Missions: Ethiopia Part 1: Team, Country and People

I left last month for my missions trip to Ethiopia. This was my third missions trip with Times Square Church and it was such a blessing. I was with a team of  seven extraordinary, beautiful, hilarious, intelligent, kind, normal and God loving women. I knew only one of the ladies which was the team leader, Tobi. But of course by the end of the trip I got to know and adored Miss Ruth, Miss Hazel, Babita aka "Bob", Homa and Jane. I felt completely comfortable with these ladies in our last meeting a week before we left for the trip. We were already exposing our humor and personalities. We had wonderful, engaging conversations and the main topic was men and marriage. Hey, no judging, we are 7 single women what else would we talk about!

The Team

Our mission was to volunteer at Healing Hands of Joy founded by Allison Shigo, who was also our host. The center was developed to establish safe motherhood support networks to eradicate fistula. HHOJ also provides assistance to women that developed fistula to rejoin their communities as safe motherhood ambassadors and provide a life for themselves. I will elaborate more on what we did at HHOJ next week, but please visit the center's site at healinghandsofjoy.com to learn more.

Addis Ababa

After our 12 hour flight to Dubai we boarded our plane to fly into to Addis Ababa, which took 4 hours. The country is beautiful to say the least. The mountainous landscape took my breath away!  The city reminded me of Monrovia, Liberia expect for the mountains. Most of the people, if not all, are extremely attractive. Most of the locals we encountered had a kind disposition and friendly. The country's religion is Christian Orthodox. We saw many priest and parishioners walking to mass.

Orthodox Church 

In Addis most of the people wear western modern day apparel (jeans, t-shirts, high heels, sneakers and business causal wear). We saw sprinkles of traditional garments, more so in Mekelle.  Some of the women had their heads covered with a shawl or scarf and men wear colorful tams, beanies or tuckers.
Majority of the men have low hair cuts and the women wear their hair in a variety of ways; natural, textured, long, short, braided ( I love and plan on executing myself), wig or weaves. We went to a restaurant called 2000 Habesha that had traditional Ethiopian cuisine, a band and cultural dancers.
We then went to Mekelle, where the center, Healing Hands of Joy, is located.  
Below are more pictures and video of the dancers from the trip. Next week's post will go more in depth about what the Lord did through our team and my one on one time with Akeza, one of the woman at the center.

2000 Habesha 

Meal at 2000 Habesha 

Do You Really Know that God Loves You? Part 1: Patient and Kind

Did you know that God loves you? I know this might seem like a stupid question but do you really know with all your heart that God loves you. I was asked this question about 2 years ago and it really shocked me to my core. For the first time I was confused about whether or not God loved me. On a cerebral level I understood that God loved me. I knew the precious sacrifice he made by sending His only Son to die, was a sacrifice of love. But beyond that, for some reason my heart had a hard time translating that notion. I think not fulling understanding that God loved me came from my misunderstanding of Love.

To understand what love really means is to understand God for God is Love and He is perfect in all His ways. Often times we tend to lean unto out own understanding. Proverbs 6: 5 - 6 says

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct[a] your paths.

When we take the world's concept of love and try to project that on God's Word, it fails miserably. We begin to pigeon hole God in our definition of love.

Two years ago, I was dealing with issues of God's love for me. There were moments when I thought, God just doesn't love me. I am not sure how the enemy planted that seed in my mind and heart but he did. God's love is divine and to understand it we must go to His word. I am sure most of you know the following verse but let's really look at it.

1Corinthians 13

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I  am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, it profits me nothing.

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Starting at verse 4: Love is long suffering (patient) and kind. I, by nature, am an impatient person. It is by the grace of God that I can practice patience. I, like most people, want what I want, when I want it and how I want it. This is in direct contradiction to what the Word says. Love/God is patient. That means, while I was dead in my sin, He patiently waited for me to realize the error of my ways. He, being my creator, waited patiently as I played the harlot, trying to run after the desires of my wicked heart.  Any normal person would have walked away. I know so many couples who have faced infidelity in their marriage and decided to walk away, but God says, love is patient. It will wait for you to choose it and reciprocate that love. It is kind. Kind according to Marriam Webster's dictionary is defined as;  having or showing a gentle nature and a desire to help others : wanting and liking to do good things and to bring happiness to others. Love desires to help and to do good things. There is none good but God. He is the author of all things good. I can't tell you how many times I have asked God for something that in my understanding was good and He did not give me what I desired. In those moments of God denying my request I often attributed it to the fact that He just didn't't love me. After all, if I asked my earthly father for something and it was within his means to obtain it for me, he would do it with no questions asked. The difference between God and my earthly father is that God sees the results of my requests. He alone knows what is good for me. So although my earthly father means well, he could do me harm if he does not consult the Lord before honoring my request. We don't always understand what God is doing, but if we don't understand, let us pray that the lie that He doesn't love us, does not take root in our lives. If we begin to believe this lie, we render God a liar and He cannot lie. God wants good things to happen to you, He wants you to be happy, but the only person that can define that is God. We can't apply our limited understanding to what happiness looks like. For us, happiness is subjective but to God happiness is absolute and defined by God. To understand true happiness, you will need to seek God. You will need to understand why scripture says 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4).

Have any of you struggled with understanding the love of God, specifically as it applies to your relationship with Him? How did you overcome?

 Over the next couple of weeks I would like to explore the attributes of love, which in reality are the attributes of God.

Faith: It Can Happen! Beautiful Proposal and Wedding of Young ChristianCouple

As I was doing some research yesterday, I came across this article about a young man that proposed and married his wife on the same day! Ryan Leak, for over a year, planned the wedding using his then girlfriend's, Amanda Roman, Wedding Pinterest board that had over 200 pins. The background story is that he overheard Amanda speaking to one of her friend's that she wanted to get engaged and married on the same day. Ryan executed his bride's dream wedding successfully without her knowledge.

I wanted to share their story because it was a answered question that I posed to God. I will not expose the question but I will tell you that the answer is that "It Can Happen". God is willing and able to do above and exceedingly all we could ever ask for (Ephesians 3:20). If you are a true follower of Jesus Christ please believe that He loves you and wants the best for you. Amanda, I am sure, never saw this coming and waited 5 years to hear Ryan say "I Love You" and propose. I will allow Ryan to explain why in the video. 

The Lord is always working out things in the spiritual realm for our benefit because He and only He will receive the glory. The Lord was gloried in their wedding and because of their story it has edified and encouraged me to believe that God is able. No prayer is too ridiculous, small or big for Him. Please believe that it can happen. To read the full article and to watch the mini documentary of the proposal and wedding here is the link to theGrio website. You can also watch the video below:

A Change is Happening

It has been a very long time since we have posted anything to the blog. Like we stated in the previous post our lives had become extremely busy. Work, family, friends, mission's trips, traveling and extracurricular activities consumed our lives so much, that we did not dedicate enough time to Storm Riders. Well, all of that is going to change. We will be posting regularly each week. Monday and Friday will have new entries. You can also connect with us on Twitter, Pintrest, Goggle+, Youtube and Facebook. 

When the year began, we were in Liberia celebrating Christmas and New Years. It was our first time back to the country in over 20 years. So much happened on that trip ( we will expound in another entry) that we knew something was around the corner. We both felt like this was the year for change. God is doing a new thing not just in us personally but also in the body of Christ. We have gained so much knowledge in the Word, who we are in Christ, our creation roles and what the Church should really look like in the past year. We are so excited to share these revelations and experiences with you! There is an overwhelming awakening to truly live our lives according to the Word of God. We have been challenged in the last year on our faith, what we have believed to be true in our walk and what the Bible really says about the roles we play in our families and church community. 

We also want to hear from you about the changes that are going on in your life and the challenges that you have had to face. It is the consent renewing of your mind that will allow the perfect Will of God to be illustrated in your life (Romans 12:2). Jesus is perfecting His Bride and making her beautiful for the ceremony. Please continue to believe and have faith that a change is going to come in your life, family, friends, church community and the body of Christ. Watch, pray and keep riding the storm.

We are still here!!!

Hello Stormriders! I know it has been over a year since we have posted but don't worry we are still here fighting the good fight. God has done so much in our lives in the past year and a half that we have so much to share. Alot of revelations and testimonies of His Truth, Faithfulness and Love. Stay tune there will be more to come.

We love you

Special Gift

It is that special time of year again. This is the season to recognize the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We went to a wonderful concert at our church this week. 150 Male p choir accompanied by a big band singing praises to our Lord. It was an amazing night! Seeing men of all races, nationalities and ages freely and boldly worshiping the Prince of Peace. Jesus is the special gift that the Almighty God gave the world. Priceless, precious, wonderful, awesome and beautiful are just a few adjectives to describe the innocent spotless lamb that was born over 2,000 years ago. Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving. I would like to encourage you to take 10 minutes to really think about Christmas and why we celebrate it. Let the Holy Spirit give you a revelation about the day Christ was born. Have a Merry Christmas and may the Lord bless you and your family this holiday season.

31 Day Prayer Challenge

Hey Everyone!

I want to issue an end of year challenge! God's Word says, 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21).

There are 31 days in December and I want you to ask and think big! God says that He can do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think! So that means that your "big" is actually small in the sight of God. So go ahead and pray 31 big, humanly impossible, mind blowing prayers! One prayer for each day of December and watch God work! Go ahead and pray for that family member who you think is too far gone, pray for a child, pray for a husband or wife, pray for a job, pray for a means of funding your education, pray for funds to go on that mission trip you have been wanting to go on, pray for open doors in your life and the life of those you love, pray for deliverance! Pray big! Pray specific and more importantly pray in POWER! The verse says according to the power that works in us! That POWER is the HOLY SPIRIT! Pray away folks and I pray that God blows your mind! Also don't forget to write down your prayers so you remember what you asked for, so that God may get the GLORY! Remember the verse says to Him be glory!

Go ahead and pray and watch God work! I am praying with you! I can't wait to see and hear what God does!

Oh Give Thanks, unto the Lord; for He is Good

It is that time again, Thanksgiving!!!! It is one of my favorite holidays. It is time to eat, fellowship with loved ones and eat! This is a day our nation has given us to give thanks. But we know as believers everyday is a day to give thanks. Shower the Lord with Thanksgiving and praise because He is worthy. He saved us from sin and death. He gave us His only Son to be a sacrifice so that we may have life (John 3:16). He has given us freedom, power and authority in Christ. He has given us healing, love, peace and a sound mind (Isaiah 53:5/2 Timothy 1:7). He has given us joy, rest and forgiveness. He is the ultimate giver! He gives to us everyday! So He deserves all the thanks and all the praise everyday.

We thank you Jesus for your love and sacrifice that you have given so freely to us. You paid the ultimate price so that we would have life and have it more abundantly. You delivered us out of sin and hell. You have healed us, redeemed us, forgiven us and set us free. Thank you for keeping us, providing for us and never leaving us. Thank you for being the lover of our soul and advocate. We love you and sing praises to your Holy Name.

A Must Read!: "Broken Church Homes"

Last month we read an amazing post from Pastor G. Craige Lewis of Exministries. It is called "Broken Church Homes" and Pastor Lewis expressed his deep concerns about the state of marriages in the body of Christ. It is a thought provoking article that addresses the many issues that Christian marriages are facing today. The Enemy is really attacking what God has ordained to be sacred and holy. We urge everyone to pray and intercede for the marriages in your local church, your families, friends, church leaders and pastors. The devil is doing a work and we need to counteract. Prayer is our most valuable and powerful weapon against this spirit of divorce, infidelity, division and confusion. To read the article click here or copy and paste the link below.

http://gcraige.blogspot.com/2011/08/broken-church-homes.html

"But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, ⁸ and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. ⁹ Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Mark 10: 6-9

Smoke and Mirrors: A Disillusioned Generation

My sister and I went out Thursday night this pass week for Fashion Night Out. The event started in 2009 and we have been out shopping that night since it started. We have always had a good time and enjoyed getting free gifts, food & discounts. We were on a mission this time to get dresses for our cousin's wedding this month. After attending the prayer meeting at our church we headed down to Soho to a couple of stores. When we got out of the station there was a large crowd that we have never seen before!
There were so many people out and in one area. It was extremely overwhelming, considering all the crime that happened over labor day weekend, we were a bit worried. We normally do not like large groups of people and avoid them like the plague but we wanted to go to a particular store. On our way to the store we encountered a lot of disheartening events. Young women were dressed in scantily clad outfits, young men were cat calling the girls, individuals were dressed as the opposite sex and all types of inappropriate behavior. It was like watching numerous identity crisis happening all around us. The girls paraded around imitating their favorite celebrities. You could tell that they have bought into the lies of the media about who they are, their worth and what they should look like. The guys approaching the girls were vulgar in their pursuit. They were unnecessarily aggressive, inappropriate and disrespectful. There were many young men dressed as women or acting extremely effeminate.
We were disturbed by what we witnessed. I recently completed The Vision by David Wilkerson and my sister is reading it now. Pastor David talks about the lewdness, lawlessness and flood of filth that will happen in the last days that He saw in the vision that God gave him. It grieves my spirit to see that happening right now with this generation. It also made me upset how the enemy has deceived the masses to believe what they are not. These young people are trying to be celebrities, relevant or important.
Little do they know that they are already stars that have a divine purpose and call on their precious lives. They don't need to pretend to be something that they are not. They are made in the image of an amazing Creator that loves and cares for them unconditionally. Please keep this generation in prayer. We were all here at one point of our lives. We need to pray that we reflect Christ to the world. If these young people can see Christ in us they will be drawn to him. God said that if He be lifted up He would draw all men unto Him. If Christ is lifted up in our lives everywhere we go He will draw men unto Himself. Please continue to be prayerful and allow the Holy Spirit to move you to impact this generation.