Swiftcurretn 7/12/2012

It is weird to think that I only have 6 weeks left with my new family here. A lot has gone on and I know I will miss all of them so much. But I don’t want to think about that right now! I have already had to say an unexpected early goodbye to 4 different friends for various reasons and it has taken a toll on all of us. I don’t know what it will be like when I have to say good bye to all of these people that I could possibly never see again.

That is what is troubling my heart. I could literally never see them again. Yet again I could! I know nothing I say or do could ever force them to the cross, it’s the Holy Spirit’s leading and guiding, I am just simply a tool, which needs to continue to be faithful to follow His leading. I think I have been living under a delusion that simple acts is enough… yet without words I get the glory for my actions as I receive accolade.

Don’t get me wrong, I have shared my faith verbally but was it ever really enough? I need prayer these last couple of weeks that all my words are intentional and those I work with can see the same exact passion and joy I get will sharing with those who show up on Sunday morning worship service here in the park. It’s exciting to be able to and know that these people I am talking to are not completely closed off to the gospel just do not understand the freedom it gives instead of binding us to the law and to being a goody-two-shoes with a holier than thou attitude.

We are all longing for freedom, hence why many of these people ended up here. But there is only one freedom that will truly last, and makes my spirit sing songs of joy. Pray that they will find true freedom and not see a life with Christ as a burden they must carry. And for me pray for continued strength, that I would continue to seek out the Lord and see Him as my refuge.

In Christ Alone

Ana Kaufman <><

SWIFTCURRENT 6/4/2012

As I started to drive in to where I will be working this summer my jaw dropped, actually it came unhinged. The Beauty of this place is so awesome that I am at awe of God's creation all over again. I am so blessed to be here and have the most gorgeous view in the world. (At least that's what I think. What a great place to do ministry.

For those of you who don't know, I am working with an organization this summer called A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP). They take volunteers to go work in the National parks doing jobs like food prep, or front desk, or house keeping. Then on Sunday hold a worship service for visitors and fellow workers or any body else in the area. But where the real ministry happens is with those that you work with and see every day. Loving them with the love that God has giving me. I don't know what that will require of me for the whole summer, so I am figuring this out as I go.

Walking on to the campground that I will be living on for the rest of this summer was slightly intimidating with the high walls of the Mountains leaning on either side of me trees all over and people that I didn't know. I felt out of place because the reality hit that this wasn't Crown College or Missoula, MT where I know where I belong and can just get into the swing of things. However, it only took a little longer for me to fall in love with the people here too. I already have a nickname, "Churchy" they know where I stand and (somewhat) respect that. I guess more so they respect me for matching my actions with my words, and I am not coming in condemning them. The Guy who coined the nickname for me definitely wants to push all of my buttons to see if I am worth trusting or if I will actually stand with my convictions.

Right now to me the smell of ministry is the mixture of alcohol and smoke. Many of these people I am hanging out with are hurting, scared, don't know their identity, and trying to get away. To them Alcohol is their escape. I know what I say to them while they are drunk might not stick but they open up so much when they are in that state. I know that nothing I say or do could ever heal them but I hope to point them to the great healer that has touched my life. I love these people so much I have already cried over them and I am fighting back tears now.

Pray throughout this summer for me for:

-Strength: and that strength that comes only from the Holy Spirit. I know if I try to prove to them that I am strong enough it wont do any good and I will fall for sure. The temptation to drink is not strong but the desire to feel accepted is, so also strength that comes from the knowledge that I am already accepted by God. Also persecution is already happening (I expected it) but that I would have a strength that comes from the Joy of actually living out Philippians 3:10!

-Wisdom: I haven't even scratched the surface of any of these people but they are already starting to ask the hard questions that I wanted to prepare myself for but no amount of preparation eases the reality that these are real people asking the hard questions because of the real pain behind it.

-Peace and Love: Nothing so far has made me stick out from the others besides my Foosball skills and the fact that I am a "real" Christian actually hanging out with them. I desire peace and love to flow from me that they are over whelmed by God's presence.

-Pray for my roommate: She seems like she is seeking or at least desiring to seek to see if there is really a God. I think she is awesome and it is paining me to see that she is hurting so much. Pray that God would continue to call her and draw her near to Him.

-Also my Co-workers: more and more are coming and they are hearing about this girl nick named "churchy" I pray that the nickname doesn't scare them off but that they would be drawn into God's love.

-Finally My partner in Ministry Sarah: Her Grandma past away this week and she is traveling back home for a few days. Pray for safe travels, time for grieving her loss, and also the ability to come back and feel as if she can fit in.

I love all of you and praise God for you and your prayers for me.

Your Sister In Christ,

Ana Kaufman <><

Reflection

Unity is ESSENTIAL. No matter what you are doing if there is not unity between the people working with you, your work seems like a waste of time in one way or another.

While reflecting on not only Hamtramck but also the missions trip that I took a year ago with the soccer team to Costa Rica. I am hit with the differences between the two and well in basically boils down to one thing... UNITY

Unity for the body is something that we all have heard at least once or twice (maybe a few more times then that) but how many times have we stopped to see what that actually means and how it is obtained? Most simply put unity is only obtained when people have a common goal, for example Pastor Sharon has gathered together several religious leaders in her community to gather together to fight against the crime rate and because they all have that common goal their unity has had an effect on the their community. If you were to take that factor away eventually there would not be unity unless they came up with another common goal.

We as Christians have one thing that will never change and can never be taken away from us. Psalm 27 tells us to SEEK the face of the Lord. Matt 5:8 "Blessed are the pure at heart for they will see God" is telling us to have our hearts set to one thing (pure- of one substance ie pure gold or with out blemish, nothing added to or subtracted from. If we the body are so set on focusing on God and seeing His work to be done in the world I think our body would have more unity.

Another reason why I bring this up is because I desire unity for the students of Crown College. I am not trying to bash Crown at all I just know unity is a struggle for our school. (Myself totally included) We act as if we are friends to everyone but when we get the chance we don't always speak about uplifting things about or to each other and not even in a correcting way. I am not the only one that is aware of this and there are those who are going to God and seeking His face; they are seeking guidance from God and and interceding on behalf of the school as a whole.

Tonight I just received word that 3 men of God are calling together those they know of who have the same heart and vision for Crown to be praying for the school in many different ways. I ask you to join us and pray over our prayer meeting. This is not their first meeting nor will it be their last.
Be praying for:
Unity (in the group and in Crown AND in the Body as a whole)
against Spiritual Warfare
God focused hearts

Ana Kaufman <><

Hamtramck -Days 9 and 10

It is our last day :( I already miss Hamtramck and look forward to possibly go back again. God has so much in my life and I pray that I have bless those I've worked with as much as I've been blessed.
We started off the day and one of our team members (Kari) got sick :( so instead of going with the rest of the team to the community garden for ground breaking, I stayed back with Kari to make sure she was doing ok. She is doing better now praise the Lord.
At about 11 some people can by the church for a weed and seed project. Weed and Seed is an initiative that Pastor Sharon takes part in, weed out Crime and seed in Hope (for her its the Hope of Jesus) this project is to place house #s on the back ally side of the house for the protection of the citizens. If a neighbor needs to report something they can just look outside their backdoor to see the house #. Also for the police if they need to be discrete and go down the ally they will not need backup to make sure they are going into the right house. There is a lot of signs that had to be cut and painted but unfortunately we didn't finish them all.
After we where done with that we cleaned up and had our debrief before dinner. This week has stretched me a lot and I pray that the change is permanent. God is the prefect example of unity (Father Son and YES the much forgotten about HOLY SPIRIT too) and we can only be unified if we have the common Goal of seeking God with all our heart. Humility is only possible when we realize our position is under Christ, our identity is secure in Him, and we seek to make His name known and desire to touch others. Intentionality is Key. It is so easy to say that we are intentional but unless the other person knows exactly why an action is done, its meaningless.
We wrapped up the night by going to Abby and Andrews house and enjoying our time with some of the ESL students. There was even some traditional dancing that we where able to witness. I am going to miss those girls a lot.
I am so thankful for the staff Sharron, Brad, Abby, Andrew, and Jonathon. They put a lot of time and effort into their city and they come about it in such an intentional humble way. I Thank the Lord we had a chance to partner with them and share their heart. Acts 29 has their work set out before them and need our prayers. My part of my heart will be left there in Hamtramck as I now I am back safely in my dorm room.
Thank you God for all that you have done and are going to do.
Ana Kaufman <><
PS Pictures are to be added soon.

Hamtramck -Day 8

IT'S FRIDAY!
God is really hitting it home to me that I need to be intentional EVERYDAY. I pray that that is our goal as a body to be intentional and that our loving actions would be done in Jesus' name and that all would know we do that work because of Jesus. Do not assume they know, TELL THEM.
We started off the day as we always do with breakfast and devos and then separate into our different jobs for today. I and 3 others went back to Mary's house and worked on her porch some more and although she did not talk much to us at that time when Neil and Caleb went back after lunch, they had a chance to pray over her again, in the name of Jesus and she was grateful for all that we had done and she sees Jesus in us, pray that the veil of earthly knowledge would be lifted so she can see that this energy she believes is not the same thing as our Jesus.
When we got back for lunch I was suppose to go with the girls to a Bengali women's house to have lunch, but I stayed back I felt like I needed to get rest in God and not become worn out. However, the ladies had a great time there and enjoyed spending time with her and her children. I pray that those Children will eventually grow up to know about the name of Jesus as Lord and Savior.
We ended the night with a tour of Detroit. WE took many silly pictures and could see Canada. Janet is going to tell the whole world that she was in Canada and was trying to see how she could get over there... it was a lot of fun. Yet the BEST part is that we worshiped God out in the park until dark. God glory will shine in Hamtramck and Detroit and God's name will be praised in ALL of the Earth. Yes that means there is still work to be done in Our beautiful USA, but there is still work to be done here. So my final request is that you pray for revival in our city along side of the city of Hamtramck.
Ana Kaufman <><

Hamtramck -Day 7

Today was the last day of our ESL classes :( The Team and I have grown attached to these beautiful women that it is hard to leave them. The guys where told by their ESL students when they found out we where leaving Sunday and would not be here next week, that if that was the case then they would see us next year. I love seeing that the Acts 29 team has had such and impact and has humbly allowed us to share in some of that love even though in all of reality they were the ones who have really poured into the ESL students and us. We where invited to go to one of the student's home and eat lunch there tomorrow, and we will be spending time with another student and her sisters at Abby's house on Saturday. I am glad to be able to see some of their faces one last time.
After we were done with that us girls (since the guys had something else they had to do) were going to go to a soon to be community garden and clean up the place so on Saturday they could prepare the ground for seeds and have a ground breaking ceremony, but we heard about Sharron, She had fallen last night and hit her head pretty hard. She went to ER to see if anything was wrong but she seemed to be fine. However, she had fallen again, just collapsed on the sidewalk and cut her head open. We had a prayer time for Sharron and Hamtramck. Please continue to be praying for her because she is not allowed to work for a while and she does a lot around the church, and she is also not allowed to drive a car for at least 6 days. Her husband, Dan, is always traveling he is here until Saturday but then has to go off again (I'll tell you why down farther) Pray for healing in her body that what ever is going on God would use it for His glory.
We cleaned the church up a bit after our extended time of worship and prayer and it made me realize how badly this church needs people. Staff would be great but they mostly need a body of believers to help support them even in little things such as cleaning. Its not a dirty place but the workers are exhausted. Financially, they also need help, often the staff will go with out pay if there is only enough to pay off the payments on the building. Be praying for Hamtramck that God would provide people to come long side of the church and for the long term help support the staff and financially.
The last part of our day included going out to eat at a polish restaurant and then go over to Dan and Sharron Buttry's house to hear what kind of word Dan does. BLESSED ARE THE PEACE MARKERS. His life is devoted to going to places where there is turmoil and support the believers in that area and train them on how to bring peace to the area another one of his goals is to unite the believers and show them how to work together to bring peace to the country and long with that bring in Christ's name to the tongues of may new believers. He does great work and has a few books out one in titled "Blessed are the Peace Makers" Pray for him as he leaves once again on Saturday.
Ana Kaufman <><

Hamtramck -Day 6

Today was a weird day. I don't remember waking up and through out the day I felt like I was just in a fog.
We had ESL classes again today and I was able to work with the same group of ladies that I worked with yesterday. But before that I and 3 others acted out a Bible story and Pastor Sharon used the Drama to explain some vocabulary to the women in her class. It is great that we are able to preach the gospel to them without having to worry about breaking the law here, and they have the freedom to switch religions in the legal sense here. I love hearing the women laugh though, being in class brings them so much joy in their lives.
Next we rushed over to a middle school and we worked with the students to help them understand History. The concept is similar to the bible quizzing but we help them learn their history instead. To start off however the people of Acts 29 give a moral standard. The moral standard is Biblically based and is aimed at teaching the youth some morals because it is easy to see that there is not many taught to the children. This weeks moral went along the lines of: A sin forgotten shows love, one that is talked about separates close friends. Are team was really good at learning the material, but unfortunately they did not win :( That's ok they did well. Be praying that God will use Acts 29's witness there to help improve the school and be praying for the children of Hamtramck that they would see the HOPE that God gives.
After that, Alicia, Shannon and myself rushed over to a school to read some books to children in classrooms. I was TERRIFIED when I found out that I would be reading a book to kids because I am not the best at reading aloud. I thought I was just going to sit in and see all that was going on and see how the other school ran. Although most people only read to one classroom, I was sent to 2 different ones to read. The first classroom was very ridged and the teachers was uptight, but the second one I had fun reading to them (actually I read 2 books there). Praise God He gave me the strength.
These children are in need of love and attention. Pray that God will bring people to Hamtramck and to Acts 29 to give them that love they so desperately need.
Ana Kaufman <><

Hamtramck -Day 5

OVERWHELMED, that is how I am feeling right now. Today I spent time helping to teach ESL (English as a Second Language) and worked with Women from Bangladesh and Yemen. They where such beautiful women and they are full of personality; ready to learn. I do not remember all of their names but one from Yemen smiled all the time and was a joy to talk to, you could tell that she loved being there. Noor was the same way in the next class but she was a chatter box loved life and wanted to learn. We learned that she has a son that has mental issues, PLEASE PRAY FOR HER AND HER SON. After teaching 2 different classes Megan, Kari and myself asked Abby (one of the workers and teachers at Acts 29) questions about these women and their families and also questions about Hamtramck. My heart breaks for this city I can't even begin to describe what is going on. I found that out more as the night went on.
The next unexpected thing that I was able to do was go to Mary's house to build a porch for her front yard. The work was fun but I did not do much because when you start talking to Mary she doesn't stop. We talked a lot about politics (and no we did not get into a yelling match) but eventually I got a taste of humanitarian science or something like that... to say the least she believes that her science is her god and we are just simply energy that is neither created or destroyed. I pray that she will see God and Jesus as the TRUE WAY not Jesus who showed the way but IS THE WAY.
We ended the night by doing Street Evangelism, I was super nervous. Now I know God can give me boldness and it should actually be something that we constantly do. Every time we do something nice for someone tell them why! and use the name of JESUS. Although no one was lead to the Lord in the group that I went with, I saw my team members bless a Woman's Socks of and Abby now will be able to continue to talk to a man in the CVS pharmacy that she and her husband shops at all the time. God really stretch me and pushed me today and I like it.
Pray for humility for me God has really pushed me in that area and continues to show me more and more why this is essential.

Ana Kaufman <><

Hamtramck -Day 4

Today we started off the day way to early. 7:30 (that is 6:30 in the time I am accustomed to and 5:30 in MT!!!)We had breakfast and split up into different teams.Basically for me I was doing construction all day first at Tom and Katrina's house again and then I went over to another house and did some electrical work >in the garage, and now my daddy will be proud of me :D

My last event was working with Bible quizzers. They where FULL of energy and life, and they were hungry to learn about God's word. These kids do not come from Faith filled families and yet love to come and study God's Word. PRAISE GOD! I was able to work with a Girl named Paige, she was BEAUTIFUL and you can see her eyes light up when someone encourages her. She was very bright and really caught on quickly.
Today was not filled with events but it still feels like it was a long one and I am READY FOR BED!
Ana Kaufman <><

Sunday - Day 3

We started off the day eating breakfast and having a tour of part of the city. Mind you this city is only 2 square miles.
One of the most memorable spots for me was a Zen cafe and meditation place. I think we as Christians should learn from them about community. The cafe is all donation based, and the workers are all volunteering. Everyone sees each other as a equal and in meditation they attempt to have a state of peace that is not limited to their time in meditation but as they interact with others and through their work they are able to have that peace. Do not hear me wrong I do not believe that they have it completely right because there is no "supreme being" or God. But one of the ladies there (I don't remember her name) basically called us the Church out by saying its not just a Sunday morning you do good then do whatever you want. They try to live it out everyday.
If we the body where to live out life attempting to share the Joy Love and Peace that we have been given, I think she would have been more likely to have her heart soften to Christianity instead of Zen... So my prayer is for the Church to live life as if everyone is watching (because NEWS FLASH THEY ARE)
Later on we went to church and had time where we actually prayed for each other, actually supported each other. people where so willing to share what was going on in there lives. Pray for Preston that he can get a Job (and the other 40% of the jobless people in Hamtramck) and for Mary and her Son; she has cancer again and he wants her to have a stronger assurance of her faith.
The final thing we did was play soccer with some random kids at the park. This is exactly what I would want part of my ministry to look like when I have graduated; I want to just bring some things out for kids to play with and spend time with them on a regular basis. It was a HUGE blessing to see kids just enjoy playing with us. Oh and I was called an old lady... BAHA HA HA But pray for me that God would continue to reveal to me what His plan is for me in His timing.
Ana Kaufman <><

Hamtramck Days 1 and 2

We are here! and arrived safely. Basically our "first day" mostly contained of driving arriving and unpacking at late o' clock. Nothing too spectacular. The next day we walked over to Acts 29 church had breakfast and met the other team that would be with us for only a day from Spring Arbor. We then headed over to a house that need renovating for a young lady and her newborn daughter. Tearing down lead paint walls and installing ceiling (my grandpa Scotvold would be proud!) Please be praying for Tom and Katrina the parents, they've been served by Acts 29 for a while and are good people but their "goodness" acts as a veil that prevents them from turning to God.
We then cleaned up and visited a mosque. There an imam (Muslim priest) there that told us about their religion. He kept on saying that our God is the same God, and that you are not a true Muslim unless you believe in all of the Prophets (including Jesus). They are beautiful people that are caught up in a religion that is pushing them to do good works and be the best they can be with out the love that we have. I was talking with a Girl named Mona (or Mo) she was beautiful and full of life but her concern was to always please and do good, she was not free. She also wants to go into Documentary filming and has already made one film. I hope to she her again she said she might stop by Acts 29. I pray that these people would see that Jesus was more then a prophet and that our God is different then theirs. My heart breaks for them.
We also visited a Polish Catholic Church and it was BEAUTIFUL. Those who like to worship God through making and viewing art should visit. But as the Polish community diminishes soon that place of worship might end up becoming a Mosque (that is what happened with the other place of worship that we visited earlier).
At the end of the Day we had a prayer and worship, God is definitely moving in this city but the workers are few. More lights need to be seen in this area and the glory of God shared to these people as freeing and life giving.

Ana Kaufman <><

Preping for Hamtramck UPDATE!

Good News! I will be able to bring my computer with me to keep this updated daily about our trip. I don't know how it will actually work out seeing as I might be completely exhausted that I will not have the energy to type anything... but we'll see.
I also have an update on what we will be doing while in Hamtramck:
Friday 5:30 am we leave Crown and go on a 17 hour car ride to get there :D
Saturday we will be hanging out with another college team that is just about to close up there time in Hamtramck, we will be getting use to the area and having yummy food somewhere. At night we have the option of joining a different team on a night long prayer walk.
Sunday Church does not start until 2 and due to the prayer walk we will not be doing much before then. Afterwards... I don't know yet I think it will be street evangelism but don't quote me yet :S

The first 3 days kinda seem well.. like we will be slacking off but the next couple of days will be filled with:
Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
Construction projects
Street evangelism
Visiting houses
helping Bible Quizzing and teach History in a school
Hanging out with the youth in the area (Sorta a youth group but they don't have one any more)

I am getting REALLY excited. Before I was glad for the opportunity but now STOKED! LESS THEN 2 DAYS LEFT!!!! YAY!!!!! Well until next time (which will probably be friday)! PEACE OUT,
Ana Kaufman <><

Preping for Hamtramck

I though my first actual post would be asking for prayer about finances but PRAISE THE LORD! all the money came in. But now I realize that in a week I would have spent my first full day in Hamtramck, and that is hard to believe. So I am asking for prayer for our team and myself as we make final preparations. For our team as a whole I ask that you pray for unity, we do not know each other super well, which is both good and bad. We are also preparing to lead a youth group; pray that we can connect with the youth and others that we are going to come into contact with. Most importantly pray that we will see where God is working in the community and be able to give our hands and feet to God's work.
Pray for the people of Hamtramck and Acts 29 Church, I could tell you a bunch of facts or stats on them, but they are people not a number. Pray that they will have hearts that are softened and God would continually be readying their hearts even after we are gone.

As for me... I have been under the weather,lack of sleep and stress and well a plethora of other things have played into that and it has not been pretty. I would appreciate prayer that I would get better in a timely manor. I need strength physical, emotional and SPIRITUAL strength to get through this week and then the week of the mission trip. Finally, I just ask that my pride does not get into the way of what God is doing. Ideally I would not be seen at all, just the hand of God working through me.

Most of my Blog probably will not look like this but this is the purpose of the Blog, that is why I am throwing all of this up there :D Thank you for all of your prayers. Ana Kaufman <><
PS the picture was a team picture, that I was unable to be attend at that time. That is why I was Photoshopped into it. Looks like I was there doesn't it?

It's just the Beginning...

I cannot believe that I am actually starting one of these. I do not know how long this is going to last, but I know the importance of prayer and enjoy being prayed for but well... I do not really keep in touch with people who are not around me (I am guessing you already know that since you have resorted to this blog...) It is NOT that I do not love you, that could not be further from the truth. It is just well... I am busy and want to focus on the task at hand. I know that I need support from others, and I cannot get that support unless I ask for it; so this is me asking for your prayers. If even just my mother uses this to continue to pray for me I think it'll be worth it. So here is the deal, I keep this updated, you keep praying :D And I cannot WAIT to see you again soon. Believe me I miss you!
Well I guess that is it for my first post.
Until next time,
Ana <><