I believe God has put it strongly on my heart to go to Mozambique and Cambodia this summer. I first heard about the ministry a few years ago. I read a book called "Compelled by Love" in preparation for a mission trip to Haiti. The book is all about the life and ministry of Heidi and Rolland Baker and specifically their ministry in Mozambique. The book touched my heart and deeply impacted me. Ever since I read it I occasionally would jokingly (but not so jokingly) say "Can I just pack up and move to Mozambique?" or "I just want to go live with Heidi Baker." Heidi and Rolland live among some of the poorest of the poor and they are seeing incredible revial, miracles and turning to Jesus. The more I heard about them and their ministry, the more I was drawn to it. I remember being struck by something Bill Johnson said in the film "Finger or God." He encouraged people that when you see God moving in a place or ministry, and you see God moving in ways you want to know and experience at a deeper level; go! Do whatever it takes to seek that out and put yourself in that environment to grow and experience more of God.
Just a month or so ago, a documentary film on Heidi and Rolland's life came out, also called "Compelled by Love." I went to see the movie at a local church with some friends. The whole time through the film, I could feel God stirring my heart and birthing desire in me. In my heart, while watching, I was saying, "Yes! I'll go! Send me! I want to go to the nations! Just show me where!" At that point, I had no clue where God would send me. I just knew I was ready and I felt him putting the desire on my heart. Towards the end of the movie, I started to cry just being touched by what I saw. When it ended people were getting up and chatting and laughing, but all I wanted to do was get on my knees alone somewhere and weep. The Pastor called anyone up to the front for prayer who felt a call to missions, so I went up. The whole time I was up there, I couldn't stop weeping. After that, I still just wanted to be alone and process and talk to God. I ended up talking with a woman there and she spoke some very encouraging things to me, specifically about how I was precious to God and he had big plans for my life.
A few days later, I found myself on the Iris Ministries website (Heidi and Rolland's Ministry). Just looking over the website, I found a page about their missions school, Harvest School of Missions. As I read more about it my heart started pounding (in a good way) and tears filled my eyes. I just kept thinking "What if this is it? What if I just do it? What if I take a leap of faith and chase my dreams?
A week or so later, I finished my application and sent it in. Then the waiting came. I had no idea the chances of getting accepted. I didn't think there was anything on my application that would keep me from getting accepted, but I had no idea how many people applied, and how the process worked, so I put it in God's hands. After I applied, everyone I talked to about it was so excited for me and encouraged me. A number of people kept saying "When you go to Africa" rather than if I go. Some people told me "Oh, I know you're going to get accpeted and go." Everyone who knew me well believed this was right for me and an opportunity that God had placed before me which I should pursue. They told me 2-3 weeks until I would hear back about my application, so I waited very impatiently. I kept praying and hoping that I would be able to go, but ultimately I asked for God's will to be done (even though I couldn't deny I would be very dissapointed if I didn't get accepted). Just over two weeks later I got the much anticipated email that I had been accepted! I was (and still am) so excited, grateful, humbled, and overwhelmed at God's goodness and love in blessing me with this life-changning opportunity. And the rest is history! ;)
The program in Mozambique consists of classes, speakers, worship, small groups, lots of time in prayer and ministry, practical outreach, loving on children, weekend outreaches to communities in the "bush" nearby and much more. I can't wait to see God move in power! Iris ministries has seen countless miracles, healings and mighty moves of God. I long to see those things happen more, but I am learning to always make sure I desire Jesus more than the things he does.
Oh, not to mention, they say on saturdays one of the ways you can spend your free time is at the BEACH accross the street. Not that I'm excited for that extra blessing or anything. ;)
Last but not least, I have the wonderful opportunity to go to Cambodia for two weeks after I graduate the program in Mozambique. I will (Lord willing) go with a team of about 15 people and we will do Ministry with the Iris Base there. Specifically showing the love of Jesus to victims of the sex trade.
Once again, I am so blessed and humbled to have this opportunity and I can't thank God enough for it!
Just a month or so ago, a documentary film on Heidi and Rolland's life came out, also called "Compelled by Love." I went to see the movie at a local church with some friends. The whole time through the film, I could feel God stirring my heart and birthing desire in me. In my heart, while watching, I was saying, "Yes! I'll go! Send me! I want to go to the nations! Just show me where!" At that point, I had no clue where God would send me. I just knew I was ready and I felt him putting the desire on my heart. Towards the end of the movie, I started to cry just being touched by what I saw. When it ended people were getting up and chatting and laughing, but all I wanted to do was get on my knees alone somewhere and weep. The Pastor called anyone up to the front for prayer who felt a call to missions, so I went up. The whole time I was up there, I couldn't stop weeping. After that, I still just wanted to be alone and process and talk to God. I ended up talking with a woman there and she spoke some very encouraging things to me, specifically about how I was precious to God and he had big plans for my life.
A few days later, I found myself on the Iris Ministries website (Heidi and Rolland's Ministry). Just looking over the website, I found a page about their missions school, Harvest School of Missions. As I read more about it my heart started pounding (in a good way) and tears filled my eyes. I just kept thinking "What if this is it? What if I just do it? What if I take a leap of faith and chase my dreams?
A week or so later, I finished my application and sent it in. Then the waiting came. I had no idea the chances of getting accepted. I didn't think there was anything on my application that would keep me from getting accepted, but I had no idea how many people applied, and how the process worked, so I put it in God's hands. After I applied, everyone I talked to about it was so excited for me and encouraged me. A number of people kept saying "When you go to Africa" rather than if I go. Some people told me "Oh, I know you're going to get accpeted and go." Everyone who knew me well believed this was right for me and an opportunity that God had placed before me which I should pursue. They told me 2-3 weeks until I would hear back about my application, so I waited very impatiently. I kept praying and hoping that I would be able to go, but ultimately I asked for God's will to be done (even though I couldn't deny I would be very dissapointed if I didn't get accepted). Just over two weeks later I got the much anticipated email that I had been accepted! I was (and still am) so excited, grateful, humbled, and overwhelmed at God's goodness and love in blessing me with this life-changning opportunity. And the rest is history! ;)
The program in Mozambique consists of classes, speakers, worship, small groups, lots of time in prayer and ministry, practical outreach, loving on children, weekend outreaches to communities in the "bush" nearby and much more. I can't wait to see God move in power! Iris ministries has seen countless miracles, healings and mighty moves of God. I long to see those things happen more, but I am learning to always make sure I desire Jesus more than the things he does.
Oh, not to mention, they say on saturdays one of the ways you can spend your free time is at the BEACH accross the street. Not that I'm excited for that extra blessing or anything. ;)
Last but not least, I have the wonderful opportunity to go to Cambodia for two weeks after I graduate the program in Mozambique. I will (Lord willing) go with a team of about 15 people and we will do Ministry with the Iris Base there. Specifically showing the love of Jesus to victims of the sex trade.
Once again, I am so blessed and humbled to have this opportunity and I can't thank God enough for it!
Mary, it's so encouraging to hear how the Lord has put this trip on your heart and has provided for you to go be light! I'm praying for you!
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