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Saturday, November 01, 2014

This post is put on for Kara by her Mum.
Kara has asked that 'thank you' letters she wrote be included here. I will start with what I wrote to accompany her letters in the 'mail out'

My letter:-
1.11.14
Hi all,
As you will realize this mail out has been a very extended process. For most of the time Kara has
been in the US she hasn’t had internet access and that is especially so over the last 18mths. I did get
the letter she prepared last October in May / June this year but then had to wait for names,
addresses and instructions of other means for people to access the documents and then wait until I
physically had the time to sit down and attend to these matters. During our trip together in the US,
during her spare time, Kara was working on a video / movie type presentation of her time with USA
YWAM. Then after completing it on the last night she was unable to burn it onto the DVD –
something about needing to update the software. There were difficulties doing this to the point
where it is still not on DVD. Hopefully one day this will be available.
Thanks for the support you have and do give Kara as she continues to do what she believes God
wants her to do at this time.
Kindest regards,
Lorna Martin / Beckett
(Kara’s Mum)

Ps I have had trouble getting the pictures to show that Kara had put in her letter. I was able to reinsert the one she had of her and me and the middle one you see below and I have substituted a couple of others that she had.



Monday, 14th of October, 2013
Dear friend,

I just wanted to say a huge thank you y'all for supporting me through your prayers finances and correspondence over the past 12 months. It is truly a blessing to know how many people are still supportive of me (even though I have fallen many times), and God, and His work and I truly appreciate it!

Most of you know that I first came to America to obey God in doing YWAM (youth with the mission) at YWAM Denver, and this was an amazing experience - one which I never expected I would be doing and came completely out of the blue. Whilst things didn't go the way I thought it would towards the end, I know (and am starting to see glimpses of) what God's lessons and intentions were and that it will all fall into His amazing purpose for my life, the life of others and changing the World, as we know it, and shaping His Kingdom. 

As some of you know, I am now at Strong Tower (www.urmystrongtower.com), which is based in Hitchcock, Texas, and have been for the past six months, and will be, as a student, for at least another six months. This could potentially lead onto me being here another 6 months to a year. 

There is a bigger story about how I ended up at Strong Tower that I can explain if you would like me too, and I am only waiting for you to ask, but I also know some of you are probably wondering, especially after looking up the website, what I am doing at a "rehabilitation" centre. Let me just say straight up, it is so much more than that. It is one of God's strong towers... A place to seek refuge in the midst of our spiritual war we daily live in.   Sometimes that war is identified from the battle wounds and scars on and in our flesh and emotions, and Strong Tower is a place for those who no longer want to be a victim of the war but for those who want to be a victor, placed safe, to learn to fight as The Lord fights.  Those who are broken and hurting and realised that they need a Saviour.  They may not realise that that saviour is Jesus Christ, but they are presented with a safe haven and it is here that they begin the journey of knowing Jesus as their personal Saviour and who they are in Him – valuable, worthy, victorious, conquerors… and making Him known.

In short it is a 12 month residential discipleship program for men and women who want to break free of their problems, whether it is drugs, alcohol, depression, domestic violence, homelessness, codependency, anger, grief, incarceration, etc. and start living their life how God destined us to live it – with purpose, not for ourselves, but for Him.
Inside of that discipleship program also comes leadership and a multitude of other ships…

So we get our healing from God and not from medication or therapy and in doing so we learn to trust God with every aspect of our lives and give Him total control of everything.

In being here though, I was given a confirmation of my calling, that God had told me in February (at YWAM) again in May.  That God has called me to be a missionary, conquering the doubt, fear, and confusion that I have allowed to creep in.

Whilst being at Strong Tower is not my ideal location, I know it is where God has called me to be for at least 12 months.  It is a character building stage, like Abram had 25 years before he was at an appropriate character lever for fathering the nations (Israelites) through Isaac; like David had over a decade, since his anointing (by Samuel) to be king, before he was king of the Israelites; like the Apostle Paul had around a decade (from Jesus calling Paul) to adjust his life and prepare, to walk the path God had ordained for Him. It’s where God is working on me, in this season, so that I am at the character needed for the next assigned mission.

Over the last 6 months I’ve gone from student, to student intern, back to student again, with my graduation in May and whilst I don’t know what God has for me after May, I know I am still to stay at Strong Tower until further notice from God.

So whilst I don’t know my next steps I am totally thankful for you support and ask, if you can, to continue to pray for me and my family.

I love y’all a lot and think and pray for you often.  May God bless you and may you always remember His presence, devotion and love for you.

Lots of love and GBUG (God Bless U Good),


 


 










 (Above: Most recent photo of Mum and I – taken near Houston, May 7th, 2014)



She had then written this letter which I received with the names and other instructions.


Wednesday, May 21, 2014

In the nick of time...


After having said our farewells, mum and I departed on different legs of the route. Having checked in I was informed that the plane was delayed and that I may not make my connection. In hearing this the attendant allowed me to have a seat booked so that if I missed the flight I could make the next flight. 

The plane ended up being delayed 30 minutes, however we made up time with the wind in our favour. 

Arriving at Dallas, my plane started boarding at 4:20pm. We arrived near the terminal at 4:17, but due to plane traffic on the runway between us and our gate, I was not able to get off the plane until 4:35pm. 

Praise God that the boarding gate was right next door. Arriving there I saw no one there, but the flight info said it was on time. Speaking to the attendant I asked if they were still boarding and he said yes, let me on, and encouraged e for making the flight. Praise God and thanks. 

The buck doesn't stop there though. I was a little nervous on my luggage making the connection and having boarded and seated, we were informed that due to technical difficulties we would have to wait for maintenance to come and replace the seal on the baggage door. So this is where I'm at now, almost an hour in, but with peace and assurance that my luggage made the connection too. Thank You Jesus!!!


Tuesday, May 20, 2014

It is so good to be back up at Eagle Rock.


To be honest, I was scared to be at the YWAM Denver morning worship this morning, but God met me where I was at and healing took place. I had the chance to get reacquainted with people from my YWAM school, some I expected to be there and some that surprised me by being there. But it was such a blessing all in all to be able to step past the fear and into the presence of what God has for me by not walking in fear or intimidation but in His footsteps, taking His hand and trusting Him with each day. 






Monday, May 19, 2014

Locked Within Yourself?

"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future." 
Paul Boese

Unforgiveness locks one inside a prison walls. Those walls aren't built by the person you're refusing to forgive but by yourself.  You are locking yourself in a prison which the other person may not even realise that you've been hurt or offended by them. 

Watching crime shows you'll realise that it is unforgiveness that builds bitterness, hatred, self-loathing, discontentment, among other things, resulting in an enactment of volitude - whether expressed internally or externally. 

We need to learn to forgive, and sometimes this isn't easy but there's been signs that show unforgiveness kills one internally... And those times that we've thought we've forgiven, but something comes up late to remind us of that hurt equals another chance to forgive and forgive continually...

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (Matthew 18:21, 22 NIV)
(Read Matthew 18:21-25)

Bryce Canyon

Although not as big as the Grand Canyon, I do have to say that I preferred the layout of Bryce Canyon a lot more. It's visitor centre was a lot more informative and gave you a good impression on what Bryce Canyon was all about without having to read a multitude of books. 

The colours and formations here were unique and an experience to pursue. 

(Thursday 15th of May, 2015)

Home Sweet Home

Arriving in Tropics, we stayed at these quaint little log cabins. No cell / mobile reception and pretty much no wifi meant going back to the olden days of entertainment and quality time. I do have to say staying here the two days whilst we were at Bryce Canyon was interesting and being in a Mormon founded and populated area was a new experience. 
Definitely loved the log cabin. 

Utah Baby!

A few views driving from Williams Arizona to Tropics Utah. (Wednesday, 14th of May, 2014)

Sunday, May 18, 2014

TRUTH

You can't go so deep in sin that God can't find you. "Kris Vallotton"

Saturday, May 17, 2014

STAY ALIVE!!!

How true is this?!
We can be alive but it is when we lose hope that we start to die.  It is our choice to lose hope, but external circumstances don't help.  We need to stay alive however.  Christ has given us life.  Christ has give us freedom.  We need to choose it!  We need to stop putting the chains of bondage on us that wrap us up in the meddlesome ways of this life and hold onto the truth that He has declared for us in His Word!  Don't lose hope.  Don't die inside.  STAY ALIVE!

Friday, May 16, 2014

Navajo Indian Craft Discovery


On our drive to Bryce Canyon, Uyah, we stopped at one of the many Infian market booths set up alongside of the road. 

Here we met Elaine (top left) and two other ladies who make a lot of the crafts at this booth. Elaine is of the Navajo tribe and was indeed very beautiful. She told me of the materials used in her jewelry, how they give back to their spirits at different times and a bit of her family and culture.  She was open and humble and truly a treasure to meet. 

My favorite piece of pottery was the one behind Elaine in the far right top shelf. Truly a stunning piece. If I had a house here and didn't have to worry about transportation I definitely would've got it ;) sadly, one has to remember to pack light and stay light and even that is difficult a lot of the time when you see these pieces of art and the deals to be had in America. 

Top right is a painted skull. Bottom left is the Navajo market - well part of it. Bottom right is the American flag with an Indian rider on it. 

(Wesnesday, 14th of May, 2014)

Thursday, May 15, 2014

GRAND CANYON, Arizona!!!

A lifelong unexpected trip (for both Mum and I) to the Grand Canyon. So many pictures taken in this one day (South Rim of the Grand Canyon), mainly on the camera, but here's a couple good ones taken from the phone. 



(Tuesday, 13th of May, 2014). 

New Mexico to Arizona!!!

Driving to Williams, Arizona. 
Sadly I was violently sick with a stomach bug on this 8+ hour road trip, so photos were limited, but here's a few good ones taken on my phone. 

Chaco Canyon

Shanteyl took Mum and I on a quick road trip to see the Chaco ruins in Chaco Canyon, which were part of the Navajo (partly derived from the Chacoan) Indians. 

(Sunday, 11th of May, 2014)

Deer and Elk at the Leeson Ranch


(Saturday, 10th of May, 2014)

Abiquiu River, NM

Saturday, 10th of May, 2014. 
View from one spot... The camera just couldn't do it justice. 

New Mexico Sight Seeing


Saturday, 10th of May, 2014
Adobe top left. 

Indian Craft Treasure Hunt Stop in Ohkay Owingeh

Saturday, 10th of May, 2014

Dairy Queen Lunch in EspaƱola, New Mexico.


Saturday, 10th of May 2014. Mum's first try of Dairy Queen. Quick stop in Espanola, NM, on the way to Shanteyl's place in Lindrith. 

A glimpse of Santa Fe, NM, USA



(Saturday, 10th of May, 2014)

Santa Fe - A Few New Mexican Architectural Views...


(Saturday, 10th of May, 2014)

Travels from Houston to Dallas (Texas) to New Mexico.

Friday, 9th of May, 2014 we left for Houston. Mum has learnt very quickly and well how to drive on the opposite side of the road. 

We arrived in Dallas, and having been stuck on the Tarmac for 20-25minutes, missed our connecting flight to Santa Fe New Mexico by a couple of minutes. After a little bit of calling around, a lot of praying and holding patience whilst conversing with airline attendants, we were able to get a flight to albuqurque, instead of having to wait until the following day's flight to Santa Fe on which we'd have been on a waiting list. 

The cool thing here was that the first Albuqurque flight (1930), which was over 3 hours after our original flight involved a waiting list as well. We were third in line, with a full flight and plenty after us... And with the next one at 8:40pm (including another waiting list) and the last flight at 10pm (which we did have an officially reserved seat on), God moved mountains ensuring we got on that flight. Arriving in Albuqurque just in time to catch the 70 minute long shuttle to Santa Fe. 

Another praise point was that the rental car did not cancel our car for not being picked up that night at Santa Fe Airport and the hotel allowed us to cancel free of charge, with friends, Margaret & Randy, who I met in Colombia, opening their doors for us to stay the night and pick us up from the shuttle drop in the middle of the night. 

Such a blessing comes in hidden packages of surprise that we often miss because we get stuck on the negative instead of praising God for the small things that we do see, which opens our eyes to the larger things that are at work!!! 

Dinner in Houston

Dinner at Center Buffet in League City. Bon Apetit. Simply delish for a $12 all you can eat buffet. Got to eat my long awaited seafood and sushi!!!
(Thursday, 8th of May 2014)


Houston City Zoo

A day with the animals, surrounded by the sky scrapers. A surreal reality indeed. 
(Thursday, 8th of May 2014). 


Monday, May 12, 2014

Quick Shot of Picnic in the Park


LABELLED (a devotion I received via email which is really good and putsa lot of things in perspective for those of us who need to learn Christhas given us freedom we need only take it)!




Labels: From Addict to Free


Lonely guy looking into the distance at sea
I want to introduce you to Herbert. Herbert is a member of Transformation Church, and he is my friend. But, he wasn’t always my friend, or a member of Transformation Church. Here’s the story of how we met.
One evening my family and I went to dinner with friends at an Italian restaurant near our home in Charlotte, North Carolina. At the time, my daughter, Presley, was twelve, and my son, Jeremiah, was just seven. Presley is an adventurous eater, just like me. Jeremiah will eat a wide variety of food, too—as long as it is cheese and bread. So he was not happy when he found out we would be dining at an Italian restaurant. And like most kids his age, he let us know this by having a bad attitude. On the way to the restaurant, he was cranky. In the parking lot, he was cranky. And when we sat down at our table—you got it—he was cranky.
But then a big man with an even bigger smile arrived at our table to serve us. Immediately his booming yet cheerful voice captured our attention; even Jeremiah’s pouting turned around. The hospitality this man exuded was beyond the typical “I’m-going-to-be-nice-to-you-so-you-can-give-me-a-good- tip.” 
As I looked into the eyes of the big man, I sensed his heart was even bigger than his smile.
It still brings tears to my eyes, remembering how that big man with the big smile won my son’s heart. But he didn’t stop there. He charmed everyone at the table. We were under his spell.
Before I knew it, he had Jeremiah and Presley creating multiflavored pops with him at the pop machine. Jeremiah was having so much fun he had forgotten he didn’t want to be there. What a great night! The service was remarkable. The food was magnificent. But the night was about to get even better.
As we and our greatly expanded stomachs were getting ready to leave the restaurant, I sensed a prompting from God and said to the big man with the big smile, “Herbert, God has a call on your life. He has placed a massive amount of love in your heart. God has gifted you to make people happy. Get ready: God is going to do something in your life.”

I do not believe in chance encounters. In every moment of every day that has ever been, God—master conductor of the symphony of life that He is—orchestrates every encounter we have with others. I believe that before time began, God envisioned the day I’d encounter Herbert. All my past experiences were for this moment. I believe this about every encounter with every person I have. Having this Christocentric perspective keeps me aware, present, and appreciative of people.
For the last fifteen years, I’ve made it a habit to carry my NFL trading cards with me. What’s unique about them is that instead of having my football statistics on the back, I have the story of how I came to faith in Jesus.
At restaurants I leave a generous tip, my autographed trading card, and a church business card, in hopes that the server will connect with our church. Normally I don’t put my personal phone number on the card, but this time I sensed I needed to.
About two weeks later, I got a phone call from the big man with the big smile. For the first few moments, our conversation was pretty light. Then Herbert’s booming yet cheerful voice began to crack. That crack soon broke into deep sobbing.
Have you ever heard the agony in another person’s cry and sensed the pain that is breaking his heart? Herbert said, “Pastor, I’m tired of living a lie. I’m an addict, and it’s killing me and the people I love. My addiction has cost me my children, my family, and my money. It has stolen everything from me. I’m tired, Pastor. I’m tired. Can you help me?”
Herbert had an “Addict” label in his heart. The chains of addiction had limited him.

Addicts Don’t Suffer Alone

Addiction is a cruel master whose sole objective is to destroy the addict—and anyone else in his or her life. No addict ever suffers alone.
Here is Herbert’s description of how addiction ruined his and his loved ones’ lives:
Because of my addiction, I was lonely, mad, and always frustrated. I was always out in the streets, wanting to get my next drink or hit. It was devastating. I was a slave. I constantly worried about how others felt and thought about me. I tried to hide my addiction by cleaning myself up. No matter how hard I tried to hide it, my family knew. Addiction has separated me from my family for years. It cost me my first marriage. My children don’t even know who I am. My darkest days of being an addict felt like I was snatching my family’s life away from them. I was out one night, smoking crack, and I ran out. I knew I had to get more. I wanted more. I was craving more.
My sister wanted me to go grocery shopping for her. She gave me several hundred dollars to do it. It was tough because as I walked to her house, I was telling myself “Don’t do it. Don’t do it. Don’t do it.” When she handed me the money, I knew I wasn’t coming back. I knew my family was going to go without food. But it didn’t matter because I wanted to get high. Herbert’s addiction touched many: wife, sister, children . . . who knows how many more? An addict never suffers alone.

Addicts Don’t Know Freedom

For those who have never truly grappled with a severe addiction, the choice seems obvious. Why wouldn’t you simply choose freedom from this kind of pain and destruction? Well, once you are in the grips of these addictions, once the label of “Addict” has been stitched on your heart, it is so much easier said than done.
One of my favorite movies is Inception, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. His character, Dom Cobb, leads a team of spies who are hired by corporations to steal valuable information from their rivals. Cobb and his teams pull off some specialized espionage by entering into the dreams of executives through special military technology to extract top secret information. The movie’s plot leaps off the screen when a corporation hires Cobb and his crew to do an “inception”—the planting of an idea in the minds of targets from a rival corporation. Cobb had done this only one other time.
Watching this film, it occurred to me that this is what Satan and his demons do to humanity. They want to steal God’s truth from our minds (extraction) and then implant lies about God and us in our minds (inception).
The movie’s tagline is, “Your mind is the scene of the crime.”
That is so true, and this is precisely what happens with addiction. If we don’t know who we are and whose we are, we will not know how to live in the world. This leads us to seek false gods to meet our needs. The result is addiction.

Friday, May 09, 2014

Picnic in the Park (Strong Tower's Grass Field)

On the eve of my graduation, Strong Tower had their first Picnic in the Park.  A time of connecting with the community and sharing His love. 

Two beautiful girls who mean the World to me!!!




PUPPIES!!!

Kim and Brownie

Puppy love!





My Mum is in America Y'all!!!!




Almost 2 years apart, it is such a blessing to see my mother face to face, and be able to give her a nice warm hug.  I cannot believe how much of a blessing she is and how much I've missed her.  We've already had fun with teaching her to drive on the right side of the road in the right side of a car... and I look forward to the next 2 weeks of adventures with her.  Stay tuned for further updates and adventures being shared.  Y'all are awesome and I love ya and would love to hear from you.  Keep strong!

Little Blessings, Little Surprises = A Package of Thanks When You Realise His Love For You


One of my favourite times in Colombia... the children of an orphanage near Pereira.

Sunday, March 02, 2014

James 3:9,10

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Life of Aborigines Second Worst in World

I saw this article and realised my passion is still with these people. They are my brothers. They are my sisters. They are family and we need to break the division down, of racism, differences and past and allow a new generation to come up. These people should not be forgotten!!! Who are we to leave out brothers behind for the advancement of our self gain of civilisation?

(http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/27/1082831568285.html)

By Andra Jackson
April 28, 2004

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A Canadian study on education, life expectancy and wealth shows a marked difference between Aboriginal and non-indigenous Australians - and the rest of the world.
Picture:Terry Trewin

The quality of life of Australia's Aborigines is the second worst on the planet, according to a Canadian study of 100 countries.

Only China performed worse, according to a United Nations index that measures human development.

Australia, however, ranked fourth after Norway, Iceland and Sweden on the level of human development accorded its general population.

The human development measure was compiled from three other measurements - educational attainment, life expectancy at birth and median income levels, researcher Martin Cook said.

The findings were presented to the 18th World Conference on Health Promotion and Health Education in Melbourne yesterday.

Mr Cook, who is a PhD student in sociology at the Western Ontario University, said the index "is a simple blunt measurement that hides a lot of complexities".

The study also compared the development of Canada's Inuit, New Zealand Maori, America's Indians and Australia's Aborigines over the past decade.

"Australia didn't fare best in any of the individual measurements on levels on education attainment, life expectancy and the income gap between indigenous and non-indigenous populations, and it was clearly the worst on overall human development," Mr Cook said yesterday.

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It tracked indigenes' progress from the 1990s to 2001 using census data and life-expectancy estimates. It found Australia had the highest gap in educational attainment between its indigenous and non-indigenous population. It also showed that during that decade the educational gap between the two groups in Australia widened even further.

The gap in life expectancy between the indigenous and non-indigenous in Australia was the widest of the four countries examined.

Mr Cook said the message from the study was that "we should not be complacent, the gaps can increase between indigenous and non-indigenous people even when the overall development levels of a country are increasing".

Monday, February 17, 2014

Epiphany and confirmation... WHO ARE WE TO HOLD OUR PAST LIVES TIGHTLY WRAPPED AROUND US. BE FREE!!! (Ephesians 5:6-9, 11-20 NIV)

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

(A small selection of our handmade crosses, laid out at Walmart). 

(View from the Port Arthur Walmart - there were cows!!!)