah 43:7 “everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory...” We are here for the glory of God. It's not about us...it's all about Him. We are to be God's invisible character reflected in the visible world!

Also that everything in creation is of Him and for Him. A quick breakdown of a full day was like this: We discover His beauty and wonder in everything under the sun.

His creativity – in the arts.

His philosophy -is His wisdom.

Math – His perfection.

Science – His order.

Law – His justice.

History – His story.

Engineering – His genius.

As a child of God, I can not overlook who He is!

Then we spent a whole day on grace. It was an amazing time. Some highlights what Grace is not!

-Lowering of God's standards

-Not looking the other way

-Doesn't ignore sin

-Is not cheap – a high price was paid for my grace

-Is not a license to sin

Yet it can't be comprehended by the human mind, but it speaks to the spirit man in all of us.

Here's a quick story of grace vs. law:

There is a city dog that lives in a tight neighborhood chained in a small concrete backyard. This dogs whole entire life is spent trying to escape.
There is a country dog living with a huge front porch, never ending blues skies, and fields as far as the eye can see. Where will you find this dog? Not trying to escape, but sitting at his masters feet in love and loyalty. That's the kind of life I'm made to live!
The world views we spent time looking at were Moderism, Post-Moderism, Pantheism, Communism, Islam and God's Kingdom.

Very interesting to see the different aspects of all of these and what types of belief systems they came from and then formed into. We're challenged to take off our 'cultural' glasses and ask God what He sees and dreams for the nations we come from and where we will be going.

We spent the last 2 days discussing and digging into God's Kingdom...very rich!

We focused on the central message of Jesus while He was here, walking, talking, teaching, healing, loving!

Here's a little breakdown of what the most important thing to His heart was and what He taught THE most! What do you think it was? Read the red letter words of Jesus Christ and see what His central message was (none of us knew the answer and had many different ideas what it could be)

Here it is:

Being born again – He taught twice

Salvation – twice

Sin – 17 times

Forgiveness – 24 times

Satan – 28 times

Money – 29 times

Love – 43 times

Heaven – 71 times

The Kingdom of God – 117 times

ya, I conclude this was a very important thing He wanted us to GET!! So that's where I've been in the scriptures...studying, reading, meditating, asking God to write it on my heart!

We always love to discuss these things with our family and friends, so please email or message us! Its' a rich time in our lives and we love to share these treasures!

Know you are all loved and a blessing to us!

FIRST WEEK OF CLASS

Hello loved ones! Thanks to all of you who keep up with our family and are praying us through this journey...we are honored by you. It's very humbling to get an email or word of encouragement that God has put on your heart for us. Please continue...as much of a blessing this has been, it's not void of battles. However, God is so faithful to our hearts by blessing us with so many family and friends!
I hope I can put into words some of the highlights from our first week of class. This will hopefully give you a glimpse of how our hearts are being formed, nurtured and matured so that when we are sent into the nations - we will be a refection of the one true Jesus Christ!!
As a class, the Lord has been faithful to establishing authentic community within and among us. And it's been amazing to be a part of. Since we are from 11 countries, we all come from different cultures, values, nationalities, etc. And to watch God bring us together and really form life-long relationships in such a short amount of time is a miracle!
I believe we've also had a revelation of God's character. How can you not, with such a diverse group of crazy passionate people that have one goal of their lifetime...to know God and make Him known!!
We identified as a class that another thing we felt in unity - was grace for intimacy with Him. It is only by His grace that we've been drawn to Him and are getting to know who He is. (entire chapter 2 of Ephesians!!)
Our self identity is being established. We've really been praying for correct identity and how God sees us as His children. We've spent time in the prayer room, in the word and alone time with God to really get deep into Him so that we know who we are.
There has been a community of honor being established among us. That what we see in each other is from the Lord and how He sees each of His children. I gotta tell you, this was a 'God-shift' for me. I so much easier see the wrong in people and their character flaws, then the amazing person God created them to be. I'm so much faster to criticize or correct, than I am to encourage or honor. God really brought me to a place of repentance in this area and it has changed my language with people I'm around. Basically, if you're reading this, I've been critical of you and haven't fully or beautifully shown you God's love for you...and I humbly say, I've been wrong. No more let me speak of nothing but the goodness of God and no more let me see anything but the person that God is deeply, passionately in love with. If you have breath, God is IN LOVE WITH YOU!!! There is nothing you can do to change that! Search the scriptures, it's true:)
The joy of the Lord broke out among our class and and that is our strength! We are free to love the Lord before man without fear or worrying that we might look like a fool! It is a strength growing deep in us that all we do, we do for the Lord and we'll listen for His voice and be obedient to it. We've given it all up to be here and we really are after His heart! It's an amazing thing to be a part of!! Isaac and I will be doing some video interviews of some of our classmates, and I'm sure you'll fall in love with them as we have!
God is giving us great expectation for what is to happen...in class, in our communities, in our families, our outreach, our nations!!
A great desire of all of us, is to hear God's voice...and I know that has been happening. His sheep hear His voice and we're taking time to listen for ourselves and for each other. I've found out, when I stop and listen, God has a lot more important things to say than I do!
As a class and individually, we are getting a renewed trust for the Lord and His plans for us. "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" Is 43:18-19
We've also been getting a perspective that is realigned for His kingdom. I have to say, Matthew 5,6, and 7 is really the heavenly perspective being written on our hearts! If you don't know it or haven't read it please do, with the idea that this is the kind of life we feel called to!
This is just an idea of what some of the highlights have been...it's overwhelming and beautiful!
Much love! Deby

outreach location

So we have picked our outreach location! I believe we had originally intended to do this sometime next week. Thursday in class Jeff Reid announced we would come back after lunch and choose, he really felt like our class was ready and that we were hearing from the Lord. He shared briefly about each of the seven locations and then said to pray, listen for Gods voice and then write what He's telling us. To this point I had absolutely no idea where we would be going. Deby and I had both been leaning heavily toward Mozambique. South Africa was also in our minds but I believe I had ruled it out because Jed and Melodie had already been there. As the time came to write the location and listen to what God was telling each person, it was also time to get the kids out of school. Deby ran to get them and also to ask God with them about our outreach location. As I was sitting waiting for her to text me what God was speaking to them I felt a growing certainty that we were going to South Africa. I became so sure that I wrote it down on our paper then waited to hear what God was speaking to her. She soon texted me "South Africa" and also what the kids were hearing. I'll quote the text "We prayed, Adara got the word "wreckage" and "rebuilding house" Dax got Finland/Sweden, Pace got armadillos, snakes, lions, and rhinos, Jory got South Africa". At this point it looks like we will be going to South Africa. I am very excited to see what God has for us. Wednesday night in class I had written my first blog about the experience here so far. In it I got very open and vulnerable about what God was doing in my heart (good stuff). I had written it on my iphone so I gave it to Deby to read. As she was reading it through she stopped to correct a grammar mistake and promptly erased the whole blog. Pretty funny actually. It was good that I wrote it as it has helped me process some of what God is doing in my heart. I will try re write it sometime if God gives me the grace. One of the themes the leadership had felt God has for our class is found in Psalms 1 and Revelation 22. I was reading Revelation 22 this morning and it became clear to me that this isn't talking about some future event but its here and now. I got to the end were he says we will rule as kings forever and ever. I got this classic picture from the movies were some poor kid that is always picked on and abused, is found and told that he is in fact royalty. He is taken in by some strong knight that sees the potential in him and given a sword and taught how to ride. He usually doubts himself through the entire process. It's always at the very end that he eventually accepts the truth about himself, overcomes his self doubt and rises up to do his part in winning the battle before him. I believe we have our destiny in the dna of our souls and will watch variations of this over and over because it speaks to the very reason we were created.

I can hear the footsteps
of my King,
I can hear His
heartbeat beckoning
In my darkness
He has set me free
Now I hear the
Spirit calling me

He's calling
Wake up child
It's your turn to shine
You were born
for such a time as this.
Such a time as this

I can hear a holy rumbling
I've begun to preach
another King.
Loosing chains and
breaking down the walls.
I want to hear the Father when he calls.

He's calling
Wake up child
It's your turn to shine
You were born
for such a time as this
Such a time as this

This is the anthem
of our generation,
Here we are God
Shake our nation
All we need is your love
You captivate me.

I am royalty
I have destiny
I have been set free
I'm gonna shake history

I'm gonna change the world!
(Jake Hamilton's Anthem)

Isaac

Outreach Locations

Aloha all!
Friday began our classes and schedule for the next 3 months here on campus. We had a welcoming ceremony at Ohana ("family") Court that was rich with traditional island song, dance and blessings. We were invited to the island and all the nations exchanged gifts with the islanders. It was beautiful. Then we all went to our classrooms and met our class mates and staff members. So good, there are almost 70 of us, from about 10 different countries, including Singapore, Afghanistan, UK, Holland, Denmark, Australia...! It was a great time of hearing some of the stories of why people ended up here from the other side of the world...and how God was really bringing us to unity and purpose here.
Friday night was the flag raising ceremony. Each country that is represented here will fly a flag over the fountain for the duration of this quarter~ there were almost 50 flags flying....whoo hoooo God is moving all over the earth in power and might and there's no where else we'd rather be than getting the discipleship needed to bring what God's heart is to each nation!
In class Friday we got our outreach locations...Jeff Reid (our school leader) wants us to pray about it and come up with a possibility of where we feel like God wants us to serve in the next week.
Cape Town, South Africa - working in a township called Masiphumelele, which is impoverished and needs to be taught basic business skills and also need faith in Christ.
New York City - this team would be working with Models for Christ and fashion week, also other ministries doing work in the poor urban areas.
Sweden/Finland - this is ground breaking territory because although these are 2 of the richest countries in the world, they are also some of the least responsive to the word of God.
Mozambique - one of the poorest nations in the world, ywam wants to break into this country with the love and word of God.
China - this team will be working with connecting the Chinese people and our communities to transform this huge country.
Mexico and U.S. Tour - starting in Baja Mexico, going up the coast of CA to Portland and ending in South Carolina...this team will be working with ministries we're already connected to!! So excited for this team to hit the streets!

As a family we haven't prayed about it yet, but we know with a peace that passes all understanding, that God has already the location He wants us. We're open to all of them and just want to be obedient to His word!
He is so on display here and in the people and in community living, we fall in love with HIM MORE AND MORE every day!
Love to you all!