Pack your bags

I hope you all are excited that Thanksgiving is Thursday! I know I am ready to see family and eat a lot of food. I think its fair to say that in my house we are excited about pumpkin pie! yum! 

Well since Phase II ended, life has changed so much. Although sometimes it doesn't feel like it, it has. I have been a nanny to a little girl and have totally enjoyed it. She has been a blessing to my life. 

In this time of being home and just simply enjoyng my family, my job and just being where God has me, I have been praying for the next step. I am excited to announce that I have been accepted to staff with youth with a mission (YWAM) in Kona, Hawaii starting January 6th! While I'm there I will be in the main offices, also known as the gateway department working in student services. I will be working with International and US students, as well as recieve applications and input information into the system. 

I am so excited for this next season of my life! 

Please be praying for me as I prepare, for safe travels and an easy transition. 

Thanks a bunch! You are truly amazing!

Katie Jones

Wildatheart

Want to join my team?

Ask me about opportunities you can stay involved prayerfully and financially as I take this Journey with Him!

Email me at: Katiewithamission@gmail.com

Change in the making

Hey everyone!:)

I haven't updated you since I was beginning my journey's in Denver Colorado doing another school with Youth with a mission called School of ministry development/phase II.

This school was challenging to me in unexpected ways. I spent time with the Lord a lot in this time. We dreamt a lot of my future and even had journeys that taught me more of His heart each time. I enjoyed each moment. This school was busy right and left but in such a great way. I really enjoyed being back at the base living in community. I think my favorite was all my roommates. We all bonded and some of us would go on spur of the moment DQ icecream trips in my jeep. I am so glad I got to know them and live life with them. Some of my other favorites consisted of geography quizzes-I really enjoyed figuring out fun ways to memorize places,I enjoyed the simplicity of just dreaming with God and just being ok with what He is doing when I can't see it. As well as getting to spend time with my Assistant outreach leader from DTS Tim and my outreach leader from DTS Ruth. Both of you are so inspiring and always challenge me to grow. Thanks! 

Although this season was so different, I enjoyed each part (even the hardest moments).

Testimony
One kingdom night I attended, the group and I went to the top of a hill where this life sized compass sat as the hill sloped inward making this compass the middle of the top of this hill (here it is in the picture below)

 As we stood there we looked at about 20 teenagers standing around smoking weed. It smelt very strong of. We noticed standing there that clouds were beginning to build but it wasn't expected to rain. Another part of my group was in the middle seeming a bit lost. So we decided to join them and start praying over this hill. Suddenly we started singing "let it rain" as we sang the wind kicked up, dirt was thrown around us and it started to sprinkle. Everyone who surrounded us that were smoking weed started to flee. By the time we had finished singing NOBODY was around us. Totally God. So we began to pick up all of the weed buds/cigarette buds off the ground finding whatever we could to gather it up in. As we cleaned up the place different people started coming up to us simply curious about us and ended up leaving healed in some area of their life. Once we finished and simply felt the darkness, smell and weight lift to feel freedom, joy and healing all around the place. When we left that place we thought we were done but God had a little more. As we gathered with the entire group that came for kingdom night and began to hear all of the testimony's, something just kept coming up. Almost every story mentioned someone who talked about mysterious raining and wind happening on top of the hill (they were talking about our group)....crazy right. And the really crazy part is, is that after we told our story to the group, everyone told us that it hadn't rained anywhere else. What a cool night. life changing for sure. God is so good. He always show's up when we ask Him to either big or small.
 

Change in the making

At the beginning I had initially planned to continue on staff. I put in my staff application and once I did God kept revealing to me what His heart was for my future and my passions. By the time I got to my interview I knew that I would have to say what was really on my heart that God had brought up within my own passions. I am thankful for great leaders who also saw my gifts and passions as well as listened to The Lord. So at the moment I won't be continuing on staff there. My heart is to work with kids. 

He has been reminding me of this journey He has me on that started when I was 12 doing a camp at my church called Camp Rock which taught us dances to Christian songs that would speak to kids. This camp led me to helping on the worship/skit team in the infant-6 yrs for four years. Which led me to helping in all of the ages for three more years. Since I was in middle school I've had a heart for orphans. As I would dream about a little sister or brother I would go on adoption websites, print out their picture and simply pray for them. As you know, two years ago we were blessed with Paisley Grace Jones and our lives have forever been changed. Even when I did my Discipleship training school around the world outreach we spent a lot of the time with kids. During my Phase II The Lord and I dreamed of building an orphanage from the ground up (it could happen). As my phase II went on I got several confirmations about doing something with kids specifically. Now that I have been home, I've seen doors close that I thought were His will when really He was leading me to another door. As of now I am a nanny to a 5 yr old little girl with Down Syndrome. She is so precious and such a joy to be around. It's hard to believe that something I'm so passionate about is my job. I Love it. Such a blessing.
Elleanah and I in the picture below.


 In this season He is changing me and preparing me for something Big...It's hard to not be excited. I see His heart each day with every thing I am doing and with everyone in my life. So I just want to challenge you where your at on the way to where your going to stop, look at what He is doing in your life and thank Him for it. Personally my eyes have simply been opened to what I hadn't seen before and there seems to be a little more joy in each day.

 

I am so thankful for where God has me now, but if you would just join me in prayer for what He might have me doing next. That would be great! For now I am enjoying where I'm at on the way to where I'm going.
 

Phase II/school of ministry development class of Spring 2014

 

Coming soon
The Lovely Katie Buford videoed my first speech. As of now I am working on getting it on my computer to post so be on the lookout for that in a future post....and more awesome stuff.

Katie Jones

Wildatheart

Phase II/School of ministry Development

 

The story
During DTS the story was "How did the Lord bring you here?". Which reminds me that I don't think I ever told you that full story.
Growing up my sweet mom would tell me that I am going to be a missionary, that the Lord told her that before I was even born. As a kid I didn't fully understand that concept, so I would blow the thought off and dream about doing some kind of job that involved animals. Growing up I had all sorts of animals, from cats, to dogs, to horny toads (almost extinct species), to salamanders (they don't live long), guinea pigs....the list really could go on and on. I have many stories....the sad, the pretty and the ugly. At 11 my family moved, where we moved had a big church that we quickly got involved into. In youth I met a small group leader who had done YWAM, her name is the lovely Rebecca Danner, now a happily married Hilton. So at 12, began my journeys of dreaming the extraordinary. At 14 I was convinced that I would save up and take a trip to France. That was then, I found out you have to be graduated. So I convinced my parents to homeschool me so I could graduate a year early. That is what I accomplished...it was not easy at all but the end result has looked so beautiful. I graduated June 1st to move to Denver, Colorado June 24th to start my DTS. On my DTS as you may know I traveled around the world. Traveling to Costa Rica, London, South Africa, Thailand and The Philippines. I graduated November 8th. While I was in Costa Rica the Lord came to me in worship asking me to stay in Denver on staff for a while. I said yes and will always say yes to Him. A couple months later I took the scary but strengthening road moving to Colorado Springs. Now I have begun new adventures as a Phase II student. This journey hasn't been easy at all. But that's where the Lord comes in to help make each step easier. I can't imagine my life any different and more exciting than it has been the last year.
Since I started Phase II, the story is "where did you do your DTS? When did you do your DTS? Where was your outreach?"
That's the really neat thing about YWAM community is they are very personnel. This is something I am working on. I desire to be better at this. Asking question and listening. I really do love this. My favorite is hearing testimonies of others.

This week
So this week Phase II started with a blast. Welcome week has come and gone, now we have the assignments, speakers and a normal class schedule.
Our first speaker of the quarter was Brenda Lewis speaking on "World view". She has been in YWAM for 22 years and works with an orphanage in India. She makes me want to pack my bags and go with her to India. I loved having her this week.
Really enjoying everyone in this quarter. They are all so fun. My favorite is, that school of worship is going on so there is always some kind of music going on. It's awesome. I also love my roommates....their are 5 of us rooming together. Kimberly, Jana. Rebekah, Bethany and I. I did my DTS with Bethany and so it's pretty neat knowing at least one person coming into this quarter. Kimberly is 17 and a very sweet girl. Jana (pronounced -yana) is from Germany and is just always so much fun and very sweet. Rebekah has been on staff the past few years with YWAM overseas so its cool getting to hear the differences in bases, she is also very laid back and nice. I love each one of these girls. They are fun and always so sweet.
I love living in Community, though its been different this quarter. I have really enjoyed playing games and getting to know everyone's unique and fun personality's.
I really love my work duty on base this quarter, I got clean up. Which means that one week I do dinner clean up and the next I do lunch clean up. It switches back and forth each week. This means I have free time part of my afternoons. So I really enjoy getting homework done or just relaxing during this time.



projects in process
I have so many projects I am working on these next few weeks. Its really exciting and overwhelming at the same time.
I am working on a vision project of a ministry I would like to be doing for a while.
I tell my first speech of the quarter the 22nd, my topic is "The Father's heart in missions", I'm excited to get started with it and see how it comes out.
I have also started my outreach project this week, just trying to find a contact to support questions with answers to get it going. I will surprise you later with what that looks like.
Each week we have a scripture to memorize and countries. This next week Matthew 5:3-4 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
And I am working on memorizing South America, Capitals (extra credit) and countries.
As well as a book study each week.
 Busy quarter but so much fun. I am enjoying it all so far.

Outreach news
My phase II does have an opportunity to join Awaken DTS on their outreach to Colombia staying near Bogotá for two months. With much prayer, I have decided not to go. But I am open if the Lord decides to open the doors. He can surprise me. For now I feel Him keeping me here for the summer. My first summer in the states since 2010. Who knows though He might be keeping me here cause He wants me assisting an outreach. That would be neat. Anyways I am still praying about it, if you would like to join me in prayer feel free to do so.. Even if you have words, scripture or just encouragements...I love feedback. Your prayers etc. are appreciated always.

                                            
Thanks for reading:)
Wildatheart
Katie Jones


 

Springtime with you

I don't know about you, but I love spring. I love watching the grass grow greener and greener as the days come and go and my absolute favorite is the flowers blooming. Everyone is getting happier when spring comes, babies are born in this time and school is close to an end. 

I've seen all of this, as this season rolls in, but for me I have said goodbye to my little season and hello to a new season. A season of newness, growth, transition and preparation. 

I can't say that I'm not absolutely terrified of some things I am willing to conquer, learn and jump off of.....cause I am. But beyond the fear lies excitement in me that can only be the joy of The Lord driving me down this road.

The Lord has been reminding me this week that this is a new season and that we will be doing totally different things. He wants to use my imagination to build His kingdom. He never ceases to amaze me. I am beyond excited to go beyond comfort zone and everything that come with it. 

The Lord has me in a season where it's not about comfort. It's about trust. It's about hearing His commands and taking that first step. He took all the steps for you and I, it shouldn't be difficult to follow His commands. Correct? Easier said then done sometimes.

This weekend YWAM redding is staying on base (a new base starting up). The family that is starting it spoke at Bridge way (a church near downtown Denver) today. Listening to him speak reminded me of all the reasons why I choose God, why I choose to follow Him, why I choose to give everything and let go of a "normal" life to live a normal life with Him. At the end of service all of us YWAMers in service got to pray for those who felt the call to do missions or had some kind of healing need. Having prayed for two people, my third one God challenged me. After asking the Lady how I could pray for her she replied "I would just like you to start praying and tell me what The Lord shows you". At first I was shocked and had no idea what I could pray for or even where to start, I started to pray and in my head I began to ask The Lord to guide my words to pray for her. I began praying for love, hope and peace declaring this over her to feel all these to grow closer to The Lord. I then hit a wall where I had no idea what to say next. As I watched her head raise she looked at me her face gleaning at me. She began to express how much that meant to her and that I was right on. 

These are the moment where God just shows up to remind me that I am here for Love. To show love, to be love and to know that He is Love. 

I needed that! I needed to see my purpose in Him handed to me, and when we are vulnerable with God and say "YES" to Him, He will use us for anything. 

"I can do all things thru Christ who gives me strength" 

 

I love speaking truth into people. I love hearing what God has to say and then the boldness that comes out of me to speak it. I love seeing people kneel before His thrown, being vulnerable with Him and crying in His presence. 

This quarter at the base is

•School of Worship

•Phase II/school of ministry development

• Awaken DTS

• Around the world DTS

We have about 60 people on base this quarter.

Every night their is always some kind of community worship or someone practicing on The Lord's timing.

It's amazing. 

And I am always blessed to be able to share my experiences traveling the world with the DTSers in the around the world school. 

In this season since I am aiming to continue on staff, I have started to sell decorated crosses to support my ministry. So if you or anyone you know is interested, let me know.

Small ones are $25

Big ones are $35

Below is a small one.

Wildatheart-YWAM life

Katie Jones

A new season

In three weeks I start Phase II/school of ministry development!!!!! I'm so excited!
In the school I will learn these topics (as written on website)-

•  Spiritual Leadership
• Understanding God's Call On Your Life
• Stewardship
• Raising Support In Missions
• Public Speaking
• Personal Giftings
• Spiritual Authority
• Effective Personal Ministry
• Worldview
• Projects like: Public Speaking, outreach planning and leading, scripture memorization and
  Geography

It's such  a blessing to be able to have done an around the world DTS and now about to do a  school of ministry development all in YWAM Denver within a year. It's so cool to me that I am incredibly excited about this...last time I was about to embark on the journey to DTS I had horrible anxiety that would literally make me sick. I knew it was an attack of the devil and I wasn't going to let him get his way. That DTS ended up changing my life forever. They say DTS means to Die To Self therefore I'm in the school of brokenness for the rest of my life and I cant think of anything better I should be doing with my life.

Since I was 12 I have had big dreams to be on staff with YWAM, though I wanted to be on staff in France, I don't feel like God is calling me there just yet. This summer being on outreach at our first location Costa Rica, God came to me in worship wanting me to stay in Denver at the base continuing on staff. I was taken back to times during school when someone would ask me if I was thinking about doing a phase II or continuing on staff and remembering that my response was always a no, maybe that was God asking me and His way of preparing me for the moment He would put that desire in my heart. Since then I have felt complete Peace about it all and everything so far has worked out.

 

I recently moved up to Colorado Springs, where I work full time at Dairy Queen and live life as an adult. I enjoy living on my own and everything that comes with it. In my spare time I have been working on pictures in my photography skills. I'm not the best just yet but I am working on it. Here are a few:

 Right now God has me in a "setup" season. I've been stretched and grown in so many different ways. It's been an incredibly challenging season but, it's been worth it. God is always so good to either put us in seasons of rest, seasons of focusing on specific things, seasons of working and the list could go on. Each season is preparing us in some way for the next and if it isn't, it's setting us up for a big season up ahead. While reminiscing of the past year I remembered a year ago when I was on a student leadership retreat where we went to Oklahoma. When we first arrived we got to hangout in a mall, where we were challenged to meet two strangers and talk to them about Jesus. In my head I can remember being incredibly scared about doing this, I definitely had some trouble along the way but I ended up doing so with flying colors. If I was asked to now, I wouldn't feel scared nor in the least nervous. Because God used that time to get me familiar with what I would be doing all over the world. In that time I wasn't afraid to talk about Him, I was afraid of rejection. Rejection has always been one of my biggest fears growing up, though its happened a lot. Since DTS I have been healed of that. God is amazing. I couldn't have made it this far into my dreams without Him.

 

.And if you haven't seen my video from my missions trip this summer around the world, here it is.:)

For more videos you can go to My Page by searching YWAM Adventures on YouTube.

 

Wildatheart
Katie Jones-living life to it's fullest with my best friend
next blog post expected-4/6/14