GodandMe2theMax

A call to prayer - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2013 - will you enlist?

Brave Gideon had 300 men, the Mideonites had a host.
But Gideon had the Lord with him, and so he had the most.
Gideon had the Lord!  Gideon had the Lord!
He won the fight with the Mideonites, for Gideon had the Lord!

If you grew up in Sunday School like I did, perhaps you know the words to this song and were humming along as you read them.  As I share this morning, not only do I remember this old tune, but for our family this Wednesday, the story of Gideon takes on deeper meaning. 

In the eight year history of Maxpoint Ministries, founded by my husband Frank Banfill, we’ve never had a global call to prayer for our family and our ministry. The time is now.  We desperately are asking that you lift our ministry and our family up before Father, specifically this Wednesday, January 23^rd. (Of course, if you want to pray for us in between, then by all means, do!)

Gideon’s army was facing a mighty battle; one that looked insurmountable to the human eye.  But nothing is insurmountable when you have the Lord, and we know that.  So just as brave Gideon saw a mighty miracle take place as God used him and 300 men, we are asking God to give us an army of 300 people who will commit to pray specifically for our ministry and our family (Frank, Beth, Amber, and Jacob) on Wednesday.  We would ask that you pray for three things:  WISDOM, CLEAR DIRECTION FROM GOD, and for PROVISION.

Please pray as the Lord leads, but here are some of the Scriptures that we will be praying this Wednesday:

“Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.”
--Isaiah 49:23b

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times,having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
--II Corinthians 9:8

“I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.”
--Revelation 3:8a

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him.”
--James 1:5

If you will commit to pray for us, please comment on this blog, on my facebook page, tweet “praying” to @frankbanfill, or send me an email. If you prefer to text me, then by all means, do so!  Just let me know in some way of your commitment to pray for us.  We are asking God for that army of 300, just like Gideon’s army.

If you’re reading this, then at some point, our lives have become intertwined.  Maybe we have gone on mission trips together, attend church together or have in the past.  Some of you reading this went to college or high school with me.  And yes, I can definitely think of some who are reading this now who actually attended elementary school with me!  Perhaps our lives are connected because of our 16 year old daughter’s numerous mission trip outreaches and public speaking successes.  Maybe we’ve been able to minister to you through sharing how God’s grace has been demonstrated in the life of our 14-year old son who has overcome so many challenges (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfpKq-1rH4A).   Maybe our lives have been laced together through sharing my cancer story and God's healing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCN2MGSzym4).

Perhaps you’re reading this post because someone has passed the link on to you over the course of time or maybe you just stumbled across it “by chance”.  I truly believe that there are no “chances” with God, and if you are reading this, then God has a reason for it.  I am asking that you pray for our family and our ministry.  We are asking God for an army of 300, just like Gideon had, and I am asking you to let me know that you will be praying. 

Will you enlist, if just for a day, this Wednesday, January 23^rd?

*Pray for Frank, Beth, Amber, and Jacob Banfill
*Pray for Maxpoint Ministries
*Pray for WISDOM
*Pray for CLEAR DIRECTION FROM GOD
*Pray for PROVISION

Thank you in advance for being a part of the army!

---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

 

They are people. They have names.

They are people. They have names. As I mentally start to process everything I experienced in the last week in Barranquilla, Colombia, that’s all I can think of. They are people, and they have names.

Last Monday, I posted a lot about multiplication and math facts. But sometimes we tend to give our “mission trip report” based on the numbers. How many people were saved. How many people heard the Gospel. How many people were in attendance at the new mission site. And truly, those numbers were incredible. Our team of forty-four North Americans shared the Gospel (at last count) to 3033 people. Of those people who heard the Gospel, we were able to see 2136 people make professions of faith in Christ. That’s 2136 people with names, ages, addresses, and follow up information given to the local pastors. That’s 2136 people who now have their name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life that weren’t recorded just one week ago. Our team worked in twenty barrios across Barranquilla, and throughout the week, seventy-four “Yo Soy Segundo/I am Second” discipleship groups were started! Yes, the numbers are good. But these numbers represent people, and they have names.

My team of six, from our Firewheel youth and adult worship team worked in two areas throughout the week, Malambo and Ciudadela. As I said in a previous post, I worked in Malambo three years ago, and the church I helped start then was now birthing a second generation church. But let me tell you about the people. The stories. Their names. Their needs.

Pastor Jesus Donado (pictured above) is the new pastor of the mission site in Malambo. What a cool name he has, literally meaning “Jesus donated!” The name of the new mission church is Bautista el Gran Trono, literally meaning “The Great Baptist Throne.” Please pray for this pastor, his wife Candida, and the church workers who will be following up and discipling these 100 new baby Christians in his barrio.

Lizardo de la Cruz Avila - This is the first person I was able to share the good news of Jesus with on Monday morning. She was already a Christian, but she asked for prayer to be more bold in sharing her faith. I asked her who she planned on sharing the Gospel with, and she quickly said the first person who needs to hear is her next door neighbor. Pray for Lizardo to get involved in the local Bible study group and new church plant that is being started in Malambo.

Gustavo Carmago – accepted Christ on Monday – our Independence Day. We spent time training him on presenting this newfound faith on his own. Before he left, in simple terms, he could share his decision of accepting God’s free gift of forgiveness on his own. He asked prayer for strength and boldness to share Christ with his wife and three daughters, who are deep in the Jehovah Witness faith.

Esneider Castro, Audy Castro, Jose Ivan Garcia, Liliana Paencia, Neiver de la Cruz, and Shirlys de la Cruz, and Juan Dios Castro Acosta. Juan is 58, and the partriarch in this family of seven. How awesome it was to sit outside under a shade tree, initially with only six of these seven people. They knew the story of Jesus dying on the cross, but they had never connected the dots that He is offering to everyone a free gift of salvation that is not works-based. We trained them all to share their faith using the E-Card, and just as we were finishing, another family member walked into the circle of chairs. How amazing it was to watch one of the brothers, Jose, articulate the plan of salvation. Before we left, one more name was written in ink, on top of the six family members who were initially sitting there.

Ruby Baron – please pray for this decision to solidify in her life. We talked to her on her front porch, and although she seemed to make a genuine decision for Christ, I ask that you pray for her specifically. Only God knows the position of her heart when she prayed with us, as He does with everyone. At times she seemed a little distracted, looking away and down the street to the hustle and bustle of the other team members.

Luis Carlos Lopez Martines – We shared with Luis at the same time of sharing with Ruby. However, unlike Ruby, he was clued in on our every word. I prayed to receive Christ, and when I pulled out an E-Card to train him how to share this faith in Christ with others, he told me, “Oh, I have one of those.” I was a little confused and shocked. However, then the real story came out. A few minutes earlier, another team member shared the Gospel with him, and he just wasn’t ready to make a decision. However, as the Bible says, some sow, some water, and God gives the increase. And that’s exactly what happened with Luis Carlos. I told him God wants us to be a shining light in the world. Before we left to visit with other people, he worked through the E-Card and was able to share the Gospel with my translator, Christian. I wondered if would really share with anyone. Then about fifteen minutes later, I looked up to see Luis Carlos sitting in front of another home, getting a pedicure, and sharing his E-Card with the lady doing his feet. In the heat of the day, I had goose bumps all over and a huge smile. Please pry for Luis Carlos to be strong in his faith and bold in his witness. He also asked pray for God’s blessing on his fish business. He is a street vendor in Malambo.

Yoveli Arayou Caballero is a young girl who was also present when we shared with Luis Carlos and Ruby. She has a strong Jehovah Witness background, and she prayed to receive Christ. However, when we asked her what day would be good for the Malambo’s mission pastor to follow up and do a discipleship visit, she hesitated to commit. She walked away knowing how to use the E-Card, but only God will be able to water that seed and grow Yoveli into a true disciple. Pray for her and her family.

Pastor Evelio and his wife Luz Elena Gonzalez will be shepherding the new mission point in Ciudadela. (The picture above is from the Victory Service on Friday night when we commissioned all the pastors and their families in their new work. Luz Elena is the lady in the front in the purple with the black purse.) The name of their church is “Para el que cree, todo es possible.” What a great name for a church, and how true: For those who believe, all things are possible! Please pray for them as they begin to do follow up visits with the 90 professions of faith in their neighborhood.

Mirella Jolis, age 49. Mirella was the first person I was able to share with in the Ciudadela barrio on Wednesday. As we were breaking up into teams, deciding which team was going to work on which side of the street, she walked up to me and asked, “What’s this all about?” So on the side of the street, with beads of sweat pouring down my back, I shared God’s love with her. After about thirty minutes of talking , she prayed to receive Christ as her personal Savior.

Jorge Bevnal is a 38 year old from Ciudadela. (Above) He saw all the commotion in the street, and when we were dividing up into the smaller teams and deciding to where to work, we apparently walked right by him. He wanted to talk to us, but he figured perhaps we were going house to house. So what did Jorge do? He planted himself down on his small patio, shirtless, and decided to “take a nap” to see if we would walk right by him. I started to walk around him, then I peeked over to see if his eyes were open. I could see he was awake, and Thais, the national who was leading us through the neighborhood, asked if we could share our story with him. Jorge sat there, eyes glued on every word I shared. He then said that the night before he had a dream that a ghost (which he named Lincoln) was fighting for his soul. He had woken up in the middle of the night, screaming and fighting this evil spirit who was trying to take control. He had prayed that God would help him fight Lincoln off, and then we showed up in his barrio!

When I asked Jorge if he wanted to pray to receive God’s free gift of salvation, he asked if he “had to right now.” Interesting. I could see a tug of war for his heart, and I told him so. I asked him, “The question is, Jorge, who is going to win that tug-of-war?” That is what God used to break his heart. Jorge accepted Christ as His Savior, and the change was immediate. After he finished praying, he shared with us that as he prayed and asked forgiveness of his sins, he literally felt the burdens being lifted. And when he asked Christ to come into his life and be Lord, he said he felt the Holy Spirit come in. Now mind you, I did not even tell him yet about the Holy Spirit! He then immediately started asking us deeper biblical questions. Questions like, “How do I know what God wants me to do now?” “What happens if I sin again, because I know I will?” We spent the last hour of our visit with Jorge doing discipleship, answering his questions by showing him God’s instruction manual, the Bible. Jorge asked prayer for boldness to share Christ with his neighbor, his brother, and his friend. He came to the evening discipleship (Yo Soy Segundo) group, and I have no doubt that I will meet Jorge again in eternity. What a total God story he has!

Henry and Mariella (above) are a brother and sister in Malambo, and they are now my brother and sister in Christ, too. Henry requested prayer for boldness in sharing his new faith with his girlfriend.

Delna Garcia is an older woman. I started sharing with her how I came to Christ as a small child. Just then, her husband appeared at the door. He was excited to hear from us, but he also told us “I’m a Catholic for life. It doesn’t matter what religion you are, you just must repent and give your life to Christ.” He was in a hurry, but we asked as many follow up questions as we could before he left on his motorcycle, to be sure had Christ in his life. I have my doubts about Delna’s husband. He had all the right answers about salvation and God’s free gift of forgiveness, but the interaction was so brief, I just don’t know. But then again, I don’t need to know. I need only to be obedient to share the Gospel. God is in charge of the rest of it.

But Delna, on the other hand, I have no doubt. She told me she knew all about Jesus dying on the cross for our sin. But she never realized her faith was not in Jesus Christ, but her faith and way to heaven was in her good works. She prayed to receive Christ, and then uttered almost exactly the same words that Jorge Bevnal uttered the day before: “When I was praying, I felt the burdens being lifted right out of me!” She held out her arms, and although we were all sweating profusely, she had goose bumps everywhere, even on her head at the base of her hair. It was amazing! I wrote down all the verses that we had looked at, even using her Catholic Bible, so she could share them with her husband. Please pray for the Garcia family!

 

Ana Zapata, Yakelin del Rosario, and Edwin Zapata (above) are one of the final families I was able to share with in the barrio of Ciudadela. I shared my testimony with them, and then began sharing the Evangecube by asking one simple question of each of them, “If you were to die today and go to heaven, what answer would you give God for why He should let you in?” Each of them had a different answer, and they were all works-based answers. They retrieved a Bible out of the back room, and I shared with them Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, John 14:6, and all the verses in Romans.

By the time we finished, Ana (the 73 year old mother of Yakelin and Edwin) had John 14:6 memorized and was quoting it for us. They all had prayed to receive God’s free gift of salvation and the excitement in their eyes was beaming. I asked them what I could pray for them about, and Yakelin’s request was for her health. She is struggling with diabetes. Ana asked prayer for boldness to share with her other children (she is the mother of eight adult children, all living in a small little cinderblock home, doubling as a school in the front room.) And Edwin just began to cry. The smile could not be wiped from his face. He just wanted me to thank God for this free gift and for me sharing my gift with him.

The three of us held hands together, crying, and praying. The change was so evident. So convicting. Please pray for salvation to come to the rest of this family.

These are just some of the names that God allowed to touch my heart this week. We had seven other teams in eighteen other barrios. Each of our team members has similar stories as mine and yet very different. These are God stories. Ones we can’t make up or even orchestrate. These are people. They are God’s people now, and they have names.

 

---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

 

Math Facts...

I’ll admit it. Math has never been my strong suite. It was third grade when I had to learn my times tables. My teacher, Miss Richards, had a paper tree on her class room wall, and each time we learned a math fact, our monkey got to climb up a branch. I remember freaking out because my friend told me that the ones and twos times tables were due that day, and somehow I missed the fact that I was supposed to learn them. Sure, the "ones" were easy, but the two's? I didn't know how to do them! We were on a bathroom break, and the test was right after the break was over. “Just skip every other one” my friend said. That was the best word of advice any friend could give me at the time. I remember telling Miss Richards very slowly, well at least slow enough that I could count on my fingers, anyway. Zero times two is zero. One times two is two. Two times two is four…all the way up to two times twelve is twenty-four. Relieved, my monkey got moved up a level, and I vowed to memorize the rest of them, this time before the test. I wasn’t stupid; it’s just that no one had taught me how to do this thing called multiplication.

Well, today I remembered the importance of math facts. You see, today, by God’s orchestration, my team was put in a barrio that I worked in several years ago. As soon as I heard we were going to Malambo, I remembered the name. I knew we’d been there before, but I wasn’t sure if we were working with the same church, if that church we helped start several years ago even existed, or if this was a new area, a new attempt at starting a church.

Our team gathered out in the open under a tree. We started to divide into teams, matching the translators with the North Americans, and then matching up the national workers with the North American / translator teams. Then a young lady came over to me with a translator. “I remember you. You came to my house, and you have a daughter named Amber.” Now, I must say that I didn’t have a clue who that girl was; I wish I had that kind of memory, but I do not. I looked at her with amazement. “Yes, yes I do have a daughter! She is with me again, but she is working in a different barrio this week on a different team.” The girl went on to say that I had led her to Christ several years ago. This girl was now going out with our team today, sharing the Gospel. The pastor’s wife then filled me in on the rest of the story. This new mission site where we were working is now a 2^nd generation church. The church we helped start a few years ago was now working to start a new church deeper in the same barrio.

That, my friends is called spiritual multiplication. God used me to help start a little mission church about three or four years ago. Now, that church is helping to start another. Our evening service, which met under that same tree and started just as the storm was rolling in, saw at least six “Yo Soy Segundo” (I Am Second) groups started. Not counting the North Americans and the translators, we had at least 24 people in attendance in this new area of the Malambo that we were working.

Let me tell you about another amazing multiplication story. The second house I went to had one man, sitting there watching tv and eating. “Do you have anyone else in the home that can come listen?” I asked. Within a few minutes, he had gathered up his mom, dad, brothers, and (I believe) sister-in-law. I was able to share Christ with this family. They were familiar with the story of Jesus’ death on the cross and rising from the dead. Most Colombians are. However, when it came time to ask them if they met Jesus at heaven’s gates and were asked, “Why should I let you into heaven?” all seven people had a different answer, and none of them were the right answer. It was so amazing to sit there and share with them from God’s word how it was simple faith in Christ, asking Him for forgiveness of sins, and giving Him control. I explained that Jesus did all the work on the cross, and we only needed to accept for ourselves this free gift of forgiveness. This family got it. They really got it. They each prayed and asked Jesus Christ to come into their life and be Lord.

I spent some time training them on how to share this newfound faith with others using a great tool called the E-Card (www.EvangeCube.org). We practiced together, and with God’s perfect timing once again, yet another family member walked over and sat down, listening intently as the various family members were working through the E-Card and learning how to use it. I then asked one of the adult sons to share the Gospel message with his brother. Astounded, I watched as this new Christian, minutes old in Christ, led his brother in the plan of salvation. That, my friends, again, is called spiritual multiplication.

I think as an adult I have an inner fear that one day I’ll forget those math facts that I worked so hard to memorize as a child. You know, if you don’t use them very much, sometimes it’s a bit harder to recall the down the road. So quite frequently, and this is the Gospel truth, just before I doze off into dreamland, I will shout out a math fact for my husband to answer. The most common one I’m drawn to is nine times eight. Don’t ask me why, but it is. Perhaps it’s the one I struggled with the most when I was younger. But rest assured, tonight as I get ready for bed, I can honestly say I’m finally a fan of math facts. They’re pretty cool. In fact, they are part of God’s plan for each of us. We reach one. And they reach one. And they reach one. One by one. Two by two. Until the whole world hears. May we all never forget our math facts.

A Little too Much Baggage...

John 3:30 "He must increase, and I must decrease."

So my Colombia mission trip has finally arrived! I’m thrilled to be back in Barranquilla, Colombia, and our big team all arrived without incident. Every piece of luggage arrived with us, and that in itself is a huge miracle already.

Whenever I travel, I always use the same carry-on bag. It’s about the max size for a carry on, but it definitely fits in the sample “Your bag must fit in here” unit. Yes, it definitely fits, except when you fill the outside pockets with extra last minute things. You see, I was one of the last to board in Dallas, and when I went to get on the plane, they stopped me and made me prove my bag would fit in that sample unit. Sure, no problem. Well, except for one. I jammed it in there so hard I couldn’t get it all the way out…nor could I get it in there laying on its side, which was the requirement. Yes, I had too much baggage, and I couldn’t carry it on the plane. I was forced to make them gate check my bag all the way to Colombia. Luckily, I had enough sense to grab my passport and money out of the bag, but not enough sense to grab my Dramamine. Plus, the gate agent seemed as though he had completely lost his patience with all the passengers and their bags, and I didn’t want to push my luck. So bonvoyage I said to my bag, with a smile and my best attempt at a good attitude, and I prayed it would make it. And praise God, it did.

I thought about that as I sat on the airplane, frustrated to say the least. Too much stuff. If I had time, I could have simply just moved the junk from the outer pockets to the inside, and all would have been well. I would have showed that gate agent. But I didn’t have time, and I didn’t plan well enough. Then I started to wonder…how many pockets in my life are filled with too much stuff, causing me to miss what God’s real plan is for me? Have I spiritually planned well enough so that I’m emptied of ME so HE can have His way?

As you pray for us in Colombia today, please pray for empty pockets, ready to be flexible. Ready to be emptied. Ready to be filled with whatever new plans God has for us.

Amino Acids at Work...

Hebrews 13:16 "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices, God is pleased."

Amino Acids. They are the building block of proteins. Admittedly, I was not a disciplined student in school. I don't remember much of what I was supposedly learned. Thankfully, I did have some great English teachers, but when it came to science, it was pittsville for me. But this one thing I do remember: amino acids are the building block of proteins.

This last week, I witnessed first hand Christian "amino acids." OK, don't check out on me just yet. Our bodies need protein, right? Protein is a fundamental component of all living cells. It is necessary for an organism to function properly. Do we all not need Christian protein in our life? Even more, I'm talking about the amino acids, the building block of proteins -- the very basics.

Let me explain more. This summer, my daughter and I are going on a mission trip to Colombia. This will be my ninth trip to Barranquilla, Colombia, and my 14 year old daughter's fifth trip. I love Colombia, but the decision to go was not made lightly. I prayed and prayed, asking God to clearly show me this was HIS will, not just mine. One big factor in that decision was the fundraising required. You see, after you go to the same place on a mission trip several times, it's really hard to keep raising money to go again, year after year. I felt in my heart that God was opening the door for us to go again, but our family didn't even have the $200 per person to officially make the deposit for the trip.

But where God guides, God provides.

I received an email from our church several weeks ago, saying someone anonymously donated the $400 deposit for Amber and I to go. Step one, whether or not to go, confirmed. We then sent out our support letters to family and friends. In years past, we've been able to financially supplement what we couldn't raise, but that isn't the case this year. We were 100% reliant on God for this one, which is exactly what He wanted to so He could be glorified.

Donations started coming in, and we were zeroing in on what we needed. But also zeroing in was the deadline. Half of our money is due in a few days, and we still needed almost $700. Like I said, everyone needs protein to survive. And if I was going to survive in this fundraising quest, I needed some amino acids. The thing is, God knew that. He surrounded me with living, breathing "amino acids" found in my life group and friend circle. One friend outright told me, "You're having a garage sale. I'll help you get it organized and work it for you." Did you catch that? She planned my fundraising garage sale for me! Building block one. People started donating items for the sale. Building block two, three, four, five. Thursday night came, time to set up for the sale. Our garage was literally half full of items. Building block six, seven, eight, nine, ten, and eleven showed up to help me get it organized. They stayed late in the evening. Emails and texts came in from more building blocks. "I can't help, but I'm praying." By twelve noon on the first day of the sale, God had provided all the remaining funds that Amber and I needed for our mission trip.

What I witnessed this weekend was truly a miracle, unfolding before my eyes. You see, I couldn't even work the garage sale on Friday, since I had to work my real job. Of course, God can accomplish His will any way He wants, but it's especially rewarding when it unfolds using willing, selfless, amino acids. Yes, amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Protein that we cannot survive without.

As you can imagine, I've been on a God-high the last few days. I'm humbled by being the recipient of such massive blessings from others. I've also been asking God how I can be a blessing to others, in the same way these amino acids in my life have been to me. One way He showed me is by helping others in their fundraising efforts with the extra money from my sale. If you asked me even a week ago if I would financially be able to do that, the answer would have been a firm "no." But that's the cool thing about amino acids. They build on each other to make protein - necessary for life.

Perhaps it's an odd comparison, this concept of a Christian amino acid, but what happened this weekend couldn't have happened without each one of those people working together to get the job done. One block at a time. And I couldn't have been used to bless someone else without those initial building blocks of protein helping me.

Take a look at the verse to memorize for this week. Hebrews 13:16 "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices, God is pleased." The author uses a direct address here. It's an order. In a Beth's blog paraphrase, he says "Be a selfless amino acid. That's an order, and don't forget it. God will be happy with you for being obedient."

How about you? Are you being an amino acid, building protein into the lives of those around you? Are you making a conscious choice to build life into someone, block by block? You don't have to have money to be an amino acid. No, in fact, all you have to do is be obedient, just like the verse says. So this week, don't forget to sacrificially do good and share with others. God will be pleased. Be a building block in someone's life. Be an amino acid.

---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

 

 

Friday and Saturday - Saying Goodbye, and Going Home

Friday seemed to come before I knew it, and a heavy sadness was creeping in.  You see, Friday is our free day to spend with our translators, then Friday evening we have a closing rally with anyone who wants to come from the barrios.  It's a huge service we like to call the "Victory Service."  Then we say our goodbyes and leave early Saturday morning.

For lunch on Friday, my translator Christian took me and two of his friends to a restaurant on the 13th floor of the Don Carleton Hotel.  It was one of those restaurants with a revolving floor so that you can take in the beautiful sites of they city of Barranquilla.  Apparently this restaurant changes themes every season, and when they do, they bring in a completely new restaurant and decor.  This season:  Tony Romo's.  Now picture it.  A classy five star hotel with Colombian waiters dressed up like Texas cowboys, chaps and all.  It was quite comical, to say the least.  Definitely not authentic, especially since I live in Texas, but I'll give them a Colombian "A" for Effort.

I could have had lunch about anywhere - the place didn't matter - it was the time of debrief and relaxation that was so refreshing.  During the week, we go a mile a minute, often without time to even process what amazing things God is doing right in front of us.  The lunch on Friday offered that much needed down time to just enjoy friendship and talk about the events of the week.

Christian wasn't feeling well, so we ended up going back to the hotel.  I hung out with some other friends, went for ice cream, then got ready for the Victory Service.  As I  prepared, I couldn't help but think about the trip from the point we started one week earlier.  It seemed like I had been in Colombia for weeks, yet at the same time, it seemed as though I had just arrived.  I can't even explain the emotions that were swelling.

At 5:30, we headed out in the bus toward the Victory Service.  Each of the eight barrios our teams worked in during the week would gather in sections at the church, holding banners so our North American team could identify where they were sitting.  I walked in and saw those precious faces...faces of people who did not know the Lord last week, but this week they had an encounter with Him that changed their life. 

Over and over, I saw their smiles.  I hugged their necks.  I held their children.  I kissed their faces.  We sang, we laughed, we clapped, and we worshiped together - in Espanol and English.  Two languages, praising one God.  The Victory Service was a culmination of what God had done during the week - celebrating new life in Him.  In total, our team presented the Gospel 1,497 times.  We were able to see 832 people make professions of faith in Christ...832 people we were able to get names and addresses for the national leadership to follow up on and disciple.  Additionally, we were able to do discipleship visits with 103 people, to help train them about the Bible and what it means to be a Christian.

I'm pretty good with goodbyes on the outside.  I can compartmentalize the emotions and cap them so I hold it together.  On the inside though, it kills me.  I hate them.  Each year, I fall more in love with the Colombian people.  I never know if I'll see them again here on earth, and I can't ever promise I'll come back to Colombia the next year.  Yes, by far, Friday night goodbyes are the worst part of the trip...but inevitable.

With Friday night behind me, Saturday morning came, as did the long trip home.  Thankfully, it was uneventful.  We were blessed to have some natural comedians on our team this year, with some amazing team unity to boot.  That definitely made the return trip easier.  There were moments we laughed until we cried.  I made some really special friends and deepened other friendships.  And I didn't have to say goodbye to these guys, I go to church with them, so that was a definite plus. 

I'm thrilled to be home, to hold and hug my family.  But I hope I'll never be the same again.  I don't want to go back to life as usual.  Yes, in a sense, I have to.  But seeing the poverty in Colombia reminds me that we live in the most blessed nation in the world, and I never want to forget that.  In the Victory Service, we sang I'm Trading My Sorrow.  The Colombians knew that song in both English and Spanish, and it was incredible to worship together with them, one voice unified, two languages, one God.  I'm singing it tonight in my heart...

I'm trading my sorrow
I'm trading my shame
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord

I'm trading my sickness
I'm trading my pain
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord

And we say, yes, Lord, Yes, Lord, yes, yes, Lord
Yes, Lord, Yes, Lord, Yes, Yes Lord
Yes, Lord, Yes, Lord, yes yes Lord AMEN.

I'm pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned
Crushed down but not destroyed
I'm blessed beyond the curse for his promise will endure
And His joy is gonna be my strength

Though the sorrow may last for the night
His joy comes in the morning

Si, Senor, Si, Si Senor
Si, Senor, Si, Si, Senor
Si, Senor, Si, Si, Senor AMEN!

 

No, I hope I'm never the same again, and joy comes in the morning! 

At the "Tony Romo's" restaurant on Friday afternoon.

 

 

---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

Thursday Night - Coincidence? Not with God!

Coincidence?  Not a chance.  Not with God!

Today I have seen the providential hand of God over repeatedly.

I'll start with my very first visit of the day.  I was reunited with Christian, my translator from the last four years.  We've worked together so many times sharing the Gospel that he can practically know what I'm going to say next.  He knows his Bible and is passionate about sharing Christ.  Besides that, he's like my little brother.  I pick on him constantly and love him dearly.  I say all this about Christian, because God knew I needed him as my translator at this first home, someone who was bold and spoke with conviction. 

On top of Christian, the national we worked with from yesterday, Andreas, was with us again.  This guy was amazing.  Usually when we work side by side with the nationals, they're pretty timid.  Not Andreas.  I have never worked with a national like him, and I believe he'll be a pastor himself one day.  He walked over an hour from his home to the barrio, just to work with us.  How many of us would do that?  To tell you the truth, with the heat and humidity here, I don't think I would have.  That's commitment, and with tenacity like that, you know God had a plan to use him.

We went to a home where a mom, Nereida, was preparing lunch.  She had a son, Harrison, who was doing chores in the kitchen, and then another son Jorge was just hanging out.  We started to share Christ, and Nereida kept getting up and down, seemingly disinterested.  Then the father, Jorge Sr, walked into the house with another son, Oswaldo.  When Jorge Sr walked in, the mood changed.  He sat and listened intently as I shared the Gospel.  I talked about how Jesus died in the cross, suffered a terrible death for you and me, so that we could have a way to heaven.  I told them how salvation was a free gift available to all, and we couldn't work our way to heaven.

As I shared, as Christian translated, and as Andreas jumped into the conversation, it was clear God was in the house.  After about forty minutes of sharing, Jorge Sr, Nereida,  Oswaldo, Harrison, and Jorge Jr. prayed to receive Christ as their personal Savior.  They put their faith and trust in God and committed their lives to Him.  That was a miracle.  Salvation came to the entire house, and that is the experience I always long for when I go on mission trips.  So many times we lead moms or kids or fathers to the Lord, but rarely do we find the entire family at home at once. 

But the story doesn't end there.  Andreas, our national, has incredible discernment.  He could sense sadness in the home during our conversations.  After the family prayed to receive Christ, he told them that he knew the family had wronged each other.  They were holding bitterness against each other.  And just as God forgave them of their sins, they should confess to each other the wrongs they had committed to hurt each other.  He told them to demonstrate the same love of God that they had just experienced in their own lives with each other.

It was at least 100 degrees.  It was a humid.  I had beads of sweat rolling down my back.  But as I watched this family turn to each other, cry uncontrollably, embrace in an endless hug, goose bumps appeared on my arms and legs.  God not only took residence in their lives yesterday, but He was invited into their home to take control and heal broken hearts and open wounds.  He is the great Physician, and I saw Him in action yesterday.

We found out later that Oswaldo is leaving on Saturday for the police academy, and the family has been torn apart over it.  Nereida's heart is so fearful for him.  I was able to share with the family one of the verses I'd memorized earlier this year.  Zephaniah 3:17  "The Lord your God is with you.  He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you.  He will quiet you with His love.  He will rejoice over you with singing."  Nereida hugged me, crying.  I did the same. 

Nereida then invited the three of us to share lunch with them.  It was soup and rice.  Hmmm...this is something we're told to never do.  We have no idea how the food was prepared, and we can probably assume the water was not purified.  I prayed, but I knew the immediate answer.  There was no way I would insult this family and not eat with them.  "Lord, protect my stomach supernaturally; please don't let me get sick.  Bless this food and this family.  Amen."  So far, so good.

I trained the family on how to use the E-Card.  They were excited about sharing this Good News with others.  We also found out that have one more child, a daughter named Linda.  She was at school, but they were quick to assure as she would hear the Gospel from them as soon as she got home.  Three older boys and a baby girl.  There are four kids in my family, three boys and me, the baby.  No, God is not a God of coincidence.  He didn't need me there in that  house, but I'm sure glad He chose me to be there and experience His power.

At the next home we visited, we found an entire family who were already believers, but they had fallen away from the Lord.  They were not involved in a local church, and they had allowed circumstances in their lives affect their commitment level to God.  Sound familiar?  How similar is that story to Christians we know and have come across in our path.  Some of the family members were struggling with debilitating back pain, and we took time to pray for them.  Andreas did the praying, and I'm telling you, I don't have a clue as to what he said, but he prayed with such passion for them.  The Holy Spirit was moving.  The woman in the house had faith that she would be healed.  Only God knows.

In the afternoon, we had another national join our team, Evelyn.  She watched as we shared Christ with our testimony and the Evangecube.  I could sense her fear.  At the last home we visited, I handed her the cube and said, "It's your turn."  I have to laugh as the color quickly left her face.  I told her, "God has not given you the spirit of fear."  And I told her we were going home, but she would need to continue the work.  I watched at the next home and said nothing at all, only smiled.  Evelyn may have been scared, but it was awesome to see her share the Gospel - her first time ever.

At the end of the day, Pastor Roberto sat across from me in the van.  He has such passion for the Lord, and he wanted to share all these old pictures of people he's worked with in the past.  He used to live in Cartagena, but two months ago he moved his family here to Barranquilla to start a new church.  One by one I politely smiled as I looked at the pictures.  Oh that's nice, nodding my head as I listened to his stories. 

Wait!  I know that guy!  That's Jeff Smith!  Jeff plays the bongos on our church's worship team and is in my small group.  I knew Jeff had gone to Cartagena one time a number of years ago, but I quickly learned that Pastor Roberto was Jeff's translator on that trip! 

Next Pastor Roberto told me about his passion for evangelism and gave how this evangelist he met a long time ago him an idea of what to name his association, if he started one.  He pulled a weathered family picture of this evangelist from his Bible.  "Hey, that's Johnny Wilson!" I said.  His eyes widened...you know Johnny Wilson?  Dude!  I used to travel with his ministry on the weekends when I was in college.  Frank used to work with him in North Carolina!  Wow!  Colombia is a big country.  Pastor Roberto knew Johnny from quite a while ago from when he lived in Cartagena.  Who would ever think that me, living in Texas, would go to Colombia and find several mutual friends with this Pastor who has been in Barranquilla only two months?  God would.  There are no coincidences with Him.

I'm humbled.  I'm thankful.  I'm overwhelmed.  I'm forever changed.  I'm so grateful my coincidences are God's divine appointments.

 

Oswaldo, Jorge Jr, Nereida, Jorge Sr, and Harrison

 

---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

 

Wednesday Night - Holy Spirit RAIN down

During lunch today, all I could think of was the song "Holy Spirit Rain Down." Perhaps that's because the rain started just as we arrived back to the host home for lunch and continued most of the afternoon, delaying our going out to do more evangelism by more than hour.

The Jehovah's Witnesses recently canvassed the area we were in this morning...when I say recently, I'm talking I missed them by five minutes at one home. We talked to a mother-daughter combination, both named Margaret. Momma Margaret had a lot of really good questions, including ones about how you know what to believe when so many people come knocking on your door. The Lord gave me just the right verses to share as we sat with her and her daughter explaining Scripture, answering questions, and following up to be sure they understood what it meant to make a decision to follow Christ. The struggle between good and evil was so present in the room. They both seemed to want to follow Christ right away, but Momma Margaret was struggling. You see, between the JW's who visited five minutes before me and the Christians she knew who didn't act very Christlike, she just wasn't sure what we were telling her was Truth...or if this Christian lifestyle was something she really wanted. The visit lasted about ninety minutes, but in the end, both mother and daughter bowed their head, asked Jesus to forgive them of their sins, and they committed their lives to Christ. When the stronghold was broken, the change was so apparent. Holy Spirit, rain down!

I shared with a number of people who had recently committed their lives to Christ. They were literally baby Christians, with little knowledge but the basics. These people begged me to pray for their loved ones who didn't know Christ. I spent time with each of these, sharing the new evangelism tool called the E-Card. It's much like the Evangecube, but it's a flat pocket sized version. Hats off to E3 Resources for this one. It always breaks my heart when I go on mission trips. People beg me to give them my cube, and I always have to just refer them to the pastor of the new mission site. But this new E-Card tool is amazing. I was able to train several people today on how to share their faith and actually practice with them. It was exciting to see the sparkle in their eyes when they got toward the end of the E-Card, realizing they now had a tool to fulfill the passion on their heart---telling their family the Good News of Jesus! Holy Spirit, rain down!

Our evening service went on, even though the rain continued. We couldn't have fit another person in that house if we tried. I was able to share my cancer testimony, and the Lord laid a verse on my heart that I had memorized earlier this year to share with the people. I challenged them to keep the Lord first in their lives and not let trials shake them. Psalm 16:8 "I have set the Lord always before me, because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

After the service, Pastor Robert, the pastor of the mission site we're working in today and tomorrow, came to me and told me what a blessing my words were. He said there was one specific person in the evening service who really needed to hear what I had to say. Another team member is going through a similar situation, and she shared how much she needed to hear my testimony as well. Go God, Go God! I really prayed about what I should say, and I'm so thankful He answers prayer and gives direction. (Another Groupies4God verse: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you! Psalm 32:8)

I don't know why I'm so amazed with God. You think I would learn by now...even come to expect God to do unbelievable things. Today my translator was a young guy named Andreas...Andrew. I was with him all day, but I didn't hear his salvation story until the end of the day on the drive back to the hotel. He said that tomorrow will be one year since the day he accepted Christ. He said that last summer, he committed his life to Christ on an E3 Mission trip. The wheels started turning. Hey, Amber and I were on that trip! So I asked him if he remembered the name of the person who had talked to him about the Lord. Not only did he remember the names, but he knew first and last: Jennifer Polk. Madison Polk. David Shaver. Carolina McCurdy. All of these people are friends of mine and go to church with me...all were on that same trip last summer!

Andrew continued, "They have no idea what their message has done in my life. My life has completely changed because of God. I am now the leader in my youth group and I lead a Bible study group myself." I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of his story, but it just goes to show that we have no idea the impact that we have on people's lives. We come to Colombia and obey what God has told us to do. We share the Gospel with people. People we think we'll never meet until eternity. God uses us to speak truth into people's lives, to make an impact for eternity, and we never know it. Tonight, I got a glimpse of the impact some of my friends had last year. Obviously, during the campaign the Holy Spirit rained down - and never stopped - in the life of Andrew. We just never know, do we?

For dinner, I had a surprise visit from my translator from the last several years, Christan. He had been working the first half of the campaign, but tomorrow we'll be reunited, and he'll translate for me. He walked in the door of the restaurant, and my mouth about dropped. It was so good to see him again, harass him like my little brother, and we picked up right where we left off last year.

During dinner I got a call from one of the Pastors we worked with last year, Pastor Jorge and wife Paola. They were waiting at the hotel for me to get back...waiting to show off their new baby Andrea Sophia. She's a keeper, for sure! It's so amazing to reflect on the friendships that have been formed over the last seven years of coming to Colombia. These people are the most loving and beautiful people I've ever known. Every evening, I sit in the hotel lobby as new and old friends come in and out. How I wish my family could be with me to experience these friendships. That old song is so true - Friends are friends forever when the Lord is the Lord of them!

God is being faithful here in Colombia. Thank you for your prayers for safety, health, and boldness! Holy Spirit, rain down! In worship, in divine appointments, in friendships, and throughout Colombia!

---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

Tuesday night - We're not in Kansas Anymore!

No, we're not in Kansas anymore.  I was especially reminded of that during our lunch when a tornado came through the area, less than a mile from where we were.  Here in the barrios of Barranquilla, I quickly realized that if a tornado is coming, there is no place for cover.  You can bet I kept my eyes on that tornado, watching the direction it moved.  Thank the Lord, we watched it form, funnel down, and then dissipate.  Wild.  I can't remember ever seeing anything like that before - it was straight from Twister.

No, we're not in Kansas anymore.  I knew that because as I stepped into the first home, the man was hard at work painting black paint on the fabric of old tennis shoes so he could resell them.  That first visit of the day turned out to be amazing.  Juan and his wife Esther were both already committed followers of Christ.  Their son Robert was not, however...but he was not home at the time.  I was able to encourage them as best I could, but in reality, I'm sure they encouraged me even more.  After I finished sharing my testimony, Juan shared how he came to Christ.  Then with tears in her eyes and the biggest smile I'd seen in a long time, Esther shared how today was her birthday, and me coming to visit was the best birthday present ever.  We all prayed together, cried a little, then off I went to the next home...to their neighbor Teresa.

You see, when I was sharing with Juan and Esther, Teresa hung outside the door listening.  She had to leave during the conversation, but she made sure we knew to come to her door next.  No, we're not in Kansas anymore.  That surely would not happen in the grand United States of America.  As we shared with Teresa, in marched another gentleman.  His name was Robert, and I was quickly informed that he was the son of Juan and Esther from the first visit.  We shared the Gospel with both Teresa and Robert, and they both prayed to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

In nearly every house I went to today, we met Colombians who needed prayer, needed encouragement, and most importantly, needed Jesus.  How humbled I am to think that God would let me share His love with these wonderful people. 

Perhaps I had one experience today that made me think I was still back in Kansas.  Her name was Carmen, and it was so sad.  I shared the Gospel with her, and when I asked her if she would like to make a commitment to Christ, she said with an odd smile on her face, "No."  I asked her what was keeping her from making that decision, and she responded, "I'm not telling God no" she said, "I'm just telling Him not today."  Now, please understand Carmen was no spring chicken, to put it mildly.  She was an aged woman.  She believed everything I told her about the Gospel, the Bible, Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, and salvation.  She had heard the Truths before; I told her nothing new.  I explained to her that the Bible says "Today is the day for salvation."  I could see the emptiness in her eyes the few times she would make eye contact with me.  She let me pray for her, she let me take her picture so I could remember her face and pray for her in the future, then we left.  ...with Carmen still having that odd smile on her face.  (Pictured below.)

Yes, that's a lot like those we know in the grand old USA.  How many people do we know that refuse to accept Christ?  They either don't feel the need for God in their lives, don't understand that good works don't get them to heaven, don't understand that's it's not about religion -- it's about a relationship with Jesus.  They refuse to believe the Message, or worse yet, we neglect to tell them.

If you think of it, please pray for Carmen.  Pray for those who accepted Christ today.  Many are burdened for their children who are involved heavily in drugs.  It was a great day for sure, and I can't wait to hear everyone else's stories tomorrow morning at our team meeting.  I'm sure glad I finally made it here.  This is better than Kansas.

 

Pray for Carmen to decide "Today is the day for salvation."

---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

Monday Night in Barranquilla - One word focus - UNITY!

I made it. I finally made it to Colombia. Sure, only two days late with an unexpected tour of Coral Gables and Miami, but I made it...and my luggage, too! I had no choice but to bring our team leader Sam and his wife Vicki with me on the flight. I was afraid to leave them in Miami, for fear they would ditch the mission for the lively Miami Beach life. :-) God orchestrated every step today, and He gave us favor with Greta Bueno...yep, her name was Greta Good at the Avianca counter. Between the seats I held and her hard work, and of course God's providential plan, we were able to board the flight from Miami to Barranquilla, arriving at our hotel, Hotel Majestic, just as some of the teams were returning from working in the barrios. United with our team at last.

I had hoped my blog tonight would be about the amazing things I experienced today, witnessing to people, seeing them come to Christ...but instead, after the experience in Miami, I'm more reflective of my first international mission trip. You see, not only was the leader from my first trip the one who came to our rescue in Miami to drive us around, but as I spiritually prepared for this trip, God kept reminding me about the importance of unity on our team, which was a big issue on my first trip. Now, I have no reason to believe it's going to be a problem this week, but it's something that can divide a team and cause the movement of God to come to a complete halt. One passage I have read at least a dozen times in the last week was John 17:20-25, which focuses on unity.

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message. That all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me..."

That first mission trip to Australia was the summer after my freshman year of college. In total, we had thirteen students, a husband and wife couple and their two young boys. Like me at the time, most of them were new at this mission trip stuff, and that first trip to Australia was just a few days shy of a month. That's a long time to hang out with people you don't know very well. That's a long time to hang out with people you really don't like very well, either. And we didn't just hang out, we lived together, camped in the Outback, and aside from showering, did just about everything with each other.

Now with that many people and all different personalities, there are bound to be clashes. Before going any further, perhaps there's something you should know about me. Even to this day, I hate being told what to do. Just ask me, and I'll likely do it...but if you tell me, I likely won't. Perhaps you already figured this one out, too - I'm a bit stubborn. Let's be honest...if you know me, you already knew that little tidbit!

Well, in Australia, I was part of a children's ministry who did puppets. I remember very clearly getting more and more frustrated as this guy named Frank Banfill told me what to do, over and over (and over!) "Beth, help put the puppet stage together. You're not opening the puppet's mouth wide enough. The puppet is looking to the ceiling not the audience. You're not syncing the puppet's mouth with the music just right. Beth, quit goofing around and pay attention." Orders. On and on. If anyone ever told me I would married this guy three years later, I would have had them committed to the funny farm. I was impressed with his preaching, but as a person, he was rock bottom on my favorites list.

I wasn't the only one having problems with personalities and unity. Apparently, there were some other situations that went much deeper than my superficial hatred of Frank Banfill. About half way through our trip, our team leaders sat us all down and said something like this. "Listen, this has got to stop. We are a team. If you have a problem with someone, you need to go work it out. We are here to serve the Lord, and when we are complaining and bickering, we are not serving. We have to have unity."

That was a long time ago, and I don't remember the exact words they chose, but I do remember the power that they had in my life. This trip to Colombia is now my fifteenth international mission trip, and the unity problems from that first trip haunt me to this day. When there is no unity on a team or among believers, when our focus is on ourselves and our own whims, it's pretty hard to serve God and others whole heartedly. As I start each trip, I often think through how I am going to deal with the personality clashes that will inevitably arise.

In this passage in John 17:20-25, Jesus prays for me; He prays for future believers. He prays for those who are out telling people about Him, like what my team will do this week in Colombia. He prays for the people who are going to hear the Good News we have to share. The message is simple and clear, spoken directly from Jesus.

But as the passage goes on, I love how Jesus talks about unity. He says "(My prayer is...) that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in Me and I am in You." Think about it. In the same way there is no discord within the Trinity, Jesus wants us to be unified as a body of Christians. Then He says, "...may they be in Us so that the world may believe you have sent Me." I know I can't be unified as a team unless I'm first aligned with Christ.

I think we are most vulnerable for sin to enter our lives when we are about to do something for the Lord. I see it over and over, and I have personally struggled over and over. Nearly every year, I get put on a sub-team with the one person on the trip that I would rather be the farthest from. I have no idea about this year, so far so good, but after so many trips, I've come to expect it. That's why this passage is so key for me this week. Unity. One. If Jesus focused on it so much in this passage, I need to as well. So as I go into the barrios in Barranquilla, please pray for unity on our team, and for those who will believe in Jesus Christ through the Message we share.

And for you, if you are not actively sharing your faith, if you don't know how to even lead someone to the Lord, find someone in your church who can help you. Send me a message, and I can point you to some great tools to help you get started. Start with purchasing an eight dollar evangecube at www.e3resources.org. It's the simplest tool to share your faith that I've ever seen. I remember someone telling me, "It's not that hard. You just show up and breathe." Really, when you have some Good News to share, it's not as hard as you think. Get prepared. Start now.

Finally, perhaps you're reading this, but you don't understand all this mission trip stuff and why I go across the world to share about God. Maybe you don't understand what it means to have a free gift of eternal life through what Jesus Christ did on the cross. The Bible is very clear that you can't earn your way to heaven by being a good person. Religion means nothing. It's about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Don't let another day go by without considering this decision of committing your life to God and asking Jesus to come into your life, forgive you of your sins and save you. This verse also applies to you; Jesus was praying for you.

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message."

What's keeping you from being a messenger? What's keeping you from believing the Message? Let's experience unity in Christ together! So, tonight our team is finally unified, all in Colombia together. Please pray for continued unity, too!

I can't wait to see what God does tomorrow...

---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com