"I'm going to tell them about me"

There have been over 220 kids walk through our gate since we opened. Of those kids we have about 60 or so consistent kids coming. They know us and we know them. We can see a huge difference in these kids from the first day. For me the Center is a living breathing movement. Everyday is different. The needs of our kids and my staff are ever changing. Since we do not control which kids come each day our combinations our endless and each group has its own personality. A few weeks ago there became a comfort and ease to the center that was new and wonderful. Just when we were settling into a rhythm at the Dream Center, everything changed. Isn’t that the way things go. Just when you take a deep breath saying “ok, we got this” it flips upside down. 

So what changed. Well over 20 completely new kids showed up in the past 2 weeks. And kept coming. The afternoon has totally changed and is half new. These new kids are all boys. Last Thursday we had 34 kids in the afternoon and only 5 of them were girls. I’m learning, God does not care whether we call it a “Boys Center” He is going to send us the kids he was always going to send us. So in some ways were are starting over with that group. Building relationships, trust and safety. In other ways we are not starting over we are expanding. 

In 6 months I have watched kids transform like I have never seen. Last week one of our kids had a dream were Jesus called him by name and took him to Heaven. His dream was amazing. I was reminded of 2 years ago when God told me “You can tell them about me, but I’m going to tell them about me.” That is my promise. That God is going to encounter these kids in ways that are real, personal and life changing. There is a principle that you can’t take anyone beyond where you have been. Yet in this instance I think that is out of the window. I so believe that God is going to take these kids so much further than me. My celling is there floor. My role is simply to keep letting Him do it. 

Thank you so much for your prayers, love and support. We are standing on the edge of revival. We are hearing our kids and there parents singing our worship songs in the slum. They are even writing their own worship songs. God is changing the mountain we are on. He is so faithful, so good and so real. From my front row seat it is absolutely amazing to watch. 

Days Spent Dreaming

I love that our center is called The Dream Center. Dreaming is so intertwined with what we are doing.  I dream a ton, our team dreams and not just at night. We spend days dreaming for our kids. Looking at them, praying over them and asking God what he says about them. He says incredible things. I play with giants every week and each day they become more and more free.

When people ask my role I tend to think social worker or program development. Those are the technical terms I have in my head. Years of training that tell me in clear, jargon filled lines that I do something straight forward. Ha. This center looks nothing like a program or outreach. Each week I am humbled to see just how God is building it into a family. Yes, that was the goal, but I never knew how that would really look. Well now I'm getting to see these dreams come true. He is creating this family that hangs out on mats having snack, making jokes, laughing and dancing. I am overwhelmed at how many moments in the middle of nothing technical our staff sit or play along side our kids and there is so much peace, safety and joy. Kids free to be kids. Our team taking delight in these children.

One of my dreams for the center was that we as a team would be incredible models of serventhood to our kids. I wanted to see our staff take delight in taking care of these kids who all to often take care of themselves and those younger. My Dad would call it "restoring childhoods!" Our staff are incredible, Khmer and foreign! They respond in love, patients and joy over and over again. In the beginning we planed even the smallest details of the center including what the kids will drink out of eg. water bottles, washable cups, plastic cups, etc. Our rule, we never expect our kids to do anything our staff do not model. So for weeks we all washed cups, so many cups! And then all of a sudden there was a precious boy at the sink washing cups. He finished and happily ran back to re-join a game. No one asked him to, no one was even around, he just followed suite.

We still wash a ton of cups but every now and then I turn around and there is a child at the sink happily taking part in family life that he is invited into. I am reminded that nothing we do goes unseen. We have the privilege of getting closer and closer to Jesus so that in what we model for are kids Jesus becomes more and more tangible. Jesus is crashing in, in much bigger ways then clean cups but somehow it is these small things that I see great victory. I see these kids become sons and daughters and the orphan spirit falling away and they carry themselves as ones who belong.

These changes have happened so quick. They are not the result of programs or counseling. Changes I can not take credit for or explain outside of the direct work of our God who is calling out to his children. I am remind that this is His dream come true. His idea, His location, His children and this is how He chose to come to them. And His ways are always better, no matter what. He is our program. He is our plan. He is our dream come to life.

Stepping In

This week marks one month since the Dream Center opened its gates. It has been truly amazing. Each day we open I see so much growth in our 60 kids, staff and myself. For me this season has been about truly stepping into all the Lord has for me. It has been about commitment and determination. Not that these things are easy or fast but they build something beautiful. For months and months I have worked, prayed and lived life to achieve this Center’s opening. And now it has come. But just as the Israelites encountered giants when the finally made it into the promise land, we too have encountered giants. I am learning more and more that the Giants that most greatly threaten the kingdom are not out there hiding in the distance but they are here in my heart effecting my every move. The condition of my heart and my ability to be vulnerable and honest with both God and myself is what effects both my intimacy with God and my ability to fulfill my call. 

The Center opening more than any other single event in my life has shown me how desperately I need God. I can see the type of leader I am called to be and I can see all the things that still have power to rattle me away from that person. I have been given an incredible gift in this Center. It is nothing I have earned but its is a gift. Yes, I know that God has been preparing me for it, I see this more and more everyday. But there is no preparation I have that is sufficient outside of intimacy with God. This last month has been full of joy and awe with a little bit of trepidation. I know the promises God has for this place, they are beautiful. We are going to continue to change and grow together. I have to step in, so I am. 

In the past two weeks I have found a new home. One that shouts permanency. It is a place of peace away from the center and the slum. I am acquiring furniture, getting dishes, and creating a real home here in Cambodia. In some ways it feels like I am re-living the move from college to real life, good-bye plastic plates! I am also saying goodbye to my somewhat faithful, perfect for learning, first motto here. It is time for something reliable, newer and lets face it, pretty! In 2 weeks I will be picking up my Georgia red bike from its owners in Phnom Penh. 

It has always amazed me how God as provided for me. I told God what I would really love is a bathtub in a house in a specific neighborhood. Two weeks later after a few let downs of some homes I really liked but were unreasonably priced, I walked through one final house. And there it was a bathtub in the master bath. In Cambodia, bathtubs are like unicorns! This home ended up being cheaper than all the others and later I found out it is the only house in that neighborhood with a bathtub! I will be the first person to live in this home. It has been waiting for me. How is He that good? How does he care about ending child abuse and Mary Grace getting a bathtub? The more I understand how much I truly matter to God, the more I can lead my staff and kids into know how much they matter to God. If as a nation Cambodia knew its worth we would be out of a job. 

Lessons Learned

In Sihanoukville we are sitting on and pressing into so many promises. Some for our personal lives and many for Iris Cambodia. Our Dream Centre is almost so close I can touch it. We already know some of these boys and we are already seeing changes in them through this season of building relationships and laying foundations. We are still seeing fruit as we prepare for what has been promised to us. Many other dreams lie ahead ministries, churches, outreaches and businesses. This season has been both comfortable at times and excruciating at times.

As I have sitting in this season of foundations, both personally and organizationally, a very familiar and loving voice comes to me often. Though God is speaking consistently and growing me in this time, the voice He speaks through is sometimes that of my earthly father, my Daddy.

When I was in elementary school my father, who was the president of a children's home, had run out of room. He had no room to grow. He had promises, he had vision and he had the call he had said yes to. But in the physical he was out of space. I remember driving with him, looking out the window and asking him what he would do if he had land like that or buildings like that. He would share with me his dreams and promises. I saw and felt the ache in his heart for more, to fulfill his call and to see his promises come to reality. 

Almost 20 years later, I can relate. Just like my Daddy there is a great need, a great promise and a “yes” in my heart to everything God wants to do. My Daddy always encouraged me to “pay my dues” not to rush to the top, but to spend the time to learn from the bottom up. I believe that years down the road I will look back to this season of “waiting” and see the incredible fruit that was birthed from it. I am learning, we are learning and God is creating a foundation that can withstand the huge dreams He has for this country and more importantly His Kingdom. 

So I guess you should know that my Daddy’s promises came, and they came like a flood. Through faith, love and prayer, his territory was expanded with four more location, numerous buildings, programs and government favor. I watched as his dreams and promises became reality and with an incredible foundation are able stand. 

My prayer for Sihanoukville is that we will be faithful to every promise we carry for this place. That this season of “waiting” will be that of incredible growth, maturity, dreaming and laying a foundation of love that can not be shaken. We have a God who does not know how to wast anything. Thank you for joining us in this season and for contenting for these promises.  It is a truly significant time and we have no option but to be unshakeable.  

We Are Easter People

So much has been moving and shifting here in Cambodia. Our team has gotten bigger both with foreign staff and our sweet Cambodian staff that are with us full time now. I am daily amazed by our team. A team that was began by one family of 6 being obedient to pioneer a base in Sihanoukville before the tangible began to appear. This family has given our base one of the biggest gifts. They were obedient when they could not always see and because of them every part of the ministry that comes out of our team comes out of the spirit family. As I am here for one of my favorite family holidays I remember my physical family in the States as well as my greater church family. They are beautiful and my foundation. Likewise I look at my family here in Cambodia. Like all families you don't necessarily choose them, they are chosen for you. This family is full of people from 3 different nations who said yes to God's dream. His dream for Cambodia.

Last night we had the privilege to do a drama for our church youth group. Our entire 13 member team was involved. The drama showed why Jesus died for us and what we got because of it. Throughout the drama the black mark of sin showed up. Sin- those things people do to hurt us and we do to hurt others or ourselves. It was powerful. As the kids, many their first time to hear the gospel, stayed engaged they were moved. Joel, our leader, then spoke to them about their immense worth. A powerful truth that Satan constantly attacks in this country as children and adults are bought and sold for next to nothing. He invited them to take some time, kneel at the cross, tell Jesus about what has hurt your heart, say sorry for what you have hurt and thank him for what he has done.

Suddenly, the entire room got up and walked to the large wooden cross and knelt before there savior. They took time to talk to Jesus and cried as they felt their savior's great love for them. They have a God and a friend, one who will never leave them, is always fighting for them and tells them that they are worthy of love, life and hope! You are worthy of love, life and hope. Not because of you, but because your Jesus bore everything that is painful in your life and return gave you what He deserved. Easter in not just about Heaven and your admittance, though we praise the Lord for that. It is about the life, love and hope you get to carry on this earth too.

So my Easter challenge is the same that these children have, walk it out. Know what you have been given is life. Its is alive and active and moving, you have access to it. If you do not know what you carry, what Jesus has given you, read his promises and ask him about it. We are Easter people and  we carry resurection power. It is not just an idea but reality.

Last month I was in Singapore for a conference with my team. We say hundred healed including some of our own. One of our Cambodian staff has had horrible motion sickness her whole life. It got significantly worse on this trip. She was never able to look out the window on her first plane ride because she was so sick. Every day on the bus to and from the conference she would get sick. The last night of the conference she encountered the Lord in worship, it was one of those life changing deeply personal encounters. Car ride home, bus, plane ride back, very bumpy car ride to our town, nothing completely healed. Not one ounce of sickness. Now every one she meets that gets motion sick she prays for. She tells them God healed me from that and He can heal you too. She knows what she carries and she gives it freely.

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 may be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

They shall build up the ancient ruins;

they shall raise up the former devastations;

they shall repair the ruined cities,

the devastations of many generations.

Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks;

foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers;

but you shall be called the priests of the Lord;

they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God;

you shall eat the wealth of the nations,

and in their glory you shall boast.

Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion 

instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot

therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion;

they shall have everlasting joy.

Isaiah 61:1-7

Preparing the way....Paint, Grass, Worship and Prayer

Well I officially hit the ground running here in Cambodia. With in the first 2 weeks I had moved into a new house, hosted visitors from college, visited Siem Reap (12 hour bus ride away), jumped back into work in my town as well as Phnom Penh with meetings, trainings and networking. Needless to say I also spent several days sick after such a sprint of a start. Now things have leveled out to a steady run and we are seeing great transformation both in the community and in our Dream Center. With lots of visitor coming through we have had amazing man power to paint, power wash and clear land. Our soccer field was laid with grass and our Dream Center is coming to life.

God is so faithful. As I watch the land physically transform, I know it is just a small taste of the transformation that God is going to do in the lives of our boys through the center. I am so humbled to be apart of this dream. We see God moving on a daily basis, we are reliant on it. If he does not continue to move and show up we are doomed to fail. He is faithful and all the glory is His. This is His Dream Center, His dream. I am so honored He is taking me along with him. So here are some photos of the transformation we are seeing. 

Our small building that will operate as more of storage and kitchen. There will soon be a large open air pavillon in the space in front of the building for large group events, lessons, games and worship.  

Our beautiful pots with banana trees starting to grow. They will form a barrier between the soccer field and the activated on the upper tier. 

The view from the fist tier to the soccer field on the second. 

Love our blue shutters!

There is also another lower tier behind the building where we home to have some chickens and a vegetable garden. We hope to both train boys in agriculture and send fruits, vegetables and eggs home with them. 

View from the soccer field. The tall building on the far right is my home. I live in the 1st and 2nd floors on the right side with my team mate/friend Hannah. 

Hannah and I at the Dream Center!

A smaller hut we will use to teach, worship, disciple and watch soccer. 

So much thought, love and hard work as been poured into this property in the past month. Just foreshadowing of how we will love the Son's of God who gather here. 

This is the lowest tier that is still mostly untouched. It is full of fruit trees. We are still dreaming about the role of this section of the Center. Clinic, maybe!?!?

Pray for our Dream Center. That it will be a place where the Spirit of God resides and breaths life. Pray that we will not get in the way of what God wants to do, but instead be in sync with His will at all times. Pray for the beautiful Cambodian people as Paul prayed for the Ephesians and I pray for you, "That Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great  you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God." (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Abide

Well I find myself back in Phnom Penh this week. After weeks of writing the policy for Iris Cambodia, this week I came to Phnom Penh to meet with community partners. We are learning from the incredible NGO's (non-goverment organization) that have been here for years researching, providing ministries, programs and services that are truly changing lives here in Cambodia. It is such an incredible blessing as we are getting started to have leaders in these organizations  (Hardplaces Community, Love 146, Sparrow's Nest to name a few) who are willing to walk beside us as we are pioneering new programs and territory. As we are preparing policy, programs and facilities our new Khmer (Cambodian) staff are also preparing. They are training here in Phnom Penh working directly with children at Hardplaces Community and able to get invaluable hands on experience. It is an amazing gift to both our staff and our organization.

This week our Khmer staff from Sihanoukville started training. It has been fun to be here with them at the beginning and see their excitement for the ministry. Last night we spent time eating together (in a large circle on the floor of course). There were 11 of us total international and Khmer laughing, joking, playing games and eventually praying. We ended the night thanking God for the opportunity of serving along side the Khmer people. We spent time laying hands on the four of them, blessing, encouraging and asking God to fill them with more of his joy, wisdom and love. I firmly believe that it is the Khmer people who God wants to use to change Cambodia. And these four are going to lead Iris Cambodia as we watch God encounter his children here in a land that is so hungry for its Savior.

A few days ago a friend of mine who is a missionary in Mozambique shared this quote. It was one of those moments where I felt like I ran into a brick wall because it was just so real to me.

"But when I reach the end of this life (one that has been staged to prepare me for eternity), will I hand Him my personal CV of all I accomplished for Him, or crawl in His lap because He is just that familiar to me? I want to know the scent of His skin."

- Sara Haggerty

As I pray 1 John 2:28 this week it is my prayer for both myself and the boys who will come to know the scent of His skin through our Day Center. I am utterly convinced that we could not give a better gift.  "And now, little children, abide (live, remain permanently) in Him, so that when He is made visible, we my have and enjoy perfect confidence (boldness, assurance) and not be ashamed and shrink from Him at His coming." 

Abiding today, tomorrow and praise God for eternity.

Where My Trust Is Without Boarders

     First, I want to share that I am officially apart of the long-term team here and returning to Cambodia in January (after I come home for the holidays). So basically I am here until God says otherwise. Deep breath, I am a full time missionary. Whew I said it and it felt pretty darn good! Lots more details on that end to come in the future. It feels amazing to be able to think, work and minister with the long-term goals in mind.

Here are some pictures from my time in Phnom Penh last week:

                                                                        Royal Palace

                    Flooding throughout the city... please pray for those whose homes are still flooded

     I spent this last week in Phnom Penh. I was able to have quality time with our team members there, meet with community partners, rest as the country shut down for 3 days for a major holiday and experience major flooding first hand. I was able to see an incredible program which will act as the launching pad for our own center here in Sihanoukville. Needless to say I returned to Sihanoukville last night excited. Excited for my future, Iris' future and Cambodia's future. I have the honor of serving here at the beginning of what God is doing in Cambodia through His team and His vision. One of the most exciting events of the week was coming back into town yesterday when it truly felt like I am coming HOME. I know I have only been here for  a handful of weeks but by the grace of God this feels like home.

     As much as I love watching God perform physical miracles, I am reminded today of the miracles he is working in me. How he is molding my heart, my mind and making me more like Him. Rolland Baker was quick to remind us at Harvest School that the biggest miracle of all is that we can be saved. SALVATION. The most powerful sign of God's power and might is that He can make us right with Him. He makes something out of nothing. In his wisdom and power He not leave us like we are, saved. He wants to change us, transform us, make us like him.

     Even in these short weeks I have watched Him changing me and transforming me. Its not always so comfortable but luckily I know the great Comforter. It is not always so pretty but I am blessed with a team of people who are full of grace and love for what God is doing in me. And of course it does not always make sense to me. But I have a God that transcends my tiny mind. Oh what a small god he would be if he could fit neatly into my understanding. I would not want to give it all to a god that small.

     So I wanted to share a song that many of you know. This has been a close friend over the weeks and is often my prayer:

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders.

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever you would call me.

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my saviour.

Oceans by Hillsong United

Rained In

September is that last part of rainy season here and I've heard through the grapevine that it is often the worst. My first week here was pure sunshine but this last week it has started to act a bit more like the season.

Last Sunday I had some free time in the afternoon and decided to discover the touristy side of town. I found myself walking through these little souvenir and clothing shops near the beach. I remember thinking "I can just pretend to be a tourist and just enjoy." At approximately the fourth shop I found myself in a fierce downpour. One step outside and I would be soaked so instead I stayed and began to chat with the sweet girl working the shop. 

I practiced my Khmer, in a few short minuets that ran out, and we moved into my much more honed English.

We talked about a whole slew of things from family, friends, boys, work, school and tourist. It really was a great chat. As we got to the end of our topics the rain was not any lighter. I started to ask the Holy Spirit what I should do. After all He is our constant companion! I quickly got a very distinct impression that the rain would not stop tell we had a specific conversation... but I had no idea what that conversation should be. So as I was talking to Holy Spirit asking what, my new friend piped up.

"Why did you come to Cambodia?"

Bingo, found it. Praise the Lord. I chuckled to myself and began to tell her that I was praying to Jesus about what I was meant to do and where I was meant to do it.

Then the rain stopped.

I chuckled again and being a women of not so few words continued my story. I told her about conformation after comformation and how God has a plan for our lives. How God speaks. Through the whole story she smiled wide, engaged and attentive to this God who is engaged and attentive. As the story ended I was still laughing at God in my head. I asked her what days she works and told her I would be back to see her.

I have no idea where this relationship is going. I do know that God does not want us to simply be tourist in this one life he has given us. He is way to eager to reach his children. Living in a country where 96% of the people have not heard a clear presentation of the Gospel is a baffling reality.

In a recent study by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity showed in 1970, 0.5% of Cambodia was Christian. Compared with the current growth rates (which are high, number 9 in the world) by 2020 3.6% of the population will be Christian.

I can talk about Human Trafficking all day long but until we really understand that it is a symptom of a greater problem we will just continue to talk. The cause is the absence of Christ, the effect is the exploitation of people for money, power and gratification. It is people desperately seeking to be filled but settling with cheap, cheap imitations of the fullness of Christ.

May we help rain the stop.

"But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in my place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you." 

John 14:26 (AMP)

One of the stunning post-rain sunsets from my home last week. 

"Where Are Your Accusers?"

Update:   

I have been in Cambodia for just over a week and in Sihanoukville for 6 days! It has been a beautiful, whirlwind of watching God take care of and revealing himself through all the small things.

It has been a very productive week! With the help of the incredible Iris Cambodia family I now am sitting my own, furnished apartment with wifi, a local cell phone and a scooter out back. I am in the early early stages of learning the language and catching the vision for what Iris Cambodia looks like and what it is becoming. This is an incredible time to be here and to be apart of this family. Our God of details has taken care of every little thing. 

This is the view from my bedroom in my new home...Its always a beautiful view rain or shine!

`

Lessons I'm Learning:

       As I have encountered the commercial sex industry here, the brokenness is so apparent. The men that walk these streets in search for a young girl to satisfy their desires, the girls and boys who work the bars and streets and the children who are exploited and sold by relatives: All are enslaved by darkness. All need light. As I am in the beginning stages of encountering this darkness first hand I am reminded of Jesus response to our sin. 

 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning (at dawn), He came back into the temple [court], and the people came to Him in crowds. He sat down and was teaching them,

When the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery. They made her stand in the middle of the court and put the case before Him.

Teacher, they said, This woman has been caught in the very act of adultery.

Now Moses in the Law commanded us that such [women–offenders] shall be stoned to death. But what do You say [to do with her–what is Your sentence]? [Deut. 22:22-24.]

This they said to try (test) Him, hoping they might find a charge on which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger.

However, when they persisted with their question, He raised Himself up and said, Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her. Then He bent down and went on writing on the ground with His finger. They listened to Him, and then they began going out, conscience-stricken, one by one, from the oldest down to the last one of them, till Jesus was left alone, with the woman standing there before Him in the center of the court.

When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you?

She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more. Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life.

John 8:1-12 AMP

        Often I read this story from the perspective of the women. From the perspective of relief that she received life and not death. But since I have been in Cambodia my perspective has changed. As I try to figure out how to respond to all parties involved (pimps, johns(clients), exploited women, exploited children and relatives/parents who sell their children), I realize how reliant I am on the response of Jesus. 

      First, he listened to the condition of the women and the situation. He was not ignorant but informed. Second, my heart tells me he talked to the Father. We know in scripture that Jesus only went where the Father told him and said what the Father said. "This is because I have never spoken on My own authority or of My own accord or as self-appointed, but the Father Who sent Me has Himself given Me orders (concerning) what to say and what to tell.[Deut. 18:18,19.] And I know that His commandment is (means) eternal life. So whatever I speak, I am saying (exactly) what My Father has told Me to say and in accordance with His instructions." (John12:49-50). Third, Jesus removes the condemnation of others. By addressing her accusers he addresses her as a person and not just the accusations against her. By removing the accusers from the situation he creates a place of intimacy and relationship with the women. Fourth, from the place of relationship He shows her grace not just from men but from God! Fifth, He calls her higher. He calls her to a life that is full of light. In this short scene Jesus removes the shame which often one of the most powerful catalyst in us staying in sin. He calls her to a life that is compelled by an encounter of love and mercy. 

      Christ chose not to condemn or shame. Instead he was aware, listening to the Father, and out of love and relationship calling his daughter higher. May my response be the same as my Lord. A response of love, relationship and encouragement to a life in the light. I love that in the first teaching Christ gives after this encounter "He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life." He gives all of his children the chance to walk in light. Not condemning our choices in the darkness but loving us into the light. As my friend Jason Carr says, you can not scoop the darkness out of the room, you must flood it with light. May we all be ones who flood the world with Light that leads to life! Jesus show us your way. 

There Are Other Sheep....They Will Recognize My Voice

"You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them too. They'll also recognize my voice. Then, it will be one flock, one Shepherd. "

-John 10:15, MSG

 Africa. For years Africa has been pulling at my heart. I remember years before my first trip being so touched with love for the African people that I knew it was a love that did not come from me, but someone with a much larger love then I was capable of. Over the last 7 years I have loved being able to serve, love and live life with the beautiful people of Uganda, Swaziland, South Africa and Mozambique.  Yet, I never knew my heart could get even bigger.

      After 4 months in Mozambique really seeking what God has for me and where He wants me to be, I knew I was not just made for Africa but for the Nations. The Nations, wow, talk about overwhelming.  Yet at the same time it was freeing. He has a plan and a place for me I just have to continue to say "yes." In the weeks following my time in Mozambique, Cambodia became the next nation. The Lord made it clear in so many ways that Cambodia is the next step for me. 

       I have been in a season of waiting, preparing while also knowing that this is the perfect place for me at this time. My main anticipation as I look toward building a life in Cambodia is knowing that my heart is about the be broken and expanded for these people. Where there is great pain there is potential for incredible love. I am joining the Iris Cambodia base to work with particularly with boys who have been victims of sexual exploration/abuse/trafficking. I am ready to love these boys, watch them fall in love with Jesus and receive healing, hope and a future. Isn't that what we have been given. The invitation to fall in love with Jesus which always brings healing, hope and a future. Praise the Lord that I can share such an amazing and powerful gift. 

      Please pray for this transition to Cambodia. For grace as my heart is broken for the Cambodian people. And for the relationshipswith these sweet boys to be based on trust, grace and mercy. If you would like for me to send you and email every time I post a new blog please comment below with your email address or email me directly at mgrumford@gmail.com. 

     Special thanks to the incredible ministry of Every Tribe who keep my financially accountable and facilitate those logistic here in America while I am away. They are an amazing blessing to me. Any support of my ministry in Cambodia can be mailed to the addresses below. 

Every Tribe

2002 Katach Ct

Spring Hill, Tn. 37174

*All checks should be made out to Every Tribe marked for the ministry of Mary Grace Rumford. 

IF IT SEEMS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE...IT PROBABLY IS.

In the last 2 months I have been so emersed in the glory of the Lord that I feel as if I am still trying to catch up mentally to where my spirit is. I am so honored that the Lord has been persistent in getting me here. I am so thankful that he has not given up on persuing me and drawing me deeper. IT IS SO NOT ABOUT ME. It is all about him and his kingdom coming. First of all I want to say that it is simple.

I have always known him as a God of  love, grace and holiness. In this season he has shown me that he is that and more, much more. He is love, grace, holiness and power. Heidi is alwasy saying that Love looks like something. Love looks like someone. Recently we have been talking about how love looks like service, love looks like trust and love looks like obedience. I have seen here that when we completely allow God to be God, I get out of the way and are able to watch God move in power and love. He is a God who heals. I have seen people healed and I have felt him heal me.

A few weeks ago I was in a jail with one other friend and a national here that regularly goes into the jail. The other two had been there the day before when 70ish peopel gave their lives to the Lord. The day I went we danced and worshiped in the small courtyard with them (locked in of course). After we all shared a word, the national we were with invited anyone who had any pain or illness to come up for prayer. He continued to talk while we began to pray for the men as we were lead. We had no way to know in the natural what was wrong but just asked the Lord to come. After we prayed for everyone if they felt better they were asked to stand up and tell everyone what felt better and then to sit back in their seat. One after the other stood up saying the the pain in their legs was gone, their headache, their back pain and their arms. They were laughing in suprise. Over a dozen recieved some kind of healing just by asking the Lord to come. The 6 or so that were still there then told us what the problem was. One man's legs were so stiff that he barely made it to the front. I watch as his legs straightened out during prayer and he got up with ease. Another had poor vision and after a simple short prayer he turned to me a said it was good, much better and jumped up. His whole manerism changed. We also invited those of another faith who wanted to accept Jesus and many came forward.

Now I have the previliage of watching others encounter what I have only recently encountered. The God of love, grace, holiness and power. My God who's desire is to restore his people. All of scripture shows God calling his people to restoration. I have far to long placed my God in a box just because I do not understand. But the truth that I have learned is that my God is far better than I have ever imagined. He can turn my world upside down in 2 seconds. The question I ask myself is what world do I want?

Expect the unexpected because I promise you He is FAR better than you have ever imagined.

I love you all!

24 HOURS WITH 2/3 OF THE WORLD

Last night was one that I will never forget. I spent the night with a Mama from our church here in her hut in the village as part of the village immersion program. It started in the rain as we followed her to her home deep into the large village behind our base. She wove me and 2 other girls through the village and the mud for about 20min till we came to her home. Once we got there she proceeded to take our filthy caked on muddy shoes and in the rain washed them and then washed our feet before placing our shoes back on. In the states we would do this to keep dirt from getting into our home. Here it was an act of honor to her guest whom she then welcomed into her mud hut with a dirt floor. I will write more about this experience later as I just got home from the village a few hours ago and am still sifting through the 24 hour experience of living like 2/3 of the world. Thats right 2/3 of the world lives like I did last night. I was so blessed by my Mozambican Mama who did I mention is physically handicapped. She took care of us, fed us, guided us on several trips through the muddy village all with a wooden crutch. She is full of such joy and strength. Even raised in  the hospitable south this girl still has so much to learn about loving and serving others.

I would greatly appreciate prayer for this coming weekend Nov 8-10 as I will be with my ministry team in the Bush hours and hours from base. We will be visiting villages who are very remote and for many it will be the first time they have herd the name Jesus....It is such a blessing and privilege to be the feet that being the good news! No water, 10 hour drives in the bed of a truck, little sleep....it is becoming more and more a joy as I am discover how Good our God really is! HE IS SO WORTH IT ALL AND MORE!

Experience of my life...

I can't believe I have been here for a month already. It has flown by. Internet has been difficult recently as we have not had power consistently. Life has picked up here busy in class leaving me with plenty to process and talk to the Lord about. We have not had water for about a week which has actually been a lot easier than I thought it would be. I have mastered showering with 1.5 liters of water..thank you, thank you. I know impressive! Though that would still not make me clean by western standards but it is amazing here. I am loving the girls and my house and they truly bless me. The Lord is working so much in my heart right now that I am still not sure how to communicate it all. Let me just say that in many ways I feel like the sacrifice on the alter that he is burning away the impurities and making one with him. For our God is a consuming Fire!!! It is stretching, wonderful and peaceful all at the same time.

Love you all!

On the Road to the Father

I am here! It has been an amazing first week in Mozambique. It is so beautiful here. The water is a stunning shade of blue and I am still amazed that I sit in our class room and can look out to the ocean everyday. This week has been such a blessing that I feel that if I left now I would be changed forever. I know there is so much more to come.

We have spent the week learning about the heart of the Father and really seeking the identity that he has for us. I can see were the Lord has emptied me completly before this trip. I felt so weak. He is no giving me a time of rest and slowly teaching who I am in him. Not who I think I am or want to be but who he has created me to be. I am learing that my dreams, my goals are sooo much smaller than his for me. God is so  good  and I am leaning to recieve that goodness more and more eachday because the overflow will change the world. That is what the love of God does, it changes everything!     

"Oh, Just Living the Dream"

It has been over two years since I have had the opportunity to return to Swaziland. In that time the Lord has taken me through Graduate School and through a very challenging year as an investigator for child protective services in Kentucky. During that year as an investigator it was a office joke that whenever someone asked "How are you?" we would reply "Oh, just living the dream!" It was apparent to everyone that we were lying because on most days our work had few resemblances of anyones dreams. But this constant banter often caused me to reflect on what the "dream" really is. What is my dream, what is God's dream for me?

I came to the point when I realized that the Lord has released me in areas that I have yet to release myself. Though the last year my desire to serve the Lord in a Christian organization and to serve those in Africa only increased. In the past 6 months the Lord quickly moved me to a position of releasing myself to follow the desire I am confident that is God given.  I had allowed myself to believe so many reasons why I should not seek to be in Africa now. I watched the Lord close doors in my life and at a pivotal moment clearly showed me that NOW is the time.

So I will be in Africa for the next 4 months. I leave in the morning and will be attending the Harvest School with Iris Ministries in Mozambique. There I will be learning, studying and seeking what the Lord has for me and how I can better love and serve him. I am thrilled to have concentrated time seeking the Lords will for my life as well as seeing the workings of a large organization that is making a huge impact for the Kingdom of God. After Harvest School I will return to Swaziland to spend a few weeks reuniting with dear friends and getting a better understanding of how that ministry has evolved in the past 2 years. I will be updating this Blog weekly (hopefully) during this journey and would greatly appreciate your prayers. Prayers for safe travel, for unity in the school, wisdom to hear and courage to follow.


Chasing the Dream,

Mary Grace Rumford


mgrumford@gmail.com

Hello USA!

I am officially back. Thank you for all of your prayers and support over the past 6 weeks. I am so blessed with an unbelievable support system. As I continue to process my time in Swazi I will share more of the stories from my trip. Again thank you so much! I am so

Perfect Contentment

This has been one crazy week. A new team of 5 girls arrived last sunday filling the house with plenty laughter and silliness which is always welcome.  I had a great week at the carepoints where we talked about how we are sheep and how great our shepherd is. We also attempted to play baseball with one of the carepoints, more like batting practice. There were also homevistits this week. Wednesday there was a world cup game. Netball world cup that is, Swaziland vs. USA. I am proud to say that the USA represented well! Wednesday night we watched Spain beat Germany with our ministry partners. Well done Spain! Women's time this week was a fellowship where we sat, told stories and had scones (which we helped bake in the ground) and soda. The women were so funny. At girls time it was an open floor for questions where we talked about life, love, lack of love, and dreams. In-between all of the activities there was a slew of great conversations with some wonderful Swazi friends. All in all it was an incredible week here in Swaziland. There has been much fun and the Lord has been working in so many ways that I realized I did not do a great job of processing this week, it kind of just happened.

At about 4:30 today I found myself sitting on the ground surrounded by some very familiar faces. It was coloring time with Colile, Phetsile, Solile, Sbhe. These are some of the coolest kids in the world. We sat and laughed while Sbhe took all the paper off of the crayon and then pretended it was her baby. Colile and I practiced her english and Solile sassed all of us in Siswati! As I sat there with Sbhe's 10 or so month old sister falling asleep on my lap, I was completely content. I realized that even though my week seemed way too fast the Lord was in control of it all and at the end he placed me right were I belong. Sitting with some of my favorite people in the world, coloring Toy Story worksheets so happy to just be.


"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."


2 Corinthians 4:18

Like a Tree

Besides going on home visits and to the carepoints, I also spend my time here helping to lead a bible study of women (roughly 30 and up) as well as of girls (high school through 20’s). Last week in our time with the women they went around the circle and all gave a testimony. Not a testimony in the sense of this is how I can to know the Lord, but instead of how the Lord has been working in their lives and what he is teaching them. The women sang, shared scripture and praised the Lord. These are amazing women who through all the struggles in their lives have grown so strong. Their strength is so evident, yet it is not their strength but strength from the Lord himself.

They shared their heart for their children to know the Lord and praise for how he has saved their own lives. They prayed for their sick spouses and praised God for answered prayer requests. I am learning so much from these women and feel so blessed to be able to sit and listen to them. There is so much wisdom and courage in their eyes. I praise the Lord who is doing great things in Swaziland.

“Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit.”

Jeremiah 17: 7-8

Great Faith

This week Caitlin and I had the honor of visiting a women named Philile. She is a single mother of 4 children and is a woman of great faith. We sat in her nice two room concrete home and she told us how the Lord has moved in her life. It was a story of sickness, pain and loss. Yet it was also a story of hope, protection and provision. Though she has suffered through TB, the loss of a 2-month-old child and the inability to provide for her 4 children as a single mom, she sat on the floor with us a praised the name of the Lord for the protection and provision that he has given her. She has been so blessed through the pain.

There were so many places through her story where it was obviously the Lord working for good. Places where she was able to make it to a hospital or was provided a home or was able to be treated for TB. As we left her home I was simply in amazement of the faith that is possessed by the poor. Philile is only poor by the world’s standards. Spiritually she is one of the riches people I have ever met. She is an incredibly blessed woman. Philile is now a volunteer at the carepoint where she helps prepare and serve the children food. She is a pure joy.

Before we left we prayed with her and asked her for prayer requests. She wanted us to pray for continued strength to preserver. She did not want life to necessarily get easier, but for her and her children to have the strength to make it through and to trust the Lord. That is a powerful prayer from someone who has already suffered so much. I am challenged by Philile to praise the Lord no matter what everyday. To measure life based on heavens scale and not the earths. May we all have strength that is completely dependent on the Lord, never mistaking it for our own. May our trust like Philile’s be in the Lord and the Lord alone for he is so good. Praise the Lord.

“I have heard all about you, Lord, and I am filled with awe by the amazing things you have done. In this time of our great need, begin again to help us, as you did in the years gone by. Show us your power and save us, and in your anger remember your mercy.”

Habakkuk 3:2