Two things: one check out the new World Race video above that Kim Daniels just finished. and two, please pray for the ladies getting together in Sarasota this weekend to hear from God concerning our
Beauty from Ashes ministry.
Five years ago, God spoke to me about his plan to save the nation of Swaziland. It had to do with healing hearts and creating safe places for people to share their stories, shameful secrets and all.
This past year, we saw the power of that dream released in a retreat for Swazi women called Beauty from Ashes (read about it here). Krystle Longmire was one of the key organizers and had a vision for expanding on what we saw during the retreat to other venues.
This past month, I felt the Lord asking me to bring together a group of women who could help Krystle take the vision to another level.
Patti Blakely, one of the women describes it this way:
“I don’t think he wants us doing a whole lot, meaning activity and busyness. What I did hear and think he’s leading us in is to listen, share our stories, speak truth worship, trust that we are covered in prayer, and safe in his love for each of us and our faith in each other.
The first half of our time together we can begin bonding and getting to know one another through each of us sharing our stories (why not jump right in with being vulnerable and open with one another? Just like the women of Swazi did!) So, however long this takes, let’s let God’s Spirit move how he chooses. I say we be intentional that our purpose is “listening” to one another, being vulnerable in sharing our stories, and after each woman shares her story we can pray over her asking God to speak truth to us on behalf of that woman! We have something really cool we did among our squad this year that I’d love to incorporate
The second half we should be geared towards listening to God alone, separately, on behalf of the direction he may be taking us individually and/or as a group regarding “Beauty from Ashes,” as well as the direction it may be heading as a ministry of Restoration and reconciliation globally. After some time alone reflecting, journaling, praying with God, we can close our time by coming together and sharing what He may have spoken to us (though we’re not pressuring God’s voice, because He chooses not only if He’ll speak, but how and when…He’s God; we’re simply his tools and messengers.
Bless us with your prayers that the Lord with be with our team and will share the call that he has brought us together to answer. Bring us joy, healing, armor, and shields to hear only His plan and leave all other noise at the curb.”
Thank you to Krystle, for taking God’s direction from Swaiziland and give us the direction, inspiration, focus, and promise of this weekend. It is your passion to make a difference and be radical that is the back bone of God’s direction for us. Blessings to you.
We as a team are thankful for all those you are covering us with prayer and need and want to be real and radical in learning to Feel, Deal, Heal.
Thanks, Seth.
I’ll have the guys here at Bethel Colony of Mercy pray for the A2B activities.
The most important thing for any healing (woman or man) is to know who we are “in Christ”.
All the rest is dust in the wind.
Blessings sister…
Hi Patti,
Can I find out what you guys are doing in Sarasota?? It sounds incredible.
Lord bless your day,
Joy