Kingdom Seeds

I AM - God of Every Creature (December)

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:11 -0500

(from the Album Reading by John Paul Jackson)

God of Every Creature

Dec 1 - I am the Lord; the fear of me is the beginning of wisdom
Dec 2 - I am the God of multiplication and reproduction
Dec 3 - I am Jehovah that is my name
Dec 4 - I am the God of the seraphim
Dec 5 - I am the God of all flesh
Dec 6 - I am the vine
Dec 7 - I am the artist that all artisans draw from
Dec 8 - I am Adonai and Elohinu
Dec 9 - I am God and there is none other
Dec 10 - I am the God of the cherubim
Dec 11 - I am foundation of the world
Dec 12 - I am invisible yet all creation speaks of me
Dec 13 - I am God, I want you to understand and know me
Dec 14 - I am and you are my witnesses
Dec 15 - I am glorified in you
Dec 16 - I am made you a sign to the unbeliever
Dec 17 - I am more than all structures of steel and clay
Dec 18 - I am jealous over you
Dec 19 - I am the exalted head over all
Dec 20 - I am God who is joined to the foreigner
Dec 21 - I am God who speaks face to face
Dec 22 - I am the sovereign ruler of all creation
Dec 23 - I am your next breath
Dec 24 - I am the light of the world
Dec 25 - I am God, and all that is in heaven and earth is mine
Dec 26 - I am Immanuel, God dwelling among men
Dec 27 - I am high and lifted up by all creation
Dec 28 - I am the outpoured spirit on all flesh
Dec 29 - I am He who rejoices with those who rejoice
Dec 30 - I am the only creator of all that exists
Dec 31 - I am Savior of both the Gentiles and the Jews

I AM - God of Eterninty (November)

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:18 -0400

(from the Album Reading by John Paul Jackson)

God of Eternity

Nov 1 - I am, I never change
Nov 2 - I am the first and the last
Nov 3 - I am one
Nov 4 - I am man’s builder of faith through the ages
Nov 5 - I am ruler of both the night and the day
Nov 6 - I am the uncaused eternal self-existent one
Nov 7 - I am king forever and ever
Nov 8 - I am Spirit
Nov 9- I am the Alpha and the Omega
Nov 10 - I am God whose eyes behold
Nov 11 - I am the same every day
Nov 12 - I am the word of life called the Bible
Nov 13 - I am the cornerstone
Nov 14 - I am the resurrection and the life
Nov 15 - I am not of this world
Nov 16 - I am God who knows all my works through eternity
Nov 17 - I am omnipresent
Nov 18 - I am God who simultaneously sees beginning and end
Nov 19 - I am God ready to perform my Word
Nov 20 - I am three in one, equal and eternal
Nov 21- I am before the day was
Nov 22 - I am all my names
Nov 23 - I am the sufficient, self-sustaining, self-creating one
Nov 24 - I am God, there is no other
Nov 25 - I am the Word which was in the beginning
Nov 26 - I am the rock on which you stand
Nov 27 - I am He who was, is and is to come
Nov 28 - I am who I am
Nov 29- I am the everlasting God
Nov 30- I am who inhabits eternity

I AM - God the Warrior (October)

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 23:58:25 -0400

(from the Album Reading by John Paul Jackson)

God the Warrior

Oct 1 - I am battle standard
Oct 2 - I am your sharp two-edged sword
Oct 3 - I am your battle cry
Oct 4 - I am a warrior and my kingdom is spread by force
Oct 5 - I am the Lord, mighty in battle
Oct 6 - I am the one, who annihilates Satan’s plans
Oct 7- I am the Spirit of might
Oct 8 - I am the master planner of all nations and kingdoms
Oct 9 - I am He who leads for my great names sake
Oct 10 - I am the conqueror of death, hell and the grave
Oct 11 - I am both warrior and poet
Oct 12 - I am the supreme God, deliverer and possessor
Oct 13 - I am the Lord of Hosts
Oct 14 - I am the kingdom, the power and the glory
Oct 15 - I am God, who casts out nations before you
Oct 16 - I am commander and chief of all heaven’s armies
Oct 17 - I am He who drives out the wicked
Oct 18 - I am the defender of those who believer in me
Oct 19 - I am your strength
Oct 20 - I am lamb sitting
Oct 21 - I am Victorious banner
Oct 22 - I am fullness of greatness, power, glory, victory and majesty
Oct 23 - I am God almighty and infinite in strength
Oct 24 - I am your mighty shield
Oct 25 - I am the lion of the tribe of Judah
Oct 26 - I am the sword of the Spirit
Oct 27 - I am your high tower
Oct 28- I am the defender of Israel
Oct 29 - I am your fortress
Oct 30 - I am omnipotent
Oct 31 - I am the enemy of the enemies of Israel

I AM - God the Reward (September)

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 23:59:33 -0400

(from the Album Reading by John Paul Jackson)

God the Reward

Sept 1 - I am your exceedingly great reward
Sept 2 - I am the Lord, taste see that I am good
Sept 3 - I am both the Giver and the Gift
Sept 4 - I am preparer of your place in heaven
Sept 5 - I am able to give you much more than this
Sept 6 - I am the one source of all true wealth
Sept 7 - I am the spirit of liberty
Sept 8 - I am who anoints your head with oil
Sept 9 - I am the Bridegroom returning for my bride
Sept 10 - I am Lord who looks on those who tremble at my Word
Sept 11 - I am God who prepares a table in the presence of your enemies
Sept 12 - I am in the midst of two or three gathered in my name
Sept 13 - I am God who will answer you
Sept 14 - I am glory, who conceals the matter for a king to search out
Sept 15 - I am the fountain of gardens
Sept 16 - I am the resurrection of my beloved
Sept 17 - I am God who throne is in heaven
Sept 18 - I am from above
Sept 19 - I am God whose countenance beholds the upright
Sept 20 - I am the just rewarder of all who seek me
Sept 21- I am God who teaches you to profit
Sept 22 - I am the giver of abundant life
Sept 23 - I am more than you can ask or think
Sept 24 - I am sitting at the right hand of the Father
Sept 25 - I am maker of many mansions therein
Sept 26 - I am the Sabbath rest
Sept 27 - I am the inheritance of the Levite
Sept 28 - I am the fountain of life
Sept 29 - I am giver of great wisdom
Sept 30 - I am the Holy Spirit who hovers over your life to bring higher order

I AM - God the Ancient One (August)

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 23:54:32 -0400

(from the Album Reading by John Paul Jackson)

God the Ancient One

Aug 1 - I am the Lord of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
Aug 2 - I am the Holy Spirit who hovered the chaos of this earth
Aug 3 - I am the light of Genesis, who was, before light was
Aug 4 - I am sacred Schma of the ancients
Aug 5 - I am the holy one of Israel
Aug 6 - I am the one whose ways are perfect
Aug 7 - I am God the fear of me is clean enduring forever
Aug 8 - I am the holy of the Holy One
Aug 9 - I am the God of knowledge
Aug 10 - I am God sitting on His throne
Aug 11 - I am god who formed the earth to be inhabited
Aug 12 - I am understanding
Aug 13 - I am God who is joined to the eunuch
Aug 14 - I am the God of all the Holy prophets in Scripture
Aug 15 - I am who divided the sea
Aug 16 - I am the Lord of the dance
Aug 17 - I am the Lord
Aug 18 - I am the guiding star at Jesus birth
Aug 19 - I am God who turned water into wine
Aug 20 - I am He of whom all the prophets foretold
Aug 21 - I am the root of the offspring of David
Aug 22 - I am God who leads you into all truth
Aug 23 - I am God whose rainbow is my everlasting covenant with you
Aug 24 - I am the root of Jesse
Aug 25 - I am the God of Jerusalem wherein is my name
Aug 26 - I am the creator of Israel
Aug 27 - I am the God who divided the waters
Aug 28 - I am the fountain of the house of David
Aug 29 - I am God who shuts up the heavens
Aug 30 - I am God who turns water into blood
Aug 31 - I am married to Israel

I AM - God the Shepherd (July)

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 23:57:00 -0400

(from the Album Reading by John Paul Jackson)

God the Shepherd

July 1 - I am your shepherd, you shall not want
July 2 - I am the rod who chastises and brings you comfort
July 3 - I am the desert wilderness to be tender with you
July 4 - I am near to those who have a broken heart
July 5 - I am your confidence
July 6 - I am compassion
July 7 - I am in the Father
July 8 - I am with you and will keep you wherever you go
July 9 - I am the refuge of the poor
July 10 - I am your Father!
July 11 - I am God in the stones
July 12 - I am the Lord, He who is joined with me is one spirit with me
July 13 - I am the spirit of counsel
July 14 - I am your provider
July 15 - I am tenderness
July 16 - I am the true shepherd
July 17 - I am the dispeller of all fear and doubt
July 18 - I am interceding for you right now
July 19 - I am love
July 20 - I am the staff that retrieves you
July 21 - I am man’s friend who sticks closer a brother
July 22 - I am the shepherd’s rod
July 23 - I am God who is with you in the valley of the shadow of death
July 24 - I am there with you
July 25 - I am God who strengthens
July 26 - I am the candle lighting your path
July 27 - I am the Lord precious in my sight is the death of all my saints
July 28 - I am the counselor, might God, everlasting Father
July 29 - I am your peace and calm
July 30- I am He who wipes away your tears
July 31- I am the saving refuge of my anointed

I AM - God of Promise (June)

Thu, 31 May 2012 23:53:01 -0400

(from the Album Reading by John Paul Jackson)

God of Promise

June 1 - I am returning
June 2 - I am God and I want you to believe in me
June 3 - I am God, I am He who places your tears in my bottle in my book
June 4 - I am God who shows you things to come
June 5 - I am the seven Spirits and they are Me
June 6 - I am the Lord, the fear of Me is a fountain of life
June 7 - I am God, my secrets are with those who fear Me
June 8 - I am life’s guarantor of joy and health
June 9 - I am God who will be found by those who seek me with all their
heart and all their soul
June 10 - I am, and you shall know my names
June 11 - I am He who shall lead you in the paths of righteousness
June 12 - I am the architect of the last days
June 13- I am the sole key giver of heaven
June 14 - I am the God who hears
June 15 - I am the Lord who hears those who speak about my name
June 16 - I am God who leads you to prophesy
June 17 - I am the soon coming King
June 18 - I am the Lord, I do not change
June 19- I am the Lord, I am with you wherever you are
June 20 - I am God who speaks through dreams
June 21 - I am God who reveals His form
June 22 - I am the healing you seek
June 23 - I am the Savior who will descend on the Mount of Olives
June 24 - I am God who gives you visions
June 25 - I am God of those who are growing old
June 26 - I am coming quickly
June 27 - I am the one coming on the white horse
June 28 - I am the soon rending of the heavens
June 29 - I am the precision of my Scripture
June 30- I am waiting for you!

I AM - God of Justice (May)

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:54 -0400

(from the Album Reading by John Paul Jackson)

God of Justice

May 1 - I am the Righteous Judge of all Creation
May 2 - I am the King of Kings
May 3 - I am with the generation of the righteous
May 4 - I am God, my statutes rejoice the heart
May 5 - I am the one who makes unbreakable covenants with man
May 6- I am Holy, Pure and Undefiled
May 7 - I am God besides me there is no God
May 8 - I am God by which all actions are weighed
May 9 - I am God, my testimony is sure
May 10 - I am God, My commandments which enlightens the eyes
May 11 - I am the Witness on your behalf
May 12- I am Righteous, kings humble themselves before Me
May 13 - I am God who eyelids test the sons of men
May 14 - I am the Spirit of Wisdom
May 15 - I am My ordinances
May 16 - I am the Divine judge of all things
May 17 - I am the Law
May 18 - I am My Statutes, walk in them!
May 19 - I am the Judge of the Living and Dead
May 20 - I am the spirit of the fear of the Lord
May 21 - I am Righteous
May 22 - I am perfect knowledge
May 23 - I am before whom every tongue will confess
May 24 - I love Lord who loves righteousness
May 25 - I am the unbiased, impartial judge
May 26 - I am the Lord and my judgments are righteous all together
May 27 - I am He who sent Moses to deliver Israel
May 28 - I am God and no one can reverse my acts
May 29 - I am to be feared above all gods
May 30 - I am God who refines you
May 31 - I am my judgments - I am the Lord who heals you

Church Jesus Style

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 13:21:29 -0400

It was my first mission trip and I was assigned to a little village called Puerto Colombia. I was quite nervous and was overcome by the poverty. The poverty is different than here in the states and one really needs to experience it first hand to understand. We were planting a church in this village and in this case, someone freed up their house to become a make-shift church. Their church was literally a 15 foot by 15 foot room with a two-by-four hammered into the ground as a pulpit. Their worship was beautiful, intense, and heart-felt. I learned so much that day and will never forget Puerto Colombia.

As I reflect on my trip and look through the pictures, I can’t help but think how the early church started. In barns and stables, under a tree, or in a tiny clay home. We North Americans are so inhibited as a culture when it comes to worship and can learn a lot from other cultures who have nothing but their salvation in Jesus Christ.

Worship Boldly

Although worship is a personal thing we are called to do it publicly and boldly. Notice their love of Christ and their surrender of pride. Arms wide open reaching out for their Savior.

Our churches are majestic, beautiful, modern and air conditioned. I love the comforts of our church, but I have to say that nothing can compare to church Jesus Style.

Amazing Painting of the Resurrection measuring 12′x40′ displayed...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:49:01 -0400

Amazing Painting of the Resurrection measuring 12′x40′ displayed in a Dallas Bible Museum.

Parenting Adult Wayward Children (The Prodigal Daughter) This...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Parenting Adult Wayward Children

(The Prodigal Daughter)

This audio is a MUST hear for any parent. It is NOT a teaching or a sermon but rather a personal testimony of Sam, Vicky, and Christina. If your family is struggling with a wayward child then this is a message of hope and is a wonderful testimony that truly exemplifies the parable of the Prodigal Son. I thank the Ingrassia’s for sharing something so personal.

God Bless

Cali April 2012 Day 8 – Thursday – Why?

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:58:00 -0400

Today was the last day of work in the barrios. I was in the barrio of Ciudad Cordoba, a wealthier barrio then I have been in all week. The streets were all paved and nice, simple row houses were in the neighborhood. Usually in richer neighborhoods the people are less open to talking with us, or seeing a need for God. But, while there were less people and kids then in the barrios I had worked in all week, the people were very open. Cindy in the attached picture is a 13 year old we met first thing in the morning. She is the youngest of 13 kids in her family! She was very quick to pick up what we taught and very quickly understood the Gospel, and best as I could tell clearer accepted Jesus as her Savior when we spoke with her. She is also a leader amongst the kids in the barrio, and we connected her with. Pastor’s wife for bringing kids to the church.

I worked with a different translator today who I known for a long time – Diana. An attached picture has Diana and Daniela working together with the big EvangeCube. We had another kid’s service in the afternoon, and Daniela and Sami participated much of the meeting.

But as I looked at this wealthier barrio, the questions I often have on these campaign. Why are so many of the Colombians born into such harsh conditions? Why do I have such a blessed life in so many ways, but especially material things? Even simple things like a movie. Yesenia – the national I have been working with all week is 17 and has never been to movie house to see a movie. I am sure that many of these kids born into these poor communities have some of the same abilities as you and I, and our kids, but can’t advantage of them because of their living conditions.

I have attached a picture of Janice, a national that I have known for around 8 years She was number 2 in her class this spring and ready to graduate high school. But a few months ago a car she was in was hit by a van that ran a red light. Janice was badly injured and in a coma for a few days. She missed school as a result and dropped to 4^th in her high school class. That may not seem like a lot, but it meant that she lost out on a full scholarship for college. She is hoping now to go to college in the United States, and there are a few that offer college at little or no cost for foreign students and she hopes to be accepted next year. She needs to raise money for the college deposit. And while only a couple $1000 dollars with a scholarship for the rest, even that small amount to hared to raise in Colombia, so she is not sure she can go, even if she is accepted.

The day ended with dinner at the mall food court. After we had eaten I was sitting alone at a table while others got desert. (Yes I skipped desert – I am sure I have added 5 pounds this week.) There was a man at the next table. Because the group I was with was speaking English he asked me where I was from. We talked for a little whole when he shared that he was HIV positive for 8 years, and had lost his job and home as a result. I gave him some money to buy something to eat. I prayed with him and then I asked him if was sure he was going to heaven. He quickly said yes and then as he thought more he said he was unsure. He said he had do ne many bad things and was not sure if he would be allowed in heaven. By then Loyda my translator had come back and she translated for me as we went through the EvangeCube. Cesar understood that Jesus had died for all his sins, no matter how bad, but had not connected that with his assurance of salvation. As we talked he understood and trusted that Jesus had died for all his sins and was now sure that he would be with God in heaven.

Friday Loyda is taking me to an orphanage for the morning. Not sure what I will experience yet, but I am sure as with Cesar, Janice and my other experiences today the question of why I am so blessed and others, many more faithful than I, am not as blessed. But God’s ways are not ours, and the real blessing will be eternity in heaven with God one day. And then Cesar will no longer have HIV and the kids will no longer be orphans.

- Rich Stover

I AM - God of Sacrifice (April)

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:05 -0400

(from the Album Reading by John Paul Jackson)

God of Sacrifice

April 1 - I am the Christ
April 2 - I am the Cup of the blood
April 3- I am the Eternal sacrifice
April 4 - I am the Blood that cleanses you from sin
April 5 - I am the Crucified messiah of Calvary
April 6 - I am your Righteousness
April 7 - I am the Yom Kippur offering to expiates all sins
April 8 - I am worthy to open and read the scroll
April 9 - I am Noah’s ark in a world still filled with sin
April 10 - I am the Wine and the Bread
April 11 - I am alive forevermore!
April 12- I am the sprinkled blood of the Lamb on the doorposts of Israel
April 13 - I am the door to the Father
April 14 - I am Lord who rescues those with a contrite spirit
April 15 - I am God’s Son, sent to be seen face to face
April 16 - I am God Who left heaven for you
April 17 - I am Sanctification
April 18 - I am the Blood Atonement
April 19 - I am God’s only Son
April 20 - I am Eternally blind to who I have forgiven
April 21 - I am the Bread of life broken for you
April 22 - I am He who blots out your transgressions
April 23 - I am Supplication
April 24 - I am the pierced Messiah
April 25 - I am the Keeper of the keys to Hades and death
April 26 - I am the God of your salvation
April 27 - I am the Lamb that was slain
April 28 - I am the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
April 29 - I am outside the Camp, Come to Me!
April 30 - I am the Way, the Truth and the Life!

Community Transformation

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:40:00 -0500

I am headed to Barranquilla to co-lead an expedition with my colleague Joshua Yarbrough. ESTABLISHING the church demands that the church be ‘light and salt’ to its community.

Joshua and Dr. Tony Argote, Colombian Comm.Transf. director have been working diligently to prepare 2 communities: LaChinita & Mesolandia. Our team will be engaged in Evangelism and Discipleship, but also working with the Colombian believers on a number of projects they have selected to impact their communities.

The Colombians have been working the Community Transformation ‘wheel’:
Build a Coalition = Church based/ taking ownership!
Dream a Better Future = Helping the community dream together!
Find the Bright Spots = Discovering the assets God has already provided!
Develop a Plan = Prioritizing and practical planning with goals and assignments!
Reproduce What Works = Learning, taking risks, growing & reaching out!

The whole process has been an amazing journey of seeing God bring the ‘right people/leaders’ to participate and lead. We believe that every Christian and every church can be a change agent for Jesus Christ! Working together in the Biblical commands of Jesus toward Love and Unity, we know the Holy Spirit will show up in special ways, to transform individuals lives, and even communities. We are already seeing it happen! And by the grace of God will see even more!

Appreciate your prayers - March 9 to 17 - Barranquilla/Community Transformation!

ALSO: 2 weeks later: CALI TEAM - March 31 to April 7

For His Advancing Kingdom,

Sam Ingrassia
II Cor 5:18-21

I AM - God of Mercy (March)

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

(from the Album Reading by John Paul Jackson)

God of Mercy

Mar 1 - I am God who is merciful
Mar 2 - I am favor and grant favor to whom I chose
Mar 3 - I am God of the spotted and speckled
Mar 4 - I am the prince of peace prophesied by the prophet Isaiah
Mar 5 - I am God who restores your soul
Mar 6 - I am the Friend of sinners
Mar 7 - I am God, I tempt no one
Mar 8 - I am the God of Peace
Mar 9 - I am God, Who weeps with those who weep
Mar 10 - I am God, who Speaks from a position of mercy
Mar 11- I am Longsuffering
Mar 12 - I am My spirit
Mar 13 - I am Gracious
Mar 14- I am the Forgiver of all Transgressions
Mar 15 - I am the Manna, which came down from heaven
Mar 16 - I am the breath that gives you life
Mar 17 - I am He who will not remember your sins
Mar 18 - I am the beloved in the Song of Songs
Mar 19 - I am God who stretches out his hand
Mar 20 - I am the liberty you seek through my spirit
Mar 21 - I am ever faithful
Mar 22 - I am God in the midst of your land
Mar 23 - I am the forgiver of iniquity
Mar 24 - I am Abundant in mercy
Mar 25- I am Altar of peace for your fear
Mar 26- I am the Lord who makes wise the simple
Mar 27 - I am God who is daily full of new mercy
Mar 28 - I am God who comforts you
Mar 29 - I am God of the poor and stranger
Mar 30 - I am gentle and lowly in heart
Mar 31 - I am the Lord who exercises loving kindness

I AM - God of Symbols (February)

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

(from the Album Reading by John Paul Jackson)

God of Symbols

Feb 1 - I am found in my appointed feasts
Feb 2 - The anointing oil
Feb 3 - Bright cloud who comes to you
Feb 4 - I am the synagogue, church, tabernacle, and temple
Feb 5 - I am the living water of life
Feb 6 - I am the shofar trumpet
Feb 7 - I am the fountain of Israel
Feb 8 - I am Israel’s living star
Feb 9 - I am Passover
Feb 10 - I am the Ark of the Covenant
Feb 11 - I am the door
Feb 12 - I am the altar of the tabernacle
Feb 13 - I am the Balm of Gilliad
Feb 14 - I am the Rose of Sharon
Feb 15- I am the Tree of Life
Feb 16 - I am the God of Bethel
Feb 17 - I am the Lily of the Valley
Feb 18 - I am the God whose Sabbaths are a sign between you and me
Feb 19 - I am the Rainbows Color
Feb 20 - I am the Rock, there is no other
Feb 21 - I am the Glory in the cloud of the Temple
Feb 22 - I am the Bread of life
Feb 23 - I am the Rock full of living water
Feb 24 - I am the Light of the world
Feb 25 - I am Consuming Fire
Feb 26 - I am the North, your promoter
Feb 27 - I am the Bright and Morning Star
Feb 28 - I am the Light, luminous, glowing and radiant

I AM - God of Wonders (January)

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

(from the Album Reading by John Paul Jackson)

God of Wonders

Jan 1 - I am the God who shows Wonders
Jan 2 - I am the Lord, My voice is powerful and full of majesty
Jan 3 - I am God, nothing is too hard for me
Jan 4 - I am God who made all my wonderful works to be remembered
Jan 5 - I am God and my glory thunders
Jan 6 - I am the spirit of knowledge and understanding
Jan 7 - I am the Holy Spirit that moved upon the deep
Jan 8 - I am worthy of worship, glorious and incomparable
Jan 9 - I am God, who makes Himself known through visions
Jan 10 - I am dunamis power
Jan 11 - I am the giver of all revelation
Jan 12 - I am glorious and full of weighty splendor
Jan 13 - I am He who ascended to the Father
Jan 14 - I am the triune God of Israel
Jan 15 - I am God who performs signs
Jan 16 - I am God who speaks in night seasons
Jan 17 - I am the King of Glory!
Jan 18 - He who searches the mind and the heart
Jan 19 - I am great and greatly to be praised
Jan 20 - I am Yah and Yahweh
Jan 21 - I am the creator of all true worship
Jan 22 - I am wisdom
Jan 23 - I am omniscient
Jan 24 - I am the Lord who stretches out the heavens
Jan 25 - I am God who speaks
Jan 26 - I am Jehovah Rapha, your healer!
Jan 27 - I am God who declares new things before they spring forth
Jan 28 - I am the answer of your tongue
Jan 29 - I am prophecy fulfilled –never early, never late
Jan 30 - I am God who gives you dreams
Jan 31 - I am above all you thought to be gods

David's Story

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400

It was the end of our 4th day in the neighborhood of San Antonio de Bosa (In Bogota, Colombia) and I was just getting back to meet up with the rest of our group before our final day’s service.

My group was the first of four to arrive and since the community center where we were meeting was occupied with an adult class (similar to technical college) , we decided to wait in the park across the street. My translators Andrés and Oscar were almost immediately surrounded by the kids playing nearby (who were waiting for their parents to get out of the class) and they wanted to know who the “gringo” was and what was he doing here? Andrés knew I could communicate well enough in spanish (especially to the kids) so he told them to ask me themselves. I told them (in my best spanish) we were working with the church in their neighborhood and that we were going around to the homes to tell the people about Jesus.

At first the kids were so entertained by my accent and minimal spanish skill that most of the questions were “Como se dice _______ en Ingles?” or “how do you say (fill in the blank) in english?” for almost every word they could think of! I did the best I could in translating for myself and both the kids and I had a good time laughing at our attempts to communicate cross-culturally.

By this time, the other three groups had returned to the meeting spot and some of the parents were coming out from the class. One of the kids came up to me and the group of others that were still asking me questions to show that he had gotten one of the e-cards, that we were giving away. Immediately all of the children around me started begging me to give them one as well. So I asked them do you know what the pictures on the card mean? – I hadn’t explained it to them yet so of course they all said no. I used my evangecube to explain to them who Jesus is and what He came to do on this earth.

I explained to these children that Jesus was the only way that we can be saved from our punishment and that in order to be forgiven and start a new life with God, we have to accept this gift that he is offering to us. A few of the kids lost interest and wandered off or their parents came and took them home. But five of those children stayed to hear the whole story and they said they believe that Jesus came, died, & rose again so we could be free from sin and live a new life with him! Fabio – another translator – was close by so I asked him to lead the children in a prayer. I sat back and thanked God for this – such a blessing to allow me to be a part of sharing Jesus with these children. (by the way – I did give the e-cards to those kids!)

As I was reflecting on how awesome that week had been and praising God for blessing me in such a special way – I felt a tug on my jacket sleeve and there was a young boy who told me (through Fabio) his name is David, and that he and his mother were walking home, through that park, and heard me talking to the other kids about Jesus. David asked his mother if they could stop and hear what I had to tell them. He says to me that now he would like to tell me his testimony.

David told me that he is 11 years old now and 3 years ago he and his mother became Christians. He told me that going to church and singing the songs about Jesus was his favorite thing to do. He proceeds to tell me that the more he and his mother went to church, the more his father disliked it and eventually told him he was not allowed to go to church anymore. David, who – remember, is only 11 years old – tells me that “God comes first in my life – and I know I am supposed to obey my father but I snuck out of my house and went to church anyway.”

I began to cry as David told me that when he came back home, his father began to beat him for what he had done. So badly in fact that his mother (who interrupted to give these details) tried to intervene to stop the father from attacking David. She told me that the father then attacked her – took her baby from her and through her against the wall in an attempt to kill her – He took a knife from his belt and stabbed David in the chest – when David’s mother tried to stop him from doing it again – He took the knife across her throat. As she was doing her best to fight him off, David picks up the injured baby and runs out of the house. By God’s grace and protection his mother was able to escape as well. Injured and bleeding but not dead. They ran from the house with the father chasing after them screaming ” I am going to find you and I am going to kill you” – His mother told me that they are now hiding at her sister’s house in the city (they fled from the mountains on the other end of the city) and that her husband does not know where they are.

Even after such a nightmare – David tells me (with a wisdom and peace that ONLY God can give) that he understands why all of those bad things happened to him and his family – So that now with his father gone – God can be first in his life again. He tells me that now he and his mother can read the Bible at home and sings the songs about Jesus as much as they want.

I am completely blown away by this young man! After hearing his and his mother’s story, I immediately think of my “I am Second” bracelet that came in our resource package from e3. I tell David that he is the reason they make these kinds of things for people to wear – people like you who truly love God first! and I want you to have it as a gift from me. He lights up at the offer of my meager gift and unfolds his arms to receive it. This is when I see what is written on his t-shirt for the first time while talking to him.

Spartanburg, SC is my hometown! I am the only one of all the Americans from our group that is from Spartanburg! And further more, unless you are from Spartanburg you’ve probably never heard of the town – I can’t think anywhere around here where you can get a shirt like that! To be honest I can’t think of any reason why there was ever such a shirt made to begin with! There is no doubt in my mind that God brought me to Bogota that day to meet David. And just in case I missed that point – there it was written in English on that boy’s shirt for me to see!

David came to the service that night and I found out that he had gone home and gotten another shirt so he could give me the “Spartanburg” shirt. At first I told him “I can’t take your shirt!” As if I wasn’t already overwhelmed by this young man – he tells me that he wants me to have it so that I won’t forget him when I go back to the United States. I was so completely floored by this whole encounter. I told him honestly “I will never forget you David!”

David and his mother were able to come to the victory service on Friday night at the Central Baptist Church Downtown. We had a bus pick them and some others up for free from their neighborhood. By now I had told everyone about him and his testimony so we were all excited to see them when they arrived. David & I sat together on the front row that night so we could have the best view of the worship band (he told me the day before in the park, that he wants to someday be a musician and write his own songs about Jesus!)

it says: Hello Douglas - thank you for coming to Colombia, for being a musician who praises God, and for being my friend. I want to give you this drawing so that you will remember me when you are in the United States. Many blessings in the name of Jesus. Your friend, David Joel

He gave me this drawing that he had made at the end of the service. Before he and his mother took the bus back home, she told me that he stayed up for many hours the night before working on this. When he had finished – he wrote my name and email on the headboard of his bed so that he would not lose it! I was (and still am) humbled by this whole experience. How does God use someone like me to make such a huge impact on a boy like him??? For me it was the other way around – he has been such an example of faith to me! As I think back on this, I don’t even feel worthy to be a part of it but I praise God – that I can say because of Jesus in my life – not my own doing – that someone like David would be so encouraged to keep God First! Gloria a Dios!

Alive after Certain Death

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Friends,

I just had to post this testimony from a very dear friend of mine in Colombia. He is a true man of God and the Lord continues to use him in many miraculous ways. I met up with him during my trip to Colombia in April and he is alive and well.

Hello dear brother Charles Wardell

What a joy to be able to write to you and to tell you how God’s hand was manifested in this occasion. First of all let me tell you that I appreciate the support that I have received from you and the confidence you have deposited in my capabilities, thank you very much. I have to say that the facts happened in Bahía Solano, Chocó are the evidence that we have a great God, since I face death, not without before having witnessed God’s power and the inscrutable of His designs toward us. Let me put things in order:

The Assemblies of God invited us to accomplish an evangelism campaign to strengthen the work in Bahía, and I had an estimated of 20 brethren to be trained and go out to do the campaign, but days before we get there, the pastor that was in charge of that church did undue things and caused serious problems to the church. When arriving only I found 8 people compromised with the work. With those 8 people we did the task and last Sunday in only two hours 49 new souls were saved for Christ, !Hallelujah! I also trained a native from the Embera tribe who in turn will be among her people preaching them with the cube. I have to return to the tribe personally and establish a new work there.

While I was training the people for the work to accomplish, a local sister knew that I lived in Tuluá and told me there was a gravely sick man about to die and that he also came from Tuluá. She asked me if I wanted to meet him, I said her yes, and we went to visit him. ! What a surprise to me when I found his name was Neftalí Viera! 67 years old. He is definitely my relative. We identified our relatives’ names and no doubt he is my cousin. I never met him before, but God wanted me to go there because in 25 years he does not know anything about his family here in Tuluá. He was raised in the Mennonite faith but he was not active long ago. A month ago doctors diagnosed him colon cancer (like me), and he prayed God for forgiveness. He had asked God as a token of forgiveness to let him live longer than what doctors said. My arrival to Bahía was God’s answer to his prayer. My tears gushed of joy when seeing God’s love. Now I am going to put him in touch with his family here in Tuluá. The truth is that we did not get to understand God’s thoughts.

When the work ended up in Solano Bay, last Monday, we should have taken the ship in Bahía, but they sent us some other place to aboard the ship at the El Valle village, an hour through the jungle by car. When arriving to the place, at about 3:30 pm., we had to wait to be picked up and taken to the ship, because it was anchored out to sea, because El Valley does not have a dock. They picked us up by night, at about the 7:30. When passing the bocana (Narrow step of sea that is used as entrance to a bay or anchorage.) an immense wave of approximately 20 feet rose up and hit the boat. ! We were shipwrecked in the middle of the sea! The boat did not have life jackets or something like that. There were approximately 15 people in the boat, including a girl of 8 years and an old man. I had control of me, because I can swim, but while time went and rescue arrived, hypothermia began to defeat me. The strong waves scattered us adrift and I was worried about my companion, Pastor Jairo Vásquez for a moment disappeared out of my sight. Pastor Leonardo Torres, presbyter of Assemblies of God who had also worked with us there had traveled hours before by plane. When rescue arrived hypothermia was doing its work on me. Before rescue came, God sent a very young man, an expert swimmer to accompany me; otherwise I would be enjoying my Lord’s presence. He was one of the boat workers charging the ship with wood. While the rescue arrived, many things went through my mind, and I told the Lord that if I die, my life worth it for those 49 new souls saved for Christ. At the same time I was praying and telling the young boy about Paul and his ship wreckage experience. I never was afraid to die, although for a moment it seemed to me that the end had come. When the rescue boat arrived, the little girl and the old man were put to save first, and I swam to the boat and tried to get into safe, but they put me back to water because there was no room enough. I had then to wait for a second chance. It took several minutes because the rescue boat did not have motor but oars. I had to wait held onto a very small portable fridge. While he waiting, the youth told me his only fear was a cramp or sharks to arrive. At this point I had lost energy and got part of my arm stiffened. Now I understand Pablo’s words when he said: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” I Do Not Have idea how much time passed by, but the moment the rescue boat returned, I no longer had energy in me, because hypothermia already had stiffened all my body and shivering. If this youth had not been to my side, I sure would have died since I did not have the strength to continue swimming. I lost everything at sea. The baggage and work goods, the portable Pc, the video beam, camera, everything, but I earned 49 new souls for my Christ’s kingdom. Miraculously they recovered only 20 evangecubes and my I.D’s. Even today I have the body in pain and a headache because of the hit of the wave and all of the process. “But, no, rather I also count all things to be loss because of the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them to be trash, that I might gain Christ” (Phil. 3:8).

On Wednesday, when we arrived to Buenaventura’s port, (3 hours by bus to my house), the transporting company told us they are not responsible of material losses or something else, simply because “accidents happens”. Then I headed to the Captainship of the Port and I set my protest because the company did not have the least elements of security in the boat wrecked. Now, let’s see the positive side: Pastor Leonardo Torres, Assemblies God presbyter saw how the evangecubes works and wants us to open a new missionary trip to the coffee axis. Pastor Leonardo Torres and the national President of the same denomination will write letters to E3 Partners requesting missionary trips to the coffee axis (Risaralda, Caldas and Quindío, three States coffee producers). I talked to him and explained how e3 works. Next week I have a meeting with these people to set a date to introduce E3 Colombia in a General Pastors meeting.

God bless you brother

George Viera