Hoping in the Power of Prayer?!

My heart is overflowing, with hope and something akin to trepidation. Why? Because I have this vision to see this world changed through prayer: prayer that shakes, heals, multiplies, MOVES! And how I wish that we would catch just a small glimpse of how God desires to draw close and build something new in the hearts and lives of mankind through praying, through seeking His face and crying out to Him!

I can't really put it into words very well, it just feels like this rumbling from deep within that won't let me go. I think of Jeremiah 20 v.9 "But if I say I'll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can't do it!"

I have a dream of groups of people going out into the world, praying into the situations and circumstances that effect the lives of man, and watching as GOD provides miracles and solutions to problems man cannot fix. Like the famine in Somalia... the first thing that came to mind, ridiculous as it might sound, was how great it would be to pray over bags of food being distributed and watch as GOD miraculously multiplies the food until the people are filled!

I want to hold on to these crazy ideas and dreams, because when I stop praying and believing, it will feel like the fire has gone out within me.

You see, I've seen GOD do miracles, in my life and in the lives of others. I've seen Him come through in situations that seemed truly broken, where no solutions or resources could bring an answer. I've seen Him work beyond the hands of man to truly transform and change communities in a way I would and could never dream up. And sometimes I forget, you know...and then I get little reminders like this one:

In January of this year I got in a -first ever for me- car accident, and I was found to be at fault :(. No one was injured, but the car I was driving was total loss (I guess the theme was, if you go, go all the way??). Anyhow, given my unsure financial situation, I was really worried about extra costs because the accident. Luckily the insurance covered most of the cost and I had just a small out of pocket to pay. However, in July a letter came in the mail from the insurance, stating that the other party was filing a personal injury claim, and that the insurance might not be able to cover all of the costs. Safe to say, I got a little panicky, envisioning getting stuck forever trying to pay off that debt! (Overactive imagination, I know). But so I just prayed, feeling I just needed to renew my trust in God's provision. Somehow I managed to pray "Lord, reveal your truth in this situation and let this not be used for evil. I put my trust in You, amen". So...fast forward to a few weeks later. We talk to the insurance and find out there was some kind of crazy story behind this case. The lady over the phone said, "I've never seen anything quite like it in all the years I've worked in the insurance business". As it turns out, the fraud investigation team at the insurance company found out that the other party had forged false records of doctor's visits and even surgery in the hospital (!) in order to get money. The team in turn contacted the claimant's lawyer and he said he wanted nothing to do with this and promptly withdrew ALL claims, including ones that may have been potentially valid (according the insurance company).

Amazing huh? This is my latest little 'hallelujah' story that lets me know that God truly provides.

I hope that in all things, I can truly learn to seek God and His answers for every circumstance, above any financial, political, legal or social answer out there! And yes, I'll continue to dream of teams of people going out to the nations, praying and watching as God moves His hand over every broken circumstance! (The current circumstance catching my heart: watching and praying for God to end sex trafficking). Many are already faithfully praying, may even more rise up and join His battle for victory!

Get Connected, and Get Involved!

Ever wondered how you can get involved with local non-profits and/or ministries? Read on to find out how and to share some of the ministries you like in your area. Let’s get people connected!

Now, I have struggled with connecting with non-profits, churches and/or ministries alike. Though not intentional, sometimes the focus tends to be inwards, or they simply don't have a clear way displayed on how to get involved/connect. Also -speaking for myself- websites and online media often do not speak as strongly as having personal contact with an organization or with an issue I feel strongly about. All of this can make it hard to connect and find something to jump into.
So, in the spirit of encouraging others to step out there and find something they can get involved in, I’ve come up with a small list of organizations I have come to know in the (northeast) Houston area that can get you connected with real issues and needs, right outside your doorstep:

Heaven’s Army of Resources and Recreation Center – Providing food, clothing, ESL classes and various activities like gymnastics throughout the week to poor and needy families in the New Caney area. They have a vision to become a ‘mall of ministries’, reaching out to various specific needs in the area.

Exodus Cry – A prayer and abolitionist movement to end slavery (human trafficking). Hosting a documentary screening/informational evening in the northeast Houston area soon.

Redeemed Ministries – Reaching out to victims of sex trafficking here in Houston. They offer trainings on the weekends every 2nd weekend of the month, open to all who are interested.

Somebody Cares Humble – Has great volunteer program for youth to work in service with and for other youth, and reaches out to local families that have pressing needs.

Republic Pilgrim USA – Supporting orphanages in the Ukraine that are an alternative to the state-run orphanages where kids receive abuse and maltreatment. They strive to get kids off the streets and rehabilitated.

A new ministry reaching out to 190 pregnant teens in Montgomery County is being started up right now by an awesome couple, the Krouskop's.

Are you interested in branching out further into Houston or out to the world? Being a YWAMer, I like what Youth With A Mission is doing reaching out to the homeless in downtown Houston. But, there are many more organizations out there. Don’t be afraid to toss out an email or phone call to organizations that you read or hear of. Chances are, if they don’t need help, they will know of others who do or who work in the area you have a heart for. Remember, the heartbeat of the world does not lie in its many organizations or businesses, but lies in its people who care.

This is by no means a comprehensive list. These are just a few organizations I really like here in Houston. What are some of yours?

(If you would like more contact info, shoot me an email or comment below).