Healing 2 The Nations ~ Dr. Claudia R. Wintoch ~ Blog August 2006

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Thursday, August 31, 2006

Healing

Yesterday Paul and I went to see our Christian carpenter, to give him the job of making two more bunkbeds. He'd been ill for several days, saying his whole body was hurting, and that he would not be able to do the beds in a week because of that, but in two. I asked Paul to join me in praying for Caleb, and we did.

Today Caleb had to come over because he couldn't remember the measurements for the beds. When he got here, he told me all excitedly that he was totally healed! He said he could already feel it leaving while we were praying for him yesterday. Praise God!

Late tonight, after 9 p.m., Paul's Dad showed up with his 5-year-old son Etienne. Etienne was having pains, and so they came over for me to pray for him. So we did. Let's pray for his healing also!

By the way, when our French visitors were here in April we noticed that Elisabeth, Paul's stepmom, was pregnant, and prayed for her baby. I haven't seen Elisabeth since my return, but have asked Paul how she and her baby is doing. People here don't talk about unborn babies, and Paul was somewhat embarrassed. However, he did talk to Elisabeth and learned that she's lost the baby.

Conference etc.

This morning I sent Paul and kids to the conference, and they all loved it! They'll be going tomorrow and Saturday as well. It gave me some time to be with Him, as well as to get things done. I enjoyed the quietness.

In the afternoon, the kids took the writing exam. They've improved considerably, but only Abdias passed.

Our car got fixed in record time, thanks to Emma who took care of it. So the errands that had to wait today, I can take care of them tomorrow. It's gonna be another busy day tomorrow, trying to accomplish much.

Tomorrow afternoon we'll be going to Yirimadio, to our property, to pray, as well as to invite people to the party we're doing there Sat night. We'll be bringing food, and we're gonna show the MATTHEW Jesus film in Bambara. The week after we'll then start with teaching the basics of Christianity, from the kids' curriculum I've taught before.

We're really in need for finances right now - car repair, party on Saturday, Seybou & Pau going to driving school, sending three kids to kindergarten, etc. etc. - it all adds up quickly!

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Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Good & Bad News

First the good: I have my around-the-clock internet connection back. Praise God! They fixed it today. It's faster, always online, and cheaper than the phone line.

The bad news: the car broke down (again). And I still have a list of things to do and places to go, as well as the kids. Please pray it will be fixed as soon as possible and for as little as possible. I'm really praying for a new(er) car (this one's 19 years old).

Doctor's Visit

This morning the doctor came to get the stool stamples and take blood from each kid and adult, 9 persons in total. Everybody was somewhat fearful, but everybody took it without problem. Only Hama made one opposing shout. Even 15-month-old Sarata didn't make any sound at all!! Seybou was probably the most fearful. He hates syringes! The picture shows Salim having his blood taken.

The doctor ended up taking Salim and Fousseni with him to the clinic because of some ugly wounds on their legs - soccer wounds infected by the stale dirty water on the streets in rainy season. At the clinic he cleaned them out and took care of them. I then later, after two appointments, was to come pick them up again, from the other end of town. So at 4 pm Abdias hopped in the car with me. We got about 500 meters before the car broke down, and we had to take a (costly) taxi to the clinic and back.

TV Interview

One of the appointments was the TV journalist. He came over, after having spent some hours with Paul and his family, and he filmed us teaching the kids. He had Paul speak a few minutes, and also had me speak a few minutes on how we found Paul and what he does with us. That was the end of it. The documentary will be broadcasted in English-speaking Africa only, and it looks we might not even get a copy. Too bad.

Because of the doctor's later-than-planned visit the kids never got to go to the conference tomorrow. Tomorrow I'm gonna put them in a taxi to go there, which will also give me some quiet to pray and get things done.

In the afternoon we're gonna do the remaining exam (writing). All three of them failed writing in July, and this is their chance to remedy that. Today Fousseni already did the exam of the other classes he failed (maths, reading), and failed them both again. Sekouba did French and failed. Abdias still has to do his Bible exam tomorrow. On Monday we're gonna start Bible and French only for now. We're not really gonna start school until Oct 1, hoping Marie will be here to help, or somebody else. Since the Austrian girl Johanna is still here until Sep 21, she will teach them French. Monday and Tuesday I'm gonna show her how, and then she'll take over. I'm gonna start teaching them a curriculum on hearing the voice of God, and I'm looking forward to it.

Building Fund Empty

Maybe you noticed the amount in the building fund going down consistently over the past few months. The money I put into the fund was NOT dedicated to our building project, but I put it in since it was more than we needed for daily life. However, over the past few months there have hardly been any donations, so I've had to draw from that fund to provide for daily life. Now that money has come to an end, and I have to trust God to bring in funds again to take care of our growing family.

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Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Busy, Busy Day & Lots Of News

Picture from left: Salim, Johanna, Fousseni, Paul, Sekouba and in front Abdias.

On Sunday I was invited to a conference starting this morning, and I was told, I had to at least come to the grand opening Tue morning. So this morning, we squeezed into the car (7 people instead of 5) and went to the congress center where the opening was held. They paraded the people from the different West African countries around the room, and greeted the government officials, having each one say a few words. Very Malian! And then they asked all the pastors in the room to go backstage. I was not going! I was so happy to sit far back with my kids! I watched them file out, and then suddenly, I heard them from the stage, something about the "Austrian lady-pastor". So finally I did get up and followed the other pastors backstage. Imagine, 40 Malian pastors, all men, and then you - a white woman! They couldn't find the key to the room, so we all stood in the hallway, talking, and being offered snacks. In the end I didn't mind being there, getting to talk to a few people.

Back with my kids, there was a worship time before the sermon/teaching, and the kids just loved it! I did a 1 minute video of them dancing and singing, that you can watch by clicking here (from left in video: Johanna, Abdias, Salim, Fousseni (red), Paul, Sekouba).

Speaking Of Internet...

My Dutch friends came over this afternoon to figure out why my internet connection isn't working. They got back from 4 months in Europe just before me, to fix what's not been working for as long. He thought he had found the malfunctioning part, and will bring a new one tomorrow to make it work again. Praise God!

Doctor Alan

Our doctor came by as well. Three of the kids had some physical issues, plus it's time to do all the tests. Sekouba got two prescriptions, and the others were taken care off as well. Then he left us little containers for stool samples of each kid - reason for much laughter for the rest of the day. Dr. Alan is coming back tomorrow morning for them, and to get blood from everyone to be tested. 9 people in total; it's gonna be pretty costly! Some necessary shots will be next.

Meeting With Construction Manager

While Dr. Alan was still here, Kossi showed up. I showed him the drawings and asked some questions. He thought that half a million dollars was a good bet. He is now doing an estimate for the first building phase (2 buildings) that the architect is drawing professionally right now. I also asked him how long they would take to be built, and he said three months! Wow! I think my goal of moving by May 2007 is doable. We just need those title deed papers for the property to come through!

Christian Schools

I had been told about a Christian school not to far from us, when I was looking into places to send our kids to school to. Today we went there because of the Christian High School, since Paul wanted to transfer there. The disappointment was great that they only have 10th grade right now, and he's starting 11th. Sorry, Paul!

But there was another purpose in our visit there that I wasn't aware before that. They actually have all grades there, from 3 years old onwards, till 10th grade. I talked to them, and loved hearing about the kindergarten (ages 3-5). I immediately made up my mind that Hama needed to go there. I also thought about Elisabeth's two youngest kids, 3 and 5 years old. The kindergarten is French and Bambara, and they even do a few words of English. They have 3 teachers, one of who is a Christian, and one who doesn't convert to Christianity because of her family. The kids not only draw and learn to draw lines and even write letters, but they sing Christian songs and pray and hear Bible stories.

Tuition is $200 per kid per year, that is $600 for the three kids - Hama (5), Etienne (5) and Anatole (3). Would anyone out there like to help us send them there?

For our own kids, I'm still hoping on Marie coming back, so I can form here the first few weeks until she takes over all the way.

More Beds

We stopped at our Christian carpenter's who was SO happy to see me. He told me he hasn't had any work for some time, being desperate to make money, so he was happy to get our request for two more bunkbeds. He is such a great guy, doing such a great job. He told me he was sick, which is why they would take two weeks. So I asked Paul to join me and pray for his healing, and we did. We'll see how long it will take!

10 Needy Orphans

This morning at the conference, I noticed this guy sitting down in the row in front of us when I came back out from the pastors' meeting, and he would look to us quite often. At the end of the meeting he approached me, introducing himself as a pastor from Kati (15 km outside of Bamako). I don't know how he knew I was working with kids (maybe having 5 with me?), but he told me he was quite desperate because he had 10 orphans nobody wants, and he can't take care of them. They are between the ages of 3 and 7. He said they don't have shoes or clothes, and he can barely keep them alive food-wise. They are all orphans, and their relatives refuse to take them. While he was talking, I could feel a tug on my heart. I told him we weren't in a position yet to take that many (I wished we were!). He just begged for me to come and bring some provisions. I told him I'd pray. I really feel we should go there for a day, bringing clothes, shoes and food, and doing a program for the kids. And maybe we can take two of them or so? After all, four more beds are coming! I'm thinking of going there as soon as next week.

Again, Lord send the money so we can help!

Games

The evening closed with a game of darts (picture: Salim). Of all the new games I brought back with me, the darts game is one of the most loved. They were having fun!

And Ahead...

What a busy, but fulfilling day! I'm so glad I managed to get up reasonably early today, after a short night, but right now I'm barely still typing because my eyelids are trying very hard to close. Please pray that that time with Him won't fall victim to busy-ness, and that I'll still get enough sleep.

I still have a long list of things to do, places to go. I decided to send my kids to the conference every morning (Thu-Sat), because it's doing them good, but I'm gonna go home in between, and go pick them up when it's over. That will give me some time alone.

I can't type any more without sleeping.....

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Monday, August 28, 2006

Running Errands

This morning we all piled into the car to go run some errands together.

We stopped at the government office, because I wanted to find out firsthand what's happening with the papers for our property. In February the government lifted the ban on giving out property in that part of town, and we've been waiting since for them to start processing our request. Our contact person there told me today that it should be anytime now (yeah, right, that's what I've been hearing for months). He said they'll be putting in place a commission soon, then they'll move the family on our property, and we can start building. I sure hope it's gonna be still this year!

I was on the phone with our construction manager today, and he wanted to come over, but he didn't. I also talked to our doctor who wanted to come over and didn't. Fousseni has some little injuries, and Abdias has the same weird rash again he had before I left. And then we need to start doing the medical check-up and shots for them all. Another person I had on the phone was the guy who had set up my internet connection. He said he'd come tomorrow to fix it. Praise God! After more than 4 months, it might work again tomorrow!

We also went to a driving school today to inquire about details. I'd like to send Paul and Seybou to driving school, and Simeon once he has his act together. Paul is gonna go first. They only do 10 hours of theory and 10 hours of actual driving before you take the exam, and it's all done in two weeks! I definitely won't be handing over the wheel very quickly after that; let him drive off the big, crazy roads.

And then we went to another mission doing technical stuff. We took our sound system, projector, DVD player and generator with us, and had them help us figure out some things, so we can show movies with our generator (in fact, the generator is not strong enough by just a few Watts; we'll have to use a battery as well). I also left our wireless mic there, hoping they'll be able to fix it.

On the way home, the kids insisted on getting some icecream, so I relented. It was Fousseni's first one ever, and he loved it. (There is one gas station where they sell icecream that comes out of a machine.)

We got about half the errands done today, or less, and tomorrow morning we're going to the big opening meeting of a conference I was invited to. It has to do with youth, and the preacher is a well-known guy from neighboring Burkina Faso. This conference is organized by the charismatic association of churches in Mali, and the guy who invited me, called its founder and leader and had me talk to him on the phone. The founder threatened to give me an honorable part in the meeting, which I told him politely I didn't want. Every time, they want to put me in the front row with the pastors, while I just want to sit in the back with my kids. I hate it when they move me up there! So I'm praying I'll be able to be insistent enough to stay in the back and not play a role.

If the meeting is good, we might attend more.

Still to do: go to the Ministry For Children, go see Fousseni's father so he can sign the paper, go to a Christian High School to see if Paul can transfer there, go see our carpenter so he can make two more bunkbeds, and more.

Once more it's midnight, and I need to go to bed. The meeting tomorrow starts early, and I have not been good in getting up at all.

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Sunday, August 27, 2006

First Weekend Back

After the difficult first day on Friday, it's been a very good weekend - thank you to all you intercessors!

I regained my strength on Saturday, and didn't feel the humidity as much any more. I also enjoyed having uninterrupted time with the Lord Sat as well as Sun, drawing close to Him. That is what is most important, and what makes the difference!!! Yesterday I was able to get up early, as I wanted to, though I didn't succeed this morning. I'd like to get up before the kids, to have time with Him, so I'm also trying to go to bed by midnight - tonight it's already after midnight - so I'd have 6 and a half hours of sleep (not much really). Will I be able to get up 6 hours from now? I doubt it.

I'm enjoying my time with the kids, and see the ways I've changed over the summer, with the burnout gone. I'm loving more on my kids, and have more to give to them. They need so much love, and I hug them and hold them now more than ever. Hama is also so happy to have me back! I grabbed Abdias tonight, after he had made a face for quite a long time, and just loved on him, and his countenance changed.

Prayer Meeting & Service

Last night we gathered to pray. I ended up talking for 2 hours, sharing all the Lord did during my trip, and all that God had spoken and was up to. They got excited when I shared about the progress surrounding the property and construction. With time having gone fast, we only took half an hour to meet with God before closing, but we'd had a good time.

I've been speaking much about praising and worshiping God since my return, because it's such a deficiency; generally Malians don't know how to worship, and my people here don't either, and it saddens my heart. So I preached on praise today, and talked about Jehosaphat's victory by praise. Today we had the Bambara worship in the beginning, but I kept the French worship for the end, to spend time connecting with God after the message. I used the keyboard for the first time today (we've had it since April). Our Austrian guest Johanna plays the guitar well, so she did, which liberated me to play the keyboard. Last night and this morning I familiarized myself with it, how to accompany songs, and it went well. I love the piano more than the guitar.

In the end, I asked Johanna to keep on playing, and invited those who wanted prayer to come forward. Unfortunately the two guys who were also visitors had just left, so it was only "us", the core family, left. When nobody responded to the call, I told them that I really wanted to pray for Paul, for refreshing after 6 weeks of managing everything. I'm really proud of him. I invited everyone to join me, and several came forward to lay hands on him. After some time of praying, Paul started giggling (I was praying for the joy of the Lord), as the Lord filled him afresh. He ended up on the floor with the Lord. He told me later that God had really refreshed him, all the while he was visibly so tired that I sent him to bed at 11 pm, without mercy.

I've asked Paul to stay with us rather than move back in with his family when school starts in a few weeks. He still hasn't made up his mind, though I asked him about two weeks ago. It would be a blessing for him and us, I believe. His family lives close-by, and he visits them every day.

There are also two young men that should be back to join our team. One is Simon-Pierre who finished his High School before the summer. We hardly saw him all year last year, but I'd like to see him back in Bible School this year. He has a pastor's heart.

The other one is Firmin. I asked Simeon what had happened to him, and he shared the difficult situation he is in. Instead of coming to me, he's not be seen near us again. His family is too poor to take care of him, and his relatives don't want to take care of him any longer. He also finished High School before the summer and wants to study now. I believe he might be one to work with us full-time, instead of Paul, since Paul will be back in school. We'll see.

Paul Getting Famous?

We had very special visitors today - a German TV journalist from REUTERS, and a Malian journalist. They came with their TV camera, doing some filming during the service. They came late and left early - the service went on too long for them, since they're not believers. But they heard the gospel before they left, praise God! They wanted to do some interviews after the service, but left a couple of minutes before the end, saying they'd be back on Wednesday for the kids' program.

So what's this all about? This German journalist, Reiner, is doing a documentary on Albinos in Westafrica. The most famous Malian Albino is Salif Keita, a world-renown singer and musician. Paul knows him personally, somehow through the organisation he started, getting free sunlotion to Albinos in Mali. Through all those connections Paul has, the journalist was sent to Paul, and from his family, to our place since he now lives here. And because of that, the journalists are also interested in what we do and who we are. They are going to interview Paul on camera, as well as myself, and who knows who else. Wow! I pray that documentary will open the door wide for other TV teams, and for the work of God here to become known!

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Friday, August 25, 2006

First Day Back In Mali

I slept in this morning, after a night with interruptions, not used to having a cat around any more.

The whole day was spent unpacking and working through what has been waiting for me. I gave the first few gifts to the kids, and they enjoyed them, though jealousy and ungratefulness is still a part of their lives.

In the evening Emmanuel came over, and our relationship is at a low right now. For three years now I'm waiting for him to do what God wants him to, but he still resists out of fear of his family. And while I was gone he lost our car papers, which costs us a good sum of money - me, that is, since he doesn't have any. And he only lost them because he didn't put them where I told him to put them. And he put the other papers STILL in the same place.

He said he doesn't know yet whether he'll continue Bible School. Honestly, I'd rather he did a clear cut, instead of meddling in what he should do full-time. Maybe it would be best. Best for him to come to his senses, because we need his help desperately. But then, he tends to not do what I say, so maybe it's better he's going at a distance.

I've been pretty tired all day today, with a slight headache at times, plus feeling the heat and humidity more than usual. I got some stuff done, but for some reason I've had a hard time keeping my spirits up. Please pray for protection from all discouragement and fatigue! Pray I'll be able to prepare for Sunday, and for a good prayer meeting tomorrow night.

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Thursday, August 24, 2006

Arriving Back Home

I had a letter from the NGO in Germany to show at check-in, hoping not to have to pay any extra. I added a third suitcase in Paris, with more stuff for the kids. And praise God, I had favor! I didn't have to pay for the suitcase, even though they said I need to talk this through before actually traveling. Ant then there was a long discussion concerning my carry-on which was far too heavy. In the end, I was able to take it all. Praise God!

Then I had a divine appointment on the plane - the Lord put a Christian engineering professor next to me. He's heading an organization that has funding for projects, plus he could actually come to Mali help with our construction. Awesome!

Arriving in Bamako, several people waited for me at the airport: Emma (driver), Paul, Abdias, Fousseni and Johanna (the Austrian girl). We had a full car!!! Emma got off at his house, and I drove the rest of us home.

It was a wonderful reunion! I was repeatedly hugging Fousseni and Abdias, and I also hugged Sekouba and Salim, who are both not used to it and feel awkward. They were all very happy to see me. Simeon was also at the house, to greet me, as well as Seybou and Fanta. Sarata and Hama were asleep. Can't wait to see them in the morning. They told me that both have been asking for me constantly.

I could tell that none of them has changed, still the same issues - with Emma, Fousseni... Paul said I looked very different, radiating. No surprise. I was burnt-out when I left in July, and now I'm back to full force.

I'm so proud of Paul, but I can tell he is tired. He is so glad to pass the responsibility for everything back to me.

Well, it's after midnight. Time to get some sleep. Tomorrow Fri I'm gonna take it easy somewhat, unpacking, settling back in. On Saturday we're gonna have a prayer meeting, and on Sunday I'm preaching.

I prayed for my kids tonight before they went to bed, which was wonderful. I also prayed for Johanna, when I asked her. Pray she'll come to know the Lord personally before she leaves. In the next 4 weeks she is still here she's gonna teach the kids French, and she's gonna help me prepare the book by typing up my old newsletters (the ones I wrote before I had a PC).

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Thursday, August 24, 2006

Two Days In Paris - T.L. Osborn

Tired from a long trip and a time difference of 9 hours between Los Angeles and Paris, I had the joy of hearing T.L. Osborn preach twice. He is doing a big crusade in Paris this week. T.L. Osborn was part of the healing revival in the US in the 50s, and is one of few that remained in the faith and still keeps going; he is 84 now, but you really can't tell when he preaches.

I was amazed that 90% of the people at the crusade were Africans and other non-white immigrants. I was told that the big charismatic churches in France are the African churches, from countries that have a lot of Christians, like the Congo.

The rest of my time in Paris I've been packing and resting. I have three suitcases, and am praying for favor at the airport. I have a letter from our German NGO, asking not to charge me since what I carry is for an orphanage in Mali. Unfortunately the French are generally not as friendly as the Americans, but nothing is impossible with God! (In the plane from LA to Paris, I pressed the button, calling the flight attendant to have a glass of water. I had to wait 40 minutes before she showed up, and I told her that. She got slightly upset and said she'd also have other work to do.)

Now it's time to go home! I can't wait to see my kids again! Please pray for the first few days of settling back in, of doing the accounting for the weeks I wasn't there, implementing some of the changes, and the list of things needing to get done. Pray also for this Sunday, as I get to preach again.

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Monday, August 21, 2006

Boarding The Plane For Paris

It's time to go home! Yeah! With a little stop-over in Paris to hear T.L. Osborn preach and pack my two boxes there.

I've just finished packing, and am now praying for favor at the airport, so that there won't be any charges for a few additional pounds and no security trouble. I'm also asking God whether He could upgrade me to business class :-) (He didn't.)

Please pray for a safe and blessed trip, and especially for my body who is tired. There is a 9 hour time-difference between LA and Paris; please pray for a swift adjustment and that my sleep would count double. On Thursday I'm continuing on to Mali, going back 2 hours in time.

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Saturday, August 19, 2006

HIM Conference in Pasadena, CA

Very different from the conference in San Diego, this conference is more teaching, and for me personally, I've made some good connections. Especially one is just mind-blowing, and should allow us to get our construction in Mali done quickly, as well as some other wonderful ramifications.

The last two nights, God has given me a lot of strategies, blueprints, instructions for the time ahead. Awesome! Like every summer, I'm expecting a huge leap forward when I get back. In fact, God is speaking about expansion (again), about going into the rest of the country, into villages, planting churches. Last year, I was crying out to God, HOW FEED THE KIDS WITHOUT MONEY?, and He did it. This year I'm crying out, HOW TAKE THE COUNTRY WITHOUT WORKERS?, and I just have to trust that He will send the workers.

I talked to my kids last night - they can't wait for me to get back, and I can't wait to be with them again.

Simeon went to the government office, but nothing has changed in terms of the papers for the property. They're still stuck. Please pray that they'll come through so we can build!

On Monday I'm flying back to Paris, where I'll take the plane to Mali on Thursday. All my kids want to come to the airport, but with our little car that won't be possible.

I'm looking forward to being back home, and advancing His kingdom with fresh vision and empowerment. I feel like I've gone up a level again! Praise God!

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Saturday, August 12, 2006

Two Days In Augusta, Georgia

I'm sitting at the Atlanta airport, waiting to return to Kansas City, after two wonderful days in Augusta, with my friend Christy, and her parents. Her father is an architect, and he's kindly taken on our project, desiging the houses on our property.

I also had the honor of meeting his boss, and he seemed pretty intrigued by our project. If he chooses to take it on, it would open marvelous doors.

I greatly enjoyed my time with Peter, the architect, discussing, drawing, strategizing, and I believe we've come up with a wonderful site plan for all the buildings. The next step will be meeting with the construction manager in Mali, and of course, we're still waiting for the property papers to come through. Hopefully we'll be moving in the first half of next year. As soon as the first two, basic buildings are up, we can move.

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Thursday, August 10, 2006

Traveling At High Alert

What a surprise to get to the airport, and you're told you can't take water on the plane. What? I've never heard that before!

When I turned my computer on to check mails while waiting to get on the plane, I had all the news in my inbox and I understood. Of all days, it's today I have to travel! I'm going to Atlanta, just for 2 days, and I'm traveling light. If I had known, I would have checked in my carry-on bag, but as it is, I'm just traveling with my blue backpack. So it really hurt when they took my perfume away. I had just bought a new bottle in Paris, and now it's gone. I won't smell nice in Atlanta, and I'll have to buy a new one :-(. To my surprise they didn't take my shampoo or toothpaste. But before I boarded the plane, they said we couldn't take any of that with us, so I freely left my shampoo and toothpaste behind.

On the upside, I got upgraded to first class, so at least I will get some water! I do have to change planes in Memphis, so I can only hope, they won't strip me further there.

Pray for a God-time with the architect tomorrow.

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Wednesday, August 9, 2006

Preaching In Topeka, Kansas

What an awesome time! What a joy and honor to know HIM and make Him known. What a joy and honor to be His reflection, His mouthpiece, His extended hand, and see Him come down and touch and change lives. Wow!

I was invited to share in a little church in Topeka, the church where my good friend Carrie goes. Carried had sent a few of my mails to her pastor, who I then started corresponding with, and who invited me to come share. He told me in the end, I was all he had expected. I asked with a twinkle whether that was good, and he said yes.

Honestly, once more I was humbled by the introduction as well as the words spoken in the end. Words of love and honor. The pastor said at the end that I had found a family in Topeka, and that they would stand with me. Wow!

When I met the pastor's wife at a restaurant before the meeting, I immediately felt connected, as if I had known her for years. When we drove over to the church, the presence of Holy Spirit was getting pretty strong in the car. I was getting excited about what He'd do that night! When I got to the church, several people were already there, and I immediately felt at home. God was there. I met the pastor, who I also was already connected to in the Spirit, as if I had known him for years. And I could tell Holy Spirit lived in that little church. I later saw that they had a "welcome Holy Spirit" banner in the back - you could tell.

The pastor told me to just be me - but I don't know anything else anyway. He introduced me to his people, just a small flock, but they love God. My new friend Jenny, who had first heard me last Sunday, brought her husband and kids this time, increasing the number of people considerably.

We started with two worship songs, and it was so easy to just slip into His presence. I was disappointed they didn't do more songs. I just wanted to love on Jesus! I had much more time to share than I'd had on Sunday, which was nice. I took the mic and started pouring out my heart to my Beloved, allowing the precious people in front of me a glimpse into my love relationship with Him. I could have gone on and on, but tore away from His beauty to go share with those precious people. And so I did. One guy recorded it on video, and he promised to send me a copy. Yeah!

Again, while I was talking, sharing my heart, God's presence was strong, and I could see people all over the room being touched by God. I could see people moved to tears, and afterwards the pastor's wife told me, their people are never that quiet and attentive. Wow!

When I was done talking, I knelt down on the floor to talk to my Beloved, and I invited those hungry for Him, hungry to draw closer to Him, to come forward and kneel at His feet. They came and I went around praying and prophesying over people, others needed to be held and loved upon. But the Lord met each one, and it was so beautiful!

I love it! I live for this! I love being on the road, and going from church to church, watching God do amazing things! I thank my God from the bottom of my heart that He opens more and more doors for me to minister when I travel. I love it! I'm so glad I can give back to this country, to America, who has blessed me so much! What an honor! And what an honor to preach in Topeka, the birthplace of the Pentecostal movement really, before Azusa street started. Wow!

More Lord!

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Sunday, August 6, 2006

Preaching In Kansas City

I had left San Diego just before 11 pm the night before, and spent all night in two different planes, before arriving in KC at 9 in the morning. The pastor's wife, Vicki, picked me up from the airport and drove me straight to their church - Kansas City Christian Fellowship The Barn. I had 10 minutes to change before the service started. I could feel the tiredness, and simply handed myself over to Him. In my weakness, He can show Himself strong!

We walked into the service which had already started. First row seat (I'm a second row person :-)). I was pleased to see one of my most faithful intercessors and her friend in the second row. Then I started gazing upon my Beloved during worship, purposefully taking my eyes off my incapabilities and onto Him. The director of the Bible School where I did my doctorate was also there - no pressure!

After worship and announcements, pastor Todd Bennett introduced me. I was glad I was still sitting in my seat, because his words were very humbling, very touching - did he really talk about me?

I then shared my heart, shared from Scripture, talked about my Beloved, and that He can do anything with anybody. Just love HIM. Just die. And get resurrected. Love Him, and love others. I felt so close to Him during the whole time! While I was talking - also sharing stories from Mali - I could see people having tears in their eyes. There were about 70 people present. I had started off by praying, speaking sweet words to Him, and I finished by praying. I then invited people to come forward for prayer, if they wanted more of Him, if they wanted to lay down their lives. A LOT of people came forward, and I started praying for one after the other. The prophetic anointing was strong, and several people came up to me afterwards telling me how amazingly accurate and right on I had been. For example one lady, for who I prayed for joy, that God would now take off the clothes of mourning and give her a garment of joy. She told me that she had lost her brother a few months ago, and it was just what she had needed from the Lord. Praise God!

Several people told me afterwards that they had seen a big angel standing behind me while I was preaching and while I was praying for people. Wow!

When I was done praying, one of the church members grabbed me (see picture), tears in his eyes, and spoke very touching words. He asked people to come forward and put money in the basket at my feet. I was humbled, and could only keep my hand down, as one person after the other came forward. Wow!

My first preaching invitation in Kansas City - in the US in fact - ended with a communal lunch of pizza. What a precious time!

I went home to my new hosts and slept a few hours first of all, before spending more time with HIM, pressing in for more of His glory.

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Wednesday - Saturday, August 2-5, 2006

San Diego, California - Sword Of The Lord Conference

Master Potter (Jill Austin) conference with Heidi Baker and Dutch Sheets.

FAVOR! It was a time of being favored, of being blessed, of receiving. I had someone pick me up from the airport, and somebody else take me back to the airport. A wonderful couple had me stay in their home, in a beautiful room, and blessed me with all the meals. Master Potter Ministries blessed me as their special guest, which translated into not having to line up but have a seat in the second row in every meeting. Wow! What an awesome blessing!!!

I came expecting much, a divine setup to say the least. I came expecting to meet with God, and I was not disappointed. I knew I NEEDED to find God, NEEDED Him more desperately than anything else!

Heidi Baker spoke in the two sessions on Thursday. It was good, always blesses me, as I relate so much to everything she says. I felt uplifted Thu night.

On Friday, Dutch Sheets did the two sessions. I was so very desperate for God again. During the worship time in the evening, I got so very desperate, I was just crying and crying, crying very hard. Maybe I had never been so desperate for God before. I told Him I needed Him or else I'd die, I couldn't go on without Him. I needed Him, longed for His presence, for His glory. I was tired of being on the phone with Him; instead I wanted to be face to face with Him again. The worship songs that night fueled my desperation. At one point, they even asked people who needed a breakthrough from God to raise their hands, and I did. Several people around me prayed for me. When it was time for the preaching, I was exhausted from the many tears. It was like a purging. There was nothing left of me than a shell that desired God and nothing else.

After the meeting, my friend Debbie even came up and asked two other ladies to pray for me, saying I was really on the bottom (I sure looked like it!). The one lady prayed most of the time. In fact, I've known her since last year since she is also part of HIM. One of the things she said really got my attention and was met with unbelief on my part; she said that 3-4 people would go back with me to Mali. Yeah, right! I'm leaving in two weeks!

I also had a vision at the end of the service that night that continued the following day. Dutch Sheets prayed a commissioning prayer over us. We all toook the sword of the Lord into our hands. I grabbed mine with both hands, because it was big, and then God opened my eyes and I saw myself with that huge, heavy sword in my hand. I looked straight ahead and couldn't see the end of it with my peripheral vision. I straightened up in the natural, as I was standing straight with the sword in the vision. I had a general's uniform on, and my army was behind me, in V form. I was really big, and the sword was big, and the people behind me were smaller. Ahead of me, there was darkness. Dark figures and dark clouds. But to the right of my sword there was a light. I was wondering what it was, whether it was angels. It became bigger, came closer, and I saw that it was the glory of the Lord, like blazing fire. It came closer and closer and started consuming the dark figures, the enemies. But it also came towards us and consumed us. I still stood there unmoving, and the fire/glory didn't have any effect on me. However, behind me, in my army, several people were consumed by the holy fire. After that, the fire became a wall of fire around us. The next day, as the vision continued, I was advancing towards the enemy. The glory fire was still coming against the enemy from one side, and I was coming from another. I was swinging my sword and easily killed the hordes of the enemy, who were really small once they were right in front of me. I was really easy. By the way, I asked the Lord what the clouds were, and He said they were the clouds of witnesses looking on.

On Saturday, Jill was doing the two sessions - a long morning session, and then the evening session. Jill moved in her glory anointing, with people being touched by God and prophesied over all over the room. It was so awesome! I was being so blessed, just drinking in His presence and glory.Towards the end of 3 hours of ministry, Jill had us stand up and reach for God. I expressed my desperation to Him once again. Suddenly Jill slapped me hard on my chest. I was in shock somewhat as I sat down. She said, nearly in surprise, I don't normally do this. Then she said, a new armor, a new sword, mother of nations. Wow! Pat Massaro had used those same words - mother of nations - a year ago! And what confirmation of my vision of the night before!

The evening session was the last one of the conference. I knew I'd have to leave at 9 pm to go to the airport to catch my plane at 10:40 pm. Jill was moving in the glory, and in giving words again. But she also took time to preach/share her heart, creating hunger in all of us for more of Him. She's so good at that! Many people were on their feet, reaching out to God, and I couldn't help it either, because I was still so hungry for Him. And He was filling me. 9 pm came quickly, and I got up from the middle of the row to go to the center aisle, to leave. My friend Debbie had an aisle seat on the other side, so I took advantage of that to say good-bye. I wouldn't have another opportunity to see her this summer, which saddened me. I hugged her, and then started walking away. When I had left my row, Jill was moving in the opposite direction, but now she suddenly called after me, and called me back. She had me stand in front of her, but it was really hard to stand in the glory. Now, I don't remember much of what she said, because the glory was so strong, but I really hope I will be able to get a copy of the tape. She started off by saying that she had seen me in a vision that day. She spoke of schools, of training centers. She also spoke about the glory on me. She also spoke about an angel of visitation that was coming. And she said God was now opening doors to other nations. That's about all I remember. I tried getting up, telling her I needed to go to the airport. I was half-up, back down, then up again, telling her I needed to get to the airport because I was preaching in Kansas City in the morning. She then put her hand on my mouth and prayed for fire to come out when I preach (something to that end). I then stumbled up, hugged my spiritual Mom, and wobbled out of the church to go to the airport.

I was in that glory cloud and stayed in there for the rest of the night, while sleeping and awakening on the plane, then at the airport in Atlanta, and the second flight from Atlanta to Kansas City. How I long to live all of my days in that glory cloud, and in fact that has been prophesied a year ago! I guess it's really up to me to not let myself be distracted, and my desires move on to other things....

So, you can tell, it was an awesome conference. The tiredness is gone, the discouragement is gone, my vision is restored and expanded, and I know I've gone to a new level. Wow! By the way, I've been reading a book on the glory, to inspire me, and when I'd close my eyes, I would just see gold everywhere, and liquid gold even dripping into my mouth. Wow!

Well, I hope all this is not too crazy for some of you. If it stretches you, I'll be happy to help out any way I can.

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Wednesday, August 2, 2006

Off To San Diego, California

God is up to something big in CA these next few days! It's amazing how he opened the door for me to go, and I'm in anticipation of what He's gonna do. I'm gonna be at Jill Austin's conference, with Heidi Baker and Dutch Sheets.

Pray for life-changing days! I'm leaving there Saturday night, flying overnight to be at a little church in Kansas City Sunday morning to preach.

Looking Back - 5 Days In Kansas City

Finally I was coming "home" to Kansas City, the place I had lived at for 2 years before going to Mali. I was so excited! Excited to go to meaningful places and see good friends again. Excited to be back at my church who just started supporting me financially on a monthly basis. My friends there were so kind to lend me a car, so I was able to go anywhere anytime. Wonderful!

That first night, after church, I went straight to Walmart and had to use restraint in what I bought. All that wonderful food! I got strawberries, raspberries, salad, grapes, pizza, chocolate milk... And I got a movie out from Blockbuster. Those few days were certainly the most carefree in a long time. Between meeting people and church stuff, I just hung out at home, all alone. Yeah!

And I greatly enjoyed getting together with several friends. Friendships are so precious! On Sunday, I was at much church, CTC. What a wonderful service! I was missing some people, though, who left the church during these past 12 months. The sermon was on relationships, their importance, and it made me feel sad, because living in a different culture, as the only white person, I miss having relationship with equals. The pastor kept repeating "we need each other", and every time it pierced my heart. I'm very aware of my need of others, but the physical distance seems invincible for most. Out of sight, out of mind.

Turnaround Night

It's Tuesday night, and intercession meeting at CTC. I love those prayer meetings! Last summer I probably had my most powerful encounter with God at that very meeting.

So, I came to that meeting desperate to meet God. Desperate to get rid of the discouragement, desperate to find my Bridegroom King again, to find His nearness again. I didn't care about anything but being with Him. The prayer time started with waiting on the Lord, and someone spoke up to pray for me. Then they started praying form, everything I so desperately needed. They broke off the discouragement etc., and the Lord drew me close to Him. They also spoke and prophesied many promises. It was awesome. I felt like I was being washed. A weight had come off. Now I was ready to go to California and receive whatever God has in store there!

My friend Debby took me with her to her house, to spend the night there, and be taken to the airport (that is near there) in the morning. She has an amazing house, with prophetic pictures everywhere. For some reason I mentioned to her a picture I had known for 4 years or so, without ever being able to get a copy. It's a staircase into the glory, and it just draws you in. I would just walk up that staircase in my mind. For many years I have asked the Lord the open my eyes to see, and to take me up into His glory. It has also been prophesied that I would actually LIVE in the glory, and be up there with Him. During the prayer time somebody prayed something in that direction, and I felt like maybe the time had come.

Well, when I mentioned that picture, Debby left and came back with that very poster, giving it to me. Wow! For me that was a prophetic act with much significance. NOW is the time! NOW it's time to go up there and live in His glory.

Tuesday night, my hope was restored. Hope that God's promises WILL be fuffilled, and that I'm living in the season of fulfillment. Hallelujah!