May Update

4-State Women's Retreat

“He loves us, Oh, How He loves us!” J. M. McMillan

It’s over. The 4-State Women’s Retreat at Village Creek Bible Camp went so well! I am still in awe of all that God did.

During the Retreat and the week after, I heard testimony after testimony of women impacted and changed by God’s love. A few women told me they had never felt the presence of God like that before. Some got freedom from years of rejection, shame and self-hatred. Some didn’t know God delights in them...that He likes them! Some felt the courage to follow the calling/dreams they knew God had given them. Many went forward for prayer for freedom, peace, and healing. One woman from Waukon told me “I have never really read the Bible, but I can’t wait to go home and read it now! “. One commented on all the tears during the retreat, “It wasn’t just emotions, it was the spirit of GOD.”

The IHOP girl band was a huge part of the weekend. They were incredible (I knew they would be)! Heather Deters led the worship
team, and the presence of God there was beautiful. Five other girls from IHOP came and prayed for and with many of the women throughout the weekend. What a blessing! And I get to live near them:) You can see some of the girls sing in the prayer room. (www.ihop.org/prayerroom)

My mom and sister Tracy did an excellent job hosting. My aunt Alice played beautifully. I am so blessed to have such strong women of faith in my family:)

God did a huge work in me as well! Thanks for your prayers. The week before the Retreat, I hit a huge wall of discouragement. Then the Lord’s presence fell on me so heavily, my only response was to weep for an hour! In that moment, I knew I was free from fear of failure, fear of disappointing God. When my heart is toward Him, there is nothing that can separate me from His love!!! I was able to speak at the Retreat with freedom and joy! I am SO thankful to Him! Words cannot express... He continues to amaze me day after day.


Tonya

“I, the LORD, have called you...to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” Is. 42:6-7

Last Friday I went to Hope City (IHOP’s inner city ministry) with Eunice, who wanted to go encourage a woman that had recently come off the streets. That woman, Tonya, immediately recognized me. I realized we had met last October when I was walking around downtown Kansas City with a friend. She approached us, asking for money, and I prayed with her. She was touched by our prayer and told us how she wanted to get off the streets but she couldn’t get clean. She cried, hugged us, and called us her “angels”. Now she’s been clean from crack and alcohol and off the streets for six months! She lives with her sister, works at McDonalds, got baptized at an IHOP service, and attends a Bible study. God is so good! She wanted me to take her picture so I can draw her portrait:)


Pure Heart

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matt. 5:8

I have been an Assistant Leader now for three weeks, and it has been intense! I realize how much I need to learn, but I am also amazed at God’s work in the girls’ hearts. Already I’ve seen them
receive freedom through confessed sin, healing from wounds from childhood, negative words, abuse and neglect. How beautiful to see them free of shame and condemnation and able to receive God’s love! I want everyone I know to take this course :) It’s so good.


Mom Visits IHOP-KC

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” Psalm 84:10

My mom brought me back to Kansas City last week and visited IHOP prayer room and an awakening meeting. She loved it. She said “There is such a sweet spirit in this place.” Before she left to go back to Iowa, she said, “I will never be the same!” :)


More Fun Happenings

• I ran a half marathon (13.1 miles) May 1st in Prairie du Chien, WI
• Joined 1st Baptist’s 24 hr prayer event in Elgin, IA
• Got to celebrate my sister Tracy’s milestone Birthday while I was in Iowa.
. 800 Koreans are visited IHOP-KC May 11-15th for a Passion for Jesus conference.