A New Season

As many of you know, this past year has been a transitional one for both me and the ministry. I have known God was taking me in a new direction but was not sure exactly what that was for some time. Recently He has brought me confirmation and direction and I move forward into this new season with confidence in the things He is going to do!

Today was the launch of a new kind of ministry for Arms Wide Open. While we will continue to transport to church, do local field trips (we have Grand Bay and Flint RiverQuarium in our immediate future), and annual summer camps, we will be transitioning from our large local outreach events to smaller, more intimate outreach. What I have learned over the years is that reaching the multitudes is important, but reaching is really done through real relationship. My focus now is on building closer, more intimate personal relationships with individuals, and equipping those individuals to do outreach within their own community.

In the last year I have been learning how to be more sensitive to His Spirit in meeting the prayer needs of others. Today I brought a friend of mine who is anointed in this area and who has been studying alongside me in ministry over the last year. Together we ministered to the Arms Wide Open teens who came to meet us, praying for their specific needs as well as speaking a prophetic word over them each. I shared with them what God had put on my heart for them….to impart on them a better understanding of The Father’s Love. I spoke the Father’s blessing on each of them as well. We also gave each a copy of the Father’s Love Letter, and then went and gave copies out to other people who were at the park with us (strangers). We prayed and ministered to several people as God led. One of my AWO girls was courageous enough to go and minister with us even though we had just ministered to her…and it was clear to me that she has an anointing for that. She was powerful! I am so proud of her! This is what I see God doing through me for this season….

ministering and equipping for ministry. Ultimately we are all ministers!

I am continually amazed at God’s hand of love on US ALL, and how He speaks to each of us through His creation and through others. Let us all seek to be His messengers, spreading Hope and Life and Love wherever we go!

Thank you for your continued prayer covering, encouragement, and support as I endeavor to do His will. Thank you, Heather, for ministering with me today!

A College Graduate!!

There are days when you think of all the time, energy, prayers, sweat, and tears you have poured into countless kids, yet you see their daily struggles and you wonder, "Lord, has it made any difference at all??" Each time I ask that question He shows me ONE, just one, that it has made a difference for. This is enough for me, because my heart in the beginning and my heart still today is that if it only helps ONE, just ONE, then it is all worth it. Today, thankfully, is not one of those days! Today I am full to overflowing with pride because I can see how far some of "my kids" have come and I know that God, through me, had something to do with it. Not that I take any credit whatsoever for their successes, I do not, but I know that having someone believe in them and encourage them along the way did make a difference for them...they have told me so! So I want to share with you two of my college students, who were formerly AWO kids, who are now enjoying the result of their dedication and holding steadfast to their faith and their dreams. One is on the verge of graduating college and traveled to France for a study abroad program this past summer...doing very well and on the way to a successful career in international relations. Another just graduated with a degree in Cosmetology (her dream!) and is equipped now to open her own salon, something she has talked about for many years now. I traveled to West Palm Beach to see her graduate this past weekend and was able to see for a brief moment four of my kids who have "moved on" but who still hold a very special place in my heart and life. Once I love a child, I never stop! I always carry them with me. Witness here the evidence, the FRUIT, that good things are coming from this ministry. Sharing God's love with these children, being a consistent presence in their lives, teaching them to make good choices, encouraging them to pursue their dreams (With GOD, ALL THINGS are possible!!), IS making a difference! I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who has prayed for us, supported us, encouraged us, and volunteered with us over the years....you have made ripples in the water of life that will reverberate all the way to Heaven!