Romans 10:14-15
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are SENT? As it is written:
How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!"
People still haven't heard the name of Jesus Christ. We as americans are ignorant when it comes to the rest of the world. we are so distracted.
The 10-40 window are estimated 4.4 billion people. The poorest of the world, live on less then 500 dollars a year and lack resources. It's against the law to be Christian, there are 2.7 billion people in that 10-40 window who have been unreached and have never heard the name of Jesus.
we are 221 years into the modern era of missions yet there are still no hint of Jesus in this population, we as Christians are failing. The harvest is ready but there are no workers to bring them in.
There are about 330,000 churches in the US today and there are 7,000 unreached people groups. How is anyone going to hear the gospel of Christ if you don't tell them.
Some people might think ya know I'm just not called to evangelize... We are Christian. We are called.
GO ye therefore and make disciples among the nations
Go= remove yourself, get off your butt.
Nation=every people groups, every culture and make disciples
Without Jesus we are dead, people are desperate. Everyone will stand before Jesus Christ, and the Only thing that is going to matter is what have we done with the gospel. It won't matter where you lived, how popular, how successful, The only thing God will care about is what did you do with gospel when you had time.
Lord says don't be afraid, the Lord is prepared the hearts of the people in the place we are to go. They are being prepared and waiting for us to hear what is true, they are waiting for the gospel to be shared. Hearts around us are being readied and softened by the Lord..
But what do we do? We don't give a crap. We don't care that half the world is dying without ever hearing the gospel, we don't care or we would be out there.
It isn't our job to save anyone, our job is make sure they have the chance to be saved.
It's OUR job is to be matchmakers. To lead people to the Lord, to lead them Into true love. the perfect love.
God is calling all of us to do something crazy for His names sake.
If God is not calling you to go somewhere crazy, he is still calling you to be involved with missions, every missionary needs a pit crew to support and pray. They need people to listen to them.
The heart of the matter:
We as Christians are either called to Go or to Send...
The bottom line:
People are dying all around us, Jesus came to this earth to die, how can we claim to be a Christian of we won't do the same..
Make people feel guilty if their not doing their part on serving the Lord. Guilt is not always a bad thing if it gets you to do Gods will in your life.
How cool is it that you and I Get be apart of the work of the LORD. He chose to use US to accomplish the will of the Lord. What an honor and a privilege it is....dealing with people is hard and we Are going to get hurt. There will be some hard lessons to learn. Without a doubt the hardest time in life,but the MOST rewarding....
Surrender your life and serve God
When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die...
The road with christ in the world is not easy... The road to hell is wide and simple... But I tell you it is worth it to die to yourself and to live in Him on the road to life after death :)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
VEGAS BABY
SEND the MEssage
Where?- Calvary Spring Valley, Las Vegas
When?- Oct. 11th
...This is my side to this story so lets begin with me. It was Oct. 9th 6 a.m. and I'm sleeping on the top bunk directly underneath the ceiling light, some one so kindly turns on the light and i abruptly awake. As I nearly seizure over the sudden light piercing through my eye lids, I can not explain to you the migraine that instantaneously made its home in my cranium. Great way to start a road trip in a van filled to the rim with females. I gracefully fell off the top bunk grabbing my pillow on my way down and made my way to the kitchen. We ate breakfast, prayed, and began our 2 day journey to Las Vegas, Nevada. Unexpectedly I enjoyed being on the road for the first 12 hours, the scenery was breath taking for the first 4 hours and we had quality conversations the rest of the way. There's not much else to do than to bond with the passengers sitting next to you which made for some great laughs and memories to last. Our trip consisted of one midway stop (and obviously 30 pee stops) in Calvary Chapel Pocatello Idaho, where we slept for the night. I made my bed on a row of chairs in Calvary Chapel Pocatello's Prayer Room. As I snuggled in a sleeping bag, I began to notice how peculiar my life has become. I nearly had an out-of-body experience, looking at myself lay there, looking at where I am, looking at who I'm with, and what I'm doing. My lifestyle before this was constantly surrounded by people I know, I absolutely loved my comfort zone, I never wanted to leave Orange County or the people within. I couldn't imagine myself without the beach or without the ability to surf or run or go to coffee shops. It dawned on me that my prayers have been answered. I have been praying for God to make my desires His desires.. His desires were clearly nothing I had in mind as I contently slept on a small row of chairs within a foreign church in a foreign land.haha :)
...This is my side to this story so lets begin with me. It was Oct. 9th 6 a.m. and I'm sleeping on the top bunk directly underneath the ceiling light, some one so kindly turns on the light and i abruptly awake. As I nearly seizure over the sudden light piercing through my eye lids, I can not explain to you the migraine that instantaneously made its home in my cranium. Great way to start a road trip in a van filled to the rim with females. I gracefully fell off the top bunk grabbing my pillow on my way down and made my way to the kitchen. We ate breakfast, prayed, and began our 2 day journey to Las Vegas, Nevada. Unexpectedly I enjoyed being on the road for the first 12 hours, the scenery was breath taking for the first 4 hours and we had quality conversations the rest of the way. There's not much else to do than to bond with the passengers sitting next to you which made for some great laughs and memories to last. Our trip consisted of one midway stop (and obviously 30 pee stops) in Calvary Chapel Pocatello Idaho, where we slept for the night. I made my bed on a row of chairs in Calvary Chapel Pocatello's Prayer Room. As I snuggled in a sleeping bag, I began to notice how peculiar my life has become. I nearly had an out-of-body experience, looking at myself lay there, looking at where I am, looking at who I'm with, and what I'm doing. My lifestyle before this was constantly surrounded by people I know, I absolutely loved my comfort zone, I never wanted to leave Orange County or the people within. I couldn't imagine myself without the beach or without the ability to surf or run or go to coffee shops. It dawned on me that my prayers have been answered. I have been praying for God to make my desires His desires.. His desires were clearly nothing I had in mind as I contently slept on a small row of chairs within a foreign church in a foreign land.haha :)
The next morning began at 6 a.m. as we piled back into the van filled with 11 suitcases, 11 sleeping-bags, 11 pillows, 11 human bodies, and food. 10 grueling but well worth hours later we safely arrived to Calvary Chapel Spring Valley. This truly was a trip of a life time.I cannot begin to express how blessed we all were at this conference.- We had the ability to listen and glean from pastors and missionaries around the world. What an experience! We were impacted with the importance of learning culture, learning the language, and being driven by love and not duty.
- We also had the privilege to serve at a homeless food bank, where we spent our afternoon stocking their food and with all our help the staff got to leave 2 hours early!
- My favorite workshop I sat through was by Uturn for Christ. What a great ministry God has there. We are to think out of the box when it comes to sharing God's word to people. Don't get so caught up in the small box view of how we are to reach the lost, let your creativity God has given you to do the work of Christ!
- My favorite event was the Cross Cultural Dinner, I had the opportunity to eat authentic meals from around the world
One of my favorite nights was when DawnMarie drove us down Vegas Blvd in our giant 11 seater "Orphanage" van. The lights were incredible, no wonder everybody goes to Vegas.. We bought an obnoxious wig and wore it around for the rest of the week, and later that night we made "Jesus" T-shirts with puffy paint. 
Our drive home was another 2 day expenditure. Driving back to Montana was most definitely not as exciting as the trip to Vegas.....But we made it home safely by the grace of God <3 and now we begin my second module! 5 months to go! |
| They found it entertaining to draw on my tummy |
Impacting reality spoken by
men following the calling
of our God
"There are three types of Christians.. there are the Goers, the Senders, and the Disobedient" Which one are you?
"You can go to the utter most parts of the earth but if you don't allow God's word to travel the fifteen inches from your head to your heart, there will be no change"
"If we believe people are going to hell, we should feel the need to do something about it"
"It's not a matter of TO DO, but a matter of TO BE."- Tozer
"You can have 110 accountability partners, but you're only as accountable as you make yourself"
"Reaching to the nations ONE soul at a time"
"we need slaves with a mature attitude of faith and humility"
"Language is one of the hardest things keeping us from the succeeding the Great Commission"
"Your tongue will follow your heart"
"Whoever the Lord puts in front of me, I should have an Eternal Kingdom effect on them"
"Instead of saying, "I quit", in rough times instead say "what kind of miracle is God going going to do next?"
"God knows and has chosen me for place that is perfect for me. God has also chosen a place for me that is the perfect place"
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Deleted my facebook
I got rid of my facebook for a little while. sooo. here's my address and my e-mail
Brittany Harris
C.O Pottersfield ranch
P.O. box 68
Olney, montana 59927
Br.harris88@gmail.com
(SKYPE!)
Brittany.harriss (yes, two s's)
things you can send me <3
-anything that comes to your mind
-love letters
-GREEN TEA!
-BLUEBERRY TEA!
-yummy snacks, home made goodies
-any cute shirts you no longer want ;)
-Notebook to write letters in
-Coffee drinks
-
...i'll add to this later when I can think of things.
Brittany Harris
C.O Pottersfield ranch
P.O. box 68
Olney, montana 59927
Br.harris88@gmail.com
(SKYPE!)
Brittany.harriss (yes, two s's)
things you can send me <3
-anything that comes to your mind
-love letters
-GREEN TEA!
-BLUEBERRY TEA!
-yummy snacks, home made goodies
-any cute shirts you no longer want ;)
-Notebook to write letters in
-Coffee drinks
-
...i'll add to this later when I can think of things.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The past week and upcoming week
Last Wednesday we went to Hope Pregnancy Center and weeded their garden. It took four hours to finish weeding completel, my fingers lost some skin and by the end of the day I was covered in mud. I'm convinced that earth worms here take steroids, I'm not kidding you, they were huge. The day went by pretty fast. Who knew you could have quality conversation over weed-pulling.
Next Tuesday we have training for a Hope Pregnancy Center dinner. We will be serving there next Thursday. We all have to dress in black pants and white blouse.
Next Saturday (the 9th) we leave for Vegas BABBBY.
The Interns are taking a two-day road trip to Las Vegas. Where else is a better place to be trained as a Missionary than Sin City? :) Just kidding. We're going there for a 3 day missions conference; we're also going to be doing some work shops to help equip us. I hope we get to spend a little time in Vegas outside of the conference building, I would love to talk and pray with some little lost lambs there.
Classes have been really great so far, I haven't really had much to write about so I apologize for no longer updating the blog.
CRITTERS
The weather here has been so nice, in the 70-80's.
I had a dream about my nephew Jordan last night...He's so sweet.. I miss his hugs in the morning that wake me up before the sun even rises. I miss hearing his little squeaky voice telling me about his dream he had the night before. I miss his obnoxious little self as he runs in circles around the house with Logan following his every move. I miss Logan calling me "Nitney" a thousand times until I finally answer. I miss catching Logan eating a Oreos under the dining room table. I miss finding Jordan's a sleeve of "oreos" with the center eaten out of every one of them and strategically placed back in the sleeve.. I miss taking him to the candy store and bringing him to the beach. I miss going to breakfast with all three of them and trying to get them situated in one booth without throwing food or making faces to the family eating breakfast next to us. I miss baby Lani, she's going to be so grown up before I see her next. Jenn you need to skype me.
Last Wednesday we went to Hope Pregnancy Center and weeded their garden. It took four hours to finish weeding completel, my fingers lost some skin and by the end of the day I was covered in mud. I'm convinced that earth worms here take steroids, I'm not kidding you, they were huge. The day went by pretty fast. Who knew you could have quality conversation over weed-pulling.
Next Tuesday we have training for a Hope Pregnancy Center dinner. We will be serving there next Thursday. We all have to dress in black pants and white blouse.
Next Saturday (the 9th) we leave for Vegas BABBBY.
The Interns are taking a two-day road trip to Las Vegas. Where else is a better place to be trained as a Missionary than Sin City? :) Just kidding. We're going there for a 3 day missions conference; we're also going to be doing some work shops to help equip us. I hope we get to spend a little time in Vegas outside of the conference building, I would love to talk and pray with some little lost lambs there.
Classes have been really great so far, I haven't really had much to write about so I apologize for no longer updating the blog.
CRITTERS
- The slugs here are the size of my dog. Frightening? Yes.
- There are so many butterflies, my favorite is when Darla attempts to catch one.
- Black beetles inhabit the surrounding trees and fall from the trees, occasionally landing on your shoulder.
- The grasshoppers here make awkward clicky noises and instead of flying away from you, they fly towards you.
- The mice here make me feel at home, but I'm thrilled to be able to eat my cereal without finding bugs in it..I'm glad that part of home didn't follow me.
The weather here has been so nice, in the 70-80's.
I had a dream about my nephew Jordan last night...He's so sweet.. I miss his hugs in the morning that wake me up before the sun even rises. I miss hearing his little squeaky voice telling me about his dream he had the night before. I miss his obnoxious little self as he runs in circles around the house with Logan following his every move. I miss Logan calling me "Nitney" a thousand times until I finally answer. I miss catching Logan eating a Oreos under the dining room table. I miss finding Jordan's a sleeve of "oreos" with the center eaten out of every one of them and strategically placed back in the sleeve.. I miss taking him to the candy store and bringing him to the beach. I miss going to breakfast with all three of them and trying to get them situated in one booth without throwing food or making faces to the family eating breakfast next to us. I miss baby Lani, she's going to be so grown up before I see her next. Jenn you need to skype me.
Friday, October 1, 2010
"All you need to be is what God has called you to be"
"Draw a line where you stumble, then take ten feet back and draw another line. Don't risk walking the slippery slope of your first line"
"If your life is fully surrendered to the Lord, you cannot sit content unless you are doing the Lord's calling"
"God is either fully sovereign or He's not"
"Move out and be motivated by the grace of God"
"You can never trust God too much."
"There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still"
"Never be that person who wont do something about it"
"Not reading your Bible everyday is like starving yourself of the calling God has for you"
"You don't want to become a religious Christian, you want to become a grateful Christian"
"We are called to be a witness where your feet hit the ground. That is your mission field."
"Love God with everything you are and love others for Him."
"The way we live our life is our greatest defense"
"Hardest part of the missionfield is living by faith,"
"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game"
"A man who wins souls is wise....So want to be wise in God's eyes? Go tell some body about Jesus"
"For God so loved the -? WORLD, that He GAVE. So continue in that, continue in loving, continue in giving."
"Every day before you step out, there is a battle"
"Fear will immobilize you"
"The harvest is plentiful... the workers are few"
"a church that is cold to missions is dead to the cross"
...some goals...
Collect something
Memorize more scripture
Spend a lot more time in prayer
start a study group/prayer group
Take pictures of all the weird critters I see
Journal
Crochet something
Learn to draw
Practice my cursive
Read a good book monthly
Buy a pet fish
"If your life is fully surrendered to the Lord, you cannot sit content unless you are doing the Lord's calling"
"God is either fully sovereign or He's not"
"Move out and be motivated by the grace of God"
"You can never trust God too much."
"There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still"
"Never be that person who wont do something about it"
"Not reading your Bible everyday is like starving yourself of the calling God has for you"
"You don't want to become a religious Christian, you want to become a grateful Christian"
"We are called to be a witness where your feet hit the ground. That is your mission field."
"Love God with everything you are and love others for Him."
"The way we live our life is our greatest defense"
"Hardest part of the missionfield is living by faith,"
"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game"
"A man who wins souls is wise....So want to be wise in God's eyes? Go tell some body about Jesus"
"For God so loved the -? WORLD, that He GAVE. So continue in that, continue in loving, continue in giving."
"Every day before you step out, there is a battle"
"Fear will immobilize you"
"The harvest is plentiful... the workers are few"
"a church that is cold to missions is dead to the cross"
...some goals...
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
All my fragile strength is gone
Changed, like sunshine, can be a friend or a foe, a blessing or a curse, a dawn or a dusk.
...This change isn't easy...
"I will go where You want me to Go
Do what You want me to do
Say what You want me to say
To speak to the person You want me to speak to
....and at the end of the day, I will ask for forgiveness of the things I fell short and rejoice in the places I've done Your will.
Through that, I will have done the will of God every day of my life."
...Guide me oh Lord, lead me. Strengthen me, my God. ..I'm realizing how fragile my strength is...
Seek first in every situation, in every breath, in every thought, in every word.
" we not only need to know the message for the world, but also need to know the world in which the message must be communicated. "
...Take us home Jesus. please.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Why...tellme.
"While working with Jews, I live like a Jew" but "when working with Gentiles i live like a Gentile." 1 Corinthians 9:19-22
...A thorough understanding of the meaning of culture is a prerequisite to any effective communication of God's good news to a different people group. God values culture, He doesn't think like we do. He looks at the heart, not at our external behaviors. You don't have to become like me culturally to become Christian.
...just a little something we were taught today...
Honestly.... I have a question for all of you.
Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?
...read that a couple times..
(a pastor asked me this today)
Do you really believe
-That God exists?
-That Jesus was sent to earth
-That Jesus is the Son of God
-That dying on the cross saved us
-That hell is a real place of weeping and gnashing of teeth where the worm never dies?
-That those who don't accept Christ as the Son of God are going to Hell?
.....If yes, then why don't we spend more time telling people about Jesus?
Why haven't we made it a priority to our every MOMENT?
TELL ME WHY!
If you truly believed in Hell, why don't you spend more time taking EVERY opportunity preaching the gospel and sometimes using words?
...God has me here for a reason, but honestly what is the reason? Because all I can think about every single day as we go through the same exact routine over and over again is WHY AM I NOT OUT THERE WITNESSING! People need to be hearing the good news of Jesus... gosh dang it. Writing this is bringing tears to my eyes. People need Him...there are so many hurting souls that need a hug and prayer and most importantly Jesus's love. ....Do I have time to be here in the middle of Christopher Robin's 1000 acre woods? Jesus is coming to take us home soon and I want as many brothers and sisters to be taken up in the clouds with me. I want a big GIANT family! I want to run out of this place so badly and just go on the streets and love on people. There are so many homeless out there, even you who are reading this might be homeless! I'm not only talking about homeless in body, but also those who are homeless is spirit. You can be living in a great big home and still be considered homeless to me; because you have not found your spiritual home yet...I know where your home is. God has built you Mansions :) I have one too! Our Home is in Jesus and His home is in us. What an awesome deal that is.
I want to run away and go out into this lost world.....sharing the gospel to the homeless spirits....
honestly...I can think of a billion people I've passed by in life, at school, the gas station, grocery store, etc. that I could have easily talked to about Jesus.. But I didn't...Funny..because Hell is a real place.. How awfully selfish can I get? I feel selfish sitting here.. Why can't I die completely to self and use my time more wisely?
..listen...i know my last entry was talking about how I'm here to be trained. We are here being trained to run to the gates of hell and back. which is so true. I love the training we get here, my classes bring so much Joy to me! They are so useful and Christ directed. But the isolation is killing me. I need to be out there, communicating with hurting hearts. These four months of solitude are going to rip my heart apart. I don't know if Christ is teaching me patience or what...but honestly, I feel like I'm losing precious time in being a disciple for Jesus while I spend most my time on this ranch.
We are going to a Harvest Festival for a mental institution tomorrow. Praise the Lord! I'm so incredibly excited for it. I can't wait to go to bed tonight so tomorrow will be here sooner.
...A thorough understanding of the meaning of culture is a prerequisite to any effective communication of God's good news to a different people group. God values culture, He doesn't think like we do. He looks at the heart, not at our external behaviors. You don't have to become like me culturally to become Christian.
...just a little something we were taught today...
Honestly.... I have a question for all of you.
Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?
...read that a couple times..
(a pastor asked me this today)
Do you really believe
-That God exists?
-That Jesus was sent to earth
-That Jesus is the Son of God
-That dying on the cross saved us
-That hell is a real place of weeping and gnashing of teeth where the worm never dies?
-That those who don't accept Christ as the Son of God are going to Hell?
.....If yes, then why don't we spend more time telling people about Jesus?
Why haven't we made it a priority to our every MOMENT?
TELL ME WHY!
If you truly believed in Hell, why don't you spend more time taking EVERY opportunity preaching the gospel and sometimes using words?
...God has me here for a reason, but honestly what is the reason? Because all I can think about every single day as we go through the same exact routine over and over again is WHY AM I NOT OUT THERE WITNESSING! People need to be hearing the good news of Jesus... gosh dang it. Writing this is bringing tears to my eyes. People need Him...there are so many hurting souls that need a hug and prayer and most importantly Jesus's love. ....Do I have time to be here in the middle of Christopher Robin's 1000 acre woods? Jesus is coming to take us home soon and I want as many brothers and sisters to be taken up in the clouds with me. I want a big GIANT family! I want to run out of this place so badly and just go on the streets and love on people. There are so many homeless out there, even you who are reading this might be homeless! I'm not only talking about homeless in body, but also those who are homeless is spirit. You can be living in a great big home and still be considered homeless to me; because you have not found your spiritual home yet...I know where your home is. God has built you Mansions :) I have one too! Our Home is in Jesus and His home is in us. What an awesome deal that is.
I want to run away and go out into this lost world.....sharing the gospel to the homeless spirits....
honestly...I can think of a billion people I've passed by in life, at school, the gas station, grocery store, etc. that I could have easily talked to about Jesus.. But I didn't...Funny..because Hell is a real place.. How awfully selfish can I get? I feel selfish sitting here.. Why can't I die completely to self and use my time more wisely?
..listen...i know my last entry was talking about how I'm here to be trained. We are here being trained to run to the gates of hell and back. which is so true. I love the training we get here, my classes bring so much Joy to me! They are so useful and Christ directed. But the isolation is killing me. I need to be out there, communicating with hurting hearts. These four months of solitude are going to rip my heart apart. I don't know if Christ is teaching me patience or what...but honestly, I feel like I'm losing precious time in being a disciple for Jesus while I spend most my time on this ranch.
We are going to a Harvest Festival for a mental institution tomorrow. Praise the Lord! I'm so incredibly excited for it. I can't wait to go to bed tonight so tomorrow will be here sooner.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Skull church...you intimidate me
Wednesday...Well i was going to tell you guys about my first full day of classes... but something else went down tonight that drowns out all the importance in my day of class.
SKULL CHURCH
Before I continue, I need to make clear that I am not bashing this church. It was obvious to me that it has fruit and God is moving within those walls. But I personally have never been more scared entering into a Christian church. The building was a retired Movie Theater and as we (Darla, Erin, and I) walked in, we were greeted by a man wearing balloon pants with zippers and chains, I held out my hand to say hello, taking a quick glance at his arms, I noticed his wrists and arms were wrapped in black cloth. I love self expression and individuality, but it confuses me how some one can be filled with God's joy yet express himself in such a dark mannor.. Darla, Erin and I are new to Montana and Skull Church, so we entered this place not knowing what to expect next. Pottersfield Ranch loves this church, I'm not sure why... As we made our way through the front doors, immediately our eyes caught on to the countless skulls. Skull pictures, drawings, digital skulls, and as we sat down there was a half skelten half human poster on the stage. The lights were dimmed and red, music filled the building with screams and screeching. This was no ordinary church music. They called it alternative, punk rock, metal, scream, whatever, to me it felt satanic. I got chills as we settled into our seats, I turned to view the expression on Darla's face and I knew i wasn't alone on this one. She gave me a half smile and we both leaned into each other to whisper "what is this place?" Suppposedly it's a Bible teaching Church. I noticed people were holding their Bibles, so that was a good sign...but none of us felt good the moment we walked into the doors of this darkened movie theater. I could tell the whole service was geered towards the younger crowd, they did a good job making it a church that attracts a certain type of people. I guess I wasn't cool enough to fit that certain type of crowd. In turn, it left me scared of my shadow.
...I have never experienced a church like Skull Church... The worship began and people stood in like manner, but I couldn't tell whether the band leader was singing about his girlfriend or Jesus... I knew none of the words, and the style of music gave me the creeps. I'm sad that churches have to go to that extent to meet the people's needs in making it a comfortable enviroment...Comfortable to who is my question..
The sermon began, we went through Eccl. 6. It was real simple and I do not doubt that the Holy Spirit was moving and speaking through this man. Around 10 people were saved tonight at the alter call. It just proves to us all that God works through anyone and uses all situations for the furtherance of His Kingdom. Going to Skull church was something I've never experienced before in my life and I don't ever want to go back. ..Too bad we have to go there every wednesday. I'm not sure how I'll handle this for four months...
Today we had cross cultural studies. I have found my new love for this class. I'm so excited to wake up tomorrow and sit in another full 9-5 hour day of classes! Our teacher reminded me of a mixture between Einstein and the main character in the pixar film Up. He was so cute, I've never paid more attention in a class in my life. I will most definitely continue to inform you guys on the interesting things I learn during my time here.
...so... this day was interesting to say the least...I don't like that i've only been here for 5 days and each day has felt like a week..I miss home :(
send me letters and love por favor
Brittany Harris
C.O. Pottersfield Ranch
P.O. box 68 Olney Montana, 59927
Before I continue, I need to make clear that I am not bashing this church. It was obvious to me that it has fruit and God is moving within those walls. But I personally have never been more scared entering into a Christian church. The building was a retired Movie Theater and as we (Darla, Erin, and I) walked in, we were greeted by a man wearing balloon pants with zippers and chains, I held out my hand to say hello, taking a quick glance at his arms, I noticed his wrists and arms were wrapped in black cloth. I love self expression and individuality, but it confuses me how some one can be filled with God's joy yet express himself in such a dark mannor.. Darla, Erin and I are new to Montana and Skull Church, so we entered this place not knowing what to expect next. Pottersfield Ranch loves this church, I'm not sure why... As we made our way through the front doors, immediately our eyes caught on to the countless skulls. Skull pictures, drawings, digital skulls, and as we sat down there was a half skelten half human poster on the stage. The lights were dimmed and red, music filled the building with screams and screeching. This was no ordinary church music. They called it alternative, punk rock, metal, scream, whatever, to me it felt satanic. I got chills as we settled into our seats, I turned to view the expression on Darla's face and I knew i wasn't alone on this one. She gave me a half smile and we both leaned into each other to whisper "what is this place?" Suppposedly it's a Bible teaching Church. I noticed people were holding their Bibles, so that was a good sign...but none of us felt good the moment we walked into the doors of this darkened movie theater. I could tell the whole service was geered towards the younger crowd, they did a good job making it a church that attracts a certain type of people. I guess I wasn't cool enough to fit that certain type of crowd. In turn, it left me scared of my shadow.
...I have never experienced a church like Skull Church... The worship began and people stood in like manner, but I couldn't tell whether the band leader was singing about his girlfriend or Jesus... I knew none of the words, and the style of music gave me the creeps. I'm sad that churches have to go to that extent to meet the people's needs in making it a comfortable enviroment...Comfortable to who is my question..
The sermon began, we went through Eccl. 6. It was real simple and I do not doubt that the Holy Spirit was moving and speaking through this man. Around 10 people were saved tonight at the alter call. It just proves to us all that God works through anyone and uses all situations for the furtherance of His Kingdom. Going to Skull church was something I've never experienced before in my life and I don't ever want to go back. ..Too bad we have to go there every wednesday. I'm not sure how I'll handle this for four months...
Today we had cross cultural studies. I have found my new love for this class. I'm so excited to wake up tomorrow and sit in another full 9-5 hour day of classes! Our teacher reminded me of a mixture between Einstein and the main character in the pixar film Up. He was so cute, I've never paid more attention in a class in my life. I will most definitely continue to inform you guys on the interesting things I learn during my time here.
...so... this day was interesting to say the least...I don't like that i've only been here for 5 days and each day has felt like a week..I miss home :(
send me letters and love por favor
Brittany Harris
C.O. Pottersfield Ranch
P.O. box 68 Olney Montana, 59927
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Running to the gates of Hell..
"Life consists of your time..."
Today was an important day to be paying attention.. there was no room for being homesick. I consistently had to snatch my thoughts back into captivity so I could gain the most out of the crucial words spoken to me. I was overwhelmed and fearful of losing my concentration..I realized how important it was for me to not allow my thoughts to wander and I continued to mistakenly yearn for friendships and the life I knew. I'm frightened to let go of what I perceive as life, yet I'm even more scared to hold on. Our life consists of our time, how am I using this time I have here in Montana? This cold, sunless, isolated place...
Today I realized why I am here..I'm here to be a runner. But to be a runner, I must go through training :) I'm here to go into this war we fight and be the one running back and forth from the gates of Hell, snatching the lost and the weary who sleep at the gates. Bearing witness for the Lord will never be a waste! This quiet, cold, isolated time is a priviledge.
The Lord calls us to be a witness in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
My prayer request I ask of you is that God places my desires in my heart. NOT me placing my own desires. Its so much easier said than done..oh my gosh... its so much easier said. Pastor Mike asked us today what is it that we really like to do? Because God has formed me in that manner. God created our inner being, my personality, my likes and dislikes. Yet, that comes with fully laying down and surrendering my life to Christ, so He can mold me. I will be deciding by the second module where God is calling me to go forth and give hugs and smiles in Jesus's name. So prayer is needed :) You guys are my strength! Prayer is so powerful!
HIGHLIGHTS
METH or LIFE -- I found out after class today that we were to visit an old folks home. As we were on our way there, we got lost and ended up at the top of "suicide hill" and drove through some sketch neighborhoods. We passed a sign on the road that said "METH or LIFE" with an arrow pointing towards which you choose... the arrow was on Meth. I tried getting a picture of it...we also passed a man standing outside of his house, caressing his cat, staring at our van the multiple times we drove by. haha.
...its funny to me that these have already become our highlights.. I wonder what will excite us in 3 months. People here keep saying Walmart will be a thrill.
At the old folks home we sang hymns and praise songs, and met some wonderful people. Sid and Hank were my two favorites, one was a 91 yr old man, the other was 80 and full of spunk. They contributed to our music by singing and playing the harmonica. The rest of the time I got to sit next to them and crack jokes about their age. We compared childhoods and I realized how much I wish I lived back then.
The birds sang with us today as we sang worship. So beautiful. Gave me the chills.
He was my favorite :)
Also, I've had so much fun getting to know these girls. Two of the girls I've gotten really close with are from Philadelphia. They have accents, all day we compared the ways we say certain words. :)
Today was an important day to be paying attention.. there was no room for being homesick. I consistently had to snatch my thoughts back into captivity so I could gain the most out of the crucial words spoken to me. I was overwhelmed and fearful of losing my concentration..I realized how important it was for me to not allow my thoughts to wander and I continued to mistakenly yearn for friendships and the life I knew. I'm frightened to let go of what I perceive as life, yet I'm even more scared to hold on. Our life consists of our time, how am I using this time I have here in Montana? This cold, sunless, isolated place...
Today I realized why I am here..I'm here to be a runner. But to be a runner, I must go through training :) I'm here to go into this war we fight and be the one running back and forth from the gates of Hell, snatching the lost and the weary who sleep at the gates. Bearing witness for the Lord will never be a waste! This quiet, cold, isolated time is a priviledge.
The Lord calls us to be a witness in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
My prayer request I ask of you is that God places my desires in my heart. NOT me placing my own desires. Its so much easier said than done..oh my gosh... its so much easier said. Pastor Mike asked us today what is it that we really like to do? Because God has formed me in that manner. God created our inner being, my personality, my likes and dislikes. Yet, that comes with fully laying down and surrendering my life to Christ, so He can mold me. I will be deciding by the second module where God is calling me to go forth and give hugs and smiles in Jesus's name. So prayer is needed :) You guys are my strength! Prayer is so powerful!
HIGHLIGHTS
METH or LIFE -- I found out after class today that we were to visit an old folks home. As we were on our way there, we got lost and ended up at the top of "suicide hill" and drove through some sketch neighborhoods. We passed a sign on the road that said "METH or LIFE" with an arrow pointing towards which you choose... the arrow was on Meth. I tried getting a picture of it...we also passed a man standing outside of his house, caressing his cat, staring at our van the multiple times we drove by. haha.
...its funny to me that these have already become our highlights.. I wonder what will excite us in 3 months. People here keep saying Walmart will be a thrill.
At the old folks home we sang hymns and praise songs, and met some wonderful people. Sid and Hank were my two favorites, one was a 91 yr old man, the other was 80 and full of spunk. They contributed to our music by singing and playing the harmonica. The rest of the time I got to sit next to them and crack jokes about their age. We compared childhoods and I realized how much I wish I lived back then.
The birds sang with us today as we sang worship. So beautiful. Gave me the chills.
He was my favorite :) I SAW THE SUN TODAY! In the morning the sun peeked through the clouds. It was GORGEOUS. But then it rained all day.
Also, I've had so much fun getting to know these girls. Two of the girls I've gotten really close with are from Philadelphia. They have accents, all day we compared the ways we say certain words. :)
By the way, why don't people vacation in Montana more often? there are SO MANY beautiful lakes out here.
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