Overcoming the uncomfortable

As many of you know for the past 2 months I have been recovering from a sprained ankle. Let's just say that it has been an incredibly difficult/painful journey and still consistently reminds me that it is still not healed. Eventhough it has been the most inconvenient obstacle to deal with in many ways that injury has brought more revelation than I could have ever imagined. On top of the ankle injury, I am also just getting over being sick for almost three weeks which included an inner and outer ear infection and major sinus/cold issues. My body, emotions, and spirit has been put through the ringer since I become staff at YWAM Jacksonville Beach. Not to mention I am still not even at 15% of the budget needed for monthly support.

I say all these things to preface me saying that God is incredibly faithful, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I am exactly where God wants me in every way. I feel like I have learned more in these last 2 months about the nature and character of God than I have in my whole life, and everyday I learn even more. I have battled in my heart at times on what people would say in regards to the trails I have been facing, like "she keeps getting ill, she must be in sin, or not where God wants her," or something like "I thought you said God would provide everything, why do you not have consistent support raised." I find it easy at times to jump to the thought "oh, I'm suffering I must not be doing what God wants me to do," than to just praise Him and hold on to everything he has shown you that you are called to in spite of the difficulties.

Just recently God has shown me that following Him, in more cases than not, means you will be uncomfortable through most of the journey. I have learned unity, humility, when to rest, when to endure, and soo much more though these experiences. Those things are incredible, but the greatest thing I have learned in the process is my complete reliance on Jesus to get me through everyday! I know physically, mentally, and spiritually I do not have the strength to accomplish any of the tasks set before me without God. Through this revelation it has overflowed on to all things in my life. I am not fearful of my financial situation because I know God is faithful and has provided exactly what I have needed to the penny up to this point. I am not going to sit in pity of my pains because if I rest in Him and even read the tell tell signs my body is speaking I will be fully available when the times arise for me to be of service to God's leading. I feel like everyday through the testimony of His goodness in my life, and areas I am receiving healing God has made me more equipped for the tasks he has set before from mentoring some of the students in the Discipleship Training School, to being inclined to the leading of the Holy Spirit to highlight people when I'm just out and about that He wants to encourage through me just being willing to pray or buy a meal for. My life is no longer on-duty christian, off-duty christian. I am just a lover of Jesus and know that His heart is to have relationship with His creation, and I want to partner with Him to restore what has been lost.

Me praying for Lance's healing

I want to end this with a brief testimony of a chance that I got to pray for a gentlemen named Lance on the beach. It was this past Sunday and one of the students and I went to the beach to pray into the Father's heart for worship on Monday. Eventhough the sun was out it was kind of cold because of the sea breeze so we decided to lay down, to try to dodge the wind hitting us directly, and listened to worship. Then randomly I lifted my head of to look down the coast and saw a guy limping onto the beach with a brace on his leg. Instantly I felt like I wanted to go pray for him for healing, but was like in my head "oh course I do, he has a brace, this is just me thinking this, and I really want to just chill out." Well, I could shake the feeling and came to the conclusion after praying and waiting on the Lord to get up from my comfortable position on the sand in the warm sun to gimp my way over to him (because sand is REALLY difficult to walk in, and quite painful when you have an ankle injury), but I still didn't know how to enter into conversation with him. So I noticed they were taking pictures, and I said to God "ok, I know I can ask them if I can take a picture for them," and as soon as I said that, one of the guys looked over at me and said "Hey, can you take a picture for us??" I just laughed because God confirmed in me that was I doing exactly what I was supposed no matter how uncomfortable I was at first. So I took the pictures, and proceeded to explain what lead up to me coming to them, and then asked if I could pray for healing on Lance's behalf. So I prayed, and no from what I know he didn't get physically healed. They stated that they hoped he would be healed physical and that the prayer worked. I was then able to share the testimony of my ankle, that I have had probably 60 people pray over my ankle, and I haven't received physically healing, but in the process of it just taking it's time to heal my heart has received more healing that I could have ever imagined. I explained the Father's love to them. After finishing the conversation I went and sat back down with the amazing revelation that physically healing is always a heart healing first.

I know this is a long winded entry, but just felt all these things on my heart to share. Through all things you go through keep your eyes focused on God, I know he will show you what is happening even if you do not full understand.

"My son, do not forget my teaching,

but let your heart keep my commandments,

for length of days and years of life

and peace they will add to you.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;

bind them around your neck;

write them on the tablet of your heart.

So you will find favor and good success

in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes;

fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh

and refreshment to your bones.

Honor the LORD with your wealth

and with the firstfruits of all your produce;

then your barns will be filled with plenty,

and your vats will be bursting with wine.

My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline

or be weary of his reproof,

for the LORD reproves him whom he loves,

as a father the son in whom he delights."

(Proverbs 3:1-12 ESV)

Tender TN Christmas

I can't believe this year is almost over, but before this year ends I want to update you about what is happening now and into this next year. 

I have been mentoring 5 girls who have been in the Discipleship Training School for going on 8 weeks. I have seen some amazing breakthrough and them stepping out in ways that are such blessings to witness and be apart of. A few weeks ago I even got the chance to help lead worship at a conference up in Ohio, which was a childhood dream come true. Helping with this school has definitely been stretching physically, mentally, and spiritually, but has been one of the most wonderful times of my life. There is something about following God and walking in my calling and diving deeper into it. 

As we are winding down from this school we as staff are going to get to go home for Christmas, where I will also get the chance to drive up to St. Louis, MO to represent the base at the Urbana Conference. I never thought I would get to go home and kind of expected that I would be here in FL for Christmas. Thankfully Sarah and Michael Young also are from my home town, so I am going to hitch a ride up with them, and most likely back down after they take a trip further north to Michigan, but as we all know there are expenses in traveling. We have figured that it will take $300 in gas just to get to TN and back. As we live off of monthly support I am asking that you pray about sending one time gifts so that we will all get to spend Christmas with our families. I also ask that you pray about giving so that while I am at the conference I will have a budget to eat on. This trip will be the last time we will all get to travel to see our families for at least 6 months because we are all going to be full time staff of the next school that starts in January. At this point we have 24 confirmed students and will max out at 30. We all will be mentoring again, planning all their weekly ministries times, arranging and planning the extended outreach at the end of the school, then leading the outreaches. After just being part time with the current school I know how school is going to be challenging but also very exciting. I ask that you be in prayer for Sarah and Michael as they are leading this school and that you pray that the Lord sends the staff needed to assist in the school. 

If you feel that you would like to give towards us getting home for Christmas and me getting up to St.Louis please contact me at mistylwallace85@gmail.com.

October 2012 Update

BEAUTIFUL FEET

Soo much has changed just since my last newsletter. In fact pretty much the moment I sent it out my timeline completely shifted. As many of you know I was originally planning on waiting until January to quit my job with Sherwin Williams, but after some prayer and fasting I strongly felt like I was supposed to quit as soon as I was living on the base because the work that I would be doing would be full time work. So I gave a 3 week notice to my boss and before I knew it, it was September 7^th . (note: I quit with the full knowledge that I would have to completely rely on God to provide my every need, which is where we should always be.)

It was the first week of being officially in full-time missions again, and I knew when I quit my job that I was going to journey up to Tennessee for a little more than a week to hopefully get to meet with friends and family to start building my support team. I was soo nervous for this trip as finances were in the forefront of my mind. When in a quiet time one morning I felt like God spoke “give me room.” Of course I assumed that was in regards to my finances, but found out quickly it was in every facet of my life. I drove to TN in faith that I would be able to even get back to Florida because I knew driving up I was supposed to leave my car with my sister so she’d have a way to pursue whatever it is she needs to do. Well, God provided the exact finances I needed to fly back to Jacksonville, pay my rent and other bills at the beginning of the month. I have a deeper understanding why Jesus prayed “give us this day our daily bread.”

Since I’ve been back in Florida I have jumped in feet first. The students of the discipleship training school started arriving the day after me and I have started mentoring 5 amazingly wonderful girls. All of which grown in ways that they never even thought was possible in just a short two and a half weeks. Another amazing thing that happened since being back was I got to lead a homeless man to the Lord that I had met the first week I was down here in Florida in April. It’s not every day we get to see the fruits of seeds that we helped plant. My desire is to be available for God to use, no matter how that looks. Truthfully, I have soo many stories already just since returning and I am so excited to partner with God in what he’s doing here in Jax Beach.

A few prayer requests: I had to go to the hospital because I severely sprained my ankle. I have been on crutches for almost 2 weeks, and it’s been a slow process to get full flexibility of my ankle back, but we all know a hospital visit also means hospital bills since I do not have health insurance.

Lastly my previous newsletter I sent out was just the beginning of my support raising journey. I am not even at a tenth of what I need. So to be fully vulnerable I am asking you to pray in regards to how you could financially partner with me.

In His Grip!!

Below picture is the Fall 2012 DTS and Staff

Who's your Rodney?

I am writing this wish soo much excitement in my spirit! Let me share a 4 month journey and what I got to experience tonight by the grace of Jesus. Let me back up first. And I'm pretty sure a blog a few months back touches on the very beginning of this story.

On a Monday, 4 months ago, I had only been in Jacksonville Beach for 2 months. (trying to find how to tell this story) I was at the YWAM Base with Sarah and Michael Young for dinner and sadly it was a meal that I couldn't eat. So I decided to go to a caribbean restaurant called Blue Water because they normally would have half price appetizers. It was a really rainy day and on my way to the restaurant there were a lot of homeless people sitting under the balcony of the music venue Free Bird to keep dry. I just kind of kept walking and didn't glance at them, but when I arrived at the restaurant sadly they weren't open. So as I was walking back one of the guys (Rodney) yelled out to me "Hey can you help me?" I was completely closed off at first, but still willing to listen to what he was gonna ask for, yet expecting it to be for money. Then all he asked for was pain reliever because his legs had really bad cellulitis. I responded with, "of course, but I don't have any on me, let me go get you some." I returned to the base and Apps McNorton was there and he had some I could take to him, but I asked Apps to come with me because just to be safe. We gave him the pain reliever and were just really willing to listen to all that he wanted to share. We also made friends with a gentleman named Cherokee who we also got to know (I'm still going to be interceding on his behalf). After some time of listening and sharing God was finally opening a door to present the gospel, then we were interrupted by 4 cops pulling up to make the leave the area. It was horrible, Apps and I knew we could just walk away, so we had to witness the cruelty of those cops, literally treating these people, who are already in a place of hopelessness, worse than animals. After they all left my heart was soo broken for them. I realized that we need to take time to invest in those that are the unapproachables (yes I made up that word). Until today I had only saw Rodney one time since that day. Which brings me to this amazing day!

While sitting in the dining hall of our base talking with a student, by the name of Danny, and Rodney walked by. He saw me, then walked in a door, let me point out, that is normally locked. He pointed at us and said "you are good people." He walked in and sat down and started chatting, after I mentioned I hadn't seen him in the area for a while. I started bringing back the conversations we had had in our prior meeting. He mentioned that he was just "forced" to leave an area again, and all he wanted to do was listen to the music. So I asked him if we could sing him a song. So he was very open to it. (little did I know there was another student, Gigi, sitting behind me who had just stepped out the night before and spoke life into Rodney). On to the story... we sang a song, and Danny just basically sang out a prayer over him, and I back up with some harmonies. When we stopped Rodney looked at me and said your voice hits my heart, can you sing me another song. So that's what we did, and again in the process I just sang out prayer over him, praying for God to reveal His heart to him. When I opened my eyes, Rodney was in tears. It was the last thing I expected. God was moving in his heart and at the moment he had no idea. Gigi then asked him if he had kids. Rodney said no at first, then pretty quickly said he wanted to be honest that he had 2 daughtes. Gigi then shared with him that she saw and image of him and his wife and 2 daughters on the beach and His family was restored. Which opened the door to share more of God's love with him. After some time (there are a lot of details i'm going to leave out) he asked for one more song, and he made sure to point out again that he wanted me to sing (which is really humbling). So I sang, and just was praying that the words would strike his heart. And I saw it! The moment had come, between Danny, Gigi, and I speaking the words that the Lord lead us to say, Rodney surrendered fully to God. It was soo beautiful!!!! In his utter brokenness HE CRIED OUT!! It was so true.

What would have happened if I 4 months ago had just ignored Rodney's cry for help? What would have happened if Apps and I hadn't really taken time out to listen to Rodney? What would have happened if Danny, Gigi and I hadn't been sitting in that cafe? What I'm trying to get at it that everything in our lives has a direct effect on the eternity of those around us. When I first got here I don't know if I would have had the confidence to even speak to Rodney, but through God bringing redemption into my life, I was able to be there in the moment someone else needed help. And tonight I got to witness God bring fullness to a broken man by the name of Rodney. So my question to you, who's your Rodney? Are you willing to fill the need that he has?

Please continue interceding on behalf of Rodney! He is supposed to come back to the base next Monday for our community night. Pray that we continue to get opportunities to disciple and pour into him. Pray that Rodney finds a job, receives healing physically and from his addictions, and that God does redeem his family. Thank you for taking time to read about my new brother in Christ's story. Blessing to you and your Rodney!

Making room

Have you ever had you train of thought completely wrecked by God? Let me share a little of what God has been showing me, and keeps reminding me of. I have been in Tennessee now for almost a week and a half, but the week before I came up here I was really battling in my mind how exactly this trip was going to happen, and what the purpose of the trip really was for. Every time I found myself starting to worry about the trip I would take time go and pray and worship God and exult who he is. It was Saturday morning as I was getting ready to go to the missions base where I started processing through my mind again the financial calculations, what all I needed to do in preparation for my trip and what my trip was going to look like. When it was like all my thoughts disappeared and the though crossed my mind, "GIVE ME ROOM." I was left completely dumb founded. Knowing that God was trying to get through to me to let go my worries and trust Him in what he's asked me to do. So I continued on my day realizing that my trip would be fine, even if I didn't understand exactly how it will work out. I went to the base where that evening I was going to be leading worship coorporately for the first time in quite a while and started to prepare music for it. I started getting so agrivated in my preparations nothing seemed to be working, the music I knew wasn't flowing together, needless to say I was having issues. It was at the moment again for was reminded of the words, "GIVE ME ROOM," so I had some songs available but truly had no idea how the evening was going to go. I continued through the bbq pretty quiet trying to listen to what the Holy Spirit would speak to me, and was praying for some scripture to come to mind that would back up these words that kept playing through my head, when I was reminded of Mary and Martha's story.

Luke 10:38-42
 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with ^[a]all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” ⁴¹ But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; ⁴² but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

I realized there is nothing wrong with prepation as long is it isn't keeping you from God's purposes. Jesus' purpose of this trip was to share His word and the most important thing was to sit at His feet and listen. Martha was missing the fellowship with Jesus. I had let my preparations move me to frustrations instead of seeking what God's heart was in the very moment. I am so glad He reminded me before I left for TN because it could have been a REALLY hard trip. Granted, I still have soo many needs for the future, my needs for the day have been fully met and even more then I could have expected. All I can do is "Give God room," there are so many unknowns, but the one thing I know is God is so worthy of all my trust and service.

Speaking of service, let me share what my next year looks like.

1 Year Time Line:
Oct 2012-Dec 2012
- Coordinate all worship gatherings on YWAM Jax Beach campus
-Mentorship
-Organize and plan short term outreach to Brazil

Jan 2013-March 2013
-Staff Discipleship Training School
-Coordinate all worship gatherings on the campus
-Plan and setup students outreach to the Mediterranean Sea area, where we will be taking the Gospel of Jesus.

April 2013-June 2013
-Lead outreach to Mediterranean Sea
-Lead short term outreach to Brazil

July 2013-Sept. 2013
-Do a School of Ministry Development

Boasting for God's faithfulness:
1. My car had been having a lot of troubles before driving up to TN, I had checked with a lot of shops and described the symptoms, none of their diagnosises sounded good or inexpensive. So after some time (and knowing I didn't have the finances) I decided to go with the option of just putting fuel injector cleaner in my tank when I filled up in hopes that it would solve the problem. Guess what? It did!! Since being in TN the car has had no issues.
2. I have a family supports me and has been such a blessing since I've been home.
3. I knew coming up here that I was leaving my car for my little sister Haylee in faith that I would be able to make it back down to Florida in some way. (I had no clue where the finances would come from), after my support dinner last night I was able to enough money to buy my ticket which I also got discounted through my grandma. (note: I am soo thankful for the people who gave in various ways) I will also have enough money for the upcoming bills and just some living expenses.

Ways you can join my support team:
1. Become a monthly supporter, to be very vulnerable I need $1100 to cover monthly expenses. I have one monthly supporter at this moment bringing my need to $1080. Please pray about whether you can support me in this way.
2. Dedicate time to praying for me in my calling of discipleship, missions, and leading others into worshiping our wonderful God, and for all who are called to partner with me.

Cliff Diving

Standing on the edge looking down at the rough rocks below knowing that it's time to jump into the waters crashing below. My heart is racing so fast and every beat feels as if my heart my just jump out of my chest. My body shakes in excitement and fear trying not to focus on all the what if's. Then I do it, I jump! As I scream out I am so free, flying through the air not looking back only looking forward to all the possibilities. Well, this is my life!

Beyond a shadow of doubt I knew "it's my turn to jump," and that's exactly what I have done. This past Friday was my last day at Sherwin Williams. I am now officially back in full-time ministry. My literal job is listen to God's voice and be obedient in every situation He lead's me in to. How exciting!!! Yet, at the same point in the back of my mind I'm like "God do I hear your voice enough? How are my bills and responsibilities going to be taken care of?" Then He reminds me by speaking again to me showing me that He truly is the Alpha and Omega. This season is "full surrender." If I'm going to allow Him to be God in my life I have to give Him everything. The easy things, and more importantly the hard things. For me I have found that in my case there are a lot more "hard" things than "easy" things. I am realizing the sacrifices that truly have to be made in order to follow God leading as a full-time missionary. I have known since high school this was a calling on my life, but I let it go thinking I'd never be a full-time missionary nor was I capable. Funny thing is now that I have lifted my hands and surrendered to that call, I am still thinking God I'm not capable of succeeding at this call. The best thing about that statement "I'm not capable" is that GOD IS MORE THAN CAPABLE, in fact He's who gave me the vision!

Why am I sharing this with you today? Well, my hope is that you can relate! I will be the first to tell you, yes I'm afraid of the unknowns, and I have absolutely no idea how or where the finances are going to come from. What I do know is, God has called me to this life, I can be all in, or not in at all. I am trusting God as my supreme everything. From the air I'm breathing to the finances in my checking account. God is worthy to be praised in every situation. I will not allow my fears to keep me from walking in the direction God is lit up for me.

Over these past few days God has amazed me in the opportunities to see Him show up. From ministering until 3am Sunday to a group of men (yes, I had others with me) who were drawn in by us having worship in the open, to a new friend seeking what it means to place their faith in Christ. So I am also very excited for the unknown! Everyday there are new unknowns presenting themselves.

As I leave Sunday to drive home to Tennessee, another huge unknown, I am trusting God to direct every step of the way. From the gas stations I stop at to the people I fellowship with once I am home. I am trusting God fully as my provider. When Jesus sent the 70 out (Luke 10) he told them to leave everything, that all their needs would be met. I fully believe the same for myself.

As I leave for this trip please pray for a few things:
1. That I am sensitive to God's voice.
2. My car.
3. Divine appointments: whether it be for me to minister to them, or vice versa and that God would direct me to those who are supposed to be apart of my missions support team.

Now my prayer for you is that you examine your life with God. Are you where you are supposed to be with Him? And have you been obedient to His leading? That you recognize His voice like in Matthew 10, and that you be willing to sacrifice your comforts to completely full-heartedly serve and worship Him. That you JUMP!

Seasons Change

As the fall season is quickly approaching not only is the weather and daylight starting to shift, but I am also on the verge of a seasonal shift in my life as well. I just sent out my newsletters, and I am amazed by the fact that even the information on those are already out of date. 

I originally planned to work at Sherwin Williams up to January until last week during my quiet time God started to shake that up. It was this week that I realized my plans were just that, my plans. After seeking God I knew it was time for me to quit my job and really focus on support raising. So this week I gave a 3 week notice to my boss and it was amazing how much peace I received. I know beyond a shadow of doubt I was following exactly what God was leading. 

After the next three weeks I am going to be moving on to YWAM Jacksonville's campus, and then will be going through a staff training my first week there. The very next day on September 16 I will be embarking on a road trip back to TN on a deputation trip to meet and share with people about what God is leading me to do these next 2 years. I am fully trusting God to bring people who feel led to partner with me. 

(So if you are reading this and possibly feel led to meet with me please do not hesitate to contact me.) 

Quick update on some exciting things happening:

1. I am now over the worship events on the YWAM base. So I will be putting the students and staff into teams, contacting/inviting local worship teams to come and lead worship for our community nights and extended worship and intercession on Friday mornings, and will also get to play/lead worship on many occasions. 

2. I am getting the opportunity to plan and lead a team of individuals to Brazil next year on a short term outreach. (if interested let me know)

3. I will be helping with the fall school and mentoring 5 girls as they go through their discipleship training school (DTS). 

4. January I will be staff of the winter DTS, again mentoring girls, and working with the worship teams,  but I will also get the opportunity to lead and outreach to the Middle East. In preparation for this, I have began reading the book "Muslims, Christians, and Jesus" by Carl Medearis, which has already been soo informative. 

I am amazed because for the first time in a VERY long time I am going to be completely walking in what I feel God has called me to in every facet. I guess if you get nothing else from this blog I want you challenge you to be "All In" for what God is wanting to do in your life. Do not fear the unknown, but walking in complete faith that God will lead you every step of the way. Truly it's what I'm doing, and I can't wait to wake up every morning to see God in that day! 

Please be in prayer for me as I embark on this journey for: God's leading, wisdom, discernment and provision, also that I continue to grow in the depth of love I have for God. 

Also pray about how God may have you partner with me. If you would like any further information my email is mistylwallace85@gmail.com.

Blessings!