Today, July 31st, 2011, marks our one year anniversary. Many want to tell you bad things about marriage... that the first year is the hardest or that it gets worse the older you get. Keeli and I share a heart to see others excel. Our vision, our work, and our ministry is to help effectively position others to succeed and live an abundant life, both in the home, school, and workplace.
One of the key principles we live by is Matthew 6:10: Your kingdom come, your will be done... on earth as it is in heaven.
In heaven, there isn't a recession, lack, poverty, sickness, pain, or depression. We seek to go from glory to glory, together with the Holy Spirit and with each other. Our heart is for the nations to know Jesus Christ through a demonstration of His abundant love and tangible power. Because we have said, "Yes!" to Jesus, He is opening doors for us to go from great to greater.
Proverbs 18:22: A man who finds a wife has found a good thing and receives favor from God.
A year ago, I was unemployed. Today, I work for an amazing non-profit organization that aids people around the world with disasters. When we had no insurance for Keeli's pregnancy, the insurance came in a promotion that took affect soon after. He is the God who is more than enough. God's plan covers us and His will for our lives is good. Saying, "Yes," to Jesus positions you for blessing as you go where He sends you.
The last place we know Jesus told us to be was at Appalachian State to plant Immersion Church. This is where we will be until Jesus says to move elsewhere.
I take my vows to Keeli seriously. I love her to no end and she loves me. I never doubt it, nor do I fear that her words aren't to be trusted. The fruit we have seen in one year is for God's glory as we search out the treasures he has for us together.
We didn't move in with out parents (Never do that when getting married!) and we didn't have but a little money saved from working for the 2010 Census. Most of our savings went towards our honeymoon and deposits for our "cute" round home by the river. But God opens doors that no man can close and, in doing so, we had some amazing experiences...
-Honeymoon in Charleston, a cruise from Tampa, FL to the Cayman Islands and Cozumel, ending with a night in Savannah, GA.
-Moved into our first home.
-Continued equipping students of Immersion Church on Appalachian State's campus.
-We received wonderful jobs we enjoy.
-Keeli's first NFL game (Carolina Panthers vs. the San Fransisco 49ers) which happened to be one of two victories the Panthers had that season.
-Our first NHL game (Nashville Predators vs. St. Louis Blues).
-Our first holidays and birthdays together were full of traveling and great people.
-Ignite Ivy Conference at the C.S. Lewis College in Northfield, MA. This was the beginning of something friends who had poured into Boston for over 20 years had never seen: Ivy League students from several schools baptized in the Holy Spirit and united in Christ's love and power.
-Closer Conference in Boston, MA with Rolland and Heidi Baker, Bob Johnson, Kris Valloton, and Lance Wallnau.
-Disneyland in Anaheim, CA is where we rode our first roller coaster married... Space Mountain.
-San Diego Zoo and the Pacific Ocean.
-Promotion to full time with benefits
-Moved into our second home... an upgrade from the first!
-Montego Bay, Jamaica to equip a team from Georgia for evangelism and ministered in the nation to people in the streets, disabled children in an orphanage, and a local church.
-Of all the amazing things, the most exciting news of our lives was May 27, 2011 when we learned we were going to be parents!
When you're with someone you love unconditionally and you share a vision, the Lord will see it through. Saying, "Yes," to Jesus and Keeli was the best thing I ever did!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Jamaica - Breakthrough
Midweek at 2:00am, I woke up to a nasty fever, violent shivering, a throbbing headache, pain in my right ear and a sore throat. I didn't sleep well and had numerous nightmares. With a sleepless night of tossing, turning, moaning, groaning, and incoherent babbling, I had no choice but to stay in bed for the duration of the day as I rested, took medicine, and prayed my way back to health while the team ventured into Jamaica. I insisted that Keeli, being with child, go with the group and stay clear of the risk of falling victim to sickness. With tears in both our eyes, she did, but I asked her to keep record of everything that happened.
The team went on their second treasure hunt. Their first stop was Mega-Mart. Three people, including a worker, received salvation after the team ministered to them. After leaving Mega-Mart, the team drove through the city, searching for clues and seeing the parts of Montego Bay that aren't advertised to tourists. After eating at Island Grill (the Jamaican fast food chain), the team ministered to a woman outside the restaurant. She, too, received salvation in Christ.
A few of the team members believed that the Lord was directing them to Margaritaville. A man selling bracelets was led to the Lord. In the midst of ministering, a large loading truck with men were parked, staring down the team. This is a prime example of how praying with your eyes open is a smart way to practice caution when ministering in suspicious or dangerous areas. The men eventually drove away and all were accounted for as the team continued to encourage and pray for other Christian believers they were meeting.
Midday, the team arrived where we were staying. Keeli brought me food and nourishment while the girls led their housekeeper to the Lord in their hotel bathroom. Ocane, a worker at the towel hut on the beach, also received Jesus as Lord when Phoenix and William ministered to him. (Cain/cane was a clue from the day before.)
The team departed for the church service at Sandy Bay Baptist. One young girl had a knot in her throat. Kermit prayed for the knot to be healed and it was significantly smaller. She always wanted to sing and was offered the microphone. As the girl was timid to sing, Sarah encouraged her by sharing her testimony. When she was built up, the little girl sang "Jesus Loves Me."
Caity heard the Lord speak that someone had a problem with his temple. She prayed for the person. Later, she was praying for a man and heard the Lord say that if the man called upon the name of Jesus, he would be healed. He mumbled, "Jesus."
"Say His name louder!" Caity said.
"Jesus," he replied in an average volume.
"Louder! JESUS!" she yelled passionately.
As everyone watched, wide-eyed and startled, as Caity operated in the gift of faith, the man yelled the name of Jesus at the top of his lungs.
The team was released in words of knowledge. Many were "clues" from the treasure hunt describing people in attendance perfectly, including names, ailments, and shirt colors. Phoenix asked for the microphone and broke the hesitancy in the room, challenging people to come forward, not to worry about who is around them, only to focus on Jesus. Freedom prevailed and many were ministered to that night.
William, Kermit, J.J. and David prayed for a gentleman with spine issues. He couldn't lift his foot when walking but could when they finished praying. Jonathan and Michelle prayed for many, as did Keeli who led three in receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Six were born again and multiple kids were asking for Bibles that the team handed out.
Not only did breakthrough for my healing come that day, but breakthrough had come to the team from Georgia. We had no preconceived notions of the team before this mission except that they were hungry and teachable. Little to our knowledge, few had ever prophesied or led anyone to the Lord. None of them, before this week, had seen signs, wonders, miracles, and healing as a normal part of Christianity. Now, without these confirmations, it will never be normal again.
Jonathan
The team went on their second treasure hunt. Their first stop was Mega-Mart. Three people, including a worker, received salvation after the team ministered to them. After leaving Mega-Mart, the team drove through the city, searching for clues and seeing the parts of Montego Bay that aren't advertised to tourists. After eating at Island Grill (the Jamaican fast food chain), the team ministered to a woman outside the restaurant. She, too, received salvation in Christ.
A few of the team members believed that the Lord was directing them to Margaritaville. A man selling bracelets was led to the Lord. In the midst of ministering, a large loading truck with men were parked, staring down the team. This is a prime example of how praying with your eyes open is a smart way to practice caution when ministering in suspicious or dangerous areas. The men eventually drove away and all were accounted for as the team continued to encourage and pray for other Christian believers they were meeting.
Midday, the team arrived where we were staying. Keeli brought me food and nourishment while the girls led their housekeeper to the Lord in their hotel bathroom. Ocane, a worker at the towel hut on the beach, also received Jesus as Lord when Phoenix and William ministered to him. (Cain/cane was a clue from the day before.)
The team departed for the church service at Sandy Bay Baptist. One young girl had a knot in her throat. Kermit prayed for the knot to be healed and it was significantly smaller. She always wanted to sing and was offered the microphone. As the girl was timid to sing, Sarah encouraged her by sharing her testimony. When she was built up, the little girl sang "Jesus Loves Me."
Caity heard the Lord speak that someone had a problem with his temple. She prayed for the person. Later, she was praying for a man and heard the Lord say that if the man called upon the name of Jesus, he would be healed. He mumbled, "Jesus."
"Say His name louder!" Caity said.
"Jesus," he replied in an average volume.
"Louder! JESUS!" she yelled passionately.
As everyone watched, wide-eyed and startled, as Caity operated in the gift of faith, the man yelled the name of Jesus at the top of his lungs.
The team was released in words of knowledge. Many were "clues" from the treasure hunt describing people in attendance perfectly, including names, ailments, and shirt colors. Phoenix asked for the microphone and broke the hesitancy in the room, challenging people to come forward, not to worry about who is around them, only to focus on Jesus. Freedom prevailed and many were ministered to that night.
William, Kermit, J.J. and David prayed for a gentleman with spine issues. He couldn't lift his foot when walking but could when they finished praying. Jonathan and Michelle prayed for many, as did Keeli who led three in receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Six were born again and multiple kids were asking for Bibles that the team handed out.
Not only did breakthrough for my healing come that day, but breakthrough had come to the team from Georgia. We had no preconceived notions of the team before this mission except that they were hungry and teachable. Little to our knowledge, few had ever prophesied or led anyone to the Lord. None of them, before this week, had seen signs, wonders, miracles, and healing as a normal part of Christianity. Now, without these confirmations, it will never be normal again.
Jonathan
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Jamaica - Treasure Hunt
What better way to spend the day on a Caribbean island than to have a treasure hunt? Unlike pirates, it began with communion and praying in the Spirit together. With our pen and paper in front of us, the clues were jotted as quickly as they would come. This demonstrated the uncanny clarity of the Lord's voice and the simplicity of what He sounds like. Every color, name, place, or item that we felt the Lord show us was written. As we shared the clues, we ventured to a nearby park.
Upon our arrival, a man named Alan immediately approached us and asked for our names to announce on the loudspeaker. Some of the clues that the team had were: Nike, horizontal zipper, red circle/spinning, Big Apple (as in NY), spine/vertebrate, fingers and earring. This gentleman was wearing Nike shoes, shorts with a horizontal zipper, a red watch with the NY Yankees logo in the center and red hands (the spinning in circles), an earring in his left ear, a minor limp and a short middle finger. After the initial shock, J.J. and I approached him with other members of the team. J.J. led him to the Lord and I prayed for healing in his back while J.J. prayed for Alan's finger and shoulders. The Lord healed his back and shoulders. We continue to believe for a creative miracle for his middle finger.
Different clues continued to arise throughout our time. One gentleman approached us asking if we were with a ministry. The fact that we came to a beach park without swimwear must have given us away. At first he said he was not a Christian. Kermit, after leading a training session with the students earlier, showed the simplicity of giving assurance of salvation according to Romans 10:9-10. His love for people was evident and it turns out he is a believer in Christ. He attended Church on the Rock. "Rock" was a clue J.J. had earlier.
Angel, a man getting his beard braided, was wearing Nike shoes and had a jolly roger (skull and crossbones) on his shirt. J.J. and I spoke with him and asked about his relationship with Jesus. He had a rough past but fell into grace when he met Jesus. He was a newlywed and he allowed us to pray for him and bless his marriage.
Later, at night, we went to Pastor Dailey's church, Sandy Bay Baptist. Kermit, William, Keeli and I ministered on the Kingdom of God. We were able to pray for others at the end for healing. William reached to shake the hand of a young man. The boy's hand was pulled in tight to his chest and he reached with his left to shake. After asking if he was left handed, the boy explained how he broke his wrist and had his arm in a cast for a week. Obviously, it was still paining him. William prayed, the boy's right hand began to shake as the Lord healed, and before he left, he could shake William's hand firmly with no pain.
One love is Jesus.
Jonathan
Upon our arrival, a man named Alan immediately approached us and asked for our names to announce on the loudspeaker. Some of the clues that the team had were: Nike, horizontal zipper, red circle/spinning, Big Apple (as in NY), spine/vertebrate, fingers and earring. This gentleman was wearing Nike shoes, shorts with a horizontal zipper, a red watch with the NY Yankees logo in the center and red hands (the spinning in circles), an earring in his left ear, a minor limp and a short middle finger. After the initial shock, J.J. and I approached him with other members of the team. J.J. led him to the Lord and I prayed for healing in his back while J.J. prayed for Alan's finger and shoulders. The Lord healed his back and shoulders. We continue to believe for a creative miracle for his middle finger.
Different clues continued to arise throughout our time. One gentleman approached us asking if we were with a ministry. The fact that we came to a beach park without swimwear must have given us away. At first he said he was not a Christian. Kermit, after leading a training session with the students earlier, showed the simplicity of giving assurance of salvation according to Romans 10:9-10. His love for people was evident and it turns out he is a believer in Christ. He attended Church on the Rock. "Rock" was a clue J.J. had earlier.
Angel, a man getting his beard braided, was wearing Nike shoes and had a jolly roger (skull and crossbones) on his shirt. J.J. and I spoke with him and asked about his relationship with Jesus. He had a rough past but fell into grace when he met Jesus. He was a newlywed and he allowed us to pray for him and bless his marriage.
Later, at night, we went to Pastor Dailey's church, Sandy Bay Baptist. Kermit, William, Keeli and I ministered on the Kingdom of God. We were able to pray for others at the end for healing. William reached to shake the hand of a young man. The boy's hand was pulled in tight to his chest and he reached with his left to shake. After asking if he was left handed, the boy explained how he broke his wrist and had his arm in a cast for a week. Obviously, it was still paining him. William prayed, the boy's right hand began to shake as the Lord healed, and before he left, he could shake William's hand firmly with no pain.
One love is Jesus.
Jonathan
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Jamaica - Orphanage
After our travel day, we ventured to an orphanage in the mountains outside of Montego Bay. We didn't know how many children were housed, the size of the facility, or the extent of what we would be doing. It left quite an impression on all who came.
I told the team that I felt there was going to be a young boy in a wheelchair. I asked Keeli if she had a word of knowledge about our destination. She said, "Purple shirt."
The van (driven nicely by William on the left side of the road) was packed with clothes, candy, and toys. One man riding his bicycle through traffic recognized us. He worked at the resort we were staying at and offered to show us the way. After he parked his bike, I opened the van door and he jumped in next to me. His name was Steve and he showed us exactly where to go, asking for a tip. We were happy to accommodate since we didn't have a map.
We followed Pastor Dailey (a local minister and friend of Kermit's) through the windy mountain roads. There was rarely a smooth area of pavement. Potholes littered the road and cars sped around curves, missing us by little.
Upon our arrival, I saw the sign: Westhaven Orphanage for Disabled Children. My first words: We hit the jackpot! As we entered the gate, a boy in a purple shirt sat in his wheelchair. This was where Holy Spirit was directing me.
We arrived at lunchtime. The orphanage's volunteers and employees gave us the opportunity to serve lunch to the children. Because so many were in wheelchairs, all were mentally handicapped, and many couldn't speak or hear, we had to feed them with a bowl and spoon, ward off flies and wipe their mouths while fending their food from other children who would attempt to take a bite. I fed the young boy in a purple shirt. His name is Ronaldo, he's 12 years old and is a victim of cerebral palsy. He couldn't speak. I would tell him I was ready to offer the next bite when he was. I would talk to him because I believe he could hear and understand me. Beyond that, I believe his spirit-man could hear me.
After feeding Ronaldo, I just sat with him and gave him company. 79 children fill the beds and cottages in the orphanage but I believe the Lord wanted me to stop for this one. I shared testimonies about a friend who was healed of cerebral palsy and how Jesus loved him so much. I challenged him to say the name Jesus. Many who have uttered the Name have been delivered from dumb in their speech.
J.J., a new friend from Douglasville, brought his guitar. He began playing and singing worship songs and the children began to sing and dance. Lifeless eyes greeted us but the Holy Spirit had sparked new life in these children by the time we departed. Whenever I approached Ronaldo, a big smile would grace his countenance. I was able to make children laugh who didn't laugh on a regular basis. Playing with kids can make a difference.
One young man named Keno was in a wheelchair and had twisted fingers. As we were leaving, Kermit asked if he could pray for his fingers. Keno's comprehension level was somewhat higher than most in the orphanage, so he agreed, let Kermit pray, and tested in the ways Kermit asked him to. Sure enough, his fingers were much, much straighter. He was excited that God touched him. We thanked the caregivers and left these children on the verge of tears in our eyes.
Today was overwhelming and emotional. We gave the kids what they needed: Love. It's hard to shake an experience like this. I believe the Holy Spirit will heal every single child because Christ in us made a visit today.
Jonathan
I told the team that I felt there was going to be a young boy in a wheelchair. I asked Keeli if she had a word of knowledge about our destination. She said, "Purple shirt."
The van (driven nicely by William on the left side of the road) was packed with clothes, candy, and toys. One man riding his bicycle through traffic recognized us. He worked at the resort we were staying at and offered to show us the way. After he parked his bike, I opened the van door and he jumped in next to me. His name was Steve and he showed us exactly where to go, asking for a tip. We were happy to accommodate since we didn't have a map.
We followed Pastor Dailey (a local minister and friend of Kermit's) through the windy mountain roads. There was rarely a smooth area of pavement. Potholes littered the road and cars sped around curves, missing us by little.
Upon our arrival, I saw the sign: Westhaven Orphanage for Disabled Children. My first words: We hit the jackpot! As we entered the gate, a boy in a purple shirt sat in his wheelchair. This was where Holy Spirit was directing me.
We arrived at lunchtime. The orphanage's volunteers and employees gave us the opportunity to serve lunch to the children. Because so many were in wheelchairs, all were mentally handicapped, and many couldn't speak or hear, we had to feed them with a bowl and spoon, ward off flies and wipe their mouths while fending their food from other children who would attempt to take a bite. I fed the young boy in a purple shirt. His name is Ronaldo, he's 12 years old and is a victim of cerebral palsy. He couldn't speak. I would tell him I was ready to offer the next bite when he was. I would talk to him because I believe he could hear and understand me. Beyond that, I believe his spirit-man could hear me.
After feeding Ronaldo, I just sat with him and gave him company. 79 children fill the beds and cottages in the orphanage but I believe the Lord wanted me to stop for this one. I shared testimonies about a friend who was healed of cerebral palsy and how Jesus loved him so much. I challenged him to say the name Jesus. Many who have uttered the Name have been delivered from dumb in their speech.
J.J., a new friend from Douglasville, brought his guitar. He began playing and singing worship songs and the children began to sing and dance. Lifeless eyes greeted us but the Holy Spirit had sparked new life in these children by the time we departed. Whenever I approached Ronaldo, a big smile would grace his countenance. I was able to make children laugh who didn't laugh on a regular basis. Playing with kids can make a difference.
One young man named Keno was in a wheelchair and had twisted fingers. As we were leaving, Kermit asked if he could pray for his fingers. Keno's comprehension level was somewhat higher than most in the orphanage, so he agreed, let Kermit pray, and tested in the ways Kermit asked him to. Sure enough, his fingers were much, much straighter. He was excited that God touched him. We thanked the caregivers and left these children on the verge of tears in our eyes.
Today was overwhelming and emotional. We gave the kids what they needed: Love. It's hard to shake an experience like this. I believe the Holy Spirit will heal every single child because Christ in us made a visit today.
Jonathan
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Jamaica - Prep
Keeli, her parents, Becky and Kermit, and myself trekked to Douglasville, GA to prepare for our departure to Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Montego Bay? Isn't that the luxury spot on the island where tourists travel for fun? Yes. Tourists need Jesus. The people in the resorts need Jesus. The people outside of the resorts need Jesus. The common trait among all, rich and poor, is the need for Christ and His love. It's okay to share and demonstrate the Gospel in fun locations. It's this acceptance that led to dozens coming to know Christ in Disneyland when Bethel Church (based in Redding, CA) took students from their school of ministry to reveal the love of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to visitors of the popular theme park. (Click to see what happens when God lands in Disneyland.)
Our friend, William, is leading a team from Believers Church in Douglasville, GA. This is the church's first overseas mission. Kermit, my father-in-law who is a veteran of ministry in Jamaica, has been asked to help train the team. At our first meeting together, he shared practical information, but not without stirring others with testimonies of Jamaicans being healed, delivered, saved, and baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Mark 16:15-20 says that as we go, signs and wonders should confirm the Word that is preached. William, who had back pain for years, was totally healed as the Kingdom of God was demonstrated to the soon-to-be missionaries. More were healed after William. It was made plain and simple... the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven is made possible by the finished work of the cross and manifested by the Holy Spirit.
See you on the island!
-Jonathan
Montego Bay? Isn't that the luxury spot on the island where tourists travel for fun? Yes. Tourists need Jesus. The people in the resorts need Jesus. The people outside of the resorts need Jesus. The common trait among all, rich and poor, is the need for Christ and His love. It's okay to share and demonstrate the Gospel in fun locations. It's this acceptance that led to dozens coming to know Christ in Disneyland when Bethel Church (based in Redding, CA) took students from their school of ministry to reveal the love of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to visitors of the popular theme park. (Click to see what happens when God lands in Disneyland.)
Our friend, William, is leading a team from Believers Church in Douglasville, GA. This is the church's first overseas mission. Kermit, my father-in-law who is a veteran of ministry in Jamaica, has been asked to help train the team. At our first meeting together, he shared practical information, but not without stirring others with testimonies of Jamaicans being healed, delivered, saved, and baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Mark 16:15-20 says that as we go, signs and wonders should confirm the Word that is preached. William, who had back pain for years, was totally healed as the Kingdom of God was demonstrated to the soon-to-be missionaries. More were healed after William. It was made plain and simple... the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven is made possible by the finished work of the cross and manifested by the Holy Spirit.
See you on the island!
-Jonathan
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