December 17, 2010

Imperfect and faulted but restored and made new...

I’ve been moved this morning by that very thought. Last night my mom taught a powerful message about four imperfect men of God who where used mightily. In all their imperfections and faults God still found something in them that could be used. God doesn’t see something flawed and think there is no hope... we see something flawed and say there is no hope.

The one thing that stood out to me of the four men, Noah, Abram, Jacob, and Joseph, was that every one of these men had a mind that was set on doing God's work. We know when we are imperfect and sometimes when that thought is planted we think... no hope for me.

Today my heart hurts and rejoices all in the same beat for the realization that we are ALL imperfect people but being surrounded by imperfection we are all in the need of a true dose of water on the potters wheel. In school I took a required art class and learned something very valuable while making a pot. Not only was the gene of artistic ability not given to me but also the art of pottery is tedious and truly an art that not everyone is capable of doing. In my frustration, along with many others, I ended up with a big clump of unworkable wet clay. Seeing that picture in my head I think of what God truly has done in lives, including myself, that were just that, overworked, faulted, imperfect, unusable clay. However, like Christ in the reworking of our lives and the understanding of us my art professor took that clay let it dry out a little and made a beautiful bowl out of that same clay. I am not comparing my art professor to God but his experience and understanding of clay reminds me of the understanding of people that Christ has.

I’ve been given a wake up call in the last couple weeks and have realized more than ever before that I don’t want to be like everyone else. I don’t want to be nor look like anyone else in the church. I want to be godly of course but I want to be me. Yes I may have started out as a watery unusable piece of clay that was originally like everyone else but after being reborn I want to be the woman who Christ created me to be.

My experience on the mission field changed my life and the call of a young woman deepened during every step of that Swedish ground. No matter what afflictions come to this vessel, no matter what roadblocks stop this temple, no matter what stumbling blocks stop this flesh... I am a child of the most high God and I will be me. My dress may look like so and so, my smile may be my Mom, my eyes may be my Dad, my hands may be my Nana, and my height may be from my parents but my spirit is of the Lord and that is the only things that will make it to heaven.

That is why I want what is important to God to be unique to God...
My praise is for my Jesus, my dance is for my Jesus, my singing and playing is for my Jesus, my preaching/teaching is for my Jesus. My life is all for my Jesus and none of the things I listed will be like anyone else. I am unique, imperfect, and faulted in flesh but I am a masterpiece of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.


I encourage you today take a look into yourself and ask... who am I really trying to be? Is your walk with God a mimic of the person sitting next to you or are you a new creature. This life is full of imperfect people but the greatness about this life is imperfections are made beautiful in the hands of God.

God knows the beginning from the end... He knows the end from the beginning... and He knows exactly what makes you the person YOU are to be in Him.

Beauty is in God and at the beginning He started that beauty. Like every morning a new day begins in its unique way... I want that to be of my life and for yours. Each person was created for the glory of God and in your life your uniquiness should be giving back just that.

November 30, 2010

Every snowflake matters...

Isaiah 55:8-11
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.


I love the depth of these scriptures. As I read this last night I was amazed by the example of snow. I find it interesting to know that God knew exactly what we would understand and the easy but deepness of this comparison.

As the snow falls you quickly see who is happy to see snow and who is just not at all impressed. As I read through these scriptures yesterday I realized that as we look out our windows and see the piles and piles of snow that we soon begin to wonder why do we need so much snow, but like each snow flake that hits the ground and plays its role in the environment His Word that is spoken and His plan and direction to our lives is that important.


Like the snow that is falling today each time God sees bigger things in our lives it is going to be a challenge to our flesh and the things we "think" are the best way for our life. That the message from the Word of God will never return to God void. We in the flesh may not receive it well but for every thing that is sent by God into our lives holds a purpose and it may look to use like it has no purpose but it has a huge purpose we just need to surrender and let go.

May you find joy and peace in the beauty of God's spoken Word. I pray that as you read this devotion today that you see and understand the true depth of God's Word.

November 19, 2010

Child like eyes...

As you may have noticed I have a true love and heart for the underdog. As a young girl I remember fighting tooth and nail to not be a girl who was struggling. Many don't know that I spent most of my middle school years in a special education room waiting until the bell rang before I walked through the doors.

Before I was in tenth grade I spent one hour of the day lingering around the halls so that no one would see me walk through the doors of the "special education" room. Yes, as a young girl I struggled with reading and spelling. As you can imagine this effected alot of my learning as those are key things to any other learning.

However, I remember one day deciding that I didn't want to be in the class anymore and that I was going to work hard to prove that I didn't need to be. I believe that years of prayers lifted up by my mom helped me be determined and that God gave me strength to push through. Her frustration and the frustration of the teachers was nothing more than a heartache for me. I knew I wasn't smart and instead of giving up like most kids, prayers were heard and God came to save the day.

I know that in my own strength I would have never been able to get A's and B's in my Junior and Senior year of High School. Or that I would have graduated from High School a year early with college credit classes nor got through University with high marks. As a first grader I was unable to read and spent the summer learning to just be able to read the basic words that now kids have to know before they are even in Kindergarten.

With all this said God has placed a soft spot in my heart for those young kids in our Sunday School classrooms that don't have someone to pray for them to over come the obstacles that have been thrown at them. I pray some how God will give me a chance to give to these young souls that hurt and are embarrassed of what they have been dealt.

God loves all and is no respecter of persons. He says that if we don't come to Him as a little child that we can not enter into the kingdom of God. I believe this is because kids can see things with hope. If we do not have hope for them when they are little we will take away that true beauty of a child.

Today my prayer is for all the Sunday School teachers around. Don't give up on the one who is struggling and who can't keep up. Don't let them get frustrated on what you are trying to teach them. One of my best memories of teaching Sunday School has been working one on one with kids who are unable to read or write correctly. I pray that each teacher has an opportunity to watch the light in a child shine when he or she feels like they have succeeded. To give one child the opportunity to feel like they can over come and make it in this world that makes the good kids shine.

Teach your students to be over comers and give them what they need to work through what they may struggle with. Don't let them give up and throw in the towel because things are to hard. Give them the tools to be able to do what you know they can do and allow them to feel like they are not different in a bad way. You never know your teaching in a Sunday School classroom could be what helps them in their daily schooling and that would open the eyes of many through out.

All learn at different levels and truthfully looking back at my life I'm grateful that I struggled because it has given me a heart to care for those who truly were just like me. A heart to pray for students that didn't have the support system of prayer like I did.

Open your heart today and pray for those students who don't have parents praying for there learning. Pray for those young kids who need someone to love them enough to care about there success in life through education. Yes it may be something of this world but it is also something that God can use to speak to a child. It is something that can show to a child truly how special GOD see's them.

November 17, 2010

I'll be home for the holidays...

I love the feel of the Thanksgiving and Christmas Season. The way the trees on main street are all a glow with beautiful white lights, Smokey the Bear is dressed in his mits and scarf, and the street light banners are in red to display our holiday spirit. The drive down main street is truly beautiful when you look at the art that is put into each creative display.

Many say that the holiday season is not a Christian holiday but I see it differently. I see a time when my family comes together and celebrates around a table of food and tradition. Carrying on the one of very few cultural traditions in the family.

Before I went to Sweden I never looked at the importance of culture or tradition. I never saw the importance of allowing your family traditions to be passed on from one family member to another. The United States and even Canada has became countries that have little historical traditions. Yes, I do understand that some traditions are not ones that should be continued but the time of family is, I believe.

The Word tells us that the elderly women should teach the ways to the younger women. Do you feel that we are passing on traditions?

Christmas to me is of course first and for most a time to remember the birth of Christ, but as a Christian I think of that daily. When it comes to the holiday season I look at it as a warm time of family. A time when snow covers the ground reminding me of a long winter ahead, the lights in the streets a reminder of the warmth of a light to this world that only came by God, and smells of apples and cinnamon that bring an understanding of how blessed we truly are to be able to fill our bellys with sweets.

I do understand that to some this time of the season is not recognized and to be truthful that is just fine. I respect that and feel that you have your right to feel that way. However, for myself this time of the season is a happy time and a time when I look at my culture and my history. The time where I can give back to my family the time I may not be able to during the year.

I truly pray that you see through eyes of a child this Christmas season. Be thankful for the things you have and be thankful for the things you don't. Passing on traditions that may not have been noticed as traditions. If your a young person as your grandparents' and your parents' about family traditions.

November 15, 2010

Gettin back to it...

Hello fellow friends! I truly apologize for the long delay between posts. Since I've returned home from Sweden it doesn't seem like I've had time to really think let alone sit down and write again. I started to write the other night and realized it is time for me to organize and reevaluate my priorities in life.

I'm reminded as the snow falls that life continues even when we are not ready for it too. Sweden will only be a memory very soon and the lessons I learned while I was there will only be a memory if I don't let them change me. I think that it is time to reevaluate what things God has spoken to me, taught me, and corrected me on.

I don't know about you but I find it very easy to fall back into the ways of life and return to the same things I once was able to say I had gotten over. However, if we are not careful we are brought right back to the place we once where and seeing the same revelation.

October was a month of many little blessings. I am now officially 23 and as it doesn't really mean much it is still a reminder that God gave me 23 awesome years and each year gets better as I grow deeper in love with Him. God has given me the desire to write and express myself through words but I don't seem to do it as often as I should.

Starting I plan to make more of an effort to write and give back to the Lord through thanksgiving. Please look for the up and coming update of what the mission field taught me and how a year later things in my life have changed.

May the Lord bless you and encourage you through this wonderful season of life. As the American Thanksgiving fast approaches take a look at what you have and what you are thankful for.

April 23, 2010

April Report

My time here in Sweden has now came to an end, but the things I've learned and the people I have met will never have an ending. In my last week here I have witnessed and heard about a break through that has taken place here in Stockholm. A week ago we had the Scottish Bible Students join us here in Sweden for a revival service in both Stockholm and Falun both in which received a blessing through the power of Jesus name preaching. I saw for the first time in my three months here God bring souls to the alter of repentance as if in floods of cattle to the water of salvation. After that I have been informed that God has healed spiritual wounds that have kept some back from receiving full blessings, others walking into callings that only God could have opened the door for, outreach on the radio station of oneness, prayer meetings that shack the hearts of those who are struggling in their walks with Christ, and bible studies growing in numbers and power as the true message of salvation reaches the hearts of lost souls. In Kista where I have been with others doing a bible study for the international students we experienced an increase every meeting with new people coming with a passion and burden for something more to fill that void in their life. Here I have witnessed first hand the important of missions as we have represented all countries Sweden, USA, Czech Republic, Nicaragua, Japan, China, Italy, and even some of the eastern countries. Many of these people have spoken of the oneness truth they have heard in their own country which makes me realize how much we play in the big picture.

As I journeyed last weekend to Falun to preach and fellowship with the small group there I noticed great revival taking place. As they were blessed as well from the Scottish revival and outreach which opened the door for a breakthrough in the spiritual realm. On last Sunday there were three visitors and one whom has made the church her own. As I go home leaving Sweden and the amazing things it has blessed me with I have realized that I will leave them in the state of revival and that is more than a blessing to come home with. I look forward to what God is going to do for them and what He is going to use these amazing people to do. Coming to Sweden the darkness seemed so dark but now with the help of the Scottish Bible Students there has been a break through and I believe we are going to see a great outpouring in this country. We have worked the ground with the Word and spoke the truth that no man can deny. God is going to do wonders and this is all happening in a heathen country that many felt could never receive Christ. I'm proud to say "all things are possible through Christ" and Sweden will see revival.

Growing in Christ,
Krystina Meyers
Aimer to Sweden

April 3, 2010

My letter to the church...Easter Service

Greetings to you all in the precious name of Jesus!

Hebrews 13:18 says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the high priest, the Messiah, the King of all Kings, the bright and morning star... He is JESUS! The man who concurred the grave!

Hebrews tells me that He never changes. Jesus is the same Lord yesterday, today, and forever. No matter what the culture, the style, the language, or the people, Jesus is still the same Lord who died for the sins of the world so that we may have eternal life. He is the same Lord that will be in the service today as the Lord that was in the room with the students that prayed for a revival that has changed our Pentecostal movement.

I am encouraged today that no matter what I do, Jesus is still Lord. No matter where I go, Jesus is still Lord. No matter what I say, Jesus is still Lord. And no matter what the outside influences say, Jesus is still Lord. The Holy Ghost that came down on the people in the upper room is still the same spirit that lives within you and I. The same name that you take on during baptism is the same name that the apostles took on. The same healing that the woman with the issue of blood received is the same healing that many others today have received. The same Jesus that spoke to the scholars as a young boy is the same Jesus that preached the message of salvation.

Being here God has taught me a lot and the one thing that has changed my life the most is this....
No matter where you are... Jesus... is still the same Lord. His ways are still the same and his Word is still forever true. I never want to get to the place where I believe that Jesus changes because of me or the location that I am at. I never want to stop being excited to learn about Jesus.

The story of the cross should bring us back to the day of repentance when we for the first time saw who we truly were. The day we looked into a mirror and saw a sinner who needed a savior to save us from a life of unfathomable pain and suffering. But in that time of remembrance we should find a thankful heart that knows that He rose again and there He waits on the right hand of the throne of God to see his bridegroom cometh... spotless and rejoicing. Jesus does not change because of us or where we are. Jesus is constant the one who took it all for us and no matter where you are that will always stay true.
Hebrews 12:2 says "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Today should be a day of true gratefulness that Jesus never changes and the story of the cross will forever be true. I hope all of you are blessed on this beautiful day and that you are as encouraged as I am that Jesus is the only savior that can give us a life of joy and complete happiness no matter what the darkness brings or where we are in a geographical location. He loved us when we were unlovable so I encourage you to give that love back. We all know how to love but I think we often don't believe it is true so we don't. Christ's love is true and never changes. Don't you believe he deserves to receive love back?

Lord bless you all and your families! I will see you all very soon and send my love as well as hugs to those in which it is appropriate.

Growing in Christ,

Krystina

March 24, 2010

Glass Ceiling…

The voice that I heard was one that I had listened to for years. As I knew I would never live up to the owner of that voice I still found a comfort in knowing that he was my brother. Going to church as young kids I remember my brother always being the one who desired to go to church, he always was the good kid who could memorize all the Bible verses, knew all the songs, and who prayed every night to a God he seemed to know so well. I remember listening to him pray and hearing him ask for safety, knowledge, and a successful game. I always knew that my brother had a relationship with the Lord and today still pray that it will be rekindled.

Being here in Sweden I've realized that sometimes we forget that the God we pray to hears our prayers and will answer the cries of his people. Luke says that if we ask we shall receive, if we knock it will be opened unto you. The prayers of my brother were not always in vain and in fact in the time of my family's deepest struggle his prayers were for everyone else and not for himself.

I've learned something while being here and in fact some may say yeah well I knew that, but knowing and living are two different things. As I learned in school there is a glass ceiling effect that has kept women from the business field, however, we have that same in the Christian movement. So many apostolic people look at those who live a life to their full understanding is not being in a relationship with Christ at all, but where is that in the Bible? Does Cornelius show us that people can live a repented life but not the full truth thereof and still not be living for God?

A good friend of mine here spoke to me about the ceiling effect that takes place in the Christian movement. How there are religions out there who have lived a repented life, been baptized in Jesus name, but have not received the whole truth of Oneness or even living a holy life unto God. This as it is important to walk with God does not keep them from having a relationship with him and we as people of the truth must remove that glass ceiling from them and show them that there is more to this walk. We don't need to have a glass ceiling that keeps us from our Father.

I'm writing this to say we have the answers to a deeper and more complete walk and life with God. These people who have once known God or even still are walking with God to their own understanding are not those whom we should be staying away from. It is those whom we should continue to try and connect with, speak with, and pray for or with. They are the people who are hungry for a deeper walk with God and if you are walking with God they will want to have that deep walk like you have.

I encourage you today to go to the mission field that God has laid on your heart. We have so many kinds of mission fields and God is calling His people to work in them. You never know what the field may teach you about your own walk with God.

Luke 11:

9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

 

February 22, 2010

Through Signs…

Today has been a good day in the Lord. As the weather seems to stop the happiness of people's faces it does not stop the true passion and love of God. We are people filled with His spirit that has the power to do anything. There is no limit to God even the coldness of the air or anything we physically think can stop the movement of God. He is not able to be moved from His thrown, He is King with our without use His will, will be done.

On my walk to the supermarket I was looking at the ground as I normally do. It seems that I'm worried that I will trip over something but really I tried to walk on the way home from the train tonight without looking at the ground and it was almost impossible. Good thing that the Lord knows our faults and trains us up. Anyways this elderly woman was walking towards me as I was walking towards the supermarket and the Lord spoke to me and said "head up and smile" so I did. The smile of trueness came over me and I watched as this elderly lady gave me a smile of a true loving grandmother. You know the kind that you see on grandmothers faces when their little ones just did something so special to their heart. It was at that very moment that I realized that even if the weather is cold and the sun goes down at four o'clock God has declared His people who are walking with Him a light in the darkness. It was at that moment that I realized that I must pick my eyes up and watch for those who may just need a little glimpse of God. It was a blessing to know that God is always right on time and obviously it was what that woman needed at that moment.

Later on today I was reminded of something else. The Word says that these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18) God's people are to be walking in spiritual ways that they shall be followed by things that are unexplainable and only God given. It is by our obedience to His spirit that we are able to partake in such things but it is what the people who are filled with His spirit will be known by.

We are called to be peculiar people and that we must be known by our Father. When we were baptized in Jesus name we were given a covering of our past, our backs. God gives His promise that He will have our backs that He will take care of the things that we can't take care of. The Word says that we must say get behind me Satan. Why? God has our backs through the repentance and covering of the blood… if he is behind us protecting us than Satan has no chance to tell us to do anything. Our God has given us the Holy Spirit for use to move forward and proclaim the promises of the kingdom of Heaven.

I am encouraged tonight as God is moving through out, to proclaim His ways true. It is the responsibility of the people in the church to prove that we serve this wonderful God. My prayers for Sweden are that the people will let the spirit rain down on this city and that God would be known through His people's walks… with their heads up and noses down. Letting God prove Himself through signs that will FOLLOW after them!

We are seeing great revival get started in Falun and I pray that I will be able to partake of the greatness of the filling of the Holy Ghost in Sweden. I am off for three weeks in Falun and will be updating you on the great things God is doing.

February 16, 2010

International Revival...

The Word of God says that when his people pray that mountains can be moved. That just little faith gave Peter the power to walk on water. We are told of spiritual healings taking place when hands are lade on those who are in need. God has proven Himself time and time again showing that it is with great faith we could change this world.

In my bible studies with the International students I have witnessed so much of God's blessings. My friend Pamela has been witnessing to her friends for a couple years now and has been asking for a bible study for a year. Now that we've started the bible study she been able to witness more to them. I've been blessed to be a part of this and to watch light bulbs turn on by the power of God's words. In our group we have had two girls who have received dreams of going in the wrong direction and knowing that they don't have the power to change the direction they are going in. That they are on the road to destruction. God is moving and in all! God has brought two Muslim students to our group one who realized the oneness revelation but is still trying to make up his mind. Prayer is needed as these very educated students are trying to figure out God and we all know you can't figure out everything somethings are just by faith.

While in Falun during the previous weekend. I was blessed to give back to the people with a message and with music. I was blessed to use the gift that God has given me through music to play the piano for this wonderful house group. It was in Falun that I truly felt that I was doing exactly what God wanted me to do. There is a hunger in Falun and people are popping out every where with great hunger for the Word of God. I have never been able to witness so much desire for godliness as I witnessed in Falun. God is moving and He is getting His church ready.

I am ready for great things to happen here in Sweden and I can't wait to witness what that is about to be!

January 30, 2010

Youth, Bible Studies, and more…

So far my evenings have been filled with great adventures and wonderful fellowship. I'm blessed by the ways of God and the anointing that He puts on people who are obedient to His Word. I've been at two church events here in Sweden and both have been a blessing. I will start with Thursday night as I was blessed to witness the works of the spirit as it was a very multicultural group. As the Lord fell and the group began to thank God for what he had done from working in a court case, to blessing in a witness of a young college student who was just giving thanks for her food, to the healings that were to take place with another saint in the church, and the list goes on and on. God was proving Himself in 2010 and it was a blessing to witness what He is doing. I was honored and blessed to witness and be a part of a much larger picture. God is so wonderful and it was an amazing Bible Study.

On Friday night I was blessed with the honor of having the youth group over for youth night. The group was not large in fact there was only three who came and two who stayed through the whole night. I was honored to speak with these beautiful young women who on the inside were oozing of greatness. The devotion done by Sister Sophie was great and such a strong Word from the Lord. She spoke about loneliness and that hit so home for many of us sitting there. Very powerful move of God!

As many would have looked upon some things in the states and seen something much differently I looked upon it as a blessing of what God could and will do in these girls lives as they stay obedient to His Word. I have found through time being here that these people are so hungry for the Word of God and in that it makes me thirsty to give to them in any way I can. In the small ways, like the word speaks about the wife, our conversation can be a saving factor to the lost. I can't even beginning to tell you how that has proven to be true. The youth have blessed me back at my home church but watching the move of God in the Youth Night was a blessing the gratefulness and gratitude is beyond belief that comes from these young girls. I have been so blessed and I am grateful for what God is going to do while I'm here.

Besides those two nights my great times of fellowship with the family here has been overly great. I'm honored to have spent time with them and been please with the information they've given me. I will be going to Falun on Friday and be coming back on Monday. I'm looking forward to this and hope that I may be a blessing to these very devoted and blessed people. I will fill you in when I return home on Monday but as for now I will be writing tomorrow after church to what great and wonderful things God did in service.

May the Lord bless you all on this wonderful day and I will be back to you tomorrow. J

January 29, 2010

Four o’clock mornings and confusing signs…

No one can tell me that driving in Europe is an easy task. As I've learned by Adrian driving me a couple times now it is truly an accident waiting to happen. I watch some of the people whom may I add drive on the right side of the road seem to drive like mad men out to kill their first deer. It is crazy how people can be driving around in circles and never truly make you feel like they are going to run you over. Most people I see are walking but there are some who are driving around and seem to run into each snow bank possible or come to an intersection where I've not truly seen many STOP. They will do the common coast as I find my mother do often but stopping like we see at intersections not rarely. As I say this I do not complain just opening the eyes of my readers to what my daily adventure today entailed.

Four o'clock mornings are starting to get at me. My body as it gets over jet lag is tired by the time it is bedtime but I still have not gotten a regular routine. My bed time has been close to 11:00 or as it would be here 23.00. I wonder often if I will ever get us to the military time but I'm going to have to because everything is like that including my bus schedule which I'm still not use to yet. When you are spoiled with transportation always at your hands it makes it difficult to not here. Back to the four o'clock mornings which wouldn't be too bad as I do stay up during the day and sleep at night so I'm not all out of sorts. However at 7:30 am every morning I find myself awakened to the chirping of little kids who are going to the preschool across the street or as they call it förskola. Adrian informed me that it is for children who are five and younger. Anyways these kids are so excited that I wake up every morning to either them arguing about something, which I do not understand what they are saying but I do understand what they are doing, and/or them playing and laughing. It is sweet as I don't know what they are saying ever but I have looked out the window to see them and their reactions. So that brings me awake after my little rest that was only a couple hours long following my four o'clock body wake up call. So as you can tell my Scandinavian experience is quite humorous.

Today was my adventure out by myself. I was planning on taking a walk to bandhagen where I would take the train into the city that normally I would take the bus to... well go figure I was lost in the first fifteen minutes of my walk. Lucky for me I wasn't that lost and was able to venture back home. I than find out that the next bus wasn't for another fifteen minutes so by then my cheeks were cold and I didn't feel like waiting for the bus. So I ventured down the street to the nearby grocery store that I knew was there. Probably a five or ten minute walk at the most. Lucky for me I was able to find the postal service where I could buy stamps, or so it looked like on the sign, and was able to venture through the grocery store of a foreign language. It was very neat to look at all the products as I learned quickly that I will be eating lots of fresh things because that is all that I knew really what it was. Which will not be a problem because starting on the 8th I will be entering into a Daniel fast with the church, yes the good old fruits and vegetable fast that we did for a month. However, they are only doing it for 21 days so that isn't bad at all.

So as you can tell venturing through Sweden was an interesting adventure. Even though short and truly probably only a half an hour I think I may be going back later on this afternoon to mail something for headquarters. We shall see though I don't know what this day will entail besides the youth night that will be here tonight. I will post pictures and maybe a blog tonight if not tomorrow. It is really nice having internet access here as I can stay connected at all times.

Well I am off to work on scriptures for Adrian. I have to translate them all so it will take me a while. L I also should pick up around here so that the youth are comfortable. I guess you'll hear about what God is doing after youth night. Lord Bless everyone!

January 28, 2010

No compromise…No hypocrisy

In my time here I've learned so much already. The people are so unique and even though some may find things they deal with as a struggle I look at them as being a positive thing. Please don't keep me to my exact history but the story line is the most important thing. Sweden at one time was ruled by the Catholic Church and its leader as we all know. The King decided that they were not going to be ran by the Pope and changed to be a protestant nation. At that time every person who was born was born into the Lutheran church, I believe it was, instead of being born into the Catholic Church. Well as you can imagine the people of Sweden have an idea of being a Christian as not being a relationship but just as it really is a religion. Since people in Sweden were born into a religion they were never able to be founded on the moral standings that America was built on. Even though some may think this is a negative thing that they will never open up to the Word of God that is not entirely true. The people here respond well to the Word of God as that is the only true thing that can change the heart.

During my conversations I've realized truly how amazing some of the lack of understanding is. Without the idea of what is morally right you have no ability to fight the common "but I'm a good person" response. Another thing is that people in Sweden do not like hypocrisy so that means there is no doing things just because that is what the pastor says. If people are going to make a stand for God they are going to do it with their whole heart meaning that the process that God intended takes place, from the inside out. How encouraging is that, as well as how uplifting and refreshing. We have found in the churches in the States and in Canada a sense of compromise as we say but really it isn't compromise it is hypocrisy. Being here I've realized how badly I don't want to be a part of that. As long as I'm true to my Lord and what I stand for that is what is going to be my salvation. Yes submission to my Pastor and his authority in my life is important and I will obey what he has for me but that is another thing that is different in Sweden. Here in Sweden people are treated as equals which is a good thing but a negative thing when you are trying to teach submission and authority. However, that is in the Word of God and the word of God speaks to the heart which changes, hence from the inside out.

I am encouraged today and excited to witness the things that God is going to do. It sounds like I will be going up into Falun, Sweden some time very soon and praise the Lord I am very excited about that. I can't wait to share with you the people that I meet and share the great things God is doing. I have realized that it isn't always about taking the step but holding God's hand through the whole walking process. With God we can't fail and that means that no matter what happens while I'm over here it will be exactly what God intends as long as I stay under His will.

So greetings from your overseas Sister. I will try to keep better updates but today was difficult being that nothing has really taken place but getting settled. Have a wonderful day as I am going to Bible Study and you are just starting your day. Lord bless you all and look for pictures starting on Saturday as I will be entering into the city! J

January 24, 2010

The journey begins with gratefulness…

Sunday school was different today there was sadness in the air as I knew it would be for my last day in the classroom. Watching the youngsters enter in the room made my hear t beat to a new and different rhythm. I wish I could say that I was comfortable or ready for the class but I wasn't, my heart hurt inside as I knew it would be my last class with these wonderful young people. Pastor's presence in the room was only a reminder of the sadness I was feeling inside and the struggle of making this no different because I was leaving.

Sweet Ms. Rachel paid for a cake with her own money for my leaving. The love that was shown from Rachel's gracious giving heart showed through her gift. I will miss that girl as well as the sweet determination of Josh, Chet's loud boyish manhood change in his attitude, and Luke's confident change. These sweet children have changed my life and I will forever be grateful for that. They have given me something that I can't put my figure on.

Hugs were given as the youth group came to say good bye to me. My heart still breaks as I saw the tears in Sara's eyes and the hugs from Lacey while the boys shook my hand. I'm proud to watch the change in Mike and witness the persistence that Brother Justin has came to with the Lord. As sad as it is to say good bye and leave I can't look back at the beautiful blessings that these young people have been in my life and not be grateful.

Now that we are on the road I can't believe this day has actually come. The roads are terrible as we can only imagine when the Lord is about to do something. I was told that I couldn't get my e-ticket yet and the computer took a while to upload. It truly has been quit the day.

Pastor's words will forever ring in my ears while I'm away. "Faithfulness is success in the eyes of the Lord". As I step into this new chapter of my life I want to stand firm on what the purpose of this trip is for and that is souls. The lack of churches in Sweden breaks my heart but I know that will change. As long as I stay faithful to the Word and house of God my witness will be as it should be in the land of Sweden.

Last Sunday after fretting about leaving the Lord gave me this scripture.

Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

I know I have been called to help in Sweden as far as what will happen after my three month deployment, I do not know. I have three months of service to find out what God wants to do. The Lord has guided the footsteps of His people. Some to go, some to stay, and some to reach…

My Pastor is an amazing man and his love for service has taught me so much throughout my walk. It is today that I would like to say… thank you Pastor. You have done so much for me, taught me, corrected me, and encouraged me. I am going on this mission trip because of your faithfulness. You took me in, brought me under your protection, and with the help of God allowed healing to take place. If you would have not obeyed the call to stay and pastor the church in Fort Frances who knows what would be of my life.

Many want to go to the mission field, be a pastor, be an evangelist, or the next million dollar soul winner, but I have a pastor who followed the will of God for his life and because of that I am able to follow mine. You always said that it is about the will of God and now I say to all…..

Don't say I wish I could do this and I wish I could do that. Allow God to make you into what He wants. In your words "I am forever grateful" for what influence my pastor has had in my life.

I pray that everyone is safe today and blessed by the warmth of our Fathers embrace. Remember to forever be grateful for the people and things that make you who you are today.

January 22, 2010

Departure!


I am on my way to the mission field.... I will be there TUESDAY JANUARY 26th!

January 18, 2010

Departure fast approaching...

Dear Friends and Family,

Well my trip is fast approaching! Praise be to God that I only must fight butterflies for one more week. Is it the Lord's will for us to feel that just new love feeling in our tummy's right before going to do His work? If so I must say he is very successful and my stomach is floating like I'm about to see my first love, but than again I am about to see my first love. Through the eyes of souls in Sweden I plan to see Jesus.

I was encouraged last night to receive a great blessing of contribution from those around me. The church gave to the work of Sweden and even though I have my budget the Lord will bless those that gave to the work I will be taken part in.
For I have dreamed a dream of being a help to those who need it.
Last night my eyes were opened to Acts 6:19 Paul dreaming a dream of a man asking for help in Macedonia. Praise be to the Lord who gives His saints dreams and visions to do the work that is needed. And Lord knows we have work to do in Sweden.

Sweden is about the same size as California which has around 196 churches in the UPCI, however, Sweden has 1 church with a couple daughter works growing. We have much work to do before the Lord's coming. It is not His will that any be lost and if I can help bring the WORD of God to people in Sweden I will go.

My heart goes out to those who have labored in this country and their prayers through out the years. I'm excited to work along side the Smith's and ready to get my hands dirty. What an amazing couple who I look forward to getting to know and adding to my list of influential people in my walk with Christ.

Please pray for me as I depart to Sweden. Pray that God puts a hedge of protection around me. This is not a vacation to a place where I really know a lot of people. I appreciate you all and love you dearly. I will miss you deeply but know that I've been called to go and help much like Paul was. We shall see what God has planned! Lord Bless you all and stay tuned as I will update this blog spot often.

January 14, 2010

"Grateful"...

The only person I know who answers a greeting with "grateful", someone who feeds the multitudes and not in his own power, someone who goes to battle on his face and enters with only a sword(the Word), someone who will enter into the battle fields with nothing but victory in mind, someone who has no idea how his love for souls saved me from never walking into a United Pentecotal Church again. Who is this man you may ask? This man is my Pastor... Rev. Sean V. Ward

I remember the day this man became my Pastor and will never forget it. My desire is not to dwell in the past but I must give honor where honor is due. There are two things about that day that I will dwell in forever. The first words spoken by the man I call Elder are the words that gave me peace... "they are finally home". The second words spoken by the man I call Pastor... "it is about souls and you are welcome here". These words are what I know make my Pastor the best pastor in my eyes. He is the sheperd that threw over his shoulder two wounded sheep and has protected them ever since.

Pastor Ward has helped in mentoring out gifts that I never knew were there. He has pushed me to heights that I never knew exsisted in God. He's prayed for me and let God work out the many rough spots in my life. Allowing the love of Christ work through him I am slowly growing into the servant that God has called me to be.

I say all of this to say be grateful for the one who's authority and call has given you the hope to learn more about the one true God. Be grateful for the man of God who has listened to the call of God and preaches to you the Word. Who helps you to grow and become strengthen in the faith.

Thank you Pastor I am grateful for what you've done and the huge roll you've had in helping me to become what God wants me to become. No matter what comes my way I know that you will preach the Word of God to me.

Tack Jesus!

January 13, 2010

Grandpa Fries...


There was a solider who went home...

I sit here today thinking about what my Grandpa Fries truly taught me. He was not a perfect man in fact he was truly the poster child for forgiveness and mercy. I look at his life and what he did and I wonder how a man so mean could turn into a man who was so in love with something besides himself.

As little as I knew Grandpa there is one thing I do know. He was a man who trusted in the Lord with his whole heart. Grandpa was not a perfect man but he was a changed man by his faith.

Some people have the love that is transparent in their work. Grandpa loved God with all his heart and soul. His work was God's work and his life God's life. I'm grateful today to have known him and will forever be thankful for what God did to change him.


Just a little tribute to one man who along with many has impacted my life.
I miss you so much but I also know that you are in a much better place.

January 11, 2010

Walking on water...

I'm looking forward to what God is going to do in the next couple weeks. I've learned so much about myself and what I stand for. It's just to good to be true.

Life is amazing and never have I felt so thankful for what He is going to do. I'm in the last part of planning my trip and in that I've realize so much.

The Lord spoke to me and told me not to be afraid. I stepped out in faith with my whole trip from my budget to my insurance and over again. This whole thing has taught me how truly amazing our Lord is. I'm looking forward to doing God's work and with a grateful heart.

Five year to get answers, five years to be filled with the Holy Ghost, and five years to start it all in baptism. My Lord has worked in fives my whole life.

January 5, 2010

God is giving interest in the wait....

Well my departure date is drawing near and my excitement of leaving is starting to bubble out of me like rivers. It is difficult to focus as I try to keep my mind away from what I will be able to witness in Sweden. I'm going to see souls saved on the streets of the city of Stockholm, in the beautiful landscapes of Falun, and on the trains on my way.

Yesterday I received my first church contribution to my trip. The church from Grand Forks, ND sent me a gracious offering. I'm thankful and gracious to those that I've met there. The people of Grand Forks were very kind to take me in to their church family. I learned so much from Brother Fennel and the saints and will forever be grateful for his obedience to the voice of God.

Nothing else is really going on around here lately. I'm finding things coming together as the Lord finds ways for me to save on this trip. I grow interested to see what else will take place as I heard today from Sister Emilie about my housing arrangement. She informed me that she wants to speak with me about details. We shall see what else the Lord has done.

Well I believe that is it for today. The Lord is so great and I've seen Him work mightily through out my arrangements and those around me. Starting 2010 I've seen chains broken, sickness healed, and joy given. If we can not see the hope that we have through the blessings that have been given so far I don't know if we ever will.

Prayer tonight at Pastor and Sister Ward's house. We shall see what other wonderful things God is about to do! Our Lord is a mighty God who WILL be praised!

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