back to St Catharines

I am back in St Catharines. I arrived back on the evening of the 26th and was staying with Heymans for a few days and today I have moved into the Karanfilis' for a couple weeks and then back in with Heymans for the remainder of my time here (likely). Now I start looking for a job and looking for a course so I can teach english overseas and stuff. It's quite interesting being back in St Kits. Heymans and I and his brother went to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) the other night and further confirmed my previous belief that museums are BORING!! We'll see what the first part of 2008 has in store. For New Yrs I believe I'm goin to a church in Hamilton for a prophetic etc meeting. I'll let you know if Holy Spirit has any cool things to say..........which He always does. I guess I'll let you know if I'm actually hearing Him. Have a great end to 2007 everyone.

Merry Chri......um, I mean, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Whew, that was close, I almost put the word "Christ" back into "X"mas. Wouldn't want to offend anyone!

My pastor made a good point last sunday. (Paraphrased) He said that when someone you know has a birthday, you celebrate who they are today, not who they were one the day they were born. It's a good point. So much of Christmas (when Jesus is actually included) is about the poor, helpless baby Jesus. Jesus today is our Saviour. He has fulfilled His purpose and the Holy Spirit is now attempting to bring His church to the maturity we should have already attained. We should think of Jesus today as who He is, not was. The world is so clever to demean anything to do with an idea of Jesus that may offend. Really though, is anything less offensive than unconditional love? Maybe the world is more offended by Christians than by Jesus?

So, tomorrow I board a plane and head back to St Catharines, Ontario. What does 2008 hold for me? Live and learn, I guess. Merry CHRISTmas everyone. Jesus still loves you all!

Russian cult update

I haven't heard about or been able to find much on the Russian cult that has been underground for a month and a half or so. There has not been much media coverage as of late. The group is in the Penza Region about 600km SE of Moscow. Here are a couple recent reports I just found courtesy of Google:

• RIA Novosti
  


• Interfax-Religion

Try some Russian / Русский ?

I have had a hard time letting the Russian language go. So I've been still plugging away at it a bit. There is an awesome free language software site called Before You Know It, check it out -->HERE<--. And in the meantime, try to speak a little Russian

• Free software download at byki.com


• Learn at Transparent.com

Visitation/Impartation Campaign'07

Things have been really well since I quit Wal~Mart. My Visitation/Impartation Campaign'07 is in full swing and the meetings I have had with people have been really awesome. This week alone I have 10 meetings scheduled. God has provided some awesome opportunity and I strive to make the most out of everyone of them. I so desire to be able to impart the things into others which God has given into me.

I actually just got back from my cousin's Day Care. I was invited to Murray River to show the kids some African photos and explain how blessed we are and that the true meaning of Christmas is NOT Santa Claus! Good stuff. I had a great time and it seemed the kids really enjoyed it.

The Island has been extremely cold and the weather in St Catharines (I hear) is not much better. On Boxing Day I will board a plane and return to Ontario for an undetermined amount of time. Who knows?! I sure don't. 2008 has some really great potential. I am still really waiting on God; that He will further and more convincingly direct me into this next season. There is direction that needs to be decided upon, etc etc, and intimacy with Him is so crucial and dependant on.

But as hard as it has been to remain on PEI, it has also been good. It has been awesome spending time with my 1 yr old nephew. And all the other people who have made this time enjoyable (too many to name individually) are dearly loved and appreciated. This time has further convinced me that I was made for travelling. My perspective is "global" and not "local"; it's just who I am, it's how I was made.

So, 2007 is almost over. This year I was stretched a whole lot with street evangelism; graduated from Bible College; travelled to Redding, California; travelled to Pemba, Mozambique; travelled to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania --> Nairobi, Kenya --> London, England; and finally to Armavir and St Petersburg, Russia. Then back to Canada (St Catharines and PEI). It has been an unreal year, filled with challenges, growth, and difficulties. This may have been the year that has challenged and stretched me more than any other. Time will tell just how much.

Lets all make 2008 the year we abandon ourselves and become inconvenienced for the sake of the King. We'll ask ourselves this time next year if it was worth it, or if we regret it. We won't. We'll only regret NOT doing it.

Global Corruption

It appears (from this post anyway!) that corruption is pretty widespread globally. That might be a newsflash to all you have been living in a hole your whole lives, but thats the way it is. The photo above represents the current level of corruption throughout the earth. The countries in blue are not so corrupt while the more red the country, the more corrupt it is. I found it pretty interesting that Russia is listed as more corrupt than Mozambique!! Out of 179 countries (1 being good, 179 being terrible) Mozambique was tied for the 111th while Russia was tied 143rd (with Gambia, Indonesia, and Togo). Canada is tied for 9th with Norway. USA is 20th on the list. Tied for #1 is Denmark, Finland, and New Zealand. At the very bottom and the most corrupt countries listed are Myanmar and Somalia. For a complete view of the list click -->HERE<--. It's kinda interesting, if you're into that kinda thing? It appears I seem to be?

Russian Messiah / Российская Мессия

The Spiritual void left after the fall of the Soviet Union is being filled with some real crazies. New churches and religious sects are numerously popping up as people are now free(?) to worship and believe in God. Here are some links to Sergei Torop, a former traffic officer now turned "2nd coming of Jesus"!? Click on the links below to view.

• Sergei on Wikipedia
• Sergei's website (a must see)
• another of Sergei's websites
• Audiovisual journalism piece about the movement
• The Washington Post (great article about the Russian spiritual void)
• The Guardian
• Sydney Morning Herald
• news about religion in Russa

Russian cult members to be flushed out of cave

Interesting story in Penza, Russia right now. Read on.......!

Malaysia Sun

11th December, 2007

Russian special forces in the region of Penza plan to flush out a group of doomsday cult members from a cave.

For over a month, the cultists have been waiting for the end of the planet, remaining underground to 'save themselves during the time of the apocalypse,' which they say will come in May 2008.

The group comprises 29 people, including four children, the youngest being less than eighteen months old.

They have threatened to set fire to themselves if any attempt is made to force them to come out of the tunnel.

Special force officers with rescue dogs have spent time exploring the area around the cave, drawing up a plan of action.

The cave is said to have been divided into five cells, with a large space set aside for prayers. According to the sect's founder Pyotr Kuznetsov, the prayer room is to be used for the eventual burial of the sect members.

The founder is not with the sect members in the cave. Kuznetsov is currently being treated for paranoid schizophrenia in an asylum in Penza, about 600 km southeast of Moscow.

UNEMPLOYED!!! (безработный)

Yes, I quit my job at Wal~Mart. Bye bye to no life at all. I figured after I slept 23 hrs on my day off that sacrificing my life for $9.75/hr is definitely DEMONIC!! I'll just rely on God to meet my needs for the rest of my time on PEI, and I'll step up my Visitation/Impartation'07 Campaign and see what happens. I've surely been in worse jams before, and I'm not too worried about it all anyway. You see, "Your life becomes a supernatural life when you obey God" (Rick Renner)

монотонность

I havent updated for awhile. The reason is simple.....there has been little going here on PEI. I am now working nights at Wal-Mart but am regretting my decision for the amount of time that night shifts consume from your life. It seems that I just eat, sleep, and work. Living for a paycheque is definitely demonic. Last night I put together a Barbie Princess kid's chair; exciting? Maybe?

I don't know wat is going on? Is it still re-entry? I kinda hope so. Time does not seem to be living up to it's end of the bargain.

Остров Принца Эдуарда (PEI)

The Island has been an interesting test of patience and endurance (and it's only been 2 weeks so far!). I have done a lot of visiting and NOTHING has changed. Pretty much the only things that have changed here are people's ages; the reality is stark and unnerving. I realize even more the life that God has made me for. Kinda like a nomad, roaming places on the earth where most other people don't want to go. I'm fine with that, it's who I am. I'm not really fine with complacency though. If what you see and hear going on in this world doesnt stir you to some kind of action, then there is something wrong. Not all of us can run out and try to "save the world" (as some accuse me of trying to do), but we can all play a part in alleviating the suffering so much of the world endures.

In 1Corinthians 9:23 the Apostle Paul says: "I do all things for the sake of the Gospel......". I want to imitate that. The Gospel is literally "good news". I want to bring this broken world good news. News that God loves them and is not out to get them. That He brings joy, not sadness; hope, not despair; love, not hate; acceptance, not racism; good news, not bad news. Meeting the physical needs combined with these Spiritual needs is what I belive living is all about. I want to stand before my Lord when this life is over and have no regrets about what I did with the time He gave me.
I also want to see people (Christians) abandon themselves to the Lord and live wholly and completely for Him who died for the world. For them to sacrifice even a tenth of their lives to the degree that God sacrificed His Son out of undescribeable love for the lost. Heirin is life: to live not for yourself.

day of Church

I have come out of hiding here on PEI and today was my first sunday out of my hole. I went to Faithworks this morning for the AM service and the congregation seemed genuinely thrilled to see me back. Many were in wonder over my experiences in Mozambique/Russia and were filled with emotion as they listened to me share my stories. It was pretty sweet.

Then for the afternoon I went to Harvest House for the service. Noel let me share about my trip and I got to speak into the lives of about 20 or so interested people. I gave a practical overview of my journey, and then talked about making the most of every opportunity God gives us, and about "doing everything for the sake of the Gospel".

Then for the evening I went back to Faithworks Center for a baptismal service where 7 members of our congregation went through the waters of baptism, identifying with the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Good times.

My time the last week has been filled with meeting people and trying to impart into them what the Lord has imparted into me. I believe I have a great Spiritual responsibility to this Island, even if at times I find it incredibly hard to remain here. Tomorrow and through the week I continue to do visitations and make the most of whatever opportunity the Lord gives to me.

Jeremiah 4:30

hidden (re-entry as it can be)

I am on PEI, and yet I have hidden myself here. Noone knows I'm back, and those that suspect I've returned don't know where I am. I need time. I need time to process life and everything that it involves. I usually say that my stubborness is my best and worst asset; now I can add my thought life to that as well. It can be a great addition or a terrible pit. There is lots to think about, and I just want to shut myself off. Alas, I am back to PEI, and there will be business upon business as everyone will undoubtedly want to meet and hear lots of stories, etc.

I dont really know what to do, or how to feel, or anything at all right now. I just want to escape by myself for awhile. Lock myself away for about a week and have no communication with absolutely anything except God. I desire His friendship right now as much as I would desire air if I were being held under water. Quietness and peace are necessities I cannot be without in this time. I should just stop; there are people in this world who actually have a good reason to feel........................I cant think of a good word to describe how I feel. Sometimes missionaries lead lonely lives. Maybe they don't, but maybe sometimes they feel like they do. It's part of the cost, I guess. I don't know. I'm tired and need God to minister to me; goodnight. I hope He fills all our sleep tonight with dreams of encouragement.

And then.......

Well, I've been back in Canada for a week and I've mixed feelings about the whole thing. It is great to be back and syeeing some of my bestest friends still going hard after God. John, in his 3rd letter says, "I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." (3John 4) . I absolutely adore this scripture and kind of have adopted it and I keep it close to me. I truly desire to see everyone walking close to God and running hard the race.

The opportunities to minister have been abundant here. Through the last week I have been able to speak at a nursing home, sing songs and pray at a hospital, do visitations with children from broken homes, do street and bar evangelism; sunday we did another nursing home service, and monday I got to speak at another nursing home. It has truly been awesome. God has really been speaking to me since I returned about taking and making the most of EVERY opportunity He gives me. Of being a good steward of opportunity. It has been good. He makes up for my inadequecies. It was a good weekend as well. I spent most of it at TACF. Heidi Baker was ministering thursday eve and friday eve, wih Ruth Fazal and Kelly Warren leading worship respectively. It was an awesome few days and now I pray for the opportunity to give out of what I recieved there.

So now, I return to PEI. I wil be there by next week and will remain through the holidays. What is next? Who knows? I sure don't. I have high expectations for what God is gonna do over the next 6-7 weeks though. Blessings to you all, He is good.

Why did the Pope, Mother Teresa, and St Francis cross the road?

The answer is totally obvious.........................TO PREACH THE GOSPEL!!! And thats what they did.

Last night was obviously Halloween and I wanted to go to the bars dressed as religious icons and spread the Good News of what Jesus has done for people. Colin Jackson and I went to Niagra Falls to look for costumes and when we were there I convinced him and Jenny Brown to dress up as the Pope and Mother Teresa (respectively). So, we did.

Later that night we went downtown St Catharines and started going outside bars, inside bars, and on the street witnessing to people about the Gospel of grace. We were told off and cursed at a lot and MANY were surprised when they found out we were not putting on a show but were actually genuine and concerned for their realtionship with Jesus. We got quite a few opportunities to speak into people's lives but the highlight was when Colin and I jumped up onto a ledge and started open-air preaching to a group of about 30 people standing in line to get into a bar! They thought we were fools until they realized we were preachers of "Grace" and not "condemnation"! Looks on faces changed and people couldn't believe what we were actually doing. It was pretty sweet. We were out for a bit over 2 hours and there were times I couldn't help but wonder where all the other christians were? We did run into one Christian, but he wasn't out to evangelize. It is too bad for all the people who want Jesus but don't have anyone to show them His love. Sad.

We realized just how much people need Jesus. In Africa they are all to ready to admit their need for Him; it's obvious. Here in the 1st World people need Him just as much, they just don't realize it. Help us reach the world Lord, please.

back in St Kits

A word I've been using to describe being home(?) is "surreal". And that's what it actually seems like. It seems like I could wake up from this dream of being home (?) at any moment. It feels incredibly strange. Much has happened in 5 months, and being back dramtically illustrates this fact.

After a marathon Russia --> Paris --> Amsterdam --> London --> Toronto, 44hr trip home, Heymans picked me up and drove me back here to St Catharines. My bag ( and most of the possessions I have in this world) are stuck in Paris, and I have no idea when (or if) I'll ever see them again. I honestly don't really care though. If my happiness depends on material things, then I'm in a worse position than the poeple whom I try to minister to.

So, here I am. Staying with Heymans and trying to figure out what to do next. Heidi Baker is ministering at TACF this weekend, so that is a definite. But other than that, I'm completely oblivious as to what comes next.

I realize that I am so dependant on God for absolutely everything in my life. It is a wonderful feeling, but not comforting (in a worldly sense). I'm having trouble thinking accurately.

This past sunday I went to Niagara Celebration Church where Joesph Prince was ministering. It was good, but I'll hold my tongue. Then a group of us went to Scott Street Manor (which is a home to the less fortunate who are not able to funtion and live in a way such as we are blessed to be able to) to hold a service. It was awesome. 13 of them congregated in a sitting room and we sang songs about Jesus, and I got to share about the poor in Africa whom Jesus gives gives hope to, and then we sang a bit more and prayed. During my short exhortation, a gentleman interrupted me long enough to empty his pockets and give an offering to my missions work; it was 17 nickels / $0.85! How awesome is that?! I love it! After the Scott Street Manor service, I went to Shaver Hospital and went room to room singing hyms, talking, and praying with people. Another awesome experience.

Then I went back to NCC for an evening service with Joesph Prince but found it so boring that I had to leave.

Why is church so boring? If Holy Spirit was as much a part of church as we claim, it would be a lot more fun! Wouldn't it?

Anyways, I still need prayer. Just pray for me. That would be cool.

And I thought Mozambique --> Russia was bad!!

It's true, the Russia --> Canada leg is proving to be just as bad. Today I sorrowfully left St Petersburg and thought I was gonna be too late to make check in. I made it though, with help from my Russian lawyer! I said goodbye and thank you to Anya, who has proven to be one of the most amazing and generous people I have ever met. Blessings to her.

So, I fly to Paris and have to take 3 buses and a train to get to my departure terminal! After waiting there for about 1.5 hrs, they tell us Air France is on strike and the flight is cancelled!! After another 2 hour wait in line, I am told that I have to fly to Amsterdam, then to London, then to Toronto! What?! I agree, cause I have little choice at this point, and wait even longer to fly to Amsterdam. But guess what...............the flight to Amsterdam is delayed for an hour and that means I miss my connecting flight to London. In Amsterdam they tell me I will not make a connecting flight to London this night and I will be staying the night at the NH Shiphol Hotel, at the expense of KLM Airlines. Not bad.

So here I am in Amsterdam for the night. It has been almost 7 years since I have been here, and I have changed much. I just ate my complimentary all-u-can-eat buffetand will try again tomorrow to fly home. What a journey. What a 5 months. What a life. Whoever thinks a life dedicated to Jesus is boring better dedicate themselves a bit more; they'll soon learn different.

And I am surely grieved to be leaving Russia, by the way. I've a feeling this re-entry period will be hard; it already is.

the scoop

1 day to go. I have some pretty extreme mixed feelings about ending my 5 month long trip. I do not know just what to think. God is good, and His mercy does indeed endure forever. Tomorrow morning I fly out of St Petersburg and into Toronto. After visiting friends in St Catharines, I will return to Prince Edward Island and really start seeking some direction again. What to do in 2008? THAT, is a darn good question.

I was ministering at 2 hospitals last saturday. First, Анюта and I went to a hospice and ministered to a couple of ladies who had been given very short time to live. It was hard to not cry while talking to these ladies. The first lady just wanted God to give her enough time so that she could work in her garden again and spend a bit more time with her grand-daughter. Oh, the things we take for granted in this life. In our busyness we pass by the things we deem most important, when we look back at the end of our lives. T'is sad.
Then we went back to the hospital from last week and were able to follow up with a couple people whom we had previously ministered too. They were happy to see us and so thankful for the gifts we brought. I am amazed at the things we take for granted. I am ashamed. It hurts.

Last night we got to go to a professional tennis match. Youzhny defeated Gimelstob in straight sets. At times I felt uneasy. I need to stop writing now.................it isn't safe to continue.

очень, even!

My time in St Petersburg lately has been filled with spending time with Jesus and trying to learn this difficult language. I am making headway, but it is so slow and frustrating. It is so hard for me being here but not being able to minister to people like I would back in an english speaking country. Maybe God has set this time up so that I would humble myself and be dependant upon others? Может быть?

On the 11th Анюта and her dad took me to the ballet!!!!? IT WASN'T MY FAULT!! The tickets were bought before I could make a decision about it!! So, I seen the St Petersburg presentation of the amazing extravaganza of Sleeping Beauty! It was BRUTAL!! I almost threw myself from the balcony seats where we were sitting unto the crowd of poor interested people below! And the thing was over 3 hours long!! OH MY GOD!!! The next day I did get to go to the Hermitage Museum (which is one of the most impressive and largest museums in the world) and see A LOT of paintings. I was there for about 4 hours and seen about 2% of the whole building! It's HUGE!!

Last night though may have been one of the best times in Russia that I've had. A group from the church Анюта attends took us to a local hospital to pray and minister to some sick people. It was a lesson in love. Hospital ministry is one of my favorite things to do. We were able to minister love and peace to these dear people who were obviously in need of it. Анюта and I will return on saturday (tomorrow) to follow up on thise we ministered to, and to take some practical things that they are in need of. We also get to go to another hospital to take hope where there is little. I expect another mighty move of God in the hearts of people who know Him not, or who know Him little. By the time we leave I want them to know Him much more.

Where is the God of Elisha?

I posed that question to God today. I wondered to Him, "Just where is the God of Elisha? The God who made axe heads float (2Ki 6:4-7), who made oil multiply (2Ki 4:3-7), who raised the dead (2Ki 4:32-35), who cured lepers (2Ki 5:8-14), who purified poisoned food (2Ki 4:38-41), who manipulated animals (2Ki 2:23-24), who parted waters (2Ki 2:14), who surrounded the righteous with armies of heaven (2Ki 6:17-18), who gives unerringly prophetic insight, who has power over death itself (2Ki 13:20-21)."

We cry out for the God of 'personal-miracles' everyday, to show Himself strong in our lives. We plead with Him for the miracles witnessed by the Old Testament saints. We desire the miracles more than we desire compassion for the lost. How can it be? Theirin lies the answer.............and the problem.

I felt God give me a reply; an unsettling one. I believe He said, "You ask me where is the God of Elisha? But I ask you, 'Where are the Elisha's?'"

And where are we? The first time Elisha is mentioned in the Bible is in 1Kings 19:16 where God tells Elijah to go anoint him as prophet. Just 3 verses later Elijah finds him (1Ki 19:19). Elisha was just living his life, but in just one short verse he gave up everything he had to fulfill the call of God on his life (1Ki 19:19-21). Where are we who would do that today? Elisha was unwaveringly obedient to God even when it hurt. His dedication and consecration were second to none. He spoke to kings and rulers out of the integrity of his relationship with God. How many of us can God trust to do that today? Our motives?

Elisha paid a high price to see the things God did through him. He didn't have to do anything (it appears) to get the calling, but to keep it.........thats a different story, one that Elijah could tell better than I (1Ki 19). Great sacrifice to God always produces fruit. In the same equation; sacrifice + fruit = joy. Sacrifice isn't really hard, when we want to please Him who is worthy. Then, it ceases to be "sacrifice" and ends up being "willingness". I don't want materialism to rob me of the true riches of the Kingdom. Neither did Elisha (1Ki 19:20-21).

The God of Elisha is still around; but where have the Elisha's gone..........................?

notes from Matthew 13:44

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44 NASB)

Adam Clarke's (1762-1832) Commentary on the Bible

We should consider the salvation of God,
1. As our only treasure, and value it above all the riches of the world.
2. Search for it in the Scriptures, till we fully understand it's worth and excellence.
3. Deeply ponder it in the secret of our souls.
4. Part with all we have in order to get it.
5. Place our whole joy and felicity in it; and
6. Be always convinced that it must be bought, and that no price is accepted for it but the blood of the covenant; the sufferings and death of our only Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Geneva Bible Translation Notes (1599)

Few men understand how great the riches of the kingdom of heaven are, and that no man can be a partaker of them but he that redeems them with the loss of all his goods.

Matthew Henry (1662-1714)

Though nothing can be given as a price for this salvation, yet much must be given up for the sake of it.

For many are called, but few are chosen.

(Matthew 22:14 NASB)

6 yrs old, and back to Grade 3

Another week has flew by and it's amazing at how fast time actually slips away on us. Mother Teresa has said: Yesterday has gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.

Last friday was one of those 'one of a kind' days that you don't get many of in this life. I woke up early, as I had been invited by a friend of a friend to sit in with a grade 3 class at a local school in downtown St Petersburg to immerse myself in some Russian culture. Upon driving to the school I was kind of nervous and not knowing what to expect cause the entire day was to be in Russian and I was afraid that the kids would think it very uncomfortable to have me (a thirty year old) sitting in class with them. As soon as they seen me they ALL ran over and began practicing their limited english on me, and taking pictures of me, and shaking my hand, etc. It was hilarious. They offered their chairs to me, and their books during class. One little girl (Sasha) gave me 3 rubles for lunch. Another little girl gave me a snack bar to eat. Nastya even gave me her phone number!!? Over and over, they made me things, continually involved me in the class, went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and communicate with me, and shared the Gospel to me without using words. 3 of them even walked me to the door when the day was over. It was awesome. I loved the day. They even asked the teacher if I would return another day. And on thursday I will return to that class to participate in a field trip to a local art museum. I cannot wait.

In other events, I am now 6 years old. Yesterday marked a 6 year milestone of my walk with God. 6 years............. it's amazing how faithful and pastoral God is. For my birthday, Анюта ( pronounced Annoota; but I call her Annushka) took me around the city to see some of the sights. She took me to St Isaac's Cathedral, and the Church of the Savior on Blood; both of which were absolutely amazing. It twas a great day indeed. Очень even.

notes from Mark 3

1 - 6 Jesus completely breaks a rule. He goes against what is written in the Law. He's teaching them that it's not about rules. God is "love", He's not "Law" (rules). The people who knew and and tried to keep the Law were offended at Jesus because He knew the rules weren't what God intended; they weren't His best. Relationship trumps rules. Even if we make what the Apostle Paul says, binding, then we are missing the whole point of what God wants for us. It brings God no more glory when we keep all the rules as when we don't. It brings God glory when we simply love Him and seek to please Him from that love.

7-8 How many of us can say that multitudes from every area around us flock to us because of what they have heard about us? Are we not the fragrance of Christ in this earth of trash and filth? We need to just stop and to let God love us. Then, we are changed, and we freely give as we have been given to. Everything He has given us, we are then prepared and eager to give away, joyously.

9-10 Jesus needed an escape route!! People were so desperate for Him that He planned get away routes. Crazy.

I admire the poor. I'm sorry. They have a strength which we know

nothing of. They have a faith of which we know nothing. They have a relationship with God with which I'm jealous of.

Don't pity the poor, love them, learn from them. They have more to offer us than we to them.

Mark 1 & 2 (pt1)

The first couple chapters of the Gospel of Mark contain dramatic examples of belief and trust. In 1:16-18 Jesus spots Simon (Peter) and Andrew and simply encourages them to join Him. They immediately give up their entire lives. In 1:19-20 He spots John and James and calls them as well. They also give up their entire lives with what seems like little thought given to it. It`s like the idea of not doing it was ridiculous! In 2:14 Jesus spots Matthew and (a tax collector and sinner) and calls him; immediately Matthew gave up riches and social status to follow Him. What are we willing to give up?

These men forsook everything for Jesus. It didn't even appear as if they even took the time to count the cost, the decision was immediate. The material things they possessed were not as appealing as a life dedicated to Jesus. Why are we so reluctant to do the same? We make excuse after excuse to justify our complacency, while millions of people are secretly crying out for........love, acceptance, forgiveness, and many other things that can only truly be found in Christ. Jesus has given us the answer to these questions, and yet, here we sit, asking Jesus more questions. It's not so hard.

Simon, Andrew, John, James, and Matthew all had questions, but when Jesus spoke to them they know they had heard the answer. All the poeple we are in contact with everyday have questions, yet why don't we realize (or care) that their answer is lying (often dormant) within us. We need to grow up. We need to step out. We need to believe. We need to "get up and follow Him" (2:14).

St Petersburg/Санкт-Петербург

As you may have noticed, the last month or so has been removed from my blog. I will not get into the details as to why this has happened but it was necessary; unfortunate, but necessary.

So now I am in St Petersburg and have been accepted into a TEFL course here. St Petersburg is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities I have ever had the pleasure of travelling to. It is amazing here. So, I try to do the 4 week TEFL course, and I also try to learn Russian!! Should be easy?!! Not really, I have learnt the alphabet and the language is crazy! Anyways, we'll see what happens.

And as far as my poll on the sidebar:

Where should I go after Armavir?

stay in Russia (11%)
back to Canada (44%)
Mozambique (44%)
Azerbijan (0%)
Well, I am staying in Russia for a spell. Thanks y'all.

6 yrs old, and back to Grade 3

Another week has flew by and it's amazing at how fast time actually slips away on us. Mother Teresa has said: Yesterday has gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.

Last friday was one of those 'one of a kind' days that you don't get many of in this life. I woke up early, as I had been invited by a friend of a friend to sit in with a grade 3 class at a local school in downtown St Petersburg to immerse myself in some Russian culture. Upon driving to the school I was kind of nervous and not knowing what to expect cause the entire day was to be in Russian and I was afraid that the kids would think it very uncomfortable to have me (a thirty year old) sitting in class with them. As soon as they seen me they ALL ran over and began practicing their limited english on me, and taking pictures of me, and shaking my hand, etc. It was hilarious. They offered their chairs to me, and their books during class. One little girl (Sasha) gave me 3 rubles for lunch. Another little girl gave me a snack bar to eat. Nastya even gave me her phone number!!? Over and over, they made me things, continually involved me in the class, went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and communicate with me, and shared the Gospel to me without using words. 3 of them even walked me to the door when the day was over. It was awesome. I loved the day. They even asked the teacher if I would return another day. And on thursday I will return to that class to participate in a field trip to a local art museum. I cannot wait.

In other events, I am now 6 years old. Yesterday marked a 6 year milestone of my walk with God. 6 years............. it's amazing how faithful and pastoral God is. For my birthday, Анюта (pronounced Annoota; I call her by the name Annushka though) took me around the city to see some of the sights. She took me to St Isaac's Cathedral, and the Church of the Savior on Blood; both of which were absolutely amazing. Twas a good weekend, to be sure.

Got It!!! (the russian visa)

After getting up early today and being held up on the bus by an aptartment fire and a huge line at the Russian Embassy, and then a 6 hour wait..............we finally get approved for our Russian visas!!! So now we are online trying to book flights for tomorrow or the next day from Moscow to Krasnodar. We are pretty stoked. Finally, after leaving Mozambique on the 9th it finally seems like Russia is a definite. Thanks for your prayers everyone, but don't stop now cause we are only just beginning our descent into Russia.

London has been extremely expensive but incredibly amusing. It seems a great (but expensive!!!) city. Last night we went with Katherine and met Analee, Laura, and Cassandra (3 girls from Holy Given 1) at a great food place and had supper. It was an awesome time and amazing food. Anyways, I'll update again hopefully from Moscow!

London, England(?)

So. London?, you say? Indeed. We got wind of a cheap flight outta Nairobi thursday night to London, and since everyone else got their visas outta London, we decided to try too. We fly to London and land at Heathrow at 6am. We do some stuff and take the subway to the Russian Embassy to learn we can't get an application there, we have to specially download and fill it out from the website. We run down to a printing store who lets us get online and we do our business and run back to the embassy; but wait...........we're 4 minutes after noon and the embassy is closed and won't answer the door!!! So we miss out by 4 minutes! Then Jess gets us a CRAZY contact whom I refuse to stay with. So we get a hostel for a reasonable(?!) $40US/night!! WHAT?! We stay there and the next day I call Katherine Warnock (Lolli) and arrange for us to stay with her and her husband Daniel. THANK YOU JESUS!!! They rock!

So we are hanging out in London for the weekend and takin in the sights. London isnt the cheapest place I've ever been but neither is Pemba, or Nairobi, for that matter. It's pretty crazy. It's all good though. Hopefully we can get our visas tomorrow (monday) morning and fly from London to Moscow tomorrow night. Keep praying everybody, cause this is crazy!

no visa from Nairobi

We went to the Russian embassy early this morning and as we waited for the foreigner to get his visa in front of us, we were informed that WE could not get a visa into Russia. What the..........?!! So now we have about 4 hours to book a flight outta this country because our Kenya visa expires on saturday. Not a lot of time to seek the Lord on this subject so we have to rely on sheer ole continual intimacy and the relationship that we all should continually abide in!! So options are:
1) go to London and try again at the embassy there
2) stay somewhere in Africa and ditch Russia altogether
3) go back to Canada and take stock of things

Decision has to be made ASAP, sooner even! If you read this, pray for some direction for us. Money is an option and time is an option. We need to get outta Nairobi agora mesmo rapido rapido!!! STRESS IS NOT AN OPTION.

perseverance equals.......um, uh............something?

It's starting to get hilarious. Elena (from the Russian embassy) takes all our passports yesterday and tells us to call her today, even though it's a day off for them. We try to call her but the number she gives us cannot be reached by cell phone. So we get to a landline and try again where we talk to this guy who says she's not in but to call back in an hour. We call back to the same number and all we get is the SCREEEEEEECH of a fax machine thing!! We call back a couple more times to no avail. So now we are stuck in Nairobi yet another day, but this day we have not our passports. Like I said, it's starting to get hilarious. Our Kenya visa expires on saturday so regardless of Russia, we have to be out of Kenya by then. So, tomorrow we drive to the Russian Embassy (again) and see what's happening. So, yeah, Russia HAS TO be good, cause it is proving to be one hard place to get into.

Nairobi, Kenya

Yep, here am I. We went to the Russian embassy here in Nairobi this morning and were well recieved by Elena. At first she said we absolutely COULD NOT get a visa to Russia, but after I explained the situation to her (and how embassy's should actually operate(?)) she was more than happy to give us applications and help us however we needed. She could not give us our visas but was going to talk to her superior, who she said was the one who could issue the visa. She gave us her phone number and said we could check back tomorrow morning to see if the applications would be approved.

So we hang in Nairobi till then. It's a very dangerous city and we dare not venture out at night. A tourist makes it about half a block before they get mugged!! It is an incredibly modernized city though. Not a whole lot of room for evangelizin though, since I haven't met one person here who does not know Jesus!! Anyways, I hope the next time I write anything on Blogger I'll be in Russia!

next up.....NAIROBI

Yep, the Russian embassy here in Dar es Salaam is giving us such a hard time that we are packing our bags, and heading north into Kenya to try the Russian embassy in Nairobi for our visa.

It's crazy; entering Russia should not be this hard. It reminds me of all the times that the Apostle Paul tried to go places and was hindered, but he wasn't discouraged and kept going and going, till he got there. The Lord's timing is perfect, and I still truly believe He wants me to help out with this missions school in Armavir. I'm not discouraged in the least, only more excited for what Jesus has in store for myself and the Russians down there. Prayer would still be muchly appreciated though. Thanks!

Oh, and check out the new set of links in my sidebar entitled "VIDEOS'' (right under my ''PHOTOGARPHY''). I separated all into different categories for you. Is this blog user friendly or what?!!

in Tanzania

Made it to Tanzania and have started the application process for my Russian visa. The people at the embassy are not willing (in the least) to help us out and have been very unrealistic and difficult to work with. So we struggle on, but it's not looking good for Russia. Not sure how long I will be in Dar es Salaam; my visa for tanzania is just 14 days. So decisions will have to be made shortly. Sudan and Mozambique are other options, but they are not the primary desire of mine at this point. Other than that, I'm now staying at the Holiday Hotel and paying about $12US/night.

Dar es Salaam is a fairly modern city, and not a bad place to be stuck, but I do appreciate prayer, and much of it as we try for our visas. Blessings. Hopefully my next post will be one of VICTORY!!!

HG5..........check!

Holy Given 5 is now officially over. Graduation was today. Tomorrow I fly to Dar es Salaam and try to get a visa for Russia. Paul Adams is there already trying to get a visa and the embassy is not playing nice; they don't want to give him one. PRAYER IS NEEDED. I want to go to Russia. PLEASE PRAY EVRYONE. I WANT TO GO TO RUSSIA!!!

HG5 went well. I wont go into too many details but it didnt quite go expected as planned? It was good though. All in all, thousands of people recieved Jesus, many churches were planted, and the Gospel was advanced in a mighty way. And that's what it's all about.

worldliness + fire = purity

There's a desperation that can come on you that shouldn't be taken lightly. It's a desperation for........'less'. In Paul's second letter to the Corinthians he writes, "having nothing, yet possessing all things" (2Cor 6:10 nasb). That's a dangerous thing to desire. It screams of freedom though. Freedom from things that people are killing each other for. Materialism is not as blatant as it appears to be. Even the 3rd World is steeped in over their heads with the need for things which distract them from true freedom. Humanity craves more 'stuff'. The whole reason God gave us a covenant which is based on freedom is so that we would be free. Yet we have exalted that freedom to a status of Master, and it has ensnared us with greed and pride. What an awful miscarriage of justice. We've used God's love for us against Him.

We cry to God for "More" while ignoring His cry of, "I have already answered that prayer." What if we were satisfied with Him, and Him alone? What if God never ever did anything for you from this day on; would you still serve Him? Isn't what He already did for you enough? If He never blessed you with enough money to enjoy your luxuries again, isn't what He already done for you enough to give everything you own? What if the Body was filled with people who never asked God for anything, but were content only to serve Him out of the desperate love which He has for us? What would this look like? I think I know, but it's an answer that would leave 90% of christendom very unsettled.

I desire to be satisfied with serving Christ, period. I do not want to work for Christ, I want to serve Him. "A person who works is paid wages, but they are not regarded as a gift; they are something that has been earned. But those who depend on faith, not on deeds, and who believe in the God who declares the guilty to be innocent, it is this faith that God takes into account in order to put them right with himself" (Rom 4:4-5 gnb).

Although we are already dead (Galatians 2:20), we still die daily (1Corinthians 15:31). I pray that the Lord would kill us again, this time slowly and painfully, so that we would not forget. So that we would identify with the love Jesus had for us when He endured the cross for us. Today, I am desperate. Yet not to the degree which is desperate for His lost bride. My desperation needs to increase till I cry as He does. Draw us in closer Lord. In Your fire lies purity. And in Your presence lies Your fire, which burns off the worldliness that feeds our complacence. Burn it off Lord, please, millions are waiting ...................

wasup?!

The experience I've had in Africa thus far has been largely experiential. I can't really remember a time in my Christian life where the Bible has seemeed so silent, and where God has seemed so contemplative, choosing rather to lean back on His throne and observe me rather than blatantly reveal Himself. The experience is not the easiest, but it is challenging.

I just finished reading Romans 5:3-5; We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance brings God's approval, and His approval creates hope. This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out His love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to us. (GNB)

The word translated 'troubles' here is the Greek word thlipsis which can also be accurately translated as 'pressure'. When God is not speaking to us as loudly and clearly as we would like, there seems to be a certain pressure to make sure we're really in His will and doing exactly what He wants us to be doing. Yet the promises that this pressure will yield a harvest of endurance --> approval --> hope. And the hope all comes back to the promise of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It all comes back to intimacy, and connecting to the thing that we already have.

A friend posed a question to one of the staff here in Pemba recently: "If you didn't know what you were supposed to do next and you asked God and He said, 'I don't care. What do you want to do?' What would you do?" It's a valid question. So many times we wait on God, while He's waiting on us.

In my time here in Pemba it feels like instead of God telling me what to do, He's walking beside me and I'm just following Him. No words are necessary, just relying on Him to guide. Trusting in the Holy Spirit and the ultimate promise of God that was fulfilled on Pentecost.

I said earlier that this was largely experiential. I mean that I've been finding out lots about myself and who God has created me to be. It has been an awakening of sorts. One that is crucial in the development of future opportunities. New vision, dreams, game plans, etc are arising inside me. How do I specifically and individually advance the Kingdom in the most effective and efficient way, without falling victim to the "needs" of the ministry. No one should ever minister out of "need", you must always minister out of "love" and "desire". Theirin is your joy, your steadfastness in hard times, your unending perseverance. Whoever said, "Find a need, and then meet it" probably got burnt out pretty quick if that "need" wasn't something they were totally passionate about. There will always be need, no amount of working and striving will eliminate it. We need to follow the Lamb wherever He leads us, wherever that may be. That is what I'm learning in Africa right now. Just to be. Not to stress, but just to follow. As a leaf being carried downstream, so am I.

photos for you

So I had a bit of time to kill today. I'm in town waiting for Precision Air to change my flight back to Tanzania so I can get to Russia. So I came to the internet cafe and am able to upload photos for you. So click ---> HERE <--- to view photos of my time at Holy Given 5 in Pemba. It may be forever before I get ALL the photos on here, but some are here anyway. You can also check out the 'Holy Given 5' link in my sidebar under photogarphy.

Church Planting is cool

Thats right, it IS cool. Just think. Somewhere in the northern Mozambican bush 3 hours outside of Pemba there is a place where people can access spiritual help whereas they had not the opportunity before. That is a piece of the heart of missions; placing a pastor in a church to raise up Spirit filled believers who will in turn do the same in other places that have not a witness of Christ. To have the privledge to take part in this is just awesome, it's humbling that God would allow me to have a hand in the revival He has brought to Mozambique. He trains us so we can train others. On and on it goes till either the whole world believes, or Jesus descends from the heavens.......

Lots is happening in Mozambique. Villages are being transformed by the Gospel. We rejoice with the good, we persevere through the bad. We do not lose heart, cause Jesus has already purchased the victory. We press forward under assurance of His great and mighty promises. We are not shaken, but we shake nations. Is their any other life that satisfies? I highly doubt it. Ministry can be hard, but it's addicting. The Gospel is too good to hide from people. You do not light a lamp and then put it under a basket, you put it on a lampstand, and it gives light to all around (Matthew 5:15). You do not take what Jesus has given you and horde it to yourself, you openly display (and give) it, and the world is amazed at what He's done for you, and what He's willing to do for them. The Gospel is not exclusive. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control are all described as 'fruit' (Galatians 5:22-23). Pick the fruit from the Tree and give it to those who are hungry, for those who are longing for love, joy, peace. patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Give to all what we already have been given. For the joy set before us, we lay our lives down for those whom Jesus still calls out for.

i want cheescake!!!

I'm still in Pemba but it appears I won't be heading to Khartoum, Sudan to work at an Iris base there. The story goes that Iris is shutting down the base there till they get proper local leadership in place. This puts a bit of direction change in my future, but the lord has provided an amazing alternative as only He can. It now appears I will be heading to Armavir, Russia in about a month to help with the Holy Given: Russia school. It is an amazing opportunity to minister the Gospel in another place that is in desperate need of the love of God. As of right now, HG Russia has no international support; so we don't know where sleeping accomodations, or food, or anything will come from for our students. It has the potential to be an amazing experience of trusting God and seeing Him move in ways I have never experienced before. So I will likely head to Russia shortly after the missions school graduation here in Pemba (Aug 8) and may spend the rest of 2007 there, we'll see. We will be involved with some church planting in that area as well so there will be opportunity to stay on afterwards and do some discipling, etc. I want to add that I'm more excited and expectant about Russia than I've been about anything in quite awhile. So if everyone could pray that I will find a cheap, safe flight to either Moscow, or Armavir, it would be appreciated!!

Here, things are well though. The rice and beans are starting to taste a little bland and the culture is starting to wear on a lot of the students. But lives are being transformed and the Kingdom is advancing in a mighty wave across northern Mozambique. It is a great priviledge to have a hand in this great move of God. I can't really say I'm homesick, but I do miss a lot of my friends back in Canada; I hope you're all expriencing the fullness God wants you to.

good times at the expense of the............witchdoctor!!!!

So my color group team (Vibrant Grey) which I lead went out into the village on wednesday to help a family repair some of the walls of their house. The local pastors whom we went with ended up being extremely unprepared so we didn't get much done (not a big surprise, this is Africa after all) but we arranged for them to be more prepared another day and we made a date to go back. While we were hanging around and playing with the baby though, we noticed he had a strange looking bracelet on him. I asked Justinho about it, and if it was a witchdoctor charm to ward off evil spirits and stuff. He asked the mother and she said it was. They had been having problems with him, so they took an hour and a half journey to see the witchdoctor who informed her that her child had a demon attached to it and this bracelet was supposed to keep the demon away. I told them this was unacceptable and that the bracelet needed to go. We asked the mother if we could remove it and she said we could. I expected a little more resistance on her part. Many families are terrified to remove a witchdoctor's amulet because they fear a demonic attack upon their lives. Anyways, we cut the bracelet off (with the help of Elise's key) and then gathered around the baby and prayed for the blessings and peace of Jesus to abide on him and heal him. Then we explained to the mother that trusting in Jesus was so much more steadfast and everlasting than trusting in the witchdoctor. It was good times.

The children here at Iris make their own bracelets out out different color beads which symbolically represent the new life which is found in Christ. One of the members of my team bought one and when we go back to the house we will replace the bracelet we took from the baby with one that represents the everlasting covenant God made with us through Jesus. How absolutely awesome is that?! It's pretty awesome. I love it.

update from HG5

I'm at this sweet internet spot in downtown Pemba. It's hilarious. Not really high speed or anything, but it's what we got, and for here, it's absolutely fantastic. So I'm full on in the role of staff for HG 5 (short for Holy Given) and things are well. It is a wee bit more chilled in Africa right now than I remember, but afterall, this is their winter. I mean plus 20 degrees is still pretty warm, but I expected some major heat to be cranking out. We got about 150 students here and only about 40 guys!! So the girls have us slightly outnumbered. It's all good though. So far we have had a steady diet of rice and beans! But don't worry, there are some restaurants that cater to our western needs!! All in all though, things are well. My mind has been preoccupied with things other than Holy Given, but God is good, and He's starting to minister to me in intense degrees.

I believe I have been approved by Iris to go to Sudan in september. But as of right now noone knows what the leadership wants to do with the ministry in Khartoum so nothing is finalized right now. As of this moment I have no idea what is taking place in september. It is totally up in the air. I don't plan in being back in Canada till at least January, but as I said, I've no idea what the Fall holds. I'm not too worried about it though.

So thats the latest. Pretty much been entertaining myself with the kids, refreshing my portuguese, getting the lay of the land again, and dying to self (which seems to be never-ending). It's all been real good though. We'll see what God intends to do in the next little while, but I'm expecting it to get A LOT more intense. Sometimes God pushes things to the forefront that must be dealt with; internal things. Here we go. See ya's.

welcome home

Yee haw!!, back in Africa. A 7ish hr trip from Montreal - Zurich, followed by a 8ish hr trip from Zurich - Dar es Salaam took me into Africa again. I grabbed a taxi [they ripped me off >:(] and drove to the Holiday Hotel for the night. The sights and smells of the poverty of Tanzania shocked me. I have been away too long. I had forgotten a little the severity of poverty. After checking into my room, I get a knock on the door and guess who...........Paul Adams, who arrived in Dar es Salaam the day before and hunted me down. Good stuff. We catch up and head into Mozambique together the next day.

I hit the ground running in Pemba when I arrive. The regular Iris staff all are going to Maputo for a staff retreat, so Kylene and I are put in charge and given a host of duties to see to. I immediately get put on key duty at base 1, work duties for the missions school, and distribution of donations and gifts directed towards the children and student pastors. I also am generally in charge of the 50 or so guys that are coming is as students for the missions school. It has been fairly busy indeed.

But enough about crazy busy time, here are some funny, interesting things that have happened since arriving about 5 days ago:
-- we go to town to buy some fruit, etc and get followed around by this demonized girl who is stripping in front of us and stuff. It was interesting all right.
-- I come home my first night and am greeted by an enormous hairy spider on my floor. After a 30 minute battle, I spear a Croc at it and injure it enough so that it falls off the wall. I finish it off with the other Croc. Victory!!!........and peaceful sleep!
-- I go outside to check up on my unfinished kitchen and an even BIGGER spider (pictured) has taken up permanent residence. My friend Paul grabs a loooong stick and whackes it, but it doesn't die. The thing is huge!! He squishes it with his shoe and ends the life of this terrifying creature.
-- I am awakened saturday morning at 6:15am by a text from Kylene saying some guy had lost control of his car and had rammed it through the wall of our water house (pictured). I walk the 15 minutes to base 2 ans sure enough, some guy had lost control of his car and had rammed through the wall of our water house!! So, we have to manually move 700 (1.5L x 12) boxes of water out of the room so they would not be stolen. It was a heavy duty move job.

I can't really think of much more now cause it's late and I have to go to bed. A lot has gone on in the last few days and rest is a GOOD thing. Staying close to Jesus in these busy times are also a GOOD thing, the very best thing, in fact. There will be many more stories to come, be sure. Internet is accessible here, but not a whole lot, so I will update as God allows me to. Sleep time.

What to say? What to say?

Well then. This week has certainly been intense. One of the most intense, I ask myself? Yes, absolutely. Questions and issues have arisen, and I've had to deal with them, somewhat. Things I didn't want to admit.........I've had to. At the end of the day, the things that came up ended up to be truth. To have them not come up would've kept them classified as lies. I know I'm speaking cryptically, and that for a reason. Some know, some don't. I'm not getting into it. Is it over? I doubt it. I truly doubt it.

So, I leave for Mozambique in a few hours. My time on PEI was incredibly rushed and busy, but I think I've gotten all done that I needed to. I would've liked to have been able to spend more time with my family, but time did not allow. I don't know what else to say. My mind is still a bit numb; it was quite a week.

So I sit here at my brother's, late at night, eating a Reese peanut butter cup, drinking Cranberry juice, listening to Coheed and Cambria, wondering at the next year of my life, praying for wisdom, and trying to release certain people to God. I can't wait to step foot onto the dirt of Mozambique. Oh to be back with the poor of the world, but the rich of the Kingdom!