31 October 2008

I Cannot Be Silent, NO!

"You'll be joining the team in evangelism today, Kristina,"
"Sweet! Where to?"
"The University Campus"
"NooooOOOOooooOOOoooo!!!!"- This is what my heart screamed! I felt a choking coming over me. I panicked. "How can I contract an illness and not go?" I thought to myself. I knew I had a fear, and I knew it was time to build a bridge and get over it. So I did.
I helped lead a team of five of our Discipleship Training School students to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The drive there I was pretty much numb to the fear that would soon arise once again. I don't know what it is about college campus' and university towns. They intimidate me worse than anything on this earth. Once we split into our teams and headed out in the courtyard of the campus, my heart thundered in my chest. If it hadn't been so cold outside I would have most likely been sweating. I did the typical delay method I see so many frequently use; the, "Let's pray for a while"-method. I sat with my team members, we prayed, scoped out our mission field, and began to strategise. Michael, one of the students, wasn't into wasting the one hour we had to bring the Kingdom of God to these college students. He got to it and began talking with many people. By his lead, I got up and started to walk towards a crowd of people. Ugghcckkk, I began to choke again. The fear had rose up in me again. Internally I was fighting a battle between my spirit and my flesh. After a while of this, I finally built that bridge, got over myself and walked up to the first person I saw. The luck one. A guy named Shrenik. He is an exchange student from India. Ka-Ching!! Thank you LORD! I had something in common with this student. We talked a bit about India and then I got to sharing. It went well. He is a devoted Hindu and listened to my heart about my God, Jesus. He told me that someone had already given him a Bible and he would start to read it. I didn't see come to Christ yesterday, but I did see him take one step closer to knowing Him. Praise you Lord! I'm actually looking forward to our next time of evangelism at the University campus:)
I will not let fear choke me, hold me down, and take away the testimony the Lord has put in my mouth. NO, I will NOT be silent!
***
I want to introduce someone to you. Her name is Sassy, my adopted cat from next door. Sassy has been literally by my heal almost everywhere I go here in this neighborhood. She's special:)

29 October 2008

What? You don't tackle in soccer?

I wish there could have been video, or even a picture, of today's after-lunch soccer match. This was my second game of soccer I have ever attempted to play. This is not counting the one time I was pegged in the shin with a soccer ball in middle school that left me in fetal position on the ground. Now I know you can't use your hands to touch the ball, but no one ever told me you couldn't use them to distract your opponent! Today's game consisted of me shoving Michael and Dave all over in attempt to steal the ball. I was proud of myself, too! I kicked less air today than I did yesterday. My eye connects with the ball but my foot doesn't always:) Minhee had an accidental head-butt. If she didn't say, "What was that?" after it I would have thought she was some pro. Berekely got the award for the most falls. As the goalie, she tumbled and plopped all over. She was a great goalie, though. Katie didn't find any invisible, to her, cement benches to fall over, just the ball. It was a fun time. Next time I will have to get someone to take video or pictures so you all can witness the craziness.

28 October 2008

Ow, Ow.. Bring on the Fall:)

The Fall is here!!!!!


Let the boots, scarfs and jackets come out of hibernation!! The fall is here! And with it the leaves are changing, pumpkin spiced candles are lit, the crocheting of new attire has begun and Kristina is in her happy place:) The Fall is by far my favorite time of year... if you couldn't tell by my exciting picture. It's the start to a season of love, joy and cuddling up in blankets.
Six years ago in September 2002, I moved to Monroe, North Carolina for a Discipleship Training School. It was then that I met the Lord face to face, heard and recognized His voice, experienced my first real Fall and Winter, and met some of my closest friends I have in my life. There will always be a special place in my heart for this season! Mmm Mmm Pure Sweetness!

On to an update with our DTS in session. I'm bonding well with the students. We make a good team. I almost cannot wait to get to India for our 7 week outreach. There is something that makes my spirit leap when I think about going back. I am starting my fund raising for the outreach. At this moment I feel secure in raising the $2500 I will need. It doesn't seem impossible. Please pray for our students and for the rest of the Lecture Phase.

Well, I'm out for now. Enjoy the pictures-


Krystal and Lauren Dancing with the Kids


Me, sporting my new hat I crocheted!


26 October 2008

A little note:)

Can I just brag for a moment? Our Discipleship Training School students... how wonderful they are! Katie, Lauren, Michael, Krystal, Katie, Berkeley, Elby, Minhee and Kristen are a dynamic, mission-minded, passionate group of students. Thank you Lord for sending them here and for everthing they bring to this base!

The students and staff 
with last weeks teacher- Anna Cleghorn

Last week was a lot of fun. It was a good change from the not-so-good week I had previously. I wish I had some funny story to tell here, but I don't. Nothing exciting, nothing new. I look at my friend Karyn's blog and laugh my head off at some of her posts. I guess living with Avery there's never a dull moment. Well, that's about it. Check out some pictures from this week at these links-
Indian Dinner Night- 
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=44783&l=789d4&id=503126864
DTS Pics/Lecture-
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=44784&l=2f965&id=503126864

17 October 2008

I lift my eyes up unto the mountains...

Where does my help come from? My help comes from You, Maker of Heaven, You are the only One! Today we went to Black Mountain to go up on the mountain and hear from God. It was a special time for all of us. Personally, God met me. I sat for a while on a large rock on the side of a small stream. I felt the Lord tell me to be more child-like. He loves that about me; my child-like awe. So, I ripped my shoes and socks off and began to trot through the icy water. Leaping from rock to rock, snapping pictures as I went, I was filled with much joy. My friend Amy met me in the stream and anointed me with oil. I felt the presence of God right with me the whole time... I didn't want to leave.


At the Gorge.

Min Hui Worshipping

Chris leading worship @ the Gorge.
Quiet Time
Playing in the River.



My Altar

Zoe got in on the fun in the water too!

Then it was back to life in the valley. This week has been a little rough in the waters of my emotions. I haven't been feeling quite well lately. I started the week off with a fever and it ended with a sore throat. This, feeling under the weather, hasn't helped with un-calm feelings in my heart. I pray for a understanding, that I may grow from this and get on with life.
On a much better note- Amy spent the week here at YWAM-Charlotte. It was great to have her here. I can't wait for more time with her! Continue to check out her blog- http://www.tribespahr.blogspot.com/.

I'm currently loving the song, "Give me Your eyes", by Brandon Heath and "Jesus, Messiah", by Chris Tomlin. Great stuff!

13 October 2008

Picking up the momentum!

So I've been told that I need to start blogging more. Hopefully the more I blog the more people will read.. let's give it a try!

So What the Heck, Kristina, Have you Been Up to??
The past several weeks have been a little nuts, but somehow, by the AMAZING grace of God I have been able to remain focused. I'm plowing into new territory this season of my life. I am interning as a school leader for our Fall Discipleship Training School (DTS) at Youth With A Mission-Charlotte. It's been something I have always wanted to do, but never took the initiative. I've taken off the Mission Adventure Coordinator hat for a new, shnazy one. Don't get me wrong, Mission Adventures was wonderful! It taught me tons in the administrative department, stretched me in every direction, and showed me intense leadership. I'm ready to work in a long term discipling atmosphere and the DTS is the best place to start.

India...
In January I will be leading the DTS on their 6 week outreach to Pune, India. There we will be working with people living with AIDS in the slums. This is what my heart leaps to do!
I have told some of you that I will be going to India in January for 6 months, that is no longer gonna happen. The door has shut. I pray it will open soon! I have great plans for the Spring, though. It will be a time of renewal. What that entails.. I'm not sure yet. I will let you know soon though.

Warrior
My friend, Amy, is in town. It is such joy to have her here again. I have missed her! Check out her blog... www.tribespahr.blogspot.com. Let it inspire you then send the link to your family and friends!

2008 Fall DTS
The DTS is running strong. We have 9 students from all over the world who are so very eager to learn more about the Lord and the calling He has on their lives. Please pray for these precious students- MinHee (S. Korea), Katie R, Kristen, Lauren, Elby (England), Katie C, Krystal, Michael and Berkeley.

The pics-