Harmless

Previously if I was to write a blog like this, I would begin with a disclaimer of apology, and tell everyone that I was only talking about myself, and to not feel convicted over my convictions. Not doing that today-so we shall see how this goes.

I have been a movie person for a long time. Movies are my go-to entertainment item. I have also been a Harry Potter ‘fan’ since I was about 16. I own all the Harry Potter movies, and they are my go-to movie when I have nothing else to watch, because quite honestly I find them entertaining no matter how many times I watch them. I took my Harry Potter-likeness up a notch this Christmas. Before I returned to Burundi from the US, I purchased the first two books to read while I was here. Harmless entertainment. I read the first book. I was so excited about the new details I was getting that I did not get in the movies. The foreshadowing was so much fun. Onto the second book. As I began reading, I started to think in my head “Rachel, you need to rebuke demonic activity in your house while you are reading this book, just in case.” Yes, I actually thought that thought on several occasions, as I continued reading. Perhaps it was because I now live in a country where witchcraft is out in the open, and where witch doctors are easily and often accessed. I continued reading, and continued getting these thoughts in my head. Then came the night when we had no electricity, and I was in my living room reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by candlelight. As I read, I grew fearsome of demonic activity taking place in my living room. I kid you not, I literally threw the book down. I just sat there for a few minutes, thinking on these things, and I made the decision to dispose of my books and movies. My mother was here a few weeks ago, and I told her of my decision. She has been disapproving of mine and my sister’s enjoyment of the Harry Potter series since the beginning, so I guess I felt the need to tell her as an almost-apology. I also disposed of several movies, rated R, PG13, and PG alike, that I was letting into my thought life for “entertainments sake”.  Um, I guess this is my introduction for this blog. Next paragraph.

In January, I reread Kenneth E Hagin’s book ‘How You Can Be Led by the Spirit of God’. The beginning of the book seriously emphasizes that we, God’s creation, are a spirit, have a soul, and live in a body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Corinthians 4:16, 1 Peter 3:4, Proverbs 20:27. I could go on. I was really challenged and began to seriously think of myself as a spirit being, because well, that is what I am. (For all of my fellow Rhemanites: yes, I realize that I should have learned all of this while at bible school. I am grateful for mercy.) Romans 12:2 says “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God..” As a biblical and general world concept, in order for things to grow or even stay alive, we must feed them. This applies to all earthly and spiritual beings. To get right to the point, I refuse to feed my spirit and mind garbage any longer. It is not okay, for the sake of social interaction, boredom, ‘fitting in’, entertainment, or even to ‘open a door to ministry’. I am about to get specific. Any ‘comedy’ that is rated R for really, ANYTHING, can in no way edify, build, or strengthen my mind or spirit. Not only does it not edify, but it is harmful. Use your own discretion on movies rated anything less than that, but it is getting to the point where most of the ’13 and over’ movies are all garbage. My brain cannot handle this garbage. It gets stuck in my thoughts, and stays there for weeks until I renew my mind enough to forget about it. Not worth it. Now, maybe you are not as sensitive as I am with these things. Maybe you can go participate in such activities and forget about them minutes later. To this I would say, as children of God, we are called to be Christ-like. Jesus ate and drank with sinners, but did not participate in their activities for the sake of ‘ministry’ or entertainment.

Romans 8:12-14- “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors- not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put the death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”

1 Corinthians 10:31- “Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

So- read the Word- the life-giving, God breathed Word of God, and judge for yourself what needs changing, deleting, adding, in your life. Evaluate what you deem “harmless” and ask the Holy Spirit to help you. It is so worth it. 

Love, thankfulness, and dying. (almost)

I am not a natural blogger. When stuff happens, whether it be good, great, or terrible, I say “Oh, that was _______” and then move on. So I guess this is a blog to cover some things I should have been blogging about in the last 2 months.

The last couple months I have been pondering on what it really means to LOVE. Love is such a nice word. But to really do it takes some work on our part. Reading and meditating on the Word, for one. Learning how to be completely and wholly selfless. Learning to listen. Learning to do what makes you uncomfortable for the sake of others. It’s not about simply tolerating. It’s about choosing to love and treat people as Jesus DID. Jesus was once alive on the earth, walking as a human. Same needs, same weaknesses, same problems. The difference was Love. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 ‘Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails.’ I don’t think any more of my words on this are needed. I am grateful for the Word.

Since Gitega International Academy started in September, I have been leading worship at the chapel there on Sunday mornings. I can honestly tell you that I still sweat as much as I do during my Insanity workout. Afterwards I walk outside and wipe whatever makeup is left on the sleeve of my shirt, put my hair in a ponytail, and thank God for the gifts He has given me.

Thanksgiving in Burundi! I was blessed to be able to spend Thanksgiving in Gitega with my boys, and some new friends. There is apparently a chef hidden somewhere inside Zack, which was an awesome surprise. Turkeys are hard to find and terribly expensive here, so chicken was the next best options. The Menu: Honey-cinnamon roasted chicken, curried beef, potato salad, magic sweet potatoes (JD), sauced-up cauliflower, green beans, guacamole and chips, and delicious bread. It was seriously good. And it was home, which was wonderful. God has blessed me richly with friends and family here.

 Thanksgiving dinner

Fun at the waterfalls. Or the 'Big Chutes'

And NOW I get to tell you about the time I almost died. This is a fun one.  It was Sunday November 25, I was in Gitega, and had just been picked up by our trusty driver Celeste, who is an impeccable driver. Firstly, let me tell you about the vehicle. It is not quite lime green, almost like a pistachio color, and it is old. It tends to overheat often, so seeing it smoke is not usually a sign of immediate trouble. So I was picked up in the truck, as were 4 of the Homes of Hope mamas that had just gone to the market. We are driving along the cobblestone road that sounds romantic, but is actually just bumpy. Driving along, when suddenly the car starts smoking. I watch Celeste shut off the engine and roll down the hill in neutral, coming to a steady stop. The mamas in the back seat were freaking out, panicking, and trying to get out of the car as quick as possible. I, on the other hand, am calmly telling them its fine, don’t worry, it is just overheating, ‘sawa sawa’, NBD. So they all very smartly scramble out of the car to the opposite side of the road, as I begin to sense that something else is happening here, because seriously, EVERYONE is looking at me like I am crazy for calmly staying the in the car. So I finally decide to get out of the car, just as a few random Burundians start throwing dirt in the engine. I think to myself “Well, that doesn’t look right..” I get far away just in the time to see the electrical fire being put out that was directly in front of my passenger seat. I don’t know much about cars, but I DO know that an electrical fire is probably not the best thing to be sitting in a car for.  Ha. Thankful we are all still alive!

Last thing- I AM LEAVING ON AN AIRPLANE TOMORROW!!!!!!!! WHAT??????

And I get to meet this perfect girl on Friday! I love her.

See all you US of A-ers in a few days!

October Update

Wow it has been way too long since I have done an update. Lots of great things happening over here on the other side of the world! We got the secondary school off the ground, and had our opening ceremony last week. The parents came to the school and found happy and content students, who have already built a community together. The students sang “With Everything” by Hillsong United, IN ENGLISH I might add. Granted, some did not know the words they were singing. But it was a great moment that they got to experience with their parents. I am proud of all the teachers, staff, and volunteers that put this together, because it was A LOT of work.

I am currently leading worship for chapel at the school on Sundays. In 2 words, challenging and rewarding. The students are very rigorously learning English, but obviously there is a language barrier. Each Sunday it gets a little easier and they sing a little louder, and I still sweat the same amount. HA. Our volunteers there are putting together a worship team as well, so soon this will be another all new experience that I can’t wait for. It keeps me humble, that’s for sure. We have had the privilege of having amazing volunteers from the US and UK lately, and they have been a HUGE help in every department, including worship. I have learned a lot about a lot from them. Looking forward to learning much more before they go.

I am excited to inform all of you that I now have all the money I need for my second plane ticket, leaving the states late December 2012 to return to Burundi until May 2013. Talk about God's favor. The money came in just in time. I am still in need of monthly support following Christmas break. I currently have many people supporting me monthly, and I am so grateful for those of you doing so, and for those of you that are praying. It makes a huge difference. For those of you that would like to send support, you may do so through a couple of outlets.

1. Check by mail to Northpoint Church. In order to be eligible for tax deduction, please mark simply "Burundi Missions" on the memo line. If you don't care about that stuff, my name on the memo line will do just fine. The funds will get to the right place. Please mail to:
Northpoint Church

1215a Industrial Drive

New Braunfels, TX 78130

2. The easiest way you can give is by going to the Northpoint Church website, www.thenpc.com. On the bottom right hand corner you will see a link that says "Online Giving". There you can designate the funds toward Burundi Missions. Shoot me an email to rachel.burundiyfc@gmail.com to let  me know!

This time in Burundi has proven to be like nothing I have done before. I knew this would be the case, but it’s different once you live it and breathe it. It is more challenging than anything I have done- spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. I spent the last 2 years learning that there will come a time when you won’t have church and other people’s spiritual walk to lean on-it will be you and God, and no one else. Well, this is that time. My faith is truly being tested. My anthem for this time-‘My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly trust in Jesus’ Name. When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.’ Such an amazing anthem to sing, speak, repeat, write down, memorize. I face many challenges living here, as does anyone anywhere. A new challenge of loneliness, that can be quite constant. And this is why I choose to remember the words above. He is Lord of all. He will never leave me and He will never forsake me. This is a promise that He has given us. One that must be remembered in times of thanksgiving, in times of suffering, and in times of joy. So I choose to remember.

Love.

This blog is going to be filled with much randomness, as well as hopefully a few 'worth your time' thoughts. First off, my apologies; this blog is way overdue. I am sitting across the street from my house at the Starlite Hotel: drinking perfect coffee, trying to avoid the flying ants that decided to inhabit the ceiling and the lizard poop that every few minutes rains down, and recovering from the now dead bee that attacked my hair. It has been an eventful 10 minutes. Actually, it has been an eventful week, despite how truly uneventful it has been. Make sense? Probably not. I will try my best to give you all a play by play.

The biggest event is obviously that my roommates left. For the last 3 months I have lived with some of the weirdest, funniest, nicest guys I have known. Yes, 3 guys have played the role of this girl's roommates..good times. (Cue another bee hitting me in the face...what the heck?) Our  nights were filled with Settlers of Catan, singing like you've never heard, Downton Abbey, Insanity,  candlelight dinners and some occasional puzzle making magic. I confess that I am missing them all ready. The day they left (Wednesday) I tried quite hard to fight the few tears that threatened to run down my face. That was the moment I remembered that I was still a girl, as the last 3 months I have developed a tolerance if not liking to the way men are allowed to just be themselves with no filter. So---they are in Gitega now. The last few days have been interesting. I have had much time to spend with God, myself, my computer, and my guitar. I have written a few half songs, read 2 books, and watched the Bourne series in the last 3 days. Tonight threatened me going crazy if I did not step out of my house, thus I am across the street writing this blog.

So because I have spend the last few days alone, I have had many moments to do some deep thinking: to think on things of God and to adjust a few things inside myself by God's grace. I wrote this 2 days ago in a moment of thought: "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I cannot put my hope in man, because this will always fail me. I dare not put my hope in circumstances, because these will always fail me. God created the system this way. For us, as humans. We cannot afford to rely on ourselves, or others for our meaning in life. God has given us our meaning and purpose in life. It's stated directly in His Word. To love one another." Now, I am not a greek/hebrew scholar of any kind. But when I see that word Love, I think of God's love for us- the love He displayed for us that we are to imitate with our lives. This love is so much more than the world's view of 'love'. Jesus giving His life for every sinner was the ultimate act of Love. So to me, "Love one another" is so much more than kindness, or even selfless actions towards others. It is the complete and total giving of oneself to others. It is giving your life, comforts, conveniences. ----1 Corinthians 13:4 (AMP) 'Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 8 Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]'--- This passage speaks for itself. If we would all do everything that we do with this in the front of our mind.....JUST SAYING. There would be no need to line up at Chick Fil A to support a cause, while we leave those 'in sin' to believe that we as the church hate them. And you know, maybe it's their problem for thinking that we hate them because we stand up for a cause. But if we stand up for something, and in turn leave those opposed feeling like we hate them...what has this done? Has it offered those effected the love of God, or has it offered them hatred and rejection? Sorry if I offend. To be completely honest I would have lined up with all those people at Chick Fil A if I didn't live in Africa, and didn't have some time to truly think things through. You may have a different opinion than this, and that is okay. You may have scripture to support your opinion, and that is awesome. But so do I. Someone told me recently that I should start voicing my thoughts. So here they are...haha. I am forever grateful that God is full of grace and mercy, and that the Holy Spirit is constantly revealing things to each of us if we will quiet ourselves and have a willing ear. I never want to get to a place where I stop learning, believe that I know it all. Thank you Father for wisdom, and grace.

Have a happy happy day/night, everyone :)

Just grateful :)

The last few weeks have been filled with some awesome experiences for me.  I am not the smoothest blogger, therefore I am just gonna start talking about them in order, rather than trying to be poetic.

Due to the dry season being in full swing, we are lacking power at some point on a daily basis. So every 3 days or so we don't have power from 3pm until the next morning. This has made for some fun/interesting nights. The spiders tend to come out to play when it is dark in my room and bathroom all night. Try to shape your index finger and thumb into the shape of a jumbo egg, and VIOLA, you have the size of my wall spiders  :) It also makes for great dinners. Who doesn't like a candlelight dinner? There was a team here from Austin that had the guys and I over for dinner last week. Grilled chicken, green beans, carrots, cake, fantastic company, and candles. Overall an amazing night. Not minding the lack of power so much anymore.

We had a 3 day 'retreat' in Gitega with all the BYFC staff from Gitega, Bujumbura, and Cibitoke. Great fun! Pastor Thomas Resane from South Africa came and taught us on leadership and ministry-it was a good time of refreshing for me. Sometimes it is just so good to be filled with the Word for hours. The last night we had a big volleyball match between Gitega and Buj. The games highlights: 1. Japheth 'tebowing'. 2. Freddy's ridiculously amazing face he makes when he hits the ball. 3. Gregoire's intensity. 4. BUJ WINS!!!!!!
That same night, we had a time of prayer after dinner. Pastor Thomas pulled each group together and prayed for each person while anointing our heads with oil. Such a beautiful time in the presence of God. Our Father is so good and gracious. I love it when His presence is so tangible. And He desires time with us. WOW. I never want to get to a point where that does not make me want to leap for joy.

I am so grateful for my time here. I still get shocked looks from people I meet here when I tell them that I am staying a year. But when you allow it to become YOUR life, your perspective changes. It doesn't mean it is easy, but it does keep the vision close to you. And God's grace is always flowing, never ending. He equips those He has called if we are willing. So be willing, people!!! :)

Thank you for the prayers and love. They make all the difference.

Just a few pictures for fun :)

"The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

I am filled with a righteous anger today. The devil is trying to bring down YFC through finances, strife and sickness. I am just so done with it. And knowing he only wins a battle if we let him makes me even more angry. We, as believers, have been given the power to break down strong holds, raise the dead, heal the sick, set captives free. So why would I, as a daughter of the King, allow Satan to succeed? He is nothing unless I give him power! The Holy Spirit made me realize this morning that I have a job to do. I have a job to pray for this organization and those in it. And I believe that this is one of the main reasons that I am here. The guys in my house have been sick the last 2 weeks on and off, which has delayed work that needs to be done. Today one of them is quite sick. In our meeting this morning, the Holy Spirit revealed to Mama Jo and I that this is a spirit of infirmity that needs to cast away. This spirit has absolutely no place here! I am so angry with Satan and everything he thinks he is doing. He will not succeed. He will fail, just as he always does. Satan has no new tricks. These are the same methods he used over and over again in the Bible; the same methods he began using when he rebelled against God. Isaiah 54:17 “‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me’ Says the Lord.” This is my confession for this office and the people of Burundi. When we pray, God listens. When we rebuke Satan in the Name of Jesus, he has no choice but to leave. Please come into agreement with me for healing and health, and that all hidden things shall be revealed. Thank you Lord for your favor that surrounds this office like a shield. Thank you that Jesus died and rose again so that we could accomplish the work of the Kingdom. Sickness, you can stay here no longer. You must leave in the Name of Jesus. Because that Name is above every other name. The name of Jesus is above all infirmities, strongholds, principalities, and darkness. And Satan, you have absolutely no power here. Take your hands off of BYFC and its’ staff in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. So be it. 

Happy Independence Day!

Happy July 4^th, Everyone!

We had a big dinner Wednesday night (the 4^th) for a girl named Olivia that has been living here for 3 years, but is leaving to go back to school for a year. We got to hear about everything she has been doing here, and everything she has done to work towards changing this nation. It was truly inspiring to hear. And a great way to spend Independence Day-good food, good people, and plenty of speeches J Afterwards, the Americans went to the Marine’s house that are here with the US Embassy. MASSIVE house. There is a pool in the backyard, a pool table inside, a massive HDTV, and every movie you can really think of. To top it off, it was fully decorated in July 4^th décor. We missed all of the barbeque and such, but got there in time to play a few rounds of Bananagrams, a few rounds of Pool (I lost….), and sit with my feet in the pool. Very nice way to spend the remainder of Independence Day! Many more movie nights and game nights to come.

It’s been a little slow on the bug-catching front; my latest find was a massive spider behind my suitcase this morning, but it got away. I say all of this as if I am the one that catches and keeps them. But it’s not true. I just admire them once they are caught and in a jar. I still kill the ones I find in my room- still a girl.

Jeff and I are almost 2 weeks into a workout program called Turbofire. Number 1- it’s so hot. I literally have never sweat this much in my life. We usually do it around 5:30 in the evening, so it has cooled down a bit. But STILL. By the end there is not one inch of me that isn’t drenched. Bleh. Number 2-I am not in shape. I used to work out every day, but the 2 months before I moved, I just completely let it go. It’s quite difficult right now. I know it will get easier. But today, not so much. Number 3- Jeff left to work with the Batwa today for a week, so it’s just me doing it. That will prove to be a bit more challenging. But I don’t want to have to tell Jeff that I didn’t do it when he gets back………I hate disappointing people, or myself for that matter. So I persevere!

I guess that’s it for today, next time this blog will hopefully be a lot more interesting!