It is nice to have a moment to reflect on the journey of the past year as the holidays ebb into a daily schedule that offers a sense of relief. Its interesting how in times of rapid change and shaking around me that I find Im longing for the anchor of familiar, constant, reliable…like our Father’s faithfulness in the rhythm of tides, the rising and setting sun, and the cycle of seasons. I love that in every new place we’ve traveled, I can see reminders of His familiar love beneath the differences in our accents and traditions.
The head-back-can’t-catch-your-breath-belly laugh of the dark skinned children at the park, the wise wrinkled side glances through cigar smoke from the men at the domino table, and the gray haired giggles of beautiful grandmothers and sisters are expanding my sense of family. I see glimpses of many of you that we miss in Alaska- in the Crucian people- the way they tilt their head, the smile, the walk… and I know that in His kingdom, we are never really far from ‘home’.
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| The boys with a new best friend, Aslan |
Miami, Florida
We began our outreach with a 2 day layover in Miami that was ripe for harvest. Every Uber driver seemed to be a divine connection:
We got to pray with our first driver, Jose, and encourage him that he didn’t have to earn his relationship with Jesus. (listen to recorded conversation here)
Our second driver in Little Havana shared how he was using his Uber driving to raise money for a children’s soccer ministry in Columbia that the Lord had been stirring in his heart. We were able to pray with him and give to that project as we were all encouraged by the many ways God is moving his church all over the world. (Listen to recording here)
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| Matt- the Uber Driver with Columbia Project |
Our 3rd driver was a muslim who recently moved from Turkey because of the dangerous political state his country was in with the the current president advancing terrorism and the Isis Caliphate. I asked him if he had any hope for his home country and he said, “Yes, when we get a new president”. Again, I was reminded of our common ground when I recognize a similar hope many Americans have shared in the recent presidential elections.
Our visit to Lynwood Street Art district clearly reflected the brokenness and beauty of the city.
It is incredible to see the way God is using each team member in their unique gifting and experience. Karl, from Germany was able to meet 3 different German speaking families at our hotel in Miami, sharing about Jesus and praying with them about the future.
We were able to bless a young Cuban waitress with a financial gift for her young family. As we were praying for her in the restaurant, a local elderly man who had a speech impairment followed us out the door for prayer. I was so moved at this man’s hunger and faith- we are believing for his healing and continued relationship with the Lord.
Missions in St. Croix
It is evident that the Lord is revealing his heart as a servant here. There is so much need- so much work to be done, everywhere you look there is an opportunity to serve. From the simple act of cleaning up a yard or preparing a meal, to the direct sharing of the gospel on the street or helping disadvantaged children with homework, every act of service is making a way for His kingdom to be established. (Learn more about needs in St. Croix here)
Our first priority in phase 1 of outreach is to serve the longterm staff and local church with the work they have already begun:
Children’s Camps
Previous YWAM teams have established relationships with children up to 18 years old in the government housing projects on the Island in Paradise Mills and at Lighthouse Mission. We will be spending intentional time with these kids in both places. 2 boys made a decision for salvation last week during the day camp on the base!
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| Zane with kids at day camp |
(Watch Crucian kids dance during worship here)
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| Playing with kids at Paradise Mills |
Basketball & Fitness
Several times a week, the campus gates are opened to the community for basketball and functional fitness that Matt & Paxton have been leading. The staff here have vision and building plans for expanding fitness facilities as this is a huge draw for many local young men.
Street Ministry
The towns of Christiansted and Fredrickstead are our targets for ‘treasure hunting’ street minsitry. This begins with a time of prayer and waiting for the Lord to lead us as we go out on the streets to share Jesus with the local community.
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| DTS student, Mikaela, got the name "Jacob" in preparation for our street ministry time & later we met Jacob who had recently spent time in prison & felt like the Lord was drawing him closer to Him to 'get things right'. We were able to encourage him in his relationship with Jesus and was so excited that God lead us to encourage him that day. |
Youth Group
Our team will be leading the youth group at St. Croix Christian Church on Friday evenings for about 25 middle through high school age students.
Community Clean Up
We also have work duties around the base with meal prep, grounds keeping, and daily chores. (See photos of our housing and the YWAM base here).
(Watch video here of team brush-hauling)
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| A welcome surprise with visitors from Alaska! |
Thank you for your continued support and prayer for our family as we are on mission. We pray for you often as you walk out your own!
