Thailand
We spent a lot of time just checking out the area and looking for places for Joel and Parrish and their families when they move to Chiang Mai. No house was found but we did find a great language school in the area that gives student visas!
We got an awesome opportunity to go to a village of a Karen Tribe about 5 hours outside the city, way up in the mountains. Joel didn’t have any personal connections with this particular village but he knew, Harry, the missionary who was the first to bring the gospel to the village and help establish the first church there. When we got there he figured he would just say the name of this former missionary and they would know who to connect us with. Sure enough the very first guy we met was one of the church leaders in the village and was so happy when Joel told him he knew Harry. The best part was when Joel called Harry and let this man as well as a few other believers in the village talk to him. Their faces just lit up. It’s been 7 years since Harry was there and there are about 100 believers in the village now which is about 10% of the entire village. I think this was one of my most favorite experiences being in this village. On so many levels we could not understand each other, yet we love and worship the same God and that was enough to connect our hearts in such a deep way!
| One of the houses at the village |
| The church buildings at the village |
The next day after going to this village we headed the opposite direction to Chiang Rai to visit House of Grace, an orphanage for girls who were at risk for human trafficking. Jacob’s family sponsors two girls from this orphanage. The atmosphere at this orphanage was so amazing. The lady who runs the orphanage had such a beautiful spirit-so full of life and love. She showed us around the whole orphanage and we got to meet many of the girls. They were so giggly and sweet-super shy! My heart was so moved that day seeing these young girls who got rescued out of a life of destruction and given the opportunity to know Jesus and live out the calling he has for them. Most of these girls have families but their families were going to sell them into prostitution. My favorite part was at the end when the young girls came home from school. They mobbed us!!!! We only had a few minutes with them but I got to hug them like crazy!!! At that moment I wanted to stay forever!! Joel said he would be fine with us going there once a
week to hang out with the girls and love on them!!!
| Two precious girls from House of Grace—are they not sooooo adorable?!?!?! |
We did get to visit the Chiang Mai House of Prayer (CHOP) and the Southeast Asia House of Prayer in Bangkok (SEAHOP). CHOP is very small and run by Norbert, a missionary that came from South Africa and his wife who is from New Jersey! Norbert has been a missionary for 20 years and now the Lord has called him to be an intercessory missionary. He said it’s been hard because so many people tell him he’s wasting his time staying in and praying, but he knows this is what the Lord has called him to do. As an intercessory missionary myself it was so great to be able to come in and just speak life into what the Lord has called him into and encourage him in it.
| Norbert, The director of CHOP, in the prayer room |
| Southeast Asia House of Prayer in Bangkok |
I have one small story of how the Lord opened a door for ministry for us as I was praying for! On our way back from the village we stayed at a motel type place that had little individual cottages and there was just one lady there running it. She was a fiery woman and had given Joel a hard time when he first went to check it out so we weren’t too thrilled about this woman at first. We sat outside that night just singing and worshiping Jesus. The lady came and sat down with us. At one point she got up and we discussed praying for her. She came back a little later, and proceeded to ask if we were worshipping God-perfect open door. Luckily we had two Thai missionaries with us that spoke the language and they were able to share the gospel with her in Thai. We prayed for her afterwards and asked Jesus to reveal himself to her. When I went to my room I remembered that one of my friends from KC had sent a Thai Bible with me to give to someone who didn’t have one and I had thought to bring it with me for this trip. So, the next morning I took the Bible out to her. Unable to speak her language, I handed her the Bible and did my best to explain it was about Jesus. She was shocked that I was giving her this gift and her face lit up!! Janie, one of the missionaries with us, came out and explained a little bit more about the Bible. As we pulled away I saw her opening it up and reading it!!! Praise the Lord—I’m praying salvation comes to her quickly if not already!!!
That pretty much sums up the highlights of my trip to Thailand. It was a great time and I think I may have left a part of my heart there!
| A picture of our team with Summer Houser. From the back left: Parrish, Joel, Jacob, me, and Summer |
India
On Sept. 28 I left with mixed emotions-sad to leave the team I had just been with, but excited to be with Bekah for a month. I was so blessed that Summer ended up getting on the same flight as me to fly back to India and we were able to get our seats next to each other so I had a friend for the whole flight!!
I’m still in India as I write and to be honest the thought of leaving pains my heart quite a bit! My time so far has had its challenges but overall I have been growing, falling more in love with Jesus, having so much fun with my best friend, and loving being with the children.
My eyes are much more open this time to the reality of how dark, poor, and dirty Calcutta is. I think the last time I was here I was seeing everything through rose colored glasses. I’m so thankful that I’m seeing things in a much more realistic way. For the first week or so it was hard, but it made me press into the Lord more. I have been so desperate to be with Jesus and really feed upon his words. I had a morning or two where I did not get up and read the word and really I felt like I did not have my “daily bread” for the day. I read the words of Jesus and I cry. I’m realizing more and more in the midst of the idol worship, poverty, and orphans Jesus is the only way and he truly is what will satisfy every soul. He is the one our souls long for and we were created for. My heart just breaks when I see him being rejected over and over again—I long for the beauty of Jesus to be known. These past few weeks have really enlarged my heart to love the Lord more and more.
I have been having such a great time with the kids here. A week after getting to Calcutta Bekah started a three day a week program for the street kids that goes from 10 am to 2 pm. At 9 am the staff gathers to pray and then the kids come at 10 am. From 10-11:30 am we just hang out with the kids and shower them all. From 11:30 am-noon we do English, math, or general knowledge. From 12-12:30 pm we have lunch and then after lunch we dismiss the smaller kids and the older kids stay for the leadership track. From 12:45-2 we do worship, a lesson, and then ministry time. That first hour and a half with the kids is a favorite of mine. They run in and jump on us and the little ones reach up and jump up and down until we pick them up and flip them around a few times. Once they all get in we’ll usually put on a movie and then all the kids pile up on our lap and I love just getting to love on them and pray for them during that time.
I love the school time as well because the kids are so desperate to learn anything and when they do they feel so good about themselves and it’s so fun to build their self esteem!!! There is one boy that started coming about the time I got here, his name is Shiv, and for whatever reason I just really love him. Bekah knew I really loved this boy and said I could have him for the small group time when we do education. I thought he was going to be way behind but to my surprise he is very smart. I think that I may have been one of the first people he’s gotten to show his intelligence to. He was so excited to show me all that he knew and I flipped out every time!! The smile and excitement in his eyes blessed me. I know that day the Lord totally softened a part of his heart that will give entry for the Lord to move. I’m just waiting for the day that the Lord totally breaks in and he gives his heart fully to Jesus!!!
The leadership time with the kids has been going well. We led them all through the prayer to receive Jesus and all the kids did it. We are all aware that this does not mean they are good to go, but they’ve said yes to Jesus and now we have freedom to lead them in following Jesus. I just pray that the Lord keeps their hearts and that what we teach takes root in them. Below are pictures of kids from the center.
| Three more girls at the center-for some reason a lot of Indians do not smile when you take their pictures. From left-to right: Tanjila, Salma, and Norissa. |
| Some street girls from the center that Bekah and I took out one day-all cleaned up with new dresses! From left-right: Mina, me, Laki, and Kajol |
| Jyunger, one of the boys from the center |
Saturday nights we do church for the drug addict street boys who are all teenagers and older. These church services are tough…they go great, but the hearts of these boys are so hard and every Saturday night when they leave the church they go right back on the streets with all the drugs and alcohol. My heart just breaks as we pray over these guys. There is one boy that I felt like at first he was being very flirtatious, but last week it seemed like that broke. I had been really disgusted with him, but when he walked into church last week the Lord gave me a heart of compassion for him and during prayer I shared with him what I heard the Lord saying about him. I know he didn’t fully understand, but I feel like the Lord did a little something. After prayer we always eat with the boys and that night he tried to share with me a little about his life. I really didn’t understand what he was saying, but I knew he was talking about his mother and father and something about the hospital and I know that his father died just a few months ago. It would have been way better if I understood him, but I knew I was loving him the best I could by being a listening ear.
I really don’t have many pictures of these boys, but below is a picture of Dilsat, Bekah, and Mintu from one of the nights when we were just walking the streets. Dilsat and Mithoon go to the Saturday night church.
Besides ministry to the kids I get to just be a friend! Not only am I with Bekah, but one of my friends from IHOP, Grant, decided to come to Calcutta for a year to help Bekah out and so I’m getting to hang out with Grant as well. Some days I’m not sure if it’s more of a blessing for me than it is for them to be with these two-they are two of my favorites! It’s fun to just talk with them, hear their hearts, and process things through with them.
Bekah is also seriously dating a wonderful Indian from her church and it’s been so great to get to know him and even talk through engagement things with him. As my time here comes to an end reality is setting in for both of us that this will probably be the last time we together with her being single! It’s so bittersweet-there’s nothing better than seeing your friends find amazing partners, but it also means a chapter in your friendship is closing.
| Bekah and her boyfriend, Amod, at his house when I went to meet his family. |
Overall it’s been a trying but amazing trip. I know I have to come back to America, but my heart is sad to think about leaving. I wish I could just stay and love on them forever, but the Lord has reminded me that I don’t have to be here in India to love them. I get to go back and pray for them day after day and that is loving them! I also know that I will be back-it’s kind of like having family all over the world!
I pray this letter finds you well and encourages those of you who have been praying for me! Thank you sooooo much for your prayers, emails, and facebook comments over the weeks. It always brings a smile to my face when I hear from one of you!
Many Blessings,
Stephanie
After 2 days of moving I got shut up in my new room with a viral infection unlike I’ve ever had before. I can’t remember the last time I was stuck in bed for 2 days unable to do much of anything…
The first day was pretty miserable, just trying to remind myself that this will come to an end and does not mark the rest of my life, though the pain in my throat seemed as though it would take years to go away. Yet, after a full night of sleep I woke up feeling a little cheerier, still a painful throat, but hopeful that it would get better. After talking with my mom about things I decided not to be depressed, but to take Phil. 4 and rejoice at all times in the Lord. So throughout my day of listening to worship music, reading my Bible, chatting w/ my new roommates on and off, and going through old pictures these are the blessings I’ve counted:
- My God defends those who seek after righteousness!!
- He is faithful at all times!!
- I serve a God who is merciful and full of steadfast love
- A day is coming when Israel will turn back to the Lord their God!!
- No matter how unfaithful we may be, the Lord loves us unconditionally.
- God is a God of justice, righteousness, and truth!
- For all the times I’ve moved in life I have lived with some of the most amazing, caring, and loving people ever!! I just left one incredible living situation to go only to another incredible living situation.
- The one time I get super sick and don’t have insurance or a doc. I get placed in a house w/ a nurse! How good is the Lord?!
- I can’t think of a time that the Lord has not provided for me when I’ve been in need!
- My entire family loves me…we have our times…but I have no question in my heart about whether or not one of them loves me–aunts, uncles, grandparents, nephews, bros., sis, parents…
- I have family in KC!
- I have had some amazingly long lasting friendships that continue to be my friends to this day!
- The Lord is so faithful to fulfill the longings and dreams of our hearts.
- I’m living in a whole community of people who really love Jesus-that’s crazy!
- Jesus will pursue us at all costs in order for us to walk in the freedom of his love!!
- My life will never end–I live for eternity. Jesus is returning and forever I will be with Him!!!!!!
Yes, I have much to be grateful for!!!!
This past December I got to live out a dream of my heart-to travel overseas and work with orphans and street kids. I’m excited for many of you to read this because it will be a testimony of what your support did and a story of the fruit of your prayers.
I started my trip to India on Sunday, December 7. Tuesday, December 9 I landed in Calcutta!! I remember I could barely sit any longer as we flew into Calcutta and I could begin to see land. “Was this actually happening? Am I really on the other side of the world right now?” I was thinking to myself. It didn’t take me too long to realize I was not in America as I walked off the plane, entered the airport, and was surrounded by dark skinned people speaking an unknown language to me. 
I could barely contain myself when I saw Bekah and met her friend, Amod, who came with her to pick me up. I got my bags and stepped outside. My first thought as I looked around was, “This is beautiful!!!” Yes, that is what I truly thought. Maybe it was because I went from winter to summer in just 2 days. Or maybe it was because I was seeing sunlight-something a nightwatcher greatly treasures. Or maybe it was the lusious plant life and palm trees that were a brilliant green declaring the marvelous works of our creator. Or maybe it was because I was with my best friend and everything seems beautiful when you’re with someone you love. Or maybe it was just that from that moment on the Lord allowed me to see the city of Calcutta through his eyes. Whatever it was, it struck me as beautiful!
This is when I arrived at the airport and we were heading to the taxi. Bekah got me flowers as a welcome gift!
My first day or so was just taking in the city. I discovered one of my favorite things was riding in a taxi. People say New Jersey and New York drivers are crazy…they are nothing compared to Indian drivers. Imagine New York City packed streets but no traffic laws, except to honk; cars going in either direction, whichever was most convenient; and random road blocks in the middle of streets that you just hope the driver sees in time before running into it. It was wild, but I LOVED it!
My first day there Bekah took me to a nice mall and let me slowly adjust. We met up with her friend, Amod, again and just walked around as they shared with me all about Calcutta. That night we sat out on the sidewalk and I had my first taste of street food! It was probably my most favorite food I had while in India. Wow, it was delicious!!
- Here is a picture of Bekah and I eating the street food-Paapri Chaat
The next few days were filled with shopping for our Christmas programs we were going to do for several different street kids. Bekah took me to New Market which is much like an indoor farmer’s market. Usually shopping is not my thing, but I had a blast! By the end of our trips, though, we had so much stuff we could almost not carry it! Her apartment was packed full with gifts for kids, but it was great!
- This is just from ONE day of shopping! We were exhausted!!
When I was first making plans to come to India I remember the one request I had of Bekah was that she take me to Sudder Street. This is one of the main tourist places. It’s a rather dark area, but it’s also where many of the street boys live that Bekah met 5 years ago the first time she went there. These are the boys I’ve heard of by name who I had been praying for. So, during one of our shopping trips Bekah took me to Sudder Street. I got to meet Dilsat and his family, Chotu, and Kartique.
- This is Dilsat and Chotu!
Dilsat’s family lives there on the street, but have a home in the village–by the jungle. (Next time I come to visit Dilsat said he would take me to his village!!! woohoo!!) Chotu is a true orphan. His parents kicked him out so he lives on the streets.
Sudder Street Christmas Party
That first Friday night we actually treated all the Sudder Street boys (10 in all) to a Christmas Dinner at the Biryani Restaurant. (Biryani is a type of rice. It’s quite tasty and then you add meat to it.) That night I got to meet a very special boy from Sudder Street-Manooj. Bekah met Manooj 5 years ago and the Lord really blessed that relationship. When she first started talking with Manooj he was really hungry for Jesus, but after losing his alcoholic mother, things started going down hill for him. This once joyful child became very cold and shut down. It’s been a painful thing for Bekah over the years and she really wasn’t sure if he was going to show up for the Christmas party. The night before we took the boys out Bekah and I spent some time praying for the boys and specifically that Manooj would come.
We were about half way into the party when one of the boys called for Bekah to come outside the restaurant. When she did, there was Manooj. He wouldn’t come in at first, though, due to shame because he had lied to Bekah about some things. She finally convinced him to come in. When they came around the corner, my heart was filled with so much joy to see him there, knowing the Lord heard our prayers. Excitement actually overtook my heart and I jumped up and shouted, “Manooj!!!” and started cheering. All the other boys began cheering for him, too, and you could just see in his eyes his heart begin to soften. Bekah then told him how she loved him and was not mad at him for lying because she forgave him like Jesus does. It was such a precious moment. Though I couldn’t understand fully what Bekah was saying since it was in Bengali, It was clear by the tears welling up in Manooj’s eyes . When she was done he gave her the biggest hug and a huge smile covered his face! It was BEAUTIFUL!!!! What a special night it was!!!
- Here is Bekah and Manooj!
- Here are all the Sudder Street boys with Bekah (except for that guy in the front-no one knows who he is haha-that’s India for you!!)
- Some of the Sudder Street boys and myself
- Manooj and me!
I love this pic. because it's so Indian--I do not know these people. They work at the restaurant. When I pulled out the camera they asked me to take their picture. So funny!!!
- Bekah and I celebrating the night after the party with Appey-Sparkling Apple Juice!
Chawringhee Christmas Party
The next day, Saturday, was our big Christmas party for about 35 kids and their families who live in a park. Originally this Christmas party was only to be for 1 family, but shortly after planning the party, all these other families moved into the park and the word was out that there was going to be a Christmas party. At first Bekah tried to pull out, but the Lord told her he was going to respond to her prayers through this. He did respond!!! Not only did he provide for us financially to be able to buy all the kids and parents Christmas gifts and dinner, but he also provided people from her church to come and help us.
Since Bekah is not fluent enough to teach the gospel in their language, two of the guys from her churc came and shared the message in the Hindi language. They began with the story of creation, then Jesus coming to earth as a baby, and then explained that he gave up his life for us. They also led the kids in worship songs! It was so beautiful to see these kids worshiping Jesus! They were exceptionally good, too, which shocked me considering they never have gone to school to learn the proper behavior at assemblies. In fact, they’ve never gone to any kind of program at all.
The whole day was so sweet. The presence and joy of the Lord filled the park as we worshiped Jesus and loved on the kids. I just loved watching the kids respond to the story as Subash and Amod shared with them.
This particular day really broke the fear I had in being able to love the poor. I was so afraid I would push people away because they were dirty, some didn’t have clothes, and most of them had lice. That fear left the minute we entered that park and all the kids began running towards us. You couldn’t help but just want to love on them. One of my favorite moments of that day was when we first arrived. All the kids ran up to meet us at the entrance of the park and were so excited to start the Christmas party. I had 2 kids in my arms and a crowd of kids leading Bekah and I to where we would set up for the party. As we were heading into the park, I looked over and saw a boy sitting by himself. It was so clear he felt left out. I stopped and turned to him and, with my head, motioned him to come as I said, “Come, come to the Christmas party!” In a second joy filled his eyes as he sprung to his feet and ran into the park. At that moment I saw how desperately these kids just needed love and attention. I suddenly began to see these children not as poor street kids, but normal children that the Lord wanted to show himself to. From that moment on my heart was free.
At the end, before leaving, I asked one of the little girls, Binky, if I could pray for her. This prayer for one girl, led to me praying over about 10 kids and some of the parents. They would come up to me, one after another, asking me to pray for them! This felt like a kiss from the Lord. Since I couldn’t speak their language and communicate clearly to them, He opened up the door for me to show them love in a way that is more powerful than any words I could ever say to them!!
I remember also on that day, as I sat with the kids, something was re-awakened in my heart for children…something I felt as though I had lost over the past few years, which pained my heart. It was as if that day the Lord brought it all back with a whole new reality and depth.
Below are some pictures from the party:
- Bekah and I organizing the gifts for the kids and parents the night before. We got the kids clothing, drawing pads, colored pencils, crayons, and a toy. For the parents we bought them clothing. Actually, I can confidently say, many of you bought them these things! Thank you again for your support! The kids and families thank you as well!!
- Getting the kids ready to hear the Gospel and worship Jesus!
- Praying to Jesus!!!
- Singing to Jesus!!
- Helping to lead the kids in worship and pretending to know the language
- Handing out the Christmas gifts
- This little baby was sick so Amod, one of the boys from Bekah’s church, asked me to come pray for her
- Bekah and I with some of the women and kids
- Serving the drinks
- This is Binky and me. She understood English a little better so we were able to connect more personally!
Dinner time!! Biryani and soda!! Yum!!
One of the families' pet puppies--I took the chances and actually pet this one-he was soooo cute!! It looks like he got to enjoy some of the Christmas Celebration as well.
After the party Bekah, Amod, Subash, and I went to Victoria Memorial to relax! Victoria Memorial is where the Queen of England used to stay when she'd come to India.
Subash, Bekah, me, and Amod-unfortunately it's not the best pic. since I was talking when they took it! haha
Howrah Kids
Though I loved all the groups of kids we got to minister to, I believe the Howrah kids are the ones who really stole my heart. The Howrah kids are the ones that YWAM serves. These kids all live at the Howrah Train Station and YWAM has a center where these kids come to get a shower, get new clothing, eat, play, and hear about Jesus. Some of the children (mainly all boys) have families but have run away due to abuse or were kicked out, and some of the kids lost their families from death. They pretty much survive off of drugs to supress hunger and clear their minds from the pain they feel. The kids range from as young as 4 or 5-20 years old.
I went to the center for a few hours during the first week there and got to hang out with the kids. It was frustrating not knowing their language, but I tried to listen as they spoke to me in their language and did whatever I could to help understand. Either way, it didn’t seem to bother them, the just loved having someone to hang out with. Game time was my favorite. I loved just giving them attention and cheering for them when they did something well. Sometimes I’d just step back a little and take it in. I tried to imagine what their life must be like.
I saw one boy walking around with a limp because his foot got trapped and smushed somewhere in the train tracks. Not only did he need someone to tend to his physical pain, but who was there that day to comfort him and soothe his heart in the midst of the pain? Doesn’t every child just need someone to hold them and confort them at these moments?
Then there were the kids with wonderful artistic talent and athletic ability, but who was there to notice? Who did they have to be so proud of their achievements and build their confidence?
There were the boys who were fast asleep on the concrete floor as all the other kids ran around them yelling-as if they weren’t there trying to sleep. How sad that an 8 year old would just zonk out so quickly and easily in the middle of the day. Why? Because they were kept up all night from the sounds of the trains and all the people coming in and stepping on them. They have no place to call their own and the people treat them as though they’re not even there.
At those moments, it took all that I had to not cry. I would often just use that moment and ask Jesus to reveal his great love for them and then I’d go find one of them again and love on them.
When we left, I knew the next time I’d see them was the next week when we’d load a bus to go to a retreat center with them for three days. At the time I didn’t think too much about it, but come that weekend I could hardly WAIT for those three days. I was missing them!
Here are some pictures from that first day at the center. They LOVE the camera and posing for pictures!
The boys coloring pictures.
I'll start off with this picturing noting that I did not get to know most of these kids' names. I did my best, though. So this boy just grabbed me and wanted a picture haha
The little boy in the blue, Vinod, was one of my favorites-not sure why I just loved him!
Bekah serving one of the boys breakfast!
Enjoying breakfast!!
Playing badmitten...or something of the sorts.
Showing off their duplo constructions
I caught this boy making faces to himself in the mirror-it was so cute. What was even better was when I showed him this picture. He was so amazed to see two of him in the picture!
This was the first picture I took of these boys playing Uno...
I was asked by the boy in the grey shirt to re-take the picture and then he posed for me!
In light of these last two pictures, I do have this to say…these boys were very poor losers in Uno. I don’t think they expected the sweet American girl to kick their butts in Uno and when I started to they began cheating. It was the time I was most frustrated about not knowing their language.
At the end of the day, as we were walking back to the bus to get home, we ran into some of the boys who had not gotten back to the train station yet. They began walking with us and on the way we came across a park. Usually, since they are train station boys, they wouldn’t be allowed to play at the park, but no one opposed since they were with 2 American girls. We all had so much fun together! 
The next week was the three day Christmas retreat. 48 boys and 2 girls showed up-way more than we expected! We got the kids cleaned up, fed them breakfast, and then loaded the bus for an hour ride to a retreat center on the outskirts of the city. We definitely had more kids than we did seats on the bus, so we crammed 3-4 in a seat. It was hot, but I loved it! The one little boy just curled up, laid his head on my shoulder and fell asleep…and eventually sprawled himself across my lap. He was so cute, I just wanted to take him home with me!
The three days at this camp were…well…kind of crazy. Let’s remember these kids live off drugs and for three days they did not have drugs. They are used to no structure, just living life like they want, now they had structure to their day and adults telling them what they could or couldn’t do. It was a bit of a shock to them.
Each day began around 6:30 am and consisted of some Bible story time with worship, 3 meals a day, 3 snack times a day, game time, some kind of activity or movie, and then bed around 10:30 pm. Unfortunately the Bible story and worship time was not doing a whole lot for their hearts. Though we were having so much fun with the kids, it was becoming quite evident to Bekah and myself that we really needed to do something more than just have fun with these kids. After the first day they were beginning to go a little crazy. They were all over the place and withdrawing big time from the drugs-getting very sick.
I was beginning to learn during this time that while providing the poor with their physical needs is important, their greatest need is a heart alive in Jesus. Only Jesus could give these kids what they really hungered and longed for. They had food, a place to lay their head, and even people in their life, but still they were not satisfied. Their hearts and minds were still in bondage.
By the last day it felt like things were getting out of hand. The kids were pretty much out of control and very sick. Most of them were ready to go back to their life at the train station with their drugs. To be honest, I could understand. They weren’t getting anything to take care of the ache in their hearts that the drugs seemingly took away. We only had a few hours left and Bekah was pleading desperately with her fellow leaders to be able to pray over these kids. Finally, we got a ten minute opportunity to pray for the kids…the most worthwhile 10 minutes of my life!
As they were sitting in the main room watching a movie, we stopped it, and told the kids we were going to pray over them-something they’ve not experienced before. We (all those in leadership) all put anointing oil on our hands and then turned on some peaceful worship music. Let me say again-this was the last few hours of day 3 away from drugs and their normal life of complete freedom. These kids had been out of control-no exaggeration. Suddenly, though, the room became silent and they were all still. The peace of God came and rested on the kids as we began to lay our hands on them and pray. Many held out their hands to receive praye. As we prayed for them, several began to cry. All of the staff was crying-the love of Jesus was penetrating the room in a way I’ve never experienced before. I remember just weeping when I came to this one boy. It was so clear that the Lord has a calling on his life. Every time I think about this moment, and even now as I type, I just cry. I felt the pain and lonliness he felt, but this knowing there’s so much for him. It was so clear to me that the Lord wanted to mark this one and raise him up to bring glory to the name of Jesus. It’s this boy that makes me want to go back and keeps me praying for them. Though the world says they have nothing and are worth nothing, the Lord says they are his cherished creation and souls he longs to use and reveal himself to. They are to be his messengers of truth!
The story is not over…as I’m weeping over this particular boy, Bekah finds this young guy, Elan, who is probably around 20 years old. Side note: All of these kids at the camp are basically part of a gang led by another boy, Anthony, and his assistant gang leader is Elan. Anthony didn’t come, but Elan did, in order to keep close eye on the kids. The whole time we were trying to connect with him, and especially Bekah. His heart was very hard and he was so closed. He did share with Bekah and I that his father was an alcoholic and very bad man. He died from alcohol abuse and after that some men came and killed his whole family, but Elan (who was 6 at the time) was able to escape. After hearing that, it’s no surprise he was so shut down.
End side note. Bekah goes to find Elan during this prayer time and he’s sitting in the back just staring out the window. Bekah goes and lays her hand on his head and he just bursts into tears. She says, “Elan, what’s going on?” His response was, “Auntie, I don’t know, but when you lay your hand on my head, something comes into my heart and my mind and makes me clean. I don’t know what it was. Then I close my eyes and your Jesus, he speak to me.” Bekah said she was in absolute shock and said, “Well, what did Jesus say?” Elan said, “Your Jesus, he said, ‘Elan, I love you, you are a very good boy, and I have much good for you.’” He starts crying again and said, “Jesus says he loves me, nobody loves me, nobody thinks I am good!” It was so amazing and so clearly Jesus!!
They ended the prayer time after 10 min. but how incredible what the Lord did in just 10 min. When we stopped, I opened my eyes and there was so much light in the room and the love of Jesus was so strong and pure . The boy that I had wept over, got up and came to me with the biggest smile on his face and I gave him the biggest hug ever! All the kids were filled with joy!! Some of them went up to one of the leaders and said, “Uncle, what was that on your hands, we want some of that. When you touch our heads our minds and our hearts felt clean and they are well!” This meaning, the pain they always feel left them when we prayed. They thought it was the anointing oil, but he explained it was Jesus!!!! What a testimony to the power of prayer. I remember thinking, “I’m so glad that I live a life of prayer and I know Jesus.” It was so easy to connect to his heart and I knew it was because of the hours I spend with him night after night in that prayer room.
We went and ate lunch and then loaded up the bus to head home. Even as we got on the bus kids were asking us to pray for them again like we did in the room. Elan, the cold hearted gang leader, was so alive!! We got stuck in a lot of traffik on the bus so Bekah got up and started dancing to the music they were playing and Elan got up and started dancing with her. He was so happy-it was the most beautiful thing!! All of the kids were so joyous and we all knew it was Jesus!!
These were the two boys that stayed with Bekah. One of my favorites-Vinod and Bekah's favorite-Ravi
This is Uma, the little girl that stayed in my room
Here are the kids during a worship and Bible story time
This was the surrounding scenery-so beautiful!
This is my special buddy, Munna...oh how I miss him!!!
Believe it or not, the Indians like chicken feet-Bekah and I pulled ours out of our meal and took a picture.
Crazy boys
Most memorable moment: Munna cracking my toes, just like my brother, Nate, used to do to me!
These are some of the older boys that were there. Elan is the furthest one on the right-before Jesus spoke to him.
This boy would always want to shake Bekah's and my hand and then he would squeeze it really hard. We decided to get a picture of it. He's happy to be remembered that way-typical boy...haha
This is Elan at the very end of the camp!!
LOOKING INTO THE HEART
As I sit here and type this all out my heart is so stirred. Something happened in my life over those 2 weeks that I could have never made happen just being here living life in America.
There’s the typical things that happen such as you gain a greater appreciate for what you have and become more aware of the reality of this world. That definitely happened and was good for me.
What I noticed happen in my heart, though, was an increase of love for the poor, broken, and lost of the earth. I remember experiencing this a little as I would go down town to feed the poor in Kansas City, but the Lord increased that burden way more in India. I’ve always been one to love working with people and especially children and that love has definitely been rekindled.
I also fell in love with Jesus more. Being in a city and country where idols of other gods are all over the place, it made me think about my God, Jesus Christ, who I’ve given my life to. Jesus is the only God who laid down his life for us before asking us to give our lives and worship to Him. Jesus is the only god who is defined as being love. Jesus is the only god who defines himself as merciful and compassionate. Truly He is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love!
One last thing that really stuck out to me that I learned can be found in 1 Corinthians 13. If I have not love, I am nothing. Bekah and I spent our last 2 days in Mumbai visiting a friend there and seeing the House of Prayer. (Unfortunately, the plans we made with the house of prayer got canceled, though we did get to go and pray for a few hours there.) On my last night there, I was in our hotel journaling and crying, telling the Lord how I loved that each day my requirement was simply to love well. I realized it should be no different in America, but I get so caught up in what I’m doing that I forget this. I’m more of a Martha than I thought and tend to neglect the “one thing necessary” even in the prayer room. I spend each day more concerned with did I do my Bible Study correctly, am I scheduling my time well, and did I read enough chapters in my Bible and not concerned about encountering the man, Jesus, and loving Him and others well. I had a good (and scary) realignment of the heart and was reminded of the 2 commandments Jesus gave us that sums up everything else: Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. It has made me re-think my days as I’ve been back at IHOP. When I’m doing my service hours and praying in the prayer room I find myself asking, “Am I loving well?” Thank you, Jesus for your mercy!
There are so many days I just long to be back in India. I miss the simple life and all the people all over the place! I miss the kids like crazy!! I miss my best bud! I miss the tasty food…I just miss it! So, I’m asking the Lord to send me back! I ask you all, as you think about it to pray and ask the Lord to give me clarity as to what he would have me do with this desire in my heart!!
I hope you enjoyed the stories and were encouraged by what your support and prayers did!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Below are just some fun pictures from the trip:
One of the many cows that roam the streets
Bekah's Christmas tree--a true Charlie Brown Christmas tree
Around Howrah
A dream come true...I got to see a monkey. I saw a few, but this is the first one I got to pet and it was free!!! Again I'm reminded, the Lord knows the desires of our hearts!
Drinking Thumbs Up-India's coke. The one shop keeper actually bought it for us because we bought clothing from them.
While Bekah and I were shopping, I was sitting down waiting as Bekah was trying to bargain with a shop keeper. All of a sudden, from under that platform this little puppy comes crawling out!! Is it not the cutest thing ever?!
More to come…my computer is slowing down…
Happy Holiday, Friends! It’s that most wonderful time of year again and time for another friendly update!! I will start with the big highlight of my life right now…going to India!!
Calcutta, India
December 7 I board the plane for Calcutta, India-my first trip overseas! So far I’ve only been blown away by the Lord’s incredible provision for this trip as well as his kindness of calming every fear and giving me his heart for the nation of India. I know I will forever be changed by this trip. Please be praying: 1) For my flight over-I’m not really sure what I’m doing! J 2) That I don’t get sick! 3) Spiritual protection over my heart and mind! I am looking forward to coming back and sharing about my trip. Thank you to all who have poured into my trip financially and through prayer! It means so much!!
Daily Life
I feel as though so much has happened over the past few months. It’s definitely been a time of growth for me (spiritually-not physically-I know you were all getting excited for a minute there! J) Not being in school, I’m learning how to position myself before the Lord to be able to run hard without constant teaching or someone telling me what I need to study. It’s been hard, but so far, an incredible journey.
-In the beginning of October my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew (Nate, Amanda, and Judah) all moved out here to Kansas City. What a blast it is to have them here! I’m so excited for what the Lord has in store for them as they are here seeking his heart. It’s so great to see my nephew have the opportunity to be in place of night and day worship and prayer. I can’t imagine how it will impact his life growing up in this kind of atmosphere. This is a picture of Judah and me on my birthday! He was laughing at his daddy!
-I also recently got a phone call from my little brother, Tim, and his wife, Adriane, announcing they’re expecting! I don’t know if I’m more in shock that my little brother is going to be a dad or that I’m going to have a 3rd niece or nephew! J Either way, I am so excited and so blessed!
-A few weeks ago my house took in a precious orphan puppy that had been roaming the streets and yards here in our neighborhood. His name is Gunner. It’s been an adventure as we’ve been learning to raise and train him together, but he is such a joy and gift to our house!
-I continue my job as an intercessor in the night, administrative assistant, and babysitter. I can honestly say…I love what I do! From praying to serving people-I find joy in all that the Lord has given me to do!
Elections
I just want to share briefly my heart regarding the decision our nation just made as we voted in our new president, Barak Obama. The decision revealed the heart of our nation, that we value our economics and freedom of choice, over life. There is not a fear of the Lord in our land and we are not okay as a nation. To me, this is a wake up call to the church that it’s time to get on our faces and cry out for mercy and a change of hearts. We are in great danger of judgment, but perhaps if we rend our hearts, fast, and pray the Lord will relent and leave a blessing behind (Joel 2). As we pray, I also want to encourage us all to only speak words of blessing and life over Obama, and restrain from criticism and judgment. Let’s be a church that prays for our governmental leaders and walks in the love of Christ.
In Closing
Before I end, I have a major prayer request that I would like to invite you all to join me in. I shared in my last letter that my brother, Dan, and his wife, Anna, are expecting. At the 20 Week check-up they discovered complications with the baby. Through it, the baby’s kidneys got damaged and his lungs have not been able to develop. At this point, the doctors are not giving hope for him living much beyond birth. His name is Samuel Christian. I am just asking you to join us in prayer for the next 2 months, first of all, that the Lord would heal Samuel and secondly, that he would give Dan and Anna wisdom, strength, comfort, and faith as they walk through this. I know our God is faithful and his is able to heal! I am desperately contending for life over my nephew, Samuel, and ask you to join me!
I pray you are all doing well and as always, please feel free to share with me how you are doing and ways I can be praying for you!!
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9
I’ve found this passage to become very real to me recently. In my last letter I shared of my plans to move back to Pennsylvania and join the Gateway House of Prayer once I graduated school in May. Recently, those plans have changed. Through a long journey in prayer, I’ve decided to stay here in Kansas City and join staff at the International House of Prayer. As I’ve began to understand what the Lord’s called me to and what he is doing in our generation I’ve decided I would be wise to stay here and really get established in the lifestyle of prayer and fasting. I was greatly supported in this decision by my parents and significant leaders in my life who work here at the house of prayer. While it was an extremely hard decision, wisdom seemed to be saying stay. So here I am!
Now What…
The transition to stay has been much easier than I ever expected. My first concern was housing and in no time the Lord brought along a few night watch girls looking for roommates and provided a house for one of the girls to buy, so we just moved in, in the beginning of July. The next concern was finances. I stayed here to join staff, but wasn’t sure how it would work out financially. The Lord, to my surprise, opened up a work scholarship position for me. Shortly after I graduated, Stephen Venable (Dean of Academics at FSM) approached me to tell me he was working on getting me a position that would be part time babysitting their son, Noah, as I did during the school year, and part time working in the administration office at FSM. This particular position would give me a work scholarship. Two weeks later it was confirmed that I got the position. Do we not have a good Father who knows our needs? My service hours, therefore, (25-30 hrs/wk.) are covered by babysitting and doing administrative work while my Prayer Room hours (24 hrs/wk.) are covered from midnight-6 am. I’m also continuing to sing on a team three sets a week. As well as singing on a team, I’ve begun taking voice lessons AND piano lessons again so to audition on piano and improve my singing skills as a prophetic singer.
IHOP Missions Base…
It’s been an exciting time here at IHOP. There’s definitely been an increase in the prophetic, especially with the singers and musicians. On June 30 we started a 40 day fast for God’s glory to come and revival to break out as well as to prepare for The Call DC 2008 in Washington, DC. You may ask, “What’s The Call?” On August 16, 2008 Lou Engle has called for 100,000 people to gather at the Mall in DC for a day of prayer and fasting for our nation. (Those of you in Pennsylvania, I strongly encourage you to go.) As we all know this election is going to change things in our Nation and truly our only hope is Jesus. It’s our role as the Church to get on our knees and cry out for mercy. For more information on the event you can go to our website www.ihop.org or go to www.thecall.com.
A Few Thoughts…
It’s been quite the semester for me as my plans have changed. So much of me would like to be home closer to my family, I love Gateway House of Prayer, and I do have a burden for the church of Pennsylvania. Yet, above all of that I discovered a greater desire in my heart, and that is to be at the feet of Jesus listening to his words and gazing upon his beauty. At graduation I shared about the most powerful thing that happened to me over the four years at FSM-I fell in love with the man Christ Jesus. For the first time ever I truly realized there’s nothing else I’d rather do but minister to Jesus and grow in intimacy with him. John the Baptist waited in the wilderness for years, cultivating intimacy with Jesus and then one day the word of the Lord came to him and he was sent out to prepare the way for Jesus. I believe he preached out of a heart alive in Jesus and that’s what I want. There will be a day that the Lord will send me out as a forerunner-whether it be to preach, lead worship, raise up a prayer room, or simply raise a family-I want to go with a heart alive preparing the way for Jesus’ 2nd coming. I cannot imagine anything greater than being a friend of the Bridegroom and making ready his path! I share this to encourage your hearts-it’s true He is coming again and he’s called us to prepare the way. He is raising up Johns, Peters, and Pauls all over again but this time it’s us!! Truly we are Jesus’ inheritance and He has a longing in His hearts for his Bride to partner with him in making ready his return!! I encourage you to pray Eph. 1:17-19 over your life and ask for 3 things: A spirit of wisdom and revelation, the hope of your calling in Him, and to know the power of the One who dwells inside of you!
In Closing…
Just a few praises and some prayer requests!
PRAISES
My family has had much to celebrate recently!!
-Wednesday, June 18, 2008 Nate and Amanda (my brother and sister-in-law) gave birth to Judah Zion-my first nephew! He is so precious!!!
-Saturday, June 21, 2008 I got another sister-in-law!! My brother, Tim married Adriane Horst (now Mummert, of course), his high school sweet-heart!!
-My oldest brother Dan, and his wife, Anna, announced
that they will be having a baby in January!!
PRAYER REQUESTS
-Grace as I enter this new season of ending school and joining staff.
-To grow in spirit during this 40 day fast.
-I’m planning my first overseas trip to Kolkata, India over Thanksgiving break! My best friend, Rebekah Sabatini, just moved there in the winter to work with a ministry where she helps take care of street kids. She is in charge of the Howrah Children’s Center where they daily feed the street kids and teach them about Jesus. I’ve been standing with her in the place of prayer for India for the past 2 years and especially now that she’s there. It’s been a dream of mine to do some overseas missions work and I can’t imagine anything better than doing it with my best friend at a place where I’ve already sown into through prayer. My main costs are that I need to get my passport (shortly) and my plane ticket. Once I get to India my costs will be very minimal since I will stay with Rebekah and she has offered to cover most of my costs for being there. My goal is to raise $2000 to cover all costs and help sow into her ministry. I’m sure I will be sending out more of a specific letter/email about this trip, but please be praying in the mean time. If you’d like to check out her site and see pictures you can by logging onto www.bekahslifeinindia.blogspot.com.
Thank you all for your continued support, love, and care!! Please email me and share with me what is going on in your lives or any ways I can pray for you!!!
Blessings,
Stephanie Mummert
If the Lord has moved on your heart to sow into my ministry here are some ways you can do so:
-Pray! While this is my job, I’m still personally in need of prayer to keep running hard, and I’ve mentioned above some of the ways you can pray!
-Support financially through a one time gift or monthly. For a tax-deductible donation make your check payable to IHOP and do not put my name anywhere on the check. If you’d like the money to go towards my trip to India and you’re sending it to IHOP, just put a note that says “For India.” If you send it directly to me, just put in the memo that it’s for India!
My Address:
11222 Jackson Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64137
