tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54436435985027248782024-02-20T23:15:23.582-08:00What is the Kingdom of God Like?Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-53657696029425951762013-09-10T10:55:00.001-07:002013-09-10T10:55:30.012-07:00Ms. Bertha<div class="MsoNormal">
Something about her front porch took me across the ocean to an
African slum. Just like that, I was in Sierra Leone again, walking through Kroo
Bay, looking into people’s tin and tarp patched homes, stopping to pray with a
few. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Kyle and I walked by this Atlanta home, I was struck by
the random collection of items I saw around her porch – an old stroller, a
couch whose insides were spilling out, a broken mirror. It drew me in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We made it two steps past her house when we heard a loud,
“Hey! … HEY! … HEY!!” We turned around to find a beautiful older woman coming
off of her porch walking toward us. As we said “hello” and gave her hugs, she
told us she had just gotten out of the hospital, and showed us her arm that was
bruised from the elbow down. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 61 year old woman explained to us that her arm was
broken in a fight. And although it was 2:30 in the afternoon, she confessed
that she was drunk. “That’s how I make the pain go away,” she added.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We told her we knew Someone who could make her pain go away.
She seemed familiar with this Healer that we spoke of, and eagerly took our hands
and held them tightly as we prayed healing over her. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I gently placed my hand on her bruised arm as I prayed. She later
told us that as soon as I placed my hand on her arm, she felt the pain move
down her arm and out of her body completely. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus took her pain away. “By His wounds, we are healed.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About 30 minutes later, we were walking back by her house,
and we saw her on her porch, using both of her arms to shake out a blanket. We
yelled out her name from across the street, and she blew us kisses as we passed
by. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-10747319362408845922013-03-22T07:11:00.000-07:002013-03-22T07:11:01.955-07:00Joy in the Journey<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Upon returning to the States back in September, I fully
expected to be returning to Sierra Leone sometime at the beginning of this year.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every time someone asked me if and when I was going back to
Sierra Leone, I would get this uneasy feeling in my gut as I gave my response,
“The plan is to go back in January.” After a couple months of telling people
this, I started paying attention to that little feeling that came along with
those words, and decided to pray with a couple of my mentors about it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a lot of prayer, I’ve decided that there’s no need to
rush this thing. After ministering alone in a foreign country for three and a
half months, I’ve concluded that I don’t want to be on the mission field by
myself again. I think getting the right team together before going back is well
worth the wait. And I’m willing to wait however long it takes in order to be
with the right people. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And if I am going to be completely honest, I feel like the
vision in my heart to see children become who they were created to be could
happen anywhere, not just Sierra Leone. There are children all over the world
that need the tender love and care, and good discipleship that I desire to
offer. I do want to return to Sierra Leone at some point, but I am open to go
other places before returning to Sierra Leone if the opportunity were to
present itself. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a while, I was asking the Lord, “Where do I go?” and
“When do I go?” But these aren’t necessarily the right questions for me to be
asking right now. I now am asking, “Who are the ones with whom I get to do
life? Who are the people that want to go to the front lines of this spiritual
battle with me? Who are the ones with whom I love to worship and pray?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kingdom Family is so valuable. Right now, I’ve got a pretty
good community in Atlanta, and I don’t think it’s worth giving up. I don’t know
a whole lot about what’s next, but I do think I’ll be here a little longer as
long as my community is here. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As hard as it was at first for me to be still and to come to
grips with the fact that I wasn’t going back overseas for a while, I’ve really
come to a place where I crave the Lord more than I ever have. His presence is
life to me. I long to be with Him, and to worship Him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think it was God’s plan all along for me to have a season
of just being with Him, so that everything I do flows out of my adoration for
Him. And I have complete peace about where I’m at, and my heart is so very
thankful. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, I have been nannying during the week for two sweet
girls, and on Sundays, I’ve been helping get a children’s ministry started at
my church, Lifegate International. And I’m learning the value of living one day
at a time, moment by moment, enjoying this journey with the Lord. <o:p></o:p></div>
Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-19177726972166619662012-10-08T15:13:00.002-07:002012-10-08T15:14:53.189-07:00The Adventures of a Car-less Nomad<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sold my car as I was leaving for Africa. One of my best
friends bought it. As I was riding in it with her the other day, there might
have been a little bit of a weird factor, but the funny thing is, I haven’t
really missed it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I had a car, the Lord took great care of me. And since
not having a car, He’s taken great care of me. I don’t have as much
independence now, but I was never promised independence. What I have been
promised time and time again is the provision and presence of my Papa.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To Him, I am more valuable than the sparrows, and more
beautiful than the lilies of the field. He holds all the wealth of Heaven, and loves
to do immeasurably more than this daughter might ask or even imagine. Of course
He will take care of me. It is His great delight. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To many, I may look like a homeless hippie without a car. But it
feels like quite the opposite (minus the hippie part). It’s almost as if I have
more than I've ever had before.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead of having one place I call home, I am welcome in
many, and I've gotten the privilege of staying in 5 lovely homes over the past
month. And in the process, I've almost mastered the gift of packing an
overnight bag ... almost.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And this whole not having a car thing has actually given me
a more beautiful picture of what true community looks like – the kind of fellowship
written about in Acts 2 where all the believers shared everything they had, and
no one was in need. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could go on and on about how friends and family have gone
out of their way to pick me up to take me places, of the food we share together
(smoothies are our new specialty), the laughs and dance moves that go down, and
how we usually end up praying and worshiping together. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is more than
sharing our physical things with each other. This is life, and we are going
through it together.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of my first nights back at my old apartment in Atlanta,
I came in exhausted – mainly emotionally and spiritually. One of my roommates,
after listening to me share about the things weighing on my heart, grabbed her
guitar, sat on the end of my bed, and just
played it for me, as I laid there and let the tears come. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The whole time I was thinking, “Is this real?” Yes. Of
course it’s real that she would support me when I’m going through it. She is my
sister, my family. That’s what family does.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now don’t get me wrong – I’m not trying to paint a cheesy picture
of what God’s family is supposed to look like. I've had plenty of hard and
challenging conversations with these same people over the past few years. I've been annoyed with them, and they've been annoyed with me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But in it all, forgiveness, grace, and honor have been
themes. And I've discovered that life is too hard independent of these people. Now
that I've tasted true Kingdom family (check out the Greek words, “koinonia” and
“oikos”), I don’t want it any other way. I've never valued my community more than I do
now. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And (for now, at least) I praise God for the gift of being a
car-less nomad.<o:p></o:p></div>
Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-54478295315570015522012-08-24T06:12:00.000-07:002012-08-24T06:20:24.543-07:00Romans 4:16-17As I near the end of my time in Sierra Leone, I find myself
thinking about all the Lord has shown me, all the things I’ve learned, and what
dreams have been awakened in me over the past few months.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I thought I was coming here for one reason: The Children’s
Redemption Orphanage Home. My idea was that I would be spending all of my time
there, preparing myself to move in with those little guys. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it turns out, God is much more creative than I am. I
really shouldn’t be surprised. His plans and purposes for my life are coming
about in ways that I never really imagined. (See Isaiah 55:9).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition to ministering to the staff and children at the
orphanage, I’ve also gotten to work with pastors, churches, schools, slums, and
other organizations. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In everything I’ve done, the common theme has been healing
and freedom. Over and over again, I’ve seen the Lord set people free from their
bondage, and in the process, they become freer to live in the truth of who they
are in Jesus. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m learning that living in my calling to be a mother to the
nations doesn’t just mean to physically be a mother to orphans. For Abraham, being
a father to many nations means that he is the father of all who believe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a 26 year old single woman, I’ve “mothered” people of all
ages into greater belief in Jesus. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And as time goes on, I’m sure my mothering role will look just
as original and creative as it has the past few months, with the freedom and
healing Jesus has to offer being common themes in every step of the journey. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s what the Lord has confirmed and reconfirmed about
what my purpose in this journey will look like as I come back as a missionary
at the beginning of next year: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To bring freedom and set people free</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To show these people what a mother’s love is</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To make their city beautiful</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To be a part of a forgiveness revolution</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To lay a strong foundation
in a village named Brigitte</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To walk in and embrace humility</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To teach inner healing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To shut the mouths of the witches in the name of
Jesus</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To birth a ministry</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To be David, and slay the giant</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To teach the girls what beauty is</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To go through “trash” to find treasures</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To be a beautiful and joyful warrior princess</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To minister to Muslims</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To be like glue, holding things together</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To be like a honey anointing, seeping into this
land</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To lead people in the love and presence of the
Lord</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To be a soil-changer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To bring the fire of the Holy Spirit wherever I go</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To trust Papa</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- To love Jesus</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dang! That’s all I can say as I read through this list. God
is really up to something. And it thrills my heart to be a part of it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s no doubt that my time back in the States will be key
in seeing this all come about. I plan on going to conferences, and I look
forward to getting more experience with inner healing prayer during my time
back home this fall. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And Oh! How excited I am to be back during my favorite season
of the year. Perfect weather, pumpkin spice, beautiful trees, and Auburn
football, of course. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With only a week left in Sierra Leone, Georgia has been on
my mind, as well as my sweet home Alabama. I will hopefully get to spend equal
amounts of time in both places. Let me know if you would like to meet up for
coffee … preferably something with pumpkin spice in it. :) I would love to hear
what things God is doing in your hearts, as well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See you guys in September!</div>
Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-81101722480018353212012-08-22T04:40:00.000-07:002012-08-22T04:59:47.590-07:00Delivered<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was delighted when a ministry I’ve been volunteering with
asked me to come along as a prayer minister to their “camp” with fifty 12-14
year olds who live in the nation’s largest slum. While at camp last week, I
listened to these kids share about nightmares, witches, curses, and abuse. One of
the stories is as follows:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My suspicions started when he showed me his drawing book on
the first day of camp. As this middle school-aged kid was drawing a picture of
a large, strange-looking woman, I asked him what it was. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A witch.” was his reply. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He then proudly showed me the dragon he had drawn, and I
silently wondered what he had experienced to make him want to draw these
things. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next night as people were sharing their testimonies, he
tried to share his own, but all that came out were loud sobs. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So he tried again the next day. This time, his audience
learned that his mother was killed in an accident on the way to his father’s funeral.
Thus began his life on the streets in a culture full of witchcraft.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it turns out, his source of food was his step-mother, who
was a witch. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing I’ve learned over the past few years is that what
is in a person’s heart will surely come out in one way or another (Matt.
12:33-35). The way this kid expressed what was in the depths of his heart was
through drawing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And showing us his drawings was his cry for help. So help,
we did.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man
like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger – someone who
could tie him up and then plunder his goods.” – Jesus (Matt. 12:29)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As camp came to an end, we cast the dragon out of him in the
name of Jesus. And he invited Jesus to come </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and take the high position the
dragon had once held in his heart as Master. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This freedom-delivering God is the same one as in days of
old. He is unchanging. He is alive. And He loves that kid. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I also pray you will understand the incredible greatness of
God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised
Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand
in the heavenly realms. Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or
leader or anything else – not only in this world but also in the world to come.
God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made Him head over
all things for the benefit of the church. And the Church is His body; it is
made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with
Himself.” (Eph. 1:19-23)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-54788904704027072262012-07-18T10:18:00.000-07:002012-07-18T10:52:46.994-07:00More than FineThe room was complete with balloons and streamers. The popcorn had been popped. And the cake was ready. It was a big day for the kids at the orphanage.<br />
<br />
Not only were they launching their very own Good News Family Club (similar to a VBS) for the kids in their neighborhood, it was also the day to celebrate the kids who have July birthdays.<br />
<br />
The latter was an even bigger deal because it was the first time the three birthday boys had ever had a birthday celebration.<br />
<br />
The boys took turns getting to share their testimonies in front of all of their neighborhood friends during the Good News Family Club. The youngest, who was turning 9, went first. His story about living on the streets after his parents died sounded much like the 12 and 15 year old’s stories.<br />
<br />
The oldest was the last one to share. He began crying as he told his audience about how his “daddy,” the Director of the orphanage, came and found him on the streets, and took him into the orphanage home.
In shame, he hid his face from the many who were telling him not to cry. The leaders did their best to make a smooth transition, and the boys went to sit down.<br />
<br />
That’s when the 12 year old lost it. He walked to the back of the room in tears. Going against the flow of those telling him to stop crying, I sat on the ground with my arm around him, and let him cry.<br />
<br />
These kids have lived on the streets of the 4th poorest country in the world, and their culture is telling them to be ashamed of their tears. Many people here, in fact, have ignored their tears in hopes that their pain will somehow disappear.<br />
<br />
As a result, it feels like there are a bunch of robots walking around Sierra Leone telling everyone how “fine” they are. Even as I sat and listened to several of the kids tell me their heart-wrenching stories, they would look at me with a straight face after I asked them how it made them feel, and simply say, “fine.”<br />
<br />
I want them to know that there’s so much more than fine.<br />
<br />
As I prayed and prophesied over them individually, something in them shifted from being fine to being something of worth. God sees them. He knows their names and their destinies. He celebrates them with more than just balloons and cake.<br />
<br />
A few months ago, I remember being completely undone during worship, weeping over all of the world’s orphans who have no idea how good their Father is. While singing about the Lord’s faithfulness in never once leaving us on our own, I cried out for them to experience the faithfulness of their Father.<br />
<br />
These children, little by little, are tasting and seeing that the Lord truly is good. They are pushing past fine and into the realms of God’s faithfulness.<br />
<br />
“I AM … filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” – Exodus 34:6<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUC5XyvXKhCM3tjg9gbsSn6PRUcCsC_dBF4O8On1uYsOsBR6uohHagX7eDPRjIqSjN2psqgJyLVnjH7ezizeIpghiFKySD18FD_O_cdyBiu5TuB7ooGPHwqv2AScw56erKCQQ57F0E0A/s320/IMG_0232.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The orphanage's cook, caregiver, and two of its teens prepared the popcorn over the coal pot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrnzPmzXCuphyPPkdeXYTTFxWcaj0OsXR3_6ceFCn64SGYspDrJiv3yGDxzfDmgIkI19JdSC7AulW6GB6eFVIsH3NDrxHixPSmrUReVnlEjDZ1HmbSe2vjEmyw2Qag2qHKAMRV1-P5Q/s1600/IMG_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrnzPmzXCuphyPPkdeXYTTFxWcaj0OsXR3_6ceFCn64SGYspDrJiv3yGDxzfDmgIkI19JdSC7AulW6GB6eFVIsH3NDrxHixPSmrUReVnlEjDZ1HmbSe2vjEmyw2Qag2qHKAMRV1-P5Q/s320/IMG_0240.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what happened after I said, "Who's excited about the Good News Family Club??" </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-86665015799171269872012-07-05T05:07:00.002-07:002012-07-05T06:44:51.268-07:00Beautiful Things<span style="background-color: white;">She was just a little girl when it happened. It was a day
like any other when her uncle came to her family’s home in Freetown, and gave
his heart-wrenching report.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rebels had come. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From his hiding place in his home, he watched them brutally
murder his entire family. He somehow escaped his village, and found refuge in
the home of his extended family. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The war in Sierra Leone (1991-2002) birthed pain,
destruction, and poverty in the lives of each of the country’s citizens. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her family was no different than any other. Her father was
forced to leave them in search for work, but found little to provide for his
family throughout the years of the war. The joy and unity they once shared as a
family somehow disappeared as they struggled to survive. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And no one dared to mention the pain that was bottled up
somewhere deep inside their hearts. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two weeks ago, she let it out. With a straight face, and
eyes focused away from my own, this woman I’ve come to love shared with me
about “that day.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My response to her was simply, “Let’s ask Jesus what He has
to say to you about this memory.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After praying, she replied with a straight face, “He said He
was with me.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Ok, let’s ask Him to reveal to you where He was exactly.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She closed her eyes as she mentally went back in time, and
placed herself in the room where her uncle walked in with the bad news. And
with all the boldness in her heart, she asked Jesus to reveal Himself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A smile formed on her face as she said, “He was praying for
me.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, how sweet our Jesus is. He was praying for her! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It didn’t change what happened. However, the presence of
Jesus created beauty even in the most painful places of her heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For too long, she (like many other Sierra Leoneans) has
lived with the belief that the war was God’s will. Believing this made it seem holier
– or humble, even – to accept and live with all the pain the war created in her
heart. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why do believers believe that God steals, kills and
destroys? Isn’t that what Jesus said about our enemy?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Death was never God’s intention. From the beginning, life
has always been His plan. The enemy is the one who came into the beauty of the
Garden, and whispered the lies that led to death. But the story doesn’t stop
there. Jesus beat death, remember? It is finished. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life wins. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t long before she was forgiving the rebels, and
repenting of believing that God was the culprit of all her pain. Now she is
walking in the belief that every good and perfect gift comes from God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She then started noticing all the life around her. Corn.
Greens. Potatoes. Mango trees. All around her, life was coming up from the same
ground where innocent blood was shed ten years prior. God has turned the very
things meant for evil into good. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the songs that I’ve played and re-played since being
here is called, “Beautiful Things,” by Gungor. I've declared its words over
this nation, and I will continue to fight to see them come true.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
All this pain </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I wonder if my life could really change at all </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
All this earth </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Could all that is lost ever be found </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Could a garden come up from this ground at all</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You make beautiful things </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You make beautiful things out of the dust</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You make beautiful things </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You make beautiful things out of us</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
All around </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Hope is springing up from this old ground </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Out of chaos, life is being found in You</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You make beautiful things </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You make beautiful things out of the dust</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You make beautiful things </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You make beautiful things out of us</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You make me new </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You are making me new</div>
Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-65208699776287855062012-06-18T10:58:00.000-07:002012-06-18T11:03:12.045-07:00A Day in the Life of Maribeth<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Last week, I got to spend a couple days in Brigitte, and one
day in the village where the orphanage is currently located, which is about
thirty minutes down the road from Brigitte, where I was staying.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, “thirty minutes down the road” is a little
different than what you might be thinking. It’s not as easy as hopping in the
car, and arriving at your destination thirty minutes later.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here, you walk along the road until a motorcycle taxi is
available. After travelling by motorcycle to one village junction, you find a
taxi to cram into with at least 5 other people (you pay by the seat, so people squish
in order to reduce individual cost). The taxi (which may or may not break down
along the way) drops everyone off at another particular junction, and then you
find one more motorcycle taxi to take you to your final destination. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And there you have it. A thirty minute trip to the
orphanage. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that’s how I got to start my day … without coffee.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Physically, there’s not much about this place that makes me
want to kick back and make myself at home. It’s hot. It’s loud. It’s busy. And,
to say the least, getting anywhere is usually a bit inconvenient. I find myself
in need of a break pretty regularly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spiritually, however, this place is RIPE. It makes it a
little more fun to be in such a physically draining place when I get to partner
with the Lord in all He is doing here. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While in the village where the current orphanage is located,
I got to meet with the headmaster of the school where the kids attend. He wants
me to do a training for his teachers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At first I thought, “I don’t know if I have what it takes to
do a training.” But after observing their classes, looking at a few of their (few)
materials, I decided that it would be a shame if I didn’t share with them what
I’ve had the privilege of learning through my degree at Auburn and through some
teaching experience. And now it looks like I’ll be doing a training for a
couple of different schools in the area within the next few weeks. The schools here
will be the first to tell you that they are in need of a lot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After meeting with the headmaster, I walked to the orphanage
with Frank, the Director. On the way, we met his neighbor who had a broken leg.
She hasn’t been able to do much except sit on the front porch with it propped
up for 2 whole months.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I prayed for her. She still felt pain after I prayed, so
I prayed again. This time, she said as soon as I placed my hand on her knee,
she felt something pop. After the prayer, she said it felt better. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I then told her family that since they were believers, they held
within them the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Eph. 1:19-20), and
that they can continue to lay hands on her and pray for her full recovery. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, she’s walking on it. Praise Jesus. By His wounds, we
are healed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later that day, I got to do some inner healing prayer with
two of the adults who help out at the orphanage. I got to watch the Lord bring
healing to broken places in their hearts, so now they will be ministering to
these children out of a place of freedom in their hearts, where there once was
unforgiveness, shame, and bondage. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s so beautiful to see freedom released.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the kids got home from school that day, it was play time.
What a joy! I got to read to them Max Lucado’s “You Are Special,” and then I
taught them the cupid shuffle. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two of my favorite things: Reading to kids and Dancing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I felt alive. With all the wonderful things that had
happened that day, I had pretty much forgotten about all the inconveniences of my
“thirty minute trip” to the orphanage that morning. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But by that time, it was time for my “thirty minute trip”
back to where I was staying.<br />
<br />
Oh Lord, help me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6S1oHCEsxyVVpe7PofiKGlF3ELBLG2SMHt0Y1T51rej1wqPl0Zb3OHwI0JkDSqXCFGFj7tY8JyydhO-0zR-Zrx33K4_BvGjZNWoc7MhYuumyZKVs_ZofPrHF-lNh3JqVLx4I2NcN4HQ/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6S1oHCEsxyVVpe7PofiKGlF3ELBLG2SMHt0Y1T51rej1wqPl0Zb3OHwI0JkDSqXCFGFj7tY8JyydhO-0zR-Zrx33K4_BvGjZNWoc7MhYuumyZKVs_ZofPrHF-lNh3JqVLx4I2NcN4HQ/s320/IMG_0053.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-Z5_5liLjbkFDIh8oyEGxjOqLEYcyXckSUnky4pB3QKgNELGICsHnxr2NbFdOHetSrZUIw6GgwsIPhr0jQ2gNFNaRGM4CTwAcbF3150_TT0GeQC0FXBx-LW7HjH-rP3f_dlwmIsCEA/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-Z5_5liLjbkFDIh8oyEGxjOqLEYcyXckSUnky4pB3QKgNELGICsHnxr2NbFdOHetSrZUIw6GgwsIPhr0jQ2gNFNaRGM4CTwAcbF3150_TT0GeQC0FXBx-LW7HjH-rP3f_dlwmIsCEA/s320/IMG_0072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iFiUORR11rhv9VEIG-jXfry9lxV_dmilQTkvaNEDo_atlf-X544zAuDXuxu0fCvG8F6swEvRqd2XuqBSyO9GRRuEX9Z3WdjsbeOmvmIpbXWjOe5477qcEOGj3Niq-bA-HEeWONBymA/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iFiUORR11rhv9VEIG-jXfry9lxV_dmilQTkvaNEDo_atlf-X544zAuDXuxu0fCvG8F6swEvRqd2XuqBSyO9GRRuEX9Z3WdjsbeOmvmIpbXWjOe5477qcEOGj3Niq-bA-HEeWONBymA/s320/IMG_0070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-79690618152016114302012-05-30T07:32:00.000-07:002012-05-30T07:37:51.438-07:00Look and be AmazedDuring my first couple of weeks here in Sierra Leone, the Lord has gently leaned in and said to me, “Look and be amazed.”<br />
<br />
All I have to do is look, really. He is doing something that many would not even believe if they heard it. But I’ve seen it, and it truly is amazing.<br />
<br />
I have had the privilege of spending my first few days here with a wonderful team of people I go to church with in Atlanta, including my “papa” in the faith, and 2 girls I’m friends with. The team left to go back home on Monday, but while they were here last week, we had a conference at the church in Brigitte.<br />
<br />
Brigitte is the village that the orphanage is being built in, and where I’ll eventually move to. There are about 1,500 people living in Brigitte, and most are a part of a tribe of people called “Timne.” Most of the Timne people, both Christian and Muslim, have dabbled in witchcraft. Some more than others. One of the pastors here said that about 99% of the Timne tribe have demonic attachments.<br />
<br />
These are the people the Lord has called me to love.<br />
<br />
The good news is that a foundation of freedom and healing has been laid in Brigitte already. This past week, we partnered with the Lord in setting people free of demonic attachments, physical illnesses, sinful habits, and patterns that only led to death.<br />
<br />
One woman brought her daughter to us every day for prayer. Her daughter was 2 years old, and looked like a newborn. She had very little strength or ability to move, and had never even crawled before. So we prayed every day for the Lord to release His healing power over this child. By the end of the week, she was crawling.<br />
<br />
Her proud mother went back and told her neighbors about what the Lord had done for her daughter. She was just one of many who spread the news of the Lord’s goodness and healing power to her community.
<br />
<br />
These neighbors made their way into church for the very first time, and wanted us to pray for them, too. They wanted God to heal them like He had healed their neighbors. They not only received the healing touch of God, but they also received Jesus as their Lord and Savior.<br />
<br />
When the Good News of Jesus enters into a community, people are attracted to it, and find themselves wanting to be around the people who carry the presence of the Lord.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite moments of the trip so far was when a woman brought her children to us so that we could pray for God to bless them. I prayed for each of them individually, blessing each of them with a specific verse that I felt the Lord speaking over them.<br />
<br />
When I finished praying for the 4 children, I turned around, and saw about 10 more kids who had come to receive a blessing. So I continued asking the Lord for a specific verse to pray over each child. After blessing 15-20 kids, it was time for me to go, but I still had about 10 more kids to go. They just kept coming. In blessing the children, I got a small taste of what my purpose is in being here.<br />
<br />
I got another taste one day while we were stopped at a gas station. I was sitting in the back seat, thinking about how tired I was (just being honest). Before I knew it, a man had come over and stuck his baby through the open window right in front of me. It was as if the man had come over to my window expecting me to pray for his child.<br />
<br />
So, of course, I placed my hand on the baby, and prayed blessings on her spirit to know the Lord. The man seemed pleased, and walked away with his baby. As we left the station, he waved goodbye with a big smile on his face.<br />
<br />
Even as I’m writing, I’m thinking, “Was that even real?” That’s when I’m sure that it was totally the Lord.<br />
<br />
I guess when the Lord said, “Look and be amazed,” He really meant it.<br />
<br />
“Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” – Habakkuk 1:5Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-26751652440062481542012-05-13T10:58:00.000-07:002012-05-13T10:58:43.725-07:00I'M MOVING TO AFRICA!I had a dream the other night where I was at the airport frantically filling out papers, trying to get everything ready before my plane was supposed to leave. I felt so scattered and hurried, and then Jesus and the Holy Spirit came on the scene, and informed me that Jesus was coming with me. He didn’t have everything together yet, either, so the Holy Spirit was helping us get everything worked out.<br />
<br />
What if I told you that my dream is coming true?<br />
<br />
Last week, I was emailing with our missionary contact in Sierra Leone, asking him a few of the many questions I have about living in Africa. He was asking me questions, too, and wanted to know when I was planning on moving back over there. Then he said, “Please don’t say in the fall. Elections are in November, and it’s not safe to be here then.” He told me that he takes his family back to the States every time the elections happen, because it can get pretty dangerous when/if riots break out.<br />
<br />
When he told me this, it threw me off a little bit as I started thinking about the timing of it all. It doesn’t make sense for me to make a 3 week trip beginning next week, come back here, then go back to Sierra Leone, and then come back again when the elections happen, and then go back again after the elections are over. (Whew!)<br />
<br />
What DOES make sense is for me to go over there, stay until the elections, come back home for the Holidays, then go back over to Sierra Leone for good.<br />
<br />
So that’s what I’m going to do. I’m moving to Sierra Leone on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
And that’s why I feel like my dream is coming true. I feel pretty scattered right now, as I’m trying to get everything done before I leave. But the good news is that Jesus is coming with me, and Holy Spirit is helping us get everything together before we leave.<br />
<br />
The presence of the Lord is always Good News.<br />
<br />
I plan on living with our missionary contact and his family for the next 4 months as I adjust to life in Africa, learn the language (Creole), get to know the people, and get settled in my role there. I will then come home in September, before everything gets messy in Sierra Leone, and then go back for good in January-ish.<br />
<br />
They should be laying the foundation of the orphanage in the next few weeks, and it should be completed by the end of the year. When I move back to Sierra Leone in January, I’ll plan to live in the orphanage, and raise the children who live there.<br />
<br />
Even though this is so sudden, and I feel a little scattered, I KNOW that it’s right. I'm excited about coming into the calling on my life to be a mother to the nations ... starting next week!<br />
<br />
Right now, I have enough funds to get me started over the next few weeks. But I’m going to need all the support I can get as I begin life in Sierra Leone. If you’re interested in supporting me financially as I live in Sierra Leone, here’s how:<br />
<br />
You can write a check to “Lifegate International,” and put “Maribeth Ward – Africa” in the memo line, and send it to:<br />
<br />
Lifegate International<br />
1860 Ridgedale Dr.<br />
Snellville, GA 30078<br />
<br />
Or you can go to www.lifegateinternational.com, and use their paypal account to make a donation. If you donate online, be sure to email lifegateinternational@comcast.net to let them know that you want your donation to go to me, because there’s not a place to specify where you want the donation to go on the website.<br />
<br />
Your donations will all go to me directly, and they will be tax deductible.<br />
<br />
Please please please be praying for me as I make this big transition. And pray for my family as they adjust to the idea of me living so far away. And pray that the Good News of Jesus permeates the country of Sierra Leone.<br />
<br />
I praise God for each of you. Be blessed.Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-20233634249137731002012-04-16T17:50:00.003-07:002012-04-16T18:29:46.561-07:00The Other SideDoes the Bible ever become so real to you that you can actually feel yourself in one of the stories? Recently, I’ve been feeling as if I’m one of the disciples who went fishing all night long and didn’t catch a thing. I can feel their weariness, their disappointment, and their desire to keep trying just in case they might catch something. <br /><br />For the past few months, I’ve been wondering when I would have some tangible fruit to show for my labor. I’ve been making plans to start a children’s home here in Atlanta, and like the disciples, I’ve been coming up with nothing in my net – no home and no kids.<br /><br />So I decided to stop striving to make something happen, and see what the Lord would do. So I began fasting from some things and praying during the lent season, and I was ready for the Lord to do anything. <br /><br />One day after I began my fast, I was babysitting for a good friend of mine who has 6 kids. As we were talking about children’s homes and all of my dreams, she said, <br /><br />“Maribeth, if you start raising kids here in the States, you’re going to get stuck here. And you don’t need to get stuck here. Your heart is so rare that you need to be with the worst of the worst. The kids here have a foster care system and an education system helping them out. There are kids in the world who don’t have anything. That’s where you need to be.”<br /><br />She’s right. I’ve never wanted to get stuck here. In fact, I’ve known for quite some time that I was called to the nations. I’ve just gotten really comfortable doing ministry here in Atlanta with kids who I already know that are dealing with the same junk (sexual abuse, neglect, violence, etc.) as any other kid around the world.<br /><br />In that moment, as I was talking to my friend, I felt as if Jesus had shown up on the scene, telling me to cast my net on the other side (of the world). <br /><br />This came as no surprise to me, seeing as how the entire time I was praying about starting a children’s home here, I was also asking the Lord about the nations – Sierra Leone, in particular, which is on the west coast of Africa. <br /><br />Last May, I went on a trip to Sierra Leone with a group led by my “papa” in the faith, who has a ministry called Lifegate International (www.lifegateinternational.com). When I came back, I knew that I knew that I was supposed to move there and work with the kids in one of the villages named Brigette.<br /><br />I had thought that I would get a home started here, pass it off to the right people, and then go to Sierra Leone when the time was right. But apparently the time is right already. When I heard that they are building an orphanage in Brigette, I had a “duh” moment, where I felt confirmation about moving there. <br /><br />So I’m taking a short vision trip next month to Sierra Leone to get a few things in order before moving there. I plan to leave on May 17, and scout it out for the next three weeks, so that I will be able to share with friends and family, and anyone who may want to support me about what life would look like for me there. <br /><br />I’ve been saving up a few donations that people have randomly given me here and there, and so I am starting off my Africa scouting adventure with $800. That means I only need $2000 more to make this initial trip happen. Let me know (maribethward@yahoo.com) if you want to be a part of this financially – I plan to buy my plane ticket in one week (April 23). <br /><br />So here I am, casting my net on the other side of the boat, so eager to see what kind of catch I’ll get. Praise the Lord, who establishes my steps, lights my path, and makes it straight.Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-34969493037885431372011-12-12T12:49:00.000-08:002011-12-12T13:58:26.771-08:00Mama Heart“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” - Isaiah 43:19<br /><br />First of all, I would like to thank so many of you for all the ways you have supported me as an inner city missionary in Atlanta. The Lord has been doing great things through the ministry of NightLight Atlanta, and it is such a joy to get to be a part of what He is doing. <br /><br />Children are learning to love in an environment based on violence and fear. Women are leaving lives of prostitution, and entering into the Kingdom of God. People are experiencing His hope, and salvation. Jesus is so good! <br /><br />As much as I love my current job, I have decided to step down from my position with <br />NightLight Atlanta as the Director of Prevention Programming, because the Lord has made it clear that He is about to launch me into my calling to be a mother to the orphans. <br /><br />For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of becoming a mother. Many people have spoken prophesies and encouragement over me about my “mama heart,” and about the Lord’s call on my life to be a mother. Motherhood is what I was created for. <br /><br />Even though I don’t know exactly what it will all look like yet, I know that this is the time for me to start making transitions so that I’m available to do whatever the Lord has planned for me. This is my last month working for NightLight. <br /><br />I dream of having orphanages all over the world. I want kids everywhere to know that they have a good Dad … and a good Mama, and I want them to have abundant life filled with hope. The Lord has told me that I will be the mother of many nations, and I believe Him. I have a feeling that my life as a missionary mama overseas will start sooner rather than later, but until the Lord speaks clearly about when and where to go, I plan on being in Atlanta for a little while longer. <br /><br />I have been making plans with a few friends to move into the area of town where my kids live, and have an open home, where the kids are welcome anytime. I foresee them planting a garden in the backyard, having worship nights, dance parties, neighborhood dinners, movie nights, and more. I often think about how the name, Maribeth, means “blessed house.” That’s my identity, and it’s exactly what I want this home to be for the kids. <br /><br />I plan on moving into the “blessed house” in February or March. I know that this open home will be just the beginning of a movement here in Atlanta. The kids that the Lord has entrusted to me will hopefully become the leaders of whatever ministry is birthed through me soon. <br /><br />I have also been looking into adoption. The Lord made it clear to me that this is top priority in my life, so I am currently going through training to become an adoptive parent. I don’t know if the Lord’s intentions for me going through this are for me to get some really good training, or if He has a certain child, or certain children in mind for me to adopt as my own. Who knows? By this time next year, there might be a couple of little ones calling me “Mama.” <br /><br />So please, be praying for me as I continue to say yes to the Lord’s voice. I would love to have you support me through this journey. Ask me how things are going. Come and visit the kids. Pray that the Kingdom comes. I know that the dreams the Lord has placed on my heart will require the entire Body of Christ to play their part, whatever that may look like.<br /><br />I will let you know specifics along the way, and keep you updated about ways you can be involved, and ways that you can support me and the kids that the Lord entrusts to me. The seeds you sew into the ministry the Lord gives me – whatever that may look like – are producing and will continue to produce great fruit. We will all share in the harvest and the reward. <br /><br />I praise God for each of you, and all of your prayers and encouragement!Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-81629717426526304092011-10-23T16:24:00.000-07:002011-10-23T16:32:22.995-07:00Dreams RedeemedOne afternoon, a few friends and I decided to drive around and pray for the area of town where the kids live. After driving around for a bit, we pulled into the hotel where we do our Prevention Program, and some of the teenagers who live there climbed into the car with us, saying that they wanted to pray, too. <br /><br />As we were praying for them, and speaking life over them, more kids came. And pretty soon, they were praying for each other. <br /><br />That is the kind of stuff that I live for. <br /><br />One girl spoke up, and said that she had been having nightmares. She started describing some of the things that had haunted her dreams, and it became obvious that a spirit of death had been trying to take over this 10 year old’s subconscious dream world.<br /><br />I knew that God desired to give His daughter good dreams – straight from His heart to hers. There’s something about our good Father that loves to reveal the mysteries of His heart to His children through dreams. Just ask Joseph. <br /><br />I asked her if she wanted God to give her good dreams, instead. And of course, she said yes. <br /><br />So I went to my car, and grabbed some anointing oil. Yes, I did say anointing oil. I've decided to carry that stuff around with me these days. I mean, you’ve gotta have the essentials with you at all times – your wallet, your keys, some chewing gum, and your anointing oil. It comes in handy sometimes.<br /><br />Anointing oil was used throughout the Bible to make something holy. So as a priest of the Lord, I prayed for her and anointed her, and in doing so, declared her “holy.” Her dreams are now set apart for God alone. They are no longer a place for the enemy to have a destructive party. <br /><br />Just today, she was telling her Sunday school teacher that I prayed for her to stop having bad dreams a few weeks ago, and now she doesn’t have nightmares anymore. Now, she only has good dreams.<br /><br />Man, God is so good at being good! <br /><br />And all I have to say is that it’s great to be His priest. I get to usher people into His goodness, out of the darkness, and into His wonderful light. <br /><br />“… for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” – I Peter 2:9Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-18522588812860285222011-09-30T17:26:00.000-07:002011-09-30T17:28:46.189-07:00Father to the FatherlessOne of the biggest factors that puts a child at-risk for entering into the sex industry is not having a father at home. The role of a father is to LEAD his wife and children, PROTECT his wife and children, and PROVIDE FOR his wife and children. When the father is absent, it leaves the wife and children vulnerable to purposelessness, abuse, and poverty. <br /><br />And most of the kids I work with are fatherless. <br /><br />A few weeks ago, I was having lunch with a couple of the girls from our prevention program, and they started talking about their dads. One of them, a ten year old, assured me that when she says, “my dad,” she really means her step-father, because her step-father has been more of a dad to her than real dad. <br /><br />She doesn’t even know who her real dad is.<br /><br />The fourteen year old girl eating with us then spoke up to say that her dad didn’t even sign her birth certificate. <br /><br />While they were talking, I was thinking, “How in the world will these girls know they are worthy of being loved if their own fathers haven’t loved them? Will they ever believe that there are actually men who don’t abandon their families?” <br /><br />I told the girls that God is a really good dad to us. I told them that He’s really good at taking care of us, and no matter what our dads are like here on earth, God won’t ever leave us. And then they chimed in by saying, “Yeah, He won’t ever leave us or forsake us!”<br /><br />That’s right. They quoted Scripture.<br /><br />Whether fathers like it or not, they give us a picture of what God the Father is like. And that’s why so many people have warped beliefs about who God actually is. <br /><br />If our earthly fathers abandoned us, we probably will have problems believing that <br />God actually WANTS to be near us. And if our earthly fathers beat us for no good reason on a regular basis, we will probably go through life believing that God is in a bad mood. <br /><br />But God is in a good mood. He really is. And the truth is that He’s gone to great measures to be with us. The veil has been torn. We have 24-7 access to His presence because of Jesus. <br /><br />Wake up, Church!! We are the priests. We are the ones who get to lead the fatherless into the presence of God! <br /><br />Often, when I simply ask God what’s on His heart for the kids I work with, I get this picture of the Father sitting criss-cross-applesauce (to be politically correct), and all of the kids coming into His lap. This is the heart of our good Father! He wants the kids to climb up into His lap, and just rest for a while. <br /><br />There are no orphans in Daddy God’s lap. <br /><br />“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” Psalm 68:5Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-7199973690911698732011-08-02T21:53:00.000-07:002011-08-02T21:57:44.864-07:00Sowing In Tears. Reaping In Joy.We began the summer season of Kids’ Club by planting seeds into pots. Each week, we watched the plants grow, and we talked about what we look like when we’re growing with Jesus. We have steadily sown seeds of the truth about Jesus in the hearts of 124 children throughout the summer. My prayer is that we will reap a harvest that is a hundred times greater than the amount of seeds that have been planted.<br /><br />We have been taking a handful the kids from our prevention program to Church on Sundays, so there are even more seeds being planted, watered, and nurtured by people ministering at our Church. We started off bringing 5 kids at the beginning of June. By the end of July, there were 13. <br /><br />One of the kids that has been coming for the whole summer asked one of the newcomers, “Since when have you been coming to MY church?” I love that the kids are actually claiming to be a part of this body of believers now. <br /><br />It’s one thing for us to come to where they live, into their darkness, and introduce them to Jesus. It’s totally different for us to bring them into a healthy environment. We are doing more than just bringing them to a Church service. We are introducing them to a whole new world, one where it is normal to love Jesus, and earnestly seek Him. <br /><br />When they come to Church, their teachers are reinforcing what we have already taught them. At Kids’ Club, we have introduced these little ones to the Lord’s voice. Just this season, they have heard the Lord speak His love over them, His encouragement, and His destiny for their lives. Now these kids are learning to hear God’s voice in two places. <br /><br />The thing I love most about taking the kids to Church is that I get to spend so much time with them. I’m discovering that the more I invest in the lives of the children we work with, the more I know their brokenness, as well. The reality they live in is dark. <br /><br />One 10 year old girl after Bible class one week told me that she started crying during class because she shared her feelings, and then she admitted that she was ashamed of her tears. I asked her what she had shared, and she told me she was upset because her dad was in jail, her uncle just got out of jail, and her great-uncle was on his death bed. I told her that it’s good to cry about things like that, and we talked about the importance of sharing our feelings. Her feelings had been locked away deep within her. <br /><br />Prison is a reality that has been passed down to this 10 year old. But I’m holding onto the truth in Isaiah 61 about who Jesus is. “He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”<br /><br />He offers freedom from darkness to these children. He is why we do what we do. Jesus is our strategic plan in preventing these children from entering into the darkness around them. As we sow in tears, we hold onto the promise in Psalm 126 that we will reap with songs of joy. <br /><br />I can’t wait to see the harvest.Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-73749038164852138202011-06-01T09:12:00.000-07:002011-06-01T09:13:36.425-07:00Stories from AfricaI went to Africa expecting miracles. Really, I was just expecting God to be Himself. And over and over again, I was completely amazed at my “Daddy God” (The Africans we were around referred to God in Creole as “Daddy God”). <br /><br />Miracles aren’t about putting on a show. They’re not magic. And they’re not something of the past. <br /><br />Miracles flow out of the heart of a loving Abba. God’s extravagant love knows no limit. It’s amazing to me how so many people have put a limit on what an all powerful God, whose very name is LOVE, can do. <br /><br />His power flows from His love. <br /><br />I started keeping a list of the miracles that we witnessed when we were on the plane headed to Sierra Leone. The woman sitting next to me on our last little flight from Ghana to Freetown, Sierra Leone wasn’t feeling very well. So I prayed for her. After praying for her, I asked her how she felt. She said her headache went away while I was praying. Wow! Praise the Lord!<br /><br />And that was just the beginning! <br /><br />While in Sierra Leone, we visited a few different villages, and ministered to the churches in these different communities. While we were in the first village called Kambia, one particular family served us daily, and prepared all of our meals while we were there. <br /><br />The youngest daughter in their family had had a fever for 2 weeks. She was three years old and adorable. It wasn’t ok for this little girl to be so sick, so we prayed that the Lord would bring justice to her and heal her. <br /><br />And He did. <br /><br />We kept asking her family if the fever had come back since we prayed for her. They said she was 100% better. What a loving Father she has! <br /><br />While we were in Kambia, the church asked us to pray for two of their kids who were demon-possessed. A little bit of fear went through me when they asked US to cast the demons out. I didn’t really grow up believing in all that “crazy spirit stuff.” But the more I bring the Kingdom of God into the darkness of this world, the more I experience the warfare that goes on in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6) <br /><br />The fear I felt only lasted for a moment, however, and then I started getting excited about what the Lord was about to do. There was no doubt that He wanted those demons to stop tormenting His precious ones. <br /><br />The first little guy’s name was Abraham. He might have been 7 or 8 years old. During worship the day before, Abraham had manifested a demon by running bent over through the building at full speed, running into walls and into people, and foaming at the mouth. Someone from the church came and laid hands on him and started praying, and the child fell asleep. <br /><br />After praying for him the next day, the demon left peacefully. Thank you, Jesus!<br /><br />The second child we prayed for was a 13 year old girl named Elizabeth. Her demon manifested immediately and threw her on the ground. We prayed that the demon would get out of her and go to Jesus so He could deal with it appropriately. After a few minutes, the demon left and the peace of God came over her. <br /><br />Elizabeth was all smiles after her deliverance. She started hanging around us regularly from then on, and gave me a gift the last night that we were in Kambia. Because she had received something of high value from us, she gave me something of very high value. <br /><br />A chicken. <br /><br />Elizabeth gave me a for real live chicken. This was a pretty big deal. Families in this community struggle to have enough to eat, and only have chicken on special occasions. I named my new chicken, “sozo,” which is the Greek word meaning “to save, heal, and deliver.” The chicken had been “delivered” to me by someone who had been “delivered.”<br /><br />We found out later that Elizabeth had been in a secret society – it’s pretty common in Africa for people to join these secret societies. And it’s all pretty demonic. People have to make a blood covenant to enter – for girls, they have to be “circumcised” to enter, and guys are cut on the lower part of their backs. Demons are assigned to protect them from leaving the society. Elizabeth’s didn’t want to let go of her. <br /><br />But God wanted freedom for her. And because of His great love for her, she is FREE indeed! <br /><br />You see, the demonic is very real. But the more important thing is that God’s power is EVEN MORE REAL. All we have to do is believe that He will show up. The things that we witnessed in Africa would not have happened without God. He loves doing the impossible.<br /><br />I can’t even count how many people got healed while we were there. And that’s not to mention the 25 people who got baptized in one particular village. 25!! About 3 months ago, no one in this village knew who Jesus was. Now there is a church, and many new believers. What a beautiful work of God! He loves the people in that village so so much. <br /><br />Our God is supernatural. That’s how He rolls. Jesus didn’t just pray for the sick. He healed them. And He didn’t send His disciples out to just pray for people and do some nice things. He told them to heal the sick, to cast out demons, and raise the dead to life. (Matthew 10:8)<br /><br />Our God loves to give Freedom, Wholeness, and Life! That’s the kind of Kingdom business our God does. And it all flows abundantly from His deep wells of love. <br /><br />May Your Kingdom come, Daddy God! May Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven!Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-74031821114548629912011-04-29T15:36:00.000-07:002011-04-29T15:38:43.377-07:00BAPTISMS!!“From the lips of children and infants, You, Lord, have called forth Your praise.” (Matthew 21:16)<br /><br />Jesus quoted this passage from Psalm 8 after the chief priests and teachers of the law had gotten pretty upset at the children who were shouting in the Temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” <br /><br />It made the religious people mad enough that the crowds had shouted that through the streets on Palm Sunday. And now the kids were copying what they had heard from the adults in the Temple courts. <br /><br />So they asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?” <br /><br />Jesus simply replies, “Have you never read, “From the lips of children and infants, You, Lord, have called forth Your praise?”<br /><br />He loves their worship! God not only accepts the praise of His little babies, He delights in their faith! <br /><br />Many of the kids in our Prevention Program have put their faith in Jesus this season as we have talked about who Jesus really is. Their faith is simple, and the way they declare His praise is profound. They sing and dance in His love for them. <br /><br />Just this spring season, we have had 88 new children come to our Kids’ Club. And a total of 353 kids have come through our Prevention Program since it first started. <br /><br />And we celebrated the baptisms of 19 of our children this season!<br /><br />They proclaimed Jesus as their Lord as other children and onlookers from the motel gathered around to take in the day’s events. Everyone listened as the children stated their reasons in wanting to get baptized. <br /><br />Their explanations were amazing. The majority of them simply said that they loved God and that God loved them. Some said they wanted to be with Jesus forever. Some said they wanted Jesus to save them. Others said they wanted to become a new person. <br /><br />The Greek definition of the word baptizo means "to overwhelm." As each of the 19 children were overwhelmed with the cold water in the kiddie pool, they were also overwhelmed with a new identity in Jesus, and they are entering into a new covenant relationship with Him.<br /><br />Our desire has been to see these children come into their true identity in Jesus, and this has happened right before our eyes.Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-1470120624566570832011-04-05T23:51:00.000-07:002011-04-05T23:53:56.837-07:00Faith Like A ChildWow! What a day at Kids’ Club! In the words of the United Pursuit Band, “Praise is befitting to the One who died! Your Name is high and above every name on Earth and in Heaven. You are good. You are holy. You are worthy.” <br /><br />Recently, I feel like I have been under quite a bit of attack from the enemy. He knows that we, at NightLight, are preparing for baptisms with the kids the week after Easter. He knows that these kids are already believing in Jesus, and that their baptisms will mark the beginning of a covenant relationship with the One who is victorious over him. Satan absolutely can’t stand that Jesus is a CHAMPION! And he wants to taunt and discourage the ones on Christ’s winning side in any way that he can. <br /><br />But the enemy will not get the last word with me … nor with these kids. Nope. I am more than a conqueror. And these kids will rise out of the water into new life with Jesus. I don’t care what that liar has to say about it. <br /><br />Tonight, we talked about how the payment for sin is death, but that God made a way for us to not have to die, and that His way brings LIFE FOREVER. (Romans 6:23)<br /><br />I started off my lesson tonight with a bottle of water. I asked one of the kids to put a pinch of dirt in the bottle, and then I went to take a sip. The kids went crazy. “NOOO! DON’T DRINK IT!” One girl even came up behind me and grabbed the water bottle from my hand, and said, “DON’T DRINK THAT!!! THAT’S GROSS!!”<br /><br />I told the kids that it was just a little dirt, but they didn’t care. They wouldn’t let me drink it. I went on to tell them that the dirt in the water bottle is like sin. Even a little bit makes us dirty and unclean. And we deserve death when we sin. <br /><br />I then asked one of the kids to try and get the dirt out of the water bottle, so that I could have some clean water to drink. He looked at me like I was crazy. So I asked the other kids if they could get the dirt out. It is not possible to remove dirt from a bottle of water, and neither can we get sin out of our lives on our own.<br /><br />So I told them about the One who makes us clean when we’re dirty with sin. I told them about His death, and that He didn’t stay dead for very long. No way! He left death in the grave, and rose to new life. And because of His sacrifice and His resurrection, we can LIVE FOREVER WITH JESUS! <br /><br />I then pulled out a gift bag that was marked, “To: Maribeth. Love: Jesus.” I asked the kids if they thought I needed to pay for the gift, but they said that since it was a gift, I didn’t need to pay for it. Inside, I found a brand new water bottle with pure water in it. No dirt. No sin. Jesus paid the price for our sin, and gives us brand new pure LIFE as a free gift. <br /><br />I asked all of the kids to close their eyes, and answer some questions for me. I asked them if they believed that Jesus is the Son of God. Hands started flying up in the air, and they stayed up when I asked if they believed that Jesus died for them, and rose from the dead. Some of the kids put both hands in the air when I asked if they believed that Jesus could get all the dirty sin out of their lives, and make them clean again. <br /><br />A couple of them even announced, “I got both my hands up!” Then I started seeing feet fly up in the air when I asked if they wanted to have new life with Jesus. It was such a sweet (and absolutely hilarious) sight to see kids lying on their backs with both of their hands and feet sticking up in the air (but their eyes stayed closed, of course).<br /><br />I am so amazed at how desperately these kids want Jesus. <br /><br />Such beautiful faith!!<br /><br />“And He said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)<br /><br />These kids are ready for baptism. And satan can just sit on a tack. A lot of tacks.Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-36094610940743347582011-03-17T08:54:00.000-07:002011-03-17T08:59:44.550-07:00Jesus is LifeOh God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You. All of my Life is found in You. You are Life to me. You are the resurrection and the life. You give Your grace and beauty and love to the birds and flowers. How much more do You love me? How much more? I can’t even wrap my mind around the goodness and faithfulness and mercy You pour out in abundance. You’re so good, so so good to me! <br /><br />The other night, I was crying out to God, interceding for my kids. I told God that I wanted these kids to KNOW Him, cry out to Him, turn to Him, look at Him, find HOPE in Him, find JOY amidst their circumstances, and that I wanted God to be EVERYTHING to them. <br /><br />Do you know what God said in response to my prayer? He said, “Then that’s what you need to do. Show them how to love Me and pray to Me. They’re looking at you.”<br /><br />Do you know how humbling that is? These kids are looking at me to see who God is. It just makes me yearn for Him all the more. There is so much more of Him that I haven’t even tasted yet. I want more. What I’ve tasted of the Almighty has been so good, but I want more of Him! <br /><br />This week at Kids’ Club, the theme was “Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.” We talked about how Jesus raised Lazarus from death to LIFE, and how He turns our mourning into dancing, and our tears of sorrow into JOY! (Ps. 30:11-12). <br /><br />I spent a lot of time talking about the verse in John 11 that simply says, “Jesus wept.” I told the kids that Jesus cares a whole lot about every detail in their lives, and that He doesn’t ignore us when we’re sad, but that He sees our tears, and He cries with us. And then He brings LIFE to those dead places in us. <br /><br />As we were praying afterwards, I asked the kids to tell God what they were thankful for. One girl said that she was thankful that Jesus is Life. That is huge. Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Because this little girl said that Jesus is life with her words, I know that her heart believes that it is true. Praise the Lord. <br /><br />After Kids’ Club last night, a couple of us were eating together, and we started talking about how some of these kids are going to become Ministers. I got chills thinking about it. Pray that God consumes them like a fire.Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-7996408742921190952011-02-24T08:53:00.000-08:002011-02-24T09:09:46.835-08:00STORIESThis was the first week of our Spring Season of Kids' Club. I am beyond thankful to be back in the swing of things! It was such a great week, and I am so exhausted. God is so good, and so full of love for these kids! I wish each of you could meet them. I have a few stories to share about these precious little treasures. <br /><br /><br /><br />There is one particular 10-year-old kid that has been around since this summer, and we are pretty close with him. During the skit, he kept on talking really loudly. So I pulled him to the side, and asked him to honor the people doing the skit by listening. He kept talking loudly. So I kept getting onto him. <br /><br />I finally said, “If you keep being disrespectful, you might not get a snack today. Do you want to lose your snack?” His response: “It depends. What are we having for snack?” He then looked around, saw the box of pretzels, and then agreed to respect me. <br /><br />I was thinking about his response later that night, and realized that I do the same thing with God. When God asks me to do something, my immediate reaction is usually, “What’s in it for me?” AKA: "It depends, God. What do I get for snack?"<br /><br /><br /><br />When I was announcing about what we were doing that day, one kid kept on coming up to me, poking me in the side while I was talking, and saying that he had an announcement to make. It seemed rather urgent. <br /><br />I asked him to whisper his announcement to me, and he said, “I just need to ask everyone who hit my brother. Someone hit my brother, and then ran away, and I need to make an announcement that you don’t hit my brother.”<br /><br />What a protective little guy! <br /><br /><br /><br />This season, I have decided to start “interviewing” a couple of kids before and after each lesson. This week, I asked the question, “What does Immanuel mean?”<br /><br />BEFORE the lesson, I got responses like: <br /><br />“Um, I think that Immanuel means … um … like, uh … brain.”<br /><br />“It means baby.”<br /><br />“Immanuel is like a book … something that people have written … It has words, and it might even have pictures.” <br /><br />AFTER the lesson, I asked the same kids the same question. And this is how each of them responded: <br /><br />“Immanuel means GOD WITH US!”<br /><br />I think they really caught onto what this week’s lesson was all about. God loves us so much that He sent His Son to Earth to be like us and to be WITH us. (Isaiah 7:14)<br /><br /><br /><br />In addition to what we do with the elementary age kids, we have started doing a Bible Study for teen girls at both locations this season. I have been praying for this to happen for so long, and I am so thankful for the young women who have stepped up to lead these Bible studies. <br /><br />The girls they are leading are the ones who are most at risk for entering into prostitution. The average age of entry into prostitution in the U.S. is between the ages of 11-14. <br /><br />At Tuesday’s Bible study, the leader shared the verse from Matthew 10 about being as wise as serpents, and as innocent as doves. While the girls were decorating their individual journals with all kinds of stickers, they asked the leader what the verse meant. <br /><br />The leader explained that Jesus wants to teach us to not go crazy in a crazy world. Pray for these girls as they learn to be as wise as serpents in the crazy world that they live in. <br /><br />The next day at Wednesday’s teen girls Bible study, an eleven year old (Ok, so this one isn’t technically a teenager …) told the leader that she sees a demon sometimes, and described in detail what the demon was like. She explained how scared she was of the demon, and cried like a baby with the leader. Then her 13-year-old sister said that she sees dark shadows behind her every time she looks in the mirror. <br /><br />This is just one example of the terrible darkness in this neighborhood. Who knows what else is haunting our other children in their homes. Pray that the Light of Christ will breakthrough in each child. There is serious warfare going on over each of their souls. <br /><br /><br /><br />Our guy intern this season has been so wonderful with the teenage boys we see on a weekly basis. On Wednesday, he got to hang out with the guys for a little while, and they started asking him questions about sex. They were all ears to whatever he had to say. They are so hungry for truth. <br /><br />Our intern started talking about soul ties, and how sex is so much more than what happens physically. They have never listened to anyone as well as they listened to him on Wednesday. Pray that the Lord fills our intern more and more with His Spirit as he leads these guys into more truth. <br /><br /><br /><br />At the end of our time with the kids on both Tuesday and Wednesday, we gathered the kids together whose birthdays were in February so that we could pray for them. A couple of kids even prayed for their peers. This was such a beautiful time, and it was such a joy to get to bless these kids. <br /><br /><br /><br />Keep praying for these precious little ones. And pray for me, too. I need so much more of the Lord! I'm sure I will have many, many other stories to share as the season goes on.Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-48106673913414922011-02-09T20:43:00.000-08:002011-02-09T20:49:58.480-08:00Do They Know?As you can imagine, the extended stay hotel where we do one of our Prevention Programs is a transitional place for these families. Some stay for a week, and others stay for a year or two. Each time I hear about kids moving out, my heart has to make some difficult adjustments. <br /><br />I just love them so dearly, and I feel like they’re being taken away from me.<br /><br />Such a huge part of me is saying, “Nooo! Stay in this nasty, small hotel room forever, so I can come and love you!” <br /><br />Of course, I really do want them to experience a normal childhood, where they can play in a front yard, and have family dinners, and soccer practice … I’m just really going to miss them.<br /><br />When I hear that another family is moving, my immediate thoughts are: <br /><br />Where are they going to hear about Jesus now? <br />Who is going to love them? <br />Will anyone show them who God is … who LOVE is? <br />Have I taught them well? <br />Have I done my job? <br />What will they take away from the way I treated them? <br />Do they know Jesus? <br />Do they know the one who created them so uniquely? <br />Do they know that their identity is Jesus … that they were made in His image … with His characteristics? <br />Do they know their Savior? <br />Do they know the freedom they can have in Him? <br />Do they know that all of LIFE is found in Christ? <br />Do they know? <br /><br />And these thoughts have transformed the way I write curriculum. What if there is a child that only comes for one week? What if that is the only week they ever hear about Jesus? What will they think? How will their life be different? <br /><br />So the theme for this season’s Kids’ Club is JESUS. <br /><br />That’s it. <br /><br />I want the kids to know Him. Every single week, I want the kids to ENCOUNTER Him. No one was the same after encountering Jesus while He was here on Earth. <br /><br />Be praying for our Spring Kids’ Club starting up at the end of February. Pray that we have many many volunteers to make this all happen. Pray that the Lord will give me more and more of Himself to share with the kids. Pray that the kids will know Him. Pray for baptisms! Pray for God encounters. Pray for miracles. And pray that the Kingdom will come on Earth as it is in Heaven.Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-40009248983956120052011-02-09T20:23:00.000-08:002011-02-09T20:42:07.704-08:00God's GoodnessI just need to take a minute to brag on God. Here are just a few ways that we have seen the Kingdom come recently ... <br /><br />We got to speak to a local high school a couple weeks ago. This is the first time we've ever gotten in the schools, and we had a lot of favor when we were there. We spoke to the boys about true manhood, and to the girls about true beauty.<br /><br />We encountered the owner of a strip club who had a horrible headache one night, so we prayed for her. Her continual blood pressure problems were the cause of her headache. When she went to the doctor the next week, it was the first time her blood pressure was better than normal. And now she is praising God for it all!<br /><br />Also, a pimp's knee got healed while we were on outreach one night. It’s still healed. And he is completely amazed by God.<br /><br />An 18 year old guy we met on outreach one Friday night accepted Jesus, and is hungry for more. He has never been to church, never had a Bible, and after talking and praying with our group for a few minutes, he decided that he wants Jesus to be His Lord. We gave him a Bible, and he told us that he's been reading the words in red. Our new guy intern is going to disciple him.<br /><br />Also, on a personal note, I have a beautiful new nephew. The Lord healed him after his traumatic birth, and he is the cutest baby in the world. He loves me very much.Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-45259117126488072002010-11-29T20:40:00.000-08:002010-11-29T23:01:44.212-08:00THANKFULWhen I began working for NightLight, I had to say goodbye to my independent spirit. You know, the thing inside that says, “I’m an adult, and I don’t need anybody else to help me succeed in life. I’ve got this all by myself.”<br /><br />There’s actually not a whole lot of room for that kind of attitude when raising your monthly salary. And that mindset won’t fly in a job that depends on help from volunteers. <br /><br />Someone once told me that to trust means to put your full weight into something, as if you are leaning totally on that thing. Without it you would fall flat on your face. The ironic thing, though, is that it kinda feels like you’re going to fall flat on your face when you decide to give up trusting yourself and put all of your weight into another. <br /><br />The Lord is that thing that I must put all of my weight into in order not to fall. Finding myself in the arms of Papa is the safest and most wonderful place in the world. Because of the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness, He has never let me fall. <br /><br />And I am thankful. <br /><br />I am thankful to be working for NightLight. This is a dream job for me. I get to practice living in the calling the Lord has for me as a mother to many. To say the least, the kids we work with get a lot of lovin and nurturing from me. And I get to use my mad teaching skills to teach them about our precious Lord and King, Jesus. I really love those kids, and I really love my job!! <br /><br />I am thankful for the team of people who make NightLight what it is. We are an army with triumphant warrior, Jesus, leading us to bring freedom to Atlanta. I love being surrounded by saints who just love the Lord and want others to know the Good News that’s burning in their hearts. What a privilege to be a part of this community! I’ve prayed and prayed to be around people like you for so long, and I praise the Lord for each of you who make up the NightLight family. You are a joy to me.<br /><br />I am thankful that so many people are a part of this with me. I wouldn’t want to do this job all by myself. It is more fun to include others in the ways that the Kingdom of Heaven is coming to Earth. Thank you, supporters, for trusting the Lord and using what He has given you to bless me and make my job possible. <br /><br />I am thankful for the seemingly random (nothing is random when you’re walking with the Lord) people I’ve run into who want to support me and hear about what’s going on with NightLight. I am blown away by your generosity.<br /><br />I am thankful for future supporters. I am not so great at asking for money, but here it goes: I am in need of more monthly supporters. I have not been raising enough money each month, and it seems as if the one-time donors are slowly dwindling. My current monthly supporters are blessing me with about a third of my salary. I am trying to raise $2,000 per month, and would love any help that people can offer. If you're interested, visit www.nightlightinternational.com, click on the "Give" tab, and select "Atlanta" in the drop box after you've entered an amount. All donations are tax deductible. <br /><br />Praise the Lord for His faithfulness to me! And praise Him for all of His faithful ones!<br /><br />“Who is like You, LORD God Almighty? You, LORD, are mighty, and Your faithfulness surrounds You.” (Psalm 89:8)<br /><br />“For great is Your love, higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” (Psalm 108:4)<br /><br />“For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.” (Psalm 117:2)<br /><br />“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does.” (Psalm 145:13)<br /><br />“To the faithful You show yourself faithful …” (Psalm 18:25)Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-3461282155174019052010-11-17T12:24:00.000-08:002010-11-17T12:32:27.358-08:00ISAIAH 54:17Let me tell you a story about some precious little girls that have come to our Kids Club a couple of times.<br /><br />Three sweet sisters, ranging in ages between three and eleven, just moved out of the run down extended stay hotel room where they’ve been, and in with their single mom’s brand new boyfriend. <br /><br />I felt nauseous when I found out. <br /><br />I don’t know anything about the man that these girls moved in with, but I do know that this puts them at extreme risk for being sexually abused. A lot of sexual abuse happens in the homes of single moms who have boyfriends and uncles over. <br /><br />See, the girls’ mom is just trying to survive. She wanted to get her babies out of a one-room extended stay hotel, and she saw this as her way out. <br /><br />One of the biggest risk factor of entering into the sex industry is a history of childhood sexual abuse. 89% of women in the sex industry say they have been sexually abused. We think it’s more like 100%, based on the women that we know. <br /><br />People who have been treated like objects (usually by people that they know … like mom’s boyfriend, dad, or uncle, or even their own boyfriend) really believe that they’re not much more than just that – an object. <br /><br />Pray that they will receive the truth about who they really are – their identity as royal children of the Most High King. They are more than objects. They are more than fearful slaves. They are heirs with Jesus. They are royalty in the Kingdom of Heaven. They were made for greatness. God's plans for them are good. God doesn't ever turn His eyes away from them. <br /><br />Here’s the truth: NO WEAPON THAT IS FORMED AGAINST THEM WILL PROSPER. (Isaiah 54:17) <br /><br />I declare that those girls will be FREE to live in the truth of their identity in the name of Jesus.Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5443643598502724878.post-26972948934592956512010-11-17T11:36:00.000-08:002010-11-17T11:41:52.759-08:00Fall Season Wrap-UpIt’s been a few weeks, so I’ll give you guys a recap of what Kids Club has been like recently.<br /><br />We talked about how we are like sheep (I just wanna be a sheep Baa Baa Baa Baa...), and that Jesus is our Good Shepherd (John 10). We spent some time listening to our Shepherd’s voice, and the kids heard some of the sweetest truths from the voice of their Shepherd while we listened. They would call out, “HE SAID THAT HE LOVES ME!!”<br /><br />My favorite week of Kids Club this season was the week that we talked about how we’re invited to a party in Heaven to celebrate our relationship with Jesus, and until we get to the ultimate party in Heaven, we get to celebrate Jesus here on Earth. <br /><br />So we did. <br /><br />We brought some Christian rap music, and we had a dance party!!! And let me tell you something, those kids can DANCE!<br /><br />At one point, I had my shoulders moving to the music, and one of the eight year old little girls said, “No, Maribeth. That’s not how you do it. THIS is how you do it.” And she went on to show me how dancing is done. So, needless to say, I learned a thing or two that day. <br /><br />Last week, I spent some time reviewing with the kids about what life looks like in the Kingdom of God. I would ask questions like, “How is the Kingdom like a mustard seed?” and “How is the Kingdom like pearls?” and “What does the Kingdom of Heaven look like on Earth?” <br /><br />A few kids responded to every question I asked with, “JESUS LOVES ME!” They knew I loved that answer.<br /><br />And the Good News about the Kingdom really is that simple. THE KING LOVES ME and THE KING LOVES YOU. <br /><br />We ended our fall season of Kids Club by seeking the Kingdom above all else (Matt. 6:33). I asked the kids what it meant to ‘seek’ the Kingdom. They said that we should look for it. I asked where to look for it, and one kid said, “Just look around you. It’s in the air!”<br /><br />I got my flashlight out and searched for the Kingdom in the children. They came up and shared stories about what the Kingdom looked like in them. Many of them said things like, “God takes care of me,” and “The Kingdom is beautiful in me,” and “I see a castle, and I’m in the castle with God.” <br /><br />May Your Kingdom come, May Your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven in the lives of these children. Amen.Maribethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567079645181304018noreply@blogger.com0