A HOPE FOR THE NATIONS-

TRANSITION

2011-01-08T16:45:00.000-08:00

TRANSITION

Q: Why not return to work with YWAM in Kona?

A: This is something that I have fast and prayed about for months and asked others to corporately join with me in prayer. The main reasons, 1) Financial –I was not able to gain enough support promised to cover my living costs once I would arrive. My only option would be to work while in Kona at an outside job. Wisdom and counsel from others in this position told me that this would defeat the purposes in going to teach missionaries on campus and would involve many logistics with time, since I do not have a car at the University of the Nations. 2) Vision – Many believers in prayer have given encouragement, scripture and verbal support towards my missionary calling, but it has been for overseas. It has called me to humbly question that without the provisions should I move ahead in the temporary step of moving back to expensive Hawaii?

Q: So what are the other options and challenges?

A: I still have very much has an open door to go to Sao Paulo, Brazil and stay with a friend and work for a month with their project with children and stay for a crusade that my current church in Pennsylvania will be a part of. Then, there is the option of going on staff in April with Youth With a Mission teaching the English as a Second Language School in Recife, Brazil and staying with a long time missionary friend. The challenge: 1) Timing – These events would not occur until mid-February early March. 2) Financial – I have to be working to provide for my basic needs such as health insurance. It is very hard to find a job and then say I will be leaving again. Jobs are hard to come by, and I must be flexible and responsible to my own needs. I still do not have the monthly commitment to provide for even my first month of living in another country. (I only had a 10 percent proposed budget in promise) and it hard to leave for another country with no actual money to pay a first month’s bills and the inability to work in another country. 3) Visa- I could only secure a temporary tourist visa. In the future I would like to go for my next assignment for at least a year and I am seeking ways to see how this would be possible.

Q. What is your job situation now?

A. I just completed a temporary substitute job in the North Penn School District as an Assistant Teacher in the English as a Second Language Dept. It was a great job, but did not provide much financially and is now over. Since then I have been day to day substituting. However, in the age of technology (and I have no I-phone) the jobs are gone very quickly. In addition, I did not pass my Praxis test making it hard to find jobs with an emergency certification.

Q. What are you aiming towards in a job now?

A. I am applying everywhere from higher level education jobs that do not require a certification and will look kindly on a Master’s degree and to towards lower skilled job such as Starbucks to pay my bills. Basically, I am trying to get my needs meet and any open door I will quickly go through.

Q. What about the money given towards missions?

A. I was able to raise enough money for airfare and a tiny part of one month’s living expenses in a missionary assignment. I am thankful for this. All of that money is in the Colink account and legally will ONLY be utilized for missionary events in the future. It will all be saved for that time and can be trusted to only be used for missionary purposes.

Q. What do you think of the future?

A. I really believe that God has called me into full-time ministry as a missionary. Yet, in many ways it has been a timing piece that has to be in God’s hands. The finances and prayer support need to come together and be in place to go. As a single missionary on my own, there are realities to be dealt with and without those pieces in place, I must wait. Brazil the country that I once served in continues to be upon my heat and has grown. I look forward to see what God will do with that.

Q. How has your faith grown in this process?

A. Many things did not turn out the past year as I had hoped possible. However, God has continued to supply for me and sharpened my desire for missions and given clearer vision. I have learned to trust God for what I cannot understand and believe in him for my future. I continue to be very involved with prayer and have seen God do some amazing things with the people around me.

Q. How can others help?

A. Continue encouragement and prayer. Believe God for the miracles and trust that He has a plan in the ways He will take me in the coming days. Seek God as you give counsel and give suggestions birthed in prayer.

Thanks so much, if you have further questions please feel free to contact me!

JoEllen

Please pray for a job!

2010-12-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving in New York City!

Dear Friends,

Back on the east coast, I have been going through a time of refining of vision. Honestly, God persists in speaking to me about reaching the parts of the world that do not have access to the gospel and suffer greatly in witness to Christ. My calling remains the same. On the other hand, I have tried to make the best decisions with the knowledge, and the situations that have presented themselves.

During the past 6 months:

I completed a wonderful second course on a school on prayer through Elijah House ministries.

Remained working with English Language Learners in a temporary job placement.

Had some great opportunities to share the gospel.

The crossroads?

I have ONLY been able to raise enough monthly for airline tickets to the University of the Nations in Kona.

My deep desire continues to be in a long term missionary placement overseas.

I am blessed with 5 faithful people who are committed to monthly giving, and many wonderful one time givers.

Unfortunately, it is apparent that I have only reached a promise 10 percent of my monthly expenses of $2,000.

M y temporary job is up Dec 23, and I did not pass my PA certification (my weakness is math).

I continue to trust God for the unknown. I stand strong knowing that God has spoken clearly that He is continuing to prepare me for missions work. However, in the practical sense I know I need to find a stable job in Pennsylvania, and not leave as I hoped in January.

I ask that you would please pray with me that God will provide me with a job that will be a fit for me. In the meantime, all financial giving that has come through is being kept in the Colink account designed ONLY FOR MISSION WORK in the future. I will continue to believe I be returning to the mission field, when I have a stronger foundation in place. I still welcome giving.

What remains?

I still have an open invitation to rejoin YWAM staff in Kona, Hawaii, and Brazil.

Please pray for:

1. My need to quickly find a job that meets my daily needs/ covers insurance and fits in with my calling.

2. The transitional time and for the exact steps for a long term placement as a missionary in the future, and to know how to build necessary foundations of support.

3. For God’s comfort in the disappointments and the ability to remain strong in vision, while adjusting to the timing.

I walk in trust, knowing that the hand of God has a purpose. I believe I will be able to report of God’s faithfulness in the next couple of months, and in the future time for missions will open again!

Much Love~JoEllen

Youth with a Passion | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

2010-12-08T18:03:00.000-08:00

Youth with a Passion | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

Check this out!!!

December 2 at 7 pm

2010-11-21T04:47:00.001-08:00

Come on out to join a night to purpose ourselves toward the father’s heart for the nations.

The evening will be filled with worshipful praise, and facilitated prayer and stand with me in prayer for my missionary calling. We will have some awesome music provide by “THE HOUSE OF LEVI”, good people (many who have stories from various mission fields), and some tasty desserts.

Invite your friends and we hope to see you there!

It will be held at:

Hopewell Christian Fellowship

601 Hunsicker Road

Telford, PA

http://www.hopewellchristianfellowship.com/

Thursday, December 2 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm

50 years of Youth With A Mission!

2010-11-20T16:44:00.000-08:00

ESL in KONA

2010-10-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

KONA ESL

2010-10-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

YWAM - The Story

2010-10-27T19:10:00.001-07:00

Ever struggle with fear and trust?

2010-10-22T18:03:00.000-07:00

I have realized how little I know of God's goodness, despite the fact that Jesus has shown it to me over and over again. He provided for me for an entire year of no salary and provided every need. I remember a vision God gave me a short while before I left for mission work. It was taking off a beautiful crown and laying it in the hands of God. Each one of the jewels was something that I valued greatly or worked hard for. But, when I looked into the eyes of God, I was so moved by his love and beauty that I gladly handed him all I had. Then, he asked me to go and I was ready to lay it all down. It was amazing the healing my heart through the people that I met along the way while serving with YWAM. Those people are the greatest treasure that I could have ever gained in my entire life and far greater than I could have imagined for what I laid down. I am moved to tears when I think of the amazing people who touched my life and how little I could learn to live on, how I could live in tight spots with lots of people, very little of my own space, no transportation, and how much closer I came to God. I was able to leave a family that I really love and be alone (even on holidays with only God to meet my needs). I left a job of 10 years with nothing, no house, no paycheck, buying my own healthcare and no more retirement.... coupled with lots of school loans. Somehow through lots of faithfulness of God I have come through, and think I am a bit more mature. Coming back to Pennsylvania many of my needs have been met, I am so thankful. But, I really don't fit anywhere in a permanent sorta way. A good friend reminded me that was because God has a place prepared for me, and it is not here. Deep inside my heart, I know it is true. I know I have always been created to be a full time missionary... although I have been in an out of it for years short-term..I also know I have been designed to mentor,to love, and compassionately share an authentic journey of kingdom living with others who have never had a chance to see God in a loving way. However, I still wrestle with the same fears of trusting people to sow into my future. Plus, I get tired of the work of getting to where I will go next. Some of the administrative stuff just does not come naturally. I am not a salesperson about my future. I am only a person with a heart to follow God. So again I have wrestled with my journey to continue on staff with Youth With a Mission. Different days I have questioned the timing, the organization, the location. What is from you God? I ask. Will I have people to send me each month? I don't know. I had in my heart to do a semester teaching in Kona and then head to Brazil. Should I just go to one place now that I have only raised $1,000 for a year? Should I stay in Kona? Should I cut out Kona and try to save what little money I can gain to go directly to Brazil? These are all questions I have asked God. He seems somewhat silent at times and I am reminded to trust. So through my questions, I have realized that both doors seem to be open. So I still have in my heart to go ahead with my original plan. I will aim for Kona in January and work through the fall semester, apply for my visa for Brazil and land in Brazil to lead the English as a Second Language School in April. Pray for me to find MONTHLY supporters. If I know $10 or $20 is coming each month from the same people it will make the process a whole lot easier to work with as I plan to head out. I have set a deadline of Dec 10th. This allows for one month ahead of departure to buy my ticket to Kona and tell them that indeed I will have the partners needed to make my work happen. At the same time I can apply for my visa because I need to have my plane ticket arrangements made for my visa application to Brazil. Pray that if this is the way to go God will make the way. If it is not, that I will adjust to timing. By the way while you are praying lift up my Praxis test that I take on Nov 13. If I pass this and obtain all my certifications my documentation for my visa will go a lot more easy, and I will have finally reached my goal of tackling that Math test and keep up high standards in my teaching.
I know God has put on my heart a clear calling for unreached people who have not seen or heard the gospel. How it will all play out is up to him. So pray for me okay?
Love to all!
JoEllen

It has been too long!

2010-10-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

I am back to my blog. Sorry it has been so long! The last couple of months I have had the challenge of losing my computer. (with that I lost lots of passwords and recently figure it all out). I also have had car difficulties. I am thankful that the Lord has provided for these unexpected issues, but it has not been easy. I am also grateful for the provision of a long term substitute job in my field of teaching English as a Second Language, although it has been learning curve working in an elementary school. I really miss the high school and adult age but the little ones are really cute in their attempts to learn English. My classes are going well. I am half way through Elijah House and have learned a great deal about what prayer ministry is and grown in the issues of my own heart. I also am managing through my Praxis Prep class and will be ready to put that chapter of my life behind me in on November 13th, so please pray for me to pass!!!! My hope is to complete my certification and keep it up through a distance so that my education and foundations are current and up to the highest standards.
I am working hard on going back to a Staff position with YWAM. Developing fundraisers is frankly not my talent and I have found the few faithful givers and those who encourage me have been my lifeline. I continue to believe that between now and December I will gain what I need to continue this call and hope to work harder at it. I am looking at putting together a movie fundraiser and hope that it will finally come together and be fun. I have seen a great deal of fruit in my connection with everyone back home and it has been really meaningful to be to be around those I love!

The Poconos

2010-08-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a wonderful week in the Pennsylvania Pocono Mountains. I got to catch up with a mission that I have supported over the years called "Eagles Wings". They have heart of prayer for the Jewish people and the nation of Israel...and lead the most amazing worship times! It was a blessing to join them in praise and wonderful teaching. Plus, spending time with my good friend Jane in sweet fellowship, and I loved being Aunt Jo to 3 young ones was such a bonus! The mountains helped me to focus and pray. Although, I never made to the International House of Prayer, as I had longed for... God gave me something so sweet and it was close by! He totally provided for it and miraculously gave us a room. When others booked a year in advance, we got it the day before! What a great week to set apart and be able to pray. I came back and had my first orientation to substitute teaching this fall and set up an interview for a tutoring job in the evenings. I am excited to see all God will do this fall. I am starting Elijah House School of Prayer Counseling next Thursday (2nd course) and I am so excited not only for the class, but to reconnect with my church family at Hopewell. I was so blessed by the people in that church for 10 years! This fall will continue to be a daily trust, but I know God will give me what I need when I need it, so I am so thrilled for this journey of walking deeper with him. I still hope to head back to Kona soon and continue on as a missionary and I will keep you posted. I am sending out a newsletter in the coming days, and it will give some real highlights. Please be aware of my new method of giving if you would still like to partner with me. On that note, if you would like to hear more of my journey I will be speaking very briefly at Storehouse Church at 10 am on Sunday August 22 and then in the morning for about 45 minutes at Hopewell Christian Fellowship in Telford on Sunday Sept 5th at the Woman's ministry (I think 9 am). Feel free to e-mail with questions or if you would like to attend either church and need an address. My e-mail is: esl4now@yahoo.com

This is my friend Jane- She has provided such pastoral insight at just the times when I have needed it! Her 4 years on the field have brought much fruit and wisdom in helping others. I thank God for her heart to help me in prayer and fund-raising this fall! Pretty soon she will be touching the nations again! I just know it!

2010-07-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

YWAM Baptism Day

2010-07-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

The old is gone the new has come! Baptism's with Hope Chapel on the Big Island.

Traveling and Unraveling

2010-07-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

I have not forgotten you blog! I am happy to hear that many people follow my blog. I am now in Pennsylvania which has allowed me to see many people that I love, and to speak about the faithfulness of God in my life. It has also has involved some traveling to see people and “unraveling”, as I like to call it. Half of my time has been spent on relationships, the other half on ordering my life that feels a bit unraveled at time. It takes time to re-order, look for jobs, plan for the future, etc… As far as the horizon, my aim is to continue as a long term missionary with Youth With A Mission. I sense a leading to return by the new year to the Kona base in the Pacific Ocean for a semester of teaching a class on how to teach English as a Second Language. Then, I hope to go to Brazil and start an English as a Second Language School for the following year. It will involve many steps, and I am taking each one step by step. The first is getting a job in August for a month. This has not proved to be so easy. I have found much to do with family needs, but not steady work to able to meet all my personal financial needs. I believe that this week it will be worked out more... after a job interview for a one month position. Then, this fall, I will be working as much as I can with teaching. I have been approved to work for a school district as a substitute. However, I am still looking for a full time position (for greater stability). In addition, I will also be studying with Elijah House School of prayer ministry, attempting some fundraisers for the long haul, and passing my last certification test for the state of Pennsylvania.
Being back in Pennsylvania affords me to go to my home church. This week “Storehouse” had a message on Baptism. So much can be learned from the public act of Baptism and I am looking forward to seeing many people in the church participating at the beach (in New Jersey- next month). It reminded of the true freedom of letting go. When someone comes up out of the water in Baptism…the old is dead. It is gone and the new has come. It is a joy to walk in the new and leave behind the old ways. It is joyful and refreshing. As I was looking back on some of my photos this past year, I realized how many wonderful Baptism’s I was able to be apart of. It is a good reminder to me to leave behind and pursue this new adventure. I read today in Psalm 37:5-6 “Commit your way to the Lord: trust him and he will do this; He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn. The justice of your cause like the noonday sun.” I am looking forward to pursuing God’s purposes and I am also allowing him in the process between myself and the opportunities.

Getting ready to leave Big Island!

2010-06-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

I am back in Kona, the Big Island and we reunited with my roommates and other friends I have not seen in the past few months. We had a debriefing time and a nice graduation ceremony. I am now saying "goodbye" to a few people. As soon as I can get a flight home by standby. I am ending my 10 months filled with memories to last a lifetime.I really want to see my nephew along the way in a layover so pray I can get a Friday flight so it will be when he is not working! I am doing what I can to apply for jobs before I go home, and pray I will find something quickly to meet my unmet financial needs and get grooving in life in Pennsylvania again. I am so excited to see all the people I miss so much! I am thankful for all God has done and all God is going to do! Can not wait to see you all and give huge hugs!

Goodbye Kaua'i!

2010-06-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

Community Clean-up Day- What fun!!!

Friends of Kaua'i

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever”. Psalm 23:6

As I pack up the last 3 months of my life in Kaua'i and ponder the future, I stop to pause as I know how God has kindly been with me in such intimate ways these past months. I do not deserve such love, but it has been poured over me in my moments alone with God. I really love my master and desire to continue to walk with him. In my human times of freaking out…I am thinking where will I live, where will I work, and what does the future hold? I stop and ponder that I have not received any support for 2 months…I question too often, can I pay my health insurance or monthly bills on time? Yet, in the midst of all that, I know in my spirit it is all okay. God has always been faithful time and time again… JUST IN TIME. I rest in God’s word that says “SURELY GOODNESS and MERCY” will follow me. Peace is going with me and I am still committed for the journey of following God. This has been my invitation for the longer term commitment as a missionary. On the other hand, I am really excited that I will have a season to reconnect in PA. I believe God will meet every need and I can just sit back and know that all these surprises will prove God’s faithfulness and love for me again. So in a beautiful way this life is exciting! God has plans that will unfold, and I trust him fully. Goodbye Kauai…I will miss your people and your beautiful oceans and mountains, but God is going with me.

Only a short time now!

2010-05-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

News Flash!!

     I will be leaving Kaua'i June 12, 2010. I am headed back to the Big Island for debriefing June 12- 19^th. I now have a place to stay from June 18-27^{th ….}I am thankful to God! Then, I fly back to Pennsylvania. It is an answer to my prayers that I now have a place to stay on the Big Island with a friend from teaching. I am also really excited to see my family after 10 months in Pennsylvania. I am so ready to see everyone (especially mom and Makenna)!
     I also have another answer to prayer. For the past 6 months I have thought about doing the second phase of Elijah House School of prayer counseling. (I took the first part over 10 years ago when I was a Social Worker). I looked into flying out to Washington State, but the cost pretty much keep me wondering if I could do it. Recently, I found that my previous church for many years (Hopewell Christian Fellowship) is running it for 13 weeks in the fall. So I am going to do it and get back involved in my home church (Storehouse Church) for awhile all the while trying to figure out where to live somewhere in-between the 2 churches and find a job that can support me.
    I hope to find a job quickly and transition well for a short season at home after catching up with friends and a potential visit to the International House of Prayer for a week. I want to continue as a missionary and hope that God will bring all the details together from all the foundations that He has made during my Fire and Fragrance YWAM training. I am taking the simple steps needed, and looking for the confirmations along the way of the exact direction to go.

Here are some highlights of the past couple weeks:

My birthday: I had “happy face” pancakes from Deb my team-mate, a nice lunch with YWAM , beautiful flowers from my neighbor Jennifer, and sunny day at the beach.

24 hours of prayer: We made it with the 3 of us running it. Who would have thought we could make it! It was a comforting and joyful experience praying with local people we have met along the way, and God ministered to us through each other in beautiful ways.

Amy visits: Our leader Amy came for a pastoral visit and we had a wonderful time visiting a beautiful canyon that looked just like the Grand Canyon. Her pastoral insight was really helpful and positioned us to finish this outreach strong as we learned to release and be flexible with internal changes.

Answered prayers: Our team was able pray for healing in a friend who has lost his hearing, and prayerfully send off another we is headed to

Israel

on her own journey of faith. We have also met and connected well with many believers in the community.
Heather- my prayer partner and Director of a unique school for students AT RISK. She is headed off to Israel.

Ministry: We joyfully celebrated the fruit of our prayers in the graduation ceremony of the students of the school we supported. We have continued reaching out to kids in the community, sharing Jesus on the beach, give out bread while meeting new people, and supporting the start of the YWAM base (which will take off this fall!) We also meet with a couple that ministers to the Jewish community and learned a lot of their heart and I tried blowing the Shofar. Jessica and I got to a Creative Festival with local youth displaying great talents Hawaiian style.

oooooh....
It is sad to think we are saying “goodbye” soon not only to a beautiful place, but fabulous people we have met along the way. It all has been a learning curve and we have been able to faithfully support the various churches and ministries in the area by standing by and encouraging them to keep going!Personally, my time is coming to an end in Hawaii, but thankfully I land in PA in warm weather, so I won’t be in too much shock! God has taught me the most during this journey about trusting him and seeing him provide. So I continue to be excited to walk in peace and joy and trust that He has something in store for me in PA. (Even if I don’t know what that is yet)!

*Enjoy some of the pictures and the video below of life in Annahola, Kaua’i, in Hawaii! May God’s name be made famous and may many more know his comfort and love wherever I go!

Some pictures of our journey!

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Trying to spell YWAM

Emma's delight in riding a donkey the local way!

A day with some friends on a local farm

Tourist for a day with pastoral visit from Amy the DTS leader!

Anahola

2010-05-29T15:00:00.001-07:00

This is a video that some local kids made of where we live!http://vimeo.com/5317162

Looking towards the future

2010-05-10T23:19:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Wow! This has been interesting week. For those that check in with me, I have some news. Remember how disappointed I was with the internal struggle of deciding not go to Afghanistan? It was a hard decision to lay it down but, I was certain that God had spoken to my heart and gave me some scripture saying that the timing was not right. Well, I got news that the Afghanistan team needed to leave the country. They lost the guest house, all that they put into it, and they all had their visas revoked. I am praying for them during this turmoil and sadness of laying down a life long dream for many of the long term workers. On the other hand, it confirmed so much that God is directing my life as He told me He would protect me in this journey. A day may come that I will have the opening to go to Afghanistan, and now I will not have the visa problems because the Lord protected and saved me through giving me direction to obey for the proper timing. I stand in awe that God spoke so personally. It gives me peace and faith for the future because I know God is intimately in control of my life.

This past week was the National Day of prayer. It was the first time in my life I ever got to participate in government setting. Pretty fun to meet the Mayor of Kaua’i… especially when he tells me he likes my singing! It was encouraging to see so many different groups come together for prayer. The best part was meeting an 80 year old couple who had years of leadership. They are so spirited and full of life. I was honored when they took our team out for lunch and told us stories of God’s faithfulness of their years of ministry. It was so encouraging!

As my time is winding down (5 more weeks) on outreach I would ask that you would seek God for direction on my behalf. I believe that this is just the beginning of what the Lord is calling me to in the area of missions. It came about with such faithfulness from God and before I knew it I was teacher and living in Hawaii (of all places) preparing for a lifestyle of intercession and sharing God’s love. I basically will go wherever God has me from this point on. I am surrendered. Please pray specifically for me in my next steps. Our team needs to make some decisions about where we live June 1^st until the 12^th. I personally need to make some decisions about changing my air flight since my housing is up the 18^th and my ticket does not having me leaving for PA until the 27^th. Then I need to make some choices about the summer and beyond deciding how I will continue with Youth With a Mission for a longer term. I am considering two options that will help build towards the process. I have always wanted to do the second part of the prayer training school run by Elijah House. This might be the time. Also, being involved in the 24/7 prayer movement it would be helpful to have a visit to the International House of Prayer. I am asking the Lord about these two options and if He wants me to go either or just to spend all my time in PA until I go on the mission field again. Through this process the Lord has taught me continued humility and trust in Him. I will continue to let my needs be the known, do what I can, and believe that and my Heavenly Father can do the rest. In addition, since I will be in Pennsylvania in July. my hope is to share some of my experiences from the past year as preparation for the greater things God has in store for me. If you would like to me come to a church, Bible Study or House Church this summer… please let me know as soon as possible (a date) and I would be so happy to share with you or a group of people. At this point, I would like to take the summer to discern God’s next steps for the location He will have for me in the future and begin to plan. I am praying for a good fit for me.

Do you want to help?

Prayer – Pray for me to finish out my outreach here in Kaua’i being faithful that all God has for me. Pray for clear direction and divine appointments that will set up my future. Let me know of any counsel you might have.

Team – Consider becoming apart of longer term missionary support team.

Monetary support – If you would like to contribute because you never had before…I still need roughly $1,300, so that I don’t go in debt by the end of the summer. Also, you may consider giving towards either of the below personal summer trips to help in my missionary journey.

(Tax-Deductible)-----------------------------------------------------------

Missions with JoEllen

Name(s): ______________________________

_____ I/We commit to being a member of your prayer team.

_____ I/We would like to support you with a financial gift of $ ________.

Please make checks payable to: Storehouse Church

Please DO NOT write “JoEllen Reynolds” anywhere on the check.

Rather, send your donation and this form to:

Storehouse Church for J.Reynolds YWAM
Postal: PO Box 535 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

Contributions are solicited with the understanding that Storehouse Church has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated fund

If you have any questions, contact me at: esl4now@yahoo.com

Possible Summer Trip.

Any giving specifically towards them should be sent to my home: (They are not tax-deductible)

Elijah House Training for Prayer Ministry: Basic 2 in Spokane Washington July 11-July 23, 2010

“Elijah House schools are founded on principles reflected in Malachi 4:5-6 and Matthew 17:11. We call God’s people to restore the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, and to restore all things. How does the training accomplish this? They train students in the biblical principles and tools for the healing and transformation of the inner man that God has given John and Paula Sandford and other Elijah House teachers. Students learn to trace bad fruit in people’s lives to unforgiveness, bitterness, negative life decisions and other strongholds in the heart. They learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and follow His lead as they minister. The ultimate goal is not only to transform individuals, but also to enable them to reconcile with others as well as with God. It consists of 27 teachings along with live demonstrations and small group practicum”.

Tuition: $460 per person

FACILITY FEES: Commuters: $570/per person

Housing: Might be able to stay with YWAM friends

Air Flight: About $400

OR

International House of Prayer

August 16-20, 2010

“On May 7, 1999, the International House of Prayer Missions Base (IHOP–KC) was founded by Mike Bickle and twenty full-time “intercessory missionaries” who cried out to God in prayer with worship for thirteen hours each day. Four months later, on September 19, 1999, our prayer and worship expanded to the full 24/7 schedule. IHOP–KC is an evangelical missions organization that is committed to praying for the release of the fullness of God’s power and purpose as we actively win the lost, heal the sick, feed the poor, make disciples, and impact the seven spheres of society (family, education, government, economy, arts, media, and religion). Our vision is to work in relationship with the larger Body of Christ to serve the Great Commission, as we seek to walk out the two great commandments to love God and people.

IHOP–KC Commission provides an “extended stay” opportunity to come to Kansas City is designed for anyone who desires to receive what the Lord has imparted to the IHOP–KC family. This program is for those who intend to return home to be involved in a prayer ministry or for those who simply desire a focused season for spiritual impartation. You will have opportunity to attend seminars on all that is vital to the IHOP–KC ministry and to spend extended time in God's presence in the prayer room”.

1 week (August only): $125
10 days: $175

Airfare: about $400

Housing: Might be able to find Housing with other YWAM missionaries or around $55 a night.

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Summer Furlough Training with JoEllen (not tax-deductable as this a personal trip for summer).

Name(s): ______________________________

_____ I/We commit to being a member of your prayer team.

_____ I/We would like to support you with a financial gift of $ ________.

Please make checks payable to: JoEllen Reynolds

Send your donation and this form to:

JoEllen Reynolds
Summer Furlough
1208 Larchwood Road

Flourtown, PA 19031

Thank you so much for your continued interest and support as I continue as a full-time Christian missionary!!!

Out of the Love of God

2010-05-02T14:58:00.001-07:00

This past week brought forth some special times. Our team launch a rugby club (actually I can’t wait to participate however, I was at the food bank, but heard good reports), and a kids club. However, for me, I found God in the simple tasks of cooking, cleaning and simple prayers. My neighbor told me “welcome to my world”. Actually, it is the world of most women in the world. Yes, I know God can show up in the daily routine… but I have to remind myself. I am finding new joy in preparing food for others and talking with neighbors as I cook in our outdoor grill about the struggles of a day, and the ways God can intervene. I found God ministering to me in times of waiting in his presence and feeling his power of breaking performance and seeing how God’s favor comes from nothing that I do. The spirit of legalism can point to me and show how I mess up. I can think about speaking wrong or not speaking direct… or not enough, reveal in what I did or didn’t do, or focus on having to live up to the words of others … it takes away the spaces of where I can hear the Lord is saying. However what I found, the love of God shows me that I don’t have to add anything to the love of God, instead I can feel God’s love and it is as simple as loving my neighbor because I have an encounter with God’s heart. I love praying in the morning with friends. It is my joy. I am learning to jump in and help others. I got to do that Saturday night at a fundraiser for a missionary praying and washing dishes. God’s love is a life of freedom and is something that can’t be found anywhere else. It increases and reveals the father’s heart and breaks the lies of performance. Instead, what I do is released and flows from the love of God and it is simple. It is coffee with a neighbor. It is prayers. It is a late night run for ice cream with a neighbor. It is doing dishes for another. It basically is anything that reflects Jesus. That is very simple and I have to remind myself. He is so so good and so unchanging and abounding in love. He whispers to my heart in times alone and it is precious.

2010-04-30T01:03:00.000-07:00

This is our team

Beaches where people live Beach outreach Planning for prayer outreach Humble living Our dining room

Neighborhood park where we do sports and kids club.

Welcome to Kaua'i Pictures

2010-04-30T00:57:00.000-07:00

This is our neighborhood Anahola. Their feelings towards the mainland are displayed openly.

2010-04-30T00:53:00.000-07:00

Final Days on the Big Island

2010-04-30T00:48:00.000-07:00

Final teaching in Kona on Co-creating with God

Final Days on the Big Island

2010-04-30T00:42:00.000-07:00

Loren Cunningham Founder of YWAM
Last days at the Kona base on the Big Island

2010-04-30T00:38:00.000-07:00

Art by YWAM students

I am here in Kaua'i on outreach!

2010-04-17T14:59:00.001-07:00

I am now on the Hawaiian Island of Kaua’i, which is one of the most western of the islands. Our team has moved into housing next to the YWAM base team in the village of Anahola, Kaua’i. We have been excited about coming along side them and supporting their vision to bless the community and start training schools. They are a group of young adults starting a base that will focus on sending mercy support to areas where injustice is happening. The three properties is now a blend of families and with middle aged folks, and young adults all mixed together. It is surely representing Christian community in a much fuller fashion. It is a miracle that we found 3 different rental properties all adjoining, each willing to rent to us at the right time. Reaching out to the community we are finding miraculous open doors of favor with those well grounded in the village. We met with a local Auntie (elder) in the area who welcomed her into her home and gave us the best advice and wisdom on entering into this culture. She offered us some provisions right away to reach out the youth, and we all got really excited. I am finding that the compassion and the burden that the older people carry for the youth is so inspiring. So is the hospitality and generosity! We have been given so much food by the Hawaiian people, it humbles me. I continually thank God for giving me favor and providing above and beyond what I need, so I can share. We are blessed to have this opening to live on the border of Hawaiian homeland territory, where only native Hawaiians can live. This is a miracle for us non-Hawaiians, so we are excited to see how God will open door to relate with the native people along with the many tourists who are spiritually searching. Kaua’i is known for natural beauty. It is like a postcard filled with natural beauty. But we are finding some adjustments. It is much colder physically than Kona we are and less prepared clothing wise. Burr…we are cold sometimes, and are learning how to adjust to countless chickens and roosters that wake up at all hours of the night. We also encountered some limited housing space because the construction was not done when we arrived. So I am in one room with Deb/Ralph 3 year old Lukas and 14 month old Lily with a sheet between us. It is snug. Dave and Jess who is pregnant are on an air mattress in a little room with their one year old (Emma) and Gabriel in a garage/room. Furthermore, we find the climate to be filled with New Age mysticism, and various cultist practices. It has strong ties with Buddhism and Hinduism and holds the largest crystal in the world. My first day here, I met a lady gathering flowers for a Hindu altar in our neighborhood and practicing occultist religions. We find many people from the mainland often come on a spiritual journey seeking and searching. Our neighborhood has extreme drug abuse with Crystal Methamphetamine “ice”. The local Christians told me that they lose one teenager a month to suicide. This is closely related to this use of “ice” a powerful drug that develops a cycle of depression and getting high. Suicide is the leading cause of injury related death in Hawaii. Over the past several decades the church has come and gone for physical and spiritual reasons. We recognize that the youth have beautiful personalities, but live without hope for broader opportunities. The educational system is eye-opening for me as an educator. They do not have state funds to pay teachers, so the children in public school do not have school on Friday. This is shocking and creates a wealth of problems. This is for all children from elementary to high school, which means children watch children opening a door for more drug usage. We see it as an opportunity for the church to rise up and reach out! We are looking with spiritual eyes, so we are excited armed with joy to see God’s original design for this lovely place which we believe is to be a place of prayer. I continue to marvel at God’s calling and the privilege of being able to carry hope to others. I am convinced that no one understands me or loves me more than Jesus and I feel honored to carry his love in my daily practices to those I meet along the way.

Meet the Muenstrmann's part of my team!

2010-03-31T01:26:00.000-07:00

"Ralph and Deb Muenstermann did not put the University of the Nations, Kona, on their list when planning and praying about their future. But here they are, finding themselves in the right place at the right time.

“We have a heart for restoration, for bringing people back to God and their purpose. And we find it interesting that God brought us to Kona in the 50th year, the year of jubilee and restoration,” Deb says.

Their YWAM history started in South Africa ten years ago. Ralph, who is from Germany, did his DTS there. Afterwards he went on staff. Deb from Maryland was working within another mission organization. A conference brought her to South Africa, where she met Ralph. And soon the German architect and the American social worker, from different organizations, discovered they had a common vision.

Ralph and Deb got married in 2005. Their twosomeness soon changed as God blessed them with little Lukas (3) and Lily (1). Right now Ralph is enjoying being a fulltime daddy, while Deb is doing her DTS, Fire and Fragrance.

In the process of choosing where to serve, they pretty soon decided YWAM would be the best option. “We felt there was more freedom to follow our own vision within YWAM. As long as it doesn`t collide with the overall vision, we really feel a pat on our shoulders and a blessing to go,” Ralph says.

Their initial plan was to move to the YWAM base in Herrnhut, Germany. The heritage of the German Moravians attracted them to the city, founded by Graf von Zinzendorf in the 18th Century. “We were really inspired by the Moravian “marriage” between prayer and missions,” Deb explains. So they made plans and raised support. But in November 2008 things changed. “God told us to lay it down, and put our plans on hold,” said Deb. But some months later an excited friend called them from Kona. She had just joined the first Fire and Fragrance DTS and instantly knew this was something for Deb. And she was right, Deb is experiencing somewhat of a double blessing, enjoying the unique Kona campus atmosphere as well as recognizing the Moravians` passion for mission and prayer in her DTS.

Deb has had a heart for missions for many years. She grew up in a Christian family, accepted Jesus as her Savior in 4th grade and got serious with God after experiencing the Holy Spirit as a teenager. Ralph did not have Christian parents. But he was invited to a youth group, and at 17 he decided to follow Christ.

They share common vision, but pursue it from different angles. They hope to build a creative arts work shop somewhere in the world. The actual place and the building are not their main focus right now, they are praying and looking for the right people to come alongside and join the vision. Ralph with his background in designing, drawing, painting and worship is envisioning a place where people can come with the gifts they have, to be encouraged to express themselves. “When they release their creativity, I believe they come closer to their Creator,” Deb says. She also has a heart for restoration of women, and this merges into their vision.

Deb believes creativity brings healing. Some years ago she initiated a journaling for healing group, reaching out to homeless women. Instead of seeing them as victims and offer them help, they helped them finding new ways to express themselves. “They began to see the beauty in each other, and they began to see their own gifts. They could cry with one another, as they saw the pain in a poem. And as they expressed themselves, that could actually become a prayer and they could receive healing,” Deb says.

The future is not settled, even their short-term plans are not yet confirmed. They initially thought of Germany as a location for their creative arts work shop, but now doors seem to be opening also elsewhere. In other words, they find the future exciting! "Quoted from YWAM base"

Human trafficking

2010-03-24T23:02:00.000-07:00

/www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjEFtjVMCHY
This is a video on human trafficking to give you sense of the ministry that I am apart of and what I have a heart to continue to develop!

The Kauai Team!

2010-03-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

In about 9 days I will be headed to Kauai with my team. Below are some pictures of who we are. Our team includes Ralph and Deb with their son Lukas and daughter Lily along with Dave and Jess and their daughter Emma.
We will be renting a house together. We come from Australia, Germany, and America. We have made C.D.'s, played incredible music, surfed, designed buildings, cared for the poor, taught students, served coffee, and hula danced in our past seasons. Now we are coming together with a heart for coming along side others to serve the newly developing YWAM base. We are eager to pour into people in ways that it will make a difference in the nations around us. We want to see the beauty of the people in this community exposed for all to see!

Meet our Team

2010-03-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

In God We Trust!

2010-03-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

Quoted from Deb and Ralph's Blog....

"Those words became a tangible reality, as I held the two coins in my hands, each of them bearing this amazing proclamation of faith in God. We were sitting in the emergency room waiting area, as Doctor Bairos proudly presented the fruit of his labor: a plastic bag containing two coins, which he extracted in a complicated procedure out of our daughter Lily's esophagus. She had swallowed them 5 hours earlier when her little hands opened Deb's bag and her purse in no time. Her attention to detail and her habit of sticking anything in her mouth became a life-threatening emergency. But God hindered those coins to block her breathing at all times, he provided the immediate help of a nurse, the ambulance that took us to the hospital, and the care of the emergency personnel. Even the anesthesiologist acknowledged after the 1-hour operation that this was not the first time angels had helped him.

You may say this is the achievement of modern technology or the careful hands of an experienced surgeon, who was able to go into the esophagus with a scope, separate the two coins glued together by saliva, grab them with those microscopic tweezers and pull them carefully out one by one, while two nurses were controlling Lily's air supply, monitoring her heartbeat and oxygen levels and assisting the surgeon and anesthesiologist.

For us it is a miracle. It is God working on our behalf, spurred on by the prayers of around 150 students on the YWAM base, our church friends in Pennsylvania, Deb's mentor who flew to the hospital as soon as she heard what had happened, and Lily's shocked parents.

Today, the day after the operation, Lily was as lively as ever, happily drinking her juice and swallowing her yogurt. The world is back to normal, only the mark of the IV on her arm and the color photo of the inside of a blocked esophagus gives away what happened... and of course that plastic bag with two coins...

Next Steps...

2010-03-09T22:41:00.000-08:00

From the Big Island to Kauai!

Lily is the smallest member of our team :)

TRUST

2010-03-09T19:55:00.001-08:00

Lately I have been feeling that I am living in what people call a “kairos” time, meaning that every step is calculated by God himself. I see it in the groans of the earth in all the earthquakes and the persecution of Christians around the world. There is a “shift” outwardly in the earth, as if it has begun the process of getting ready for the Bridegroom’s return. These earthly manifestations seem to be signs pointing to what needs to happen inwardly in me. This past week I have felt a “shift” internally and I am grateful that I live in such a time as this, because I have learned how to adjust with what is being shaken. I was reminded by our speaker this week (David Damian) many new thoughts of trust that I will share with you. I thought I was going to live one place, but now I am heading to another. I know it logically does not make sense when I try to explain the process, and the resulting peace. On the other hand, what I have discovered is that is good and right to believe without seeing. God’s word is enough. It is not about what I see, but it is about what I believe. God is not at all about catering to a life of luxury. No, it is about being led by his spirit…. which is much different. I know in my heart that what has worked before will not work for the future. God is not going to frustrate me. It clearly is my personal choice to adjust to the “shift”, or not. I can choose to surrender, or go along with my own human plan. Instead, I am learning to pray “Lord, stretch my spirit, even when my mind does not understand”. I used to be so afraid of the unknown, or loosing control. I am wondering if that is why I was vacuuming in the midst of a Tsunami? Was I really just peaceful, or was it that I thought a least if I could keep my room clean I could control something? How crazy and unrealistic is that? Instead, the Lord has asked me to surrender the right to protect and control myself. I feel challenged between wanting to control my life or choosing the ability to relinquish all control that I have over my life. Sure, I could live life under my own terms. Yet, that would not produce hope and miracles. I have had to ask myself “Do I need to know what God is going to do before I join in?” “Or am I going to trust God as a good, good, daddy and surrender?” Yes, I have chosen to surrender, thus my life has changed. I don’t want any other option. If I don’t relinquish control, then my life as a Christian will be really hard… I would have the flesh and the Spirit always at war and a great deal of confusion running around in my head. I know people who say they are experiencing God’s brokenness, while all the while they are planning their own lives (which really is the root of what is breaking them down). Instead, I am coming into a place of rest and trust. So often when making decisions that are directional in nature it can be measured by my mind and what seems reasonable. Then what is not reasonable get’s canceled out. Actually, I can look like an obedient follower of the Lord, but never ever touch the impossible. Instead, the Spirit of God (which is his personality living in me) screams out “God is able to do it” and the supernatural will cancel out that which seems unreasonable. On the contrary, this time is very different for me. I am not letting what I have already experienced with God to be my asset to trust him. Instead, I trust him for what he will do that is NEW. I am moving onward to another Pacific island and with a new team. I knew it was not the timing for the Central Asia team, despite my heart for the people. I continue to wait for another time when the provisions can be met and the leading comes. However, since I heard I needed to transition, I picked myself up from the letting go and I am moving on. Now two families and I are dreaming, sharing, and are hopeful about bringing restoration to the islands. We hope to empower creativity, coming along side the vision of others, and share our own gifts. This is special. I have never served with just families, as a single I feel honored to join in their families. All my service in the past has been mostly with the younger ones and mostly singles. Surprisingly, I am also stepping away from teaching English in the traditional sense. But, I am excited because God will not repeat what he has done before. Instead, he is taking me to a new level of TRUST. I have died to my own plans. Gods’ Spirit was just waiting for my permission to let go and trust a walk with him. Now he is building something NEW. I don’t know what it will look like yet. I see glimpses of opportunities with the homeless, the pregnancy in the young, the families that need to be restored, the 24/7 prayer movement, encouraging world wide missions... all issues of the father's heart. On the other hand, I am ready to say "I have no human plan, God I want your plans alone".
What about you? Will you join me in a walk of humbleness and brokenness to surrender to God’s placement? It probably won’t make lots of logical sense, it might even seem like you are wasting time, or energy, or your gifts. God might even confuse your mind to get to your heart. Nevertheless, when you reach that level of trust let me know, because I think you will have miracles trailing behind your changed heart. I look forward to sharing joyfully in this journey together!

Letter to partners

2010-03-03T21:54:00.000-08:00

Below is a letter that I wrote to my partners. I will no longer be headed to Central Asia. Instead in one month, I will be joining with two other couples and we are going to move to the island of Kaui.It really honestly is a "God thing" that only he could think up. I feel so honored to follow his voice and I also am really confident that I follow a bigger plan than my own. First, I would like to take time to mail this letter to all my partners (because some people it is just better to send snail mail). After that, hopefully by the end of this week I can take some time to share more personally on my blog. It has been a bit of a crazy week. I was bite by a spider ( I am fine), overacted and thought I might have swine flu ( I just had a bad cold/flu ( I am fine again), chipped my tooth (trying to find a dentist) and walked away from a Tsunami threat. I have a lot to write about but also have not had the lump of time to process on the blog because of the week's circumstance. So soon I promise all the details of my journey, my teachings this week and the Tsunami adventure. Love you all! JoEllen

March 3, 2010

Dear partners of JoEllen,

Greeting from Hawaii that is peaceful again, after the crazy tsunami threat! We are thanking God for answers to prayer for mercy during the storm.

I want you to know that I am so grateful for you! I am blessed that the Holy Spirit has placed me on your hearts, and I feel privileged to partner with you. You each have made me feel fully encouraged to continue in my calling as a missionary with Youth With a Mission, it is your support that has made it possible! So thank you again, and again from the bottom of my heart.

Jesus says in 2 Corinthians 9:6 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously”. I have seen that I have been able to reap generously in spiritual blessings, because of that which each of you has sown within me. Furthermore, since September God has also allowed me to share with others, because He is so able to give what is needed for the moment. Thank you Jesus! I have been able to give (even out of my comfort zone at times), to abundantly bless others as a missionary. Jesus has fulfilled his promise to provide for me, as I have trusted him. I stepped forward, and have given of my life to follow God’s leading. The results have been a great deal of growing in my trust level to a God that is absolutely faithful.

During my time in “Fire and Fragrance” the YWAM missionary training school, God has clearly confirmed a long term calling to missions to reach un-evangelized people throughout the world. As you know, I had a scheduled trip to Central Asia as apart of this school. However, God has a detour in this plan. He stopped me to consider the timing of this trip, and to wait for the yet to be met provisions of the budget. I have been listening to God’s voice, as I have been broken of figuring it all out by human reason. I decided instead to give God control to lead according to His will, to guide my steps and my life as he shows me how to adjust. I can honestly say this journey of following God has taught me much more about His character, and His voice, than actually reaching the final location in the Middle East.

I have discovered that as a missionary, I can error on the side of spending a lot of time drawing attention to my ministry needs that are truly pressing. This is because I know with certainty that I really want to serve and fulfill the great commission. However, what has come forth is the reality that I am committed to serving God and others, no matter the location. I resonated with my base leader this week as he gently reminded the missionaries “it is not about us”. He is right! It is about sharing in God’s plan. In addition, I have increased my heart for people to know Jesus and share his goodness with those around me. What I have figured out is that I can confidently say that the financial giving that has come thus far from you has flowed into a valuable training period. It has increased my love for God and developed within me more and more of an outward focus. In addition, that which has not come has not come to pass yet has not hindered me, but is just is sending me in a new direction and causing me to wait for the right time to share in the Muslim world. So this past week, I have decided to pursue instead a possible local outreach here on the island of Kaui for the 10 weeks of outreach. This is exciting, because recently I have connected with several young local Hawaiian girls. They are spiritually hungry, un-churched and want a spiritual mother. It has highlighted for me a special focus on God’s heart for the islands. The blessing in this is that with a local outreach possibility; I will be able to look forward to this time of fitting together a more defined plan for a longer term commitment as a missionary. Plus, it will not be as financially demanding. I will continue to count the cost, as I am attempting to build stronger foundations towards longer term ministry. I believe in time God will unfold how I will reach the darkest places with his love. I plan to be in PA in July and hope to present a live defined vision for future missions work and see so many people that I miss and give out a great deal of hugs!

I hope that you will continue to prayerfully lift me up in prayer in the coming weeks. Prayer is the greatest foundation in all that I do. During the time in our school we have learned about the marriage of the 24 hour prayer movement and missionary outreach. I have counted it a joy to daily be interceding corporately 15 hours a week for people all around the world. It is something I learned how to do during this training that will be apart of me for years to come! I also love that prayer is always a basis to position us for practical outreach. As I gain more details of my 10 week local outreach, I will forward them to you. Continue to check out my blog at joellenreynolds.blogspot.com for weekly updates.

Thank you for your continued giving, love and prayers it has made the kingdom of God advance!

God Bless you richly,

JoEllen Reynolds

More Growth

2010-02-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

It is a journey to figure out the fitting in process. This past week I saw how God wants so much to fit me together with others to utilize my gifts to benefit others. Yet, there are barriers in me that need to be overcome along the way. Only God alone can overcome those obstacles that get set up in my mind. The fear that needs to be dissolved at times is so great and I am learning how to continue to laugh at it. I have an increasing sense that my life can be lifted up high and my love can flow freely. There are fears that are real and sometimes they make me a bit tired, but they are not reality… only a distraction. God broke in this week and his answers to my calling out to him made me feel a sense of rescue and consecration that I would be sold out for his cause and go to the darkest places without fear. In prayer, everything in the world begins to fade away and only his voice and calling is heard so that I can obey and brush away the other voices that repel and deter. Only God can make the joy come forth and allow me to worship and obey him at greater levels. He is polishing me like an arrow to go forth and preparing me and looking for a place ahead of me. I am learning that faith declares what is unseen in the provision and belief in that which is unseen in calling, finances and relationship. By faith I can proclaim his amazing character and know that it is all taken care of. By one foot I can look back in all God has done in faithfulness, and I can look for the future for the inheritance for all God is moving me into. I am being mobilized and being equipped with the tools to go. Each day like manna God provides and gives me the grace to go on. It is a daily choice to believe for the things that I need and I see people think of me and graciously give to me and I am thankful again and again.

I met the deadline and I am continuing with the vision!

2010-02-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

What a powerful week I had! My greatest insight was that God loves to laugh at fear. There is not place for fear in the life of someone following Jesus, because all He has to offer is PEACE and JOY and that really doesn’t leave any room for fear. As I was entering one day away from my deadline with not enough money to keep me on track with the vision, God whispered to me. In a still small voice in my heart God reminded me of how much I loved skipping rocks across the lake with my dad. However, my dad could always throw much further and just enjoyed the process of doing it with his daughters. God impressed upon my heart how similar that is to His father’s heart. Although I try and try to raise the needed money He will always go further and do the impossible part and He just enjoys being with me when I try. What a relief! Thanks for the provisions! I was able to pay for my visa this week. A dear friend saw me crying and gave me part of it…then another friend sent money from Switzerland just in time to purchase it. Then a very generous missionary family that has no salary and lives by faith themselves gave me half of my training needs. The rest came from random friends that I still have yet to discover who all helped me. All I know is that I am grateful that I am staying on track. By now all you should know where I am headed. I am still in need of raising $6,000 for everything outside of my own personal needs (the plane tickets are really high), so it continues to be a learning curve in trusting at a greater level. This week I hope to sell some Valentines flowers and connect with more partners for this journey. If you don’t know where I am headed e-mail me and I will let you in on my adventure.

Below are some specifics of what I need…. so keep that in mind as you pray for me want to be apart of giving.

NEED LIST:

Cool weather clothes (Fleece shirts size L and Fleece pants size L)
-Warm good quality sleeping bag (0 degree sleeping bag)
-Inflatable sleeping pad
-Hiking/walking shoes (size 8 1/2 wide)
-Flashlight/Headlamp, with spare batteries.
--Small first aid kit
Appropriate medicines- Tylenol, cough medicine, Ibuprofen, and any prescribed
medications, antihistamine, emergency first aid kit, triple antibiotic ointment, antidiarrhea
medicine, etc.
-Women- headscarfs (Try them on to make sure they don’t slip off easily, look for a more
textured material rather than silky, and nothing too bright).
-Personal water filter (example- MSR and Katadyn sell great personal filters)
-Lightweight backpacking tent
-A small camp stove (example- MSR Whisperlite International)

Anything you would like to share can be sent to: JoEllen Reynolds Fire and Fragrance DTS Box 429 75-5851 Kuakini Hwy Kailua-Kona HI 96740 USA
If you would like to send a gift card for any of these items...try L.L.Bean or REI they both carry camping supplies.
But, please e-mail me at: esl4now@yahoo.com so I don’t have duplicates and I can look out for them.

My daily life...

2010-01-30T09:40:00.000-08:00

To give you a taste of my daily life here, I am showing you my Training School schedule. Here is a general idea of a typical week for me at the University of the Nations.

5:30 Wake up and personal prayer time and Bible reading

6:30- 7:30 Breakfast

8:00 Worship for the entire base which is at least 500-600 people. This is only on Monday mornings.

9:00-12 Class (not simply listening to speakers but engaging our hearts to encounter God). There are 79 students in my class and 5 of them have spouses and children, so including staff and their families there over 100 of us.) This week we had Chris Dupre from the International House of Prayer. He wrote the song “Dance with me”. He had me moved to tears more than one time. What an incredible speaker who has the heart of a father! fhttp://www.myspace.com/heartofdavidmusic

12-1:00 Lunch

1:00-3:00 Prayer Room
The campus has set aside this corporate time to minister to the heart of God in worship and then a time of intercession for specific nations and YWAM ministries.

3:00-5:00 Work Duties
Every student has a job to do to keep the campus running smoothly. My job is transportation, so I check all the vans. I even get under the hood and check the oil etc… Then vacuum and wash about 2 vans per day. Monday, Wednesday, Friday night and Saturday our work crew takes turns driving people for 2 hours back and forth from Wal-Mart , Target and the Drug store.

5:00-6:00 Dinner

MONDAY NIGHT

6:30 Ministry Time
An evening led by the speaker for the week. Time to pray for each other. This week we had the Pinkstons (http://www.myspace.com/angelapinkston) incredible song writers.

TUESDAY NIGHT

6:30-9 Community Outreach
We go out onto the streets of Kona, sharing the love of Jesus to the residents and tourists. I remarkably met a young 20 year old girl in a great deal of pain because of her relationship with her alcoholic mother. I was able to hug her as she cried and share encouragement and hope as someone older with some experience. We agreed to get together for coffee in the future and I am praying for healing in her family.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

6:00 Campus Wide Meeting (Worship and Speaker)
Basically this a church service for the base. All students and staff gather for worship and to hear a speaker. This is also open to the Kona community.

WEEKENDS

Saturday and Sunday are basically free! We do have some activities like talent shows, games nights, but this all optional. I often opt for the beach because it totally refreshes my heart and my soul when I snorkel. I usually visit Hope Chapel and my dear friends on Sunday.

May this help you get bigger picture of my life here!

Prayer

2010-01-23T20:55:00.000-08:00

An exercise that our school put into practice this week was listening to the voice of God. This is a dimension of prayer that is sometimes neglected because of the tendency of the common “help me God” prayers. We had the opportunity to spend time in quietness and ask God what He thought of us. For some this is a very difficult experience because so much goes through our minds on a daily basis, it is hard to really know God for who He really is and calm our hearts and minds. However, for me, tears poured from my eyes as the Lord revealed himself as a loving father that is proud of me. He showed me that He sees me. Really sees me. He spoke to my heart. It was not in an audible voice… but in a quiet way. I just knew God was speaking and He reminded me that He knows what I do in the secret places and what I have done to the least and broken. The stuff that know one else sees, He does see. In the midst of that, I felt affirmed and my emotional foundations established.
Moreover, as a corporate school we spend time praying and singing together for 2 hours a day. Sometimes I pray for people that I love. Sometimes I just ponder the goodness of God. Other days it is hard to press through in my tiredness and it a lot like exercise that involves practice and building up the discipline of prayer. Prayer has so many dimensions, but basically it about relationship with God and knowing him deeper who He really is. A deeper understanding of his heart is a lifetime journey. I encourage you spend about 15 minutes today and just ask God these questions “How do you see me?” “What do you sound like God?” You might be surprised at what you hear. It may not be the condemnation you are expecting, or the silence, or the lies that He does not care. If He says something meaningful post it on my blog. I like to hear what others are hearing from God too.
This week I have also been touched by the children in my midst. This week in our worship prayer time I looked over to see a tiny child of about 6 years old kneeling and raising her hands in songs of praise to God. I felt undone. Then another tiny child came to the front and said “God wants us not to be afraid”. I love when children are touched by God because they are so innocent and they don’t have the pretense to fake something. I just know God is really moving when I see kids touched by the presence of God. In addition, my friend had her little son prayed for me this week that God would provide the money needed for my travels. I believe his prayers will move the necessary funds in my direction, because children pray with a different faith than adults. It is so easy to believe when you hear their tiny little prayers because they are so sincere.
In closing, have a destination now of my outreach where I will be going in March. However, I am not posting it on my blog for safety reasons. I will try to contact you individually. I have a real peace about my direction. It is not about the goal of where I am going, but the journey of knowing God in deeper ways that really excites me. I can’t imagine what I will look like by June because so much occurring in my heart is bound to make me look different internally. So when you see me again, I just might not look the same! :)

Can my first week of training get any better?

2010-01-18T23:35:00.000-08:00

This first week of training has been a joy! First and foremost in my mind is the incredible way that God shocked and rattled my view of what a relationship with Him can be. He proved himself incredibly faithful in a way I never ever could have predicted. You see my roommate and her boyfriend had some extra pineapple and they wanted to share. Who am I am to pass up on tropical fruit? So I joined them for a late night snack. We had so much extra we decided to share with others and asked some random people. Well, it turned out to not be so arbitrary because God had a huge other idea in the works. You see, I started looking at this guy that was eating pineapple with us. In my mind I thought “he looks just like a student I had 9 years ago”. This impression has a strong significance because the student was very troubled. I would explain him as somewhat depressed and didn’t make it at our school. However, before he was expelled I had time to share with him about a relationship with God and I even randomly remember mentioning the idea of short term missions with Youth With a Mission when he graduated. This is because of a conversation about his desire to know God and have direction. This student at the time was someone that I had prayed for on a regular basis. I had prayed that God would bring peace and the meaning of his identity into his life and grant him a purpose. Little did I know that God would have me stand on the distant shores of Hawaii and see him face to face! When people question me about why I am in Hawaii? I can now say with complete confidence because God had timing that was clearly His alone. He purposed for me to be here at this exact moment. For a moment, I thought it can’t be the same student…. I thought there is no way in a million years he is in a Christian missionary organization. However, I asked him his name. He told me in Korean. I said “that is funny because I had a student that looks just like you with this particular American name”. He responded quickly “it is me Ms. Reynolds!!” Needless to say, I was totally shocked. He recalled the times I had shared with him. He mentioned how I always stayed after school and helped students. He told me how God had now transformed his life. Then his next step moved me to tears. He bowed down and thanked me for all my prayers and asked me to pray for him. I was so moved. All I could say was “you are the fruit of my prayers”. God answered my prayers to restore and give this child purpose. I prayed a prayer of thankfulness over him because during that season of my life that seemed so dry, God was answering... but in his timing. It reinforced deeper in my heart that God has heard so many of my prayers over the years. Each one mentioned for another in the school where I was working. I may not always see the fruit, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that God alone answers and His timing is perfect. I never could have foreseen the answers to my prayers nine years ago knowing that we would both be living in Hawaii volunteering for the same organization serving the same God. But, that is what is happening and now we both in training schools both apart of serving God’s purposes. It points so much to the faithfulness of God and inspires me to pray more in depth with purpose for the people in my life.
My first week of classes was incredible. The insights about the character of God and his love for each of us are overwhelming. The dedication of the staff and the willingness of all the students to surrender inspire me on a daily basis. I am learning how to lean into God in prayer and enjoy the depths of his presence.
Out side of classes I was assigned my new work duty which is driving the 15 passenger vans. I was really scared to pass the driving test and to parallel park. But, I made it. So now I am driving students to the local Wal-Mart and Target, cleaning them and evening checking the vitals (oil, etc...). I had a wonderful weekend with some new friends. Four of us from 4 different nations went snorkeling. I had a blast! I can’t tell you how incredible it is to see all the colors of fish that God has created. I saw 4 sea turtles and swam with them. How fun is that? The diversity of God continues to overwhelm me.
In this coming week, I will know what nation my volunteer phase of outreach will occur. We had a choice of 7 nations, then we took 24 hours to pray and pick. Then we put our top 3 choices in a basket and the leadership is going to pray and try to figure out these teams out of 70 people! What a job they have. However, I know that God has it all under his control and I believe that He has directed my personal choices. I will post it as soon as I know. I continue to watch and pray that God will provide all the funding for this join me in asking him to release what I need by February 4th the due date to pay so that they can purchase our tickets and pay for all the resources.

New Year!

2010-01-12T17:06:00.001-08:00

This past week I moved from the apartment that was given as a gift to me during the month of December and moved onto the Youth With a Mission campus to start my training school. Words can not describe how grateful I am from receiving this much needed provision. I now have three lovely roommates. Two of whom are from Korea, and one from Australia. We are all sharing a dorm/apartment room. It was a great transition. I hardly felt like I have moved three times in the past six weeks. My only wish is that I could pack life into one suitcase instead of two! :) My friends from Pennsylvania arrived with their two lovely children. My friend Deb will be completing the school with my while her husband Ralph is acting as a wonderful stay at home dad. I really enjoy having a close friend in my life again and their family by my side. I love hugging little Lily and the big smile on the tiny face of Lukas when he greets me.
Our school started, and I feel so thankful for the wonderful leadership in place and a great group of 69 people so ready to learn and to grow. In the afternoon we have a prayer room where we spend time between 1:00 and 3:00 in the presence of God. During this time I am so thankful to get to hear what God is saying to me. One of the areas I find God speaking to me about is to not embellish the sacrifices of following Him, but really behold how much I have gained in knowing God in the fullness of who He is. I am finding so much joy in being in God’s will and it outshines and puts the pennies in perspective. I may not have the finances, but the life I have being passionate about God is so incredible… I would not trade it for anything! I don’t want my needs fulfilled and then become comfortable in mediocrity and forfeit the dependency I have in God. Today I sensed that Jesus was asking me personally to surrender my safety to not try to create my own safety net and to be willing to go wherever He wants me to go in the world. This is meaningful as this week I will be asking God where He wants me to do my service outreach. I will need to make a decision by the end of the week so I would appreciate your prayers and what is needed to make this possible will come to me by the time I need it.

Christmas

2009-12-28T16:31:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was a huge blessing to me. I was not sure how it was going to be, as it was my first Christmas alone without family. Spending it on a campus where most people went on outreach could have seemed a bit lonely. I literally had no plans, but to be alone for Christmas Eve and day. However, God really surprised me! Looking back on this time, I know I am learning more to depend upon Jesus. I am realizing increasingly that I am a “giver” by nature. Thus, learning to receive and be bold in the asking is a new skill for me. Some people are born with these sorts of temperaments. I on the other hand, squirm at the asking. God is trying to strengthen this within me. The ability to ask and to receive knowing that God gives good gifts to his children. Today I read this example in Mathew 15:

21Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession."
23Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us."
24He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."
25The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said.
26He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."
27"Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."
28Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

God spoke to me through these verses on how important it is to be persistent "asker" and to not give up because my faith can strengthen me. I asked God to provide for me during Christmas and he responded. I was blessed by a simple time with many kind people. Thankfully this past week I found the church I will attend for the rest of my time in Hawaii (Hope Chapel). This came after asking God for this sort of Christian family for awhile. As a result of my petitions I was able to meet some great Hawaiians who are very relational in nature. I was invited by them to a Christmas Eve service and they even picked me up! It was simple...with about 50 of us and we had a soup dinner. I made pumpkin soup and homemade bread. (I still really love having a temporary oven.). The Korean ESL students went with me and it was a beautiful peaceful humble service… a place where I felt God so strong. Then the students came back and we played card games and chatted in English.

Then Christmas day I ran into a Brazilian family in the morning. They invited me to spend the day with them. I was so grateful. They also invited Celma one of my Brazilian students. I had such fun using my Portuguese again. We had a picnic overlooking a beautiful view of the ocean. We shared a great deal of laughter and it was fun sunny Christmas day for me. Later in the evening, we go dressed up and a Colombian woman joined us. We got by using Portuguese, Spanish and English all mixed together to communicate. Our dinner was a joyful time in a room the size of a dorm room with all of us eating on whatever we could find to sit. It was very simple and to the true heart of Christmas. It involved great laughter and sharing about what God was doing in each others countries and lives. We celebrated the birthday of Jesus by sharing about him! We didn’t even have a Christmas tree or any presents, but the giving of this family in relationship was the most meaningful gift I could get. It absolutely was probably the most precious Christmas days I have ever had! So God is so amazing to do beyond what I could think or imagine by providing fellowship, when I needed it. I am so thankful for this Brazilian family sharing their family time and what they had. I enjoyed our rice and bean meal and made more fun memories with Brazilians that I will always keep close to my heart.

So God continues to show me to be stronger in the asking. Sometimes “I have not…because I ask not”. But, when I ask with persistence God shows me favor. This Christmas I loved the lessons I learned and find myself in a very deep place of gratefulness for all that God is doing in my life. I wish all of you a wonderful season and a Happy New Year!

The surprises of God!

2009-12-22T18:48:00.001-08:00

Have you ever wondered about your situation when you compare with another person’s life? I must admit I was comparing for a slight moment the other day. I know there is nothing healthy about it. However, I did for a moment when I put my eyes on another (taking them off of God). That person has raised almost all her money for service. I am not new to this volunteering and trusting God for provisions. As a matter of fact, I have done it most of my life. The depending on God part….not new to it all! I have a million stories of God’s miraculous provisions. But, for just a moment I thought what is wrong…why didn’t I plan better? I am trying to look ahead at bills that seem impossible to plan for. Could I have spent more time sharing my vision and doing fundraisers before I left? Her church had all kinds of meals to raise money. Should I have done that? Should I have waited longer? I am thinking that was not my path. The reality is God doesn’t always work in my boxed in man-planned way. He clearly had the timing in his hands. I was working fulltime and putting myself through school, I could not have done that. I would not have had the strength. I had such little sleep the past 3 years with Graduate School, family, and work, I don’t think I could have added anything else to my responsibilities. My close friends can testify to that. Plus, it was clear in my spirit it was time to go. My move was quick. When the opportunity to teach ESL came up and I knew it was right. When Pastor JR shared the message of following God’s call and taking nothing for the journey….call me crazy, but I obeyed! God has not disappointed me. He has surprised me again and again. I know it is right for me to continue on and enter the training Fire and Fragrance. I just know how important it is in my next steps, and I am excited and believe with all my heart that this is what God has called me to. But, I am so dependent upon God. I call it minor brokenness with God trying to do away with my own strength. I think that is what he wants from me a greater submission and trust. Not myself leading that is so natural, but his spirit guiding in gentleness. Oh, sometimes I hate it… the wrestling that is. My soul wants to be self-dependent. But, then of course I would miss out on his wonderful gifts.
My spiritual journey parallels with what happened on Sunday. An ESL student invited me to the church she has been attending. It was honestly the first time I felt “at home” in a church since I arrived in Hawaii. I felt the people really cared more about God and people, then a program. It was not focused on the structure, and that felt so good! In the middle of the service something unexpected happened. I never felt a thunderstorm the entire time I have lived in Hawaii…but today was different. In the middle of a porch service it started to rain, then it poured, we all looked out and saw a tornado on the ocean! Frankly, it was really cool (some took pictures) and it was just really scary (all at the same time). Suddenly a bang! We heard sounds of thunder. The lights went out. I thought we should just pray. What do you know? The pastor was totally calm and peaceful in the middle of it all and stood on a chair and directed everyone to get in small groups and pray for each other. We had a group of Hawaiians with a few Koreans and me holding hands and praying together. It was so beautiful and a connecting point. I am glad the agenda was broken. Not a program, just an adaptation to what God wanted us to do. Call it listening to his still small voice, but I was so blessed. I think this compares much to my life. The storms of the uncertainly of missions funding can distract me and interrupt. However, when I let God change the program and I just pray, the peace that passes all understanding comes over me and I am blessed. Then, just like the tornado comes the surprises of God! I wish I could take a picture of all them. But sometimes they vanish just as fast. Instead, I have to just share a snapshot of how Jesus has provided for my needs through other people. God has used other people to show me his provisions and love. God gave me a beautiful blanket that a friend found whom knew I needed bedding, I was given an awesome apartment to stay in for 21 days with some food in the fridge, a student gave me much needed money, and a friend brought me a meal and shared concern about me during the uncommon Hawaiian weather. I am overwhelmed that God uses people to meet my needs. He does not disappoint me at all. Other people have promised to help with my financial support. It is humbling. In fact, very humbling…I sometimes hate asking, and yet my needs are real. I am so grateful when people respond. On the other hand, a part of my own dependence dies another death. Part of me still wants a job with a Master’s level pay on certain days. I have to learn daily to surrender and let God surprise me with provisions that mean so much more when they come from human hands of love, instead of what I can gain on my own. Right now, during this Christmas holiday I am peaceful and content alone and away from family. Jesus continues to meet my needs and he never fails me. I am so thankful and blessed for his presence that is so real.

HE IS FAITHFUL TO THE END!

2009-12-17T16:20:00.000-08:00

I posted this on Facebook and thought it was worth a post here too.

Hi Friends!
I am barely thinking about the Christmas season. I packed up all my bags to move today to a temporary, but much blessed apartment. This will be my first Christmas day away from loved ones in a very warm climate. It seems a bit weird. However, the spirit of Christmas is alive and well! This is a special time for me to enjoy new people from around the world and celebrate together the awesome King of Kings!

I am looking towards a few days to relax, since the ending of an absolutely incredible semester. But first, I am praying daily in the next 21 days to be able to be apart of the Fire and Fragrance school with Youth with a Mission. I want to continue onward with my goals. I am convinced that God has called me to be apart of fulltime missions work in the many years ahead. I am also deeply aware of not having a clue as to how that will happen. However, I am open to the surprises of God!

I need your help to prepare for the new year in Kona to be apart of Fire and Fragrance and to go on a 3 month outreach. I plan to test the waters for where I want to commit myself for a longer period of time. I must get ready for my first day on January 7th to be able to arrive and register.
This means some action needs to happen right now.
I need your help to secure my training. This is a challenge in a location like Kona, Hawaii and in the present economy. Yet, I need to be able to pay my bill on time.

This will require $4,200 to secure my training fees. I have a small bit of this because I have awesome friends and family that have helped me make it this far, but I need help with most of it.

God has helped me so many times; I can’t even begin to count. This includes right now he is providing me a place to live in for the next 21 days.
I am reminded that God is faithful and I am testing the belief “that you can’t out give God” by being generous in my living and just trusting that God will meet my individual needs. God is always going to always take care of me.
I wonder if you could do something to help me? Could you find a quiet place and then stop and pray to ask the Lord if you are supposed to help with this need? If you sense that you should, ask the Lord how much you should give? Ask him how you should give. Most of the time God blesses simplicity and faithfulness. What might you be able to multiply into a giving method?
After God shows you how or how much, please do by giving to STOREHOUSE CHURCH J.Reynolds/YWAM in the memo section.

In our Father's grip,

JoEllen

English as a Second Language School

2009-12-08T21:11:00.001-08:00

Today, I was able to listen to the experiences of my English as Second Language students. These are not ordinary stories, but ones that shared how they came to know God in a real and personal way. I was crying when a Brazilian prayed for a South Korean to be free from the struggles in his life. I had tears of gratitude as I heard the reality of God providing for a family with 11 children with no food. I marvel at the reports of people who had no childhood of churches or families that prayed together, yet they came to see Jesus as a true God because he intervened in amazing ways in their lives. Most importantly, I stood amazed of testimonies of what God did in our short time in Kona, Hawaii in our English as a Second Language school. Visually I saw students changed into confident, peaceful, joyful people, each with clear a sense of destiny. I saw unemotional men from cultures that did not encourage feelings, freely cry because they felt the heart of God. All that in English, which when they came they could not speak. I realized over again that I am truly rich in spiritual blessings that I get to be apart of what God is doing, and serve him and his church.
In Hawaii as a volunteer with Mission Builders, I work more than 40 hours a week as a volunteer and I serve others during the holidays. I say “goodbye” on a regular basis to those that come for a short time to help out, and it hurts sometimes. I live in community with a whole bunch of cultures and ages. I have to adjust on a regular basis to the sound of others, be flexible with the smells of different food, and let go of my level of cleanliness. In addition, I live in a poorer area. Yes, Hawaii has those too. I sometimes deal with the neighbors who fight, curse, or others that share what they have. I live really simple without the comforts of a home, a retirement plan, or even my own car. Furthermore, I work for a big organization where people can’t really get fired because they all work as volunteers and communication takes a lot of work. I love the sunsets and the beach and would not trade them for snow! However, I miss my mom and my niece on an almost daily basis. On the other hand, when I sum up my experience and all my training in graduate school to be a teacher…. I say “yes” it was worth it to apply my training at this place. I love following God's direction as I witness things happening in my life that can only be explained by His powerful presence. I enjoy loving people who are learning English and I actually think education is fun when it has long term practical implications. In closing, I felt really grateful today that I was able to hear the heart and reports of people who know in a real and nonreligious way that God’s Spirit is a personality. He is involved in our lives and our organization, despite our humanness. I am a thankful, and feel I am a rich and successful person in emotional and spiritual blessings. Thank you God for all you have given me!

Please see the vision of what I will be apart of!

2009-11-30T18:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXkwLeARfPc
This video tells a bit about the vision of what I will be apart of in January. I am excited and know this is the next step for me! I am thrilled to be apart of this and hopeful that I will be able to take the opportunity to travel to another country and put some of this into practice. I continue to trust that God will provide in a miracle, so that I will have all the funds that are necessary. I believe that this is apart of my longer term vision and sense the pieces are just start to fall into place to combine my desire for prayer and my teaching skills. Please continue to pray that Jesus will provide the necessary funds in time for the start of the school. I try not to get anxious thinking of when it will arrive, if it will come by January 7th, and what I will do if it doesn't come. Keep praying that I will have what I need, be able to trust God, and be covered with peace while expecting God's surprises to come through!

Dear Applicant,

We are so excited that you have felt prompted by the Lord to join us for the upcoming Fire and Fragrance DTS in Kona, HI. We have huge anticipation in our hearts as we prepare for this school. God is doing amazing things all over the world through the outpouring of His Spirit!

We wanted to share a little with you about what YWAM Fire and Fragrance is. We are a ministry that is passionate to see authentic communities centered on the Presence of God raised up around the Earth, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ through super natural mission/evangelism leading to revival and reformation. The DTS you will be attending will teach on topics such as hearing the voice of God, the character and nature of God, a Biblical world view, worship/intercession, the supernatural power of God, reaching the lost and much more. As part of our schedule you will be in the prayer room daily in the place of corporate worship and intercession, gazing at His beauty, and allowing our hearts to be transformed. You will be involved in Holy Spirit led super natural outreaches, sharing Jesus with words and actions both in the community here in Kona and when you go to the nations on outreach. You will also be involved in one on one discipleship with our staff and your fellow students as we all continue to dive deeper into a life of holiness, integrity and deep relationships. We are incredible excited to join together in this journey with God. We pray it is a launching pad to even greater things!

In preparation for your arrival we need to communicate some things as well as get some information from you.

First we need your arrival information as soon as possible! This includes airline, flight number, arrival time and date. As well as any other information that you may need us to know before you arrive. This is very important and it would really help us if you could get this info to us as soon as possible so we can coordinate all the student pick ups. We ask that all students arrive on January 7th. You must be here at least by that day, if you arrive earlier we may not be able to house you as we will be busy preparing for the school. So do your best to arrive on the 7th.

The full tuition of $4,200 is due on arrival here in Kona. Contact us as soon as possible if you don't have the finances or don't know where they are coming from. It is very important that you do this!

The Outreach will be $4,000-$6,000 US dollars due in two payments. The first at one month and the second at two months into the school

Please let us know if you have any questions,

More Fire and More Glory!

Andy Byrd

"Goodbye" and "Hello"

2009-11-27T14:42:00.000-08:00

I really hate saying “goodbye”. So much of my life has been releasing people that I loved deeply. Often I think about my dear friend Joy and how many adventures we had in our lives together, and the hours we spent hanging out talking. Now she is in heaven, I am sure causing some fun… but I still miss her (especially when something funny is happening that she would enjoy). She taught me to embrace life and love people around me in a way that brings them deeply into my life, so it hurts when they leave.
This week some new friends are leaving The University of the Nations and part of me is broken saying ‘goodbye”. Despite the short time together and the depths of them I still don’t understand…I am sad to no longer have them in my life. I have grown to enjoy them. I also remind me that I am in this journey on a narrower path that few will follow, but some are companions along the way. The missionary life is one that costs the stability of relationships that are continual. I am reminded of what the verse says in
Ecclesiastes 4:12

“12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

When Christ is the center of bringing people together it is a very strong bond. For some I may see again and others it may have to wait until heaven. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit that brought us together will not be broken. Thus, I am so thankful that I get to live apart of this life with really strong connections with people. It makes my life full and abundant and builds something that becomes apart of me forever.
Lately, I have been observing pictures and comments of friends on facebook which are highlighting their work on their homes or gaining homes, or longing to nest in a home. I have never really had my own home, despite the many I have lived in over the years and the help I have provided in other people in creating beautiful functional places to live. Instead my building has had to be this heart of character. It is one that finds new rooms for expansion of ideals and experiences. This life of listening to the Spirit and moving as He leads frankly stretches my capacity to be flexible, to love, and grow. In two weeks, I have been graciously been giving an apartment by Chris to stay in for 3 weeks. I will move all my stuff and regroup for the next season of my life that will start in January when I will move again into a room full of roommates. I know I will have many more people to meet and I am excited to see Deb, Ralph, Lukas and baby Lilly. Deb knows me well and encourages my nontraditional ways. So I am thinking “wow” in a couple of weeks I will have my dear friend with me and so many other new people in my life. Life is really interesting following Jesus and so are the people I meet along the way!

If you had unlimited money and time what would you do?

2009-11-08T16:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday a new friend asked me the question that I have heard since I was a teen, "If you had unlimited money and time what would you do?".The answer to that question has changed somewhat over the years. I remember a few years ago being apart of a goal group. It was composed of a fun bunch of women with whom I shared my monthly goals with, and longer term dreams. Two of my imaginings have come true, since that first day they encouraged me. I amazingly went back to Graduate School and didn't just pass; I excelled in my studies and really enjoyed school thoroughly. I attribute most of my success to the prayers of Hopewell Church and Jane Buscemi who believed in God opening the door for me. He totally did, after they prayed. Then, there is the issue of traveling to a tropical environment again, and I got to become a teacher and a missionary. This was something that I wanted since I was a child. I love being in an environment that physically blesses my soul. How could I doubt God’s ways after getting me to such an unseeingly possible place in life? Yet, the question took me off guard to rethink again what the possibilities for the future could be. It also challenged my perceived weaknesses and God’s possibilities. So, I just have to be honest in the cyber world! I have a few things I need faith for. I still really want to pass my last praxis test (math) to actually be certified in the state of Pennsylvania. Which would only make sense right? I do have a Master’s degree and I really want to teach for a long time to come. But, ugh! That Math test! Three points away from passing. I don’t know if I can bear putting all the effort into it again to not pass? God, help! Can I do it? Is it possible to have the discipline in my life to continually study something I do not like? Then, there are the other wishes. I would like my own family. I want to adopt a very special child or even more. Well, God I have no control of that. Only you can bring a partner into my life in your timing that would make a complete family. I will try to be open and hold out a tender heart... without a shell of protection, and patiently wait upon you. Lastly, I want to travel around the world and write a book or make a documentary on the needs of children that give them a voice to tell their stories. I want to empower and bring my love of literacy. But, can God do it? Do I trust? If I really believe there is limitless resources and time from a Heavenly Father I am walking in belief that He will do it. The Lord is faithful. He is kind. He is good. I am his child. He is my God, always with me, and always for me.
As I write this, I think how I have been enjoying the gentle breezes of Hawaii, as it cools a bit. I think God keeps reminding me that his spirit is like that gentle breeze... peacefully, gently, touching me. Then I think, I need to be willing to follow the breeze of the Holy Spirit. Not sure where it is going most of the time, but I need to be willing to allow it to pick me up and stir my passion. I will position my heart to bless God for what He blows away and also what He blows to me... time and time again. I will learn to turn it all back to praise, knowing that God is for me. Yes, for me! God is my desire, for my hopes and dreams, for my future... He never tires. For the Lord my God will take hold of my right hand and tells me not to fear, but to keep on walking ahead through the streets of Hawaii, then onto many other countries, with discipline and hope in my back pocket.

Reality- This is where I live

2009-11-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

This is actually where I live..it is beautiful, but not as glam as the Hilton Hotel view :) I live in this cluster of little apartment buildings.

Not Reality

2009-11-08T15:27:00.000-08:00

This is the view from Hilton Hotel- not actually where I live in Hawaii

Multipy the Message

2009-11-04T18:51:00.001-08:00

This Monday I took part in the “Multiply the Message” video production to recruit “2100 students in 2010 in YWAM Kona.” Basically, we video taped over 300 students and give them a short video to upload on their facebook page. It was a massive endeavor and I had a job totally new to me. I was camera assistant. It was a pretty interesting learning experience being on set and helping people with lights and microphones.

Check out this link for some pictures of the action!

http://thema.smugmug.com/U-of-the-Nations/2100-in-2010/10188555_hHPeq#702955203_zDwhJ

Onto my personal life, I am at the end of my rope with transportation issues. After praying, asking for prayer, researching, and seeking advice, I have decided to buy an electronic scooter. Hopefully, I will be able to work it and I can find someone with the gift of mechanical skills to put it together. It is cheaper than gas moped, or even renting one. I am hopeful that it will solve some my exhaustion involving transportation times that don’t flow so well with my schedule. I keep on trying to trust that all will come together with my provisions. That God will give me what I need when I need it. It takes a great deal of faith to ask people to give towards this ministry and trust that month by month I will have my needs met. I often would like to depend upon myself and great paying job. Instead, I continue to learn to trust in God and the kindness of friends and family to really meet the needs. I know this is a sacrifice for many, especially those that have lost their jobs in this economy. I am really grateful for those that have been generous towards me. I really am. I know that you are touching lives in ways that you can not even imagine. Even if I am in Hawaii and it seems so wonderful. The people I work with and mentor will go out into all the nations and what is put into them right now is very important for the Kingdom of God.

I also have been a bit sick this week. I have a bad head cold, which is really a pain in a tropical environment. I had to take some time to rest and get back on my feet today. I think my allergies are much worse because I live on an island with an active volcano. This is not so great for breathing. So please continue to lift me up in prayer for overall health.

The school has been going well. I can’t believe we are halfway through the semester already. It went so quick! I find the students learning a lot of English, but also really defining the direction for their vocational lives. We have been able to discuss their wishes and dreams in English. It is so exciting to be apart of such a teaching and mentoring position!

Baptism pictures

2009-10-25T13:20:00.000-07:00

Baptism pictures

2009-10-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

Baptism pictures

2009-10-25T13:15:00.000-07:00