Hey all,
Well, this is the last week of teaching. Our speaker is Wilhem originally from South Africa, but has been living in Holland for quite some time now (he is married to a Dutchie). He is speaking on Missions and has so many incredible stories that you want to swear he makes half of them up. He is a no-nonsense kind of guy who gives it to us straight. I really like and respect that.
Next week is called Baffa Baffa or something like that. I have no idea what exactly that means, but I do know it will be devoted to preparing us for outreach. It is known as a fun and challenging week, so I look forward to it.
Here is some sad news:
Two of our students--Brittni and Annie (both from US, both 18, and both from Michigan...but they didn't know each other before this DTS) are not able to go on outreach for various reasons. We are so sad to lose some of our members, but it must be. Please pray that God will guide them in what He has for their futures...especially their immediate futures.
I am getting more and more excited for outreach as I learn more details about where we are going and what we will be doing.
Today during Intercession time, we learned about and prayed for the Uiger people in Urimchi, China. They will be our primary ministry focus while we are in China. They are originally from Mongolia and look very little like the ethnic Chinese. They speak Arabic and have an entirely different food and music culture from the Chinese, too.
I will let you know more about the other countries and ministries another day...this entry is geting so lengthy.
Tomorrow is my last day of ministry in the Red Light District. Please pray that God would use me as He wills and that I would be open to what He is speaking to me.
LOve you all. Hey, and thanks to all who sent me birthday greetings in forms of emails, packages, and letters. I think I have received everything that people told me they would send...my birthday was so wonderful and special!
~Michelle/moosh/Hannah
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Here comes Sinterklaus...
This will be a most entertaining post, I promise.
I am going to tell you all about the lovely holiday of Sinterklaus (like Christmas but not at all) on the 5th of December. But the parade for the holiday was today...so it was kind of today.
Here is what it is:
Sinterklaus "arrives from Spain" on a boat riding a white horse, dressed as the pope but in red, and accompanied by a band of small black men who the children all call "Pete" for some reason. The boat docked at the museum across from De Poorte, so I had a great view from my window. After the boat docks, he stays there for awhile while people sing silly songs and stuff. Then he leaves the boat on parade around the city while the children yell "Pete, Pete!" to get the attention of the black men (Dutchies paint themselves to look black) who take letters to Sinterklaus from the children and hand out or throw papernoten (little gingerbread cookies...quite yummy actually) at the kids. If the children are bad, they will be taken by the black men back to Spain.
Such a stange, strange holiday. One I cannot quite figure out...seems a bit racist, too, but the true black people come out to celebrate also, so I guess it is all ok with everyone. It is quite entertaining to hear about it and see it all. Thought you all would enjoy hearing about it.
Alright. All of you enjoy your day now. Later gators.
I am going to tell you all about the lovely holiday of Sinterklaus (like Christmas but not at all) on the 5th of December. But the parade for the holiday was today...so it was kind of today.
Here is what it is:
Sinterklaus "arrives from Spain" on a boat riding a white horse, dressed as the pope but in red, and accompanied by a band of small black men who the children all call "Pete" for some reason. The boat docked at the museum across from De Poorte, so I had a great view from my window. After the boat docks, he stays there for awhile while people sing silly songs and stuff. Then he leaves the boat on parade around the city while the children yell "Pete, Pete!" to get the attention of the black men (Dutchies paint themselves to look black) who take letters to Sinterklaus from the children and hand out or throw papernoten (little gingerbread cookies...quite yummy actually) at the kids. If the children are bad, they will be taken by the black men back to Spain.
Such a stange, strange holiday. One I cannot quite figure out...seems a bit racist, too, but the true black people come out to celebrate also, so I guess it is all ok with everyone. It is quite entertaining to hear about it and see it all. Thought you all would enjoy hearing about it.
Alright. All of you enjoy your day now. Later gators.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Update on Me
Here is some random updates for me:
The week on Sin, Repentance, and the Cross went better than I had ever imagined. God took some things out of me that I never even thought would be taken so quickly and readily. You can pray for my continued obedience in handing over to Him all that He asks b/c what I have given so far, I have not regretted although it has not been easy. I actually got up in front of my entire DTS peers and confessed some things in my life. In fact, most of us did. It was a truly healing time in many of us. Openess to those who are trustworthy is so special and therapuetic. God heals through openess as I am now acutely aware of.
Last week's teaching was on Destiny and Calling taught by our base leader Armando. He has a passionate heart for the nations that is so contagious. I got really stirred up inside for outreach and who all we will be in contact with during that time. Armando is a great man who speaks like 5 bazillion languages and knows all these random little ethnic groups. He teaches in stories, but they are all like little sermons. It's like nothing I've ever heard before...I hope to hear more.
I am not sure what this week's teachings will be on. I will get back to you on that.
Today was YWAM Revisited which is a reunion for all Netherland YWAMers. The DTS is hosting it, so that means we did all the meal planning, clean up, etc... yeah, us!
Next Friday we are having a fundraiser for outreach. We will have a Pirate theme party w/ pizza and pop for sale. We are going to have dancing and like a talent show or something so please pray that we rake in a lot of money!
Also, two girls on our team may not be able to go on outreach. I will not go into detail, but just pray that God's desire would be what is done in their situation.
Love you all!
The week on Sin, Repentance, and the Cross went better than I had ever imagined. God took some things out of me that I never even thought would be taken so quickly and readily. You can pray for my continued obedience in handing over to Him all that He asks b/c what I have given so far, I have not regretted although it has not been easy. I actually got up in front of my entire DTS peers and confessed some things in my life. In fact, most of us did. It was a truly healing time in many of us. Openess to those who are trustworthy is so special and therapuetic. God heals through openess as I am now acutely aware of.
Last week's teaching was on Destiny and Calling taught by our base leader Armando. He has a passionate heart for the nations that is so contagious. I got really stirred up inside for outreach and who all we will be in contact with during that time. Armando is a great man who speaks like 5 bazillion languages and knows all these random little ethnic groups. He teaches in stories, but they are all like little sermons. It's like nothing I've ever heard before...I hope to hear more.
I am not sure what this week's teachings will be on. I will get back to you on that.
Today was YWAM Revisited which is a reunion for all Netherland YWAMers. The DTS is hosting it, so that means we did all the meal planning, clean up, etc... yeah, us!
Next Friday we are having a fundraiser for outreach. We will have a Pirate theme party w/ pizza and pop for sale. We are going to have dancing and like a talent show or something so please pray that we rake in a lot of money!
Also, two girls on our team may not be able to go on outreach. I will not go into detail, but just pray that God's desire would be what is done in their situation.
Love you all!
red light Salvation
wow, do I have something to report.
Last Wednesday (sorry I have not blogged this sooner...I haven't been in the mood) during outreach one of the ladies in the windows prayed for salvation!
It was truly amazing. I went out with Hepka (not sure if that is how it's spelled) to an area I had visited twice before. We saw Angelina who I have always thought was such a sweet girl. I am not sure where she is from (language barrier...she speaks only Spanish, so I usually cannot understand most of what is being said) or many other details about her. That day God must have opened my ears or called my Spanish to remembrance b/c I could understand most everything she and Hepka talked about. I was not aware of what exactly she asked for prayer for, but when Hepka started the prayer I heard Jesus and come into my heart and stuff like that all in Spanish. I was so excited and wanted to start balling my eyes out. I was able to give Angelina a big hug and communicate that I loved her and was so happy for her.
I know that she is working in the windows only for money and hates to be there. She is married and has three children (the rest of her family does not live in Amsterdam). Please pray for her b/c salvation does not always mean leaving the windows for these ladies. Some believe they are ok and can continue living like they are. I think Angelina is different though. I am praying that her husband will accept Christ also and refuse to have her be in the windows any longer.
I thought you all would love to hear this since you have been praying in support of my ministry here. You are a part of this and have affected her life, too. Thank you for the prayers. We need them so desperately here.
Last Wednesday (sorry I have not blogged this sooner...I haven't been in the mood) during outreach one of the ladies in the windows prayed for salvation!
It was truly amazing. I went out with Hepka (not sure if that is how it's spelled) to an area I had visited twice before. We saw Angelina who I have always thought was such a sweet girl. I am not sure where she is from (language barrier...she speaks only Spanish, so I usually cannot understand most of what is being said) or many other details about her. That day God must have opened my ears or called my Spanish to remembrance b/c I could understand most everything she and Hepka talked about. I was not aware of what exactly she asked for prayer for, but when Hepka started the prayer I heard Jesus and come into my heart and stuff like that all in Spanish. I was so excited and wanted to start balling my eyes out. I was able to give Angelina a big hug and communicate that I loved her and was so happy for her.
I know that she is working in the windows only for money and hates to be there. She is married and has three children (the rest of her family does not live in Amsterdam). Please pray for her b/c salvation does not always mean leaving the windows for these ladies. Some believe they are ok and can continue living like they are. I think Angelina is different though. I am praying that her husband will accept Christ also and refuse to have her be in the windows any longer.
I thought you all would love to hear this since you have been praying in support of my ministry here. You are a part of this and have affected her life, too. Thank you for the prayers. We need them so desperately here.
Monday, November 07, 2005
In My Face
This is to let you all know how you can pray for me this week.
Our classes are on Sin, Repentance, and the Cross. Just the title makes me "scared" by what all God may ask of me. I want to be COMPLETELY obedient to Him and receive exactly what He wants for me this week, so please pray for that. Also, I want my fellow students to get what they need. This week is known as a difficult week among past DTS students, but they all say it is so good and necessary to go through. I know I will feel vulnerable to say the absolute least.
Today's teachings have been very, very good. Our speaker is Fiona from the base in Switzerland. She has a very untraditional style of teaching and is very deep in the Spirit. I can tell she is wanting us to search deep into ourselves and not discount what we experience this week.
I appreciate your prayers this week especially. And I am praying for you all as well.
God Bless!
Our classes are on Sin, Repentance, and the Cross. Just the title makes me "scared" by what all God may ask of me. I want to be COMPLETELY obedient to Him and receive exactly what He wants for me this week, so please pray for that. Also, I want my fellow students to get what they need. This week is known as a difficult week among past DTS students, but they all say it is so good and necessary to go through. I know I will feel vulnerable to say the absolute least.
Today's teachings have been very, very good. Our speaker is Fiona from the base in Switzerland. She has a very untraditional style of teaching and is very deep in the Spirit. I can tell she is wanting us to search deep into ourselves and not discount what we experience this week.
I appreciate your prayers this week especially. And I am praying for you all as well.
God Bless!
Sunday, November 06, 2005
rembrandt
I went to the Rijks Museum today. I have been trying to get there for the past 5 weekends, but something has always delayed it.
I wasn't too interested in seeing anything other than Rembrandt's works, but the museum is absolutely huge so it is inevitable to look at other things. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the other artists. Particularly Jan Steen and some of Vermeer.
Me and 3 others went by bike, and, as usual, one of the bikes broke down. Leo and I ended up walking back to his bike after we left the museum and then walking the bike back to De Poorte (building where I live). It was a very lovely day, so I didn't mind the walk at all. In fact, it quite reminded me of why I love this city so much.
Last night was Armondo's (our base director) wife's birthday party at Dwazezaken Cafe (the cafe owned by YWAM). I had a good time just hanging out w/ some people from the base that I normally don't get to see too often. Tribal Roots (the guys from Barbados) band played and they are so entertaining. Not only do they have good stage presence, but the music is like this islandy raggae rock fusion stuff that is a lot of fun to listen to.
I will go to Zolder 50 (or Attic 50) tonight for church. I have been going there since I got here. They have evening services and the praise and woship is incredible. I usually ride a bike so we will see if we can actually get there w/o someone breaking down on the way!
hmm...this is all for now. I am off to my potato bar dinner. Love you!
I wasn't too interested in seeing anything other than Rembrandt's works, but the museum is absolutely huge so it is inevitable to look at other things. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the other artists. Particularly Jan Steen and some of Vermeer.
Me and 3 others went by bike, and, as usual, one of the bikes broke down. Leo and I ended up walking back to his bike after we left the museum and then walking the bike back to De Poorte (building where I live). It was a very lovely day, so I didn't mind the walk at all. In fact, it quite reminded me of why I love this city so much.
Last night was Armondo's (our base director) wife's birthday party at Dwazezaken Cafe (the cafe owned by YWAM). I had a good time just hanging out w/ some people from the base that I normally don't get to see too often. Tribal Roots (the guys from Barbados) band played and they are so entertaining. Not only do they have good stage presence, but the music is like this islandy raggae rock fusion stuff that is a lot of fun to listen to.
I will go to Zolder 50 (or Attic 50) tonight for church. I have been going there since I got here. They have evening services and the praise and woship is incredible. I usually ride a bike so we will see if we can actually get there w/o someone breaking down on the way!
hmm...this is all for now. I am off to my potato bar dinner. Love you!
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
GOOD FAMILY NEWS
well, I just got an email from my sister saying that BJ (my brother) will not be deployed to Iraq now until May.
That was so, so, so good to hear! I was already feeling peace w/ the whole situation, but that news really was good to hear.
Classes this week have been on Biblical Worldview and taught by Bill Payne (from Canada). It has been good stuff...I just have had to be careful that I don't zone out since I have had such similar classes in high school and university...today's lesson was especially good though. He is a smart man and has good insight on how to teach this subject. I found that also especially today that during class God would use something he (the teacher) said and then He (God) would use it to show me something specific in how it applies to what I have been feeling/dealing with.
I really love that=being shown how to change and understanding more how God is involved directly in my life.
Yesterday, I took a bike ride w/ a friend to one of the markets and Amsterdam decided to be like Amsterdam and rain-then stop raining-then rain-then stop raining-then rain again. Coming back it was quite cold...but I did find some good blueberries so that makes it all worth it. Today is dreary but dry...I think it is actually going to start being cold here now. It has been so warm up til now.
Please feel free to make comments on my posts. It can be anything...doesnt have to be a response to my posts. I just want to hear from you all.
That was so, so, so good to hear! I was already feeling peace w/ the whole situation, but that news really was good to hear.
Classes this week have been on Biblical Worldview and taught by Bill Payne (from Canada). It has been good stuff...I just have had to be careful that I don't zone out since I have had such similar classes in high school and university...today's lesson was especially good though. He is a smart man and has good insight on how to teach this subject. I found that also especially today that during class God would use something he (the teacher) said and then He (God) would use it to show me something specific in how it applies to what I have been feeling/dealing with.
I really love that=being shown how to change and understanding more how God is involved directly in my life.
Yesterday, I took a bike ride w/ a friend to one of the markets and Amsterdam decided to be like Amsterdam and rain-then stop raining-then rain-then stop raining-then rain again. Coming back it was quite cold...but I did find some good blueberries so that makes it all worth it. Today is dreary but dry...I think it is actually going to start being cold here now. It has been so warm up til now.
Please feel free to make comments on my posts. It can be anything...doesnt have to be a response to my posts. I just want to hear from you all.
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