Haiti by Summer Mejia

Haiti will be the first country I visit with a mission, to show Christ's love. There has always been a desire in my heart to go on a missions trip. Ive always looked at it as an opportunity to not just show others Jesus, but to travel. Seriously, best of both worlds. But God quickly changed my heart and continues to do so. It amazes me that Jesus knew what was in the heart of man and He still took that cross upon Him. Honestly, my desires were a bit selfish in the beginning and I didnt have much faith that I would be going on this trip. When I first heard about it, it was just an awesome idea to me. Ive been the type of person that has all these goals, but I never follow through. Ive missed out on a lot that way. But this, this was different, God made it all happen. I cannot take any credit other than thinking "Okay, what the heck. If you provide I'll go." But I honestly didn't think I'd be going. Something that Ive struggled with is believing that God can heal or provide financially. I know, pretty crazy to doubt Him in that aspect especially when He saved my life and completely transformed me, but not heal or provide? Anyway, so like always God totally showed me up in the craziest way.

Within a few months I was fully funded. I couldn't believe it. It blew me away and made me realize how much of a blessing it is when others give. That changed my heart. As months passed by I kept thinking to myself, "When I get to Haiti, God is going to radically change me. When I get to Haiti, I will be so on fire for Jesus." All was going to change when I got to Haiti. Or so I thought. But God told me, "why wait till Haiti? Why not now?" Ive always had this mentality that my future self would be a better Christian, a better daughter, a better servant. Ive put this standard on myself which I was never meeting up to. And slowly it kept bringing me down because I didn't feel good enough for God. Not because he made me feel that way but because I was trying so hard to earn his love. I was so consumed with myself. "Am I serving Him enough? Am I loving Him enough? Am I representing Him enough? Am I enough?" BUT Jesus would constantly remind me that regardless, He loved me and that I was good enough. He demonstrated that by giving up His life on the cross. His life, which is worth more than anything we can ever imagine. He loves me, not because I deserve it, but because He IS love. Reading scripture really made that tangible to me, worship and prayer confirmed it.

So as the time for Haiti comes closer, God has worked so much in my heart (which would probably take hours telling you about it). He has taught me that when love overflows in our heart, there should be no room for insecurities, bitterness, crazy emotions, hatred, and fear. This love has compelled me to pursue unity in the body of Christ even if we don't agree with each other or we are hurt by those we love. This love has built my confidence more and more. This love has changed my love for God and for others. By believing and living out the truth that God loves me, a fervent desire has sparked in my heart to show these kids in Haiti the love of God. I seriously already love them and I haven't even met them. At first I thought I would be the one blessing them, but I know in my heart that they will be the ones blessing me. My God is a God that cares for the orphans, the sick, the widowed, the lost, the broken and the list goes on and on. And to conclude, as I look back at the girl who was unsure about herself and this trip, I am thankful that I have a God that is constant, never changes and loves his children. Now I can confidently say I am a daughter of a King. I am a daughter of the Almighty One. I am a daughter of a God whose love surpasses all understanding. I am His. 

1 Week.

I can't believe it is ONE week away! Wow. So amazing.

As we continue to prep we also continue to pray. Can you stand with us in prayer? Praying for more funds to come in, for the Lord to use us in a mighty way, to pour out His Spirit and love on the nation of Haiti, to raise up Pastors and Teachers, to raise up righteous leaders, to use us to show one kid at a time what Love is, who Christ is. Pray for safety, for fun, for freedom to be released and welcomed wherever we walk, talk, or are. Pray for divine appointments. Anointed hands, feet, and lips. Pray for physical healings, for words of knowledge, for demonic possessions to be set free.

Stand with us in this truth:

Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. 

|| Mark 16:15-20 ||

E I G H T

Wow. Only 8 Days til we leave for Haiti!

Today I am feeling extra tired and fatigued. Pray for me? I have plenty left to do! Also pray for the rest of the team! We all have lots of last minute details and packing to do and most importantly - getting in the Spiritual zone! Pray for our quiet times. Pray for our prayer life. Pray for our hands, feet, and mouth to be anointed with His touch.

Thank you so much for all who have given and all who are praying! If you still want to partner with us please consider financially donating to www.gofundme.com/haititeam2014 - go a week without Starbucks, Nekter, or the Movies. Challenge yourself to give $5.00-$15.00 and play a vital role in the Great Commission from right where you are.

My Boss's always say, "Give.Go.Pray" - You can't always do all 3, but you can at least do 1. -Travel the Road

What is the Lord calling you to do? Give? Go? Pray?

In Him,

Lindsay, Zak, Kristen, Gilligan, Mica, Berenice, Summer, Camille, Leslie, and Daniel

9 Days!

Hey friends and family! We are 9 short days out. We are continuing to pray for the full amount of funds to come in! We only need $370 to fully cover the teams expenses for extra airline stuff that came up. We are so thankful for all who have given and all who are praying and standing in faith with us!

Within 24 hours of finding out we have an extra $100.00/person, the Lord provided through YOU, the Body about $400.00! So we are believing for the rest!

Consider partnering with us at www.gofundme.com/haititeam2014

In Him,

Lindsay, Mica, Camille, Daniel, Kristen, Gilligan, Summer, Zak, Leslie, and Berenice.

Spiritual Prep

So not only did we get a bunch of shots, earth tone colored clothing, and mosquito repellent but we also pressed into the Lord... a lot. Through prayer, His Word, and worship we went deeper into His heart for the Nations and for the orphan. Here are some resources that really blessed us as we prepped! 

1. Blood Brother 

"The unmistakable power of love is celebrated in this story of one man’s decision to move to India and restart his life among the dispossessed. “Rocky Anna,” as the children living at an orphanage for those infected with HIV know him, was dissatisfied with his life in America. Having grown up without a close-knit family of his own, he found his calling living and working with kids in need. Unlike others who simply passed through their lives, Rocky stayed, dedicating himself to their health and well-being. Despite formidable challenges, his playful spirit and determination in the face of despair proves to be an invaluable resource."

This documentary ministered to each one of us the true power of stopping for one child and loving them with a real, unconditional love. Rocky does a great job of being real, genuine, but also completely selfless as he loves these orphans. Go check it out! It's on Netflix 

2. Travel the Road: 7 Days in Haiti

In the immediate aftermath of the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti, Tim Scott and Will Decker, of Travel the Road, enter the capital of Port-Au-Prince to find a city in chaos. Their mission, to find hope amidst this tragedy, brings them to the downtown district where they witness the miraculous rescue of a man trapped beneath rubble for 15-days, without food or water. But soon after, violence erupts when rogue Haitian police begin shooting civilians for scavenging. Street riots, gunfights and civil unrest threaten to tear apart the city, and when all hope seems lost, Tim and Will make contact with local believers who show them the power of the human spirit and an unshakeable faith for a better future.

7 Days in Haiti was great to watch because it showed our team exactly what it looked like after the earthquake hit Port-au Prince in 2010. It truly changed our hearts as we saw the destruction and devestation that happened to the exact place we were going. It educated us on the statistics and needs of Haiti and lit a flame in our heart to experience, share, and be apart of Haiti's already ongoing story. We were reminded that in times of great tragedy there is always hope and we were exhorted by Tim Scott that if we are willing, we could be used as a vessel for the Lord to impact thousands. Our testimony is one of hope in Him. You can find 7 Days in Haiti and many other Gospel Expedition episodes at www.traveltheroad.com 

3. Radical by David Platt

In Radical, David Platt invites you to encounter what Jesus actually said about being his disciple, and then obey what you have heard. He challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated a God-centered gospel to fit our human-centered preferences. With passionate storytelling and convicting biblical analysis, Platt calls into question a host of comfortable notions that are common among Christ's followers today. Then he proposes a radical response: live the gospel in ways that are true, filled with promise, and ultimately world changing.

This book is INSANE. And will change your life. Here is one of my favorite quotes from it, 

"You smile because you know. You know that in the end you are not really giving away anything at all. Instead you are gaining. Yes, you are abandoning everything you have, but you are also gaining more than you could have in any other way. So with joy- with joy! - you sell it all, you abandon it all. Why? Because you have found something worth losing everything else for." 

4. Destined for the Throne by Paul E. Billheimer 

Discover your destiny... and be transformed! Revealing profound truths about the Church and her unique part in the Kingdom of God, this book continues to amaze believers thirty years after its first publication. Its down to-earth style and biblical insights provide the reader with a rare glimpse into the eternal plan of God to provide a bride- reigning companion- for His Son. Learn how He intends for us to be trained on earth for the most important role of the universe. Inspiring, challenging, and often surprising, this book will transform how you view your relationship with the Heavenly Bridegroom- Jesus- and rekindle an excitement for the awesome privilege of prayer.

I can't recommend this book enough. It has helped me revisit my identity and authority as a child of God. It has grown my prayer life from one of guess to absolute confidence and belief. It has relit the flame in my heart for the second coming of Jesus. It is great. Read it! 

5. A Passion for the Fatherless: Developing a God-Centered Ministry to Orphans by Daniel J. Bennett

Written to help Christians develop a God-centered ministry to orphans, A Passion for the Fatherless exposes believers to the scriptural mandate to care for orphans, helps them understand why God has issued that imperative, and equips them, biblically and practically, to joyfully respond to that call. Each chapter includes study questions for personal reflection or small group discussion.

I loved this book! I am still finishing it but it has taught me so much on how to practically care for orphans through the eyes of the Father and by His Word. It reminds you of the joyful call that it is and what a blessing it is to play a part in loving the fatherless with the love of God. Can't recommend it enough. 

6. Identification Audio Messages by Alan Scott - Travel the Road - www.traveltheroad.com/blog 

7. Stuck - Documentary on Netflix

8. Mother India - Documentary on Netflix 

9. Compelled by Love - Documentary - Heidi Baker

10. Father of Lights - Documentary - Darren Wilson 

There were and are so many resources out there to help prepare you for missions and to live out your calling. We just wanted to highlight 5 main ones for you to check out if you are ever in need of some wisdom/knowledge or inspiration! 

Many Blessings, 

The Haiti Team 

Haiti Prep

I am so proud of my entire team!! They all did such an amazing job making sure they had a lot of stuff done! They had to get shots, medicine, passports, clothing, mosquito net, bug spray, etc. There was a lot of prep that went into this trip not only physically and financially but also spiritually. I had so much fun taking each individual girl shopping. Oh how many times we hit up Wal-Mart and REI! So fun with these gals though. (Again the guys... well... they don't document everything like we do haha)

Not only have I watched them all grow in maturity when it comes to getting stuff done and asking for funds from friends and family. But I have watched each one of them grow in their love for the Lord and for His children. I have seen them go deeper into what it looks like to be a child of God and what it looks like to love the fatherless and take His name to the nations. I have seen each one of their hearts grow and yearn to fulfill the Great Commission and I couldn't be more thankful and blessed to go back to Haiti with this team. #dreamteam

Here are some pictures of some of our prep stuff. In order to live out your calling you must have the drive! And they all had the drive to get them to the calling, which is Haiti in just 11 short days!

#haitihangz

"Haiti Hangz" is what we would say when we would notice that everyone we were with was going to Haiti! Obviously turned into a phrase... which obviously turned into a hashtag... here are some pics from our #haitihangz (obviously the girls took more pictures... don't have a whole bunch of Zak, Daniel, and Gilly)

Haiti Fundraisers!

Here are some pictures and descriptions of what we have done corporately as a team to fundraise for Haiti! God has been so faithful in providing as we act in faith. Read and see the fruit below! 

Leslie had a taco stand and afternoon lunch at her lovely home to raise funds and awareness for her first missions trip! She made around $400! Such a great idea!

Our lovely friend Gabby is a dance teacher and thought of a genius fundraising idea! She said she would teach a hip-hop dance class from $10/person and give us all the funds! We raised $260 and had lots of laughs and a good workout to go with it.

We also had a Worship & Benefit Night where we all came together to worship our King. We had food for sale, T-Shirts, Maps, Coffee Mugs, Toms, you name it! We were selling it. We made $360 that night! Thank you so much for all who came to worship with us!

Through these fundraisers we were able to give $100 to every person who needed more funds! Such a blessing that we could spread it out among our team because our Beloved friends and family gave SO much! Thank you again and again to all who came, prayed, and purchased at any of these fundraisers!

We are still in need of some more finances to have FULL provision. Please consider donating at www.gofundme.com/haititeam2014