We are in New Mexico!

We are 11 miles out of Gallup and 143 miles from albuquerque

The Stand

I honestly can't even begin to explain how amazing this evening was. There are so many different stories and perspectives of this event that one person could never explain how amazing God's plan was. When we got to Madcap the lovely Sheila gave is all twine so that we could make prayer bracelets. I do believe they mean so much more to our students; not only do they cause us to pray for the Anthem but they will always remind us of what our God revealed to us (well except for AJ and myself because cuddle pants (rachael) lost ours!! :p). Some of our students got to help set up this cool sculpture masterpiece. After lunch at madcap we went back to the hotel. The students swam, napped, had small group time and got all dressed up. I thought it was cute that everyone wanted to look really fancy and nice for the Stand. :). We arrived back at Madcap at 4 to have a run through of the evening, finish setting up, and, most importantly, pray. 5:30 and all thought emptied my mind. 15 minutes. The excitement and anticipation of the unknown was making all of us jump and giggle uncontrollably. As the greeters and snow cone people (Jonny, Kenneth,Chantelle, Corey, Holly) were outside chatting it up with people, we were taken off guard by screams from the inside lobby. I checked my phone so fast it almost flew out of my grasp. It was time. Opening the doors, Isaiah and Sierra passed out tickets, while Jacob and I counted the people and ushered them inside. Melanie and Skylar were in the main Lobby directing people to the stairs or elevator. Zigzagged up the stairs were 5 smiling students to welcome everyone. I believe it was: Cj, Deborah, Amiee, Tristan, and Rachael. If you chose to ride the elevator Andrew would be waiting to take you to the correct floor. As the doors slide open you would see the concession stand, multiple merchandise tables and tons of people. Denae's table was run by Nick, Hannah, and Ivorie. Dominic's table was under the watchful eye's of Jackie, Aaron, and Marisa. The Stand started at six with beautiful worship from the Anthem band. At that time there were about 107 people in attendance :D. Denae Templeton was the second to play, she had a lovely folk worship sound. After her set Nick came and gave an amazing message for unbelievers, 12 people came forward. We had some students, as well as other volunteers, act as counselors. It was really cool to see the students learn and partake in explaining the next steps to take in faith. I as beyond proud of them. After intermission/counseling time Dominic Balli played. IT WAS AMAZING!!!!! I believe everyone had fun dancing, singing, and worshipping. Then Nick came back out and talked to all believers pleading with us to stand up and preach the gospel. The room raised up hands and shouts to show that we all agree to Stand for our God. It was so beautiful. Dominic played two more songs that slapped us all in the face with its INTENSITY!! I mean people were jumping, screaming, laughing, dancing and raising up hands out of excitement. It was bliss. After the Stand we ate at In-n-Out and then headed to the hotel for extended worship and prayer with Jonny. It was a truly lovely day. God had such a huge plan. I am blessed I was a part of it :)

There are many other stories of people talking to strangers and just pouring the gospel into their lives. Andrew, Richard, and AJ have some seriously beautiful witnessing stories. Every person was used in a precise perfect manner to make the Stand a huge victory for the Kingdom of God. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The past few days.....

Wow.. I was completely blessed by reading jonny's last post. I am, unfortunately, not as good a writer as he is. Gulp. All I believed about my writing abilities is a fable. To continue, Thursday morning we woke up pretty early, enjoyed a long quiet time, had group breakfast, and then headed to...... Starbucks! You see Matt Pirolo was extremely exhausted and we wanted to bless him with an Americano. Also, it was Melanie's G-day (gratitude day). Then joyously holding hot beverages we headed to Calvary Chapel of Northern Phoenix. For a good 4 hours of the morning, we were able to clean, scrub, and polish EVERYTHING. It was amazing to serve another Calvary, represent our Calvary, the Anthem, and shine for our Lord. After eating lunch, we were shuttled back to the hotel where we proceeded to get cleaned up for our future skate outreach. It was really cool to see all our skater friends, shout out to Ethizzzzle, and as we drove to another city we prepared our hearts with worship. That night some amazing conversations arose. The Lord blessed everyone and even though the day was riddled with attacks from the evil one, we prevailed on Christ alone. Praise HIM.

Friday, oh what a day. We set up for The Stand most of the morning and then enjoyed some wonder bread sandwiches. We were able to go to the Hotel and enjoy some R&R. I believe I napped :) hmmm mm............ What else happened... OH!!! We went to another skate park. Let me tell you that God did some amazing things!! Six people were saved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! I was blown away at how well the students and other leaders did:) Also, we met a 5 year old boy and were able to give him love, safety, kindness, and hopefully, a new beginning. I believe that God rocked all of our hearts and spirits.

This trip has created in me a desire for a deep deep unbreakable need of the Holy Spirit in my soul. I feel like I have become bold and more equipped to share my faith. The Lord has revealed many things to everyone. My deepest prayer is that all of us will not fizzle out after two months but continue to grow in faith, love, strength, maturity, and courage. Also, I like exclamation marks a little too much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peace and blessings
Sarie berry!