Pattaya {A City Not Forsaken}

Pattaya City Thailand

*An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 men, women, ladyboys, and children working the streets.
*Established as a coastal vacation destination during the Vietnam war, American soldiers would go for a brake and for the women...In fact, many American soldiers are sent to Pattaya today.
*Up to two million tourists visit Pattaya each year, most come because of the night life.
*Prostitution is illegal in Thailand. However, if a man pays a bar fee, he can hire a person out of the bar.
*It costs 300-400 Thai Baht to hire a person from the bar ($10-$15USD).
*A worker can make around 1000 Thai Baht for a hour ($30USD).
{The stats go on a on...and they brake my heart}

     In Pattaya is a YWAM base called Tamar Center. Their vision is to reach out to the women and ladyboys working in the bars, and provide them with hope. They do this by going out into the bars three days a week, providing English classes, and twice a year, they have a training program for those who really want to change their lives and leave the bars.

     Before going to Pattaya I knew most of the stats. I understood that Pattaya was a city build on the sex industry, and I would be confronting sin face to face everyday. For weeks before going I prayed God would prepare my heart for what I was walking into, and I asked for the covering of the blood of Jesus on my life. Our team met and prayed many times before going, and developed a vision statement.

{We are daughters of God: Image-bearers of His beauty and His holiness. Created by our Heavenly Father for His glory. We are delighted in, loved much, defended relentlessly, and empowered by Him. Because of who He is and the redemption He has brought to each one of us, we can be fearless, we can love the unlovely, and we can see the people of Pattaya through His eyes. We will fight for each other and bear one another's burdens. We will not shrink back from the darkness, Instead, we will turn our eyes upon Jesus and *RADIATE HIS LIGHT*}

~Written by Katelyn Dye





     Yet, all of this did not sink into my heart until the first day I walked down Soi Six, heading to the Tamar Center. This one little street in all of Pattaya, is said to have over 50 bars. There are dozens of streets just like this one all over the city. My heart cried out for the salvation, freedom, and hope of these women. 

     My heart would brake just a bit more every time I would walk the streets. Especially as I started to see familiar faces, and know the names of the women. These women became more then statistics. They became people with stories, family's, personality's and pain; they became friends. I will not soon forget the women on Soi Six, if I ever do. 

She is only 18

They are 21 & 20

She came for English class, and got prayed over. Tears streamed out of her eyes, and she said she hates her job. Not ten minutes later she waved to us from across the street, a plastered smile on her face...just another day providing for her family.

     All this seems so hopeless, and sometimes I would ask God why?? Where is the justice God? How can these men come and treat these women this way. Please God, show your mighty hand, bring salvation to these women. Be their protector and their provider. Save them from the hell they are living. God, do you hear my prayers? And in His gentle way He would remind me of His grace. He reminded me that if He were to come back today, these women would live eternally in hell. God is being their protector, He is giving them the chance to turn back to Him.

     Pattaya is not forsaken, and one day things will change. The prophecies over Pattaya are incredible, and the song "God of This City", was written in Pattaya for Pattaya. God will bring redemption to these people. Until then, I can pray for the ones I know personally, I can intercede for the salvation of their souls. And what a gift that is.



The More I Seek You...

{But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find Him, if you search after Him with your whole heart and with all your soul} ~ Deuteronomy 4:29

{You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart} ~ Jeremiah 29:13 

{The more I seek You, The More I find You, The More I find You, The more I love You} ~Kari Jobe

{Brittany Ann, my noble daughter, I'm here just waiting. I'm waiting for you to seek me, I can't wait for you to find me, and the depth of my love for you.} ~ Abba Father

     This week brings the first semester to a close. So much has happened the past four months, God has taught me so much, and my life will never be the same again. I'm beyond thankful for the opportunity to be here at IGo, and I know it was ordained by my heavenly Father. 

     Jesus has taught me so much about seeking Him. When I truly spend time in His presence every day, He is so faithful in allowing me to find Him. The more I find God, and the more I know about Him, the more I want of Him. I become dependent on His filling everyday. My understanding of the "Living Water" becomes deeper as I realize I can't make it through a day with out my special "Jesus Time". My heart cry has become "Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is NOTHING on earth that I desire besides You" ~Psalm 73:25

     Isaiah has always been one of my favorite books of the Bible, and in coming to Thailand I decided I was going to read a chapter everyday. This lead me to reading through Deuteronomy, and these two have changed my view of God drastically. I'm starting to more fully understand what God's grace really means, I'm starting to see how Holy God really is! As I realize His holiness I understand how unworthy  I really am of Him. And yet His whispers to me, "Brittany, my daughter of royalty, I love you, I formed you, and I care about you and your heart. I will keep fighting for you. You Brittany will be a crown of beauty in my hand, and no one will be able to pluck you out. I delight in you,  and I will declare to the nations "My delight is in her"! I greatly rejoice over you, and my banner over you is love. I am your Ishi and you are my bride. Come away with me and be my Child". ~Isa 62:1-5, ~Song of Solomon 2:4 ~Jon 10:28.

     

Laughter

     My first ministry trip is over, and come Tuesday, it will be back to the books, desks, computers, paper, pencils, homework, and late nights. The last ten days have been very challenging and stretching. Father taught me so much about submission and following and what it really looks like to serve with others. He also showed me that He delights in the joy and laughter of His children. The country we visited was very dark and we faced much spiritual oppression.
     The journey started out with the loss of a contact, and a trip with no set destination. We got to see much of "real" Laos and pieces of my heart were left in each village we passed. A personal goal for the trip was that Father would give me a heart of Laos and that I would leave feeling like part of me would always be there with the people. He totally, completely fulfilled that desire! One day I will go back to Laos and spend more then a few days, and until that day comes, I will lift them before the throne.
     Memories, memories, memories, wow, I don't even have the words to describe everything that happened on this trip. In fact, I could probably write a whole book and still not tell it all. My main word for the trip would have to be laughter. We girls have long moments of healing laughter everyday and that was a huge blessing from Abba. Without the laughter, I'm not sure we would have made it. I praise Him for the time we had to grow together, and learn more of each other, and glorify the Father together. When we seek His face, He is so faithful to show Himself. When I cried out and asked Him why, He said He wanted to teach me, and to simply be faithful in learning.
     So, what did God teach me?? Well for starters, the gift of laughter. Secondly, He really taught me about me...where I'm at in life, and areas I need to work on. As we were driving though the beautiful mountains God gave me a vision of my life. That was simply amazing and one of the most powerful things I've ever experienced. Also I learned how much my attitude affects others. We had some problems on the trip with leadership, and as a team we talk about them today. During this chat it came out that a lot of the problem was the attitude we girls had towards the leader. I pray I will be very aware of my attitudes from here out. Communication and its importance was also hammered into my head!!! In fact, I think it would be VERY safe to say ever person on my team learned that!!! :) :)
        Another huge gift and blessing from Abba was the amount of time I was able to spend with Him. He has given me such a hunger for Him, and a desire to know more about Him and His depth! I'm ready for classes to start because I was given time to relax and prepare for the coming weeks. Coming home, really felt exciting. It was as exciting to me to come home to IGo, as I will be when I go back to the states, and that in its self was a blessing.

Laos Flag

We loved the signs 

I love Tuk-Tuks!

Our guide said this temple is considered the heart of Laos. I'm not for sure what that means but it was a dark place.

Such beauty even in the darkness

Another Temple

Sorry about the poor quality of the photo...this photo really shows me the difference in Christ...and Buddah

This lady, wow. She inspired me so much. I will call her the forget me not lady. One day we were walking the streets and she makes eye contact and holds up a sign that says "Don't forget me", Then one that says "I have everything you need". She owns a convenience store and really does sell everything. Her personality is amazing. She is very out going and it would be amazing to see her come to know my Father!

I wanted to bring him home in my pocket...Don't think that would be IGo approved... ;(

Please pray as we go into the next term! Its going to be busy and crazy!! 

Redeemed

     I don't even know where to start. This week has been amazing, crazy, stressful, and most of all, God filled. Several times though the week God moved and blessed me so much. He is amazing, and I'm so thankful to call Him Father!!!!!
     It is already time for ministry trips. Time simply must go faster on this side of the world, because it does not seem like first term should be over already. End of term of course means many tests, which
means Bree is very stressed, which means, lots and lots and lots of coffee, and restless nights. He is faithful, and they are all done! Now its time to catch up on sleep....only there is not a lot of time for that. :)
     When living with someone, you get to know them very well, and soon you become like a family. That is truly happening here. I'm so thankful for the friends I am making. They have all blessed me so much! Going though this journey would not be possible without others walking beside me, and holding me up. I pray I can be the same for them. We need each other, or we would not make it. Each of us makes up the body and we need every part!

So these are the 26 people who are becoming my family on the other side of the world. They have all touched my life in many ways. 

We matched very unintentionally and needed a photo. I love these ladies! 

This girl is amazing. Polly, I'm so thankful for you! P.S. I like you.... 

LaRonda is the women's dean. She is our mama away from the states and she has been such an inspiration to me! God has used her to speak so much truth and love into my life and to say I'm thankful for her would be a huge understatement. Ron-Ron, you bless me!!! 

So in a nut shell, we serve a Father who loves us unconditionally, and is there for us whenever we are willing to make the change and call out to Him. For a long time I have been saying my life word was surrender, I just have to say that word has changed to redeemed!! I'm so happy for the work Jesus is doing in my life. I did not know how much coming here would change me. However, if I went back to the states today, I have no doubt in my mind that I would be a different person. Praise be to the Father for His care, guidance, love, grace, and gentle calling of His children! 

Caught In The Rain

     While life is very full of classes and homework, we still find time to have crazy fun. Last Wednesday five of us girls headed to the pool. Our plan was to spend a few hours at the pool, and order supper by the poolside. Only, we lost track of time, and the weather conditions. Suddenly, out of no where a storm popped up. We all scramble out of the water and rushed to get changed...hoping to get ready and on the road home before it really started to poor. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately :) :) it was a soaker and we were left with a choice....start biking home...or try waiting it out. Many times rain will last maybe 20 minutes and then be done. This shower ended up lasting quite a bit longer. So, we started the mile ride home. It was freezing!!!!!!! And....SOO.....MUCH....FUN!!!!!!!!!!!

When we arrived home we decided we needed some photos. 

I just have to say that God is amazing. He has sent me some of the most amazing ladies to be friends with.

(Judith, Me, Janelle, Polly, Abby)

When we got back everyone was headed out for ice-cream. We decided we were too wet to go :). We stayed back and broken into the food from supper. It was an amazing night and gave me the energy to make it through the rest of the week. 

Beauty From Ashes

*Disclaimer...not for kiddos...  
     Beauty in brokenness. Beauty despite the sin, shame, exhaustion, stress, overwhelming odds against life. A huge desire for love, peace, healing, livelihood, prosperity. This is what my eyes notice as I walk through the red-light district of Chiang Mai, Thailand. One thing I don't see, a yearning to leave the lifestyle.
     God has placed a dream in my heart. A dream of healing and safe-haven for women and children who have been abused, trafficked, or worked the streets. When I found out IGo had a bar ministry program I knew that is what I wanted to be involved in. However, there were many reasons I would not be blessed with that ministry. Many of the girls who come to IGo want to be involved, and the administration has to make a very hard choice about who goes where. When I filled out the ministry night paperwork I prayed that God would place me where I would be most used, and grow the most. In my heart I did not think I would be placed with Ransom. Truly, I just wanted to be used by God, and I wanted His will to reign in my life.
     My Father is so faithful in my life. The desires He places on our hearts, he fulfills. I was placed with Ransom and already my heart for these beautiful ladies has grown. My friends and family, I plead with you, please lift us in prayer. Every night we go out the enemy tries his best to drag us down. We need extra coverage in prayer on Monday and Friday nights. For those of you in the states, this would be Monday and Friday mornings. We are fighting on the front lines, a battle we are so ill-equipped for. Only by the grace of God can we continue. So again I ask, please, please lift us before the Father.
     Imagine not knowing how to provide for your family so you resorted to selling yourself. The thing is, it was only going to be for a time. Just until things turned around and money was not so tight. However, you started to like feeling beautiful and desirable to men. It validated who you were as a women. Until the emotions you had been pushing down started to rise to the surface. Now you start to feel shame and guilt. You know something is missing but what is it? Maybe you just need to make more money. So you raise your price. Thats better, now you are not only providing for you family, you are prospering. In fact, a new car is just in reach, and maybe even a new home. Still, that does not take the feelings away, but at this point the money is too good, and nothing, nothing would make you leave that behind. This is all too real here in the city. In spite of that, I love these women, my heart brakes because they are in such bondage, and most don't even know it. What they need is Jesus!!!
     So, we walk, pray, sing, bless the streets we walk. We proclaim Jesus over buildings, individuals, and nights. The Holy Spirit is asked to move, convict, and breath in the lives of these women and men. Sadly, its easy to grow angry at the men. They need Jesus just as much as the ladies. Pray that we would see them as broken people who are looking for love.
     Also, my last ministry trip I will be going to southern Thailand. In this area women line up on the streets waiting for men. Its one of the biggest red light districts in this part of the world...if not in the whole world. Pray that God would prepare my heart for that trip.
    This next week starts exams and finishing up projects. Pray for sleep to be increased as I take late nights to study and cram. After that is when we leave for ministry trips. Please pray the Father prepares each students heart for what is ahead. Also for strength, courage, excitement, health, protection from the enemy, and open eyes, hearts, mind to the things Jesus wants to teach.
In AMAZEMENT of Him,
Bree
P.S. If you want to commit to praying specifically for us on Monday and Fridays please shoot me a comment or email. I will send you the list of all us girls going out and specific requests if they come up.

A Day In The Life...

     Praise God! After feeling horrid for the last two days I'm healed. All the Glory is God's alone!!! Thank you all who were lifting me up before the Father. He truly is the great physician!
     The days here are packed very full. When we aren't in class our noses are in our books and our minds are working. It's so amazing to spend day after day doing nothing but learning more about Jesus and His heart for missions.
     There are two semesters in a year, and in each semester 3, three week terms. At the end of each term there is a 10-12 day ministry trip. Each term has different classes. Basically this means we are learning completely different subjects every 5ish weeks.
     On my first ministry trip I will be going to Laos (north, east of Thailand). On my second trip I will be going right out side of Tibet, China (I think...north, west of Thailand). We will not be able to go right into Tibet because it is a very restricted part of China. The third term trips have not been planned yet. It seems there were some problems that came up. We should know soon. Sadly, it does not look like Pakistan is going to happen this year. Because of relationship with them and the states it is very hard to get into their country as an American citizen. Its also very unsafe at this time. I keep praying it will happen at the end of the year. :)
     Mondays and Fridays are ministry nights. There are six different ones to choose from. A few of them are: Ransom Ministries (Praying for women who are working in the bars, only for the ladies), monk ministry (Only for the men...I know they do a lot of chatting about religion), teaching english to children,  university outreach, and street witnessing. We all had to put down where we wanted to spend those evenings. I, of course, put down Ransom. I knew many of the girls were hoping to spend their ministry time there, and I did not really think I would get it. Each time I would think about it I would just pray for God to place me where I would be used most. Yesterday I found out that by God's grace I was placed with Ransom. I'm very excited to see what this journey is going to look like! Please pray that God would use the team I'm on to bring glory and honor to Him.
     Tuesday and Thursday nights are recreation nights. Typically this consists of volley-ball and or basket ball. We had to write down goals for our time at IGo, and one of mine was to learn to play volley-ball. Ask me how its going in a few weeks :).

     Each day looks something like this

~ 6:15 Rising Bell (Most girls are up by 5:45)

~ 7:00 Breakfast

~ 7:30 Life Of Christ (This class is an overview of Jesus and His ministry, starting with Him being to total and final sacrifice. It has been so interesting to study the sacrifices...it give me such a better understanding of why Jesus is the sacrifice.)

~ 8:30 Five Minute Brake 

~ 8:35 Chapel (Singing, speakers, worship, and on Fridays the Student Council plans what happens)
~ 9:20 Study Period
~ 10:15 Growth In Christ 1
~ 11:15 Five Minute Brake
~ 11:25 Cultural Anthropology
~ 12:25 Lunch
~ 1:10 (Tuesdays & Thursdays ONLY Thai Cultural Class)
~ 2:00 TESOL 1
~ 3:00 STUDY PERIOD (This lasts until recreation or ministry nights start...that ranges from 5 - 6:30)
~ 10:30 Lights Out (Except Weekends)

Now you have a feel for what a week looks like here at IGo. :) I have already been so blessed by the Father in my classes.

Purpose

One thing that has been stressed over and over is that each student would know WHY they are at IGo. When we write down why, it helps keep us from distractions.  Dear friend, please pray God’s protection over distractions in my life. I’m here because of Him, and for Him. This week has already been crazy!! God is already doing an amazing work in my heart and in my life. Praise Him!!!

Purpose For Being At IGo

  

1.     Because God called me

2.     To grow in Jesus

3.     To be stretched

4.     To seek the face of the Father

5.     To build lasting friendships

6.     To learn more about the heart of God

7.     To remove self and give it all to Him…a change of heart

8.     To serve each person I’m around

9.     To love all people

10. To care about hearts

11. COMPLETE SURRENDER

  

Dear Father, protect me from distractions that will hold me back from these purposes. I’m here for You and because of  You. Praise you for being so faithful in providing this far! You are worthy of all my praise! Thank you Jesus for caring about my heart. I am your vessel, your slave. Use me in whatever way you want. I am YOURS. Allow me to grow and change in you. Reveal Your heart to me and teach me how to seek You in everything. I completely surrender to You…every area of my life…heart, mind, body, soul…Jesus, they are yours. 

A New Beginning

     It's quickly becoming apparent, that time alone with Father is going to be hard to find. I'm going to have to consciously make the effort to make time for Him. With so many adjustments, and all the new faces, I am needy of Jesus. Of this I will remain thankful. All of this is teaching me how long I have been reliant on things other then God to take care of my needs. Friends, this IS idolatry in my life... and any form of idolatry is sin.

     Today in my time with Jesus I was taught to pray that I will see things from His perspective. This has been my prayer as each day new girls arrive. I want to see these beautiful women of God from His eyes. Each of them have needs, hurts, scars, and seeping wounds. Just like me, they need Jesus in every area of their lives. Truly it has been a struggle not to judge by what I have seen the first few days. Oh Jesus, I want to be totally un-judgemental and a safe haven for each of them. Pray dear friends and family that God would use me in ways I never saw coming. I am HIS slave!!!!

    Today is Sunday. We have church and then hopefully some of us are going to hit the pool again. One of the girls and I walked today and figured how far the pool is. It is a mile one way. Its great exercise to walk and then swim and then walk home! I think it is going to quickly become a favorite place! 

Prayer Points

1. Strong mind for the classes ahead

2. Total adjustment to the time 

3. Endurance for the heat

4. Courage to be more involved with the students

5. Willing ears and heart for others

6. Neediness of Jesus

7. All idolatry would be removed from my life

8. The friendships that have been made would be strengthened.

9. Compassion for each person here

10. To see the world through His eyes and from His perspective

11. Gods guidance would be clear

12. Physical endurance for every day ahead

13. Excitement to learn

I love you all, thank you for praying and caring about my life!

His slave, 

Bree

Classes Come Soon!

     The last few days have been wonderful. I feel like I'm starting to get adjusted to the time difference and  very very slowly the heat. Of course, its easy to say that as I sit on my bed with many fans blowing on me :).
     Yesterday I got to see Martin, Rachel and family. It was a blessing to be at their home again. Before that all the students went out for lunch. It was american food, and tasted wonderful. :) Monday is when we really start eating Thai everyday. :) Before lunch, (Don't you just love how I'm telling the events backward? ) :) the girls went fabric shopping. I was able to find two pieces. Hoping to get them sewn up before too long.
     This morning I got up and 4 of us girls went for a walk. It felt so wonderful to be out moving about. Seems like we have not done a lot more then get settled and sit trying to cool down. This afternoon we are planning to go swimming and that sounds AMAZING!!!!!!
     All of this to say...I'm SOOO ready for Monday to come. We are all getting a bit stir crazy and will be grand to get classes underway. I'm sure by tuesday I will be wondering what I have gotten myself into so please pray for all of us students. :)
     Thank you all for the prayers!! I feel them, so please keep them up! God has been so faithful and I know He will continue to be!

Day One

     Praise God I made it home. Life is a bit different then in Ohio. This is truly going to be the biggest adventure I have ever taken. I'm in one bit room with many other girls. I'm all unpacked and getting settled. Living with this many other people in the same room will be an interesting experience.  
     White noise of many fans, sweat dripping, unpacking, loud Thai voices being blasted on a speaker outside on the street, and many many many girls...and...only half have arrived...My brain starts working and I start to think "God, I'm not sure I can do this. I need time alone, how will I live with so many people and not go crazy?" After getting unpacked, having a phone call with Courtney, Getting dressed and ready for the day, I  get to just sit and be with Jesus.
     The first thing I read today talked about God wanting me to be needy of Him. When I am weak and faint of Heart, God can really move in my life. Jesus wants me to come to Him with a longing to know more about Him. He wants me to be completely and totally dependent upon Him. He knows what I need and He will take care of me. What encouragement after feeling so overwhelmed!! The Father knows what He is doing in my life and I can just lean on Him and trust Him to take care of me. He has me in His hands even in Thailand.
     So, I am needy of Him, and that puts me right were He wants me. On my own there is no way that I can live with this many girlys. However, with Him...Nothing is impossible: Luke 1:37. On my wall next to my bed I have a hanging I got in Michigan that has Phil 4:13...my life verse. God is here and taking care of me.
     Its still only 11AM and God has already comforted me and taught me to rely more on Him and less on me! Praise be to His name. Also, its warm and the sun is shining and I LOVE not being cold!!!!!!!

Day Before

     I have sat down multiple times in the last week to pen words. Alas, every time I get distracted, or it just makes me too sad. However, today is the day before I leave...and its time to get some thoughts down on paper.
     Yesterday I said some of the saddest goodbyes. Cody's and Trent's were over, and we had a fun family day. Mindy and I redecorated Mom & Dad's house while Trent slept, Dad worked on Skype, and the rest played Settlers. Thinking back over the day, I think it was the most fun I have had with my family in the last few months. It was relaxing and refreshing.
     Today has flown by. I was up at six and out the door by 7:45. I ran errands, and stopped to see Nat and Courtney. Came home, finished packing, wrote thank-you notes, and went to tell Grandpa's goodbye.  My wonderful brother was a HUGE help to me today. He ran around for me, weighed my luggage and helped in anyway he could. After that Mom, Carson, and I played a last game of Settlers and I actually enjoyed it.
     Tonight some friends are coming to spend the evening and the night with me...and tomorrow I get on a plane to Thailand. Its so hard to explain the emotions I'm feeling...I'm so excited, and yet my heart feels sadness. Eight months is really not that long, and it will go by so fast...but things will be so different when I arrive home. Please keep me and my family in your prayers...This is a journey for all of us.

Streaming Tears

     We interupt the story of Michigan to bring you a heart update. Right now it is 4:11PM and I have been crying off and on for about an hour. I want to make it clear I'm SOOOOO excited for IGo, and its only 14 days away!!!!!!!!! However, I'm starting to feel very sad. Here is why.....
     Thursday night is my last night working at Miami Valley Women's Center. I have been working there off and on for about three years. I have watched the kiddos grow up, and have fallen in love with most of them. Two of my dearest friends were made by working Thursdays nights, (I love you Jess and Susie). They will be greatly missed. Friday night will most likely be the last night I babysit for Tanner, (Maybe Vienna too but I have not got to babysit her yet so I'm not sure she is going to be there).  Not that I really watch him a lot, but its still a saddening last.
     I have been staying with Great Grandma while Grandpa Lavy's are in CA. Its not a big deal to stay up there, but I am realizing I'm missing the last two weeks of my own bedroom (Its my haven away from crazy life, and I miss it). Grandma is a gem, one of the dearest old ladies ever!
     Almost every day is filled with meeting up with people, running errands, working as much as possible and so on. I know that I'm not going to get to be with nearly all the people I want to before the 24th. To leave without telling all my peeps goodbye is hard. I know things will be so different when I come home.
     Also, my days have been filled with pain in my ankle and back. I know that the devil is trying his best to get me down. I'm getting so tired of not feeling well. My nights are restless and so short. I lay in bed for hours before falling asleep and wake up way before my alarm goes off. In these moments I remember the verse in Philippians 4 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Somehow that is a much harder verse to follow then one would think. Please keep me in your prayers.
       On a very exciting note....I got my prayer cards. Please let me know if you want one.

Tonia Schauer took them, and I am very impressed. 

Thanks for prayers.

End Of A Chapter, Or End Of A Book?

     Today was a milestone in preparation of my journey. This day marked the end of classes at Sinclair Community College. As I walked out from class I felt, scared, exhilarated, a bit sorrowful, and most of all, glad to be done with ALH 104.
     The reason for feeling a bit scared is, well, Sinclair has become a home of sorts. When I needed a haven to study, relax, meet up with friends, and get Starbucks, to the main campus library I would go. It's became a familiar friend. Moving into the unknown is a bit frightful. Many memories were made at SCC, and I believe I grew up a lot while attending classes.
     I felt exhilarated because I have the opportunity of a life time. Really, how many people are able to say at twenty years old they moved across the globe to learn more about Jesus? God has blessed me beyond what I ever though possible. While serving in a different land has always been a strong calling, I always wondered if it would really happen. Now I'm getting a chance to learn how to effectively serve, share, and bless others!!! :) My hearts desire is to glorify my risen Lord by serving, and sharing Him with others, no matter what the cost.
     Sorrowful, because I'm going to miss out on so much time with friends and family. Morgan, Tanner, and Vienna will grow up so much while I'm away. Friends will move on in life. Carson will be taller then I, when I get back. Over time things change, and if I'm not around to experience the changes, it will be different when I arrive home.  Nevertheless, this is what I want to do. This is what God blessing me with.
     Never have I had a class I was so ready to be done with. ALH 104 is the most boring class I  have ever taken. As much as I love to learn new things, this class was just not interesting. So, as I walked out of class, I felt super glad to put it behind me. I felt like my IQ would start to go up, simply because I was out of the dull, time-wasting class. Yes, it really was that bad.
     I have started to wonder, is this the end of a chapter, one that may be returned to in the future, or is this the end of a book never to be opened again? I don't know what God has in store next. Maybe I will get done at IGo and finish my education, or maybe I will go serve somewhere indefinitely, or perhaps, I will go back to IGo and do an internship. Right now I have no idea what is next, and I'm surprisingly okay with that. As much as I want to be a nurse, I want to follow my Father more. Probably, I say that over and over, but its what He is teaching me, COMPLETE SURRENDER!!!

The journey begins in...

34 days!!!

Sponsorship

     This weekend at the Haiti Benefit Auction, a lot was said about sponsoring children, and different projects. Some of the sponsorship organizations talked about are Compassion International, Save The Children, World Vision and this weekend schools, IFM, Heart of Compassion, and International Fellowship Haven. Every photo of these kiddos makes my heart long to hug them and let them know they are loved. How much more must our Father feel that way when He looks down at each of us needing the love and salvation of His son Jesus. I look at those kiddos and think about their human needs, but the Father, He looks at all of us and sees our ultimate need, a personal relationship with Jesus.

     I’ve never though I would be in a position to need sponsorship. After all, I come from a middle class American family. Why would I ever have that kind of need? Well, when faced with the opportunity to attend IGo I quickly realized I had no way of paying for it, and no time to raise the required money. Nevertheless, I was certain that was where God was calling me.

     One night I decided He and I needed to have a little chat. God wants to hear what we have to say, and He wants to have to chance to answer back. So, while I was driving I started to talk. I laid it all out there, asking “Why are you calling me here and not providing for me? Why am I so excited about this and have no way to go? Why God, Why?” That night I received no answer and I went to bed feeling discouraged and confused.

     God’s mercies are new every morning! I woke up the next day, and I was ready to put hard work into this calling. When God speaks, it’s time to follow no matter what the odds look like. My day was going to be spent researching fundraisers. I have never been okay with flat out asking people for money, and knew that was absolutely not an option for me. Mom and I talked about doing a spaghetti dinner, cleaning, babysitting, bake sale, etc. That all sounded like a grand place to start.

     However, God, He had other, more wonderful, something I never would have considered, ideas. He, the most amazing person in my life, provided beyond my wildest expectations. There was a family, who felt God calling them to help me on this journey. (Every time I tell this story tears fall, God is just so faithful!) This family is living out Romans 10:15 by sending me on this journey. In the end it ended up I did need sponsored. My Father in Heaven provided in a way that I never had to ask, I only had to pray.

     There are still daily needs, and things that I have to get before I go. God is showing Himself faithful and I know He is going to continue to provide. Please pray for me and my family as everything comes together.

     My departure date is April 24^th. I will be gone 7 months, and 24 days. This equals, 34 weeks or 238 days, or 5712 hours, or 342,720 minutes, or 20,563,200 seconds, give or take a few. My arrival date is Dec 17^th.

     8ish months is the longest I have ever been away from home. God has been preparing me and my family for this day for the last few years. Every trip I have taken has gotten progressively longer. First I was gone a month, then six weeks, then two point five months, then just under three months, and now 8ish. Just as every other journey He will be present in this one too.

     Nursing school is being put on hold right now. Many people keep asking me what I'm going to do after this...I don't know. God has not unfolded that part of His plan yet. I am comfortable waiting on Him to guide me. All my life I have wanted to be a nurse, but if God has something else in mind, well, I choose to follow Him. How exciting to be able to completely trust Him for whatever is next. I'm in for the journey of a life time!!! "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD". ~Isaiah 55:8

     Currently I'm finishing up one class at Sinclair. I will be done with it March 22, and what a happy day it will be!!! :) This has not been the most interesting class. Around our house people daily hear me say "I'm going to fail this class from pure, simple BOREDOM".  Never fear, I really do have an A. The days I don't have class are spent working for Dad in the shop. Not the most enjoyable job, and I have to work to have a happy attitude about it, but its helping pay for things! I'm so thankful Dad is providing me a place to work before I go. Its hard to find a job when you are gone so much! 

More IGo posts 

1^st http://philippians4-13-bree.blogspot.com/2011/11/institute-for-global-opportunities.html

2^{nd http://philippians4-13-bree.blogspot.com/2012/01/decisionmade.html}

3^rd http://philippians4-13-bree.blogspot.com/2012/01/prayer-partners.html

Serving an ever faithful Father, 

Bree 

Prayer Partners

Dear Friend,

     God has been taking me on an amazing journey the last few months. I am so excited to see what He is going to do in 2012!

     Most of my life I have felt a call to serve God on the foreign mission field. I was in nursing school for a year, because I saw it as an open door to the mission field. However, God seems to be calling me in a different direction.

     Starting in April, I am going to be attending IGO. This stands for Institute for Global Opportunities. This will be eight months of rigorous study, coupled with travel to nations in Asia and Europe. IGO is located in Chaing Mia Thailand, so I will be moving half way around the world.

     I can’t go through this program without the prayers of my brothers and sisters in Christ. One of the things the staff at IGO encourages students to do is find prayer partners. This means people who will take a day of the week to intercede before the Father for me.

     I’m writing this letter to see if you will consider being one of those people for me. This is a big commitment and I will in no way be hurt if you feel you simply do not have the time. Please email me if this is something you are interested in. My email is breelavy92@gmail.com

In Christ,

Bree

And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. ~Luke 10:2

Decision...Made

     I have made the decision, decided to take the leap. What a journey it has been getting to this point of surrender to the will of my Father in heaven. This is not to say that there are not still parts of my life that are unsurrendered...because there are, nor does it mean I have it all together, and figured out. In fact...I really have nothing figured out at all. Except that I am ready and willing to follow after my Abba Father.
     Some people may call me crazy, and others say its an easy road out. However, this has been the hardest and most difficult time of my life. When God calls us to do things that are out of the norm, its hard. When I'm in the middle of my nursing education and its being put on hold, its hard. When God is blessing me with another niece or nephew and I know I'm leaving that behind, its hard. Friends who will move on with life and make wonderful memories with out me is hard. Though this is all difficult, God is providing and showing me His wonderful faithfulness each day.
     God does not call us to be simple American Christians who have it all figured out. He wants us to be needy of Him every day, in every way. Living a radical life for Christ is shown all through out the bible. Why do I think its going to be an easy, asphalt paved way. He tells us in His word that people are going to hate us, kill us, persecute us, if we follow Him. So many times we forget those verses and focus on how God will bless us. He does blesses us for our faithfulness. I'm so thankful that God has abundantly showered His blessings upon my life. However, I also know I can't used Jesus as a vending machine to just give me blessings. Being a Christ follower is about so much more.
     What I am choosing to do is not for everyone. I believe that the great commission "And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."is a command and for all of us. While I say that, I feel like God calls us all to different places to live that out. Some of us go to foreign lands, but some need to stay and live it out here on America soil. This chapter in Mark goes on to say that whoever does not believe will be condemned. Its my job to tell others the truth so they can have the free gift of Salvation God has given me.
     A few months ago I posted about a school in Thailand, called IGo. I was asking for your prayers as I prayerfully, considered attending. God has completely shown me that His will is for me to leave in April and be gone until December. This means that I will be attending classes at IGo for 8 months. Exactly what these eight months are going to look like is unknown. What I do know is that I will be taking classes on Theology, Cultural Anthropology, World Religions, Growth in Christ, History of Missions, Christian Family, Principles of Teaching, Local Church Evangelism, TESOL, and Bible classes.
     I am excited beyond what I am capable of putting into words. It looks big and challenging, but I am so ready! Please pray for me in the coming months as I prepare, and as I go that God will continue to show me His unending faithfulness, and grace. Also, pray for my family as I leave. I'm not sure if its going to be harder on them or on me! :) If you are interested in being a weekly prayer partner please send me an email at breelavy92@gmail.com. 
~Deciding to follow Jesus,
Bree

Institute for Global Opportunities

     This post is informational as well as a request for prayer. When we were getting ready to leave for Thailand I found out about a school called IGo. It is located here in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Before I give too much information about it I should probably back up…

     Around eight years old I knew when I grew up I wanted to serve God. At this point I had not really realized my need for Jesus nor asked Him to dwell in my life. In fact, that did not happen until I was 11.5. What started me on this journey, I don’t know. Nevertheless, I do know is God has placed a call on my life. All of us have a calling. Our callings are all different, but we all have one. Maybe its to stay home and be a mom and wife, or maybe its campus ministry, or it may be providing for your family by working hard everyday, going to school, telling others about Jesus, or being an obedient son or daughter...really could be anything. First Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain”. ESV From this is can be concluded that what every you are doing as long as its for the Lord, and they are in the Lord, it is not in vain.

     I feel like my calling is to serve God by telling others about their need for God’s son Jesus. God has filled me with a passion for people who are hurting and down. This passion tends to lead me to the poorest of the poor; whether its monetarily, emotionally or spiritually. The prayer of my life has been Isaiah 6:8. “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ ‘Then I said Here am I! Send me’. When I read Isaiah 61:1-3 it seems like its talking directly to me. (The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion-to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they many be called oaks righteousness, the planting of the Lord that he may be glorified.) These verses are also found in the New Testament Luke 4:18. Also verse fifteen in Mark 16, And He said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Similarly, verse nineteen in Matthew 28 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

      As Christ Followers we are called to BOLDLY PROCLAIM His word!! All through Acts it talks about having boldness for Christ. Not backing down about the truth even to the point of prison, persecution, and ultimately death. Philippians 1:20-21 “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that will full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” As a Christ Follower this is made personal to me and my walk with Jesus. I want to be willing to give up everything for Him!

     It seems like this passion has led me to the medical field. I so enjoy learning and especially anything medical. Because of this I have felt that nursing school would be a great opportunity to serve God. My thought has been that when I get done with school I would go and serve in a poor country somewhere. Every one needs medical care at some point in their life. It seems like an amazing opening onto the mission field. January of this year I started the journey through nursing school. In fact, I am almost done with all my classes except for the nursing program itself. 

     Now comes that part about IGo, and the request for prayer. IGo stands for Institute for Global Opportunities. It is a school that’s purpose is to provide young people with a environment outside of their comfort zone, to do mission work in parts of the world where the Gospel has not yet be preached, a place learn more about what the Bible says, and to have personal discipleship. Typically the students attend classes for three weeks and then go on a ministry trip for 10-14 days. This is the schedule for each four month term. In one semester the student is able to go on three ministry trips. The school is set up for students to attend 8 months out of the year. However, some students choose only to attend for one 4 month term. If a student would want to go back for a second year they attend classes for part of the year, and then they are set up in an internship program.

     It sounds like a wonderful place to learn more about Christ, grow deeper in my relationship with Jesus, and live out the calling on my life. This is where my prayer request comes in. It would be so easy for me to fill out the application and attend this coming April. Everything I love is included in this school except for the medical part. If I attend I would be putting nursing school on the back burning indefinitely. Not only would nursing school be on hold but I would miss out on a huge portion of my families lives. My niece, and nephew, and bebe would not know their Aunt Bree. Thinking about them not knowing me is enough to break my heart. I want to have a relationship with the kiddos in my life! Nevertheless, I am feeling like God is calling me in this direction. Please pray that God will make His will extremely clear to me and my family. That we would know clearly what He wants in my life. Nursing school has always been a desire, but to follow the will of Christ is WAY more important to me! For more information please check out the video and information on http://www.igo-asia.com/. If you feel like God is giving you a word to speak into my life please let me know. I really do want to live for Jesus and I want to do His will not mine.