So it’s Christmas Day, and I am in Barcelona, Spain. The reality of that sentence is so incredible to me. God is just so good to me, His child, and I am brought to tears at the very thought of His love for me and how He shows it to me daily.
I’ve been sitting in Starbucks for about the past hour, drinking Dark Cherry Mocha
(because I’m not allergic to coffee anymore…praise the Lord for His goodness in even small things!), listening to Christmas music play in the background, and reading my Bible. (After being without a coffee shop for four months, Starbucks is a welcome setting!)
I’m reading 2 Corinthians, and it has never come so alive to me before today. It is so darn good. I feel like Paul’s words to the Corinthian believers fit my ministry to a T (whatever that expression really means, I don’t even know). It is so fitting for my ministry back home at FCCT, to my ministry coming up on outreach, and for my entire future as I imagine God to use me. The prophet in Paul really comes out in this letter. He is stern in His words. But because I can relate to where Paul is coming from, I can understand the love behind it. There is just so much truth there, and it’s just so good!
I leave for Asia in 11 days. The closer it gets, the more it becomes real. I didn’t
have fear or anxiety much early on because I couldn’t really grasp the reality of what I am about to embark on. But as it is just around the corner, it is sinking in. Not only will I be in two foreign countries (very foreign countries), but I am the leader, I am in charge. I have never done this before. Why me, God? Why did You choose me? I’m tiny and weak… just look at me! Why do You have confidence in me? What is it You see in me that you would bring me to a position of leadership for this time?
It is starting to hit me that God will be my only strength, my only source of need
during this outreach. I have no one else to turn to, no shoulder to lean on, no one to be guided by… just Him. And as I set aside the fear of that, I can see the beauty in it. God set this up purely to draw me closer to Him. Because He loves me, and He believes in me, and He desires to be with me.
As I was reflecting on the depths of this, Cory Asbury’s song “You Are My Hope”
came to my mind, so I pulled out my iPod and listened to it. This will officially be “my song” for this next phase of my life, for the 10 weeks I am in Asia.
To You, O Lord, who lifts my soul, My God, in whom I trust
Let me not be ashamed
‘Cause only You can deliver me from the hands of my strong enemies
Let me not be ashamed
‘Cause no one who waits on the Lord will ever be put to shame
‘Cause…
You are, You are my hope
You are, You are my song
You are, You are my light
You are my salvation
All my hope’s in You, my Strength, my Song
Lord, You are my hope. You are my strength. You are all I need. I don’t know why
you have called me to lead, Father. But I trust that you trust in me, and so surely You will raise me up.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Gyor, Hungary
We spent Tuesday through Thursday in Györ, Hungary working at a Christian school of 1st –12th grade. We were blown away with how welcomed we were! They gave over so many of their class periods to us, allowing us to teach and share anything we wanted.
I taught morning devotions to the 10th grade class, and I had been told not to expect any participation from them. But God moved in that classroom as these students gave me their full attention and even spoke up, sharing their own stories. It was so great!
I also was able to spend quite a bit of time with the 7th and 8th grade girls during the week. They were so fascinated by what God has done in my life, and they want to keep in touch. It was so cool to have an instant connection with them. I was definitely reminded why I got my degree in Youth Ministry. I loved these kids!
During our time here, we also were able to spend time praying with student leaders and teachers, prayer-walking the city, cleaning up a park in the Roma (“gypsy”) neighborhood, teaching a class in the Roma elementary school, and teaching a combination devotional/dance class to the 3rd and 4th grade students.
Prior to coming to the school, we had no idea what we would be doing. With no preparation, we were amazed at how the Holy Spirit repeatedly gave us lesson plans on the spot and spoke through us! I think the faith of every person on our team grew this week as we saw God in action in our lives!
Most notably during my time in Györ, I heard God calling me to return to this city. I felt it the first day as we were walking through the town. I felt it the very first time I was in a classroom with the 7th graders. I felt it just as strongly the day we left to return to Budapest. I made many contacts during my time in Györ, and I shall wait and see how God plans to use this in my future!
Budapest, Hungary
My week in Hungary was so amazing! Here is a short look at what we did during our time there.
On Sunday, we joined with Calvary Chapel for street evangelism near the subway and bus stations. Our group performed the drama “Everything” to the song from Lifehouse. I don’t know if you are familiar with this drama, but you can find it on youtube. I was the main girl in the drama, and I have the bruises to prove it. We also played some music and shared testimonies. Mostly, we just walked around talking to people, and we passed out fliers for Calvary’s young adults’ service. I had only a couple of encouraging conversations, as it was difficult to talk to people because they were coming and going. Because of this, it was actually a frustrating night.
Prior to the street evangelism, we met at the church to pray for our ministry on the streets that night, and I encountered my first demon-possessed person. Sadly, she did not want to be free, so our prayers were not sufficient. But it was eye-opening to be a part of it. I do not know the woman’s name, but please pray for her as
you read this.
Sunday night we attended Calvary Chapel’s service. It was so cool to stop and think, “I’m in Hungary, on the other side of the world, worshiping in both English and Hungarian the same God that I worship back in Arizona!”
Monday morning we went to the other side of the city to the highest point. As we overlooked Budapest, we prayed for God’s love and transformation.
This afternoon, we met up with the YWAM Budapest staff and went out to do street evangelism again. We were underground at a metro station, and we had a completely different experience from the previous night. God’s love and hope poured out as people stuck around to listen and watch. I also had a slightly crazy, old man give me flowers. :)
We did the drama twice. I joined my teammate Aaron in singing some worship songs, and I shared my testimony on the mic. Who would have ever thought that one day I would be doing this?
Later in the evening, Aaron and I led worship at the YWAM base. It was the perfect way to end such a wonderful day!
Fast forward to Friday, and we returned to the YWAM coffee shop to serve free drinks and pray for the ministry (only after eating an incredible meal complete with tasty Hungarian pancakes)!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
November Summary
November was such a great month here at the base! As you may have read, I will be heading to Asia in January and leading my team! I am getting more and more excited as we plan the outreach and get a better idea of what the country is like and what we will be doing.
Last week all of the students here were sent all over Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and Hungary for a week-long mini-outreach. My team of 12 (8 students, 3 staff, and 1 friend) had an amazing week in Hungary! God multiplied His blessings over us all week long as we were welcomed everywhere we went, had cozy places to sleep, and had warm meals in our bellies. More about Hungary later...
One thing we are good at here is having fun. Between hip hop classes, fashion shows, and worship nights, it is never dull around here. It has been so wonderful to be in an environment where Christ is truly the focus, yet the importance of play is made known, as well.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Outreach in January
Last week we were told where each of us will be headed come January as we travel to another nation for the 10-week outreach phase of our DTS.
Before all of the locations were announced, photography students had already been notified what the two photo-hub locations would be. So as I headed into the meeting where other locations were announced, I told God: "Ok, I want to be open to wherever you want to send me, but I'm pretty sure I already know that I will be going to this specific photo-hub location. Afterall, I came here to do photography." Well, by the end of the meeting after all of the locations had been announced, I had NO peace about this location anymore. We were given only a few days to pray and seek God's voice before turning in our top three choices.
Whereas with Budapest, I knew immediately that is where God was sending me, this time I had no immediate answer. God took me down a bunny trail, leaving me clues along the way until finally revealing His choice to me. While it was frustrating at first to not have peace about where to go, I must say that I enjoyed this treasure hunt with God, and by the end, there was no doubt in my mind what my first choice should be! It was definitely a lesson in hearing God's voice.
Unfortunately, for the safety of all of our teams, I am not allowed to announce publicly on the internet where I will be going. I can tell you that I will be in Asia, though. I am so excited for what God has in store for my team!
...............
When I came here in September, I told God that I wanted to take a break from leadership for awhile and just enjoy being a student again. But as you can see, God had different plans for me! But it doesn’t stop at facilitating a small group, teaching dance classes, or leading worship. I have been asked to lead this outreach team! After my fourth week here, a staff member randomly told me, “I have plans for you.” She didn’t mention anything more until four weeks later when she said that she believes I have “an anointing for leadership.” A few days later, staff asked me to lead this team. This is a big responsibility, but also a wonderful opportunity, and I am just amazed that out of 86 students here, I was chosen for this. I’m sure God must have laughed when I told Him that I wanted to take a break from leadership!
Before all of the locations were announced, photography students had already been notified what the two photo-hub locations would be. So as I headed into the meeting where other locations were announced, I told God: "Ok, I want to be open to wherever you want to send me, but I'm pretty sure I already know that I will be going to this specific photo-hub location. Afterall, I came here to do photography." Well, by the end of the meeting after all of the locations had been announced, I had NO peace about this location anymore. We were given only a few days to pray and seek God's voice before turning in our top three choices.
Whereas with Budapest, I knew immediately that is where God was sending me, this time I had no immediate answer. God took me down a bunny trail, leaving me clues along the way until finally revealing His choice to me. While it was frustrating at first to not have peace about where to go, I must say that I enjoyed this treasure hunt with God, and by the end, there was no doubt in my mind what my first choice should be! It was definitely a lesson in hearing God's voice.
Unfortunately, for the safety of all of our teams, I am not allowed to announce publicly on the internet where I will be going. I can tell you that I will be in Asia, though. I am so excited for what God has in store for my team!
...............
When I came here in September, I told God that I wanted to take a break from leadership for awhile and just enjoy being a student again. But as you can see, God had different plans for me! But it doesn’t stop at facilitating a small group, teaching dance classes, or leading worship. I have been asked to lead this outreach team! After my fourth week here, a staff member randomly told me, “I have plans for you.” She didn’t mention anything more until four weeks later when she said that she believes I have “an anointing for leadership.” A few days later, staff asked me to lead this team. This is a big responsibility, but also a wonderful opportunity, and I am just amazed that out of 86 students here, I was chosen for this. I’m sure God must have laughed when I told Him that I wanted to take a break from leadership!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Budapest, Hungary
In November, we will go on a week-long “mini-outreach” to help prepare us for our large outreach in January. We were given 11 choices, and after praying and seeking God, turned in our top 3 choices.
A few weeks prior to hearing the choices, God put Budapest on my heart, as if He was saying: “Mindy, I am sending you to Budapest.” I thought this was very random, but figured God must be planning to send me there someday for some reason.
When Budapest was announced as a mini-outreach location, it all made sense! After submitting my top 3 choices, I was fortunate to be chosen for Budapest, Hungary!
Our team of 8 students and 2 leaders will be heading there November 15th thru 22nd. We are not certain yet what we will be doing, but we do know that for 3 days of our trip, 6 students will be able to go into a Roma (gypsy) village and partner with local missionaries in ministering to this lost people group of outcasts.
I cannot tell you how excited I am!!! Please be praying for the planning of our trip and for the transportation cost to stay down.
A few weeks prior to hearing the choices, God put Budapest on my heart, as if He was saying: “Mindy, I am sending you to Budapest.” I thought this was very random, but figured God must be planning to send me there someday for some reason.
When Budapest was announced as a mini-outreach location, it all made sense! After submitting my top 3 choices, I was fortunate to be chosen for Budapest, Hungary!
Our team of 8 students and 2 leaders will be heading there November 15th thru 22nd. We are not certain yet what we will be doing, but we do know that for 3 days of our trip, 6 students will be able to go into a Roma (gypsy) village and partner with local missionaries in ministering to this lost people group of outcasts.
I cannot tell you how excited I am!!! Please be praying for the planning of our trip and for the transportation cost to stay down.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Red Light District
Part of our DTS is doing weekly local outreach. We had several choices, and God put it on my heart to go into the Czech Republic. These border towns are known across Europe for human trafficking and brothels.
We are coming into these towns mostly to intercede in prayer, but also to love and share with these young women who are sold into prostitution.
As the only person on our team who plays guitar, I will be leading worship for our team in parking lots. And we are praying for opportunities to play inside brothels and bring a little hope to these women through the beauty of music and worship. Doors have been opened for this in the past, and we are praying for the same openness this time around.
Please be praying for the safety of our team as half of us head to the border every Friday night, and the rest of the team stays behind in prayer the entire time. We switch off every week, so everyone has the opportunity to go. Also pray for these women to be touched by God’s love and presence!
We are coming into these towns mostly to intercede in prayer, but also to love and share with these young women who are sold into prostitution.
As the only person on our team who plays guitar, I will be leading worship for our team in parking lots. And we are praying for opportunities to play inside brothels and bring a little hope to these women through the beauty of music and worship. Doors have been opened for this in the past, and we are praying for the same openness this time around.
Please be praying for the safety of our team as half of us head to the border every Friday night, and the rest of the team stays behind in prayer the entire time. We switch off every week, so everyone has the opportunity to go. Also pray for these women to be touched by God’s love and presence!
Worship & Dance
In January 2006, I felt God calling me to worship leading. While I did step into singing at this point, I failed to step into playing guitar, and for almost three years now, I have been disobedient in this calling.
I was worried that coming here for 7 months would mean that this calling would be put off seven months longer. But God stepped in and basically dumped opportunities in my lap! It started with volunteering to play for my local outreach team in the red light district. I also joined a worship team in which to sing and offer musical input.
But God didn’t stop there. I was given the opportunity to lead worship for the first time in a congregational setting this past Monday morning for the entire base of over 100 people. It was amazing to see my guitar skills drastically improve overnight and to see God totally come through! It brings me so much joy to lead worship, and I’m so thankful that after almost three years of not following God in this area, He didn’t give up on me or remove this calling!
I have also had the chance to teach dance here. After hearing that I was a dance teacher back home, several girls expressed interest in doing some classes here at the base. So every other week I have been teaching hip-hop classes. I have had 15-20 students coming! It is great to be able to use my gifts to bless others!
I was worried that coming here for 7 months would mean that this calling would be put off seven months longer. But God stepped in and basically dumped opportunities in my lap! It started with volunteering to play for my local outreach team in the red light district. I also joined a worship team in which to sing and offer musical input.
But God didn’t stop there. I was given the opportunity to lead worship for the first time in a congregational setting this past Monday morning for the entire base of over 100 people. It was amazing to see my guitar skills drastically improve overnight and to see God totally come through! It brings me so much joy to lead worship, and I’m so thankful that after almost three years of not following God in this area, He didn’t give up on me or remove this calling!
I have also had the chance to teach dance here. After hearing that I was a dance teacher back home, several girls expressed interest in doing some classes here at the base. So every other week I have been teaching hip-hop classes. I have had 15-20 students coming! It is great to be able to use my gifts to bless others!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Guten Tag
I am finishing up my second month here at YWAM in Germany. Time has gone so quickly, but at the same time it feels like I’ve been here forever because it feels like home.
The first month of photography classes was fun and low-key, but God was doing a lot in my heart during this time, confirming my life’s calling and rearranging my future plans. It was a time of going deeper into God’s heart, and it was so good!
In October, 40 more students joined us to begin the Discipleship Training School. Each week we have a different speaker and topic: Hearing God’s Voice, Intercession & Spiritual Warfare, Character Study on Joshua, Gifts & Abilities Workshop (so far). This has been a time of much teaching, and we have also had small groups, weekly Bible readings, and local outreaches on top of our continued photography assignments and daily work duties.
It has been busy and overwhelming at times, but God always comes and gives me rest just when I need it!
On top of everything else, I have been leading a weekly small group for the girls here along with one other student. This has been a great time of coming together as sisters in Christ to share what is on our hearts and to go deeper with each other.
It’s funny how I came here hoping to step away from leadership for awhile, but God immediately called me to step back into leadership roles. I appreciate God’s sense of humor. :)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Greetings from Germany
(written on September 17, 2008)
Guten Tag! (Good day!)
As you can probably tell, I made it to Germany safely! Traveling here was stressful with heavy bags, nearly missing my connecting flights, figuring out the train system in a foreign language, and having delayed baggage. But, I'm here, and God has been blessing me very much!
We are in week two of our photography classes. I am learning so much about photography and have been easily able to grasp some complex concepts, praise God! We have all been blessed in our new friendships and to have a staff that really cares about discipling and not simply teaching photography. In October, we will switch from having daily photography classes to only having one or two afternoon sessions in a week. Also at this time, 40 other students will be arriving from around the world, and we will begin Bible and missions classes. Our property is a 20-minute walk through the woods from the small town of Herrnhut. Did I mention it is gorgeous here?...especially for an Arizonan!
Our typical weekly schedule looks like this:
7:00-7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast
8:00-9:00 a.m. -- Worship/Devotional
9:00-11:00 a.m. -- Class
11:00-11:30 a.m. -- Coffee/Tea/Fruit break
11:30-1:00 p.m. -- Class
1:00-2:00 p.m. -- Lunch
2:00-4:00 p.m. -- Work Duty (I work in the kitchen. Yes, mom, I do dishes, if you can believe that. And, yes, I chose this work duty over others.)
4:00-6:00 p.m. -- Class, Field Time, or Free Time (depends)
6:00-7:00 p.m. -- Dinner
7:00-9:00 p.m. -- Free Time or Planned Group Activity
Last week we found out that our outreach/missions phase will be looking entirely different from what we thought. The photography students will NOT be joining the other students for outreach. Instead we will be going to one of two locations: Ethiopia or a country in Asia TBD. We will be working for a new organization called Pickapocket (check out their website:http://web.mac.com/eliminationart/Site/Home.html). As photojournalists, we will be doing "research" for this organization by each getting to know the story and life of one or two people in the community. We will spend the majority of time in relationship with them as we record their story and photograph them. As we put a face on poverty, we will also be sharing the Gospel and spreading the love of Jesus! I will keep you updated on where and when I will be heading out. I am SO excited for this incredible opportunity! This is so much greater than I ever could have imagined, and I am so full of praise to the Lord for this opportunity!
How you can be praying for me:
1. Health. I'm sick, and several other students and staff are sick as well.
2. Weather. It's COLD!!! The base cannot afford to turn the heaters on yet, and it's been between 30-50 F. Pray for funds to come into the base or for warmer weather.
3. Unity. Pray for growing unity among students and staff. We have been very blessed with this so far as everyone is getting along great, and the staff is wonderful! This will be all the more important as we determine who will be going to which outreach locations, and we will be called to work together as a team.
4. Discipleship. Pray that God continues to take us deeper and that we lay ourselves down daily for Him.
5. Excellence. Pray that, as artists, we become excellent in our art for God's glory, that we will be disciplined in our learning and in our desire to use our gifts for His sake.
6. Support. Please continue to pray for more support money to come in for me and the other students. Many of us have only raised the money needed for the schooling and not yet for the outreach phase.
Thank you all for your support and prayers! I could not be here without you, and I know God will reward you for your kindness. I would love to hear from you, as well, so feel free to e-mail me at any time (LaDanseur719@hotmail.com).
For HIS glory,
Mindy Pellum
Guten Tag! (Good day!)
As you can probably tell, I made it to Germany safely! Traveling here was stressful with heavy bags, nearly missing my connecting flights, figuring out the train system in a foreign language, and having delayed baggage. But, I'm here, and God has been blessing me very much!
We are in week two of our photography classes. I am learning so much about photography and have been easily able to grasp some complex concepts, praise God! We have all been blessed in our new friendships and to have a staff that really cares about discipling and not simply teaching photography. In October, we will switch from having daily photography classes to only having one or two afternoon sessions in a week. Also at this time, 40 other students will be arriving from around the world, and we will begin Bible and missions classes. Our property is a 20-minute walk through the woods from the small town of Herrnhut. Did I mention it is gorgeous here?...especially for an Arizonan!
Our typical weekly schedule looks like this:
7:00-7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast
8:00-9:00 a.m. -- Worship/Devotional
9:00-11:00 a.m. -- Class
11:00-11:30 a.m. -- Coffee/Tea/Fruit break
11:30-1:00 p.m. -- Class
1:00-2:00 p.m. -- Lunch
2:00-4:00 p.m. -- Work Duty (I work in the kitchen. Yes, mom, I do dishes, if you can believe that. And, yes, I chose this work duty over others.)
4:00-6:00 p.m. -- Class, Field Time, or Free Time (depends)
6:00-7:00 p.m. -- Dinner
7:00-9:00 p.m. -- Free Time or Planned Group Activity
Last week we found out that our outreach/missions phase will be looking entirely different from what we thought. The photography students will NOT be joining the other students for outreach. Instead we will be going to one of two locations: Ethiopia or a country in Asia TBD. We will be working for a new organization called Pickapocket (check out their website:http://web.mac.com/eliminationart/Site/Home.html). As photojournalists, we will be doing "research" for this organization by each getting to know the story and life of one or two people in the community. We will spend the majority of time in relationship with them as we record their story and photograph them. As we put a face on poverty, we will also be sharing the Gospel and spreading the love of Jesus! I will keep you updated on where and when I will be heading out. I am SO excited for this incredible opportunity! This is so much greater than I ever could have imagined, and I am so full of praise to the Lord for this opportunity!
How you can be praying for me:
1. Health. I'm sick, and several other students and staff are sick as well.
2. Weather. It's COLD!!! The base cannot afford to turn the heaters on yet, and it's been between 30-50 F. Pray for funds to come into the base or for warmer weather.
3. Unity. Pray for growing unity among students and staff. We have been very blessed with this so far as everyone is getting along great, and the staff is wonderful! This will be all the more important as we determine who will be going to which outreach locations, and we will be called to work together as a team.
4. Discipleship. Pray that God continues to take us deeper and that we lay ourselves down daily for Him.
5. Excellence. Pray that, as artists, we become excellent in our art for God's glory, that we will be disciplined in our learning and in our desire to use our gifts for His sake.
6. Support. Please continue to pray for more support money to come in for me and the other students. Many of us have only raised the money needed for the schooling and not yet for the outreach phase.
Thank you all for your support and prayers! I could not be here without you, and I know God will reward you for your kindness. I would love to hear from you, as well, so feel free to e-mail me at any time (LaDanseur719@hotmail.com).
For HIS glory,
Mindy Pellum
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)