Keeping Steady

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believing, without a second thought. - James 1:2-6

I have been in Australia this last month and have had more time to myself then what feels like my whole lifetime. Probably not true but one feels that way when they normally are tasked minded, extrovert and always on a mission. So this last season was of learning about resting in the Lord and this last month has been practically practicing it when not on a schedule. It has been challenging yet great to grow in discipline of making time for the Lord. This was such a needed trip to figure out the balance of how ministry is going to work when I get home. I think we forget that we are the ones actually in charge of what we put into our days. No life is just simply busy or relaxed, we choose the job, friendships, meetings, trips, children and future events so its extremely important that we fill it with what we care about most. For me that has to be my relationship with Jesus. This last season in Kona was a great opportunity to realize you can never get enough of Jesus. The last 6 months revolved around prayer, worship, intercession, serving and community 24 hours 7 days a week. Not that I didn't have the choice to either participate or skip it was what I wanted and what was on the schedule. Now being back in a environment where full time ministry isn't the normal I have to make sure that Jesus still is the priority with where my time is spent. 

I have one more month until I am home so I get to have in a little more practice of realizing I am the one in charge of filling my day. I head to California in a couple of days and I am so excited to see what God has planned. I will be seeing family and friends along with meeting up with people about future ministry opportunities. What I thought was going to be a random trip to Cali is now looking like a very well thought out plan from God.It is going to be epic.

 This trip to Australia has also been so great and I have loved visiting and seeing my friends. This place was defiantly home to me. Although I have no idea when I will be back I know God is good at figuring it out. I mean I didn't even expect to see everyone again so soon, it hasn't even been a year since I left last time. God is the one with the best plan and I continue to learn it each new day. The more I trust in him the more steady I become. 

Rejoice in Hope

What Happened in Nepal? 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation,be constant in prayer.

I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who made it possible for me to go on this recent trip to Nepal. There was a great need for us to help in the villages after the earthquake, and I was so honored to get the chance to walk along side these amazing people. 

 There is no doubt in my mind that God is working in Nepal and is pursuing the hearts of the people there this very moment. I went to a village named Koad just outside Kathmandu where we were some of the first people to show up with help. We were able to help rebuild houses so that the coming monsoon season would not set them back even more. There were 150 homes in this village and 97 of them became unlivable after the earthquakes. Between our two YWAM teams, we built 15 shelters so that when the monsoon season starts next month they have a dry place to stay. Then after monsoon season, reconstruction on their permanent homes can begin

 We were in a very populated hindu village and it was amazing to represent Christ during such a difficult time. We saw physical healing in peoples bodies and hindu elders became Christian, which was incredible. I got the privilege to pray for so many people and share that Jesus is one who is full of love and joy. The people are still so consumed with fear and are questioning who God really is. Hearts were so open to receive the love of Christ and seeds were definitely planted. I learned so much about Gods faithfulness. He was there before we arrived in Nepal and he will continue to be there. I was able to come alongside these people and encourage them not to lose hope, but rather seek truth. I was surprised at how much impact our two small teams had on this village in just 2 weeks. This has encouraged me to remember that, although I am just 1 person, through God all things are possible. Through all of my travels and experiences, God has continued to make himself more real, new, and everlasting. This experience was no different, and my heart is forever changed.

Thank you so much for your love and prayers during this season, It was unlike anything I have experienced or would have expected. 

I am not where I have never been

Tomorrow is my 23rd birthday! I still feel as if life is this crazy adventure of doing just whatever my heavenly Father says, and though its been unlike anything I could imagine, I wouldn't change a thing. I get to experience this next year of life in Nepal, something I never would of thought on my own. I have so much hope for this next year and really believe God is preparing my heart for some crazy dreams to start coming true. Below is a modified list I made last year plus one more of the things I have learned over the years. 

1.       God has big, exciting, amazing and over the top plans for your life

2.       It is important to talk to strangers, they could become amazing friends

3.       It does not matter the number of friends you have but the number of people you can be completely yourself around

4.       Dancing is the best way to just let go of anything holding you down

5.       Do not under estimate how much your family loves you

6.       Love is the only investment that cannot fail

7.       Money is not worth worrying about, its only value is the value we give it

8.       Never let fear be the thing that holds you back from being radical

9.       Take time to learn what you need to do to get healthy

10.   Always try new foods, it may become your new favorite dish

11.   It is not about the places you visit but the people you meet and experience events with

12.   Laugh whenever possible, it can change your attitude in a second

13.   Learn to crave alone time with God it will change your life

14.   Be in awe of the little things

15.   Being childlike is a gift people grow out of but learn to remain in that place of faith

16.   Random back massages will always be appreciated

17.   Always be honest even if its hard or uncomfortable

18.   Praying is the most important way to make a  breakthrough happen

19.    Hugs can change moments completely around

20.   It is important to live in the moment and to embrace each moment as its given

21.   Being generous is something that will always bring joy

22.   Dream massive dreams with God and prepare to be amazed at what He can do

23. Be still and rest in who the Lord says you are 

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. -Eph. 3:14-21

Hope

We will never be ready if we keep waiting for the perfect time to come. 

As I take the steps of leaving for Nepal with out knowing the outcome I am really trying not to be easily shaken. The continually trusting that God is going to provide finances is such a hard thing for me. It also highlights the massive control issues I have. I mean if I don't get the finances I don't go to Nepal so the fact that I really have no control over the outcome scares me. God is faithful to do his will I just wish it was easier for me to completely trust that no matter the outcome he is working through me.

These last couple of weeks I have been really learning how to not give into fear. Fear can only dictate my life if I give into it. The bible says that there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear. So if I am truly walking with Jesus who freely gives me his perfect love I shouldn't fear the things around me. 

So what I am learning to replace fear with is hope. Instead of giving into the fear of circumstances and scenarios I choose to hope that God is working and trust his faithfulness in my life. 

So I will not fear the unknown but put my Hope and Trust into the Lord who knows what He wants to do.  I will not be easily shaken by my and mans expectations. For I and the world are always changing but my God stays the same. One of the most beautiful characteristics about God is he never changes he is Holy and perfect. So I am putting my hope into Him and will no longer be afraid of 

fear. 

Nepal Relief

A massive 7.9 earthquake shook Nepal on Saturday the 25th of April affecting more than 8 million people. We are shocked as we hear of a death toll of 4,600 and climbing daily, 10,000 injured and many more without food, water, shelter or electricity. The government is concentrating relief efforts in Kathmandu, however hundreds of remote villages not far from the capital have faced total devastation and received minimal attention. 

YWAM Kona family has been sending DTS teams to Nepal for years and a long term team from here has also made Nepal their home. This country and its people are dear to our hearts and we are committed to loving and caring for them in their time of great need. Our field team was protected from harm in the quake and is part of the YWAM Nepal crisis response group. They have updated us daily on the evolving situation on the ground and avenues for service. 

We are sending a medium strike team from Kona around the date of May 12th that is willing to live rough, travel light and trek into some of the more remote villages that have been affected. They will document and prioritize needs, and return to assist in the delivery of necessary supplies. We expect to train and send two or more teams from Kona with medical, need assessment and logistic skills. All are committed to praying that Jesus’ love for Nepal would shine through each act of service, whether that be cleaning out a collapsed pit latrine or cuddling a crying child. 

I personally have decided to be apart of the team that is leaving in May. In order to go I will need a team of people committed in prayer and in finances. I will need to see a total of 4,500 to come in to buy my plane ticket and supplies for when I am in Nepal. I can not do this trip with out the prayer and support from you guys. If you would like to give financially there are 2 ways I can get the money for the trip in time. I will be leaving in less than 2 weeks.

Paypal: My email is egkoerner@gmail.com 

If in Indiana you can write a check to my mother Vicky Koerner and drop it off at 8332 Alcona dr Indianapolis IN 46237 and she can put it directly into my account.

Thank you so much for taking the time out to pray and see if this is something you can partake with me in. I know that God goes before me and is preparing the way for me as I take a step of faith. 

See you later Ireland

Tonight is the final night here in Ireland with my crazy dysfunctional yet radical loving team. I have learned so much about myself and about the character of God through my team mates and the new friends we met along the way. I never expected a nation to move me the way Ireland has. While serving with the different ministries I couldn't help but notice how much simple love can change a life. The obstacles Ireland faces are unforgiving, unworthiness, substance abuse and lack of identity. However God is so faithful and through the short time of being here we heard testimonies of forgiving murders, loving drug dealers and users, leading people to Christ and encouraging Christians   To walking in their full identity in Christ.  It has been such a stretching time for me but I have grown so much in the ways of hearing Gods voice, gaining boldness in singing In front of people, wisdom in praying for people and learning how to rest in The Lord.

Ireland has changed my perspective on how to choose love every moment. To choose love is the greatest choice one can make. I am so thankful for the time I got to spend with the people here in Ireland. I hope to one day return to this amazing place where God is so evidently working in. Thank you all for your prayers and support during this season.

Psalms 119 

Northern Ireland

As I sit here in Northern Ireland I am reminded at what being a daughter looks like. I am a daughter to the God who created the heavens and the earth. He has created me in His image to be known by Him and to make him known.

I have been on crutches the last 2 weeks which has been very trying. I am someone who has to be doing something at all times. So when my team mates were helping this amazing lady move into a new house I really had to trust The Lord had a plan for me. I was not going to be able to be much of a help to this process being on crutches. So I ended up staying back at the YWAM base here in Northern Ireland during the day and encouraging the students and staff members. As I was just making myself available to those around me I was amazed at what God was doing through a simple conversation. At the end of each day though I physically couldn't even carry my dinner plate to the table I knew that I had fulfilled what God had for me that day. We got the opportunity to pray for a guy named Rob who had cancer and later that day he went to his doctor and discovered his cancer was completely gone! We planned a night for youth to come and worship and receive pray as well. God is so faithful in bringing people out of their sin and championing them to know their true identity   In him. I am so thankful for the experience of seeing God move in Northern Ireland.

So what does being a daughter look like? What I have learned is that in order to live fully I must look at my father. My father speaks to me and I love to listen to him. A daughter loves the sound of her dad's voice and is beyond eager to do as he says. A daughters response comes out of a place of joy and love to do as her father says. Being a daughter is simply knowing who your father is. I am so glad to have a father who loves me like no one else can.

Living on Prayer

This week I went on a women's retreat called Brave Love. It was a time of refocusing my heart on who God says He is. We were asked to pray about the following questions and see what God told us.

1. I know that I am on the planet to _________

2. God has given me the ability to __________

3. I have tremendous passion to/ I want to see __________

4. I feel most energized when I do ________

5. I am carrying a message of ________

The answers I got to my questions were so empowering and uplifting that I knew that God really has  put certain desires in my heart. I can not wait to see how God will continue to reveal His plan for my life. 

On a different note:

I have only 5 days left until I leave for Ireland, there is just one set back, I still need finances. So far 1,100 dollars have come in towards this trip. To meet the minimal requirements to go on this trip I need 1,331 dollars. Trusting in God for finances continues to be such a humbling and stretching of faith experience. I do not fully know how he wants the finances to come in but I felt as if I needed to make my need known one last time. 

Faithful to Provide

This last week I have been praying about where I think God has prepared the way for me to go on outreach.

I have decided to go to Ireland for my outreach location. I will be leaving March 21st, which will be here extremely soon. I am going with a team of 8, who all have a desire to serve Ireland and the ministries there. We are all willing to go for the sake of encouraging the people who are already serving the community there. We want the staff and leaders to know that they are loved, valued and needed. I am so thankful for the opportunity to see what God is doing in Ireland and for the opportunity to serve. 

In order for this trip to happen I will need your prayers, encouragement and financial support. I would love to have $3,000 dollars come in by the end of the week. I know that this is a large amount but I am believing that God will provide this for His glory. If you would like to support this trip you can give through Chase quick pay or through paypal using my email address, egkoerner@gmail.com 

I am so thankful for all that the Lord is doing and I will no longer try to put him in my boxes of logic and expectations. I just want to trust him with all that I am and will no longer let fear of lacking anything stop me from saying yes to his plan. 

I AM A CHILD OF GOD

I am known by Him

I am done focusing on my thoughts , my fears and doubting what God has planned for His kingdom. He has called me to lay down my ways in exchange for His heart. This life is not wrapped up in what I can do but what He can do through those who are willing to aline themselves with His desires. 

The more that I can honestly rejoice in His presence the better my life will reflect His love. I am His and His alone. I will not be marked with the worlds expectations but will dare to allow God to give me his peace and understanding in all things.

I will no longer fix my eyes on the promises of the world but will completely surrender to what is true in Him. I refuse to to keep my gifts hidden out of fear but will boldly make known His love to those around me. He goes before me and the visions and desires He has given me will be made known in His time so that people may know that they are loved by the one who is love.

Philippians 4:4-9 The Message

4-5 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

 

6-7 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

I lean not on my own understanding

This last month I have realized that I under estimate what God can do through me. I have been challenged to learn by heart the book of Ephesians, yes the whole book I must recite by memory.

 However by doing this I can not explain how much I have learned about what Gods expectation for me is. He calls me to trust that he is always working through those who have a yes in their hearts to be obedient. I have given him my yes to follow him with all that I am but I still was lacking the confidence in what that really looks like. These last weeks have really helped me to put in perspective how much authority I have in Jesus. Below is a part of Ephesians I have memorized. I pray that I continue to fight for Jesus and see those who trust in him have break through against the plans of the evil one. God is love and His love never fails.

 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.  Pray also for me,that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,  for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

The Trusting Game

Why do I worry and begin to freak out over circumstances when I know that God knows what I need?  I have arrived to another new place and it's  only been 2 days and because I can't see the full outcome I tend to shut down. So as I begin again I pray that this time be full of encouragement, clarity and freedom in Christ. I find that it's normal to worry or not understand but I need to make sure that i am not dwelling on those traits. It's up to me to give them over to God and allow him to change my heart and perspective.

I do believe God is here and working through my circumstances to reveal his love and faithfulness to me. The leadership course starts on Monday so I will have a better understanding of where I will fit into then. Though I am a tad overwhelmed I am extremely excited to see what God has in store this time around. Whether the season is challenging, joyous, frustrating or relaxed Gods in it and will use each one for his glory.