Prague/Praha

       I am currently sitting in a YWAM apartment in Hungary, having just arrived here last night from Prague. I'm actually missing Prague a bit, which is unusual for me, I don't general miss places, especially ones I've only been in for two weeks. Prague was a beautiful city with friendly people and good public transportation. (And apparently Hungary has some of the best public transportation in the world, or something like that, and today that proved to be true in efficiency- didn't have to wait long for the bus or metro at all.) Prague reminded me of Romania, which isn't a surprise really-the more you travel in Europe, the more you see the similarities between the cities.
       My team and I were able to help for two days at Teen Challenge, an organization I've worked with in the states. My mime team actually performed a few times at Teen Challenge over the years and I really enjoy being with this organization I've respected for years. I have always admired Don Wilkerson, the founder of Teen Challenge, since I read his book "The Cross and the Switchblade," when I was about 15. So, it was neat for me to see this organization running well in another country and to be a part of it's ministry to teens coming from hard backgrounds. This teen challenge in particular serves many of the youth from the Roma, or Gypsy, community. These kids have experienced drugs, hard family life, abuse, and some crime-all this with being part of a community (Gypsy people) that is looked down upon and ignored by the culture in general.
      We played games with the teens, ate snacks, acted out the story of the Prodigal Son, sang worship songs, gave testimonies, and just hung out with them. One of my favorite times with the group was when I got to sing and do some dance movements, while another member of the team played guitar. Most of the teens did the dance moves with me and it was so enjoyable to worship God together with them. Later we did the same thing, but this time I taught them the signs to a song. They sang the song in Czech, we sang in English, and we all signed together in American Sign Language. Worshiping God in three different languages! I so enjoy leading worship and find that my joy in the Lord comes most often when I am worshiping through music, especially when I'm a part of leading others into worship and into God's presence. It is such a privilege to serve in this way. Here is a picture of one of the worship times we had with the youth there. The two girls in the picture were precious gems, who just stared into my eyes as I sang-it was intense and connected me to God's love for them in a new way. I hope they saw Jesus looking back at them.

       
        Another adventure with Jesus we went on in Prague was some street evangelism. This means we just went out on the streets at night, armed with coffee, origami hearts with a Bible verse on them, candy, and (for me at least) some tingling nerves. We went in two groups, and fortunately we went with people who are experienced in loving people on the streets and doing it with a right heart. Though I'm used to a bit different of an approach in telling people about Jesus on the streets-it was good to experience something different than was done well and I could depend on God more in my lack-of-knowledge of what was going on. Our group ended up just stopping and talking to a guy standing on the corner, who told us his name was Kenny. We were pretty sure he was a pimp, with his fancy gold studded shoes. Roger, a Jesus-lovin' father in our group looked at Kenny and said, "Kenny, Jesus loves you." Kenny nodded and said, "Yeah, yeah man, I know." :o)
       We ended up praying for Kenny then and there and he was so open to our words of love and the words from the Lord that we prayed. In the middle of us giving Kenny some coffee, his friend came up to us. I could tell he was totally searching for purpose and was hungry for what we had. (The Holy Spirit) I went up and introduced myself. His name was "John" and we ended up praying for him as well. In the middle of prayer I felt we should sing over John, and I told him I was reminded of a song I knew and I would like to sing it--he was pretty happy about this, and I sang, "Jesus, Jesus, risen and exalted one, Jesus! Your name is like honey on my lips, Your Spirit's like water to my soul, Your word is a lamp unto my feet. Jesus I love you, I love you." The others in the group joined in-and then Kenny did! He hummed along and laid hands on his friend! I could see John receiving the peace of God that passes all understanding right there on the street. We gave Kenny and John some flyers for an international church they could attend (both were from Nigeria). As we left Kenny said, "This is cool. I'm going to tell my friends about Jesus."

              So many more stories of God's grace and power, but I'll save those for when I get back. ;o) I'll leave this post with more pictures of our time in Prague.

Love in the Club

Title captures your attention eh'?
Yeah, did that on purpose.

Figured it was time for an update! :o)

Frozen Lake:
     My first time on a frozen lake! It was exciting to walk on it-and a bit scary. I went with some experienced frozen lake people and my buddy Lance, who also had never been on a F.L. before. It was amazing to see the different patterns of cracks underneath the ice and to slide around on this mass of cold water. We could hear a "boom" sound that came intermittently while on the lake. It sounded like deep drums in the distance, but then I was informed that it was the ICE. Okay...a little more frightened. But, the kids on bikes on the lake in the distance reassured me it was safe. At one point, Lance and Cristina called David and I over to observed this amazing pattern of cracked ice on the lake, as we did we heard the ice *crack*, and all of us jumped back--then we made a quick exit to the shore again. It was quite funny actually. We kept exploring up the river and I got to throw big ice chucks into the thin ice along the shore, where water was partially flowing. A family of ducks also joined our adventure-all in all it was a wonderful outing.

Dancin' in the club:
     We were invited by Kristine, a former student at the DTS last year, to go out to a Karaoke Bar where there was dancing. A good number of us decided to go. So, I waited until the second car came to get us at 12:30am to go to out dancing. First time I've ever done that! Our group brought a healthy party to the place and just had fun being with each other and dancing. I ended up singing a Karaoke "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with Kristine (who has an amazing voice), which was fun, even though I was shaking a bit. (Always the nerves of singing in front of people...even if it's in a club/bar.) As the night went on, the others and I shot up prayers for the people who were there. We could all sense a feeling of emptiness in the place....lonely people.
     There were some "interesting" encounters, as you can imagine, with some not-so-sober people. But then there were some beautiful encounters, like my friend Miriam talking to an older guy at the bar (and no, we're not allowed to drink at DTS, so we had coke. ;o), Maja leaving a note with some encouraging words for a guy who semi-joined our group, and me talking about the DTS to a woman in the bathroom of all places, and then meeting her again on the dance floor. (Her drunk boyfriend was "singing" "Living on a Prayer" and she asked me what I thought....my answer: "Good song choice...it was fun.") ;o) After this experience I respect people who have the energy and love to go into clubs and do club ministry. People-Jesus is in the clubs/bars. Jesus went into tax collectors homes, talked with prostitutes and LOVED the people into freedom. There was real love in the club that night. Amen.

Dancin' Feet:

      It's been a busy month for me. In dance this week we've had a contemporary dance teacher from Switzerland  We learned how to put a choreography together and on Friday presented our 15 piece. (Which included dancing in dirt! That was enjoyable-I've always liked the way dirt feels on your feet.) All month I've been working on my "testimony" dance/mime--each of us dancers had to choreograph a dance that presented something in our life that was impactful. I decided to do my dance on what God has taught me about receiving His love from others. The idea behind my dance is that there was a heart expansion as I encountered and received God's love from each unique individual in my life. A scripture that I've seen become reality is Ephesians 4:14-16 

     "As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by the craftiness in deceitful scheming, but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love." 

      You may recognize this theme from an earlier post titled "Joints" in which I talk about this verse. Yep, God continues to reveal more of His amazing love to me through people and shows me how I need their support, wisdom, and encouragement. In my dance, I actually have a prop heart that expands as I dance/mime and show vulnerability with my heart. The four other students who are on my outreach team are in my dance/mime, being the people I entrust my heart with, who give me back a fuller heart as I share with them. Even in the process of choreographing with them and having to be vulnerable in teaching and presenting this to them-I was practicing what the whole thing was about! Psalm 119:32 says, "I shall run the way of Your commandments, For You will enlarge my heart." As I obey with love my heart expands! 

     We got to perform the dance as guest performers at the Music Track's concert they did one Friday night. Our music track students performed their original songs for us and a fellow dancer also performed her testimony piece. It was a beautiful night of shared passion, heart lessons, talent, and glory given to God. 

      I got to teach two ladies the mime "Warrior is a Child" today--it took me back to my mime days and was a great pleasure. Then I went down into the studio with my roommate and gave her a singing lesson. (In as much as my limited knowledge can supply.) It is so good to thrive and give what the Lord has given to you. Share, be open, be vulnerable  be willing to not do things perfectly, be good in HIS goodness. Lean on God. His strength is so beautiful to lean into. 

:o)

     

Snow Days!

 My buddy Liam and I out for a snow day-where I pulled him in his sled around the neighborhood. :o)

(Click on image to make it larger)

Gremrue (Near Oslo)

 

      Having a fun night, in a tepee, in the kid's play area. Pretending to be stuck out in the wilderness. My instructions for our expressions in the photo: Reaction to being lost in a tepee in the wilderness for days.....
and there you have it.

love upon grace upon love

I haven't written an update in awhile!

    Here's some happenings that have been happening here in good ol' Norway:

:o) Exercise! A good amount of us have decided we need more exercise. So, one Sunday we gathered in the dinning room. Two of the boys joined us--they were brave, as we did some "girlie" aerobics exercises in the workout. (But we also did strength.) ;o) The time turned out to be none other than "your's truly" led. So, I ended up improvising and using what I know from jazz class yoga, Pilates, balance and beyond class,  Zumba classes, and whatever else I've learned along the way. It was so much fun, and so good to work out again! (We all felt a bit pathetic, starting to sweat at the very beginning of the workout.) I really enjoy leading exercise and got good feedback afterwards. Two days later some girls and I did another workout to a video I found online. All the girls commented, "We liked it better when you led it Beth." That put a smile on my face. :o) So, I am encouraged to get a bit more organized in my exercise routines and continue to liven' up life here in Alesund with some "gettin' in shape!"

:o) New Years! We had a special New Year's celebration at the base, involving anyone who was back from their home visits over Christmas. It included a Norwegian folk dance led by two Norwegian students and the Virginia Reel led by me-super fun. We played games, had a fancy dinner, and enjoyed being with each other. Alesund is the perfect place to have New Years. People set off beautiful fireworks that go off across the city. Since we're on a mountain, we got to look out over the city at all the sparkling fireworks going off and we hugged each other and blessed the New Year. It was lovely. Afterward we had a time of worship in music and prayer. What a blessing to welcome 2013 with fellow believers loving God.

:o) New Places! After New Year's we packed up and traveled to a city called Gremrue, near Oslo for YWAM's "workers gathering" for all the students and staff in YWAM Norway. It was a 7 hr car trip, so there was a lot of sleeping and snacking. It was neat to  be in a different location-but it was a colder location. I enjoy Alesund's weather, as it's by the sea and doesn't get as cold. In Gremrue I experienced a true white landscape, where even the sky seemed white and the air was crisp and frozen. It was beautiful, but hard to be outside. We stayed there a little over a week, after the conference having a teaching week on missions. It was encouraging to watch films of missionaries going to unreached people groups and really living and loving the people. There were tears in our eyes as we watched on film many people jumping for joy as whole villages came to know and receive God.

:o) My birthday! The most recent happening has been celebrating the day of my birth, Jan 17th. It's my first birthday away from home, and I turned 21, so it was pretty special. I got many hugs (!) and many sweet gifts. My parents sent me a package with some yummy American cookies and cream candy. My friends, poor mission students they may be, bought me goodies, including rootbear (it's known that's the only soda I drink-and it's only in one store here in Alesund.) I got some Dutch cookies, which are some of the best cookies I've ever eaten. Whew. I also received sweet cards of encouragement. And I got two songs written for me! I shall upload one of them, it's a comedic, fun song that represents more of that side of me. ;o) Here is the link to my friend's soundcloud with the song: (You can appreciate the cover art also.) Lot's of wonderful, blessed happenings here in Norway!

https://soundcloud.com/kusch-david/the-rebel-dont-mess-with-the

The Mountain Peaks at Dawn

      I'm currently reading "Mountains of Spices" by Hannah Hurnard. "Hinds Feet on High Places," the first book, really ministered to me when I read it some years ago. Emily gave me both books and I took the second one to Norway with me. I felt the slight urging to start reading it, and since I have, I see again how God's timing is perfect. The message and words are confirming the themes God has been bringing up in my life since being here in Norway. Simple truths. Profound Love. This is a song the young woman named "Glory and Grace" sings to her Beloved, the Shepard, on the Mountains of Spices. It fits perfectly with the setting I am in here in Norway-Praise Jesus!-and it speaks out my heart. Be Blessed. And run to meet Him.

The Mountain Peaks at Dawn
As in the early morning 
the snowy mountain peaks
Look up to greet the dawning,
 So my heart longs and seeks
To see thy face
And glow with grace


Here like the peaks at sunrise 
My mind to thee I raise;
Clothe me with glory likewise, 
Make me to burn with praise
In love's attire
Of flaming fire


In robes of snowy whiteness
 They greet their lord the sun;

I too, await thy brightness, 

On winged feet I run.
Give, now we meet,
Communion sweet.

Beauty and Majesty

 "The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands." Psalm 19:1 The view right outside our dinning room windows. :o)

"Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out thorough all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. In them he has placed a tenet for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. Its rising is from one end of the heavens, And its circuit to the other end of them...." Psalm 19:2-6

               
                               On Mini-Outreach: the view outside of our host's home.