Part of a Movement

Today I was sitting by the ocean, studying the waves and thinking how honored I am to be a part of God's worldwide missions movement. Then I was thinking, we are all a part of this movement.

Like the ocean, it's bigger than I could dream. It is scary, because it could take me under in a moment. It is overpowering, sweeping with fierceness and totally uncontrollable.

And yet this life of a missionary is what I was made for. When I'm not here, I'm restless. I heard someone say recently that "a man made for war who doesn't go to war wages war on himself." This is how I feel when I try to run, like Jonah, fleeing the wind and the waves, the unknown, very thing I was created to pursue.

When God calls you, you kinda have to go. It's the whole concept of making Jesus Lord over your whole life--all of your decisions and actions and thoughts. That means giving total control over to Him.

He is Lord.

And yet somehow when He is Lord, our dreams come true. It's like the ocean. Terrifying, yet so beautiful. An adventure.

So I've been called to go. Wherever He says, whatever the cost. Because He's worth it. And because this is what I was made for. To know Him, but also to make Him known. To share the treasure of God with others.

In fact, this is what we are all called to! The other day I read that "God did not make two worlds--secular and sacred."  Everything is for God's glory. It's our choice whether we make Him Lord.

If you want to be part of a movement that God is doing in Amsterdam, and support me as I go with a strike team to pray over the city and share the Gospel at a crucial time in Holland's history, you can join me as a prayer or financial partner! It is an honor to give all I have and go on this trip--you can partner with me and sow into what God's doing in Amsterdam!

To sign up for my email updates or to donate, visit:
http://rachel-hergert.weebly.com/contact-me.html

Critical Time in History

In preparation for our trip to Amsterdam, our team just found out some exciting news!

The queen of Holland is abdicating her throne to her son, Prince Willem-Alexander, who will become king on April 30th. It's been rumored that when he takes the throne, he is hoping to begin to shut down the red light district.

So as we go and pray over the city of Amsterdam, we actually have the authority to see an amazing culture shift! God actually wants to do something big in Amsterdam, not just to touch a few hearts but to tear down the enemy's kingdom there!!

Several of the main leaders of YWAM--including our international directors, Loren and Darlene Cunningham--have felt the word of the Lord over this "strike team" trip that we are about to embark on. This truly is a critical time in history!

Another word that we've gotten is that Amsterdam is a light to all of Europe. This is just the beginning. God wants to move in every city, every nation, and I believe He is about to use the least likely as the starting point! Someone today prayed, "Let the red light district become the bright light district!" We are praying for a 24/7 prayer and worship movement to rise out of Amsterdam, that God's presence would reign there--and this is what we get to pioneer!

I hope that this stirs up your faith and encourages you to pray fervently for this city. Let's have the faith that the God who sent His only Son to die for us, and then raised Him from the dead, whose hand has been at work through all of human history, from Genesis to Revelation...let's have the faith that He can transform a city of darkness into a city on a hill, shining brightly for all to see!!!

God can Change a City

I believe that God can change a city. I believe that His love is strong enough to break the chains of addiction, hatred, bitterness, and hopelessness. I believe that His presence washes away all fear, shame, condemnation, and the spirit of slavery.

And I can't wait to see all of this happen when I go to Amsterdam in 3 weeks!

When I first heard our team was going to Amsterdam, to pray over the city and share God's love with the people there, to encourage the local believers and build a lasting community...I wasn't so excited.

But then God wrecked me with His love for this city. He has SO MUCH love for Amsterdam! His heart breaks for this city!

As you probably know, Amsterdam is known for its prostitution and sex trafficking. It is a very dark place. And that's why we have to go. Because they are longing for the light of Jesus.

Women stuck in the sex industry deserve the freedom that Jesus died for. So do the men who come in as tourists! God loves every single one of them!

Recently I have seen first-hand how prayer changes things. It seriously does. My friend's ankle was healed as I prayed for her--and I didn't even know that she needed healing in her ankle! We saw a substantial amount of finances come in for a groundbreaking project here at the YWAM campus, simply through our prayers. Even this weekend, as I asked the Lord simply for some specific things to happen in my life, they did!

Carrying the authority that Christ gives every believer comes with a responsibility. We are called to set captives free! In just a few short weeks, my team and I get to release our prayers over the city of Amsterdam. I know this will bring true change to the city. Whenever we leave, another longer-term team is coming in...then another...then another! God has set up an army of His children to contend for the transformation of Amsterdam!!!

Please be praying for spiritual protection over my team as we go out on the front lines as the first of several teams who will be pouring in to Amsterdam this coming year. Also, please pray for provision in every area--health, emotional strength, unity, and financial provision for every member of the team.

I can't wait to share with you all the God does in the coming weeks!!!

Hearing God's Voice/Testimony!

Last night at the weekly kids ministry here on campus, we talked about hearing God's voice. I got to teach a class of about a dozen rambunctious 7-year-olds. We shared Bible stories with each other about how God talks to people--from Joseph and his dreams, to Elijah riding up to heaven, to Jesus telling parables. These kids know the Word of God and it's so amazing!

Then I told them all to close their eyes, and ask God a question. The question was: "Jesus, what do you think about me?" I asked them to keep their eyes closed, but to raise their hand whenever they heard something from Jesus. After a few seconds of giggling and settling down, one kid's hand shot up in the air. Then another, then another, until slowly every hand raised. Their eyes were squinted closed; some smiled, some were dead serious. But they were all hearing from Jesus! They could hardly wait to share what they had heard.

The last girl waited and waited, and told me in honesty, "I'm not getting anything!" I was so worried that she wouldn't hear, but told her to pray one more time. She did. Suddenly her face lit up. She looked at me with glowing eyes and said, "I got it! Can I please share? I want to tell you what I got!" Turns out God had spoken several things to her about her identity and character, as He had with every child.

Things like, "You are bold and brave." "You are a beautiful princess." "I am always here for you and you can always come to me." "You are so helpful to your family."

It was amazing!

God speaks to us all, no matter our age. And His voice is the BEST THING EVER. I pray that as these children experienced the Lord and His love, you experience Him also in a deeper way.

Right now Jesus I pray that you would speak to anyone reading this. Tell them who they are in you, and how much you love them! AMEN!

Always Someone to Love

It's amazing that no matter where you go in the world, there's always someone to love. Every week I get to spend a few hours with a really special group of kids. They don't sit still, or ask for things nicely, they think it's fun to punch people, and get angry pretty easily. But they are amazing.

These kids come from difficult backgrounds and rough family situations. Every week they jump off the schoolbus and run over to our group, throw their arms around us and scream with excitement. They hold onto our van when we are leaving and chase us to the end of the parking lot.

We often try to put boundaries on our love. But there is always someone. Someone hungry to know they are accepted, that they are worthwhile.

This is the Gospel. This is who Jesus is.

He loved every one who He came in contact with.

His compassion is overwhelming. It means that no matter where you are, where you go, that you are willing to reach out to those around you and sacrifice for them. It means that every bit of serving others is worth it.

Jesus, soften my heart to your love. May I always have a willing heart to share it with others.