Day 8-9: Higher Ground

Yesterday was Sunday – the Lord’s Day – and our gracious host, Thilini, Pastor Adrian and Ophelia’s daughter, had a surprise for us. She brought us to a beautiful, grassy knoll surrounding Lake Gregory. She led us in a devotion in Psalm 23, and our souls were restored beside still waters. We each shared how the Lord has shepherded us since we arrived in Sri Lanka.

We traveled to Nanu Oya, the train stop in Nuwara Eliya, to board a train for Ella, where we would see the Ella Gap. We reached a new level of togetherness, standing in a very crowded train car for over two hours. The scenery made up for the close quarters. We saw hills and mountains, natural water fountains. Streams flowing from pools above. Very tall trees, and workers picking tea leaves. As the train stopped at different stations, we saw men working on the rails; iron sharpening iron as the Lord has been doing within this group. The area is very lush and the people live simple lives in rural landscapes, absolutely no rush. We saw many people living in the hills and mountains. When we arrived at our destination, which was very high up in the mountains, seemingly in the clouds, I reflected on just how far we had traveled; first by air across the world, then by van through many hairpin turns through the mountains, and now via train through lush terrain.

The Lord has protected us all the way, and we have been safe in His hands. I am thankful that the Lord has taken us to higher ground, both literally and spiritually. We walked to Ravana Falls, near our accommodations, and I was quickly reminded of how the Lord said he would cause the Holy Spirit to gush forth from our lives as rivers of living water.  It would be like a well springing up inside of us.

This morning, we started off the day with a glorious sunrise worship time, where we reflected on God’s goodness while taking in the splendor and beauty of His creation. Afterward, we were back on the road again to Wattala, going down the mountain, confident that the Lord is carrying and covering us with his endless grace.

– Demi

Day 6-7: “My perception was rocked.”

“Malla” here. (malla means little brother) Noah, that is. For those who don’t know me, I’m actually a last minute addition to the Sri Lanka faith adventure team. A week ago, I didn’t know I would be here. In fact, a couple months ago I couldn’t have even pointed out Sri Lanka on a map. Yet in spite of it all, here I am on the complete opposite side of the world in a country I didn’t know existed with a new group of friends, who on Tuesday were literal strangers to me. This has been, in every sense of the word, a faith adventure.

Now that the conference at Ape Kadella is over, our global partners had some time to take us to see some other local sights, as well as some of the other miracles God is doing in the area. We briefly visited the Indian Ocean (it seemed a little more aggressive than the one we have back home), browsed a local fruit market, and then headed over to some “house churches” to meet church members. Our driver took us down a dirt road, draped by a canopy of palm trees and telephone lines. Shabby little brick residences were scattered along the street, dimly lit with flickering fluorescent bulbs. We were invited into a house with walls on only one side, and wiped our feet before entering through a doorless doorway. After a brief worship session, courtesy of our Kenyan friends, we sat and listened to the family’s testimony as they served us a small of bowl of cassava chips and some Sri Lankan candy. Despite their stories of medical problems and current struggles with the completion of their house, they spoke of just how much God has provided for them.

The second house we visited was similar: plastic furniture and brick and mortar walls. I couldn’t help but think about the situation as a tragedy, but God doesn’t see things that way. One of the women mentioned how blessed they are, being that they used to have no home at all, no jobs, and no electricity. My perception was rocked, and I was washed with a sudden, overwhelming sense of humility. I walked back to our van a little wiser than before; God has opened my eyes in a new way.

 

We’ve spent the past couple days touring the mountains and getting a feel for Sri Lanka as a whole. During this time, through the testimonies of others, I am praying for God to continue to speak to me, the rest of the team, and whoever back home is reading this.

– Noah

Day 5: God Qualifies the Called

Today was the last day of the Navodaya conference. Our day began differently unlike the other days. Pastor Adrian De Visser, a very intelligent man, engaged us in a candid and informative conversation. He shared with us his vision for the future and wise words to influence and encourage us as we walk our separate paths towards Christ.

The concept of unity is exemplified through one of Pastor De Visser’s visions for his ministry; to build a swimming pool on the campsite for everyone to enjoy. Sri Lanka is a hot and humid country, therefore a swimming pool can be a great way to bring people of all different religions and walks of life together in one place. Not only does this create an opportunity for God’s love to be shown, but the pool will also be used for different school and community activities. We all enjoyed learning from Pastor De Visser as he shared with us applicable advice and his vision for the future.

Today was a short day, only one speaker, Pastor Colton, shared a message before the commissioning and closing ceremony. This speaker shares the intriguing story of his experience in ministry. He began his ministry in 1949 at the age of 16 and, since then, has served the Lord for 69 years. Despite challenges he faced such as lack of education, denial from the university and knowledge of the English language, he was very determined to achieve his goal which was to go to school to study and become a preacher. He persevered and used the rejection as a catapult into God’s presence. He asked for God’s provision and power to provide him with all his needs to carry out this vision.

“Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7

With this type of faith, God answered his prayer and he received an approval into university, thus beginning his journey into ministry. This is a reminder for all to come boldly to His throne, asking for provision and expecting God to move mightily in our live. Pastor Colton is 80 and has many more years serving in ministry, and as for us our stories have just begun!

-Kimotho / Mavuno Church, Kenya

 

 

Day 4: “We raise Your name by praise!”

I think we are finally getting over the jet lag! Starting the day off with tea, which we have all come to look forward to tea time, and a volunteer meeting to go over the days schedule, we hit the ground running. Then comes breakfast with our Kenyan friends as we enjoy the cooking of our Dear Aunty Ophelia. Scrambled eggs, bread, jam, a few side dishes of Sri Lankan food and the most delicious fried mash potatoes.

After breakfast we headed over to the morning session where thankfully we have three helpers to interpret the Singhalese language, so we can all hear and learn from the message given. The speaker talked about the divinity and timing of revival. He mentioned how in this day and age, generations have grown impatient with the sovereignty of God’s hand and planning. But it is when we wait and pray in repentance that God will bring the revival.

Next up, Tea Time! Our team had the honor to pour and serve the tea for the attendees of the conference. It’s fun to see the familiar faces of those who we have met during our time at the conference. We shared giggles with each other as we joke around about whether or not the tea is sugar free. After a quick tea break, we continue with the rest of our day where we joined in on a small seminar, had another tea break, then attended another power packed session in the evening.

One highlight of the day would be standing in worship and listening to everyone in the conference sing as one united voice “We raise your name by praise”. Despite the language barrier, I was overwhelmed with emotion knowing that 12 different denominations came together to worship God and pray for their country. It was such a beautiful experience.

– Amy

Day 3: First Day of Conference

We started our first full day of the Navodaya Conference today! After breakfast, all of the attendees gathered together for the morning session, where the bold and audacious speaker proclaimed revival for the country. After the message, an opportunity was given to repent and cry out to God, on behalf of Sri Lanka.

The pastors and spiritual leaders represented a beautiful mix of different regions, generations, and languages. The many different denominations blended together splendidly. As they knelt, prayed, and wept together for their country, there was an undeniable glimpse of the unity God desires for His people.

One of the notable moments of today was the intentional honoring of the elders – to acknowledge that the work for unity and revival in Sri Lanka has been built upon generations. After affirming an honorable pastor who had been in ministry for over 45 years, he was asked to share a few words with the younger generation of leaders. The words he had were simple, yet weighty: “I only did what I was called to do, I only responded because God placed the burden on my heart.”

Our evening session tonight ended with a recognition of the 560 different pastors and leaders who were attending the conference, representing all 9 provinces and 12 denominations of Sri Lanka. It was a powerful and encouraging picture of the intentional unity of the Sri Lankan church to witness them intercede on behalf of their country for revival!

We’re amazed at the way God is showing up, and hope God will continue to blow our  minds throughout the remaining of the conference!

– Rob

Haiti Faith Adventure – February 2018

In just a few days, our next faith adventure team will be leaving to spend a week with our church partner Pastor Samuel Metelus in Torbeck, Haiti. Each night, the team will blog about its experience, so subscribe to this blog to have their posts delivered directly to your in-box or check back nightly for the latest post.

Day 2: Uni-tea

January 22, 2018,

Our second day in the beautiful land of Sri Lanka, so far so good. Everyone seems to be craving tea time. They say the tea in Sri Lanka is the best in the whole world! I’m not sure if that’s because of the decadent flavors of the tea or the swaying of souls as we exchange kind words and laugh until our bellies ache. The Holy Spirit has blended this team together very well! From singing and dancing to washing plates after meals, the peace continues to abound. This morning, after a not too spicy breakfast, we piled into vans and ventured out to a farm owned by our partner church, Kithu Sevana. While on the way to the farm, we stopped at a local church plant which Is a branch of the main church, Kithu Sevana. We met the staff of the church and some of the many children that they nurture.  I was amazed by how many children are cared for compared to the amount of people on staff. Despite the amount of work needed to be done while overseeing children, the team joins together with one mission in mind, build unity in the community.

After visiting the church, we all hopped back in our designated vans and continued on our journey to the farm. We arrived to welcoming outstretched leaves from coconut trees and smiling faces of the friendly. Not only does the peace abound, but banana trees, what else did we see? Flowers with no bees, plenty of butterflies. Chicken coops with freshly laid eggs, carefully laid on straw beds. It’s amazing how faith as small as a mustard seed, could not only move mountains, but produce fruit as far as the eye can see. At least that’s what Pastor Adrian believes. the farm was purchased with the currency of faith. Faith in God to provide all the means necessary to fund and cultivate the farm. It is by this same faith that the land is multiplying and filled with abundance. On our way back to the campsite, we stopped for some freshly cracked king coconuts. The water was absolutely divine, maybe that’s where the name came from! We arrived at the campsite safely, put our belongings down, and began looking for opportunities to help set up for the upcoming pastor’s conference. There are many volunteers here from other countries and different parts of Sri Lanka. We arrived from the farm late into the afternoon, so most of the work was finished, which allowed for time to rest. Or time for more uni-tea.

-Ejieke N. Chukwumerije

 

Day 1: Arriving in Sri Lanka

We arrived at the hotel a little after 2am from flying for 20 some hours. Exhausted but expected, we went to bed as soon as we were able to check-in. We knew waiting ahead of us would be a day full of treasures from our Heavenly Father. We are anticipating this trip to be filled with fun, lessons learned and faith challenged, as we surrender to each day that God has for us. We hope to see a glimpse of heaven and the beauty of Sri Lanka and its people through this faith adventure with our partners, our Sri Lankan family, the De Vissers.

After a yummy breakfast with a great view of the Indian Ocean, we head to Kithu Sevana church service, which was given in 3 languages. Filled with a notification for the revival of the nation, the 3 hour long service (which didn’t feel like 3 hours) was a great time of praise & worship, congregational prayer, word of God, and communion. The time of prayer after Pastor Adrian’s sermon on revival was a great convicting reminder for us all to be desperately seeking God for the revival of our nation through prayers.

After lunch, we made our journey to the campsite, “the farm”; it has a conference center, missiological center, children’s home, pastors retirement village…etc. The tour was given by none other than Pastor Adrian, as he shared with us the great miracles of God’s provisions and protection.

And then there was tea time. One of the BEST teas for sure!! Recipe: Sri Lankan tea, milk, some sugar and lots and lots of our dear Aunty Ophelia’s (Pastor Adrian’s wife) love. To end the night, after tea time and dinner with great fellowship with Kenyans and local pastors & church staff, we debriefed with great anticipation and a unified desire to see “His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.”

-Sero