As I sit today here, the group is getting warmed up for a “concert of prayer.” It has been a while since I’ve updated the blog but I wanted to let you know what has been going on. Ministry has continued through construction and VBS but more importantly through the lives that have been impacted here and in the groups that come down. It has been an amazing experience.
For those of you that have come down already, we are seeing fruit from the seeds you have planted. For those of you that have yet to come-you have much to look forward to. All of you please pray for the continued spiritual revival in this city and in our participants. The most important thing is that the students take a “missional” mindset home with them. The mission trip doesn’t stop when the plane lands or the church van pulls in the parking lot.
I have also included a blog post my wife, Sarah, entered on our site last night. We had some incredible praise and worship. God showed up in a big way.
Holy is the Lord, God Almighty!
Mike
Worship In Battle
It’s after midnight. We are just getting settled in for the night, but I wanted to share with you what a wonderful night we had.
We set out this evening to have our normal “debrief and worship time” with the youth. God had much more amazing plans. The Holy Spirit moved freely among the group tonight. As we brought our worship time to a close, everyone had a seat except for one girl. She continued standing with her hands raised in the air. At first, I’ll have to admit, I was embarrassed for her. I thought, “Poor girl, she doesn’t realize everyone else is sitting down.” But as I watched her it seemed as though she could not lower her hands. She stood there with hands raised, crying out to God, completely surrendered to Him. Her arms seemed to be getting tired and two friends stood with her one on each side. And our worship continued. The leaders from the different groups spread out in the room as youth began seeking them out for prayer. All over the room prayer and praise and worship was erupting.
God reminded me of the story in Exodus 17 when the Israelites were fighting. Moses stood on a hill overlooking the battle. As long as his arms were raised to the Lord, the Israelites were winning. When he dropped his arms, the Israelites began to lose the battle. Aaron and Hur came alongside Moses holding up his arms when he grew tired.
After a long day/week/month/summer of battles, how refreshing it is to have someone come stand beside you, lift up your arms, helping you continue to battle. It is a real battle. It is a battle against despair and hopelessness. It is a battle against sin and worldly desires. It is a battle against Satan and the foothold he has in this city. Just yesterday a group on a prayer walk encountered a woman they felt was demon possessed. The group prayed and sang praise songs and fought back against the oppression felt after the encounter. God is Victorious. Through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and by His resurrection, He has conquered sin and death, despair and hopelessness. Praise the Lord we are fighting a winning battle!
Thank you for being our support this summer. Please pray for stamina as Mike and I continue to raise our hands to God as we, our staff, and the youth each week engage in the battle here in NOLA.
