Wow...it has been way too long since I have blogged! Oh, how I have missed it!
I am determined to start back, and keep you guys updated on whats going on in my life! So many things have happened since the last time I blogged, but here is the short of it.
God is good. He never fails me. Everytime I turn to Him, He is always there with whatever I need. he holds every answer to every question, and I praise Him for the strength He has given me to do what he has called me to do!
Maybe soon I will post some pictures of several of the events that have taken place over the past few months. God is doing great things!
ALSO***I created a t-shirt with the saying "Been there, Blogged That" on it. They are black, with write writing. I will post a picture! If you would like one, they are $10. I will send it to you!
I look forward to reconnecting with you all! God Bless!
Aaron
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Dreams Can Come True!
What a Sunday it has been! IT isn't every day in the states that I get to do the things I did today!
The day started off with Kid's Church at Hope A/G. It was awesome! There was about 60 kids, and we had a great time! We did some of their worship music (which was all in english!) and then I taught on the Joy of the Lord! I did games, puppets, Illusions, Bible stories, and just had a ball! I then realized they knew the song "My Redeemer Lives"! This is a big hit in my kids church, and so after they had done their version, and I learned it, I taught them OUR version!! What a blast! They loved that! It was such a great experience to minister to all of those children! They are truly precious in his sight!
After service, we went to BBQ and ate a yummy lunch, and then headed out to the countryside. As we drove down this really, REALLY bumpy road, I couldn't help but gaze in awe at the creations of my God! It was so beautiful! There is no way that the pictures will ever show how great it really is! We then arrived at the newest monument built here in Mongolia...a 40 meter tall statue to Chinggas Khaan covered in stainless steel. It was him sitting on top of a horse, that you could actually go up in and stand on the top of the horse's head to see the country side! It was absolutely gorgeous! You will have to see my pictures on facebook to understand. I have set all my Mongolia pictures to public view, so even if you do not have a facebook, you can go and look me up and see them.
So, after the statue, we then went to make my dream come true....I GOT TO RIDE A CAMEL!!!! And when I say ride, I do not mean just for a minute. It started out that way. We got there and two guys had 4 camels, and a horse. Just out in the middle of this gorgeous countryside. Those of us who wanted to ride, hopped on and walked around in circles with them leading us. I mean, that was fun I guess, but I wanted more! haha...So, we asked them if we could see inside their Ger (which is the little tent homes that a lot of the people live in). They said yes, and told us to drive up the hill to it, and they would welcome us in. Well, they went to go on the camels, and so Jared (the Missionary Associate) and myself asked if we could ride the two spare camels. They said "Yes"! But, to my surprise, as I got on, he handed me the reigns, and let me go at it all my own!!!!!!! I learned later that I was very lucky, because they normally will never allow a foreigner to just jump on their animals and ride. So, we took off across this gorgeous countryside, for the ride of my life! It was a bit farther than I thought... I got to ride for 2 miles!!! It was so amazing, we were running, and all laughing, just having the best time! I honestly will never forget that experience. It was also amazing to get to see inside the home of these people. there were about 12 people who live in this one little ger! It was such a cultural experience!
We leave in the morning, headed back to Beijing, China. I have had the time of my life here in Mongolia. I will never forget the people we have met, and the opportunity that I have had to pour into their lives. I cannot wait to see what the next door will be that God will open for me to walk through! As long as we staying willing to follow, He will always lead us in the right direction.
This is the last blog I will be able to post until I get home. I do not have access to my blog there, so this is it. I am so thankful to each of you who have not only read my blog, but commented and lifted me up in prayer. I truly believe those prayers are what made the difference. You have helped change the country of Mongolia. Now, their dreams can come true, too!
The day started off with Kid's Church at Hope A/G. It was awesome! There was about 60 kids, and we had a great time! We did some of their worship music (which was all in english!) and then I taught on the Joy of the Lord! I did games, puppets, Illusions, Bible stories, and just had a ball! I then realized they knew the song "My Redeemer Lives"! This is a big hit in my kids church, and so after they had done their version, and I learned it, I taught them OUR version!! What a blast! They loved that! It was such a great experience to minister to all of those children! They are truly precious in his sight!
After service, we went to BBQ and ate a yummy lunch, and then headed out to the countryside. As we drove down this really, REALLY bumpy road, I couldn't help but gaze in awe at the creations of my God! It was so beautiful! There is no way that the pictures will ever show how great it really is! We then arrived at the newest monument built here in Mongolia...a 40 meter tall statue to Chinggas Khaan covered in stainless steel. It was him sitting on top of a horse, that you could actually go up in and stand on the top of the horse's head to see the country side! It was absolutely gorgeous! You will have to see my pictures on facebook to understand. I have set all my Mongolia pictures to public view, so even if you do not have a facebook, you can go and look me up and see them.
So, after the statue, we then went to make my dream come true....I GOT TO RIDE A CAMEL!!!! And when I say ride, I do not mean just for a minute. It started out that way. We got there and two guys had 4 camels, and a horse. Just out in the middle of this gorgeous countryside. Those of us who wanted to ride, hopped on and walked around in circles with them leading us. I mean, that was fun I guess, but I wanted more! haha...So, we asked them if we could see inside their Ger (which is the little tent homes that a lot of the people live in). They said yes, and told us to drive up the hill to it, and they would welcome us in. Well, they went to go on the camels, and so Jared (the Missionary Associate) and myself asked if we could ride the two spare camels. They said "Yes"! But, to my surprise, as I got on, he handed me the reigns, and let me go at it all my own!!!!!!! I learned later that I was very lucky, because they normally will never allow a foreigner to just jump on their animals and ride. So, we took off across this gorgeous countryside, for the ride of my life! It was a bit farther than I thought... I got to ride for 2 miles!!! It was so amazing, we were running, and all laughing, just having the best time! I honestly will never forget that experience. It was also amazing to get to see inside the home of these people. there were about 12 people who live in this one little ger! It was such a cultural experience!
We leave in the morning, headed back to Beijing, China. I have had the time of my life here in Mongolia. I will never forget the people we have met, and the opportunity that I have had to pour into their lives. I cannot wait to see what the next door will be that God will open for me to walk through! As long as we staying willing to follow, He will always lead us in the right direction.
This is the last blog I will be able to post until I get home. I do not have access to my blog there, so this is it. I am so thankful to each of you who have not only read my blog, but commented and lifted me up in prayer. I truly believe those prayers are what made the difference. You have helped change the country of Mongolia. Now, their dreams can come true, too!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Changing History, Changing Lives
We had a wonderful day today as we wrapped up the crusade with the Mongolians. It was soooo cold today, we almost froze to death! This Florida boy is not used to being that cold in the middle of August! haha..but, we had a wonderful day! I would love to say I had a lot of pictures to show, because I did...but, I accidentally deleted them all this afternoon when I tried to delete one...it brought me to tears...So, I will just have to treasure today's memories in my heart; which will not be hard to do! It was a wonderful day, and the people are just so precious. It warms my heart to know what we have taught them will now be used for a very long time to teach the children all over Mongolia! What an honor to be used to help change a country!
I am now preparing to do Kid's Church in the morning at Hope Assembly of God Church! What an exciting experience that will be! I am having to try to build a service out of stuff I have to work with here..But, it will be great! I will be teaching on the Joy of the Lord is Our Strength! I am very excited! We are going to do scripture games, Illusions, A bible story that the kids will help me act out, and I am going to do some Ventriloquism with Louie...I haven't done that in a while, so pray!! haha..It will be a blast!
This trip has really stretched me, and reminded me of all the ways to teach children. I think that sometimes I get so caught up in the "new" ways to reach kids, that I forget the simple ways to touch their lives. I cannot wait to get home to try and reapply these techniques in our Children's Ministry. Techniques like Clowning, Puppet Characters, and just simple things that can bring such addition to Children's Ministry. I don't really know how to explain how I feel, but I just believe that God wanted to use this trip to remind me that there is now limitation on "how" to minister to kids. I really want to come home and pour back into my leaders what God has so freshly poured into me during this 2 weeks! I believe there are great things to come in the Children's Ministry at Carmel! I am so excited, and freshly pumped!
Sometimes, we get so caught up in doing ministry, and working hard that we forget to step back, breathe, and allow God to really speak to us and refresh us so that we can do even more for him. If we try to just push through, and continue to pour out without having anything poured back in, we will soon find ourselves dry and not effective in ministry. We must take time to allow God to do a fresh and renewing work in our lives, so that we can continue to do what he has called AND created us to do.
I am now preparing to do Kid's Church in the morning at Hope Assembly of God Church! What an exciting experience that will be! I am having to try to build a service out of stuff I have to work with here..But, it will be great! I will be teaching on the Joy of the Lord is Our Strength! I am very excited! We are going to do scripture games, Illusions, A bible story that the kids will help me act out, and I am going to do some Ventriloquism with Louie...I haven't done that in a while, so pray!! haha..It will be a blast!
This trip has really stretched me, and reminded me of all the ways to teach children. I think that sometimes I get so caught up in the "new" ways to reach kids, that I forget the simple ways to touch their lives. I cannot wait to get home to try and reapply these techniques in our Children's Ministry. Techniques like Clowning, Puppet Characters, and just simple things that can bring such addition to Children's Ministry. I don't really know how to explain how I feel, but I just believe that God wanted to use this trip to remind me that there is now limitation on "how" to minister to kids. I really want to come home and pour back into my leaders what God has so freshly poured into me during this 2 weeks! I believe there are great things to come in the Children's Ministry at Carmel! I am so excited, and freshly pumped!
Sometimes, we get so caught up in doing ministry, and working hard that we forget to step back, breathe, and allow God to really speak to us and refresh us so that we can do even more for him. If we try to just push through, and continue to pour out without having anything poured back in, we will soon find ourselves dry and not effective in ministry. We must take time to allow God to do a fresh and renewing work in our lives, so that we can continue to do what he has called AND created us to do.
Friday, August 13, 2010
No Matter The Storms That Come Our Way
Well, today was an interesting day, to say the least. We got up this morning, planning to leave around 8:30 to go out to the site where the tent was, and begin to prepare for the event. When we met the pastor outside the hotel, it was very obvious that the weather was going to be against us today. Overnight, the rain had fallen so much, and the temperature had dropped into the 40's! It was so cold and wet! Pastor told us we would probably need to wait a little later before we went and started the event, so that some of the weather could pass.
We finally left for the location around 10:30. Once we got there, it was sooo muddy! Thankfully, the tent was put up yesterday, so the ground under it was pretty dry. It was so messy, but out in the middle of the drizzling rain were all of the people who had trained for this event, standing, doing their jobs, just like nothing was wrong. They have such a passion for their country, that nothing will stop them from reaching the lost. We began to set up the stage for the crusade, getting clowns in makeup, dressing T.J., and preparing for a great day! We did not have quite the size group we had expected because of the weather, but there was still a great turn out. I believe tomorrow will be a different story once all of the kids share what happened with their friends.
It made me realize that, no matter what storms may come our way, we must still go and do what we have been called to do. We cannot give up when the going gets tough. What if Job in the Bible would have given up on God? What if Moses would have said "No" to the burning bush? What if Noah would not have obeyed and built the ark? What if Peter would not have stepped out in faith, and preached the Gospel? So, what if we do not do what we have been called to do? How might that effect the course of history? God has great plans for each of us...He is just waiting to see if we will allow him to use us to fulfill those plans.
We finally left for the location around 10:30. Once we got there, it was sooo muddy! Thankfully, the tent was put up yesterday, so the ground under it was pretty dry. It was so messy, but out in the middle of the drizzling rain were all of the people who had trained for this event, standing, doing their jobs, just like nothing was wrong. They have such a passion for their country, that nothing will stop them from reaching the lost. We began to set up the stage for the crusade, getting clowns in makeup, dressing T.J., and preparing for a great day! We did not have quite the size group we had expected because of the weather, but there was still a great turn out. I believe tomorrow will be a different story once all of the kids share what happened with their friends.
It made me realize that, no matter what storms may come our way, we must still go and do what we have been called to do. We cannot give up when the going gets tough. What if Job in the Bible would have given up on God? What if Moses would have said "No" to the burning bush? What if Noah would not have obeyed and built the ark? What if Peter would not have stepped out in faith, and preached the Gospel? So, what if we do not do what we have been called to do? How might that effect the course of history? God has great plans for each of us...He is just waiting to see if we will allow him to use us to fulfill those plans.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Time For The Real Work To Begin!
Today was the final day of workshops and training here in Mongolia. It was a great day, and we really accomplished a lot. At the end of the day, we had the dress rehearsal for "KidQuest", which starts tomorrow!!! We had a great time watching the Mongolians doing the crusade we had trained them to do. They really caught on quickly, seeing as how they only had 2 and a half days to learn clown skits, illusions, costume characters, games, and dramas! And, on top of that, they have learned all kinds of games that will be played an hour and a half before the service starts....outside in the middle of a field around our huge tent! (Pictures available tomorrow)...haha...
It really was an awesome experience to teach the people here. We have had a wonderful time, and built some wonderful friendships that will not soon be forgotten.
For dinner, we went to a VERY nice restaurant called "The Bull". It is a hot pot restaurant where they bring out little pots for everyone with fire under it. Then they put baskets of fresh vegetables in the table, and you cook those in your pot, in your choice of soup. Then there is raw meats brought to the table, and you add that to your pot! You then eat it all up!!! And you can put in little asian Dumplings, and all kinds of things! There were noodles that were JUST LIKE the noodles at my favorite Chinese restaurant back home!!! OH!! SO GOOD! :)...So, here is the big secret of what I ate tonight....In my pot, I had HORSE MEAT!!!! Believe it or not, it was very good! haha....Not something I want all the time, but the experience was worth it! haha
As you can see, I have a blog about my new friend Sadie! haha...She actually got on my blog today and typed that herself! She thought everyone needed to know about her! haha...She really is wonderful, and has become my little buddy! Tonight, we celebrated her birthday at the restaurant, and her dad had out the video camera. He asked her if she wanted to say anything, and she brought him to my end of the table, wrapped her arms around me, and said to the camera "This is Aaron, my new best friend!"...hahaha..She is so sweet! We have had a good time together. Jay and her head back to the states tomorrow, so keep them in your prayers as they travel.
Well, tomorrow is an early day...We will be at the tent around 9, and set up all the games outside, and prepare everything inside the tent. The event starts at 11. We are expecting anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 kids! HOW EXCITING!! Be in prayer that many lives will be touched tomorrow, as the Mongolians present "KidsQuest" for the first time in their country! I am so excited, but tired, so I will be checking in to Dream World very soon! Thanks to everyone who has messaged me and commented on my stuff here and facebook...you will never know how much it has meant to me. I am truly blessed to have the family of christians that I do at home, knowing that I am being lifted up in your prayers. That means more than words can express. My prayer is that God will bless each of you for doing YOUR part in this mission. I send my love to all of you!
p.s.- Mom and Dad, if you read this, comment me or message me on facebook! I haven't heard from you in like 2 days! Im dying! haha..I love you very much! ;)
It really was an awesome experience to teach the people here. We have had a wonderful time, and built some wonderful friendships that will not soon be forgotten.
For dinner, we went to a VERY nice restaurant called "The Bull". It is a hot pot restaurant where they bring out little pots for everyone with fire under it. Then they put baskets of fresh vegetables in the table, and you cook those in your pot, in your choice of soup. Then there is raw meats brought to the table, and you add that to your pot! You then eat it all up!!! And you can put in little asian Dumplings, and all kinds of things! There were noodles that were JUST LIKE the noodles at my favorite Chinese restaurant back home!!! OH!! SO GOOD! :)...So, here is the big secret of what I ate tonight....In my pot, I had HORSE MEAT!!!! Believe it or not, it was very good! haha....Not something I want all the time, but the experience was worth it! haha
As you can see, I have a blog about my new friend Sadie! haha...She actually got on my blog today and typed that herself! She thought everyone needed to know about her! haha...She really is wonderful, and has become my little buddy! Tonight, we celebrated her birthday at the restaurant, and her dad had out the video camera. He asked her if she wanted to say anything, and she brought him to my end of the table, wrapped her arms around me, and said to the camera "This is Aaron, my new best friend!"...hahaha..She is so sweet! We have had a good time together. Jay and her head back to the states tomorrow, so keep them in your prayers as they travel.
Well, tomorrow is an early day...We will be at the tent around 9, and set up all the games outside, and prepare everything inside the tent. The event starts at 11. We are expecting anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 kids! HOW EXCITING!! Be in prayer that many lives will be touched tomorrow, as the Mongolians present "KidsQuest" for the first time in their country! I am so excited, but tired, so I will be checking in to Dream World very soon! Thanks to everyone who has messaged me and commented on my stuff here and facebook...you will never know how much it has meant to me. I am truly blessed to have the family of christians that I do at home, knowing that I am being lifted up in your prayers. That means more than words can express. My prayer is that God will bless each of you for doing YOUR part in this mission. I send my love to all of you!
p.s.- Mom and Dad, if you read this, comment me or message me on facebook! I haven't heard from you in like 2 days! Im dying! haha..I love you very much! ;)
Awesomenes
There is this girl I met a few days ago and her name is Sadie. She is a Jay Risner`s daughter. In fact she turned 11 today so happy birthday to her!!! but the reason that I titled this awesomenes because I think that she is awesome!!!:) So Sadie I hope you have a wonderful birthday!!!!!!!! :) P.S. were now like this!! (in case you don`t understand i`m crossing my fingers to show that were close buds!!!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Time Is Passing So Quickly
Well, we have had another successful day of training and ministry. I taught to workshops today: Puppet Characterization, and Using Drama To Tell Bible Stories. It was an absolute blast! We had so much fun in those workshops.
We have only been here since Monday, and our time is starting to run out so quickly. Before I know it, we will be getting on a plane headed home...leaving these precious people here to carry on with the tools we are sharing with them.
When I was thinking about that today, God spoke to my heart. He brought to my attention the short time that we have to prepare the world for HIS coming. There are so many people who need to know about him, and we do not have much more time to tell them! We must spend every day doing the work that HE has called us to do.
I am sorry that my blog is so short tonight, but I am physically exhausted and I need some rest. Continue to lift our team up in prayer, as we began to bring the training to a close and prepare for the Crusade on Friday and Saturday.
I send LOVE to all of my friends and family...My heart misses you all so very much, and I cannot wait to be with you again!
We have only been here since Monday, and our time is starting to run out so quickly. Before I know it, we will be getting on a plane headed home...leaving these precious people here to carry on with the tools we are sharing with them.
When I was thinking about that today, God spoke to my heart. He brought to my attention the short time that we have to prepare the world for HIS coming. There are so many people who need to know about him, and we do not have much more time to tell them! We must spend every day doing the work that HE has called us to do.
I am sorry that my blog is so short tonight, but I am physically exhausted and I need some rest. Continue to lift our team up in prayer, as we began to bring the training to a close and prepare for the Crusade on Friday and Saturday.
I send LOVE to all of my friends and family...My heart misses you all so very much, and I cannot wait to be with you again!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Training the Physical, Building The Spiritual
What an amazing day I have had! Today was the first day of training here in Mongolia. The pastor of Hope Assembly of God told us he did not know how many people would come to the trainings. We arrived this morning, and I would say there was close to 150 people who showed up to learn Children's Ministry! We were so excited!
The morning started with Jay Risner doing an opening session, and then we went into workshops. David taught a class, and I taught a class on "Puppet Manipulation". (How to work a puppet)...Would you believe that out of the 150 people that were there, only about 4 of them had ever even USED a puppet???? I was blown away! What an amazing opportunity to know that I was teaching them a brand new concept that would be able to help change Children's Ministry in Mongolia FOREVER! Such a humbling experience.
We then had lunch at the the church, and prepared for the next set of workshops. Jay taught on Object Lessons, while David and Mary taught on how to use simple puppets to teach kids. I helped David and Mary, and ended up making a sock puppet with banana peel hair! haha..David says in the middle of the workshop "Aaron, take this sock and make a puppet out of it to show everyone"...So I did! haha...
After that, we began to choose people for the real purpose we are here...to do a children's crusade called "KidQuest". This program was designed by several of the National Leaders, along with some missionaries from Mongolia. It is similar to what I do during the summer...3 nights of kid services. It has now become an international ministry tool, used in many different countries to reach children. So, we all have a different segment of the crusade that we are supposed to train people from Mongolia to do. Then, on Friday and Saturday, they will perform 2 of the 3 nights of the crusade for a huge group of kids right outside of the city!
So, we had auditions today for clowns, illusionist, game directors, and T.J. the Tiger (thats my segment)..haha...We finally got everyone picked, and started training. It was a bit challenging, being the only one who speaks good english, especially when my translator is not even very good with her english! haha...but, it was a blast! Finally, I realized one of the guys was shaking his head after I said the english part. So, I said "how much of what I am saying do you understand?" He looks at me and says, "All of it!" hahaha...thank God! So that made things a lot easier! hahaha...I had a great time teaching!
It is such a rewarding feeling to know that what we are teaching them in these few days will go on to further Children's Ministry all over this country for years to come. Even the simple things that we overlook in ministry sometimes are like gold to them. I am so excited and humbled to know that God chose me to be a part of something so much greater than myself!
Thanks to everyone who has been praying for us! My health is MUCH better...I am feeling 100 percent better! PRAISE THE LORD! Continue to pray for the mighty move of God while we are here! I pray all is well at home! Sweet dreams..I mean, have a good day! haha...
The morning started with Jay Risner doing an opening session, and then we went into workshops. David taught a class, and I taught a class on "Puppet Manipulation". (How to work a puppet)...Would you believe that out of the 150 people that were there, only about 4 of them had ever even USED a puppet???? I was blown away! What an amazing opportunity to know that I was teaching them a brand new concept that would be able to help change Children's Ministry in Mongolia FOREVER! Such a humbling experience.
We then had lunch at the the church, and prepared for the next set of workshops. Jay taught on Object Lessons, while David and Mary taught on how to use simple puppets to teach kids. I helped David and Mary, and ended up making a sock puppet with banana peel hair! haha..David says in the middle of the workshop "Aaron, take this sock and make a puppet out of it to show everyone"...So I did! haha...
After that, we began to choose people for the real purpose we are here...to do a children's crusade called "KidQuest". This program was designed by several of the National Leaders, along with some missionaries from Mongolia. It is similar to what I do during the summer...3 nights of kid services. It has now become an international ministry tool, used in many different countries to reach children. So, we all have a different segment of the crusade that we are supposed to train people from Mongolia to do. Then, on Friday and Saturday, they will perform 2 of the 3 nights of the crusade for a huge group of kids right outside of the city!
So, we had auditions today for clowns, illusionist, game directors, and T.J. the Tiger (thats my segment)..haha...We finally got everyone picked, and started training. It was a bit challenging, being the only one who speaks good english, especially when my translator is not even very good with her english! haha...but, it was a blast! Finally, I realized one of the guys was shaking his head after I said the english part. So, I said "how much of what I am saying do you understand?" He looks at me and says, "All of it!" hahaha...thank God! So that made things a lot easier! hahaha...I had a great time teaching!
It is such a rewarding feeling to know that what we are teaching them in these few days will go on to further Children's Ministry all over this country for years to come. Even the simple things that we overlook in ministry sometimes are like gold to them. I am so excited and humbled to know that God chose me to be a part of something so much greater than myself!
Thanks to everyone who has been praying for us! My health is MUCH better...I am feeling 100 percent better! PRAISE THE LORD! Continue to pray for the mighty move of God while we are here! I pray all is well at home! Sweet dreams..I mean, have a good day! haha...
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