Posted in Guatemala by Rachel Martin on 5/21/2012
So much of my Race has been defined by comparing it to the Real Life trip I took to Peru. See, while I was in Peru, God showed up in Huge ways. I saw a little girl who was deaf received hearing through my friend, Josh. God used me and my friend, Eoghan, to heal a crippled woman's hand. For that time being, it was God's plan for those people to receive the several blessings and healings through us. Coming onto the Race, I was excited to see these things. I was excited to be part of healing in a person's life and was ready to bring it to them.
Don't get me wrong. I have seen healing! In Swaziland, Ashley Edwards and I, were praying over this woman who was possessed. Our ministry for that month was going in to pray for the children in the hospital. We went in and prayed a couple days a week and we saw the children's ward cleared out. This woman, however, was in the woman's ward and one day, Ash and I just convicted to pray for the women, as well. The woman when we first met her was hitting herself on her chest with the Bible someone must have given her. As she was beating herself with the Bible, her eyes were rolling around, as if she had no control of what was going on. Her sister had translated to us that she felt this really heavy weight and she couldn't get it off herself. So, this is when Ashley and I begun to pray for her. We started to declare feeling over her and that this heavy burden would no longer be an issue for her. After we got done praying, her sister translated to us again and told us that she felt better, but it still wasn't gone. So, we prayed again and this time, when I went to put my hand on her arm, the moment I did that, her eyes shot up at me. She was staring at me, eye-to-eye! The crazy thing is I speak English, she speaks S'swati, the language of Swaziland, but she understood everything I was saying. The only way that is possible is the Spirit! So, after we were done praying, I started to tell her truths and she started to say them back in S'swati.
The reason why I bring this up now is...God has brought our squad so many miracles. They may not be as seen as other squads, but that does not mean we are not bearers of healing. I believe that God is teaching my squad what it looks like to walk in healing, and in different points in time is when God shows himself through healing. We, as Z-squad, have so much to bring into Central America. I didn't think this even a week ago, as I was walking through hardship, but even though we have only a week and a half left in Guatemala, we still have the power to affect the nation here in Guatemala. Our work here is not in vain! Things may be challenging, but it's also a time to press through it, not give up, be poured into by the Lord and then pour it back out. Guatemala, Z-squad is your help! One of my friends, Chantel, just told me today this: God will only do what we truly believe He can do. If we say, God can't do that, because it's too much, then He won't, because we don't have the faith that He can or will do it.
So, do you believe in miracles? The truth of it is, they are real. They happen among us quite often, and I can tell you through refinement, God is bringing my squad healing. I'm still saying for these orphans, there is healing! These children are going to talk and those first words out of their mouths are going to be words declaring the life that God has given them!
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Posted in Guatemala by Rachel Martin on 5/21/2012
wWelcome to our new team!
After Croatia, our former team, Ruach, went through a team change. Kathryn Law became a team leader for the former Amiranthine (spelling?) team and Jamie Smith went with her. Kathryn and Jamie, girls I love so much are now serving with an all-women team. I'm so excited for them! :) Their new name (because we get new team members...and lose some, we change names) is Beauty for Ashes.
DRUM ROLL, PLEASE...
Our new teammate is Tiffany Chen. And the new name? VIA GLORIA! Via Gloria is Spanish for "Way to Glory." We found it suitable since we are in Spanish-speaking countries for the rest of our Race.
It's funny how prophetic this is for our new team and personally, for me. Back at debrief a couple weeks ago, we saw our first squad leader, Megan Dietrich. She gave all of us women hair bows. Each one was different, but from a distance, they looked the same. With the bows came a sheet of paper that was describing a prophetic word for each one of us. I can't tell you the other girls' words, but mine was "glory." I am expecting God this month and the next couple for God to show me what glory looks like. Clearly, it is what God has for me for the rest of my race. What a great way to end, huh? ;)
Here is a picture of Tiffany:
Tiff is from California also. So, I am the only one not from California, but it's okay. All the more reason to visit Cali ;)
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Posted in Guatemala by Rachel Martin on 5/13/2012
I told you it would be something good! Love you soo soo much! Make sure you set up a camera, because I want to see your reaction to it!
Jeanette Martin to me is:
My mom, who has been there for me all my life. Although we have had hard times, I still love you and will be there for you, like you have been there for me!
Hope you enjoy it, Mom!
http://youtu.be/RBY20MjH3Hw
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Posted in Croatia by Rachel Martin on 4/9/2012
On the World Race, you never know the impact you have on individuals. You think you may know, but so many things go "unseen." In reality, everything you do is seen. This may come as a shocker, but as a true follower, you stick out. Plus, not looking like the natives, is also a good hint that you aren't from there. And when you aren't from there, people tend to flock to you to try and figure out as much information as possible about you, including if you are married and have any children. Um, hello...I'm 24 and am on the World Race by myself. Nope, no husband or children...don't intend on that for quite a while.
The reason why I say this, is because I can recall certain things being told to me about how I have helped people in the past 8 months. But overall it doesn't seem like huge impact. It doesn't seem like you are doing a whole lot. RACERS: But, just because you can't see what you are doing, doesn't mean you aren't doing anything. In Romania, I was teaching English to a group of 10 male individuals. Each one of them brought something new to class and had something different about them.
If you recall in one of my most recent blogs, I talked about a man named Valentin. He's probably around 50 years old and had shared his testimony with me. Well, yesterday I got an email from a missionary named Dorothy that was originally from Valentin. The words couldn't have come at a better time:
"I miss you both. I miss Rachel's sensitivity and kindness and I miss Kathryn's optimism (high spirits) and
cheerfulness. The character qualities you both have manage to delight and lift up (refresh) the heart of
a man no matter how down or depressed he might be. People who know you are very lucky and those who
don't know you yet: 'I'm sorry for them!' My wish is that you will finish your trip around the world without
any unpleasant incidents and that you will be loved and admired as you were in Romania.
I'm really sorry that I can't yet write correctly by myself in English so I will rely on Dorothy's help
this time. Because I didn't want to bother her too much I wrote both of you this same letter.
In the future I will really try to write alone.
I miss you and I wish with all my heart that the Lord will take care of you and give you much
happiness in this world, not only in the one to come."
Valentin - 01.04.2012 (April 1, 2012)
It's people like these that make you miss the country. It's people like these that you will always remember and know that you, as a Christian, have encouraged them to press deeper into the path that they have been called to.
Despite obstacle, know that you have a huge impact. You may think you are only influencing the present world around you, but in reality you are influencing everyone you come in contact with. I know my blogs are having impact on the "outside" world, aka people back home. I am writing these blogs to encourage YOU. And if there are words that encourage you, please respond back as I also need encouragement. My ministry and what God has called me to is not only these countries, but everyone I have contact with. Isn't that what as Christians we are commanded to do?
Matthew 28:18-20
"Then Jesus came to them and said 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
So, all nations...not just those on the Race.
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Posted in Bulgaria by Rachel Martin on 3/24/2012
I came on The World Race wanting to find out where God was calling me long term. As you are aware, God has called me to serving long-term. Every country I have been to has had amazing aspects of it and I simply do not know anymore. From the people to the spiritual atmosphere that God has created through the people, I'm unaware as of right now where to go. A reason for coming on the Race was to find out this answer-it was for my own gain, in a sense. However, God is teaching me that wherever I go, His spirit comes with me and I can rest in that.
Philippines
China
South Africa
Mozambique
Swaziland
Romania
Bulgaria
Now, Croatia
God is moving in mighty ways all around the world. He is showing me who he is and how he does His thing.
You may be wondering where I have been in the last few weeks, well I have not only been in 1 country, but 2. Within 1 day, I was in 3 countries. Bulgaria, Serbia (traveling reasons), and now Croatia. My passport is getting quite full! :) Anyway, in Bulgaria, my team worked with a missionary couple. The husband, Nasco was from Bulgaria, but his wife was from Norway. She had first encountered Bulgaria as part of YWAM, another missions organization all throughout the world. We lived in the upstairs of their home and everyday was different. We went to prayer meetings everyday, worked with gyspy children in another village, encouraged the missionaries in the village and also led a kids program in the town for all children. See, in both Bulgaria and Croatia, like Romania, Christianity is common, but its not true believers. Its people who have been going to church since they were born and call themselves Christians even though they dont care a single thing about Christ. Its a title to call themselves.
So...we are now in Croatia. What are we doing here? What are we experiencing?
Croatia is a very welcoming place. There is freedom to do what people would like to do, however Christian again is just another title. Many are Catholic, but still do not care about their faith. They are careless about Jesus and what He has done for them on the cross. So the people are very friendly and willing to listen, but also comes the aspect that before you do anything, you must go out in prayer first.
So far what we have been doing in Croatia. Cleaning up at a home that the church we are working with, bought for the building of a church. We have been cleaning up the backyard, as there have been trees that have been cut down. Dad, all those years you made me clean up brush around the house are coming into use and help on The World Race. Also, for ministry wise, we are going to be teaching English and meeting people and inviting them into the church. Also, we are planning on going to Roma villages close to here to share about Jesus and his hope and love. From what we have heard, gypsies in Croatia are very depressed and when the team comes to share about Jesus, they remember the hope that the team brings.
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Posted in Romania by Rachel Martin on 3/12/2012
So, I told you I would tell you Valentin's testimony. This is what I could understand of it.
Valentin grew up going to the Orthodox Church. (The Orthodox Church is not a regular Christian church...it's mainly tradition with a very small part of REAL Christianity. There also tends to be witchcraft and superstition involved in the religion.) Valentin ended up getting married to a woman and had a child with her, who is now 26. But when Communism came to Romania, all religious material was thrown away or burned. Well Vale was walking around one day, he found a Bible that didn't quite make it into the garbage. It was on the ground next to a garbage bin. As Vale picked up the Bible, he didn't realize what it was, but knew that something with this Book held power. So, he picked it up and took it back home, but didn't understand what it was about. A few years later, he ended up getting a divorce from his wife. His wife left his daughter with him, as she didn't want the child. This is not how it normally happens in Romania, but rather the father leaves. (He didn't go into specific details, but from what I understood it was a very rough and bad divorce.) Vale from the divorce ended up falling into a deep depression from 1996-2010. During that depression, he turned to alcohol and many other things that did not help him with his fear, anxiety and depression. He told me that he remembers days when he left his daughter to do what he thought would help him in his moments of depression. His daughter could have been taking care of herself, for all I know.
Why 2010? What happened in 2010 that changed his heart? Valentin stumbled into the church in Draganesti, one evening to check out what was happening. I think it was a last resort. He kept going to church as it was his only source of encouragement. It was not easy for him as he encountered situations where it seemed as if God wasn't present. One of those situations was when a youth from the church died unexpectantly. Valentin didn't know what to do. He was utterly confused by the goodness of God when a youth who was good was taken away from the place he "needed" to be. As Valentin fought through these thoughts, the Lord continued to meet him where he was.
Valentin has been going to church in Draganesti since, but wasn't feeling very encouraged and wasn't drawing nearer to the Lord. Instead he was remaining stagnant. He said that once he saw my cardboard testimony, God was putting it on his heart that he needed more of the Lord. Also, when the second drama happened, he said he was reminded of God and how He takes everything, if we surrender it to Him.
It's funny to me how God can use little, basic things like speaking English. As I was signing up for English, I was hesitant, because I didn't want to miss out on the "seen" forms of ministry like evangelism, prayer, kids' programming, but instead God meet me where I needed to be. He had specific individuals picked out for me to minister to and those happened to be these men. As God knew I needed to be here, he even multiplied numbers. By the end of our time together, there were a total of 14 men coming and we started with maybe? 7. I was there to encourage and instead, He encouraged me.
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Posted in Romania by Rachel Martin on 3/12/2012
On The World Race, you never know when you are going to be able to blog. I've had attempts, but then something always comes up. So, this blog has been a brewin' for at least a week and it's finally getting jotted down.
We left Romania on the 6th in pursuit of Bulgaria. Leaving Romania was really hard on me; I think I may have found my first or second favorite thus far on the Race. The people are encouraging and they persevere through so many hardships; it's incredible. As we were in Draganesti-Olt, we were working with a church and were involved with their programming. Since I studied Communication Disorders, the men in leadership wanted me to teach English to both believers and non-believers.
I was told that I would have 1-on-1 lessons with individuals that way I could work directly with them and encourage them in their English. On the first day of English, I walk into "class" to find 5 grown men and 2 young men sitting waiting for me teach. Umm, let's just say it was AWKWARD at the beginning. This became my ministry for the next 2-3 weeks.
One man, Valentin, sticks out to me in a very unique way. Valentin was the man I was most intimidated by on the first day. He knows English very well, but is fearful to speak it. Valentin everyday would come to class with completed homework, but not only that; he would come with extra work and would bring his dictionary. He was very dedicated to his studies and it encouraged me that the work I was doing was going back to encourage at least 1 individual.
Throughout the month, we presented dramas in church and Valentin was always present. We did a drama called "cardboard testimonies" and my testimony was talking about my parents' divorce. The other side talked about how God has shown redemption in this area in my life. Another drama we did was put to the music from Third Day and a series of characters were not focused on Jesus, but rather things like alcohol, friends, school, sports....
I say that, to say this. Instead of me giving Valentin homework, he gave me some. He told me he wanted me to write out my testimony for him and not knowing, he wrote his out for me. God never ceases to blow me away!
Part 2...Valentin's testimony.
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Posted in Support Raising by Rachel Martin on 2/29/2012
To start off this blog, I just wanted to thank YOU all for what you have done to help me out. I can't even describe what I have seen God do through you obeying His call to give. Half of you I don't know well and to know that you support me is something I never expected and never thought would happen! It's funny how God confronts your doubts and insecurities!
Not only through finances did you encourage me. Not only did monetary giving break down walls in other's lives, but it has in my life. So here's a brief list of what I've God seen throughout the Race. Please know that none of this would have happened without your support:
- I found a father who loves me regardless of what I do.
- I received a long-term calling and embraced it.
- I have seen faithfulness and how if someone fights to do what God has called them to, God will come through and will show them that they are led by His spirit.
- I have seen demons flee.
- I have seen children fed, both physically and spiritually.
- I have seen women cry, because they have experienced love for the first time.
- I have seen men smile and not allow society to put shame on them.
- I have seen God shake the environment of every place I've gone.
I BELIEVE THAT NONE OF THIS WOULD BE POSSIBLE HAD YOU NOT CONTRIBUTED TO SEEING ME STAY. YOU MAY THOUGHT YOU COULDN'T DO MUCH, BUT EVERY SINGLE PENNY I RECEIVED WENT BACK TO POURING INTO SOMEONE WHO COULDN'T FEED THEMSELVES.
YOU HAVE SOWN INTO ME THE WAY I HAVE SOWN INTO MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS ALL OVER THE WORLD!
Throughout this trip, God has refined me into someone different. When I step back into the United States in 5 months, be prepared for a new woman. I'm encouraged to know that you may not know exactly what happened while I was gone, but you still want to invest in me; you still want to pour into me.
-------------------------------------THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE!----------------------------------------------------------
I look forward to every talk I have with each and every one of you when I come back to The States. Feel free to ask me the deepest parts of the trip and what God has done!
SINCE I'M CLOSE TO BEING FUNDED, PLEASE CONSIDER GIVING TO MY TEAM LEADER , MARIAN PADILLA! Marian still needs $1,000 by March 1st, which is tomorrow! This woman has encouraged me so much, not only since being on a team with her, but before that as well. | |
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Posted in Romania by Rachel Martin on 2/10/2012
What do you think of when you hear "Romania?" I always thought of really good gymnasts that make it to the Olympics, and strange enough the country of Russia. I guess I always thought that Romania was part of Russia. And others may think of orphanages and others may think of gypsies.
Romania was not supposed to be on our list for The World Race. We were supposed to be in Bulgaria this month, but things come and go on The World Race. So here we are in Draganiste, Romania. I feel like I am in Western Europe, more specifically England. When coming into the country, I was hoping and praying to work with gypsies and orphans. I don't know if many of you knew this, but March was supposed to be a month where we "ATL-ed".
This means "Ask the Lord" for the country that we were supposed to ministry in. We would ask and wait until we received confirmation from the Lord to go into that country. Even though it wasn't written on our list when I found out the countries, I just knew we were coming to Romania. I had the confidence that this is where God was calling me to sometime at the beginning of 2012 and that he would do many things through me. Perhaps, he is calling me here long-term. I have already fallen in love with this country and these people.
As we are now here in ministry, I believe God is going to extraordinary things through these two teams. As a corporate team, we pray a lot! The area we are in has 0.2% Christians. That means 700 out of 500,000 are Bible-believing Christians in Olt County. The spiritual atmosphere here is very dark. There is witchcraft and the Orthodox Church does not speak about Jesus Christ at all. They talk about tradition and the Bible, however Jesus has no part to do with this "culture." The priests of the Orthodox Church are usually involved with the witchcraft as well. For someone to have a change of heart would mean being excommunicated from their homes and would be called "po-key-ts", or in English "repenters." This is a very common term among the missionaries here as they continue to press in for their communities. Along with prayer, there are movements of teaching the children how to pray and about Jesus, evangelism in markets, and even a new ministry established through us of shoveling snow. Just today, I was asked to start an English ministry and teach accurate pronunciation.
As we have finished this first week, I have seen the joy the Lord has for His children here. It reminds me of the Israelites as they ran from Him, but He kept wooing them back to Himself. He never stopped fighting for them. A few days ago, God gave me the vision that He hasn't stopped speaking words of life over these people. They are choosing to have hardened hearts and choosing to live in their wrong ways. Please join in with me in praying for Draganesti, Stoenesti and the surrounding areas of Olt Country.
Thank you for the support everyone! I'm still in need of $3,200 by MARCH 1st or else I'm coming home early!
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Posted in Swaziland by Rachel Martin on 1/26/2012
Since I've been in Swaziland, I've been thinking a lot about who God is creating me into. I've been asking a lot of questions, such as what I'm supposed to do when I get home and who I am supposed to minister to and with.
I can honestly say I do not know. I have no clue what happens after the last day of Final Debrief and how it's going to happen. Am I still going to be living in Madison and working with the same organization I worked with before leaving on the Race?
Currently my mind is asking a bunch of questions-things my humanity wants to know. However, what God is telling me is I do not need to know nor am I being content with what He is doing here and around me.
This is what I know...
- I am NOT the same person I was when I left for the World Race in September.
- I have witnessed much more poverty, much more heartbreak and also, so much joy and peace than I expected (and it's only month 5)
- God has created me to be a mother. He has created me to love upon children in all forms, whether black, white, handicapped, blind, deaf, lame or mute.
I am walking into a new fight.
I, Rachel Martin, am fighting for the children who can't feed themselves, who don't know love and who can't sit up without the help of someone else. I, Rachel Martin, am choosing to pursue what the Lord has intended for my life and that is fighting for those who can't fight for themselves.
I have fallen in love with these children and I don't know how to leave them. Now how do I deal with that?
Meet Mukelo.
This girl was abandoned near the hospital almost 2 months ago. I don't understand why, but Mukelo has Cerebral Palsy. She is only 15 months. If I could adopt her, I would in a heartbeat. She is beautiful. As you mention the name Jesus to her, her body loosens up. You can see Our Creator in this sweet, innocent child who deserves better.
Meet Meluleki.
His heart is precious. When I first met Meluleki, both of his hands were wrapped as he was just in a car accident. He couldn't feed himself as a 12 year-old boy and it broke my heart. Meluleki was all by himself and no one was there to help him out, so I started to feed him as I was able to do so. Meluleki's mother was working and in order to pay for the medical bills, wasn't able to stay with her son. I don't understand this, but clearly God has blessed our relationship. Just so you know...I saw Meluleki today and he was in such good spirits. He was smiling and laughing.
God has called me to be a peacemaker, a mother and a healer.
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