Berglund Family Ministry Updates

In Christ Alone dance

2010-09-13T08:22:00.001-05:00

Follow the link below to see KC ministering in dance to the song In Christ Alone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4aH_Hh6BLs

Enjoy and be blessed.

Love-Eileen

ps- More updates coming soon!

Next three posts- ROMANIA 2010

2010-07-01T18:57:00.004-05:00

Some extra photos with my Romanian family :)

Okay, so I had to do the "take your own photo shot"...but I mean , seriously, look at that view...there are even more mountains behind the hills that you can't see in this shot. Aaaaahhhhhhh- B-E-A- utiful! Thank You God for creating such refreshing beauty!

Me and Rodica

Me and Roxana

Me and Carmen

Me and Claudia! haha!

Some videos you may enjoy- Romania 2010

2010-07-01T18:33:00.004-05:00

New Beginnings House of Prayer

ALSO- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlTJdzWd_AI

to see the video we created for the Balance teaching.

ROMANIA 2010

2010-07-01T18:06:00.004-05:00

These photos are sort of in random order here, but....

A meal together during our lunch break of Liber In Isus School! YUM!!!! Carmen is an awesome cook!

The human knot game...join hands in a circle and then try to untangle yourselves!

This game was called "GO" and was probably my favorite of the bunch. It was tricky to learn but really demonstrated how we can flow together smoothly and easily as a team if we just tune in to each other.

The next two photos are from our "team debate".(in the photos they are strategizing) This game had each team argue for one side of an issue and then when done (and unknown to them) switch and argue the other side. I had them argue "Big churches are better than small house churches" and vice versa. It was really hysterical to see their reactions to this all! But ultimately, it shows how we can learnt o appreciate or at least listen to those with opposite or different views than ours...and possibly even appreciate that while we disagree, they may have some valid points.

On the second day of the school, we spent a lot of time doing Team Building games. This was something entirely new for them and extremely delightful and insightful! The two photos below show them playing a game we called "Magic Carpet ride". The carpet kept "getting smaller and smaller" and they had to find a way to fold it under them without letting anyone "fall off". After each game we would "debrief" and really talk about what we learned and how this can help us work as a team.

Following Day 1 of the school, we took some time to break off into pairs to discuss some of the practical applications of the previous night's teaching. I love seeing relationships become more real and deeper. It is the starting ground for "real church" I believe.

This was the first night of the school which we held at Carmen's house this time around. I spoke on balance and integrity....reflecting Christ here on earth.

Mike and Taylor - Sibiu, Romania Sept 2009

2009-10-19T12:33:00.004-05:00

Prayer at New Beginnings house of prayer (house church)

Oktoberfest- Munich, Germany ( the men had a layover on the return flight

)

Life with Sergiu and Roxana....and Mike!

New Beginnings and Liber In Isus. Sergiu leads worship at both

Taylor teaching- Roxana translating. I included the blurry one so you could see Taylor was actually laughing and smiling and enjoying himself while blessing the others. (we're so proud of him!)

KC dancing (with Christy Rauwerda) to Orphans of God song

2009-04-21T15:12:00.001-05:00

Link to view the dance.

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=28331ba18f4f6db8bcf8

Taylor posted this for them.

Enjoy!

Sibiu, Romania April 2009

2009-04-16T11:06:00.004-05:00

The last night of the mission- the "meeting after the meeting"...and as we worshipped , waited on the Lord and prophesied, Roxana felt the Lord direct her to anoint me with oil for this new season, until the oil drips all over me. What followed was powerful and holy.

The old city walls still stand in parts of Sibiu. These walls surrounded the city at one time and kept it form being overtaken by invading forces. There are watch towers several places along the wall and also throughout the city that still remain. We went there to pray at the city gates and bind the enemy territorial spirits and loose God's angelic host. We did this strategically and only as the Lord directed.

Judy at the city gate with the shofar. She blasted it several times as we prayed! Some extremely significant and prophetic work was done there that day. We pray God gives us increased revelation to fully understand it all.

Judy and Jen finding their Easter treasure hunt bags! Roxana and Claudia gave us an Easter Treasure hunt since we were away form our homes and families on our Easter Day (Romania celebrates Easter a week after us in line with the Orthodox calendar)

Tracee and Roxana during one of the Liber In Isus school sessions. Tracee was a phenomenal asset to our team and to me personally. Everyone there benefitted so much from her heart and teachings.

LIBER IN ISUS- Year ONE! (Sergiu is missing from photo!)

NEW BEGINNINGS HOUSE OF PRAYER- Sunday morning at Carmen's home. Wow- this was a sweet sweet gathering. God truly is doing something ...and....I have NEVER seen Carmen happier in all the time I've known her. This is a new church gathering and The Truth Ministries will be giving apostolic oversight.

OUR TEAM! Judy, Eileen, Carmen, Tracee and Jen

Easter Sunday we went for a drive in the beautiful villages adn mountains. Here, Judy and I pose for a quick photo after taking in the awesome and peaceful view at the summit.

This is my favorite shot of the mission trip- whoeevr captured this moment- thank you. This was during the "oil" portion of the night (smile). I just love this shot. It captures my heart.

Photos for now- Details to follow....

2008-12-03T13:35:00.006-06:00

This was taken at the Inn we stayed at in Dusseldorf, Germany. We had an overnight on our way home. I would recommend this place to anyone along with the Italian restaurant downt he street. We had such a fun time together...English speaking Americans who were just immersed in Romanian, now in GErmany at an Italian speaking restaurant! Too funny! Thankfully laughter nad joy is universala nd we had a great meal and great time! We left the next morning (shown here) to head back to Chicago.

Doing "The Monkees" (for those old enough to remember) crazy leg walk down the streets of downtown Sibiu with Roxana. We enjoyed a day of shopping and sightseeing as Romania celebrated a National holiday comparable to our 4th of July.

Inside the ORthodox church in downtown Sibiu. Beautiful huh? Not necessarily a "warm feeling" but downright breathtaking.

Taylor finds pizza! Our pizza boy is happy and excited to try pizza wherever he goes. Thankfully, the Romania pizza gets his stamp of approval! What's fun is everyone gets their own pizza! HE definitely liked that!

Rox and KC midway up the old tower. This was cool.

A view from the top of the tower. Of course the tower has some major historical significance, but I've forgotten it all. Sorry :(

KC, Carmen (our awesome amazing Romanian team leader and our host), me and Mike

This was one of the most awesome moments...and unexpected...God's hand all over it. This is us praying over one of the pastors and his family in his home. This pastor wants our continued help and we look forward to it. Their hearts are so humble and beautiful.

Talking through stuff and finding unity in Christ. (these pictures are all in reverse order)

Lois, the new addition since my last visit! Lois, Maria (the pastor's wife) and me outside their church.

KC and Taylor ministered to the kids by reading a story about the Legend of the Candy Cane and telling the story of Jesus. They handed out LOTS of candy to each child along with candy canes. Each child also got to choose a small beanie baby toy or gloves form those that were donated form people back here at home. It was wonderful and they were so happy and blessed! Many had never received a candy cane before!

Carmen's internet cafe....or internet garden...yes, that's a real lemon tree behind Taylor. An exciting upgrade for Carmne is that she now has internet and a laptop! Thanks to Liz in Texas for keeping us all connected!

Some of our family in Sibiu...Roxana, me, KC, Claudia and Lavinia. We love you!

Happy to have her candy, a little Romanian cutie!

KC and "Mommy" (Emily)- always spreading the joy and up for anything!

"Mommy", Carmen and me in Carmen's kitchen.

You'd never know it but we are up in the mountains of Sibiu. Finally another FAMILY missions photo. It's been a while!

Our smiley Taylor starts assembling some of the candy canes and tags for the children's meetings. Taylor says he'd definitely go back to Romania....only next time he'd like to do it over Summer break so as not to miss any school. Sounds fine to me!

Out with "the guys". With Mike and Taylor there, more ministry doors opened up. Especially awesome was this "in" with the young men. They are really wanting some direction and role models and also to have fun! They "kidnapped" Taylor and Mike one day and took them off to a soccer tourney and to see the sights. Mike almost ended up playing goalie but was saved at the last minute! Sergiu is one of our favorite young men and he and Mike and Taylor all really bonded. We look forward to what is to come for all of these young adults!

Mike, Carmen and Carmen's brother,Florian, prepare a traditional American Thanksgiving for all of us. Very fun and delightful day!

You're Invited!

2008-11-23T13:14:00.003-06:00

Sunday Dec 7th we will be blessed by the ministry and worship of Gary and Nancy Szymik! We'll meet at our usual time of 6:30 and go as long as the Lord leads. YOu need to rsvp to us at prayhard@tds.net if you plan to come. It is free but please come prepared with an offering to help us bless Gary and his family. You are welcome to invite others! Gary has traveled all over the U.S. and personally is my favorite worship leader- to use a "generic title"- but he and his wife are so much more than that! Come and see for yourself and be blessed! (photos form a previous worship night a few years ago)

Heading Back to Romania- another "land that I love"

2008-11-23T13:02:00.002-06:00

As many of you know, I have come to call Romania (at least portions of it) my Psalm 23 land! It's hard to describe the peace and love I feel when I am there. Maybe some of the peace will transfer over to "restore your soul" as you even just view these.

Fun Ministry Nights with God's family!

2008-11-08T20:45:00.004-06:00

Just a few snapshots from a Sunday night "Eagle's Next" gathering

We've been having such a great time on Sunday nights! It's so wonderfully awesome to be able to just praise our wonderful God and Savior and enjoy each other's giftings and company. Growing in our love for God and our ability to receive His love, growing in our understanding of His word....growing in our understanding of who we are in Christ- it' s all really beautiful and we are so blessed!

prayer for Todd Bentley

2008-08-16T15:10:00.004-05:00

Writing this today I just want to ask those of you who feel led to, to pray for Todd Bentley and his wife. Regardless of how you may personally feel about his ministry style, the revival, etc...I want to plead the case with you that they are still people, Christians, and they need our prayers. I am writing this assuming that most of you have heard the recent news of their marriage problems and current separation. Again, I want to implore you to believe the best about what God can do- I want to ask you to pray for our brother and sister and their family. I want us to believe the best for them. I'm not suggesting we lay aside discernment or Biblical parameters, of course not, I'm just saying this is a situation where LOVE is really needed. Would you join us in praying for them and all other Christian marriages that need God's help? (that would be EVERY marriage wouldn't it ?)

Would you also wait and see what God does through all of this. I see no need to criticize and trash the entire "outpouring" that God has been doing. I see no reason to take the current failings of one man and jump to a blanket statement that God was not in any of it. These are just my thoughts. I think we are wise to just wait and pray and let God reveal things and lead us all. I certainly believe God was moving in these meetings. I also believe there was some stuff that needed to be sifted out. To me, with any new move of God, it takes a while to properly assess it. I still think time is needed to see the heart of what God is doing down there and throughout the world.

Earlier on this blog site (Friday May 16th)- back at the beginning of the Florida revival- I wrote some other comments. I think they still hold true today.

My heart is just filled with love from a God who LOVES us so much. And I think it's time we walk in it and pour it out as a beautiful healing balm on all who will receive it. God can deal with all people about anything and everything- only He truly knows the condition of the heart- we , in the meantime, can LOVE them and pray God's best for them.

Gales Point Belize Flooding Update

2008-06-11T07:51:00.002-05:00

As many of you know from the previous posts- Gales Point was one of the worst areas hit during the recent tropical storms in Belize. Noone expected that it would bring this much flooding and damage. The good news is that relief aid is getting to the people and the water is beginning to recede. Having been there many times though, I still cannot imagine all the work that will need to be done now and all the continued aid they will need. As far as I can tell they are still isolated, as the bridges in both directions are out. I know that helicopters have been flying in food and that the fresh water supply has been restored- so we praise God for that and continue to pray for them. Below is a story that was run in the local paper. It's kind of weird for us when we know ALL of these people- almost the whole village.

Gales Point is the only community in the Belize District that’s been declared a disaster area. But so far we’ve only seen it from a helicopter and though it looks battered, that image is still too neat. Today Keith Swift and Alex Ellis went there with the Coast Guard. They are just back a few minutes ago and they found that Gales Point is ground zero for flood relief – they told Keith Swift stories of unprecedented floods, worse than Hattie.

Keith Swift Reporting,
I am walking on the main road in Gales Point. Normally it separates the two lagoons but now the water is knee deep and instead of two, there is now just one big lagoon.

Gales Point Resident #1,
“The water swept right through my house. When we woke up the morning I told my grandson and my girlfriend that water was in the house and what will we do. When I opened the door and looked out there, there was water all over.”

Gales Point Resident #2,
“From my house down that way, coming all the way here water was to my chest running strong. I hollered for Karen upstairs and when she jumped up she said oh my God what happened. There was water from here to the community center.”

We found most of Gales Point’s 400 villagers at the government school awaiting basic food supplies such as rice and beans. There are reportedly 59 villagers staying at the community center. So the number one problem here in Gales Point isn’t really food because that is trickling in. The problem is that most residents have no where to stay.

Gales Point Resident #3,
“Right now I will stay in the community center like three more days along with my mom and father. Right now everything is destroyed in the house. My stove, my chair, clothing – all the things like m fowl, my duck are destroyed.”

Village Chairlady,
“Well the situation is rough rough rough because almost every house got managed inside the village and a lot of the houses are flooded out. Water caught me personal to my waist inside my kitchen and I know several people got damaged like the crops and the poultry. Me alone I suffer almost 100 layers which I had inside my place and all of them drowned. So I know people have other things.”

Gales Point Resident #4,
“I am 81 and I have never seen something like this. My father died and went and he didn’t experience this. Hurricanes, all the hurricanes come and thing but nothing like this destruction.”

Gales Point Resident #5,
“We were expecting a little high water but not this bad because this is the first time from I know myself that I see this water. Hurricane Hattie passed through and this is the first time.”

MINISTRY NIGHTS!

2008-06-10T12:30:00.005-05:00

These pictures should speak for themselves! Whata n awesome three nights/days of worship/teaching and healing! Several people were fully healed and many others saw huge improvements and the healing continues! A special thanks to all who came and contributed (by their presence and giftings and willingness to be used by God!). Spcial blessings also to Steve Trullinger and his ministry! It was a Holy Sprit blast and very refreshing for all of us! What is happening in the natural with all the floods- may it CONTINUE to break forth in the Spirit!

Mike and I and The Truth Ministry are going to be opening our homes on Sunday evenings to continue to allow God to do what he wants to do in each of our lives! If youa re interested in these nights and when they are happening and youa re not already on our email list- send us an email at prayhard@tds.net so we can add you.

Before and After

2008-06-04T12:18:00.003-05:00

Gales Point before...

Gales Point after...

Tropical Storm Wreaks Havoc in Gales Point and Belize

2008-06-04T11:51:00.004-05:00

Two tropical storms hit Belize days ago to cause more flooding and more damage than any hurricane has caused. I heard it being reported as the worst natural disaster for Belize in recent history. Many are stranded, some have died others have been relocated. All the rice fields have been washed out and apparently food supply is very low. As for Gales Point, this small village was one of the worst hit. Because ti is only inches above "lagoon/sea level" as the waters rose and rain fell, the land basically became engulfed into the sea/lagoon. I was trying to post an aerial photo on here of what it normally looks like and what it looked like Monday- but I'm not sure I can get it up.

Below I have photos sent from Mandy, one of the school teachers who is serving down there and lives at the base with Basil and Vera. The first one is the "backyard" of the mission base.

This photo is of the path between the lagoon and the mission base (the path you need to travel to get to the boat to get to the base) Some of you avid supporters may remmeber seeing Mike and I wade thru this path on one of our previous trips. For us, it was about mid calve in depth....this time, it came up to Mandy's shoulders...that'd be about 5 feet.

The end of the path where it meets the lagoon. This was taken on Sunday- before the previous photo. Here, Carol and Mandy begin their hike back to the base.

Vera has told me that many of the villagers are unable to live in their homes at this time. They are staying in the church or the hurricane shelter until they can leave. I read on my own that the government does have boats stationed in the lagoon to evacuate people should there be another swell. I haven't verified if this is true or not, but I assume it is. Until we know more, the best thing we can do is pray. If you want to send support to help aid in providing food and clothing and blankets, please email us at prayhard@tds.net and we'll let you know where to send it.

Belize 2008 report

2008-05-28T07:58:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone- (note: the photos are in no particular order)

Well, I returned late last night from a simply amazing and wonderful trip to Belize! God certainly blew us away with all that He brought forth. I want to thank all of you who prayed for me and have supported us in our ministry! It is always so evident to me that I am just one small part of the Body and that always makes me feel humbled, blessed and confident in the part that I am called to do, knowing others are faithful to do their parts as well!

(Nellie and Briana, two of the village girls, pose for a photo for us. They were our pals!)

(Christy shares part of her testimony at the Spanish Church )

We arrived to Belize with no problems and got settled in and then headed off to the church where we would be sharing with what we thought was going to be a small group of women. As it turned out, God brought 150 women to the meeting! After about 45 minutes of outstanding worship in Spanish and English (by their own worship team) Christy got up to say hello and share a short testimony of how God has been working in her life. I then got up and preached for about an hour with a translator on how God was restoring HOPE tonight and the amazing plans and purposes He has for each woman there. I also prophesied about several pictures the Lord had given me for them and the pastor got up to confirm all these things when I was done. The response was incredible and the night ended with a very emotional and Spirit filled time of prayer. As for me and Christy- all we could do is laugh and shake our heads in amazement! God is so good! Here we were expecting maybe 10-15 women...but God had other plans!

(Christy dances to "Faithful Father" at the women's retreat. Beautiful!)

(The leadership team of Vera, Christy, Eileen and well, yeah, we can include Basil too! haha)

The next day we headed down to Gales Point Village and to the mission base to prepare for the women’s retreat. For perhaps the first time ever, we got down there relatively obstacle free and then loaded up the boat to cross over to the base. Once at the base we settled in and began to go over the details of the next few days’ conference.

(Amazing what a shower can do! Eating out on our last evening in Belize. Christy, Vera nd I are joined by Dr. Gerhaldine Hidalgo- our host in Belize City)

(150 women gather and pray at the end of our meeting in Belize City Spanish church)

The women arrived to the base on Friday. Vera had already prepared all the cabanas and bunks for them and had placed gift baskets (that were prepared by Dr. Gerhaldine whom we stayed with in Belize City) on each ladies bed. She also had folders for each woman with all the song lyrics and notes for each session along with other little goodies. These special touches helped to show the women that God really loves them and that they are valuable and worthy of His love. The mood was friendly and united from the start although the women all seemed to still have a certain “mask” they were hiding behind. (This is typical of all the villagers- they almost seem to have this straight kind of glazed face no matter what you are talking about, etc) Our goal was that God would remove this mask, reveal His love to them and that the “switch” inside of them would be flipped and we would see life and light in their eyes! Praise be to God this was accomplished in Christ over the next few days!!!!!

(Okay, yeah, I'm on a church bench preaching- what can I say- I get a little excited!)

(me and one of the cuties from Gerhaldine's church)

The theme of the conference was Faithful Father and we specifically only invited those women that had been coming to Vera’s Bible study regularly. We knew this would be a small group of women but felt these were the women God was wanting to gather, break free, empower with the Holy Spirit and train up. I think we ended up with somewhere between 12-15 village women, young and old.

(getting to the base...there's only one way...by boat!)

Christy led worship each day, sometimes several times a day. Vera took care of all the administrative and audiovisual components as well as general “hosting”, another woman Carol who is a gifted intercessor surrounded the whole weekend in continual prayer and I just sat back and did nothing- HAHA- not quite. Actually, Christy also taught and danced and shared her testimony and prayed for women and prophesied over some. Vera also taught, and shared her testimony and prayed for the women and prophesied as well! I myself taught a lot of the sessions and led the women on the last night in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I went to great lengths to really seek God’s heart on this and how to present it. I knew I would need a unique yet Biblically solid delivery in order to reach these women and also make it clear what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit. A couple hours before I was to teach, I still did not feel I had “the word of the Lord”. But then minutes later, as we were back in the chapel, something just clicked and I knew exactly how to proceed. By the end of the teaching I asked whoever wanted to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit to just come up and ALL TOGETHER at the same time, everyone stood up and walked forward! THIS WAS TRULY AMAZING AND ONLY GOD! We then prayed and the Spirit fell upon us all, all but 2-3 of the women began to pray in tongues almost immediately, some reported feeling like they were going to float away or fall over, others had a cool refreshing from their head to their toes, others felt warmth and heat thru their body, others felt strengthening...many were crying with tears that you knew came from being able to receive God’s love.

(the Gales Point Women's Conference 2008 attendees!)

The switch was flipped! These women were CHANGED! I ended up on the floor and pretty “drunk” to be honest. I was just so blessed, so honored to be used by God in this way...to be the one who He chose to play this small little role in all the other things that He has been working together in this village. I felt a “well done” from Him to us and all I could do was just lay in His presence and “be”. That night when we left the chapel (well, everyone else had left, I was still on the floor and Christy was kneeling down too), Vera came and told us that we have to come see the sky. The whole sky was lit up with a symphony of lightening. It was their first “electrical sky show” of the year. We couldn’t help but feel the wonder and hand of God in it all. HE was confirming and revealing Himself even more.

(Worship on our last morning )

So as we looked back on all that happened the next evening, we couldn’t really even think of how we could possibly improve upon it. God was ever present and He truly had gone before us preparing the way. Basil and Vera have been ministering in this village for 6 plus years. They have sown many seeds and opened many doors. This past 9 months, two young couples came to village and transformed many of the young people’s lives by beginning Bible studies and doing youth groups and really just preaching Christ in a relevant way. They planted many seeds too which they never could have done without Vera and Basil going before them. Then we had the privilege to come down and do the first women’s retreat and see all the women baptized and empowered with the Holy Spirit and have a new level of understanding of God’s love and that they are valued. We never would have been able to do that without all the preparation that the young couples had recently done. So it was just so neat to see ALL THINGS working together for the good of those who love God. I felt like we were just a small, but important part, of all that He is wanting to do.

I’m glad that we waited on the Lord for when we should return and I’m glad we obeyed when we heard His call now! Thanks again for sending us!

To God be the glory- forever and ever- AMEN!

Love-Eileen and family

Living the Christian Life

2008-05-16T14:30:00.003-05:00

Just felt like posting some maybe obvious things on here today. Also want to give my take on those things. We are living in some interesting times to say the least. Lately there have been a number of "attention getting happenings" (that's not meant in a negative way) that have indeed gotten our attention. Whether it is the cyclone that hit Myanmar and all the subsequent devastation and millions (yes millions) of homeless and affected people, or Oprah's new teachings and mass audience hypnotism and past life regression, or the earthquake in China and all the subsequent devastation or the healing meetings in Florida with Todd Bentley- people ARE talking.

So what do I want to add to the conversation.

I guess I just want to add that whatever we do, do it in love.
Whatever we think, think it in love.

Yes, we know the end times are here or near or however you want to phrase it- we know the Bible tells us these disasters will occur, false teaching will occur and many other things. It doesn't say that right teaching will cease though. It doesn't say that God will stop being God or we should stop carrying out the commands He has given us. So we need to be careful when we are quick to respond from our flesh without first praying or even waiting for a season and watching.

The Bible also tells us to let the tares grow along side the wheat- should we try to seperate them too soon we will pull out good and leave bad. The parable of the fish also teaches us that the fish shouldn't separate the fish- God will handle that Himself. Whether it is true teaching or false teaching, whether it is a natural disaster across the globe or a needy family in your block, let's all remember to clothe ourselves in love and ask God how we are to respond to each thing. And then, when we hear Him, let's obey.

I could tell you how I personally feel about all of these things and it may be exactly what you think or it may totally surprise you- but I'd rather let you just talk to God about it.
Because really, He is the one you need to listen to and so do I.

So why even post this post? Well, just to let you know we're thinking about it all. We are watching it all. We are praying about it all. And we are doing our best to follow God and how we feel Him leading us in it all. We're also trying to learn from all that is going on around us. I feel there are so many lessons we can learn (individually tailored for each of us) if we are opent o letting God show us new things.

I do think everything should be examined against scripture. Not culture, not tradition, not religion, not politics but scripture. I think some things are what they seem and some are not. I think some things that seem fake are real and some that seem real are fake. And I think some things contain both fake and real. I think this is what Jesus taught us in His word. We CAN judge, we CAN discern and we CAN ask for God's help to lead us and give us wisdom...we just also need to stay humble through it all realizing we may be throwing out or pulling up a perfectly good fish or a perfectly rooted wheat stalk. In some of these things, only God knows for sure...and thank God He is the one who will decide.

Well- that's all - my love to all who read this :) Eileen

Something to Consider

2008-04-21T13:20:00.002-05:00

Just thought these two items worthy of posting for your consideration. Very different, but both important to us as ambassadors of Christ.

***ITEM No. 1****

Mar 08, 2008 04:30 AM Olivia Ward Foreign Affairs Reporter
(excerpt)
Here are 10 of the worst countries in the world to be a woman today:

• Afghanistan: The average Afghan girl will live to only 45 – one year less than an Afghan male. After three decades of war and religion-based repression, an overwhelming number of women are illiterate. More than half of all brides are under 16, and one woman dies in childbirth every half hour. Domestic violence is so common that 87 per cent of women admit to experiencing it. But more than one million widows are on the streets, often forced into prostitution. Afghanistan is the only country in which the female suicide rate is higher than that of males.

• Democratic Republic of Congo: In the eastern DRC, a war that claimed more than 3 million lives has ignited again, with women on the front line. Rapes are so brutal and systematic that UN investigators have called them unprecedented. Many victims die; others are infected with HIV and left to look after children alone. Foraging for food and water exposes women to yet more violence. Without money, transport or connections, they have no way of escape.

• Iraq: The U.S.-led invasion to "liberate" Iraq from Saddam Hussein has imprisoned women in an inferno of sectarian violence that targets women and girls. The literacy rate, once the highest in the Arab world, is now among the lowest as families fear risking kidnapping and rape by sending girls to school. Women who once went out to work stay home. Meanwhile, more than 1 million women have been displaced from their homes, and millions more are unable to earn enough to eat.

• Nepal: Early marriage and childbirth exhaust the country's malnourished women, and one in 24 will die in pregnancy or childbirth. Daughters who aren't married off may be sold to traffickers before they reach their teens. Widows face extreme abuse and discrimination if they're labelled bokshi, meaning witches. A low-level civil war between government and Maoist rebels has forced rural women into guerrilla groups.

• Sudan: While Sudanese women have made strides under reformed laws, the plight of those in Darfur, in western Sudan, has worsened. Abduction, rape or forced displacement have destroyed more than 1 million women's lives since 2003. The janjaweed militias have used systematic rape as a demographic weapon, but access to justice is almost impossible for the female victims of violence.

• Other countries in which women's lives are significantly worse than men's include Guatemala, where an impoverished female underclass faces domestic violence, rape and the second-highest rate of HIV/AIDS after sub-Saharan Africa. An epidemic of gruesome unsolved murders has left hundreds of women dead, some of their bodies left with hate messages.

In Mali, one of the world's poorest countries, few women escape the torture of genital mutilation, many are forced into early marriages, and one in 10 dies in pregnancy or childbirth.

In the tribal border areas of Pakistan, women are gang-raped as punishment for men's crimes. But honour killing is more widespread, and a renewed wave of religious extremism is targeting female politicians, human rights workers and lawyers.

In oil-rich Saudi Arabia, women are treated as lifelong dependents, under the guardianship of a male relative. Deprived of the right to drive a car or mix with men publicly, they are confined to strictly segregated lives on pain of severe punishment.

In the Somali capital, Mogadishu, a vicious civil war has put women, who were the traditional mainstay of the family, under attack. In a society that has broken down, women are exposed daily to rape, dangerously poor health care for pregnancy, and attack by armed gangs.

"While the potential of women is recognized at the international level," says World Health Organization director-general Margaret Chan, "this potential will not be realized until conditions improve – often dramatically – in countries and communities. Too many complex factors, often rooted in social and cultural norms, continue to hinder the ability of women and girls to achieve their potential and benefit from social advances."

***Item No. 2****

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2DMSNUkLJo

This link should direct you to a You Tube video called "Oprah's Church Exposed". You can decide for yourself what you feel, believe, think, follow. As for me and myhouse, we will serve the Lord! And that means JESUS CHRIST- the ONLY way!

nigeria photos...maybe

2008-03-17T06:01:00.005-05:00

Greetings from Lagos, Nigeria!

Right now I am attempting to scan some photos into our blog site. of course I am pretty lost without my computer guru- Taylor! But I had a few training sessions with him so we'll see if I can make it work. Captions and flipping of photos may have to follow at a later time! In general we have conducted a three day conference with about 1,000 women attending form many different churches. The women that came were already Christians, already serving his purposes. Some other shots might be (ha-ha) of me and some of the speakers that are responsible for pulling this together and bringing it to reality. We've had a great team and lots of unity and love. Many team members leave today but I am here for 4 more days and will be doing some local outreaches. Please pray as God leads! Love and thanks to all of you who have helped God to send me here.

Okay- so now that I figured out the photos here's the scoop on those. The first one is the girl that got the necklace from KC- she is 9 and was very thankful and happy.

Then there is a photo with me and young woman- her name is Lydia...or Lily for short. She is studying biochemistry currently. She and I connected.

There's a photo with me and Naomi Dowdy who I have gained much wisdom from this trip and will continue to learn all I can form her. If you don't know about her- look her up- you'll WANT to!

There’s a photo at this very nice home with a bunch of us. In the forefront is a man and a woman kneeling. This is Lee Grady and the hostess of the home. What I love about this is they are not married...they are not "in love", yet here they kneel in honor to each other, in sincerity and prayer and in holiness- brother and sister in Christ. THIS IS WHAT GOD'S LOVE LOOKS LIKE. THANK YOU LORD!

And then I think I put a crowd shot in too.

That's all for now as my time is up.

Love-Eileen

Staying Connected

2008-03-05T11:18:00.002-06:00

Hey all-

just posted some new photos on our family site at www.berglundfam.blogspot.com in case you're wondering if we're still alive! haha!

Eileen is heading off to Nigeria for two weeks - leaving on the 10th- so we'll have updates on here soon. Thanks for all your prayers and support and love!

2007 In Review

2007-12-10T09:37:00.000-06:00

2007 has been a great year...a challenging year...a year full of surprises and a year full of fulfillment! We give all thanks to God and rejoice with you as well as we recount all that He has done for us and through us AND YOU this year. (okay- well we won't recount ALL of it- that might take a while....but here are the highlights)

In March, the ministry was able to bring Roxana out to stay and learn for a month. We recognized a prophetic gifting early on in her and also that of leadership. After doing three years of camp we continued to see this gifting and found ways to help strengthen it and "train it" to some degree. But we could never do quite enough in one short week so it became clear that God wanted us to bring her here and allow her to be immersed in a "prophetic body" that also held dearly to the Word of God. She was able to attend the school of Worship at Living Light and was blessed immensely and also blessed many as well! She is back in Romania now continuing to implement and process all that God is doing. She remains a faithful friend and servant with us in Christ!

In July, Eileen traveled with Joyce Meyer Ministries on a medical outreach to 4 remote villages. This was challenging physical trip but an enormous eternal investment. Poolin gher skills together with other medical and dental and chiropractic workers and partnering with literally hundreds of ministries the following harvest was reaped: 54,000 new believers in Christ and over 140,000 lives touched in some way by practical needs ministry. Amazing! This was a definite "first fruit" for us form God's directives to us to "form alliances" as we go! We loved being part of a team. A special thanks to all who helped send Eileen!

While in Cambodia, Eileen met many people but especially clicked with 4 other women, 2 from the States, one from South Africa (now living in England) and one from Australia. Eileen was able to hook up again with Melanie in England on her travels from Romania. We continue to keep in touch with all these divine relationships and people that God has supernaturally connected us with. It is the "global church" and each relationship we see as another "knot in the net" of "fishing for men" and spreading God's Kingdom

While in Romania in August, KC taught the village children about the fruits of the spirit! Go KC- her first preaching moment! She even made all the posters herself writing the fruits in Romanian and English. Later she, Christy (another team member) and myself took turns praying and prophesying (when led) over each child in that village. Several of the children (I forget now- maybe 5 or 6) gave their lives to Christ and accepted Him as Savior for the first time. We also brought food and school supplies for each child (about 40 in total). Though it was a "small beginning" we thank God for every provision and look forward to increase in the future for this village. This was definitely KC's favorite part of the trip!

Eileen, KC and Christy along with Roxana, lavinia, Sergiu and Carmen on Carmen's stairs after prayer night. It was most likely about 2 am when we finally got done praying and prophesying! Sergiu and Carmne are in the front row. Sergiu has been wanting to come and attend the SOW at Living Light. He just now received the money to do so and hopes to start in the Fall of 2008! Praise God!

Carmen is our Truth Ministry connection in Romania. We consider her part of our ministry staff. She is an amazing intelligent and anointed woman! She sows eternal seeds of love every day. we ask continued blessings on her and the ministry God sets before her to do.

In November we began visiting our new son and daughter in Kansas City. We've just had them here for a week over Thanksgiving and now are missing them and looking forward to our Dec 21st court date. There is still much to happen by then for us to be able to "take them home with us" on that day so please pray with us for that. It's all paperwork and stuff like that. we love these kids already and while we will be exhausted at first I'm sure (maybe for a long time) we see how God has picked them especially for us, and us for them. And as always, we learn more about being adopted into God's family through this journey.

Our first new family photo! A.V. is our new son and Lena (or Alyah - pronounced uh- lee-uh as she will be called) is our new daughter.

And finally we enjoyed a week long family VACATION- yes, that's right- not a missions trip- a VACATION in sunny and warm Florida!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank You Jesus!!!!!!!!! It was such a well timed trip and really a wonderful time away to have fun, sort thru things and simply relax. We've decided that even with all our travels we need to take VACATION more often!
(This is us- minus Taylor our photographer- after a water ride at Busch gardens! I love this shot!)

Looking ahead to 2008...as if we even have time to do that (haha)....of course we have time to do that...that is how God directs us......

we look forward to finalizing the adoption- probably sometime in July or so.

Eileen heads off to Nigeria in March for an African Women Arising conference. She will be going as part of a small team that Lee Grady is bringing. You may know Lee form "Ten Lies the Church Tells Women" book or also as editor of "Charisma" magazine. He, along with Barbara Wentroble and many other speakers will be holding a conference in Lagos, Nigeria along with other crusades and ministry outreaches the following week in nearby villages. This is another step of faith and another country and now, another two children to leave at home.....but God has given us peace and confirmation in it all.

In April, Mike will MOST LIKELY be heading down to Belize again with a team from a church here in Racine...and later in the year it is almost certain we will return to Romania as we have done for the past 4 years.

We continue to let God lead and develop this ministry and us personally as He desires. As the ministry does grow it does continue to challenge us, excite us, humble us and cause us to ask for even more prayer, more support (encouragement) and of course more financial partners. We have never seen this as us going places...it has always been God sending us. That's the way it will remain.

We pray sincerely that you will enjoy this Christmas season, that you will be healed of any sickness and you will continue to be wooed by the never ending love of a Father who so loves us, Savior who lived, died and lived again for us and the Holy Spirit who leads and guides us every day!

Love in Christ-
Eileen, Mike, Taylor, Killoran

Decisions decisions

2007-10-25T13:56:00.001-05:00

After our whirlwind Summer of missions trips and other things it seems like forever since we've written to all of you. We haven't forgotten you however. In fact, we continue to pray for you and thank God for your support and for being "family" to us.

The verse that seems to come to us every day is "be still and know that i am God". And oh how wonderful it is to just melt into that truth. He really is God! And we really can just rest in that- I love that! I mean, I REALLY love that! And I need that truth in my life or I would be overwhelmed very easily and VERY frequently- haha!

The big news right now is not so much ministry related, per se, but certainly it will call on every bit of trust, faith, strength, courage, love and compassion that we as a family have. In one week we get to meet our new son and daughter! We are so excited and with God's grace and provision, we feel ready to welcome them into our home and family!

So that is the main focus right now although ministry doors keep seeming to open for us in several different countries. In due time- In GOD'S TIME- I am sure we will walk through the right doors at the right time, but for now, we just continue to rest in Him.

Mike made an interesting statement the other day about how he isn't planning to quit work just because we are adopting and I shouldn't plan to "quit mission trips" just because we are adopting. That really resonated within me and though my obvious focus is on the kids right now and the family (my FIRST AND MAIN mission field!) I am still not going to limit God and how He wants to use me, us or the whole family!

With that in mind, and as a means of update and prayer points, let me share a bit of what the Lord has been doing. I was invited to go to India this January (again with Joyce Meyer Ministries) for a medical outreach and crusade. I very much felt a leap in my spirit at this open door but have decided to decline the invite due to the timing of the adoption, etc. I will continue to pray for the team that does end up going.

I am also invited to be part of a team that will go with Lee Grady, Barbara Wentroble, Naomi Dowdy and some others to Nigeria this March. This will be for a African Women's Conference and it is very much something I feel led and equipped to be a part of. However, as I just wrote, we will be praying thru it all and seeing how God leads.

In addition to all that God has also been opening doors for us in Uganda (I was there in 2002), Italy and Israel. Add these to Belize, Romania and Cambodia(all trips in the past 12 months) and we ourselves are amazed at what we find ourselves praying about some days!

So- please continue to pray with us and partner with us financially as God leads. We can never tell you enough how we cannot do any of this alone. We thank you and thank God FOR you!

Love to all of you in Christ!

The whole scoop....

2007-09-05T10:23:00.000-05:00

This year there were some definite highlights to share with you all. On Thursday night we held a parenting conference at the request of the pastor and his wife. There were about 40-50 in attendance and I brought a message on LOVE (which you will soon see is a common theme). Specifically, that if they are here at a parenting conference, one thing is for sure, they love their children. And that God will honor that and bless that and work with that because God is love and when we love, it reveals Him to others. During the message I also had Christy share about her experiences growing up and also had KC do the same. This way, there was a "child's perspective" too, which really helped to drive home the importance of raising kids in an environment of love, encouragemnt, safety, acceptance, etc. One young woman really touched my heart as she caught me afterwards and basically began to thank me for what i shared. She continued to tell me how she hasn't been living inlove, how she blames everyone else, how she has hated parenting her 11 month old and how she quit coming to church or going out and has just isolated herself. But how thru what i just taught, she saw that this was wrong, that she didn't want to live that way anymore....and she continued on. I was just awe struck to be honest. I knew she had gottenrevelation of a greater truth but I still couldn't pinpoint exactly what was happening in front of me. And then it hit me- thisis REPENTANCE. And I just melted to her. Two days later she came back for the women's conference looking completely different and wonderfully beautiful. The next day she came to church with her son and I was able to pray over both of them. Yeah- really good stuff- really precious stuff. On Friday, we ventured out into a small village and began a mission of "small beginnings" in distributing food and school supplies to the local kids. We did this as a direct result of God's word to us (Mike and I) and I must say- I was completely tearful and caught up in God's love and aware of how much this little "natural" act would produce in the "spiritual" realm. KC taught the 42 children about the Fruits of the Spirit with posters she had made herself. Christy then shared the gospel message and about 6-7 older children raised their hands to receive Christ. We used Trefor's (from Living Light) "sorry , please, thank you" model as it was perfectly simple and easy for the kids to follow! After that, we were able to individually and personally pray for each of the 42 kids, blessing them and calling forth their destiny in Christ. THIS WAS POWERFUL and exciting and all done hidden away in some village in the hills and trees of Central Romania. BUT EMMANUEL!!!!!! They also then received a bag of small food treats and school supplies given to them in the name of Jesus. Friday evening was spent leading the prayer meeting for about 20 or so people at Carmen's home. We usually do this once each time we go, but this year we had two meetings scheduled as the group was hungrya nd eager for more teaching on the Holy Spirit and victory in Christ. I did not know what I was going ot teach on until about 10 minutes ahead of the meeting. I ended up speaking about "taking every thought captive" and explaining with a simple drawing that God gave me how we are composed of Body, Soul and Spirit. And how, in Christ, our spirit is always and will be immune from the evil one. But that Satan can and does attack and roam in the areas of our body and mind. I spoke about the battle line being drawn between the spirit (where he can't roam) and the body and soul (where he can) and how we can push that battle line further and further to TAKE BACK control of our soul (mind , will , emotions) and our body. It turned out to be a really relevant message and when I was done, noone wanted to leave. They wanted more. So we then did another "prophetic activation" like we did last year and had them pray for some of our ministry friends and supporters. Many of them participated freely and I was able to bring home words of encouragement and love for people they have never even met! Saturday was filled with our "annual" women's meeting. This time instead of a weekend camp, we had one day event at Carmen's church. Women from both of the local chruches that we work with attended. It was exciting that this year- one of my "goals" was fulfilled and in all seriousness was probably THE HIGHLIGHT of my trip. Carmen delivered the morning message and we also had a LOCAL worship team leading worship! My heart in going is alwasy to raise up the giftings and leadership in the nationals, so this was very exciting and wonderful for me to see! We also began to lay out all the eye glasses that we brought with us and MANY MANY MANY found glasses that worked for them! Praise God! On Sunday we headed to church under the impression that we would be sharing a quick hello to the body and then Christy would sing and share a testimony. DURING WORSHIP, the pastor came over and let Carmen know that he was giving me the time to preach the message again. This was huge becasue last year I was the first and only woman allowed to preach in the church. Noone has done it since and again he was giving me the whole time to preach again. Of course I DIDN'T HAVE A MESSAGE PREPARED (smile)....but aren't we always prepared in Christ?!!!! I found one page of a message that i had taught about 3 years ago and beagn to skim it- I found one core sentence that sprung up in my spirit and ran with it. I spent the remainder of worship time just jotting small notes on a paper and then brought God's word forth. I spoke about the purity of God's love. How I believe the world has so tainted and perverted and twisted the real meaning of love. How we as Christians have only scratched the surface of understanding the purity and power of this love and how God is revealed thru it. So that was cool. And once again the pastor was very pleased! Thank you Jesus! Christy did an amazing job singing At the Cross and sharing a testimony about God's faithfulness. She actually got to do an "encore" of the song as the pastor's wife and many of the congregation wanted her to sing it again with the Romanian words on the screen behind her (they hadn't been able to get them up the first time). So that was really awesome too to see the crowd "demand" a repeat so they could gain full understanding and worship along! Sunday night we went to the other church (speranta church) and KC and Christy sang two songs, shared a testimony and I had brought a small greeting and summary of what God has spoken to me over the past 4 trips and the purposes in them all and this knitting together of us all. When we were done, the pastor had still given us more time and Carmen asked me if I was going to speak. I said "no- I'm good"...and then realized...."you tell me, am I?" So I got up and began to bring the same message I had brought in the morning- again- unexpectedly. When I was done the pastor elaborated on it for a good 5-10 minutes which brought much peace to my somewhat "anxious" soul- (once again, we were ina place where women did not preach and clearly I was just preaching). The Speranta church was much more lively and "full" then it had been only 3 years earlier. It was great to hear their choir, join in worship with them and hear the passion with which the pastor spoke. (even if I didn't know all that he was saying). On Monday we had a day to relax, see some sights and enjoy relationship. I spent the day alone with Carmen and Roxana took KC and Christy around the shopping area and hisorical district. It was great for Carmen and I to have the one on one time to really connect and talk about the challenges of leadership, growth, etc. It is wonderful to have her as our "Romania Truth Ministry contact" an for us to be on the same page with what God is wanting to do and what He has already been establishing and how we will approach the increase in teams, etc... Monday night Carmen and I took the pastors and their wives out for dinner. We had pizza- which was a huge treat for them I guess, so we were happy to do that. It was fantastic time of just hanging out together, getting to know each other and also hearing their vision and heart for their churches and the community. I feel now that I'm not just "visiting their churches" but that I KNOW them and again, look forward to what God will do in the future. It was also net becasue in conversation I was able to tell thema bout our church back home and the School of Worship and this is great becasue we know that Sergiu (one of their members) wants to come to SOW in 2008. Tuesday we had the "mega prayer group"- prayed and prophesied over each person for a little over 6 hours total. We were wiped physically, but energized by the Holy Spirit. Some highlights of this time were seeing the giftings that were lying somewhat dormant come to the surface and bless the Body! Christy sang this amazing spontaneous prophetic love song over one of the young women. It was just wonderful! KC was prophesying with such accuracy and boldness it just made me sort of shake my head, laugh and think "wow". Roxana- who we had brought here for a month to grow in her prophetic giftings (among other things) was prophesying right beside us the whole time. Carmen aslo was flowing inprophecy in between translating for us! Evena few of the other prayer group memebrs who were sitting and watching and waiting would occasionally join in with a word. THIS DELIGHTS MY HEART!!!!!!! Thisis what TO US (mike and I) Matthew 28:19-20 is all about- GOING, DISCIPLING, TEACHING and seeing the fruit! THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU WHO HELPED MAKE ALL OF THIS POSSIBLE!!!!! WE GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY!!!!!! God gave me a "motto" this year that I wrote in my Bible right away..."Boldly going...Humbly bowing". That pretty much sums it up. Please continue to pray for God's abundant fruit to come forth. Also, if you made it this far thru all of this- there's a good chance you should be on the team next year! Think about it- better yet- PRAY about it :)

Romania 2007 "To bear fruit- fruit that will last"

2007-09-03T12:08:00.000-05:00

We've just returned from another wonderful and fruitful trip to Romania. it was also a difficult trip- filled with warfare and challenges- but as always, God's purposes prevail and we have seen the victory! To be honest- I'm quite tired. We arrived home only hours before we had to pack up and leave again for our annual church retreat. I guess I shouldn't say "before we had to"...I should say "before we got to" ...because the weekend retreat was also an amazing time in the Lord and with His Body. It was also a great time for our immediate family to just be together and enjoy each other! I so love my family and was happy for all of us to be together and enjoying the beauty of God's creation together!

All that being said- this post will just be some photos and brief captions. I'm sure there will be more to follow int he days ahead. We want to give a genuine thanks again to all who labor with us in this mission! We truly love and need you.

(check back soon if you like for more updates)

Day one- parenting conference- we were asked by the local church to do a parenting conference. The results were more than I had expected. This turned out to be one of my highlights- again- more stories to follow.

Prayer group- we prayed and prophesied over each member of the prayer group- 6 hours later we were CLOSE to being done :) Tiring but who would trade it?! This is what we do!

Christy (above) and KC (below) each shared their own related testimonies at the parenting conference. It was really powerful and I was certainly proud of them as team leader but also, admittedly, so proud of KC as her Mommy:) (Doesn't Christy look great in my skirt? Uh yeah- her luggage got lost and didn't arrive until the next day)

Sergiu and Adi at the prayer meeting during worship. Sergiu still wants to come to Living Light School of Worship in Fall 2008. We are praying that God will indeed make a way! Both of these men are dear to my heart and have a sweet gentle spirit.

Prayer for Belize and Gales Point

2007-09-03T11:39:00.001-05:00

As I type this- there is a Category 5 hurricane heading directly for Belize. Now , it's not supposed to hit until Thursday so that gives us plenty of time to pray. Would you join in even a short prayer with us right now to ask God to diminish the storm and spare the people and land in Belize and surrounding nations? It's that simple- but powerful! Below are some photos of Gales Point and the mission base. The base is right on the Carribean sea and the village is a tiny peninsula barely above sea level about a mile inland. The villagers will not leave their homes for fear things will be stolen. There is a hurricane shelter (made of cement) but they probably will not use that either for the same reasons. So just pray with us please if and as you feel led. Thanks :) (All staff have evacuated the base. Vera and Basil are in California with the birth of their granddaughter and are due to return mid Sept.)

Gales Point Village- home to about 500 people that God so loves...almost all who have yet to realize this.

KC and Mike (a couple of years ago) jogging on the beach at the base. The main house, cabanas, staff and directors housing and sanctuary are only about 100 yards or less from shore.

CAMBODIA: "Final numbers" and Fun Testimonies!

2007-08-15T10:40:00.000-05:00

Hey all, I just heard some "final numbers" from our time in Cambodia. I suspect the numbers may even be larger than these, but here are the ones we know for sure. We touched the lives of well over 160,000 people that we know of; over 54,000 of them accepted Christ.

How exciting and wonderful is this! One thing I knew for sure was the fields are ripe for harvest in Cambodia! And yes, I already know I want to return!

I've been in touch with so many of the team members who stayed for the full month and there is just testimony after testimony of how God was working powerfully in this small nation. One story that is especially fun I will try to recount below...

On the final weekend of the month long outreach Joyce Meyer was scheduled to have a evangelistic outreach at the Olympic Stadium. Permission to use the stadium was revoked when the government introduced a "new law" right before the month long outreach began. It specifically targeted the outreach and was clearly an attempt of the enemy to keep things from going forth. Anyway- each week we prayed for God to make a way and sure enough, each week, God came thru and the festivals continued even if the locations had to be changed. Week by week, hundreds and thousands were giving their life to Christ and showing up wherever the ministry events were being held. (Specifically the praise , worship and teaching events at night)

So on the final week when Joyce was to speak, once again the rights were revoked by the government which led to smaller and more frequent meetings being held throughout the week in smaller, private venues. All of it leading up to the big "finale" on the weekend.

So the big day comes and the line up is Hillsongs Darlene Cszech, Delirious and Joyce Meyer. The 1,000 seat venue is packed to overflowing with several more thousand outside. HIllsongs starts playing and everyone is singing along worshipping God and then the government comes and unplugs and cuts all electrical and generator power and shuts the place down. The place is pitch black now, packed to the max and the only light is from cell phones or cameras. Next thing you know is one of the lead guys from Delirious, climbs off the stage , stands on a chair (I guess) with his acoustic guitar and continues to worship. Darlene climbs down as well, gets a bullhorn type thing from someone and uses it to sing. So everyone is there, worshipping and praising God in the dark, refusing to leave!

The government ends up locking the gates to the place and noone can get in or out. At this point, Joyce Meyer is not even there I guess but is notified of all that is happening, that everything has been shut down, noone can get in but noone is leaving. She ends up coming out and has to climb over the wall to get in- which she does. She then goes up and gets the bullhorn thing and an interpreter and brings a message. Then when she is done, worship continues!

I just love it! And having been there, I can almost picture myself right in the midst of it all! When I check the websites and blogs of our leaders and Joyce Meyer's son David (who is in charge of global outreach) it is told that in all the years of ministry she has never had to climb over the wall! Everyone involved recounts in their own way that they were simply blown away by what was taking place- the presence of God was simply powerful and the Cambodians were hungry for all of it! They'd never experienced anything like it!

Well, I sure enjoy a good testimony like that and am encouraged and inspired by it. I am blessed to know that I was part of such a great harvest and I wan tall of you to know that you were a part of it too through your prayers and support! I hope you have found joy and rejoicing in it as well :)

A HUGE THANK YOU

2007-07-26T07:47:00.000-05:00

THANK YOU to all of you who were part of this team to send me to Cambodia! I thank you and value all your prayers, notes of encouragement and financial support. I hope as you look thru this final post of photos, you will indeed feel a "reaping" of what you have sown.

It has taken me a few days to re-adjust and process the 12 hour time change and the "whirlwind" of ministry and travel that i have just been through. I'm sure in reality, I will still be processing it for a while. But now I can say "yes" I DO have a heart for Cambodia, for these precious people that the Lord so loves. My only regret is that I wish I had more time with them...but that is in God's hands. Who knows what the future will hold?

Enjoy these photos :)

Updates from Hope Cambodia blog

2007-07-26T07:19:00.000-05:00

Joyce Meyer's son David Meyer is keeping a blog for everyday of HopeCambodia. He is the one in charge of world missions for JMM. Anyway, I just logged on and found these three entries regarding the time that I was there. Praise God for all that was accomplished! (maybe I'll add some photos to go along with the captions)

Date: July 22, 2007From: David L. Meyer This past week launched the first of four weeks of the medical/dental teams. Mark & Doreen Babo (pictured) have been very instrumental in organizing the 80 plus professionals that are traveling to Cambodia throughout the 30 days. In the first week just completed, in the Battambang province, 1,685 patients were treated, many of which have had little or no access to this type of care. We believe very strongly in mixing social justice with God’s love. This week we all had a part in relieving suffering and I think God really likes that

Date: July 23, 2007From: David MeyerThe Battambang meetings were concluded over the weekend. We saw what the Lord can do through the power of teamwork! Three churches came together and sent fifty volunteers to help touch the people of this province. Over 20,000 people attended services filled with anointed music and the word. As Pastor Dino Rizzo (pictured) ministers to over a thousand people jam packed into the hall, many more thousands are outside watching on a big screen. Thank you to everyone at Healing Place Church, The Life Church and Celebration Church for all of your help.

Date: July 25, 2007From: Pastor John Siebeling-Life Church of Memphis For me, the most touching moment of Hope Cambodia was touring the medical outreach taking place here in Battambang. I don't even know what it was in particular; I was just so moved by the compassion that I saw. I guess it just blew me away to see all those doctors and nurses from all over the world in those steamy hot rooms, armed with an interpreter at their side, doing whatever they could to help the hurting Cambodian people.

More photos

2007-07-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

"Sunny" (my interpreter), a little Khmer boy I treated and me of course!

As I adjusted patient after patient, these kids all seemed to gather and watch me. What's funny about this photo is all these kids were all smiley, but as soon as you get the camera out they close their lips! I've found that to be true a lot of places- noone quite does the cheesy camera smile like Americans! haha. Oh well, they are still so cute! And they LOVED their super balls!

Dr. (or shall I say Dentist) Eileen- haha- yeah, well, Dr. Anita form India who is a dentist asked me if I wanted to do a tooth extraction. Is aid "sure- why not?!". So thisis me pulling a big ol' molar. Thank God the patient was anesthetized. I did get it out perfectly though! And now I think I am done with dentistry! haha.

This was the view I had as I adjusted patients on Day 2.

This little girl was afraid and didn't want to get adjusted. She sat and sat and wouldn't get treated. but then I went and asked her and she came to my table. I just sat with her and massaged her hands and she relaxed so beautifully. Then I was able to adjust her also and she was happy.

Divine appointments

2007-07-24T06:17:00.000-05:00

We went on a medial mission, but I always knew it would be far more than that. There were so many connections and networks formed and I truly know that I have new friends all over the world that will endure here on earth and even into heaven.
Talk about the Body of Christ- I am so thankful for all my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am thrille dto be part of a truth based, spirit filled local church but I am equally thrille dabout being part of the global church- the fullness of the Body of Christ! There were people on the team from Australia, South Africa, Belgium, England, India and all across the U.S.
Here are some photos of me with my new sisters (and brothers) in Christ! To God be the glory!

Just before my long 14 hour flight from L.A. to Taipei, Taiwan I met up with three other women who were also part of the team. This was a huge encouragement to all of us- we felt like together we could endure the long flight! (Jill from Texas, myself, Shawna from Florida and Vanessa from South Carolina).

After breakfast and befor eheading out to Day 2 clinic. (Melanie, originally from South Africa and now living in London, Jill from Northern England, myself and Shawna)

"Five Rivers"! This is what myself an this dynamic, powerful, passionate group of prayer warriors ended up calling ourselves. These girls are in my heart forever. My room becasme the prayer and prophecy room almost every night. From left to right is Melania, Heather (from Washington), Jessika (from Arizona) and Lesya (from Australia). You can tell it's my room becasue of my lovely stylish pajama pants! haha!

Lilia (from St Louis Dream Center) and myself. Thisis right after we went shopping at the market in Phnom Penh. that was really fun and youc an see that i am already sporting my new headband- something I try to buy in each new country i go to).

This photo shows form left to right my interpreter "Sunny", Dr. Mark Bebo (he and his wife were our team leaders), myself and in the foreground is the woman who had severe scoliosis and was basically "crumpled up, hunched over, twisted and looking down" when Dr. Mark sent her to me. After laying her on the table and letting the Holy Spirit lead me (becasue truly I didn't know what I could do for her in the natural) I just kep praying and doing whatever I felt the Lord directing me to do. I cna tell you I had HUGE FAITH for this woman that Jesus was going to heal her and help her. Eventhough the crowds were waiting I would not rush the Holy Spirit on this one. When she stood up- she was so mcuh straighter we all praised God. Youc an see she still has structural deformities but God allowed her to straighten up and walk. She also gave her life to Christ for the first time that day as she felt the love of Christ healing her she said. PRAISE GOD! Yeah- this one gave me tears!

Various Photos

2007-07-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

First Day of clinic- this was early on becasue I still look "fresh". Later in the day I suffered form heat exhaustion and then massive back pain as my muscles "seized up" on me. Though it was difficult- I had to return to the hotel and rest and recouperate. It wqas a difficult way to start my first day with so much still ahead of me, but I felt the peace of God that everything was perfectly held in Hsi hands. I used my time at the hotel to pray for the team and for the government to allow the festival to take place on Friday night (I'm happy to say it DID take place!) Thanks to all of you who knew about my struggles and prayed with me! The rest of the week was non-stop , with me feeling decent and adjusting about 100-150 patients each day! Now that's God!!!!!
Thisis one of my favorite photos because as I walked thru the crowds that were waiting for care (when we would arrive there were alreadya bout 500 people waiting for us)...this little boy/or girl(?) just put his arms out for me to hold him . This was unusual for the kids so after seeing the Mom giving me the "go ahead" to hold him I was thrilled to take him in my arms and pray over him and just show Jesus' love.

I am not 100% certain, but I THINK this is the woman who had to be carried to my table and then after I was done treating her she was able to easily walk away on her own. Either way, it is one of the many beautiful Khmer people that I treated!

How cute is this little kid? I treated both child and Mom and then snapped this precious photo. The Cambodians greet each other by putting their hands together and then bowing and so this little one was just learning how to do that. Seriously- too cute for words.

This is a picture of Doreen Bebo and myself in her nice suite at the luxurious Phnom Penh hotel! She and her husband Mark were our team leaders and were simply awesome. I learned so much form them. And now...we also have our Nigeria contact! (Mark and Doreen split their time between New Orleans and Nigeria...both places that God has spoken into our hearts about.)

Cambodia- some photos

2007-07-23T20:49:00.000-05:00

At a Christian orphanage in Phnom Penh- we were able to sow money for food for these children who were simply precious. One young boy came up to me and said "what religion do you follow?" I said "Oh- I follow Jesus Christ. I am a Christian. How about you? And he said- yes I am a Christian too. " It was so obvious that these kids were being taught and trained up as Christians. Cambodia needs more!

Day One clinic- near the beginning. Just smiling for the camera with some of the girls.

Day One clinic again- treating a little 4 year old girl.

Precious shot that my interpreter captured. I gave him my camera to use for the day and to take photos. He enjoyed it and got some great shots!

2007-07-23T20:41:00.001-05:00

one night in Bangkok- haha

2007-07-22T02:01:00.000-05:00

well I'm at teh Bangkok airport just waiting out a long layover. It has been an amazing mission trip and a wonderful adventure! I am feeling well and so thankful for everyone's prayers and emails of encouragement. How awesome is the true Body of Christ! I'll post more with photos once I am back home. I have a few long flights ahead of me but am happy to be coming home after such a Spirit filled effective time in God!

Love to everyone, Eileen

Safe in Cambodia

2007-07-15T19:43:00.000-05:00

Hi all- I hope this posts in english- haha. I arrived safely here last night and am happy to say i got a great night's sleep and even received a room upgrade- my room was on the level of "CLUB EXCELLENCE"

I just loved that. anyway on the way i met up with 5 other team members and also managed to get a Thai massage in Bangkok (thanks mom for the money!) My adventurous side that likes to 'live" thinks that is one of those things everyone should do if they have the chance...so I went for it! It was great- and its hard to please a chiropractor in profession who also has the chiropractor massage king husband!

But seriously- the team meets this morning in about an hour for the first time with all of us- then we head out for our location. I can say i definitely feel the maifestation of God's unfailing love surrounding me as i trust in HIm! Thanks for all who are praying. I love you all and i love living with God this way...

Love from Phnom Penh- Eileen

Every day life

2007-06-05T12:56:00.000-05:00

Three times now God has shown me and spoken to me about oil dripping from my hands. One time it was so real I literally had to look down at my hands on the steering wheel of my car because I thought oil was dripping all over the car. (it wasn’t of course- it was just in the spiritual realm) The oil has been told to me by God to be myrrh. Like the oil dripping on the hands of the beloved in the Song of Solomon. Oil that speaks of love and sacrifice and even pain but brings forth so much more.

Also, on Mother’s Day this year at our church service- right when I was doing “just fine” …”just worshipping away” the Lord really apprehended me and spoke to me to “Feed My children”. As I sang (my own song) in response to this I saw kids being fed all over the world. In Africa, in Belize, in orphanages, in schools, everywhere. I saw bags and bags of food being handed down to me from heaven to distribute to these children. Big white bags (like 50 lb flour, rice, beans, etc…) they just kept coming. I began to cry as I remembered a conversation I had years and years ago with a friend and how I told her that it “never even enters my mind that there are people who are hungry or not eating. It isn’t even on my radar”. I was crying, not because of that comment- but because it just proved how clearly "it is no longer I wholives but Christ who lives in me" and that this compassion and love and desire for the nations comes from God alone. It wasn’t even anything I even cared about and yet now I am wrecked for it- for these people that God so loves.

I still don’t know how this will play out but I do know that Jesus can multiply a little boy’s lunch exponentially! So that’s where we’ll start…but we are believing for big things thru Christ!

A couple weeks later we still needed funds in our ministry account by May 31st. I was praying and just telling God- “God- I KNOW you are faithful and I believe but help my disbelief” I was telling Mike how funny it is- like weight training- each new trip God continues to be faithful but He always finds a way to stretch my faith just a little bit more! So anyway- day after day nothing was really changing. Mike and I were in unity that yes we are going to Romania (KC and I and team) and yes, we have to walk in faith. Still nothing changes….

Then on Monday afternoon we were going to my nephew’s grad party in Illinois. We were running a bit late. As we are driving down Hwy 20 we see what appears to be a homeless man, really disheveled, dirty and pushing a shopping cart with a box in it. I saw him, Mike saw him and the light turned green and we drove on. I said “you know, that’s the guy I’d give some money to- I just feel the Holy Spirit telling me to help him- maybe to feed him” But we kept driving. I couldn’t let it go- I said “maybe we should just buy him some food”. Mike was like “yeah well, taco Bell is right here”. We kept driving. The conviction was so strong so I cross over three lanes of traffic and turn right into the Taco Bell. We then have to go back and find this guy. Of course he is nowhere to be found now. It’s not like he was going to get on a bus with the shopping cart. We go up and down street after street and can’t find him. I’m like “Lord- what do you want us to do?” Eventually we just prayed for him and drove to my nephew’s house. We never did find him or anyone else for that matter that needed tacos…we didn’t eat them either

The reason I bring it up is because all the while KC is sitting in the back seat going “maybe it was a test”…maybe God just wanted to know if you’d obey….maybe it was an angel….and we’re like “yeah KC- maybe” but Mike and I know there was a real guy. But KC keeps going on- about the angels- about God testing us, etc. Then, at one point, even unintentional for her, she says (and I wish I could give you an audio feed now) she says “Ha- so you really thought he was real huh?” Almost like she was in on this joke with God and was like “cool, You fooled them- they thought it was real God!” For whatever reason- when she said this I began laughing so hard! I felt this immediate break in the spirit realm and just felt peace and joy and like “I don’t even know what just happened- but yeah- SOMETHING happened and we passed the test!”

The very next day I got an email from some friends saying they were sending $1100 for the ministry! Days later, I connected the words from God to me on Mother’s Day to FEED HIS CHILDREN. Maybe it was a test?!!!!!! Maybe God will multiply our willingness to buy $3 worth of tacos here to feed thousands elsewhere in the days ahead! We actually believe He will!

God never calls us to do anything “in the nations” that we aren’t willing and obedient to do right here. Even when I (Eileen) go to the countries without Mike, he always goes with me. It’s not just a “cute saying”. The reality is that each day God knits us together and has us talking and talking and listening and praying thru all this stuff and every day issues. I can’t do anything that I do on these trips without having the daily life I have here with Mike. If I am not living HERE each day in the fullness of what God wants then I can’t just get on a plane and go somewhere else and expect it to be any different. He really refines me and helps me to walk in what God is showing me/us. I just wanted to honor him a little here and share what a vital part of this ministry he is because he would never tell you that himself.

Traveling thoughts

2007-05-24T18:06:00.000-05:00

Cambodia mission is about two months away and it seems as if pretty much everything is set. it's kind of fun going on this trip because the whole thing is being planned by someone else! AND- they are doing a REALLY good job! We got some of our supplement suppliers to donate a whole bunch of vitamins for kids and women- some prenatals as well which are really needed I guess. So we are excited about that!

My whole flight plan got rearranged and now my flight pattern looks like Milwaukee to L.A., then to Taiwan, then to Bangkok(Thailand), then to Cambodia. I am already praying for this aspect of the trip and that I am not sick or have any ear pain or sinus problems. I don't think I will!

I found out that I'll be serving most of my time in Battambang, Cambodia. This doesn't really tell me a whole lot but I have found some stuff on google. We'll be outside under tents most days doing the medical thing. I'm a bit nervous and excited all at once as I have no idea what types of conditions we will encounter. Overall I just feel peace about this trip. God's peace is so wonderful and so freeing.

Please continue to pray for me as you are led.

Prophetic Art Night- or whatever you want to call it

2007-05-05T10:22:00.000-05:00

One of the fun things we did while Roxana was here (at her lead) was to host a prophetic art night. In other words, we had several different things out to create with (clay, paint, pencils, etc..) and we played worship music and just let the Holy Spirit lead us in one we created. It was actually very cool. I took my first shot at clay and KC took her first try at acrylics. It was fun! (sorry for the sideways photos - I forgot to flip them first...maybe in time I will change them)

Some more photos- we've got hundreds so why not?

2007-04-05T14:52:00.000-05:00

exiting the 3D movie at the Adler Planetarium

simple and sweet- approaching Michigan Avenue,
"the Magnificent Mile"...I beg to differ, but....

having fun getting "sucked into a black hole"
imaging at Adler Planetarium

Eileen and Roxana and the skyline of Chicago

Lord, help our space program!

Fun and Ministry with Roxana

2007-04-05T14:44:00.000-05:00

On North Beach in Racine

Ministering to a friend

...and another one

Rox's fave at the Shedd Aquarium

Up top the John Hancock building (special note: TAYLOR IS UP THERE TOO! Way to go Taylor, trusting God and conquering your fear of heights!)

How Big is our God?

2007-02-24T20:45:00.000-06:00

Well, the only answer I have for that question is BIGGER AND BIGGER each time I check! haha! It's beena while since we've updated so i thought I'd throw a quick post on here. We were able to buy Roxana's tickets and she will be here on March 22nd and stay thru the end of April. We are already filling up the days and are so looking forward to her time here.

This week we start our training classes for the adoption process. We have already completed a few of them but we have 9 more to do, so that means a lot of classes packed into a few weeks. We sent in our latest stack of paperwork and so our "home study" is officially in progress. I'm not sure when they actually come to our HOME (haha) but I guess our home is much more than just our house! Today KC was walking thru the hallways of church carrying a little African American girl in her arms and I just was so full of joy. It reminded me that soon she will have a little sister!(and maybe a little brother too!). Anyway- it's all in God's hands and the whole process has been really peaceful.

In our last letter we asked for prayer as we seek God on several fronts. We are happy to say we are seeing those prayers answered and God is indeed revealing strategies to us and opening doors. We are praying about each opportunity, testing it for God's true direction and not just walking thru it because it is "open". That being said, please keep praying and we will keep you posted on things once they are confirmed. Pray that our minds would not stand in the way of what God wants to do. In other words, pray that we don't limit what God might want to do in us and through us for His Kingdom and those He so loves.

And a BIG BIG THANK YOU to all of you who continue to support our ministry- it really is "our" - meaning yours and ours- ministry together as the Body. We could not do all of this without you. Our hearts are full of thankfulness and appreciation.

Roxana to visit!

2007-01-19T18:04:00.000-06:00

Here are some photos of Roxana(which unfortunately for me include a pretty bad shot of me!oh well who cares!) Hopefully, she will be here in March. It's all in God's hands!

Belize December update

2006-12-12T11:21:00.000-06:00

Hopefully this writing will correspond with the photos in the right order. One of the things I try to do (usually with KC) each time I go down is to teach the girls a praise dance. This year, I brought down a dance that was actually choreogrpahed by Lindsay Knapp (a friend of ours) and KC. It was to "O come all Ye faithful" and was much more in a classic ballet style than high energy urban praise (like I've taught these girls before). They picked it up really well and will perform it for the village at their Christmas service.

I also brought down some dance outfits for two of the girls who are the main ones that I have worked with before. One of the girls Una ("yuna") models her new outfit. The shirts say "Live Free" and have a butterfly on them as well! Very cool! Una and I are standing in front of one of the 6 banners that I brought down to bring some life and color into the village church! The villagers loved them.

The next photo (I hope) is of Rodwell. Last May we found Rodwell walking thru the village with a walker and after examining him realized there was definitely a problem with his hip. Vera and Basil got him to the doctor and found out he needed surgery for a fractured hip (full break straight thru the bone). Our church paid for Rodwell's surgery and he is doing phenomenally well! I saw him riding his bike and running and carrying lumber! HE told me to say Thank You to everyone who helped him! Rodwell needs to go in this Friday now for another surgery just to havethe pins, etc removed. We don't know the cost of this yet but we were able to leave $600 towards the expenses and know that God will cover the rest (if it cost more than that). Rodwell is kind of shy as you can tell by his little head tip and small smile in this picture. I love it though- it really captures who he is. BTW, Rodwell's Mom Grace is one of the women who attend the Bible study and is a believer!

The next photo was taken at the end of the womens' bible study that Vera and Carole (who also works with the mission) have been holding in the village. The women shown here are some of the only believers in Gales Point. When the class was over I asked them to gather round and lay hands on Vera and to pray for her. I did a quick little teaching on this and told them that this is one of the things God uses me to do- to release the giftings in others. SO they laid hands on her and started praying. Vera was crying almost non stop as they prayed over her. Many of the women were also moved to tears. It was truly beautiful and was a major beakthrough.

Here's a picture of me and Didi, fresh off the boat and pretty wet actually. Didi is one young man that I would ask everyone to pray for if you are led to. Didi is a definite "Strong hopeful" for the village and "future leader". There is so much opposition to his living rightly though so we want to keep praying for him. He was a great joy to be around, is a hard worker, has a really great sense of humor and has a desire to work and earn money and better himself. He has a desire to become a certified tour guide (which he would be great at) and so we are working with him to make that happen. We have told him (and Vera and Basil) that if he earns and saves half the money needed for the school , then we will provide the other half. This was wisdom from God becasue everyone in Gales Point is used to just expecting a handout. Didi actually WANTS to work and so we want him to earn this himself...but still help him in the process. I am so hopeful that this will come to fruition but it will take prayer and time.

BELIZE AND ROMANIA UPDATES

2006-11-07T10:29:00.000-06:00

BELIZE UPDATE
It’s been a while since we’ve sent out an update so let us try to share with you some of the latest things that have been happening. If you remember, in March we had a doctor that moved out here from Hawaii to buy our practice. Well, that deal fell through and with it, we felt God bringing a shifting to what we knew- or felt we knew- regarding our ministry in Belize.

It was clear that we wouldn’t be moving to Belize- at least not any time soon- but it was also clear that there has been and still is purpose in our ministry in Belize. In one big way our ministry to Belize has changed…that is, we won’t be moving down there to live and serve. But in almost every other way, our ministry to Belize remains the same. We are still in excellent relationship with missionaries Vera and Basil. We correspond with them weekly and stay updated on all that is happening in Gales Point. We plan to continue to travel down there as God leads.

We also are now the U.S. stateside contacts for the Mission base, answering questions and organizing the service of short term teams from all over the U.S.

We also want to report the many praises that have already come forth. As you know, one of the main objectives was to get a clinic up and running in the village. You may remember that God divinely linked us with three doctors in Belize City. Two of those doctors are now serving regularly in the village! What’s more is that God has also brought in a full time nurse for the clinic! This brings us great joy to know that the people that God so loves will now have a place to go and have qualified workers meet their healthcare needs. We still pray for this clinic to come into the fullness of what God intends it to be but we are SO grateful for the way God has already moved! We feel blessed and humbled to have been used to bring this into existence. We always thought we would have to live down there for this to come to be, but obviously, God had it planned another way.

We are also seeing other areas where God is bringing forth fruit from our seeds (though they are really His seeds!) All of this reminds us that God is indeed God and His plan WILL succeed. We thought it would look differently than it does (which is usually what happens), but as we continue to walk in faith and obedience we see that His promises to us regarding Belize are indeed coming to pass. We believe as well that the best is yet to come for Gales Point!

ROMANIA UPDATE
While we continue to pursue God’s plan for us in Belize, we also have been given a door of opportunity in Romania. Many of you know that Eileen has been there three times now leading women’s camps, teaching, preaching and discipling believers. The first two trips focused primarily on women’s ministry while this last trip really was a combined discipling of men and women in the truth of God’s word.

Out of this trip came an awareness and actual request from the Romanian saints to have Mike come and hold a men’s camp. The men there are hungry for more of God, hungry for the spiritual things of God and have been praying that God would send someone to help them. Ever since our last trip to Romania (Eileen and team’s July trip) the men, women and families of Sibiu Romania have been praying for our whole family to return. These are not just “thoughts of prayer” or “kind comments”, these men and women are serious prayer warriors calling out to God for his provision and help.

We have felt the effect of their prayers and definitely feel a need to respond to God’s open door set before us in Romania. We have prayed, consulted those on our ministry board and feel a unanimous “yes” in our spirit to make a short term ministry trip to Romania as a family. Obviously, cost is a factor. Travel expenses and ministry costs will total about $5,000 for all of us. We are asking you to pray about partnering with us in this mission. We need lots of prayer and lots of finances.

We believe that the places we go as the Truth Ministry are not at all random but are places that are hand picked by God. They are places where God wants to see change. Much of the last two years has been focused on Gales Point, Belize and the dark spiritual climate and third world living conditions. Much of our time there has been plowing up the dry ground. To be honest it has been sacrificial, difficult, frustrating, unclear and yet “of God”. It is a land where patience and perseverance is needed. It has been and continues to be a faith walk.

Romania is totally different and so spiritually ripe. It is a land of good soil, ready for planting and ripe for harvest. There is so much hunger and desire for more…two very different lands and yet both people groups and places have captured the heart of God…and consequently, our hearts! Gales Point has yet to come into their knowledge of salvation and redemption and Romania, having received salvation, has yet to come into the fullness of freedom and power available to us all in the Holy Spirit through Christ!

God is directing us, our family, the Truth Ministry to be an active part of His kingdom building in both of these countries. Our desire is to continue to be faithful to answer that call.

We want to thank all of you for your continued support in prayer and finances. This mission is very sacred to us, very holy and something we try our very best to walk rightly in. We just want you to know that we don’t take any of this lightly but we do take it all joyfully knowing that there is no greater adventure than to go through life following His lead.

Mike, Eileen, Taylor and Killoran Berglund
427 Shelley Drive, Racine, WI 53405
www.thetruthministry.net
prayhard@tds.net

New family shots

2006-09-13T14:21:00.000-05:00

Testimonials continue!

2006-07-27T17:49:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share a few comments that are still rolling in from Romania! I'll keep them anonymous since I haven't actually asked these people yet if I can post them:)

"I saw the pictures you placed on the net and I want to thank you, it is very nice from you! I also thank the Almighty Lord for the awesome way He used you guys to encourage us, te speak to us, to overwhelme us with His holy presence! I can see the amaizing way God is using you to build His kingdom, adn He has many many other things to use you in, in the future! There are many other people that God will touch trough you! So, be happy! Rejoyce in the Lord always, and again I say rejoyce! For His salvation is about to be shown to men, and His power will be poured on the ones that are sent by Him! God bless you and give you absolutely everything that you need, spiritually and material! Please say hi to your daughter (I don`t remember her name, altought she was here), to your husband and bless him for me, and even to your son that I haven`t yet meet!
See you soon! Really!"

" will repeat myself, but I don't care... I want you to know that you and the team brought a fresh anointing. God used you to stir up the gifts in us and make for hungry for His presence and to know Him more. Julia told me that she was very encouraged by you. As you prayed for her in camp... God reconfirmed her some things she kind of forgot... Also the prophetic drawings were used by God to bring GOOD CHANGE in ladies lives!!

Remember Mommy's first drawing? The one with a corner wall and a flame? And we all interpreted it as the wall that our group is... Well, Virginia had the same vision for the group , this last Tuesday... The Lord showed her we need to have more of His love in our hearts , between us and that we are making a wall, a strong one.. we are the bricks and we are glued by the love for each other. We sure came to a new level after your trip... You sure accomplished God's plan for the trip! And the seeds you all planted are growing!!! Hallelujah! We are all praising God for you and the team! I am looking forward to the next time!!! When your halves (husbands) will come, too."

"The Lord really touched us and brought us to a new level! All these started as you all let God use you!! It's like you spent yourself for our benefit!!"

THANK YOU JESUS!

2006-07-23T16:06:00.000-05:00

Thank You Lord! For all you have done in us and through us! May YOUR NAME be magnified and glorified and spread throughout the earth!

For everything that is listed here and even the things that are not- I give you ALL the glory! Thank you for choosing me- thank you for loving me- my life is found only in YOU!

Just the facts!

2006-07-23T15:53:00.000-05:00

24 people at the prayer meeting.
2 salvations- one man , one woman
7 1/2 hours long
3 1/2 hours of us praying and prophesying over each person.
AMAZING!

My total joy came at the end of the prayer time when only 5 were left and Sue wanted to be prayed over. So we sat Sue in the chair and we all laid hands on her...and then I lifted mine off, went and sat on the ocuch and just watched. Su was "recovering" on the couch herself. It was only the Romanians who were praying over Sue. I felt such a deep deep joy as Roxana stood up and began to prohesy and pray boldly over Sue!

AMEN!The torch had been successfully passed!

And More....

2006-07-23T15:47:00.000-05:00

Another Thousand...

2006-07-23T15:42:00.000-05:00

Tuesday Prayer Meeting- Pictures are worth a Thousand Words!

2006-07-23T15:36:00.000-05:00

Monday - Rest Day...Sort of!

2006-07-23T15:05:00.000-05:00

Carmen and me by one of the salty lakes.

Can you say BEES? And there were plenty more that were not in their homes!

Part of Carmen's huge garden

Monday was scheduled to be a rest day. AND a day where we could treat Carmen to some fun. We had plans to go to the "salty lakes" and swim but had really just prayed God's will for us all. As it turned out, the weather was much cooler and so we did go to the salty lakes, only we didn't swim. We then went to Carmen's home in the country (BEAUTIFUL drive- I held my bracelet up against the landscape matching colors of the beads to the colors of the hills.) When we got to her garden they put us to work (haha) and we picked buckets of raspberries (amidst the bees- yikes!) and picked cherries form their trees as well. The truth of the matter (the PATHETIC TRUTH!)is that this was probably the biggest place of ME DYING TO MY FLESH that I encountered on this trip. It was really hard to work among all those bees and not freak out- but I just prayed and continued on. God is good and so were the raspberries!!!!!

Sunday Night- Speranta Church

2006-07-23T15:00:00.000-05:00

Su shares her testimony on how God worked all things together to get her to Romania last year.

I liked this gate to the church "Isus" ...JESUS!

Sunday night we shared at another Baptist church in Sibiu. We had also been at this church last year and so it was really neat to be going back a second time and see some familiar faces. I didn't have anything pressing that I needed to share so I just gave greetings to everyone and turned it over to Su and Sue. They did a great job sharing what God had put on their heart.

Preaching the Sunday Message!

2006-07-22T05:52:00.001-05:00

Preaching the message on Sunday had to be the highlight of my trip. This has been a fulfillment of God's promises to me from years ago. Women have never been allowed to preach the Word of God in this church (and in Romania in general). They can "share" and give testimony but that's all. This year Carmen's pastor told her that instead of 15 minutes to share, we can have 35 minutes and we can bring the message. He did not preach at all but gave all his time to me. Everyone was shocked that heard of this! (shocked in a good excited breakthrough kind of way!)

As I prepared the message (which I did right there on Friday afternoon before camp)I prayed that God would entirely guide me and lead me in what to say. I knew I would be teaching "line upon line, precept upon precept" and God just gave me the whole thing very easily.

One of my main prayers was that the pastor would be blessed. I prayed a lot over the next couple days that not only would God touch the people, but really that He would bless the pastor for allowing me to preach God's word.

My message consisted of two main points. The first, BE RECONCILED TO CHRIST (from 2 Corinthians 5:14-21)...The second, LIVE A LIFE WORTHY OF THE CALL (from Colossians 3).

When I was done preaching and sat down, the pastor cam eup and was speaking to the congregation and I kept hearing my name "Eileen". I asled Carmen what he was saying and she told me that he said "Men, this message is for you too. Maybe you didn't think a woman can bring the Word of God , maybe you have never heard a woman deliver a message, but man and woman come from the same source and this is God's word and you need to listen to this"

After the service, men and women came up to me and thanked me and told me how it really was good, etc. That was encouraging and exciting!

Throughout the week, I kept getting feedback form people who were there or knew someone who was there about how God moved. Very cool. Very humbling and so wonderful!

Preaching the Sunday Message!

2006-07-22T05:52:00.000-05:00

Preaching the message on Sunday had to be the highlight of my trip. This has been a fulfillment of God's promises to me from years ago. Women have never been allowed to preach the Word of God in this church (and in Romania in general). They can "share" and give testimony but that's all. This year Carmen's pastor told her that instead of 15 minutes to share, we can have 35 minutes and we can bring the message. He did not preach at all but gave all his time to me. Everyone was shocked that heard of this! (shocked in a good excited breakthrough kind of way!)

As I prepared the message (which I did right there on Friday afternoon before camp)I prayed that God would entirely guide me and lead me in what to say. I knew I would be teaching "line upon line, precept upon precept" and God just gave me the whole thing very easily.

One of my main prayers was that the pastor would be blessed. I prayed a lot over the next couple days that not only would God touch the people, but really that He would bless the pastor for allowing me to preach God's word.

My message consisted of two main points. The first, BE RECONCILED TO CHRIST...The second, LIVE A LIFE WORTHY OF THE CALL.

When I was done preaching and sat down, the pastor cam eup and was speaking to the congregation and I kept hearing my name "Eileen". I asled Carmen what he was saying and she told me that he said "Men, this message is for you too. Maybe you didn't think a woman can bring the Word of God , maybe you have never heard a woman deliver a message, but man and woman come from the same source and this is God's word and you need to listen to this"

After the service, men and women came up to me and thanked me and told me how it really was good, etc. That was encouraging and exciting!

Throughout the week, I kept getting feedback form people who were there or knew someone who was there about how God moved. Very cool. Very humbling and so wonderful!

Youth Group/Young Unmarried Adults

2006-07-22T05:41:00.000-05:00

On Saturday night we headed straight from camp over to the Youth Group meeting at church. Sue spoke to them on relationships and purity and also did this amazing anointed drama at the end. Throughout the week there was great feedback about how they needed this teaching.

Camp Testimonies

2006-07-21T17:12:00.000-05:00

Here were some comments from a few of the women at camp....once again, to God be the glory! We thank Him for the fruit that comes when we abide in HIM!

"I am very thankful to God for allowing me to meet you. Thanks be to God because He chose us to spread everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. Thank you of your ministry of serving to us. You shine like a star in the universe and I pray that you will always be a shining light wherever you'll go, pointing others to Christ."

"You are a fresh breeze, an anointed touch of the Holy Ghost to open our spiritual eyes, make us reach high, closer to God, experiencing His freedom. Thank You for obeying God and all the things you have been doing for us. God is moving and we can see it more through you and people like you that dedicate their life and entire heart to serving the Lord and doing His work"

"I praise my God that He has answered my prayer, that he is preparing and equipping His servants so they can in turn do His jobs. He did this with you for me. I thank Him for sending you and connecting us like this bound in His unity and love. may He protect your service."

More Camp Stuff

2006-07-21T16:58:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not- I didn't teach at all at camp this year! And I was happy to hear what Su and Sue had to bring to the women. Sue brought forth very personal and practical teachings on relationship, forgiveness and love. Su brought forth very progressive, stretching teachings on Kingdom living and also gave her testimony. I guess I did manage to teach a bit as I gave a quick scriptural intro on prophecy before we had the women do the prophetic drawing workshop. I also prayed a lot over the women and had some one on one time with key women who I have known now for three years and know God to be calling them forward as leaders. Camp was FIRE! Holy Spirit FIRE! Above and beyond our expectations- holding nothing back. This was new to many of them, but all went well and their apetites were increased for MORE!

DAY THREE - CAMP!

2006-07-21T16:47:00.000-05:00

This year God provided for us to host 21 young women at camp. Our youngest girl was Claudia who was 16. Many of the women had been to camp last year but we had a bunch of new ones too. We had two vans to transport all our bags and all of us. It was pretty funny the way they packed us all in- but we managed! On our drive it rained but as soon as we pulled into camp the rain stopped and never bothered us again all weekend.

First you have to move the hay

Then we eat

Getting water from the village

THE BRACELET!

2006-07-21T04:38:00.000-05:00

(This is out of order in the timeline of things but I wanted to include it)

On my first trip to Romania God touched me SO deeply with His love and spoke to me so clearly and freely. I called Romania my Psalm 23 place because it is just so beautiful with its green hills and mountains and pristine streams.

(My Psalm 23:1-3 place)

On my second trip to ROmania I brought a team and one of the girls (SU) made bracelets for all the women at the camp. Each bracelet was unique and each one was prayed over and prophesied over- and a word or words were attached to it. All of the bracelets were "spirit led" distributed as the women prayed and then picked one out of a bag. The bracelet that i got was green which immediately reminded me of all the colors of the Romanian hillsides. The word that cmae with it was "Breaker anointing" which is something I have been told many times in various different groups and settings.

Anyway, I loved my bracelet. I loved what it meant to me from God. Outside of my wedding band, it was clearly my favorite piece of jewelery ever. There were only 30 of them made, it was very special....
and then God told me to give it away.

In obedience I gave it away and was happy to do so and would do it again at the Lord's leading. But I mounred the loss. As dumb as that sounds, I seriously mourned the loss. I knew the bracelt was where it needed to be and that brought me such joy, but still I have thought about it often.

The day before I left for trip #3 I emailed my friend and asked her to wear the bracelt this week while I was gone and to pray for us. And about an hour before I left I joked to Mike and said " and then I figure God can also tell her to give it back to me". Mike said "Do your eally want it back". And I said " No, I don't, it's where it needs to be, it just still means a lot to me".

An hour later as we were ready to load into the car to head to the airport Su told me she had something to give me. She pulled out another GREEN bracelet! It wasn't the one she had from camp (she had a red one) but God had led her to make a new one after she returned. She said God wanted me to have this one and she put it on my wrist!!!!!!

This bracelet is different than the first one and I am different than when I went last year! It still holds everything good that God had spoken to me about Romania and my work there and His love for me and yet it speaks that I am in a new season now. I can live with that! I rejoice in that! HE is so good! So kind and full of lavish love!

LAYING ON THE KITCHEN FLOOR!

2006-07-21T04:03:00.000-05:00

On Day Two the plan was to get up for breakfast at about 8:30a.m. The reality was that we slept until NOON! When we did get up, we ate some food and then began to pray together. It was me, Su, Sue, Carmen and Mommy (Carmen's Mom). We ended up praying for four hours! At one point we got out paper and had Carmen and Mommy draw whatever God led them to draw and then we took turns interpreting what we saw. It was powerful!

We then returned to praying again and I was led to lay hands on Mommy. I'm not sure I even spoke- I can't remember- but as I laid my hands on her I felt fire come out and travel thru her whole body. I guess I did speak becasue I told Carmen (in English) what i was feeling. At the same time, Mommy told Carmen (in Romanian!) that when I laid my hands on her she felt fire go all through her body. How cool is God!!!!!

After that I was pretty exhausted and actually overwhelmed by the presence and goodness of God that I just had to lay down right there on the kitchen floor face up, arms extended. I just laughed as I prayed "God I thank you that I can be so far away from home, in a foreign land, laying on someone's kitchen floor, laughing with joy and it is totally OKAY!" He is so good!

At night, Sergiu, a 20 year old young man from Carmen's church came over. He is the worship leader at their church. He had heard that we were coming and he was "chomping at the bit" to see us. That was encouraging! I was actually excited to see him too because I had brought information for him on the School of Worship at our church. I had felt God lead me to bring this to him so in obedience I did. I also had prophesied over him on the last trip and just feel a deep love for him and God's plans for him.

(Sergiu is in the middle)

We had a great night with him just sitting and talking and hearing his heart. We all prayed together too that God would order his steps and make clear to him the path he is to walk and the right timing for all the things God has shown him. Although it unfolded more throughout the week we were there, he is really praying and stirred about the idea of coming to Kenosha/Racine for the School of Worship. So please pray that God would direct him and open doors if this is indeed His plan.

Highlights of Day One

2006-07-21T03:47:00.000-05:00

Evidence of God's abundant blessings began right away for us! On the plane we were moved from the second to last row center seats, to the middle of the plane bulk head row. This was because the video screen for my seat was apparently not working. The flight attendant was the one who brought this up before we even took off and she relocated all three of us to these much roomier seats. Later in the flight I walked back and saw that indeed the video screen of my previous seat was working just fine!
GOD KISS #1 (smile)

Midway through the flight as I listened to some worship songs I just felt I needed to get out my sketch pad and draw prophetically. So then my friend Su (who goes to Morning Star- Rick Joyner's church, etc) took out her notebook to draw too. She attends a home group prophetic art class with two world renown artists. So she has been giving me exercises to do.This time she told me "draw your deepest heart's desire". No more instructions. I asked a few questions and then began to put the pen to the paper not really knowing what or how I could draw what was stirring under the surface inside. I didn't have words or a specific picture in my mind but drew from my spirit. What unfolded brought me to tears in the middle of the plane! As I drew (and this has happened before) I just wept and wept. WHY You ask? Becasue I really only had one major personal prayer that I wanted God to answer on this trip...and here, before we even got off the plane, He was answering it through this drawing. I praise Him and thank Him!

We transferred in London and arrived on time in Bucharest with our driver ready and waiting! We then drove the 5 hours to Sibiu and arrived at Carmen's while it was still light out. We talked, ate and then SLEPT! End of Day One.

WE GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY! Romania 2006

2006-07-21T03:39:00.000-05:00

I am safely back from my trip to Sibiu, Romania! I have caught up on SOME sleep and hopefully will fully transition back to our timezone in the next day or so. The trip was amazing! It exceeded all my expectations, prayer requests and hopes. God truly worked in us and through us on this trip and we want to be sure to give HIM all the glory and thanks!

With that being said, there is always a decision to be made when relaying the details of the trip to others. On one hand, I want to share everything that God did becasue HE is amazing, wonderful and faithful! On the other hand, I do not want to appear (or, in reality, BE) boastful. Knowing that we are told in His Word,if we are to boast we will boast IN THE LORD...I have decided to include every detail that the Lord brings to mind to write.

Afterall, it is good for you who have invested in money, prayer and love to see the good fruit of your seeds sown:)

SO TO GOD BE THE GLORY! FOREVER AND EVER!

With love from a jar of clay.....Eileen

My Romanian sisters in Christ

2006-06-13T15:59:00.000-05:00

Me and Alina! Alina was my translator the first year at camp and we became great friends right away. On my last day she took me through downtown Sibiu to see the sights. We now have that as a tradition each time I go!

Carmen and Mommy! Carmen is my best friend in Romania- a kindred spirit and strong woman of God! She is the one who takes care of all the details of our stay. We would be lost without her! And Mommy is well, Carmen's Mom! We just love her too! And by th eway- they are the best cooks!

I absolutely LOVE these women and am SO HAPPY that I will get to see them again soon! Though my body has been tired from all the recent traveling, I am once again refreshed and filled up and ready to go pour out again:)

ROMANIA! Young Women's Camp 2006!

2006-06-13T15:45:00.000-05:00

The young women's camp that was birthed in May 2005!

Eileen will soon be heading back to Sibiu,Romania for the third time! She will once again bring a small team of women with her and they will sponsor and host a weekend women's camp for Young Women, roughly aged 16-30. This vision was birthed by the young women themselves who prayed fervently for God to bring someone who would do a camp just for them with topics relevant to their lives. Three years ago Eileen met some of these young praying women and last year the prayers came to fruition with the birth of a Young Women's camp just for them. These camps are a huge treat for these women/girls and something they never forget. Likewise, the young women/girls there have become true sisters to Eileen and she loves her times in Romania!

This year has brought a lot of travel for us as a family and for Eileen individually so please keep praying for her and the other women as they prepare their messages for this trip. They will also minister in two different churches (Sunday morning and evening) and at our host Carmen's home group midweek. Also, this year the men have requested that they get some ministry time with us too so we are honoring that and will be doing a picnic for the men and women on one of the days. This is another fulfillment of one of God's promises to Eileen (one that she has fought for quite some time but recently yielded!)- that she will minister to women AND MEN!

Beautiful Feet! Kenosha Women's Conference

2006-06-13T15:33:00.000-05:00

Eileen is working with several other women to bring forth a Kenosha Women's COnference entitled "Beautiful Feet". It will be Saturday June 24th and the theme is based on Romans 10:15 "how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news".
There will be four local speakers: Yolanda James, Tracey Bloom, Carol Pingitore and Eileen. There will also be morning and afternoon worship sets led by Liz Ryssemus and Julia Hare. The time is 9a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and admission is free and lunch is on your own:)

Hope you can make it! No tickets or reservations necessary, just show up that day (maye even a little early)

We will take an offering that day which will help go towards cost of the event as well as Eileen's upcoming mission work in Romania.

Continuing Praise!

2006-06-01T18:03:00.000-05:00

Just wanting to ocntinue to praise God for His abundant provision. Another friend just donated money toward Rodwell's surgery and care. Although the cost of $2200 is already being met, I know this extra money will also help with the unforeseen costs that ALWAYS seem to exist. (We know this firsthand after being down there five times!)Anyway- a BIG thank you to our friend and may God bless all of you who gave abundantly!

PRAISE GOD!!!!! Answered prayer for 14 Year Old Rodwell

2006-06-01T13:39:00.000-05:00

We praise God for His provision for Rodwell! Living Light Church in Kenosha- our home church- is sending all the money needed for Rodwell's surgery/hospital costs! We send our deep thanks to God and to all whom god has used to make this happen. He will bless you for your generosity to this boy and his family. Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, June 2nd at 9a.m. Please pray as Godleads you and we will update you as soon as we have more information.

RODWELL- Broken Hip

2006-05-31T09:44:00.000-05:00

Our one day in the village we came across Rodwell, probably 13-15 year old boy who was walking with a walker. He never uses one and has no physical problems so we asked him about it and ended up examining him. We were obviously limited in what we could do but we diagnosed a definite problem in his left hip (not knee as they had thought and previously x-rayed)- most likely a break or dislocation. Becasue he did not knwo "how this happened" we thought it was more likely a dislocation than break. We aslo layed hands on hima nd prayed. On the day we got home, Vera and Basil were able to get him to the city hospital where Dr Jorge Hidalgo works and he examined and x-rayed him and he does indeed have a badly broken hip. He needs surgery or will be crippled for life, unable to use the leg. The doctor will do the surgery for free but the hospital costs alone come to $2200 US. So there is a big need to raise this money right now. If you can help at all and want to help, please let us know. Also, there is a big need for prayer for him. The surgery is scheduled for Friday. The hip has been broken and untreated for about a month now. The blood supply to parts of the bone have been lost and so we need to pray that it will all be restored so that his bones can continue to grow fully. We are humbled by this all and are just doing what we can right now- which is to spread the word of his need and ask for finances for him and prayer. This is just another example of how our heart breaks to see this village have no healthcare at all. We are excited that they soon will have Drs. Hidalgo once a month! THANK YOU LORD! Keep pressing in, Keep establishing, keep building...

Love seeing the closeness in Taylor and KC no matter where we are!

2006-05-30T15:52:00.000-05:00

Yes I'm almost 40 and my quads were sore after hiking up and down ruins!

2006-05-30T15:36:00.000-05:00

Morning Devotions

2006-05-30T15:31:00.000-05:00

We're home!

2006-05-30T15:27:00.000-05:00

Hey- after 12 days and then a plane delay and cancellation in Dallas...we're finally back in our home! And it feels good! We'll post some more of the trip photos for you to have a "glimpse" inside our last two weeks. Thanks to all who supported us in any and every way throughout this time!

Praying thru the BAse

2006-05-27T19:14:00.000-05:00

Hi again...just wanted to update while I had the chance. We have had a crazy day here, but just finished on eof our high priority things which was to pray thru each and every building on the base and to really claim it back for God. We blew the shofar as we went and all of us took turn praying- all of us meaning Vera, Basil, Mike and I. It felt good to do that as God was able to use us also to pray and prophesy things forth for thr ministry and for Basil and Vera personally and for the villagers.

The heat has taken its toll on me, or the lack of water (my own fault I guess if that's the case) or the warfare or all of it! Tomorrow will bean adventure and one we need prayer for. haha it just dawned on me that tomorrow you will all be in your churches, or wherever God has you or is sending you to serve...I don't know why that makes me laugh ...I guess it just all seems so far away right now! But we are where we need to be as His servants:) And our work is not yet done.

So yeah- tomorrow we have to transport all of us and our luggage thru the mile and a hlaf jungle path which as I wrote earlier is all flooded out. We have an ATV we can use and we can put the hluggage in there as we walk and "wade" thru the water. srriously! We think with three trips we can do it. That gets us to the end of the path and the beginning of the lagoon. Then we have to wait for the person- Dana is his name- who will come and pick us up in his boat an d tkae us across the lagoon. Then unload everything againa nd get it to the van which is parked in the village. Then we will drive that down the road to the church (I think) and all this needs to be done by 9:30. SO we are leaving the base at 6 I believe to make sure we are not late...maybe its later..but you get the idea.

I have to tell you that I marvel at how God is growing our kids thru all of this. The other day Taylor got a burger and when he picked it up there was a dead bug underneath. He juts brushed it off and ate the burger. I was SO PROUD! I said "you know you are a missionsry kid when..."

Well, plese do pray for us and thank you so much to those who have emailed or commented on here. It means a lot!

Love Eileen adn Mike and Taylor and KC

Finally

2006-05-27T11:02:00.000-05:00

We .finally made .it to .th.e .villag.e/base! .With. two .days .to .spare! .h.aha. .Computer .problems .but .will .post .th.is .anyway. All .roads .into .villag.e .are .flooded .and .the. .storms .keep coming. .so .we .can't .go. .by .sea .because .it .is .too r.oug.h.. We .need .to l.eave .tomorrow .so .pray .God .makes .a .way.

Mike .is i.n .villag.e .now .doing .medical .stuff. .We .stayed a.t .base .so w.e .don'.t .ha.ve .to w.alk t.he. .mile .and .ah.lf .in shin/ankle.deep .water .th.ru t.h.e .jungl.e .path.(wh.ich. i.s .h.ow .we .go.t .he.re .by t.h.e .way) .Please .pray. we .are a.ll .well .but .ready .to c.ome .h.ome.

Pray for KC

2006-05-25T09:58:00.000-05:00

Hi again- eileen here..please pray for KC. She has been having a wonderful time here and spreading the joy, spending much time playing with 4 year old Allison....but today she has just broken down in tears as we are still not in the village. And we can't go today. God is doing a lot on this trip but most of it is hard for a ten year old to see...actually a lot of it is hard for a 39 and 43 year old too! haha. Please pray for her today if you read this. She is fine but we are all feeling a "shift" on this trip.

Another praise is the doctors have allowed us the use of their other home (the one they will be moiving into next week) for the remainder of our time here. This is huge answer to prayer and finances and once again we want to tell God thank you nad raise all of YOUR faith to continue to walk as He leads and watch how He willalways provide!

We are making greta new friends and contacts here. The "net" continues to spread ...each new relationship a new knot, so that we can haul in more "fish".

Love you all! See you soon!

Another Worshiper

2006-05-25T09:51:00.000-05:00

At the Wed night prayer group, EIleen got a prophetic word for this man. Basically it was a word of encouragement that God says he is a worshipper- even if he doesn't play any instruments- he is a worshipper, he has heart to truly worship God. Also, that God has plans to prosper him and not harm him (Jeremiah) He was very excited and had big smile, as did his wife,upon hearing this. His wife, shown in the right of the photo gave her life to Christ that night as well!

God's New Wonder

2006-05-25T09:46:00.000-05:00

While this 18 month old was still in the womb, God told her father (who was seeking God for a name for her) to name her Wonder because she would preach and prophesy in front of large crowds and signs and WONDERS would come forth from her ministry.

Eileen & I had the chance to pray over her. It was a very good night.

We have but one Spirit... He understands spanish, too.

2006-05-25T09:39:00.000-05:00

(Mike here.)

On the same night our home group meets, we were invited by the Hispanic medical doctor and his wife to join them for their home group (and to stay the night in their home... SO MUCH HOSPITALITY!).

The whole meeting was in spanish, but we understood enough and the Holy Spirit translated the "spirit" of the message for us. So awesome to see these people praise God and hear the Good News in a different language. And to just top off the experience, the Holy Spirit drew 5 more people into the kingdom (salvation). YEAH, God.

eileen's thoughts

2006-05-24T15:47:00.000-05:00

we're having trouble getting these to post but hopefully it will work. Photos are of KC playing stick ball with some island kids, our family after climbing to the top of Mayan ruins and maybe Taylor with Benjamin- the doctors' son.

Anyway- we have been praying for God to stretch our money and He is! We have just been invited to stya at Geraldine and Jorge's home for two nights which will save us quite a bit! It' samazing how God continues to just provide and orchestrate things and how it is never how we think it will be....except that we alwasy know He WILL provide as we continue to walk in faith as He leads!

Geraldine and I are having great times together and have a lot in common. I am going to help her with her home today as they are preparing to move into a new home and she has stuff to do there. How fun is God?!!! ANSWER- SO FUN!

Please keep praying for us...we are entirely in His mercy and His leading of us...

Love-Eileen

Hot, rainy & sweaty day... gotta love Belize.

2006-05-24T15:06:00.000-05:00

(Mike here.)

Basil & I just went out for supplies. I really don't like my trips to Belize City to do errand running, but I do enjoy my time with Basil. He's a very private guy who doesn't really like to talk a lot, but I find he has a wealth of knowledge and a slew of stories about his life, about their missions experience and about Belize in general.

This has been a hard trip. Right now, Vera is currently trying to recover from the flu she has had over the past couple of days. She looked/acted MUCH better today than she even did yesterday. Basil, by his own admission, has been better since he was in the hospital, but he indicated that he still isn't nearly at 100%.

Please pray for Vera and Basil, their health, their ministry as well as their own personal spiritual walk.

Please pray for us for God to provide financially (some of this trip is not yet paid for) as well as to bring us revelation in this missions journey we are on. As for me, pray for God to break thru in greater ways and to reveal himself more to me. I would love to grow in my passion and love for Him.

Eileen, as it always seems, has the favor of the Lord. We prayed for free access into one of the Mayan ruin sites and free exiting from Mexico. God answered both. Also, our new hispanic doctor friends are from the Assembly of God and she told Eileen that she would love to have Eileen preach at her church (if we give her more advanced warning next time).

We love u and miss you all. Mike

Finally... some photos!!!

2006-05-24T15:00:00.000-05:00

Thunderstorms

2006-05-24T09:08:00.000-05:00

Well today we are planning ot head into the base/village by boat of ocurse. Only thing is, we are having thunderstorms! It is still early though and we have shopping ot do for supplies so I am hopeful it will clear in time for us to still make it there. Yesterday was a greta day in the Lord! We were able to hang out with Dr. Jorge Hidalgo and his wife Dr. Geraldine Hidalgo and their two children. Their son Benjamin was an exact replica (almost) of Taylor and the two fo them did not stop talking or playing the whole time. KC also played of course and helped with little 4 year old Allison, their daughter.

We love this couple! We love this family! Another FAMILY that loves God and will be spreading that and modeling that in Gales Point. Very exciting! I was thanking God again for this God ordained meeting of the two families...the ministries...etc.

Havr to run now as we are meeting again for breakfast and with Vera and Basil as well. Vera has been having some flu like symptoms yesterday so we are praying today will be better. Love you all! Thanks for the emails and comments!

Love-all of us

Hablas Espanol? continued

2006-05-22T12:11:00.000-05:00

Hello again...

i wanted to ask for prayer for all of us as we are in the village. we will be down there soon and as usual want ot be about God´s business and tuned in to Him and what He has for us to hear, say and do.

i was wondering how church went yesterday back home. i had a funny thing happen while here. when we were on the island of Ambergris, there was a open air crusdae going on. They had set up a cloth screen and sound systema nd had worship going and it was really good so we stopped and were worshipping along. They played he will make a way and then some other song and then shout to the Lord. well, during the second song I was juts off somewhere in my worship world with God and when I opened my eyes I expected to be in Living Light church but here I wsa in the dirt road of this Belizean Island. I just sort of shook my head and laughed and thought COOL...same God...same spirit. Anyway it was just kind of weird and fun and good.

well, the internet is starting to go I guess...whatever that means...haha...so I best conclude by asking you to pray. We need prayers, we actually need more money and we need continual Holy SPiirt power and perseverence. It´s easy to let things wear you out here, attitudes, etc...but in God there is always more,always power, alwasy love! so we draw on HIm and delight in Him and love you alla s well.

We´ll try to get some phtoos on here at some point...

Love eileen and family

Hablas Espanol?

2006-05-22T11:55:00.001-05:00

(Eileen here) Hola! Estamos en Chetumal en Mexico! haha.
had to get some espanol int here somewhere! today is a rest day...as much as any day here can be a rest day. we have weaved our way through the markets of this mexican city to find an internet place where we can talk to you! the keyboard is a bit different here so please forgive all the typos in advance! (silly me, i couldn´t figure out that to get the @ sign I have to press down ALT adn then quickly hit the 6 key and then the 4 key! weird but fun! okay, things are going well. on one hand we all want to come home each and every day...and on the other hand we just keep praying and humbling ourselves to God´s purposes and it goes well. we had a great meeting with Dr. Jorge Hidalgo. His wife is also a doctor but has been home with the kids (how cool..i can totally relate) We had a good meeting and he has said that he thinks he can commit to coming to the village once per month! This is so wonderful! There are still some things we need to pray through to bring this to fruition. But he is committed to make something work. He invited us to hishome tomorrow evening.

I have to crack up..the music here in this internet cublicle int he middle of a market is blasting Bad Boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do, watcha gonna do.... too funny.

anyway, i digress...

i´ll post this now and then add more so i don´t lose it.

love' eileen

Hablas Espanol?

2006-05-22T11:55:00.000-05:00

(Eileen here) Hola! Estamos en Chetumal en Mexico! haha.
had to get some espanol int here somewhere! today is a rest day...as much as any day here can be a rest day. we have weaved our way through the markets of this mexican city to find an internet place where we can talk to you! the keyboard is a bit different here so please forgive all the typos in advance! (silly me,
okay, things are going well. on one hand we all want to come home each and every day...and on the other hand we just keep praying and humbling ourselves to God´s purposes and it goes well. we had a great meeting with Dr. Jorge Hidalgo. His wife is also a doctor but has been home with the kids (how cool..i can totally relate) We had a good meeting and he has said that he thinks he can commit to coming to the village once per month! This is so wonderful! There are still some things we need to pray through to bring this to fruition. But he is committed to make something work. He invited us to hishome tomorrow evening. He is from Guatemala originally so they will prepareus a
I havr to crack up..the music here in this internet cublicle int he middle of a market is blasting Bad Boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do, watcha gonna do.... too funny.

anyway, i digress...

i´ll post this now and then add more so i don´t lose it.

love' eileen

We are here... Safe & Sound

2006-05-19T16:10:00.000-05:00
(Mike here.) Just wanted to keep all of you updated as to how things are.

We are currently in Ambercris Caye. We are spending time with Vera & Basil. Basil has indicated that he's still not quite at 100%, but he looks like he's doing a lot better. They are trying some Restless Leg Syndrome suggestions (we are looking into using a Cal-Mag-Zinc supplement they had).

We will be here until tomorrow (Saturday) when we take the 1.5 hr water taxi ride back to Belize City to meet with the doctors for lunch. For those of you that were not informed (or forgot) Eileen had a God meeting with 2 doctors who live and work here in Belize. And in classic Eileen-Holy Spirit boldness, she asked the doctors point blank if they would be willing to come to Gales Point to serve as doctors periodically and they said they would. We believe that tomorrow we will be ironing out logistics like frequency of visits. We will also be asking if they have any other MD contacts that would/might be willing to work in the village too. It'd be great if we could get 6-12 doctors and they could come 4x/year and there would be coverage EVERY WEEK in the village.

Pray for the doctors that they would not get intimidated by the villagers (which has happened in the past) and that we would be able to get additional contacts.

Pray also for our drive up to Mexico after that meeting. We are really trying to press in and get past Vera & Basil's standard responses, and get to the MEAT of what they are here for and God is calling them to do. We want MAXIMUM CREATIVITY and DREAMING so that God can reach these people where other times they may have been unreachable. We want to help bridge these people past their comfort zones and the generational "this is how we do things" and get them to a place of joy, prosperity, and (obviously) salvation.

Pray for me (Mike) that the hard job of reaching the men in the village does not CAMP in me as DISBELIEF. I want to BELIEVE God that these people are reachable. That the impossible is possible with God.

Hopefully, we will have the ability to update this more fully within the next 2-3 days.

We are so grateful for all of you that are STANDING IN THE GAP with us for this little village and these 2 missionaries that we are called to. BREAK-THROUGH is going to happen. Thank you for your standing with us.

The Word of the Lord!

2006-05-15T09:57:00.000-05:00
Yesterday at church, this word came forth to our congregation. My spirit leaped and I knew God was indeed speaking and encouraging us once again. May it encourage you as well!

(through Rachel Cui, 5/14/06)
“I don’t want My people to settle for less than everything. When I give you faith for something, then I want you to run with it. Will you quit at the first sign of adversity? When the challenge comes, will you be quick to say, ‘Maybe there’s another answer,’ or will you plant your feet on My word and on what I have spoken? Those who see signs and wonders are those who stand confidently in faith regardless of circumstances. It’s to those who insist on living in faith that I will give power; they are the ones who will see the fulfillment of promises. These are the ones who will fight on the front lines. They will know victory because they do not shrink back. The appearance of past experiences does not determine their actions. This is My army; these are the ones who will see the miraculous; they are the ones who press on and stand firm, persisting in faith.”

Heading back to Gales Point on Thursday!

2006-05-14T15:49:00.000-05:00

Some photos from my last trip down there a few weeks ago.

Within a minute or so of walking into Gales Point, I had this little one in my lap. I'm not actually even sure who this is, so i am making it my mission (haha) to find out her name this time! It's hard to see her cute little face here but I love how they just want to be loved!

This is me walking down the road in the village. I had just gotten off the boat and was heading to the church for Sunday morning.

Riding back "home" from Gales Point through the mangrove swamps. Just part of every day life down there. Sure am glad I love water and boats!

Basil

2006-05-13T11:20:00.000-05:00

An Update from Vera and Basil

2006-05-13T10:49:00.000-05:00
Dear Friends and Prayer Warriors!

God is so Good, we've had many of you emailing wanting to know how Basil is doing! The answer is good, good, and good, as they say here in Belize, to describe something the more times it's repeated means it is either good, really good, or really really good the same goes for bad!

Basil saw the Doctor for his follow up. The Doctor seemed pleased and said he felt he was progressing nicely. He didn't feel he needed to see him again. So that is good news! He saw the Neurologist for his legs, the Doc. Prescribed another round of the medication, but said we could try natural stuff if we knew someone who was a Natural Homeopathic Doctor. But to use the meds he gave him, on a as needed basis.

We have a friend here Tom, who was here a week before Basil ended up in the Hospital and he came back for two weeks to help Basil out. It's a good thing, because Basil still tires really easy and just hasn't regained much of his strength back. I imagine it will take some time, being here in the humidity and heat, wipes you out anyway. Tom has been a huge blessing and we are thanking him and his wife for letting him come!!

We still have one more hurdle to get over and that's the colonoscopy to remove the polyp in his colon, which I don't think he's looking forward to, but it has to be done. We should be doing that by the end of the month or beginning of next month.

Again, we want to thank each and everyone of you for your prayers, emails and phone calls of support you, I'm sure realize how much they all meant to us and it helped both of us get thru this.

We had many God ordained moments and meetings thru this ordeal, so I can't help but praise our Father in heaven for all He does and continues to do. We love each of you and look forward to seeing all of you hopefully at some time during the course of this year. Please relay to all those you forwarded my emails to that we could feel the prayers and knew that Basil was covered worldwide during this time. It is so awesome to have so many brother's and sister's standing in the gap for us when we needed it. Please let them know if ever there is a need for prayer to not hesitate to email us so we can do the same for you and them!!!

In His Loving Care,
Basil and Vera

2006-05-10T14:56:00.000-05:00

Vera with some of the kids in the village.

Faces Of Gales Point- People that God so loves!

2006-05-10T14:33:00.000-05:00

Satellite Photo of Gales Point

2006-05-10T14:26:00.000-05:00
This satellite photo below shows the area from higher up than the previous photo. You can see the village of Gales Point as the narrow peninsula that jets out into the Southern Lagoon. You can also see the land mass to the right of the lagoon and then the Caribbean Sea. It is on the edge of the Sea that the Belize Mission Base is located.

The base is accessible to us only by boat at this time. We can boat across the lagoon and then walk a mile and a half through a jungle path or we can boat through the lagoon, across the Bar River and down the Caribbean Sea to the base.

We are still praying and believing for a road to be cleared that would give us land access to the Base.

Satellite view of Gales Point Village and surrounding jungle

2006-05-10T14:20:00.000-05:00

Aerial View of Gales Point Village- our home away from home

2006-05-08T18:49:00.000-05:00

Upcoming trip expectations

2006-05-08T18:47:00.000-05:00
God is simply wonderful! There's no other way to put it! As we prepare for our 5th trip to Gales Point, Belize are hearts are full of expectation and excitement.

This will be our longest trip down there so far- almost two full weeks! Sure hope the bugs aren't bad this time around because that could be a LONG two weeks! (smile)

Anticipated highlights of this trip include meeting with the medical doctors that Eileen connected with on her last trip, praying for people in the hospital, opening the clinic and doing housecalls to people in the village, and one on one (or 4 on two) time with Vera and Basil. We also plan to take in some more of the country and possibly even take a jaunt into Mexico for a couple days to relax with Vera and Basil outside of the "confines of all the ministry needs in Belize".

We are pressing in and seeking God's will for this trip.