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