"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!

Update!

Hello everyone!

Lots happening in the month of July around here. We have several teams coming in from all over to work in Gitega and Cibitoke at Homes of Hope. There is a medical team that just arrived from UK to work in a few cities over the next week, setting up clinics and spending time with God’s precious people. It is quite exciting to witness all that God is doing, and you can see it all the time. God is faithful. Yesterday marked Burundi’s 50^th Anniversary of their independence from Belgium. The streets have been lined with fresh new Burundi flags for the event, all the way from the airport to the city. Very cool.

Last night we decided to play Monopoly, since we have no more Downton Abbey to watch, and since we don’t want to spend any money to go out. Thus began the game. 4 guys, and a girl-(me…) Simple game, until almost every piece of property had been bought, and no one was anywhere close to a monopoly. And so began the negotiations. I was not willing to budge for a long while. I had a card of almost every color, and nothing could happen until I agreed to a trade with someone. Which made it exceptionally fun to turn down every trade offer that I received. Because the boys began to get desperate. >>>>>>Side Note: Just found a fly in my coffee. I was quite looking forward to that cup. Ugh.             `<<<<<<<< So I finally decide to trade Jeff, simply because he seemed to the best least desperate to trade of the 4. And of course in the end, I was the first one to lose, and Jeff won by a TON. Awesome. Next time I will stick to my instincts and hoard my power.

The last 3 days I have desperately been craving Cheez-Its. Like whoa. Or really any kind of afternoon snack. So if anyone wants to mail me some Cheez-its or Wheat Thins, I will gladly accept them. ;)

Well we have kind of settled into a church in town, PTI. It is a French and English speaking church. They sing westernized songs as well as songs I have heard in a few places here in the country. There are quite a few other ‘bazungu’ that attend, a lot from Europe and the States. It is very cool to meet people that are doing a work for God here long term. Many live here with their kids, and have fully integrated them into the schools and culture. I love it. I love to see people following the plan of God, knowing that He is faithful and that His favor surrounds their family. Many people have asked me or my parents, “Is it safe?” “Are you worried about her going?” But I, nor my parents, have ever doubted God’s faithfulness in this. He sent me, therefore HE has already made a way. Financially, physically, spiritually. I have much confidence in this. And I have much confidence that my parents will be rewarded for their sacrifice. Again, God is faithful. I am standing on His promises, looking at the big picture, and believing that my labor is not in vain. To God be the glory.