I could hear God's voice in my ear...
"Go, Tori. I want this for you."
"I don't want to. I don't need it, I'm okay."
"Will you please let me show you something?"
Sunday morning, I visited a new church with a friend. After two weeks of training at camp, I was exhausted and woke up with a raging sore throat, headache, and nausea. I knew it wasn't going to be a good way to start the first week with campers.
The church was absolutely fantastic. While it wasn't quite the cleanest on worship, and the speaker wasn't quite what I was used to (she also wore her sunglasses on her head the whole time... whoops!), I could feel the Holy Spirit moving. The service had a time for praying for another church in the community, as well as time to receive prayer at the alter.
As the time for prayer came, I knew God was calling me to ask for prayer. To receive healing, as well as His blessing into this next week. I felt my anxiety rising. I did not want to go. A completely new church, in a new state, with a friend I have really just met and didn't know how she would react or think of me making such a bold move.
I know God wishes for my obedience. As I attempted to reason with Him, to have the voice in my head be content with staying in my pew, a lyric from the worship set enters my mind.
"When you say go, I will go. When you say wait, I will wait"
And while I don't remember the rest of it, I remembered enough. I had just sang my praises, my commitment and promise to Christ. That when He said to go, I promised I would go!
Up to the alter I went. Onto my knees I fell. Tears fell for no reason other than God's grace and patience. A woman I didn't know prayed for me, and as she prayed for healing, rebuking the enemy in his silly schemes against my health, my throat was soothed. In a moment, my raging pain had ceased. Glory to God!!
While I still had my headache and nausea, God showed me so much. He is the Healer. He is asking me to be dependent on Him, to continually ask for healing and seek after His direction. When He says go, I have got to Go!!
A little more on this church family: My friend and I were welcomed into a home if we had no place to stay on the weekend (we do, but it was super amazing, too!) and when we went out for lunch, a group of older couples from the church invited us over to their table. The church home felt right, and we felt completely welcome. They, and we, are so excited to see each other at church again on Sunday, and to find a community home in a land so far from our own.
I cannot thank God enough for His healing, provision, and loving community. Yay, God!!!!
Monday, June 8, 2015
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
What's going on, What's next... Where are you?
Hey Friends!!
I'm sorry it's been so long. When I got home after graduation on March 14, my computer decided it would have issues connecting to internet, and I didn't exactly wish to publish a detailed update from my phone. But hey, I'm back, and excited to fill you in!!
The last five weeks or so, I've been living back home in Galesburg. My owners at Dairy Queen are absolutely amazing, and allowed me to continue where I left off these 7 months ago now. In addition to making ice cream and taking your order at drive-thru, I've been babysitting, attending some community activities, and volunteering at church.
I'm thankful many ministries I was a part of have welcomed me back, including the Jr High ministry with my 8th grade girls, and our Mom's ministries. Coming up, I'm looking forward to helping with Single Mom's Morning Out, an event where single mom's have the opportunity to get pampered with a massage, hair cut, car cleaning, nail painting, and much more! At this event, I will be a part of the nail painting, something I've never done. I'm excited to learn, though, and to connect with the women God wants me to pray for and bless. The other event coming up is during our bimonthly morning mom's ministry, where I will be subbing a class for the upper elementary home schoolers at the end of next month. My church has been great about providing new opportunities for me to grow and learn!
Speaking of my church, the last Sunday I am home I will be doing a children's presentation about my trip to Uganda and Kenya. We are also in communication to set up an adult event, so I will let you know when such an event is finalized!
Don't feel like you can only talk to me at an event, though. I love telling about what God did and is doing in Uganda and Kenya and how He grew and strengthened me during the last six months with YWAM, so please do not hesitate to call me or set up a coffee date before I go. Trust me, I have plenty of time to devote to you.
So.. what's next?
While I have talked about this opportunity before, I would like to share more with you. Memorial Day weekend, directly after my sister's high school graduation, I head to Rolla, Missouri to minister at Camp David.Camp David of the Ozarks is a 501c3 nonprofit Christian summer scholarship camp uniquely designed to meet the needs of children of prisoners. Their mission statement is to be a transforming agent in the lives of families of prisoners by introducing them to the love and hope in Jesus Christ, and to develop leaders who will impact our world. Here, I will be a part of their leadership team in the role of Support Staff Leader. This means I will lead a group of 10 to 14 individuals, some of whom used to be campers themselves, in the duties of dishes, janitorial, and other such tasks. The first week down in Missouri will be leadership training, followed by a week of staff training. Then, campers arrive. After about two months of week long camps, my last day will be around July 31st (details haven't quite been worked out).
And then?????
The big question. What the heck are you doing next fall. and, well....
I don't know.
Right, I don't know. For those of you who know me pretty well, that surprises you.
Because I truly don't know.
Having been accepted and soon registering for classes at the local community college, Carl Sandburg, that could very well be an option. I would continue working at DQ and volunteering at the church as I work towards an eventual bachelor's degree in business or counseling.
I have a different desire, though.
A dream, you may say.
You see, God has called me to urban ministry in Chicago. Exactly how, when, or with what organization has not come to light (prayers towards this would be appreciated...) but a lot can happen in the next five months to make that calling happen soon, especially with the relationships and contacts I could develop through the opportunities God has provided me with.
I thank God for the opportunities He has bestowed on me, and His blessings. It is such a joy to still have a bed at home in Galesburg, to have a job within days, a church community wanting to welcome me back. He continues to guide, in His timing, and as long as I have the next step, I see myself in pretty good nail pierced hands.
Love you all and blessings,
Tori
I'm sorry it's been so long. When I got home after graduation on March 14, my computer decided it would have issues connecting to internet, and I didn't exactly wish to publish a detailed update from my phone. But hey, I'm back, and excited to fill you in!!
The last five weeks or so, I've been living back home in Galesburg. My owners at Dairy Queen are absolutely amazing, and allowed me to continue where I left off these 7 months ago now. In addition to making ice cream and taking your order at drive-thru, I've been babysitting, attending some community activities, and volunteering at church.
I'm thankful many ministries I was a part of have welcomed me back, including the Jr High ministry with my 8th grade girls, and our Mom's ministries. Coming up, I'm looking forward to helping with Single Mom's Morning Out, an event where single mom's have the opportunity to get pampered with a massage, hair cut, car cleaning, nail painting, and much more! At this event, I will be a part of the nail painting, something I've never done. I'm excited to learn, though, and to connect with the women God wants me to pray for and bless. The other event coming up is during our bimonthly morning mom's ministry, where I will be subbing a class for the upper elementary home schoolers at the end of next month. My church has been great about providing new opportunities for me to grow and learn!
Speaking of my church, the last Sunday I am home I will be doing a children's presentation about my trip to Uganda and Kenya. We are also in communication to set up an adult event, so I will let you know when such an event is finalized!
Don't feel like you can only talk to me at an event, though. I love telling about what God did and is doing in Uganda and Kenya and how He grew and strengthened me during the last six months with YWAM, so please do not hesitate to call me or set up a coffee date before I go. Trust me, I have plenty of time to devote to you.
So.. what's next?
While I have talked about this opportunity before, I would like to share more with you. Memorial Day weekend, directly after my sister's high school graduation, I head to Rolla, Missouri to minister at Camp David.Camp David of the Ozarks is a 501c3 nonprofit Christian summer scholarship camp uniquely designed to meet the needs of children of prisoners. Their mission statement is to be a transforming agent in the lives of families of prisoners by introducing them to the love and hope in Jesus Christ, and to develop leaders who will impact our world. Here, I will be a part of their leadership team in the role of Support Staff Leader. This means I will lead a group of 10 to 14 individuals, some of whom used to be campers themselves, in the duties of dishes, janitorial, and other such tasks. The first week down in Missouri will be leadership training, followed by a week of staff training. Then, campers arrive. After about two months of week long camps, my last day will be around July 31st (details haven't quite been worked out).
And then?????
The big question. What the heck are you doing next fall. and, well....
I don't know.
Right, I don't know. For those of you who know me pretty well, that surprises you.
Because I truly don't know.
Having been accepted and soon registering for classes at the local community college, Carl Sandburg, that could very well be an option. I would continue working at DQ and volunteering at the church as I work towards an eventual bachelor's degree in business or counseling.
I have a different desire, though.
A dream, you may say.
You see, God has called me to urban ministry in Chicago. Exactly how, when, or with what organization has not come to light (prayers towards this would be appreciated...) but a lot can happen in the next five months to make that calling happen soon, especially with the relationships and contacts I could develop through the opportunities God has provided me with.
I thank God for the opportunities He has bestowed on me, and His blessings. It is such a joy to still have a bed at home in Galesburg, to have a job within days, a church community wanting to welcome me back. He continues to guide, in His timing, and as long as I have the next step, I see myself in pretty good nail pierced hands.
Love you all and blessings,
Tori
Necessities of Life
What does every human need to live?
Food.
Water.
Shelter.
Now, what does every first world country seem to need in order to live?
Internet
Electricity
Phone
Car
Running water
Well built house
For two weeks, I observed communities lacking the American view of life. For another two weeks, I lived that way myself.
These places lacked internet, electricity, cars, running water, and the houses were made out of mud.
Guess what, though? They were LIVING. At times, more than I daresay us in America, as so many of us are glued to TV and computer screens.
You see, I question our standard of life.
In the village of Ugunja, where I lived for two weeks, most houses weren't even accessible by car as we walked through the trees. Families lived together, generations on a plot of land, being there for each other. It was common to go visit your neighbor without warning them, or for a visitor to come without beckons. They worked hard, developed relationships with each other, and while food or water may not always be easy to get, they understood the concept of God's provision.
While there, we didn't have water or electricity. Yes, I survived. In fact... those were some of the simplest, most calming weeks of the trip. Our team grew close together, we had conversations with each other. When you don't have the distraction of a phone or TV, conversations happen!
The lack of the "first world necessities" wasn't because the village was dirt poor. No, they weren't rich... but when a whole community lives this way, I question the need as well. Not only that, but even if they could afford running water, that means pipe lines getting laid all throughout the area, pipe lines that weren't there. This is what they grew up in, most people lived their whole lives here, so they didn't know what they were "missing out on", nor did they have the "staying connected" reasons we do.
Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for the amenities we have. With it, I can stay in contact with my friends in Germany, Romania, Uganda, and all over the states. I can cross the ocean in a few hours, a trip to Chicago is common. For many in the village, the area they were born may be all they know. A trip to Nairobi, an eight hour bus ride away, isn't a trip taken lightly.
I don't tell you these things to pity the people I met.
In fact, I tell you these things so we can begin to rid ourselves of the mindset that these people are less than us because they have to travel a kilometer for water.
I tell you these things so we can stop pitying them, and blaming them for their lives, saying they waste their money and resources, just because google isn't a click away.
I ask that we measure rich and poor by the community around them, and see what the real needs are. In my opinion, these villages don't need the means to plumbing and electricity, as much as they have a need for education. Education for a job, for care of children, proper hygiene, agriculture, and taking care of their land and community. Not for a Western education system, but an education that fits their culture and their world.
"[The organization] gave me a cow so I could have income and a better life. But I lack the money to feed the cow. Many days, I go hungry so the cow can eat." -a Kenyan villager
I ask to redefine our standards of life, to be thankful for what we have, and to understand a village before we judge or pity the people. I ask us to see what the true needs are, needs exempt from our Western lens.
I ask us to love them as they are, and not ask them to become like us.
Friday, February 20, 2015
To Africa and Back
Thank you all for your prayer support these last two months!! There are so many situations and opportunities that I saw God so present and working, looking out for my team and I, and it's all helped by your prayer support! I apologize so much for not updating you all during the trip, outside of my Facebook page. Between our busy days and a lack of computer or internet, I was unable to devote the time I really wanted to to update you all.
There are so many memories and stories, its hard to know where to start. Here's a general overview of locations, as well as our ministries with a few stories and memories. I hope you enjoy!
January 5 through January 18: YWAM Torch Base, Jinja, Uganda.
Ministries: door to door evangelism, childrens' programs, an island medical clinic, and church services.
Favorite Memory: While in a village called Mesesa, we did door to door ministry and a chilren's program. My heart broke as these kids, that I only just met, felt safe enough to fall asleep in my arms and chose to cling to my skirts. I loved having a child asleep in my arms as I helped run duck duck goose or sang along with the kids.
Culture fun: Went to the Source of the Nile in Lake Victoria and went swimming in a pool
January 18 through January 25: YWAM Hopeland Base, Near Jinja, Uganda.
This week was very rejuvenating for our team as we spent a lot of time in worship together, played ultimate Frisbee, and did an amazing ropes course.
Ministries: Prison, door to door and loudspeaker evangelism, a disabled childrens' home, a childrens' program for the missionary kids, cleaning a shed, and agriculture.
Favorite Memory: At the disabled childrens' home, this was a little girl named Rashida. While many of the kids were mentally handicapped, she had a physical handicap in her calves. Brook (my leader), a little boy named Peter, Rashida, and I all went on a walk down the road. Peter would go and pick flowers for Rashida to have. On the walk back, he got extremely tired and didn't want to go on. Rashida noticed, and moved over on her wheelchair so he could join her on it. At the most, Rashida was maybe 8 years old. I was so encouraged by her joy and care for Peter.
Culture Fun: Everywhere we went, throughout Kenya and Uganda, we were called Mzungu. This means foreigner. So as we went through villages, we heard the calls of the children saying "Mzungu, Mzungu! How are you?" and the only response they knew was "Fine, how are you?".
January 25 through February 7: Ugunja Village, Kenya. A remote area with no electricity or running water, or any doors on our squatties :)
Ministries: School visits, home visits, church services, 2 day pastor seminar
Favorite Memory: At a home visit, we met a woman named Monica. A few days before our visit, she found she couldn't stand up or walk anymore. We spent a half hour praying for her, where she was soon able to stand and move her legs. Over the next few days, we persistently prayed, visiting her a few more times. Last I've heard, she has been able to take a few steps confidently, getting better each day. This was one of the places I truly knew God was personal and was speaking to me, hearing my prayers. We had prayed for her the first time, and she was scared to even try standing. We were praying for her again, and I specifically asked God to give her confidence to stand on her own, that we wouldn't have to prompt her to stand. As my prayer ended, we were quiet, and she moves to stand on her own. Each time we prayed, she grew stronger. Not only was God's glory shown to the people of her compound that God is powerful and answers prayers, but our team was rejuvenated and refreshed, our excitement and spirit filled again as we watched God move. God shows His power and glory when he chooses, and he taught us that persistence and love are key.
Culture Fun: On one of our off days, we went to a water fall. We heard there was a hippo up river, so our contact took us up. Next thing we know, this little island on the other side (where the hippo was) is on fire. Then 20 feet up river, another fire starts. We figured out that the Kenyans were starting fires for us so the hippo would come up out of the water. By the time they were done, there were six or seven fires going. Only in Africa...
February 7 through February 18: Niarobi, Kenya
Ministries: Maximum security prison, youth prison, youth groups, slums/dumps, soccer, disabled childrens' home, and church services
Favorite Memory: Honestly, I don't know where to start with this. By far, this was my favorite week of ministry. The opportunities we had were so diverse, different each day and most were completely new experiences. While at the maximum security prison, I spoke at a church service of about 250 prisoners. I was super nervous, because it was my first time really speaking in front of a church on the trip. After I was done, the pastor gets up to speak, and says I said all he was going to say, and that he would just finish my sermon. God completely gave me the topic to speak on, because it wasn't really one I would be able to figure out on my own. That morning reassured and encouraged me so much, giving me confidence to speak twice more that week.
The disabled childrens' home was so joyous. I was so happy to be seeing the kids' faces light up as we painted their faces and fed them lunch. They just longed for hugs and physical contact. They would sing and dance with the music playing, so perfectly beautiful. Not ashamed to say that I left there crying.
Culture Fun: On our last day of ministry, we went to a worship conference at one of the churches we had visited a few times that week. For four hours, we sang, danced, and worshipped. Legit, fantastic African dancing. Now that I think about it, I'm reminded of Zumba dancing. That active and rigorous. I was so exhausted and sweaty by the end, but so refreshed. There was no better way to end our time of ministry.
Some awesome foods:
Chapoti (kinda like a thick, greasy tortilla)
Posho (flour and water. In Kenya, it was a dense, cake like texture, while in Uganda, it was more like a watery rice texture.
Sugar cane
Rolex (Chapoti with an egg)
Drinking chocolate
Mangoes
Horned Melon
Types of Soda: Passionfruit fanta, Pineapple fanta, Mirinda, Novida, Krest, Kale
We also ate a lot of rice, beans, pineapple, watermelon, and tea!
Some words in Swahili:
Tupa : Throw
Paka : Cat
Chair : Kiti
Nipe : Give me
Jesus : Yesu
Baby : Mtoto
Tupa Paka : Throw the cat
Bafu iko wapi : where's the bathroom
Kwenda Uko : Go away
Feel free to ask me any questions! No question is too silly:)
What's next?
Currently, I am in Madison, WI doing debrief with YWAM. Next Friday, we start stateside travel, visiting churches, schools, and youth groups telling about our various trips. After about a week and a half of that, we will return to Madison, WI for a financial seminar and preparing for graduation. Graduation will be on Saturday, March 14.
After graduation, I have no clue what I will be doing. Much of the decision depends on a job, a place to live, and wanting to continue in some of the activities I have in Galesburg. Please be praying for me as I try to figure out adult life:)
This summer, I will be working at Camp David in Rolla, Missouri. Camp David holds week long camps for children of parents who are or have been in prison, within a two hour radius of St Louis. While I am not sure yet of my exact position, I am excited for this amazing opportunity to grow and challenge myself as I solidify the changes God and I have made in my life throughout DTS.
Recently, God has confirmed His calling in my life for urban ministry. While in Nairobi, I felt so at peace and comfortable in the city, yet challenged by the needs of the people. I realized how many of the issues I was actively exposed to there are ministries I can participate in in an American city. Between prisons, refugees, at risk children, poverty, and immigrants, all ministries I have a strong heart for, I can find them all in the city. I have an opportunity to work in Chicago, Minneapolis, or St Louis come autumn, so please join me in prayer these next few months as I ask God where He would like me to go and what organizations to work with.
Thank you, everyone!
There are so many memories and stories, its hard to know where to start. Here's a general overview of locations, as well as our ministries with a few stories and memories. I hope you enjoy!
January 5 through January 18: YWAM Torch Base, Jinja, Uganda.
Ministries: door to door evangelism, childrens' programs, an island medical clinic, and church services.
Favorite Memory: While in a village called Mesesa, we did door to door ministry and a chilren's program. My heart broke as these kids, that I only just met, felt safe enough to fall asleep in my arms and chose to cling to my skirts. I loved having a child asleep in my arms as I helped run duck duck goose or sang along with the kids.
Culture fun: Went to the Source of the Nile in Lake Victoria and went swimming in a pool
January 18 through January 25: YWAM Hopeland Base, Near Jinja, Uganda.
This week was very rejuvenating for our team as we spent a lot of time in worship together, played ultimate Frisbee, and did an amazing ropes course.
Ministries: Prison, door to door and loudspeaker evangelism, a disabled childrens' home, a childrens' program for the missionary kids, cleaning a shed, and agriculture.
Favorite Memory: At the disabled childrens' home, this was a little girl named Rashida. While many of the kids were mentally handicapped, she had a physical handicap in her calves. Brook (my leader), a little boy named Peter, Rashida, and I all went on a walk down the road. Peter would go and pick flowers for Rashida to have. On the walk back, he got extremely tired and didn't want to go on. Rashida noticed, and moved over on her wheelchair so he could join her on it. At the most, Rashida was maybe 8 years old. I was so encouraged by her joy and care for Peter.
Culture Fun: Everywhere we went, throughout Kenya and Uganda, we were called Mzungu. This means foreigner. So as we went through villages, we heard the calls of the children saying "Mzungu, Mzungu! How are you?" and the only response they knew was "Fine, how are you?".
January 25 through February 7: Ugunja Village, Kenya. A remote area with no electricity or running water, or any doors on our squatties :)
Ministries: School visits, home visits, church services, 2 day pastor seminar
Favorite Memory: At a home visit, we met a woman named Monica. A few days before our visit, she found she couldn't stand up or walk anymore. We spent a half hour praying for her, where she was soon able to stand and move her legs. Over the next few days, we persistently prayed, visiting her a few more times. Last I've heard, she has been able to take a few steps confidently, getting better each day. This was one of the places I truly knew God was personal and was speaking to me, hearing my prayers. We had prayed for her the first time, and she was scared to even try standing. We were praying for her again, and I specifically asked God to give her confidence to stand on her own, that we wouldn't have to prompt her to stand. As my prayer ended, we were quiet, and she moves to stand on her own. Each time we prayed, she grew stronger. Not only was God's glory shown to the people of her compound that God is powerful and answers prayers, but our team was rejuvenated and refreshed, our excitement and spirit filled again as we watched God move. God shows His power and glory when he chooses, and he taught us that persistence and love are key.
Culture Fun: On one of our off days, we went to a water fall. We heard there was a hippo up river, so our contact took us up. Next thing we know, this little island on the other side (where the hippo was) is on fire. Then 20 feet up river, another fire starts. We figured out that the Kenyans were starting fires for us so the hippo would come up out of the water. By the time they were done, there were six or seven fires going. Only in Africa...
February 7 through February 18: Niarobi, Kenya
Ministries: Maximum security prison, youth prison, youth groups, slums/dumps, soccer, disabled childrens' home, and church services
Favorite Memory: Honestly, I don't know where to start with this. By far, this was my favorite week of ministry. The opportunities we had were so diverse, different each day and most were completely new experiences. While at the maximum security prison, I spoke at a church service of about 250 prisoners. I was super nervous, because it was my first time really speaking in front of a church on the trip. After I was done, the pastor gets up to speak, and says I said all he was going to say, and that he would just finish my sermon. God completely gave me the topic to speak on, because it wasn't really one I would be able to figure out on my own. That morning reassured and encouraged me so much, giving me confidence to speak twice more that week.
The disabled childrens' home was so joyous. I was so happy to be seeing the kids' faces light up as we painted their faces and fed them lunch. They just longed for hugs and physical contact. They would sing and dance with the music playing, so perfectly beautiful. Not ashamed to say that I left there crying.
Culture Fun: On our last day of ministry, we went to a worship conference at one of the churches we had visited a few times that week. For four hours, we sang, danced, and worshipped. Legit, fantastic African dancing. Now that I think about it, I'm reminded of Zumba dancing. That active and rigorous. I was so exhausted and sweaty by the end, but so refreshed. There was no better way to end our time of ministry.
Some awesome foods:
Chapoti (kinda like a thick, greasy tortilla)
Posho (flour and water. In Kenya, it was a dense, cake like texture, while in Uganda, it was more like a watery rice texture.
Sugar cane
Rolex (Chapoti with an egg)
Drinking chocolate
Mangoes
Horned Melon
Types of Soda: Passionfruit fanta, Pineapple fanta, Mirinda, Novida, Krest, Kale
We also ate a lot of rice, beans, pineapple, watermelon, and tea!
Some words in Swahili:
Tupa : Throw
Paka : Cat
Chair : Kiti
Nipe : Give me
Jesus : Yesu
Baby : Mtoto
Tupa Paka : Throw the cat
Bafu iko wapi : where's the bathroom
Kwenda Uko : Go away
Feel free to ask me any questions! No question is too silly:)
What's next?
Currently, I am in Madison, WI doing debrief with YWAM. Next Friday, we start stateside travel, visiting churches, schools, and youth groups telling about our various trips. After about a week and a half of that, we will return to Madison, WI for a financial seminar and preparing for graduation. Graduation will be on Saturday, March 14.
After graduation, I have no clue what I will be doing. Much of the decision depends on a job, a place to live, and wanting to continue in some of the activities I have in Galesburg. Please be praying for me as I try to figure out adult life:)
This summer, I will be working at Camp David in Rolla, Missouri. Camp David holds week long camps for children of parents who are or have been in prison, within a two hour radius of St Louis. While I am not sure yet of my exact position, I am excited for this amazing opportunity to grow and challenge myself as I solidify the changes God and I have made in my life throughout DTS.
Recently, God has confirmed His calling in my life for urban ministry. While in Nairobi, I felt so at peace and comfortable in the city, yet challenged by the needs of the people. I realized how many of the issues I was actively exposed to there are ministries I can participate in in an American city. Between prisons, refugees, at risk children, poverty, and immigrants, all ministries I have a strong heart for, I can find them all in the city. I have an opportunity to work in Chicago, Minneapolis, or St Louis come autumn, so please join me in prayer these next few months as I ask God where He would like me to go and what organizations to work with.
Thank you, everyone!
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Everything, New Year's, 47 hours away
Everything
My Ugenya (Uganda and Kenya) outreach team felt we were supposed to prepare this skit to do at churches or other evangelism opportunities. The video follows a girl's story of fellowship with God, in aspects of creation, then her temptation into sin. Several struggles follow, such as guys, money, alcohol, models, and eventually a fall into depression with cutting and considering suicide. She throws the gun down, running to God, but all the demons of her past fight against her, pulling her back as she runs to God. God breaks in, cleansing her from her past, so she joins back in fellowship with Him. In our version, we also added an intercessor friend who is praying for the girl throughout her struggles. Before we started practicing, we prayed to ask God which parts He desired us to have. Well... God asked me to be the main girl. Her story follows so closely to my own life (see a previous blog post from September, "No One Else Can Play Your Part") that I felt God wanted to do some further healing in me by physically acting out this part. Today, we ran through the whole thing a few times (I hurt!), and I already feel God working and having me see how far I have really come from my past. This skit has touched millions, so I'm super excited to be a part of a change in another's life, as well as see healing in my own. After outreach, I'll be sure to post a video of our performance in Africa. Please, take a second and pray for me because I don't act.. at all... and this part is difficult, as well as exhausting and painful.
New Year's
New Year's Eve was spent a little differently this year. The past four years, I've been about an hour away at Expeditions Unlimited with my high school youth group. We'd always have tons of food, playing Dutch Blitz and Just Dance. This year, though still in the bitter cold, was basically spent packing and cleaning, which did keep me up until midnight! A year ago, I'd never imagined this is where I would be. I was imagining myself at Cedarville studying elementary education, basically having the next three years figured out. Now, I'm leaving the country for two months to go to a new continent and have no clue what I'll be doing come this next September. Looking back, I've grown so much. My dependency on Christ and Father has grown immensely, with a knowledge of how much more growth there is still. A deeper relationship with Him, an everlasting peace, and so much security in my faith... I wouldn't trade this year for anything. He has done so much, I can't even imagine how much more He is going to do!
47 hours
At 10:30 pm Saturday, I will be sitting on a plane, probably freaking out over one of the greatest adventures of my life. Our first flight will take us to Philly, then to Qatar, followed by our final flight into Uganda. After a total travel time of 48 hours, we will arrive at our destination just in time for supper and bed. The days leading up to this wonderful beginning are filled with skits, songs, prayer, and the dreaded packing. Our team time has been wonderful, filled with laughs and awesome times at the laundry mat. I am stoked to get closer to this team and to positively impact the people of Kenya and Uganda. We spend three weeks in Uganda, then three weeks in Kenya before we fly home. God is going to do some crazy amazing things! I will have some updates on my facebook and will try to post a blog or two (we only have one computer we will be sharing), but you can also 'like' the YWAM Madison facebook page for some short updates as well. I am so excited to come home and tell you all more about my trip!!
Another quick prayer request? That I quit losing things!!! :) No clue what's going on, but I can't find some of my outreach supplies. They'll turn up, but prayer is always appreciated.
On a more slightly-stressful-but-knowing-God-will-provide note, I am currently in need of $1250 for this trip. I ask that you prayfully consider donating towards my ministry among women and children at risk. At this point, please donate online at www.ywammadison.org/donate (be sure to put my name in the "Please designate my donation towards" box) or mail a check to P.O. Box 8503 Madison, WI 53708, with a separate note designating the amount for me. Thank you!
Thank you all so much for helping me get this far! I could not have done it without your support!
Love and Blessings,
Tori
New Year's
New Year's Eve was spent a little differently this year. The past four years, I've been about an hour away at Expeditions Unlimited with my high school youth group. We'd always have tons of food, playing Dutch Blitz and Just Dance. This year, though still in the bitter cold, was basically spent packing and cleaning, which did keep me up until midnight! A year ago, I'd never imagined this is where I would be. I was imagining myself at Cedarville studying elementary education, basically having the next three years figured out. Now, I'm leaving the country for two months to go to a new continent and have no clue what I'll be doing come this next September. Looking back, I've grown so much. My dependency on Christ and Father has grown immensely, with a knowledge of how much more growth there is still. A deeper relationship with Him, an everlasting peace, and so much security in my faith... I wouldn't trade this year for anything. He has done so much, I can't even imagine how much more He is going to do!
47 hours
At 10:30 pm Saturday, I will be sitting on a plane, probably freaking out over one of the greatest adventures of my life. Our first flight will take us to Philly, then to Qatar, followed by our final flight into Uganda. After a total travel time of 48 hours, we will arrive at our destination just in time for supper and bed. The days leading up to this wonderful beginning are filled with skits, songs, prayer, and the dreaded packing. Our team time has been wonderful, filled with laughs and awesome times at the laundry mat. I am stoked to get closer to this team and to positively impact the people of Kenya and Uganda. We spend three weeks in Uganda, then three weeks in Kenya before we fly home. God is going to do some crazy amazing things! I will have some updates on my facebook and will try to post a blog or two (we only have one computer we will be sharing), but you can also 'like' the YWAM Madison facebook page for some short updates as well. I am so excited to come home and tell you all more about my trip!!
Another quick prayer request? That I quit losing things!!! :) No clue what's going on, but I can't find some of my outreach supplies. They'll turn up, but prayer is always appreciated.
On a more slightly-stressful-but-knowing-God-will-provide note, I am currently in need of $1250 for this trip. I ask that you prayfully consider donating towards my ministry among women and children at risk. At this point, please donate online at www.ywammadison.org/donate (be sure to put my name in the "Please designate my donation towards" box) or mail a check to P.O. Box 8503 Madison, WI 53708, with a separate note designating the amount for me. Thank you!
Thank you all so much for helping me get this far! I could not have done it without your support!
Love and Blessings,
Tori
Monday, December 22, 2014
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
As we get ready for Christmas here in the states, I thought it'd be fun to look at how Christmas is celebrated in Kenya and Uganda, since I'll be headed over there in 12 days:)
As we get ready for Christmas here in the states, I thought it'd be fun to look at how Christmas is celebrated in Kenya and Uganda, since I'll be headed over there in 12 days:)
Uganda
As I did some research, I found that much of the Ugandan traditions are similar to ours, especially as Uganda becomes more westernized. Only recently has gift giving and Santa Claus become popular over there, whereas it seems they have had Christmas trees for quite some time. There were a few traditions, though not as popular now, that I did find interesting. For instance, Ugandans used to decorate with balloons, cotton and colored toilet paper. As more families replace their real trees with artificial ones, the new year tradition of burning the Christmas tree is also going to the wayside. Personally, I would consider letting my future household have a real Christmas tree if it meant I could burn it a few days later:)
KENYA
In Kenya, the focus is not on materialism and commercialism, but really focuses on the celebration of the birth of Jesus. While they do use fake snow to decorate, other aspects of Christmas like Santa or trees are not present. Christmas is one of the most cherished holidays of the year. Commonly, people leave the cities, like Nairobi, and travel to their parents and grandparents out in the villages.
As I continued looking around online, I thought it would be fun to see some of the more... unique traditions from around the world.
Austria/nearby areas: Santa has a twin, named Krampus Night, whose job it is to beat and punish children who misbehave.
Spain, Portugal, Italy: As a part of the nativity, a Caganer (shitter in English) is included in the corner. The Caganer is a figurine, traditionally of a man, in the act of defecating, pants around his knees bending over with pile of feces at his heels. While once in traditional dress, the Caganer has changed to look like predominant political figures.
Norway: Households hide their brooms and men fire a shotgun outside to thwart witches and evil spirits on Christmas Day.
Japan: Reservations will be made at the nearby Kentucky Fried Chicken for a traditional Christmas meal.
Ukraine: An artificial spider and web are hidden in the tree and good luck is given to the one who finds it. A Ukrainian folk tale says that a poor widowed mother could not afford decorations for her family’s Christmas tree. One Christmas morning she awoke to find a spider had beautifully decorated the tree with its web, making for a very happy Christmas.
What traditions does your family have? Do you know why that tradition exists? In my own family, we always have a birthday cake for Jesus, where we sing "Happy Birthday" and read the Christmas story.
Have a merry Christmas and a happy 2015!!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
God Help the Outcasts
♫ I don't know if You can hear me
Or if You're even there
I don't know if You would listen
To a gypsy's prayer
Yes, I know I'm just an outcast
I shouldn't speak to you
Still I see Your face and wonder
Were You once an outcast too?
I ask for nothing
I can get by
But I know so many
Less lucky than I
Please help my people
The poor and downtrod
I thought we all were
The children of God
God help the outcasts
Children of God ♫ – God Help the Outcasts, The Hunchback of Notre Dame
December 5 (last Friday) my school held a Hot Cocoa Thon. In this event, we bless the community by handing out 1000 cups of hot chocolate on the streets of downtown Madison. The temperature that evening dropped below freezing. We split up into four teams and handed out all the cups in about an hour. As we handed out cups, we were blessed by the conversations and connections we made with the community, especially the outcasts of society.
My team handed out the steaming hot beverage by the capital building. As soon as we got there, I saw Henry. Homeless, he had all his belongings with him as he settled in for the night at the bus stop nearby. Hot chocolate in hand, I walked over and gave it to him. Henry was so thankful for the warmth. He and I had a few moments of conversation before he laid down to sleep on his bench. In some ways, I gained some faith in our society as everyone let him be and no one told him to leave. In others, I watched people completely ignore him or give him mean, disgusted looks. Although I didn't have a chance to hear a lot of Henry's story, I know everyone has one, and everyone deserves some decent respect.
I also met George and Matthew as I was passing out the cups. George was under the heat of a vent behind an Ian's Pizza, so he was warm and the air smelled good. He wasn't there long, but he when I did see him, he was always willing to help people out and give them directions. He would say hello to all that walked by, while only a few would bother to even smile back. I was sad to not have more of a conversation, but I do hope he slept warm that night. A little after, we met Matthew. He was waiting for the bus to come, but wanting to tell us how encouraged he was by what we were doing. He kept thanking us and blessing us for being a blessing for the community. I was happy to be doing what I was doing, but having someone else encourage us in it made it mean so much more.
Philip. Oh, Philip. Where do I start with this crazy, awesome man. Another member of our group came along this man and later told us his story. Philip had a space in the shelter that night, but because of his drinking was asked to leave. He had something wrong with his foot (along the lines of a broken ankle or foot, from what I could tell), so he had crutches, but couldn't use them because the pad to the top of one somehow went missing. He ended up praying with us before we left (as our cups had run out) and he would say how we were in his house now, as we stood on the street. Although he was very abrasive and coarse, and perhaps offensive at times, he was harmless and pretty sweet as well. Yet, homeless and slightly drunk, injured and rough, he is a man avoided by many on the streets.
Some were connections we were able to further. There was a couple, where the man questioned if we had spiked the hot chocolate (we actually got this response a lot). The woman quickly rebuked him, saying no, that she had had our good hot chocolate before at FreakFest, our Halloween outreach event. She remembered Christ's goodness and hospitality she experienced then and was encouraged to experience it again. Much of Madison society, especially among the church, is against FreakFest and shuns the participants because it is an event full of drinking and drugs. You could say they are the outcasts of a typical church.
Another group met a lasting connection. There was a military man who was in the season of deeply questioning his faith in Christ. I hear this trial is one common in the military and that many fall away from Christ. He was so excited to meet us and hear what we are doing. The next night, a group actually met with him and went ice skating, having some great conversations. He's even coming and visiting our school later this week, with talk he may join my team for a week in Uganda. Before this event, he didn't have Christian friends to surround himself with. Now, many of our team has made a great connection, and Christ willing, have encouraged this man and cemented him into the faith. He is so curious, wanting to learn more about YWAM. Our team's current prayer is for God to guide him to his next step in faith, which could even be a DTS in the next few years.
Have you ever wondered what life Jesus would have had today? Where, or to who He would have been born? Born to an unmarried, poor woman. A refugee after they fled to Egypt to escape from Herod. At the time, homeless, born in a stable, the low of the low. Guys, Jesus was an outcast. He came to show us that even the least of these, our outcasts in society, are worthy of him, are worthy of the Kingdom of God. If we wish to be like Christ, to live as Jesus lived, we must love all of those around us, love that can be shown simply through a cup of hot chocolate and a conversation.
Another group met
Or if You're even there
I don't know if You would listen
To a gypsy's prayer
Yes, I know I'm just an outcast
I shouldn't speak to you
Still I see Your face and wonder
Were You once an outcast too?
I ask for nothing
I can get by
But I know so many
Less lucky than I
Please help my people
The poor and downtrod
I thought we all were
The children of God
God help the outcasts
Children of God ♫ – God Help the Outcasts, The Hunchback of Notre Dame
December 5 (last Friday) my school held a Hot Cocoa Thon. In this event, we bless the community by handing out 1000 cups of hot chocolate on the streets of downtown Madison. The temperature that evening dropped below freezing. We split up into four teams and handed out all the cups in about an hour. As we handed out cups, we were blessed by the conversations and connections we made with the community, especially the outcasts of society.
My team handed out the steaming hot beverage by the capital building. As soon as we got there, I saw Henry. Homeless, he had all his belongings with him as he settled in for the night at the bus stop nearby. Hot chocolate in hand, I walked over and gave it to him. Henry was so thankful for the warmth. He and I had a few moments of conversation before he laid down to sleep on his bench. In some ways, I gained some faith in our society as everyone let him be and no one told him to leave. In others, I watched people completely ignore him or give him mean, disgusted looks. Although I didn't have a chance to hear a lot of Henry's story, I know everyone has one, and everyone deserves some decent respect.
I also met George and Matthew as I was passing out the cups. George was under the heat of a vent behind an Ian's Pizza, so he was warm and the air smelled good. He wasn't there long, but he when I did see him, he was always willing to help people out and give them directions. He would say hello to all that walked by, while only a few would bother to even smile back. I was sad to not have more of a conversation, but I do hope he slept warm that night. A little after, we met Matthew. He was waiting for the bus to come, but wanting to tell us how encouraged he was by what we were doing. He kept thanking us and blessing us for being a blessing for the community. I was happy to be doing what I was doing, but having someone else encourage us in it made it mean so much more.
Philip. Oh, Philip. Where do I start with this crazy, awesome man. Another member of our group came along this man and later told us his story. Philip had a space in the shelter that night, but because of his drinking was asked to leave. He had something wrong with his foot (along the lines of a broken ankle or foot, from what I could tell), so he had crutches, but couldn't use them because the pad to the top of one somehow went missing. He ended up praying with us before we left (as our cups had run out) and he would say how we were in his house now, as we stood on the street. Although he was very abrasive and coarse, and perhaps offensive at times, he was harmless and pretty sweet as well. Yet, homeless and slightly drunk, injured and rough, he is a man avoided by many on the streets.
Some were connections we were able to further. There was a couple, where the man questioned if we had spiked the hot chocolate (we actually got this response a lot). The woman quickly rebuked him, saying no, that she had had our good hot chocolate before at FreakFest, our Halloween outreach event. She remembered Christ's goodness and hospitality she experienced then and was encouraged to experience it again. Much of Madison society, especially among the church, is against FreakFest and shuns the participants because it is an event full of drinking and drugs. You could say they are the outcasts of a typical church.
Another group met a lasting connection. There was a military man who was in the season of deeply questioning his faith in Christ. I hear this trial is one common in the military and that many fall away from Christ. He was so excited to meet us and hear what we are doing. The next night, a group actually met with him and went ice skating, having some great conversations. He's even coming and visiting our school later this week, with talk he may join my team for a week in Uganda. Before this event, he didn't have Christian friends to surround himself with. Now, many of our team has made a great connection, and Christ willing, have encouraged this man and cemented him into the faith. He is so curious, wanting to learn more about YWAM. Our team's current prayer is for God to guide him to his next step in faith, which could even be a DTS in the next few years.
Have you ever wondered what life Jesus would have had today? Where, or to who He would have been born? Born to an unmarried, poor woman. A refugee after they fled to Egypt to escape from Herod. At the time, homeless, born in a stable, the low of the low. Guys, Jesus was an outcast. He came to show us that even the least of these, our outcasts in society, are worthy of him, are worthy of the Kingdom of God. If we wish to be like Christ, to live as Jesus lived, we must love all of those around us, love that can be shown simply through a cup of hot chocolate and a conversation.
Another group met
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