The ceiling fan above my bed made a soft humming noise as the blades ran. It was well after midnight and I had been lying wide awake on my back for a good 30 minutes. It was only hours ago that crowns were placed on the princesses and squires heads, rings and shields in their hands, and cake in their stomachs.
I was completely exhausted, both emotionally and physically, as the event for which I had been endlessly waiting had suddenly come and gone. And yet there I was, counting sheep.
"Ok, God. If I can't sleep, talk to me." I sighed.
"Ok, go get your bible..." He replied. I've come to adore His still, small voice.
I got up out of bed and quietly went to my kitchen table, as not to wake Jennie in the room over, where I found my bible. Returning to my bed, I continued making requests to God.
"Where?"
"Haggai."
Wow, God was ready to talk with me. I turned to the book of Haggai in the Old Testament and began reading. It's a rather short book of the bible, spanning 2 chapters... whew! God was about to reveal something and I wouldn't have to wait long.
The self-titled book was written by the prophet Haggai concerning God's instructions to His people to rebuild the temple. The first wave of Jewish exiles had begun returning from Babylon and they had a serious task that awaited them.
I came to chapter 2, verses 5-9 and knew I had come upon rhema word.
I don't know about you, but for the past few months I have sensed a shifting and a shaking going on in the spiritual atmosphere. I can't quite put my finger on it. But when I read this, I knew God was confirming that He indeed is shaking things and I wasn't crazy (at least not about that).
Everything within me had known something big was coming, but I just didn't know what. But that night, reflecting on His awesome faithfulness and power displayed in the fulfillment of the princess and squire ceremony, God whispered in verse 8...
Now don't tell me that didn't give you chills. I already had trouble sleeping, so you can imagine at that point the difficulty I experienced.
That was Saturday, April 11th. Jennie Bishop left the following Monday, April 13th, and taxes were due Wednesday, April 15th... of course, I waited to the last minute, but bless the Lord, oh my soul, I survived that self-inflicted momentary trial. And then... finally... my soul could enter into much needed rest, right?
Wrong.
You better believe there was unrest and havoc being wreaked in the village after the amazing work God had just done the weekend prior. The girls were fighting, one mother had said degrading things to 2 of the girls concerning their purity, and one family was even attacked with rocks and bats in the middle of the night... My mind was in spiritual warfare mode while still trying to process the enormity of the past weekend and contemplating how I should proceed forth in ministry with the girls, boys, and mothers.
When my car horn started blaring for no apparent reason at 5a.m. the following Saturday morning, waking everyone and their mother, I knew this was war. It wasn't the alarm or even a fuse, so the battery had to be disconnected immediately to stop the madness. I've grown accustomed to these minor afflictions from the enemy... God must really be moving in hearts and transforming minds for the enemy to raise such a fuss. However, I was nearing the end of my rope.
The following morning, Sunday, April 19th, I awoke from a dream worth remembering...
In my dream, I found myself in a foreign land. I was in some sort of setting with many children. It reminded me of my times spent with children in India and at children's homes in the DR, but it was neither. It was familiar yet new, and I was alone.
After awhile, a man approached us and I instantly recognized him as Doug Johnson from Blessed2BlessU ministries. I've gotten the joy and privilege of getting to know Doug and his wife Cindy on their mission trips to the DR during my time serving with Cups of Cold Water. He and his wife have become like family to me, so you can imagine my relief and joy when I spotted him in my dream.
I ran outside to look for his wife, but she wasn't on the bus. Rather, I found he had just brought a small team of 3 or 4. Then I woke up.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not one who gets dreams from God on a regular basis, but I remember laying in my bed that morning thinking, "that was interesting... I don't think I've ever had a dream with Doug in it." The last time we even spoke was earlier this year when I met up with him and his team for a quick lunch at their hotel in Sosua.
I got up, started the coffee, and began getting ready for church like any normal Sunday morning. And then, at 8:41a.m., my tablet lit up with a Facebook message from... you guessed it... Doug Johnson.
I paused before opening it as the theme song from Twilight Zone came to mind.
Well, it's not everyday you get a personal invitation to travel to Africa.
The post he made reference to was my petition for prayers as I expressed a need for etiquette training classes for my unruly princesses. Need I remind you... it had been one crazy week.
I responded immediately explaining that, unfortunately, I would be unable as I was already committed to be in a friend's wedding the end of June, but of course, I was interested. Who wouldn't be? I went on to share about the dream I had that morning and commented on how strange it was to hear from him that day of all days. His reply?
Ok... "Now I know it was God"?...What did Doug mean by that? Like Mary (Luke 2:51), I tucked it away, pondering it in my heart, and continued getting ready for church.
I met up with a friend that evening and towards the end of our time together I nonchalantly asked what she thought about the dream and message I received earlier that morning...
"Dude... Go! What's holding you back?" as you can see, my friend isn't afraid to push me.
"Well, my friend who is a missionary in Honduras asked me to be in her wedding June 26th. I'd feel terrible backing out... but, I have a feeling that if I explained how I thought God might be calling me to travel somewhere the same time as her wedding, that she'd tell me to obey God."
"Ok, then. What else? How much would it cost?"
"Well, that's the thing. I don't know if I can afford it. I mean, I have funds set aside for me to minister here in the DR, but I wouldn't feel comfortable drawing from that source. I have some money in my savings, but a trip to Africa would take a huge chunk of that..."
At this point, it still seemed far-fetched that I'd drop everything and just go to Africa.
My friend then suggested, "Lay out a fleece. Ask God if you're supposed to go, that a portion-let's say half- is covered."
As she was saying that, I thought to myself, "yea, or like ALL of it," as if almost to challenge God.
The fleece was laid out.
I returned home that same night and wrote to both Doug and my bride-to-be friend about my current position in prayer. My friend was perhaps more excited than me about this opportunity, encouraging me to pursue God and assuring me that I'd get to see pictures of her wedding when I returned. I am so blessed to have friends who live their lives abandoned to Christ.
I didn't tell Doug the details about the fleece I had laid out, but explained my concern, being a missionary on a budget, and inquired about the possibilities of having some financial assistance and by when he'd need to know.
Then I got this response from Doug...
Oh, man. I could barely believe my eyes. Did God seriously already respond to my fleece... not even a full 2 hours after I had laid it out?!
Naturally, like Gideon, I threw out another fleece... just to make sure... that someone, anyone, would receive a word of knowledge about me traveling to Africa without previously being aware...
Lack of faith on my part? Maybe. God still hasn't answered that fleece, but then again... I can just picture God up in heaven thinking, "how much more do you need!?" I didn't wait for God to answer the second fleece... I already knew what I had to do.
A couple days later, my response to Doug?
Tickets are booked!
This is crazy!
I asked Doug what he meant about now "knowing" it was God. Apparently, God had placed it on his heart to invite me to Tanzania for over a year now. He and his wife have enjoyed following what God has been doing through my obedience in the DR and have always felt a sort of kindredness towards me, which, believe me, is mutual. The week prior to inviting me, God's prompting had, in his words, become "obsessive." Doug became impatient and decided not to wait for another trip to the DR to invite me in person, but to go for it... via Facebook message. Then when he heard how I had that dream the morning of his message, he knew he heard God correctly.
What is God up to?
I've sensed for a year now that the Dominican Republic has been a sort of training ground for me. I've certainly asked God for the nations as an inheritance as Psalm 2:8 instructs us. God has confirmed prophetic words I've received that I'd be a "mother" to the nations, that my "children" would inherit the nations as I spread abroad to the right and left (Isaiah 54:3), but, then again, you never know exactly how His words will be fulfilled.
This could be a trip to fulfill my heart's desire in seeing the work Doug and Cindy are doing in Tanzania through project K.A.T.I.E. There could be someone I'm supposed to meet, someone I'm supposed to pray with, some experience I'm supposed to have, some place I'm supposed to see... I just know I'm supposed to go.
I'm a bit anxious though... I'm reminded how the last time I jumped on a last-minute trip out of the country it brought me here to the DR...and we all know how that turned out. My decision to go on that mission trip was fueled by several God-promptings, as well. Who even knows what He's up to this time.
After reading some of Doug's B2BU newsletters, my heart was deeply moved by a story of one 14 year-old girl named Helen. This young girl from the Masai tribe, like many, was arranged into marriage while still in her mother's womb. According to Masai tradition, the value of a female child is exchanged in the form of cattle when dealing with marriage agreements. The Masai people take great pride in their cattle as the size of their herds determines their wealth. Helen's father had died while she was baby, but her brother took it upon himself to sell her into an early marriage. Helen fled the situation and found herself in the care of a "good Samaritan" who allowed her to serve as a house girl. When B2BU ministries heard of her story, they were able to assist in her education which, in turn, would help in fulfilling Helen's hope of one day returning to Kiruani to teach in the school their ministry is helping to build.
Being arranged into marriage before you even enter the world?.... A little girl always knowing that her value is measured in cows?... My heart nearly leapt out of my chest upon reading these words. You can just imagine how that shook something deep within me as God has given me a passion and a voice to speak value and purpose into young girls lives.
So, where's Tanzania?
Yea... don't worry, I had to find it on a map, too. You can be sure I've been doing research about the people of the Masai tribe we'll be visiting and attempting to practice my Swahili. And I thought Spanish was difficult... some Swahili words look as if someone had a little fun on a QWERTY keyboard. But hey, nothing is impossible with Christ, right?
Everything is taken care of on the traveling end of things, I just have to get my yellow fever vaccination and be up-to-date on the others. I've also apparently volunteered to lead recreational activities for the week... for over 100 children. Yikes!
I'm reminded of God's promise in Isaiah 64:4
He is my God who is able to do far more abundantly than all I could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). When you speak these words back to Him on a daily basis, He's bound to prove Himself worthy of those words.
God is always faithful to His words... He wasn't kidding when He said "in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth..." Exactly a week later, everything had changed.
He sure is rocking my world.
I was completely exhausted, both emotionally and physically, as the event for which I had been endlessly waiting had suddenly come and gone. And yet there I was, counting sheep.
"Ok, God. If I can't sleep, talk to me." I sighed.
"Ok, go get your bible..." He replied. I've come to adore His still, small voice.
I got up out of bed and quietly went to my kitchen table, as not to wake Jennie in the room over, where I found my bible. Returning to my bed, I continued making requests to God.
"Where?"
"Haggai."
Wow, God was ready to talk with me. I turned to the book of Haggai in the Old Testament and began reading. It's a rather short book of the bible, spanning 2 chapters... whew! God was about to reveal something and I wouldn't have to wait long.
The self-titled book was written by the prophet Haggai concerning God's instructions to His people to rebuild the temple. The first wave of Jewish exiles had begun returning from Babylon and they had a serious task that awaited them.
I came to chapter 2, verses 5-9 and knew I had come upon rhema word.
"My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. For thus says the LORD of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts."
I don't know about you, but for the past few months I have sensed a shifting and a shaking going on in the spiritual atmosphere. I can't quite put my finger on it. But when I read this, I knew God was confirming that He indeed is shaking things and I wasn't crazy (at least not about that).
Everything within me had known something big was coming, but I just didn't know what. But that night, reflecting on His awesome faithfulness and power displayed in the fulfillment of the princess and squire ceremony, God whispered in verse 8...
"The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former... you thought that was cool? Wait till you see what's coming."
Now don't tell me that didn't give you chills. I already had trouble sleeping, so you can imagine at that point the difficulty I experienced.
That was Saturday, April 11th. Jennie Bishop left the following Monday, April 13th, and taxes were due Wednesday, April 15th... of course, I waited to the last minute, but bless the Lord, oh my soul, I survived that self-inflicted momentary trial. And then... finally... my soul could enter into much needed rest, right?
Wrong.
You better believe there was unrest and havoc being wreaked in the village after the amazing work God had just done the weekend prior. The girls were fighting, one mother had said degrading things to 2 of the girls concerning their purity, and one family was even attacked with rocks and bats in the middle of the night... My mind was in spiritual warfare mode while still trying to process the enormity of the past weekend and contemplating how I should proceed forth in ministry with the girls, boys, and mothers.
When my car horn started blaring for no apparent reason at 5a.m. the following Saturday morning, waking everyone and their mother, I knew this was war. It wasn't the alarm or even a fuse, so the battery had to be disconnected immediately to stop the madness. I've grown accustomed to these minor afflictions from the enemy... God must really be moving in hearts and transforming minds for the enemy to raise such a fuss. However, I was nearing the end of my rope.
The following morning, Sunday, April 19th, I awoke from a dream worth remembering...
In my dream, I found myself in a foreign land. I was in some sort of setting with many children. It reminded me of my times spent with children in India and at children's homes in the DR, but it was neither. It was familiar yet new, and I was alone.
After awhile, a man approached us and I instantly recognized him as Doug Johnson from Blessed2BlessU ministries. I've gotten the joy and privilege of getting to know Doug and his wife Cindy on their mission trips to the DR during my time serving with Cups of Cold Water. He and his wife have become like family to me, so you can imagine my relief and joy when I spotted him in my dream.
I ran outside to look for his wife, but she wasn't on the bus. Rather, I found he had just brought a small team of 3 or 4. Then I woke up.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not one who gets dreams from God on a regular basis, but I remember laying in my bed that morning thinking, "that was interesting... I don't think I've ever had a dream with Doug in it." The last time we even spoke was earlier this year when I met up with him and his team for a quick lunch at their hotel in Sosua.
I got up, started the coffee, and began getting ready for church like any normal Sunday morning. And then, at 8:41a.m., my tablet lit up with a Facebook message from... you guessed it... Doug Johnson.
I paused before opening it as the theme song from Twilight Zone came to mind.
"Hey Lauren. Hope you are enjoying this special day. From your post it sounds like you need to join me on a vacation to beautiful Tanzania. Going late June. Interested? Blessings."
Well, it's not everyday you get a personal invitation to travel to Africa.
The post he made reference to was my petition for prayers as I expressed a need for etiquette training classes for my unruly princesses. Need I remind you... it had been one crazy week.
I responded immediately explaining that, unfortunately, I would be unable as I was already committed to be in a friend's wedding the end of June, but of course, I was interested. Who wouldn't be? I went on to share about the dream I had that morning and commented on how strange it was to hear from him that day of all days. His reply?
"Now I know it was God. Anyway we will leave June 24 and return July 4 from RDU if something changes. Just let me know so I can order your ticket, if not this time then next. Praying for you. Blessings."
Ok... "Now I know it was God"?...What did Doug mean by that? Like Mary (Luke 2:51), I tucked it away, pondering it in my heart, and continued getting ready for church.
I met up with a friend that evening and towards the end of our time together I nonchalantly asked what she thought about the dream and message I received earlier that morning...
"Dude... Go! What's holding you back?" as you can see, my friend isn't afraid to push me.
"Well, my friend who is a missionary in Honduras asked me to be in her wedding June 26th. I'd feel terrible backing out... but, I have a feeling that if I explained how I thought God might be calling me to travel somewhere the same time as her wedding, that she'd tell me to obey God."
"Ok, then. What else? How much would it cost?"
"Well, that's the thing. I don't know if I can afford it. I mean, I have funds set aside for me to minister here in the DR, but I wouldn't feel comfortable drawing from that source. I have some money in my savings, but a trip to Africa would take a huge chunk of that..."
At this point, it still seemed far-fetched that I'd drop everything and just go to Africa.
My friend then suggested, "Lay out a fleece. Ask God if you're supposed to go, that a portion-let's say half- is covered."
As she was saying that, I thought to myself, "yea, or like ALL of it," as if almost to challenge God.
The fleece was laid out.
I returned home that same night and wrote to both Doug and my bride-to-be friend about my current position in prayer. My friend was perhaps more excited than me about this opportunity, encouraging me to pursue God and assuring me that I'd get to see pictures of her wedding when I returned. I am so blessed to have friends who live their lives abandoned to Christ.
I didn't tell Doug the details about the fleece I had laid out, but explained my concern, being a missionary on a budget, and inquired about the possibilities of having some financial assistance and by when he'd need to know.
Then I got this response from Doug...
"You worry about hearing and listening to Him and His voice. Forget the costs. I promise it won't be more than He can afford. In Him money always works out. Send me ur email and I'll send our latest newsletters. You decide if it's ur time to go and then we will see how money will work. As far as cutoff only controlled by airlines and seat availability... Blessings
I said all that to say this ones on us. With His help of course"
Oh, man. I could barely believe my eyes. Did God seriously already respond to my fleece... not even a full 2 hours after I had laid it out?!
Naturally, like Gideon, I threw out another fleece... just to make sure... that someone, anyone, would receive a word of knowledge about me traveling to Africa without previously being aware...
Lack of faith on my part? Maybe. God still hasn't answered that fleece, but then again... I can just picture God up in heaven thinking, "how much more do you need!?" I didn't wait for God to answer the second fleece... I already knew what I had to do.
A couple days later, my response to Doug?
"Let's do this."
Tickets are booked!
This is crazy!
I asked Doug what he meant about now "knowing" it was God. Apparently, God had placed it on his heart to invite me to Tanzania for over a year now. He and his wife have enjoyed following what God has been doing through my obedience in the DR and have always felt a sort of kindredness towards me, which, believe me, is mutual. The week prior to inviting me, God's prompting had, in his words, become "obsessive." Doug became impatient and decided not to wait for another trip to the DR to invite me in person, but to go for it... via Facebook message. Then when he heard how I had that dream the morning of his message, he knew he heard God correctly.
Doug and Cindy Johnson with their team visiting Cups of Cold Water Project in February 2014
What is God up to?
I've sensed for a year now that the Dominican Republic has been a sort of training ground for me. I've certainly asked God for the nations as an inheritance as Psalm 2:8 instructs us. God has confirmed prophetic words I've received that I'd be a "mother" to the nations, that my "children" would inherit the nations as I spread abroad to the right and left (Isaiah 54:3), but, then again, you never know exactly how His words will be fulfilled.
This could be a trip to fulfill my heart's desire in seeing the work Doug and Cindy are doing in Tanzania through project K.A.T.I.E. There could be someone I'm supposed to meet, someone I'm supposed to pray with, some experience I'm supposed to have, some place I'm supposed to see... I just know I'm supposed to go.
I'm a bit anxious though... I'm reminded how the last time I jumped on a last-minute trip out of the country it brought me here to the DR...and we all know how that turned out. My decision to go on that mission trip was fueled by several God-promptings, as well. Who even knows what He's up to this time.
After reading some of Doug's B2BU newsletters, my heart was deeply moved by a story of one 14 year-old girl named Helen. This young girl from the Masai tribe, like many, was arranged into marriage while still in her mother's womb. According to Masai tradition, the value of a female child is exchanged in the form of cattle when dealing with marriage agreements. The Masai people take great pride in their cattle as the size of their herds determines their wealth. Helen's father had died while she was baby, but her brother took it upon himself to sell her into an early marriage. Helen fled the situation and found herself in the care of a "good Samaritan" who allowed her to serve as a house girl. When B2BU ministries heard of her story, they were able to assist in her education which, in turn, would help in fulfilling Helen's hope of one day returning to Kiruani to teach in the school their ministry is helping to build.
Being arranged into marriage before you even enter the world?.... A little girl always knowing that her value is measured in cows?... My heart nearly leapt out of my chest upon reading these words. You can just imagine how that shook something deep within me as God has given me a passion and a voice to speak value and purpose into young girls lives.
So, where's Tanzania?
Yea... don't worry, I had to find it on a map, too. You can be sure I've been doing research about the people of the Masai tribe we'll be visiting and attempting to practice my Swahili. And I thought Spanish was difficult... some Swahili words look as if someone had a little fun on a QWERTY keyboard. But hey, nothing is impossible with Christ, right?
Everything is taken care of on the traveling end of things, I just have to get my yellow fever vaccination and be up-to-date on the others. I've also apparently volunteered to lead recreational activities for the week... for over 100 children. Yikes!
I'm reminded of God's promise in Isaiah 64:4
"From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for Him."
He is my God who is able to do far more abundantly than all I could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). When you speak these words back to Him on a daily basis, He's bound to prove Himself worthy of those words.
God is always faithful to His words... He wasn't kidding when He said "in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth..." Exactly a week later, everything had changed.
He sure is rocking my world.
wow Lauren! I am so excited to meet you and see what God has in store for us in Tanzania. I know He has something big planned! Keep your faith and be strong through all the devil's annoyances because you serve a God who always wins. See you soon!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to meet you, too, Katie! Thank you for your encouraging words to press on! I think I'm still in shock that I'm actually going to Africa... I can't wait to see all that God is doing there!
DeleteI am not a novice card game player, there is a way to
ReplyDeleteall aces in hand · 2 · kirill-kondrashin 3 · 4 · 5 · 6.6 카지노 · 8.6 · 9.6 · 10.6