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My Africa Experience
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May 20, 2006 9:14 am
264 Views
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I am home after a month of living as an African. What a different world. I spent one week in Lusaka Zambia, where I stayed in a motel for government officials. My contact, Daniel, has a friend who is a Member of Parliament. This friend, who we call Honorable, reserved a room for me and paid for it. It is a very controlled environment. Gated and guarded, and landscaped very nicely. It was a different world compared to what was on the other side of the tall fence. Inside this wall I would have never known of the poverty outside had I not seen it for myself. I was always glad to get back inside the wall where it was comfortable. The room was rustic compared to our standards but it was luxurious compared to their standard of living. The host pastor is a man of excellence. He was very organized and started the services on time. The worship team was organized as well. It was obvious that they had respect and honor for the Word of God. They prepared for it well. Everything was in place for the Word to flow. This made me very comfortable. The more comfortable I am the easier it is to minister. Ministry there was wonderful. Daniel kept me on schedule and made sure I had some relax time and recreational time. I did a Saturday Ladies meeting and had a blast. I dealt with things not dealt with over there, like the marriage bed etc. During the four conference meetings on Sunday the Holy Spirit interrupted my message with a call to repentance for those involved in premarital sex, extra marital sex, pornography, child molestation, and spousal abuse. There were four meetings scheduled throughout the day whereby the Holy Spirit had me to deal with these things. The pastor told me later that the message was right on. My message in Lusaka was more for the people than the pastors. In Nairobi it was more for the pastors than the people.
In Nairobi I could see some things needed to be set in order. The pastors there don’t teach their people to tithe and give therefore this brings hardship on them trying to pay all of the church expenses. I teach prosperity so it was a real eye opener for them. They could see I had no problem talking about money. The pastors repented for not teaching this and have begun to teach it now. I pointed out to them that it is the church that should be producing jobs for the people not the government and that when people tithe and give this boosts the economy. While they are waiting on their government they remain in their poverty. I was also able to teach them about integrity in the area of punctuality. I do not recognize African time only Christian time. That was a hard one for them. Every time I corrected them they repented and actually did better. Some say I shouldn’t mess with their culture but I don’t believe I am. I am messing with their slothfulness and lack of respect for the word of God. The word of God is the Word of God no matter where you are at. It is not inferior to culture. While the ministry was great my personal living conditions were quite difficult. I stayed with one of the pastor’s family. They had no running water in the shower room or bathroom nor did they have a refrigerator. They washed dishes in cold water and hand washed their clothes. The flat they live in has poured cement walls which made the humidity even worse. I don’t have to tell you what that does to naturally curly hair (smile). I had no power-converter so I wasn’t able to blow dry or use a curling iron. I felt a bit out of sorts. I had no closet to hang my cloths which was troubling to me. I chose to stay with this pastor because I wanted to get to know him and his family and get a feel of what it is like to live like them. Most don’t have their own vehicles and have to catch a little mini bus, big bus or cab. Everything there is hard whereas everything here is easy. Our roads are like carpet compared to theirs. There are no joy rides there and no falling asleep at the wheel. There are no lane lines and drivers make up the traffic laws as they go. I did a lot of praying most of which was done in the cab.
Anyway I am glad to be home and will prepare from now until June of 2007 to go back and continue my work. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. I needed them and I could feel them. God Bless America it is good to be home!!!!!
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I am in Nairobi
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Apr 28, 2006 3:54 am
333 Views
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Hello Everyone,
I had a great week in Zambia. It was powerful ministry. Not too hard on this American girl. Nairobi however is a different story. I don't care too much for it. The fumes from the traffic make it hard to breathe. No running water where I am staying which is a real change for me. Anyway ministry starts on Sunday and I am sure things will get better for me after I start ministering to people. This little bit of suffering cannot compare to the fruit that will come forth. I will not be at the coputer anymore. I will not come into town again. It is expensive and a very rough ride.
Love you all thanks for your prayers.
Darla.
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I made it!!!
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Apr 20, 2006 11:14 am
276 Views
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Hey everybody, I made it with no difficulties whatsoever. It was a great trip a little too long. But I am having a great time with my Afican Son Daniel. He is a joy.
Write more later.
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Resurrection Day
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Apr 16, 2006 5:14 am
Mood: enthusiastic,
314 Views
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This is a special day to thank God for Jesus' resurrection. It's because He resurrected that we have been redeemed from the curse of the law Galatians 3:13, we've been delivered from the same power of darkness, that holds Satan bound, Colossians 1:13, we've been set free from the dominion of sin Romans 6:14. When we do misstep and sin, sin has no power to hold us. All we have to do is repent and sin, darkness and the curse have to let go. What freedom we have to celebrate on this great day. This is the true Independence Day for the Christian.
Today we can thank Him for our freedom to live and move in Him. We can thank Him for the freedom to choose Him. We can thank Him for the authority we have to walk in this great liberty.
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Prophesy to Africa through Vincent Xavier 10/21/03
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Apr 15, 2006 8:54 am
300 Views
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Africa will light the world. The Lord spoke to my heart several weeks ago about Africa in a vision. He showed me a new light like crystal arising in that continent. I believe Africa is going to lead in the millennium for all it has suffered. Double the reward is going to be released because of the righteous in that land. What was once a war torn land and seedbed of sickness and disease will become the continent that people from all over the world will go to visit. Hundreds and thousands and millions will flock to that place to partake of the wealth of God’s Spirit. There will be a fresh and pure move of the Spirit of God in that place. Miracles, signs and wonders shall flow throughout their streets and the atmosphere will be filled with praise. Governments will bow to the name of Jesus as the glory of God leads them to repentance and faith in Christ. The soil of Africa will bear the hundred-fold fruits. The nation will arise as the next great superpower, but its strength will come from the Lord and those who live in it will know of a truth that Jesus Christ is Lord in Africa. Africa will become a refuge! God shall lift the veil of deception that has covered that place and expose the darkness that has consumed it by the light of truth. The people of that nation will take up arms in the Spirit and tear down the works that have caused them to perish by the millions. Sickness and disease shall be swallowed up by life and healing. A new harvest of souls will be birthed in that region as death loses its power. Death will be driven out of Africa into the sea and life will come forth. A beauty will appear in Africa beyond the natural terrain. I keep seeing God’s glory lighting that place. In fact, ministers of the Gospel will go to Africa and never be the same. They will come away from Africa with a new vitality to the nations they are sent to. The seeds of the Gospel have been sown in that land and the harvest of the Kingdom of God shall arise! A superior form of warfare will be brought to light in Africa. The CHURCH will learn of new dimensions of spiritual warfare against the schemes and powers of darkness. The Lord said that Africa has been made aware of the secrets of darkness and their eyes have learned to see the strategies in the darkness. Through the power of Christ they will know of the victory over the darkness and will have divine strategies for tearing down the works of the Devil. The people of Africa will then instruct the CHURCH all over the world and will reveal to the CHURCH strategies they have never known of. Africa has been brought low but the Lord says in this DAY, the THIRD DAY, Africa will become the GREAT NATION, THE GREAT CONTINENT of the world. Riches and wealth will be revealed in her and the rest of the world will no longer plunder her. Her wealth and riches will be put to use for the advancement of the Kingdom of God! Cities will be built after the mind of Christ and a new industry will appear. Businesses run with the mind of Christ shall prosper the people. There will be such a “Kingdom” mindset that even the clothes, houses, streets, governments and all other departments will be brought to a higher level than what man has ever known. Africa will be the foremost representative of the Kingdom of God in the days ahead. The serpent with many heads that has brought great destruction to that nation shall be cast out. To those who have troubled Africa, trouble shall come.
The vessel this prophesy came through is the Senior Pastor of New Wine Ministries located in Temecula Ca.
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Africa Here I Come!!!
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Apr 14, 2006 5:19 am
Mood: adventurous,
351 Views
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Hello Everyone,
I can't believe I am leaving for Africa Tuesday. I have been planning since January and now it's finally here. Everything is in place. I have my classes ready and provision for my needs have been made. What a great God we serve and Father He is.
Conditions for ministering over there are nothing like here. Here I minister in air conditioned sanctuary’s with a glass of fresh ice water prepared just for me and I'm driven to my meetings in an air conditioned vehicle and provided with a nice hotel/motel room paid for by whoever I am ministering for. In Nairobi the pastor walks a great distance to church in the heat. If I don't want to walk I will have to hire a taxi for the two weeks I am there. There is no air condition, or comforts of home anywhere. So what am I getting myself into? While ministering here in the comforts of home I minister to people who are so Americanized most don't think they need to change, and take everyday provision for granted. Many have attitudes that reflect that our Government owes them something or others owe them something. Many over here suffer hardship due to their own doings but blame others for what they are suffering. I have stood on big platforms and ministered to large groups of people to have only a small portion really hungry for what is on the inside of me. They are the ones who draw it out. But outside of my comforts of home it may be uncomfortable for me because I am out of my natural element but oh how I love ministering to people who are so hungry for the word of God that they just keep drawing and drawing it out of me. Hours can go by and they will still be drawing it from me. It's like they put a draw on the well within me and just keep drawing.
So would I rather minister here in the comforts of home or outside of my comfort to minister to those who receive and apply? Even though I have to battle the elements of a foreign land it can't compare to the power of God that these hungry people pull out of me for their healing deliverance and for their mind renewal. Their souls will be satisfied and spirits full with the well of refreshing water from within me. Here, in the States, when I minister with the same anointing, people complain because the flavor of water is not to their liking. It usually means they need to repent or make changes, attitudes mostly.
While I appreciate having a Government that cares for the people some have become spoiled by it and take it for granted.
Off I go to minister to soft pliable hearts that are so thirsty for the living water they will walk miles to drink.
I desire your prayers.
Darla
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Valuable for Use
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Apr 10, 2006 5:59 am
Mood: cheerful,
289 Views
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Hello Everyone, What a great weekend. I am getting more and more excited as I approach April 18th, my day to leave for Africa. I have so appreciated your comments on my blogs and the advine line. I am a little confused about the Tag thing. If someone wanted to explain to me how that works I am sure I would have a good time playing. In the mean time I would like to share a devotional with you. Be blessed and have a focused day on heavenly things.
While we are all valuable to God, sad to say, many are not valuable for use, or some are more valuable for use than others. The more consecrated you are to God the more valuable for use you are. The more pliable your heart the greater value you hold for being used by God to do great things.
Some Christians live their lives for themselves. They prefer a more normal life. Like a 40 hour work week, a nice home, a nice car, vacations and money in the bank. They tithe but don’t, or at least don’t give offerings on a regular basis. They are living for the American dream. These are not so valuable for use because they are possessed by what they possess. On the other hand there are Christians who seek first the kingdom of God (seek first to advance the kingdom) and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right)….Matthew 6:33. These are very valuable for use because they are walking in obedience to the Word therefore, they are fruitful.
Another instance is someone who spends more time doing other things than studying the Word and getting into God’s presence or someone who doesn’t go to church on a regular basis. Again, these are not valuable for use or at least not much use.
I desire to be valuable for use. I want a heart sensitive and responsive to the touch of my God. I will say yes, because I trust Him, when I want to say no. Abraham was valuable for use because he trusted God and it was accounted to him as righteousness. When we trust God we are not only in right standing with God but standing up right as well. These are the two facets of righteousness.
I want to encourage you today to examine yourself and see just how valuable for use you are.
Have a Great Week!
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The Detoxifying Stages
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Apr 6, 2006 5:36 pm
Mood: calm,
249 Views
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The drug of relationship is most satisfying and fulfilling. The ecstasy of sexual expression in the relationship is wonderful. One feels as though they can’t live without their mate, sexual expression or the relationship. Years go by enjoying this spiritual, emotional and physical drug of relationship. Your emotional system lives for the sweet words, kind acts, affectionate touch, and sexual expression. Your physical lives for the release of pleasure and pleasing. Your spirit lives for the deep inner connection you feel in the daily scheme of things. Day, after day, after day, there is the fulfillment of all that a healthy/semi-healthy relationship has to offer. Then all of a sudden the drug stops. “How can I go on?” You think, “How can I live without him – his touch, his words, and his commitment to me?” “How can I live without him to love, to hold and to love on and spoil.” I have no one to please and adore – no one to express my deep inner self to.” Thus the effects of detox begin. At first every day is shaky, you don’t know if you will make it through the day or not. The day passes, you survived another day. You wake up the next day praying for strength to survive another day. Until you hear the words, “It’s your choice, are you going to just survive the day or take this day and sow into your destiny?” The pain of the loss of this drug is unbearable, so it seems. You feel as though you could just die, there are days you want to. You begin to look for lesser drugs just to ease the pain for the moment – maybe just someone to tell you how pretty you are…how desirable you are. Someone you could love on even if it is just for the night or weekend. But God has you hidden in the cleft of the rock to protect you from predators while in your vulnerable state.
A year goes by…you look back at all the stages you have gone through. “Don’t date in the first year they tell you.” This is because you will use those you date as crutches so you won’t have to deal with the pain of withdraw. You use your dates as temporary drugs to get you through the night or weekend. The shakiest stage was the first one, the loss of your mate, the second stage was the loss of your best friend, the third, the loss of being the only one he desires, the forth being the loss of the sense of belonging, the fifth being the detoxifying stage of all the pain of rejection, the ripping of covenant, the tearing of a whole entity into two. The jagged, frayed edges are now being filed and trimmed away as though you were never dependant on this drug of relationship. The healing power of Christ has been with you from the beginning even with all of your crutches and lesser drugs to bring you moments of painless time. When the drug wore off God was always right there to comfort you while you were going through the detoxifying stages of losing your mate, and best friend. He was there to guide you when you felt so lost…He was your light in the darkness to keep you from falling into the power of it. Today you have your life and sanity because the great detoxifier did not fail you. He was there with and stays with you during your detoxifying stages. The Holy Spirit…He is our comforter, our teacher our guide, John 14. He is whatever we need. He is not a crutch He is a healer detaching you from your self-built crutches. The detoxifying stage is over, you made it through. No more drugs for crutches…you are now standing on your own in Christ totally healed and healing others. How does one know when the detoxifying stage is over? When you can say, “I am happy as a whole single person, if I marry again I marry again – If I don’t I don’t.”
Romans 8:37 says “We have been made more than conquerors.” John 4:4 says, “Greater in He that is in me than he that is in the world.” Isaiah 54:17 says, “No weapon formed against me will prosper.”
Using this analogy will help those who are going through a similar situation. A covenant relationship is one where two become dependant on one another, much like the physical body can get hooked on a drug. We can become hooked on one another, in a relationship this is a good thing.
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GOD IS THE BEST BOSS EVER!
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Apr 5, 2006 6:06 am
Mood: calm,
282 Views
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It's amazing this advantage we have. As Christians there is no limitation to what we can do, where we can go and how far we can go. I know that whatever the Lord directs me to do He will make provision for it. I look at it this way; if I were working for a company that required me to travel; they would give me an expense budget. In many cases the employee is given a credit card to use with more than enough to cover cost. If the company doesn’t come up with the money, I don’t go. In some cases you use your credit card and the company reimburses you. This company makes sure all of your expenses are paid because you are doing a job for them. They make sure to give you enough to take care of all your personal needs, as well, while on the job.
When God released me to begin to travel I didn’t have enough money to go where He was leading me. He showed me that I work for Him and because I work for Him all of my expenses will be paid. He showed me my account as my travel expense account. He assured me that He would keep it filled. He called this my expense budget. Sure enough He has done that and I have my ticket for Africa on my desk with money left over. Not to mention I just came back from California. I took money from my expense budget to buy a ticket for California, keep in mind I didn’t have enough for my Africa trip yet and here I am taking money out for California. When the Lord told me to go to California I said yes and then I asked Him, “Where is the money going to come from?” He answered, “Your bank account.” I chuckled and said, “Yes Sir.” In my mind I didn’t have the money for California because that was my Africa money and it wasn’t enough yet. I obeyed God, bought a ticket and was successful in ministry there. Because I obeyed God in that small thing (California) I got more money to finance my Africa trip. The Kingdom of God is the best company to work for and God is the best boss ever.
Be blessed my friends.
Darla
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Ever Wonder?
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Apr 3, 2006 8:19 pm
Mood: cheerful,
237 Views
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Hello Everyone,
What a busy day it was today but most productive. I am working on my Biblical Principles of Prosperity Class for Nairobi. It is quite detailed. I wanted to share a thought with you today that might be a blessing to you. Have a great day, you are blessed!!!!!
Darla
Ever Wonder?
Ever not know why you feel the way you do? Ever do something that you kick yourself for doing? Do you have character issues or not understand why your actions are not always godly? Ever try to break a habit with no success? Ever wonder why you make the decisions you do?
It all goes back to your thoughts. Your thoughts produce feelings. So if you are not able to understand what you are feeling go back to your recent thoughts and that will tell you why you feel the way you do. Your decisions come from your feelings. Your actions come from your decisions.
Your thoughts produce feelings, your feelings produce decisions, your decisions produce actions, your actions produce habits and your habits produce character.
Again, it all goes back to your thoughts. That’s why Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8 to think on good things and he list the good things we are to think on. When we think on good things we will have right feelings, therefore we will make the right decisions that will lead to right actions, and then we will develop right habits and have godly character.
What you look at the longest becomes the strongest.
Food for thought.
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To link to this blog (bowflexteecia7at) use [blog bowflexteecia7at] in your messages.
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