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Posted in Guatemala by Cristie Reiter on 4/28/2008
The Lord has been stirring my heart so much over the past few weeks. I've been wanting to blog about it for a while, but then He gives me more. I cry out to the Lord to help me not fall into complacency and get consumed with thoughts of going home. I ask Him to help me stay focused on the mark and continue to press in to His sweet presence. The Lord has been answering my prayers a little different than I was expecting. He wakes me up between 5-6:30am every morning. (My alarm clock has been missing for a while now.) I spend the first fruits of my day with my Heavenly Father and it has been such a sweet time. He has spoken so much truth and confirmation to me about who I am in Christ and the anointing on my life. He washes His love over me and pours His heart into mine- imparting His perfect will to me.
(An acronym the Lord gave me.)
F earless Warrior
A mbassador
I ntercessor
T rust
H eart
Faith and power seems to be the common theme in our dialogue. He gives me Scriptures like Romans 9:17,"…even for this same purpose have I raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth."
If I could have a theme song for the past few weeks it would probably be "Faith," by Jason Upton which talks of letting faith arise in the deepest parts of my being and the most broken parts of my soul. It talks about trusting with the faith and joy like a child, saying no to distractions and obstacles that come my way, dancing and laughing with Him.
I pray the Ephesians 1 and 3 prayers over my family daily, as well as, Colossians 1 over myself, and the Lord says, "Cristie, this is my desire for your life…
"For this cause I also, since the day I heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That you might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. Giving thanks unto the Father, which has made you able to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in life; who has delivered you from the power of darkness, and has translated you into the kingdom of his dear Son. Colossians 1:9-13
There is such a powerful message in those verses. The Lord desires that we know His will and walk in spiritual understanding. The Lord wants us to be fruitful and strengthened with His might. And one of the verses that stuck out to me the most, that has been proven this year through the World Race, is that the Lord has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom! Hallelujah! We don't have to walk in defeat and stay bound by the enemy. We're free to live out our testimony and walk in the kingdom of His Son, Jesus Christ.
I can feel the Lord's presence stronger and stronger in my life each day, as if the Lord is building my Spirit up and preparing me for something larger than my mind can comprehend. The Lord is faithful to meet me where I'm at and love me for who I am; His presence is always with me…sometimes I feel as if He is just holding me in His arms as His precious little girl. How humbling it is to know that I am a daughter of the Most High and that He's called me to great things.
I've argued with God quite a bit lately about walking in humility and my approach and attitude about returning home, and He tells me, "No, it's time you step out in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit and leave this false humility behind. It's time you step it up and stop worrying and focusing on yourself and how you will come off to others. Rise up, my daughter. It's time to go to a new level of trust and stepping out in faith in me. Both feet out of the boat, completely immersed in my Spirit."
I want to end this blog with a vision the Lord gave me. I hope you are encouraged through this blog and know that the Lord is always with you. He's always ready to meet us where we are at and offer an extended arm of hope and love. The Lord is faithful and His promises are true. He is my God and King and my one, true desire is that He is glorified through my life and all that I do and say.
Just the other night I was seeking His face and praying to the Lord. I got a vision of myself praying on bended knee in an open field, seeking the Lord. A massive tornado began rising around me with debris flying as far as I could see. As I looked to the Heavens I saw an extended hand reaching down for me. In desperation, I clinched the Lord's hand and was swept away into a romantic dance with the Lord. The intimacy was so sweet; I cannot put it into words. With the storm swirling about me, debris flying, the rains pouring, He gently began reminding me of the impartations He has given me this year and all that He has invested in me. He gently whispers in my ear that I cannot hold it in, but that it's time to release it to the nations. (Funny to me, cause I think I'm getting ready to go home.) In response, I began weeping and crying to the Lord, "But God, I am not worthy. I am but a child, a 22-year old girl. What could I possibly offer to the world? What could I do that would mean anything in the kingdom of God?" Again, his gentle correction comes in our dialogue, "RISE UP woman. You are my daughter, my beloved and anointed one. It's time to fight. It's time to pour out your heart and hold nothing back. No reserves. No backup plans."
Lord, I give you my life and my future- my hopes, plans, and dreams are yours. Have your way in my life. May I never look to the left or the right, help me to keep my eyes focused on the prize, continuing to run my race, looking to the author and finisher of my faith. Never backing down, never holding back. I love you my Savior and King. All glory to your name. Amen.
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Posted in Guatemala by Cristie Reiter on 4/10/2008
I am currently in a small colonial city called Antigua, Guatemala...
...enjoying beautiful sights and a fun-filled time with Team Awaken. It's been so great being re-united with my team and sharing long stories of what the Lord has been doing in our lives over the past few weeks. I feel so blessed to have such incredible, God-fearing people in my life.
Only three weeks left on this incredible journey we call the World Race. God has completely rocked my world this year. I have mixed emotions about finishing the race but stand excited to press on towards the high mark for which Christ has called me. The Lord is crazy awesome and living a life for Him is a blast-full of adventure and the unknown. I have fallen so deeply in love for my Jesus and there's no turning back! Peace to you!
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Posted in Nicaragua by Cristie Reiter on 4/7/2008
The Lord taught me a lot during my time in Nicaragua. Just this morning the Lord was speaking to me about living a life of faith and trusting Him in all things. He gave me Philippians 4:6-7 which says, "Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
On my ATL journey through the month of March, I really saw God's hand on our team and His faithfulness at work even in the small stuff. The Lord provided our every need, protected us, and even allowed us to have some fun along the way. We were able to build some great relationships and really dig in and serve local missionaries throughout Central America. Though it was really tough being away from my original team, I had a great month and will always cherish the time I had serving these last few weeks.
Here are some pics:
...and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2
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Posted in Nicaragua by Cristie Reiter on 3/31/2008
Our first two weeks on our "ATL" journey were quite busy. We jumped in with both feet in the water never looking back helping in the local communities and serving the missionaries in anyway we saw fit. We found ourselves falling in love with the people of the community. We plugged into the youth outreaches and weekly church services, helped cook and distribute food in the surrounding areas, and sorted through massive amounts of clothing to distribute to our new friends in the slums. We also found ourselves teaching in the local schools and sharing our stories to the congregation during Sunday morning worship. God really blessed us during this time and showed us what it means to be true servants in the Kingdom.
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Church Service at Pochocuape
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On our way to
Street evangelism
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Food Distribution in Local Communities throughout Nicaragua
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Feeding the Poor in the Dumps and Slums
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Clothing distribution/outreach
Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 5:3
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Posted in General Articles by Cristie Reiter on 3/20/2008
Several of you have showed a continued interest in the fight against human trafficking. I wanted to invite you to join three previous world racers who are on a mission to raise awareness and stand in the gap for millions of young girls and women.
Biking Against Human Trafficking
March 23rd-March 31st 8pm CST
Nightly conference prayer. Everyone is welcome! To call in, dial 1-218-486-1600 followed by the access code 472085#. Scroll to the bottom of this page to read about the speakers featured during each call.
It is estimated that nearly 27 million individuals are enslaved around the globe today. Unfortunately, slavery has not disappeared, but is a thriving 30 billion dollar industry. Vulnerable individuals, otherwise known as "the disposable people", are often tricked into becoming sex slaves, domestic or bonded servants, or child soldiers.
Many are trafficked across borders and live in a state of fear and hopelessness. Not only is this taking place in developing countries, but right here in our own back yard. The United States not only fuels the rising demand of this industry, but aids in supplying the insatiable appetite abroad.
 The last week in March, a group of individuals will be biking their way from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon and back again. This eight-day, 450-mile round-trip bike ride will also include a 20-mile hike through the Canyon itself.
The purpose of the journey is found beyond the bikers' personal gain - it lies in furthering the Kingdom of God. The goal: to raise awareness about Modern Day Slavery that will motivate a generation to action. It's a call for the body to step up and fight for justice. Please join us the week of March 23rd in the fight for justice.
Two participants in the bike ride, Eric Hanson and I, Stephanie Fisk, have just finished serving a year abroad with a program called The World Race. During this experience, our eyes were not only opened to a hurt and broken world, but our hearts and souls awoke to a God who heals and restores. A God who's heart beats through his body here on earth - a heart that wakes up individuals to their passions and dreams. The raw beauty that explodes when our passions meet the needs of the world is breath-taking.
Personally, I am passionate about women and kids who are lured into the sex industry and a generation that is searching for purpose. The Lord calls us to intercede on behalf of his children, and this bike ride is just that. Not only are we physically biking to raise awareness on human trafficking, but spiritually we are engaging prayer warriors to fight in the heavenly realms.
So, how can you get involved?
You are more than welcome to join us on the bike ride, even for only a leg of the journey. But if you are not able to make it down to Arizona, you still play an integral role in this adventure. March 23rd (Easter night) through March 31st, at 8pm CST (each night of the bike ride) we are hosting a nation-wide corporate prayer call.
Each night, a guest speaker/organization that is currently combating human trafficking will share testimonies that will both raise awareness and motivate us to action. Stories will be followed by a time of Q&A and corporate prayer. Everyone is invited to participate on these prayer calls. To call in, dial 1-218-486-1600 followed by the access code 472085#.
Speaker Schedule
The basic agenda for each call is as followed: opening prayer and welcome; a speaker will share stories/testimonies of his/her personal relationship with modern-day slavery followed by a call to action; Q&A; and prayer. The call may last around 45 minutes. You are encouraged to join us for the entire call, but feel free to join even if for a few minutes. You may participate or just listen, but please come and get informed!
Sunday, March 23rd
The bikers/visionaries behind Biking Against Human Trafficking - Eric Hanson, Stephanie Fisk, Eric Retterbush and Clay Massey - will be sharing about how this bike ride came together, why it's important to them and why is should be important to you! Check out their bios in "member bios" at www.freewebs.com/baht.
Monday, March 24th
Breaking Free: Sisters helping Sisters break free (St. Paul, MN). Breaking free serves women and girls involved in systems of prostitution/sex trafficking and other battered women who have been involved in the criminal justice system. Beth, who both works for Breaking free and is a survivor of prostitution herself, will be sharing her personal story and raising awareness about the vicious cycle of trying to break free from sexual exploitation. http://www.breakingfree.net/
Tuesday, March 25th
NightLight, The Well and SHE. These are three organizations in Thailand that are reaching out to prostituted girl in the red light district of Bangkok and Phuket. They provide housing and discipleship and basic life skill classes while providing job training in jewelry-making, purse-making, etc. Past world racers - Amanda Dums, Morgan McKeown and Lynette Lee - will be sharing stories of when they worked alongside these orgs while serving in SE Asia.
www.nightlightbangkok.com http://www.servantworks.org/well
Wednesday, March 26th
Make Way Partners (Alabama). Through the hope of the Gospel, they go to the most vulnerable and least protected to end human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Kimberly Smith, the president, will be sharing about their involvement with human trafficking in Sudan, Eastern Europe and the US of A. http://www.makewaypartners.org/
Thursday, March 27th
Center to Restore Trafficked and Exploited Children (Iowa). They are committed to the protection and restoration of trafficked children, focusing on their physical, mental, psychological and spiritual healing. They are dedicated to re-humanizing and reintroducing the children back into society with a sense of dignity and a right to be free. D.J Steen, a speaker and visionary of CRTEC, will be sharing about how human trafficking affects our kids right here in America. www.crtec.org
Friday, March 28th
Not For Sale Campaign. Not for Sale is a campaign of students, entrepreneurs, artists, people of faith, athletes, law enforcement officers, politicians, social workers, skilled professionals, and all justice seekers, united to fight the global slave trade. Not for Sale aims to educate and mobilize an international abolitionist movement through the innovation and implementation of open-source activism. Inside the United States, the campaign identifies trafficking rings and collaborates with local law enforcement and community groups to shut them down and provide support for the victims. Internationally, the campaign partners with poorly resourced abolitionist groups to enhance their capacity. They believe that every single person has a skill that they can give to free an individual living in bondage. Keisha L. Hoerrner, Ph.D, - the state director of Not for Sale in Georgia - will be sharing about what they are currently doing to end modern-day slavery and how you can become a modern-day abolitionist. http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
Saturday, March 29th
David Gutnick has been working with CBC Radio (same as NPR) as a writer-broadcaster since the mid-1980's. One of David's passions is finding alternative ways of telling stories on the radio. This past December he traveled to Mauritania, Togo and Ghana to report on modern-day slavery and human trafficking. He will be sharing a first hand account of what he witnessed while traveling throughout these three African countries. http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/slavery/
Sunday, March 30th
E. Benjamin Skinner, the author of A Crime So Monstrous: Face-to-Face with Modern-day Slavery will be sharing about his first book that was just released Mar. 11, 2008. Going undercover when necessary, Skinner infiltrated trafficking networks and slave quarries, urban child markets and illegal brothels. In the process, he became the first person in history to observe the sales of human beings on four continents. Born in Wisconsin, Ben Skinner graduated from Wesleyan University. He has reported on diverse topics from five continents for Newsweek International, Travel + Leisure, and others. He now lives in Brooklyn. Click here to read the first chapter of his book. http://acrimesomonstrous.com/
Monday, March 31st
Chad Mast - who currently works for The World Race - will be calling out a generation of radicals to pursue Jesus and justice at all cost. As the body of Christ, we have a responsibility to love and serve our neighbor. He is passionate about waking up a generation to their identity and role in the Kingdom. Chad has traveled to over 30 countries and five continents to serve and learn from the poorest of the poor. And, hopefully, the bikers will be able to check in and share a quick report about their bike ride! !
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Posted in Nicaragua by Cristie Reiter on 3/12/2008
Team EC2 (squared)
We started our ATL journey about a week ago-asking the Lord to lead us, listening to the Holy Spirit, and obeying His leading. I would be writing pages if I had to tell the stories of how God has already worked on our behalf thus far.
I originally chose to be on a different team then I am right now…actually my team didn't even exist. About a week before it was time to start our journey, I got a sick feeling in my spirit about the upcoming month of ATL ing. I started praying and seeking the Lord about it, and I knew it wasn't right…something had to change. God placed desires in my heart during that time, but because of restrictions and logistics I knew it was impossible for things to work out unless God was in it. I prayed fervently for about two or three days before I mentioned it to anyone or took it to leadership. The obvious reasons I couldn't do it were stated by my leaders: I couldn't travel alone and needed a team, and I had to have logistics worked out within three days! The next day rolled around and within one hour God provided two teammates, two firm contacts, approval from leadership, and pretty much all set up worked out!
Gloria a Dios!!! (Glory to God!)
Elizabeth, Christy Linhart, and I are traveling through Nicaragua and eventually making our way up to Guatemala. We are currently in the outskirts of Managua and loving every bit of it. Our contact is a 73 year old man who goes by the name of Senor Brown. It was a complete divine appointment how we even joined up with this man. The ministry he works alongside feeds about 15,000 kids a day in Nicaragua. Mr. Brown dances through the streets (literally) loving every child that passes by-the kids are drawn to him. We stop for every street child that is begging or selling things on the side of the road to give them candy, food, or a little money. When we eat ice cream, about a dozen street kids eat ice cream with us. When we go out to eat, we give half of our plates to the children that are begging. He is such a giver, so full of life, and an honor to work with. He treats us like we are his grandkids taking us out for ice cream and to Sunday afternoon dinners.
(The view from our dinner table)
I call him crazy all the time for doing what he does, and he calls us crazy for doing what we do. Our daily routine is never known. We wake up in the morning, cook breakfast, and seek the Lord on what He would have us do for that day. Asking Mr. Brown about tomorrow or the next day is a silly question. His response is always, "I don't know, why don't you ask the Lord what He would have us do ?" I'm learning a lot from this wonderful man of love, and enjoy sitting up until the late hours of the night as He pours into us His life stories and nuggets of wisdom.
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Posted in Nicaragua by Cristie Reiter on 3/9/2008
Teaching Bible and character to middle and highschool students.
I love teaching!
Construction work at the base
Learning about concrete and building foundations
Drime ministry
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The dramas portrayed a message of life in Jesus Christ. Hope and freedom from the desires of our flesh when we take our burdens to Jesus and lay them at the foot of the cross.
Teaching balleia class with the orphans on base
Beautiful girls
Gloria a Dios!
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Posted in Nicaragua by Cristie Reiter on 3/8/2008
Throughout this month I was in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. I worked on a missions base with a gracious Pastor and loving community. They took us in, put us to work, and entrusted us to teach in their schools, pour into the children there, and run the church services three times a week. I really enjoyed my time there. It was definitely one of my favorite months on the race thus far. I found my place with the children there. They have two schools composed of approx. 900 students and an orphanage and boys home with about 90 children.
I worked at the school in the mornings teaching middle and highschool students about Godly character, forgiveness, and the love and hope of Jesus Christ. I was joined with Jessie, Julie, and some of our Nicaraguan friends from Grenada. Communication was a bit difficult at times seeing we didn't always have a translator, but God is gracious and I know His love was ministered. Several students gave their hearts to the Lord while we were there, mostly through one of the Nicaraguan girls that worked alongside us. The teacher that was working with us gave us frequent updates of the students writing papers and reports on how they wanted to change and were encouraged by us to live a life serving God. We also taught them some new songs and games. One of their favorite songs was called, "Oh le le" and somehow it conveniently became my new name around the base. I was no longer known as Cristie, but Cristina oh le le. J It makes me laugh even thinking about it.
I really believe a huge part of my ministry this month was simply bringing joy and love to a people group that is so impoverished and hopeless. It's a beautiful thing to know that my words and actions meant nothing this month, but because the same spirit that's in Christ is in me, His love was expressed. (Romans 8:11). I don't know if I can really express it in words, but I could see it in their eyes as I visited the hospitals and laid hands on people for healing, as I poured my heart out to the children at the schools, and as I hung out with the orphans and loved on the workers and people on base. There was a glowing in their eyes that only Jesus' love could bring. This was the first month I walked in confidence knowing Jesus touched people's hearts because of me, not through any actions or extravagant words, but simply because I was there. My love runs dry, but Christ's love is always enough.
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This is my little buddy, Ricardo. He greeted me with a warm smile and big hug every meal or as I walked to the orphanage . He stole my heart this month. I love him so much. My heart broke when it was time to say goodbye.
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Posted in Nicaragua by Cristie Reiter on 3/6/2008
Cliff Jumping at the River in Puerto Cabezas
Jessie and I enjoying a great lunch!
Crazy boys!
New friends
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Zip Lining in the Canopy of the Jungle
Here goes nothin'
Thank God for the safety ropes!
Lovin' it
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Posted in Nicaragua by Cristie Reiter on 3/1/2008
The Spirit of the Sovereign God is upon me because He has anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those that are bound. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn…to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they may be called oaks of righteousness… that HE MAY BE GLORIFIED. Isaiah 61:1-3
Some of my most cherished moments on the race have been in an open field crying out for the living God, dancing before my King, or just sitting still as He pours His love over me. The other night the spirit fell heavy on my heart. I suddenly had an urgency to find a secluded place and just fall on my knees in prayer to the Lord. I went outside and started to just worship. I knew there was something on the Lord's heart that I was supposed to pray through until I found peace in my heart again. It was a full moon and the stars were shining bright overhead. God began speaking to me about some issues that have been pressing on my heart. He gave me complete peace and rest concerning the issues, and turned my worries into unspeakable joy. He gave me an excitement for the very things that I was dreading or worried about.
He also began to give me visions about my future and destiny in life. I always love it when He does that. ☺ I know the Lord has called me out. I know I am set apart to rock the nations for Christ. I rest in knowing my God is Sovereign and head over all. As I continued to soak in His sweet presence, He reminded me of the simple, yet profound truths found in His Word concerning the Spirit of God:
And I will pray to the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter (the Holy Spirit), that he may abide with you for ever. John 14:16
The Spirit of God is always with us, and will teach us all things. (v. 26)
Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17
Bondage is broken, chains are loosed, Satan and his demons must flee. When we are walking in the Spirit of Christ, Satan no longer has any power over us. When we put our flesh to death and walk in the Spirit, we walk in life and peace. (Romans 8:6)
The Spirit also promises to bring healing. Romans 8:26
As believers, sons and daughters of the Most High, we have received the spirit of adoption
whereby we cry, Abba Father. (Romans 8:15)
But if the Spirit of Him that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, he that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you. Romans 8:11
as He is; so are we. I John 4:17
Greater is He that is you than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4
Dear Lord,
I pray that you would open my eyes to these truths. That they wouldn't simply become words on a page, but words and truths that I live by from day to day. Forgive me for leaning on my own understanding and not depending and relying on your spirit working through me. I ask for faith, Lord. The kind of faith that if you don't show up in my life, I fail. Faith to believe your Word as truth and to put it to practice. Thank you for speaking to me and promising these truths. I am humbled that you count me worthy to serve you. You are such a great and merciful God. I acknowledge you as the King of my life and Lover of my soul. I'm desperate for you, Father. Without you, without your love, I am nothing. May you be glorified in everything I do and say.
Amen.
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