Freedom

I work at Michael's craft store 15-20 hours a week.  There is a gentleman there who cleans floors, windows, bathrooms, etc.  This guy has always stood out to me and I knew I should witness to him but an opportunity never opened up.  Well, that changed today.

I was on my break toward the end of my time there and he came in to clean the break room.  After some small talk, I was able to share with him why I moved to Columbus.  I told him I have been wondering if he was a Christian.  He told me he doesn't always do Christian things but he is a big believer in God.  He continued to share with me that he believes his actions on earth will result in where your 'soul' ends up after you die--in heaven or hell.  I quoted to him Romans 10:9...

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

He said, "Well, I really believe that!"  

"Well then you know where you're going.  You are saved and are going to heaven."  I responded.  

He looked at me a little confused so I expounded by telling him that the born again seed is incorruptible and cannot be taken away.  Just like my son will always be my son by seed no matter if he obeys me or not, we will always been a child of God no matter what we do.  We will always be saved.  

He patted his eyes and walked out of the room because he was getting choked up.  When he came back, he told me that he has always been a believer and a good person.  That was a huge concept for him to understand from God's Word.  

I wrote Romans 10:9 out for him along with my number and The Way's website and told him that God cares for him and wants him to know the truth.  He gave me a hug and went home.  I went back to work with a HUGE smile on my face.  It's crazy to me how the simplest truths I have been taught as a child are literally freeing to people.  

Real Life.

This was the fellowship before Rev. Greene's visit.  We played

 "Book of Acts Jeopardy"--So much fun!!

On Thursday Rev. Greene came to Columbus to witness with us and teach at our fellowship.  Just as expected, we had an amazing time!  I was blessed to be the one who got to go witnessing with him.  What a time to learn and develop outreach skills.  We walked up to Columbus State University (our focus for the month) and witnessed to a good number of people.  We got everyone's contact information expect one who was in a hurry.  The main principles I learned were to not be ashamed of the truth you know and TEACH the Word you know!  He was certainly not shy to teach the people we spoke to.  It reminded me of Romans 1:16a

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is in the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. 

God's Word is God's Word--plain and simple.  There is one way to rightly divide the truth, every other dividing of it is not truth.  

Rev. Greene taught fellowship that night and we had 16 new people come.  He taught the Word like you wouldn't believe!  He shared why our ministry is here in Columbus (1 Timothy 2:4) and that there are over 4,000 denominations in the world today due to man's opinion.  He held up his Bible and said, "If it's not in here, I don't want to do it!"  He taught the record in Luke 5 about Jesus Christ telling Simon Peter to cast his nets (plural) into the sea.  Peter only cast one net in.  He "knew" what would happen because had been fishing all night and hadn't caught any fish.  He didn't put forth the energy to believe to catch anything so he didn't obey.  As a result, his net broke.  Rev. Greene taught that you can obey God's Word and enjoy the abundance God has just WAITING for you...or you can spend your life stitching up your net.  

It was an amazing teaching...it's difficult to even convey the greatness of what he shared.  God never forces anyone to believe but the benefits of knowing God's rightly divided Word comes when appropriate believing action follows the hearing of the Word.  

Jack wanted to drink the rest of Rev. Greene's water.  Cute cute.

DISCIPLE

John 8:31b and 32

"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.  

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

A disciple is a disciplined one. 

Know-to know by experience or EFFORT

 In order to enjoy the freedom that comes with knowing the Word, 

we actually need to be disciplined to the Word.  

Since Brent and I started our Way Corps program, we have been memorizing different scriptures that correlate to the Way Corps principles (there are five principles and 5-6 verses for each one).  The third Corps principle is "Utilize physical discipline making your physical body the "vehicle" of communication of the Word, as vital as possible."  Throughout my life I have known about Corps principle 3 (aka CP3) because my parents are Way Corps minsters.  I've heard them talk about it often in regards to setting time aside to fulfill their CP3 for the week.  Well, now that I am going through the same leadership program, I am experiencing the practicality of this principle.

 

During our candidate year, a Way Corps minister told me the physical discipline required in this principle carries over to daily life--being in control of your body, your words and your actions.  Very quickly after hearing this enlightening statement, I got more disciplined with my exercising.  I would plan out my distance to run and even though many times I wanted to stop I would tell myself "Way Corps don't do something because they 'feel like it.'  I can do this, so I'm going to do it!"  My endurance grew by leaps and bounds.  Even though I gained distance in running, I mainly noticed my endurance in daily life.  Particularly after very long and busy days, when I didn't want to do anything for anyone else, something would come up requiring more energy (often it had to do with my little guy).   It's so important to remember that our potential is Christ's potential.  When I can't do something, the Christ in me can.  God gives us what we can handle and we can do it with a thankful heart and perseverance to see the goal accomplished.   

So there have been different things in my life that haven't been a blessing to me.  I kept taking in this negativity until one day I thought, "What am I doing??  How is this helping me focus on Way Disciple??"  The answer is...it wasn't!  I cut out numerous distractions that were adding negativity to my life or that were simply taking up too many thoughts in my mind.  I can't say this has been the easiest thing to do but because I have spent so much time disciplining my mind in other areas of life (exercise and CP3), it isn't the hardest thing in the world.  It is so cool to see these Way Corps principles come to life and benefit different areas of need.  

Proverbs 13:19 says, "The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul."

I have certainly experienced that sweet victory as I continue to discipline my mind to the Word of God and the framework of this awesome program!

The Father's Love

Life is a learning adventure.  The Way Disciple program is the 

fast track of learning about the practicality of God's Word.  

God is good always and wants the best for His children.  I was talking to a girl the other night and she told me that her husband can't comprehend why God brought an illness into his grandmother's life.  I told her that I also would not be able to comprehend it if I believed that God was the source of good AND evil.  I wrote down some verses to give her husband. One was of course, John 10:10:

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

There are two forces at work in the world.  God, who is all good and all love, wants for His children to have the more than abundant life.  A life free of sickness, hurt, and disappointment.  The devil, our opponent, wants to steal our believing--pull it right out from under us, kill our love--so we miss out on those eternal rewards, and destroy the hope--to the point that we don't even think about it.  I never understand how anyone could trust in a God that they believes bring harm to them.  That doesn't make much sense to me.  One point I always bring up is the fact that I am a mother with an 18 month old child who I would literally die for.  There is nothing in the world I wouldn't give him if it was in my power to give.  I would also never put him in a situation to get hurt just so he can "learn a lesson."  Why would God do that to His children?

The last couple of weeks I have seen the contrast of darkness and light.  Seeing the evil out there, you know what this makes me want to do??  It makes me want to do exactly what I am doing right now...going out every day for hours telling people of God's goodness, grace, and love for their lives.  It makes me want to sit down with just one person and show them from God's Word HOW to see His power in their life.  No matter how ugly the world gets, God stays the same. 

The other night at fellowship, I felt like the weight of the world was on me.  During manifestations, Brent called on our branch coordinator (who was visiting our fellowship) and the first thing she said was, "My dear children, I love you."  I haven't cried during manifestations since college but hearing those words spoken with so much peacefulness and assurance made me cry.  That is all we need--the Creator of the heavens and earth loves ME!  His deepest desire is for me to truly know Him, which is to experientially know His love.  Being "out on the front lines" (as people like to say about Way D's) shows me the distinct contrast of "to steal and to kill and to destroy" and "LIFE and that they might have it MORE ABUNDANTLY!"  

Ohh, The Places We'll Go!

This is from my teaching last night on "An Overview of the Places in Acts."  We went through the book of Acts to see the 4 major outreach centers:  Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, and Rome.  My main focus was that we have the same doctrinal framework and the same spiritual abilities--The Word can move just like it did back then. 

So we read the last two verses in Acts then continued reading in Acts 29....

"And there was at Georgia in Columbus a certain committed few, abiding thence in the Hills of Club and Hardaway (the name of our apt complex).  There gathered together in one accord were Brent and Kathryn, Jack Isaac, Lindsey Ann of Little Rock, Abigail of Appleton, Chase and Abra Honeycutt from the land of Texas, Mike whose sirname was Reeves, the one they called AJ, along with Jeff , Jana, Tabitha and John the brother of David.

They went about to every place declaring glad tidings of good things. Moving from apartment to apartment, dodging the town guards, and shining brightly for all to see.   They increased in boldness and spoke to all who would and would not listen.  Throughout all their days, they moved with believing for to see God’s power manifested.  They lived with understanding that it is God which worketh in them; that they are witnesses of God’s prevailing might!  God worked in them and with them as they accomplished their goal of making a reality what others called impossible. They showed many signs, miracles, and wonders to the people of Columbus and filled to capacity that town with God’s Word.  They continued to Fort Benning and Phoenix City, once they were unleashed unto them, and all the land was claimed for the one, true God!"

Another main point was that we manifest the Christ within by way of speaking in tongues (1 Cor 12:6-11).  That is our proof in the senses realm that we are born again and can do what they did in the book of Acts.  When it comes to spiritual matters, we don't need to "take it by faith."  God wants us to be fully aware of what we have in Christ. 

Abi and I witnessed to a military guy while going door to door in our neighborhood.  He didn't seem interested at first but I invited him the next day anyway.  He has come to every fellowship since then.  Last night he told us that he wanted to speak in tongues so he could have proof that he was born again.  I took him outside and we talked for a long time about that topic.  We gave him the green book to read more about it.  He didn't want to do it in front of me because he felt embarrassed.  This afternoon I hear a knock at the door and within 2 minutes our faithful neighbor tells me all about his night of SIT.  

This was soooo awesome for many reasons.  One personal blessing is that I had written in my Way Disciple goals that I wanted to lead someone into SIT outside of the class.  I didn't think it would be in the first 3 weeks!  I can't wait to see what else God has in store for us. 

Job Hunting

*Chase and Abra following up on jobs*

The first day after we got here we went out looking for jobs.  It was a huge believing adventure.  We applied EVERRRYYYWHERE!  It really doesn't matter where we work, we just need at least 20 hours a week at minimum wage....ahh the beauty of budgeting.  It took us some time to all get employed.  A couple guys in our group were the first to get jobs.  Oddly enough, it was at Victoria's Secret.  All the girls in the group will be taking full advantage of this discount.   

The rest of us got jobs at different locations...McDonald's, La Quinta hotel, Michael's, Shogun, Charlotte Russe, Starbucks, and Chick-Fil-A.  Brent and I are so thankful because he is able to work full-time at his job...McDonald's :).  Once he got those hours we decided I would just stay home with Jack.  While I have loved staying at home with him for the last 18 months, I was sort of looking forward to getting a job.  I guess God knew that because the next day Michael's called me and offered me a part-time position.  They are very flexible with my schedule and are giving me the hours I want.  It will only be around 15 hours a week, which is perfect for me and our family.  God is good.  

This was our verse to claim while we searched diligently for jobs...

"Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it."  

-1 Thess 5:24

Housing

Fort Benning is the Headquarters to the U.S. Army's infantry and armour divisions (yes, I have learned what this is since I have been here).  It is one of the largest military bases in the world.  The week we moved here, the 3rd brigade (3,600 soldiers) moved in with us.  This was the last of three waves of soldiers returning home.  We were unaware of this happening while we were looking for housing.  Our leadership kept quite about it so it wouldn't be discouraging as we try to secure housing in an area quickly filling up.  

Brent assigned me and Jeff to find housing while everyone else went to look for jobs.  The first day we went all around looking at apartments, town homes, and houses.  We liked a house but the lady never called us back about it.  The next day while Jack took his first nap, we sat at the kitchen table and called different apartment complexes for two hours!  It was so tiring but it was what we needed to do.  After lunch, we set out on our detailed plan.  We hit up 6 apartments in two hours.  The second to last one was the place we ended up moving into the next day. 

Marlo and Millie told us that finding three apartments in one complex during all the military transitions was definitely God at work.  

I learned a lot from that situation.  The first day we saw some housing but did a lot of running around...mainly because I kept turning the wrong way and getting my directions mixed up.  It was almost a joke.  I felt bad for Jeff having to deal with me :).  The next day, when we sat down to make a plan and get clear, we were able to move out with focus and determination.  That's when when we saw what God had in store for us.  

It reminded me of Luke 8:1 --

"And it came to pass afterward (kathexes) that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him."

Kathexes is a Greek word meaning a systematic approach, with method and order.  Jesus Christ didn't waste time in speaking God's Word.  Planning is very godly and a very BIG part of Way Disciple.  We are certainly learning that everyday.  :)

***All the pictures are from Fort Benning's Infantry Museum, we got to go yesterday as an outreach event.***

Claiming our Promised Land

We finally arrived in Columbus after having a fantastic lunch at the Greene's home.  Rev. Greene drove an hour and 45 minutes to our new town just to be there with us when we arrived. 

That was really loving of him, it showed how im

portant this was.  We stopped at the town's welcome center and prayed together.  Rev. Greene told us to close our eyes and visualize God's will coming to pass.  He told us that this town is ours.  Just like when God gave the children of Israel their promised land of Canaan...Columbus is our promised land.  So rad.

Georgia on my mind..

COLUMBUS, GEORGIA!!!!! ...will be our home for the next 10 months. They told us Friday night at the special dinner for all the Way Disciples and alumni. They called for Brent and I to stand up and I couldn't see hardily anyone on our team because of where we were sitting. There was so much going on in my mind at that moment that I wasn't too sure of who was in our group for about 24 hours haha.

It was so exciting to hangout with the Way Corps from the different areas for a whole day before finding out where we were going. Originally, I wanted to go the Ann Arbor, MI but once it got cold here in Ohio, I wasn't really feeling the north anymore. Earlier Friday morning, we randomly sat next to Marlo Vergara (who will be our branch coordinator) during the STS rehearsal. We had the best time talking for about 30 minutes. We talked about the movement of the Word and also got to joke around a bit. I decided I would not mind heading back south after chatting with him. We were so blessed to find out we would be in his branch! It is Ephesians 3:20 to be able to work under the Greenes. I know the next six months will be priceless.

Twas the night before...

We got to the holy land today...aka Headquarters.  It has been so wonderful to be around people who actually care about you.  What a difference from living in the world!  Here's a little example of what I am talking about....  Tonight we ate dinner all together and they had a high chair for Jack (probably bought in the 70's...so cool).  I put him in it, then after we prayed I grabbed my napkin and realized that there were three napkins under my fork.  Gabrielle told me they were there just in case I needed it for Jack.  What a thoughtful and loving act!  I know it was a small thing but I was so blessed that they thought of me in that way.  After dinner every single person I talked to on staff asked us if they could do anything for us.  I just love this ministry so much!  

Tomorrow we find out where we are going.  I feel like it is the night before Christmas...

(Later I was telling Renee Pugh about the napkin incident and how much it meant to me.  All she says is, "I was the one who put that there."  That was a sweet moment)

Way Disciple Training

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."  -1 Corinthians 2:9

Yesterday we had our Way Disciple training.  I was sitting there before it began and I was looking around at all the people who had set aside a full afternoon to hear God's Word and learn the tinniest bit about what their lives would be like for the next six months.  The majority were in their early twenties--pretty carefree and ready to move for God.  We had been given water cups to write our names on.  One person (cough, Casey D.) wrote, "Wash. Feet. Here. (blood of the wicked)."  There were other funny ones as well--come to think of it, no one wrote their actual name.  I felt so honored to be sitting there in a room with some of God's elect.  There was no where I would have rather been.  

The training was nothing short of inspiring.  Rev. Stutzs literally caught on fire when he taught the Word on Luke 10.  He shared that when you make a commitment to God, you don't look back.  That we have been training for this for years as we've learned God's Word through the Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced Classes.  We are skilled to give God's Word to anyone who wants to hear.  

We learned about the objectives of a Way Disciple and how we could accomplish them.  Hearing these things was so electrifying!  My expectation is soaring high!  Looking forward to those things that God has prepared for these 12 crazy kids from O-town.