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
 

YWAM-DTS

11/8/13

5 months ago today I stepped in a world called YWAM where my life has forever changed! I have been turned around completely to what God says about me instead of what the flesh would say, worked thru stuff I never thought was there and would ever think God wanted to work on because I thought it was "fixed" when it wasn't. No, I'm not perfect yet nor will I ever be, but I'm free to be me now more than ever. And maybe this is just the beginning of feeling completely free. Today I graduate from DTS! I'm sad that something so awesome ended so quickly! So many adventures and good times are rolling thru my head and seem to give me a sick feeling that I will have to say goodbye to all of this today. But I know God wants me back and so He is teaching me that it is not/nor ever will be  a "goodbye" anymore but a "see you soon".  This season I'm walking out of today will be a season that has forever changed me! I will never be the same! I'm going home today with the awareness that I am changed and won't be understood more than likely and more than likely wont understand much of what I used to anymore. I'm aware that I will have to give myself grace when my spirit is stirred over something little someone does just because in the missionary field it would be seen differently. My world will never be the same and I'm happiest with it that way. Even as the tears roll down my face as I write this, it's happy and sad tears. Happy that I'm not the same and never will be. Sad because I think of all the circumstances that broke my heart and then I look at my life and feel what words can't describe at the moment. I feel a very strong calling to come back in the spring and do phase II so that I can be on staff here in Denver. I think from there my dreams of some sort of counseling ministry will begin. God is in control!

I'm excited! I'm happy! 

But most importantly I'm ready to see my awesome family! 

I would also like to  thank my family, extended family and friends of friends of friends for supporting me financially and encouraging me to pursue my God given dream. I couldn't have done it without y'all! You truly are blessings to not only me but to the people I got to bless on this trip as well because of you. Thank you!

Prayer request:

It's a blessing to have gotten back from the Philippines when I did cause of a Typhoon that hit there this week. My heart hurts for the people there and I can't help but picture a few people I spoke into going thru that. 

I hope that you all can join me in prayer for Cebu, The Philippines.

So many treasured moments, I will never forget!

Compassion DTS 2013 

Outreaches-the Philippines, Haiti/D.R. And around the world

Katie Jones

Wildatheart

Missionary at heart

It's that moment you hold a little girl to just love on her and pray for her. This little girl was the one who broke my heart here in the Philippines. She was 9 but looked about 3 due to being malnourished when she was really little, she looked as though she was having a hard time seeing and looked like she had been abused. Here in the Philippines abuse is easily found everywhere. But that was not her case, she was just really dirty from living on the streets and come to find out her mom has drops for her eyes but gets lazy on applying it. As I held her, I just simply prayed for her, loved her and soaked up the moment. I have decided since day one of missions that I can wash my body and my clothes anytime but I can't have the moment back after its gone so why not soak it up. After a crafts I saw her again, bright eyed and slightly joyful. My heart is melting, I just want to take her home, bathe her and get her dressed up! I can see her potential and I could give anything to do that for her. I wish I could do more, I wish I had that power but at least I know a God who does. I know He has an amazing plan for her beyond what she can imagine and that's comforting to me.

We got to go to a girls home one night called safe house for girls that have been rescued from sex trafficking and prostitution. The house they live in does some awesome stuff with them doing a 24/7 prayer week the week they get them and then helping them with court stuff (to stand against the traffickers or bar tender who prostitutes them) as well as a place to stay that is safe with a Christian environment.Charlotte  (leader of missions home ministry) said some of them thought they were going to get a job babysitting and was taken that way and some put themselves in the situation to make money for their family. Observing the room seeing a girl 7 months pregnant to seeing a girl holding a 6 month old baby boy...was really crazy but such a blessing to see them safe and in no harm at all. These girls were so precious and showed so much freedom and joy in themselves. I feel as though alot was covered up when it came to what they were going thru emotionally, but that's the beauty in the storm, where we get to uncover a little to bring to light, to pray for and comfort. I got to pray for several and the Holy Spirit came out with one, where He used me as His vessel to share with her how much He really loved her and that she is safe with Him. I watched her eyes fill up with tears! I just love missions, I love ministry with The Lord and I absolutely love being in a place not of my own. This is what missions is to me, breaking others hearts for His so that they might get closer to Him.

The other day we did ministry under a bridge. This place is where I met Darwin and Unah. Darwin is a 1 week old baby born completely blue, pronounced dead but took a breath as they were about to cover Him up. I looked at his precious sleeping body warmly cuddled up in his mothers arms, his lips still blue and his body still recovering. His mom is mentally ill, someone close by told us they saw her kick the baby the night before. It hurts my heart. I just want to take him home, give him a clean, safe place to stay and a family who is loving always. Once again I wish I had that authority. Later I grabbed Meghan and we both went over to pray for Unah and the baby.  We also got to give them food as well as others around them. It was very obvious she had no idea what she was doing, let alone know how to raise Darwin. It was the hardest thing to leave them. I could have taken him home in a heart beat. 

Our last day of ministry was so special! Though our sound system failed to hold a charge and ended up dying. We had a long crafts time. During this time I noticed a little boy who was sitting by himself and looked really down. So I walked over and started to ask him what was wrong. He lives on the streets and told me he was so hungry his stomach hurt. Leaders over this ministry began to get him food, while I asked if he would like me to get him a crown. He wasn't ok with it at first but changed his mind. I made his crown and then asked if I could write "I am  a crowned prince in His kingdom". At first he said no but then said yes.  Seeing him walk around with a crown on his head was a gift! Not too long after, rain poured down. Running to a place that was covered so we could handout meals was so fun and the water fights that followed. 

The last few days in The Philippines we spent it at a resort. It was absolutely gorgeous. Pool's  galore, crystal blue ocean, palm tree's, beautiful landscape, soft beds, amazing food and fruit smoothies. I went swimming on the beach, but it went poorly due to sharp rocks. I have battle wounds on my knees and a cut on the bottom of my foot. The foot wound was the most painful. I think God used this to keep me from going ninety to nothing the whole time. The last day I went snorkeling on the beach. So many beautiful fish! I saw dory, Fin, nemo, marlin and whatever the starfish is called off of "finding nemo". It was just breath taking and such an amazing way to end an amazing time to just relax there. 

The Cebu base threw us a going away party! So much fun and such a treasured moment with great people. They cooked an entire pig (literally) for us and so much more. This base was so hospitable to us and treated us like family.  Ill miss them.

It is so weird to be at the end of this trip! I feel like it has been forever yet not long at all. I'm so sad it's over but as I fly back to Denver I'm so excited.

I'm excited to meet new DTS people currently running and see the other outreach teams I did lecture phase with. 

One more week in Denver before I go home. I'm so excited! 

I can't wait to see family, hear all about what's going on and tell stories (if I have any left-I share so much on here).

Last outreach post

Wildatheart

Katie Jones

We won't be shaken

The Philippines

A day before leaving for the Philippines we heard about an earth quake hitting the exact area we were leaving for. Thinking I didn't want to worry anybody back home yet till I knew more, I didn't tell anyone.  Sitting in the airport waiting to depart, wondering if it was possible that they would not allow us to come to Cebu, The Philippines, to the hour we all waited in the plane before it took off and the half hour it took for them to park once we got in Cebu, The Philippines. I never felt afraid to go to the Philippines but I was aware what was going on and most importantly that God was planning to use me in a big way here. 

We experience aftershocks here frequently, some are very light and some wake us up in the middle of the night. I haven't seen any major damage here but come to find out most damage is in Bohol, the Philippines leaving Cebu with some damage. That I know of.

We started our ministries up here in a slum neighborhood. We spent time with kids and their families. Kids who had little to no clothes on their bodies, live in shacks and teens who take care of their siblings. I thought I had seen the worst then the next day we went to a slum neighborhood under the bridge. But even that was not the worst. Saturday we traveled on a trike (a bike with a side car with 2 seats in the front and a seat and a 1/2 on the back) a little ways to get to the taxi center. From there traveling for half an hour to tabitha and her families house. This family has a mission home in a slum neighborhood next to a graveyard where they house kids who have come from a hard life style and they teach them about Christ and alot come to know Jesus this way. I didn't fully take in all they said by the time we got to the neighborhood and walked into a neighborhood literally on a graveyard. We did our kid presentation for them.

One situation I observed was two little girls dancing to our drama's on a grave in front of their home with their grandma watching. 

Before long I saw a younger lady who looked a bit tough come out and grab one girl by the hair in one hand and her shirt in the other and throw her into the house. The other little girl was flinching not ready for the same thing when her mom grabbed her by the shirt and threw her in too. I just sat their shocked. I couldn't believe what I just saw. They had done nothing. Nothing!  As I sat their completely shocked by what I had just seen I heard a bunch a bangs come from the house. It didn't sound like flesh being hit but it sounded like something being thrown. I suddenly felt sick....thinking too much about what was happening. I looked around and saw a bit of hope that made me feel so much better. A dad holding two little girls, one looking like 2 and the other around 4. Looking at them you could tell the dad loved his girls and that their family was whole. 

Everyone here is so nice, Filipino's are very relational and want to know your name, age and what your Facebook name is. I was a little thrown off with the whole Facebook thing cause I haven't seen any computers, phones or anything high tech like that. But they have a hangout place with computers. So that makes much more sense. Every place we have done ministry at has been hard but rewarding. Hard to watch life being like this and rewarding that we get to pour into these people and show them the love of Jesus. 

I've had fun with my small groups every place doing crafts here. We have people you cut out that come out like this (pic below)

And the leftovers turn into crowns.

It's such a joy to crown His kings and Queens in His kingdom!:) the kingdom is here!

 

We have alot of fun and its so nice o be able to get to know them this way. #nolanguagebarrierswithcrafts

 

Here at the base they have a bunch of dogs! They are so funny! I almost always have a buddy but they have flea's so I don't touch them.

One sleeping but looks dead. Looks may be deceiving.lol

This one likes me...or my bread! I think it's the bread.

It's hard to think that next Monday will be our last ministry day then we start debrief. 

I should be back in the states by November 1st!:) 

It's a bittersweet goodbye. 

I love missions and all this adventure has been but I'm ready to be home too.:)

Wildatheart

Katie 

Child like faith

Something so tall and so majestic has to be one of the neatest thing I have ever ridden. The sounds of huge feet hitting the ground and the jolt of over exaggerated bumps as the elephant walks, with nothing to worry about. This has to be the most excited I have ever been to ride an animal. I mean who can say they have ridden an elephant...not many. I feel so blessed to be apart of this journey only God could bring me on. 

Now...the huge anaconda most held afterwards...I could have done without but the ostriches they guys rode definitely made my day. 

We had the opportunity to take a day to just pray, worship and read the bible aloud, making most of the way thru the New Testament. Jesus is always renewing my love for reading the bible. 

We also got to take a day to travel to Laos, Burma and the Golden triangle. 

The Golden triangle is a river that joins Laos, Thailand, China and Myanmar. We crossed the border from Maesai to Burma, where we spent there to get familiar with the culture and take a prayer walk. This place compared to just a few steps away in Maesai, was so diverse. You could definitely feel the oppression and brokenness. People are so broken and in need here. As I walked the streets of what seemed like an outside mall, beggars came up to me asking for food and money in Thai...feeling so bad that I could provide anything for them, I could only say no in Thai. I felt God comforting me about this as I took the prayer walk over Burma, telling me that sometimes we can only pray. So I prayed every thought, every desire and want for this place out to Him. I really feel that every prayer made a difference cause afterwards just passing people as we walked out and back into Maesai, there was an essence over the place that seemed so different. 

Saturday

Today Is my mom's birthday and I'm celebrating it from afar. The farthest I have ever been from her and the longest. I couldn't have made it this far without her, her support and encouragements. She loved me and taught me how to love and most importantly she taught me about God's love for me so that I may be able to pour out onto others! Her and my dad taught me about Jesus at a very young age and now because I have been taught so well I get to pour out what I know and treasure so dearly to others. She raised a missionary in me. It wasn't all peaches and cream and we both had our moments but we made it. She always told me that before I was born God told her I would be a missionary and she did everything she could and more to instill Jesus in me and be able to love like He did. Now, Here I am, in Thailand, in a 1% Christian population where their are many groups that are Unreached, that still praise Buddha. Like he will have anything to give to them once they die, while they have given everything to him. I get to show them who will fill that empty spot in their heart, who will provide for their every need and who will turn their sadness into joy.  All with prayer and walking the place with joy abounding from me and showing love with all that I say and do. I love you mom!:) 

 Thailand has been one of those places I will never forget. The doors my team opened for Maesai YWAM at the school with the kids. And the lessons we planted in the kids at the drop-in center, Agape orphanage and the kids from the school, we showed love to all of these kids. A big awakening to my heart is the fact that all the Drama's and lessons we taught these kids, they will never forget it. Never! Watching the kids from both the school and the orphanage act out all the drama's we did for them, that will always be something they remember and maybe even generations to come. The childlike faith in these kids, I believe will change Thailand. I believe a break thru over Thailand is about to come, an awakening in each heart here that will just roar over Thailand. Thailand will never be the same again.

God is so good! I can't wait to see and experience all He has for The Philippines. Please pray that we as a team finish strong. It's been a long time on the road and so it's totally normal to feel tired but it's not allowed...God is bigger than being tired and He will renew our strength. 

Thank you and God bless you!:)

Katie Jones

Wildatheart

Journey to Thailand

Hey, everyone

Since arriving in Thailand, we have prayed over the Temples in Bangkok then traveled in a bus to Maesai  Thailand. The Bus was 12 hrs long and the nicest I have ever seen or ridden in, with massage chairs that recline all the way with a foot rest and personnel entertainment center as well as snacks. In Maesai, Thailand we stay in a YWAM house to ourselves and Nirute (our guide/translator/friend/brother). In Maesai we have helped at the drop-in, a place for kids to go during the day. The staff there educate them and teach them about Jesus. So we got to pour into their lives by telling testimonies, bible stories, doing drama's, getting to know each one and playing games. 

A few nights this week we got to go to the sports center a few miles down.  Things like Basketball, soccer, and a different type of volleyball (play with feet) as well as Zumba. Funny thing is walking into a gym with a bunch of pro Thai people doing Zumba and then a bunch of YWAMers in the back trying to do it. It was fun to do but it was a lot more fun to look like a dork doing it.

Later in the week we got the opportunity to teach English at a christian school Maesai Grace Church. Andi, Gracie and I taught shapes to them, using tools such as games for them to see it, hear it and say it. Following we played games with them and got to know each one. The kids here are so fun, and look up to us like we are the best people in the world. I love them and they so love me, always hugging me and clinging to me. During games a few just decided to pull a chair up and sit by me and decided not to move even though we were playing a game.lol This always makes my day. 

Later we got to perform skits and play games at an orphanage here. 

We ended the week performing the drama "Forgiveness" (I'm the intercessor of Hope) following Zack telling his testimony to the church service at Maesai Grace church.

Due to not being able to understand Thai, apparently we all have October birthday's thinking he said "YWAM stand up!"he really asked for "October Birthdays  stand up!". Oh dear!

This week we started off with two days at a school here in Maesai teaching English to six classes in two days. Logan and I were a team and we taught actions like jump, run, walk, skip and many more basic ones. The English level was lower than at the Christian school so it was a bit more of a challenge. Logan and I did a great job together and we all had fun. 

Tomorrow we have a day off to go ride elephants and do some souvenir shopping hopefully!:) 

Wildatheart

Katie Jones

Love and the outcome (finale)

Last week here in South Africa we experienced a true South African church on Sunday as well as a safari ride to see lions, elephants, Zebra's and much more. Monday was our midterm mark of outreach. I had half of the day off, then after dinner prep/clean up, I got to meet with Ruth and Tim for a midterm debrief.  

Tuesday on our day off we went to Cape town where we played on a beach with penguins, ate pizza and then explored shops. Wednesday and Thursday we had a teaching in Cape Town with the lovely Maureen menard at her beautiful home with her awesome Great Dane Riley, where maureen taught us about the Holy Spirit. Riley and I hit it off good and played most of the time there when we weren't in class. I have come to the conclusion that I need a big dog soon!:) Now for Thailand! Excited! 

Wildatheart

Katie Jones

Love and the outcome (part 3)

Friday 9/20

The coldest day I've ever known here.  

We planned to go on a mini safari adventure but it was too cold so we did some team intercession. I love this because Zack, Andi and I planned it, Gods hand was totally in it because when we asked Him and He gave us all a piece of the puzzle. We sat in a circle with one person in the middle throwing out encouragements to them to lift them up. God has been giving me the word "Unity" over our team. I believe this isn't something we should take lightly, I think it's going to have to be a team effort and not just in planned sessions, every chance we get. It's interesting enough that I feel this over the team but I also feel this over the world. If we believe we can change the world why isn't their more missionaries? If the head of the household is the man, then why is this a fatherless generation? If the problem is us, why don't we do something?

And many more questions run thru my head daily.

The answer to these questions is unanswered in my mind! 

This blows my mind so much! I often have to shut myself out from the world to spend with God because the oppression of this world and reality that there is a lot of need, to be shown that I can only do so much. 

One of the team members told a story of a man from the first day that wanted prayer over his addictions on drugs when just before that he was buying a bunch of teenagers some drugs. What? Mind blown! Seriously! 

After lunch we did a classic door to door evangelism in split up groups. 

A grandma, mom, and son we prayed for were going thru a lot. The son having drug addictions making the mom drink and the grandma was having side pains. I told the mom "Jesus loves you!" While Meghan asked if she really felt loved when she didn't. She believed it but she didn't feel it. I looked at her and with her full attention I told her "every time you feel like you want to drink because of all this, I want you to get all by yourself to spend with Jesus! Just you and Him!" I then asked if she writes which she liked a lot! So I asked her if she could journal all this stuff she had been spilling out to us, which she said she could. I then went into explanation that by journaling she will be laying all her burdens at the cross, at His feet, into his hands...because He loves you so much, He doesn't want you to hold this and that the empty space in her heart could only be filled with His love. This was my challenge to her and she took it without a hesitation. This is what my counselor taught me when I was going thru a rough time and among all that she taught me I felt like this was the best thing she needed and so did God. I just felt like His face was shining in this moment to show her He really does love her.

I told her before we left " don't forget my challenge to you!" And she sweetly and with a appreciative heart said " I won't forget! I won't forget!"

The son with the drug addiction, his heart was changing for the best. I'm excited for Him. God really has a great plan for Him and I told him that. 

To make things better:

Meghan was a prayer warrior for God and we all saw God heal the grandma's side today.

Jesus is winning! 

To end this awesome time...a rainbow was displayed in the sky.

Saturday 9/21

All day we got to play with a boys group ages 7-11! We played soccer and a bunch of other games. They were a lot of fun!:)

After dinner we had some team intercession and prayer. These times are always good! 

God always shows me how much of a atmosphere changer I really am. 

Andi and I did laundry so that was interesting especially since the dryer barely dries clothes so all my clothes were close to soaking wet.

YWAM

Wildatheart

Katie Jones

Love and the outcome (part 2)

Wednesday 9/18

We started the day listening to a Francis Chan sermon!:) really good stuff!:)

The kids place we were at yesterday wanted us back for their oldest group coming in this afternoon so we planned for that and then planned for tomorrow mornings thing at the school again. 

At adventure Kidz we did some drama's fit for their age and testimonies. I stepped out and got to talk about one of our drama's called "me"! That was the first time I have had a translator speaking in front of a crowd! I've had one while praying for people. It's different. Takes me a bit to get used to. 

After dinner we went to the truck stop down the road to pray for the truckers and give out more HIV awareness packets with a box of condemns. We prayed hard for safety before going because this is the main place prostitution happens. Terrifies me, but I trust that God will protect me. Always with a guy from my group we blessed a lot of truckers. Then we went to a neighborhood where prostitution is strong. I thought it would be more obvious but it wasn't. When I say that I mean I didn't see a ton of girls standing outside of shops just waiting to sell their bodies. I'm really glad the base showed us the movie Nefarious, otherwise I wouldn't know what to expect in this area. My heart just ached the whole time we were in this neighborhood, although we only saw a few girls out... I could definitely feel the oppression in this place. It was thick! The whole time I prayed that God would bring these girls to Him to be free. I was really relieved when we left. If it was obvious I would have had a hard time but I know God would have given me the strength to walk it out. He always does. I feel like I'll be helping these girls one day in counseling. 

Thursday 9/19

First stop we went to a school where we did all our kid drama's and got to play with the kids. It's the best feeling in the world when dozens of kids come running up to you to give you a hug that you almost fall down. This makes my day and I know without a doubt it make theirs too. 

After lunch we went back to a kids church ministry where we just played with the kids and had fun! I saw three familiar faces from the time before and I met more. They loved seeing me!:) A group of us played games that I learned from youth or kids ministry and they taught me hand shakes. 

One of my favorite songs that all the little African kids sings is:

"Higher, lower"

Bring me Higher

Higher Higher

Higher Higher Higher

Lord Jesus Higher

Bring me Lower

Lower Lower

Lower lower lower

Lower lower

Lord Jesus Lower

They all sing it with so much passion! I love it:)

Wildatheart

Katie Jones