Posted in General Posts by GaNene Edwards on 5/14/2012
For many years I have been DEAD literally a walking corps! I thought I was living and alive, but actually I was DEAD. Dead in my sin, a rotting walking zombie! I looked like I was happy, but really I was dying in the inside. My spirit was seeking the things that were only temporary and left me always feeling empty inside. The things of this world that I felt I needed to “fit in” or the perfect picture of what my life should look like. Ole boy was I WRONG! I pray that this poem can sum things up!
Breathe IN, Breathe OUT
Gasping for air as I look around this world and evaluated my life
Thinking that the pleasures of this world could fill this empty feeling I’ve felt for years
Trying to fit into a society that uses money as a means of success, sex to sell, and healthcare as an option instead of a priority
Breathe IN, Breathe OUT
Still gasping
I looked to material things and pleasing others to fit in, alcohol to condone foolishness, and curiosity to justify my actions, but still something was missing
Still gasping
Breathe IN, Breathe OUT
I was sinning and dying, sinning and dying, thinking I was living, but actually I was dying!
The walking dead, that was me, looked fine on the outside, but a corpse on the inside
Man I couldn’t take it any more, felt like I wanted to be in the video game “Call of Duty” and someone take me out with a machine gun!
UNTIL One Day
I heard a voice calling my name
That voice was the sweetest voice I ever heard, the voice was Jesus
He completely resuscitated me and when I Breathed IN, and Breathed OUT I was filled with his the best feeling EVER, his Holy Spirit
I was filled from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet, and to the deepest parts of my soul
Jesus called my name and I answered, and like Lazarus I walked out of my tomb
I was now TRULY ALIVE, made whole, renewed, and given a second chance to actually LIVE
Live in the one who grants us ETERNAL life, and the one who sets us free from all things that we once were bound to
So, the question today is who wants to LIVE? Or do you want to continue to be a walking zombie? Will you answer when he CALLS?
John 11: 43When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” AW)">44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
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Posted in General Posts by Ga'Nene Edwards on 11/28/2011
India
With nearly a sixth of the world's population within its borders, India is a country bursting with people and culture. Home to a diverse array of beliefs from Hinduism to Islam, to a blend of folk religions and other faiths, it is a country of pluralism with twenty-nine languages spoken by over a million native speakers, multiple religions, cuisine, socio-economic classes, and political parties. India's struggles with poverty and crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. You might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. Your presence'll bring hope and truth to those that society deems "untouchable."
Nepal
Home to Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. In addition to adventurous experiences you will have here, you may also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of your World Race experience will submerge you in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
Thailand
According to the CIA, the kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim, and 0.7% are Christian. Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city-where you, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where you may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
Challenge: Asia
Blaze a trail for your team and future World Racers. This will be the opportunity for you to continue flexing your faith muscles as you depend on a few words of advice from the staff and mostly God's guidance. With God, all things are possible and the possibilities are endless.
Cambodia
Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, transit point, and destination of human trafficking. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope you can bring.
Vietnam
After nearly a century of French rule, in the mid-20th century, Vietnam was split into communist (north) and non-communist (south) halves. By 1975, Vietnam was made whole again, but as a communist country. Even with the economic reforms and restoration of diplomatic ties human rights are limited in Vietnam, especially freedom of religion; most of Vietnam is Buddhist, less than 10% is Catholic. Here you'll be fed with pho, delicious beef noodle soup, and in turn feed believers and pray God's light and presence everywhere you go.
Rwanda
Many who hear "Rwanda" immediately think, "genocide" - it was 16 years ago when 800,000 people were killed over the course of about three months. According to the U.S. State Department, Rwanda (once colonized by France) has the highest population density in sub-Saharan Africa; and like much of sub-Saharan Africa, this nation also is fighting hard against HIV/AIDS. This nation played a part of the genesis of this human rights organization and inspired this song; as you help bring healing to a country still recovering from this deep wound, God may birth a dream or vision in you...
Uganda
Once a kingdom and British protectorate, for most of the later half of the 20th century, Uganda was under military rule, first under Idi Amin, the subject of the film The Last King of Scotland. Much of northern Uganda was also troubled by the Lord's Resistance Army, which heavily recruited child soldiers. Referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is diverse in topography and wildlife. You may find yourself in the north partnering with ministries that are bringing still-needed healing and reconciliation or in the south working with churches to evangelize and disciple the next generation of Kingdom workers.
Kenya
Who hasn't heard of Kenya in their lifetime? The Kenyan people are colorful, musical, artistic and hungry for the love of Christ. The Maasai bush, the Nairobi metropolis, and the Kibera slums comprise a country diverse yet unified in history. As a new era dawns in Kenya, so does the gospel of truth and faith. By meeting felt needs in the bush and the city, participants help bear lasting fruit with current ministry partnerships (ministries like evangelism, orphan care, and community development), and build foundations of future partnerships.
Latvia
Sandwiched between Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south, Latvia is home to the largest medieval church in Europe (built in the 13th century). Like Estonia, Latvia is another gem as far as tourism in Europe goes but per Lonely Planet, still rather hidden from the spotlight. Unemployment rate here was at 22% in 2010 but is improving. Sadly, Latvia's been ranked with lowest ranked healthcare systems in the EU and second lowest life expectancy. Over 22% of the population identifies itself as Roman Catholic, while over 19% claim to be Evangelical Lutheran; however, only 7% of the population actually attend religious services. As the country recovers economically, you could be an agent of spiritual revival and show the people what they've been missing out on.
Estonia/Lithuania
Lonely Planet touts Estonia as having been Europe's best kept secret, with its lush forests, beautiful coastline, quaint country-sides & charming cities. Did you know nearly half of Skype's offices are in Estonia? Usher in a spirit of freedom as you carry God's presence into this beautiful country. Lithuania, once one of the fastest growing economies in the European Union (EU) prior to the recent global financial crisis, nearly 14% of Lithuania is unemployed, and less than 2% of the population live beneath the poverty line. With the highest suicide rate in the world and the highest homicide rate in the EU, this nation needs you revive the people back to life with the love of Christ.
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Posted in General Posts by Ga'Nene Edwards on 11/28/2011
WHY….
That is the question I have been getting since signing up for the World Race, and sometimes I still ask myself that same question. But the only answer I have is because God told me to “GO”. You would think that would be the end of the story when speaking to people, but they have all these what if scenarios, and just don’t understand why I am leaving my life, family, friends, and comforts of my home to go travel the world. I will go to places and lay with the homeless, pray with the prostitutes, feed the street kids, and allow myself to be totally out of comfort zone for 11 months.
The ONLY answer I have a AGAIN, is because God said “GO”
WHY….
Waste a whole undergraduate and master’s degree, to go place where it means nothing and will leave a big empty space on my resume, where employers will wonder what happened during that big gap in my resume. Or how it will interfere with gaining the experience I need to go into my career at a major university or college.
The Only answer I have AGAIN, is because God said “GO”
WHY….
Possibly put myself in a situation where my health will be tested, and my arthritis may flare up leaving me in pain, with swollen joints, with possibly no proper care around. Also, the thought about not having the support of my family and friends back home that help me get through my tuff health and life times.
The Only answer I have STILL, is because God said “GO”
You would think all these things would interfere with my decision to go on this mission, especially my health, but NO! God said “GO” and I have allowed him to take total control over this whole journey; my health, my finances, my fears, my pet peeves, EVERYTHING. I believe when he first spoke to me about this journey 2 years ago, he was planting something in me that he knew I couldn’t turn from and that I would one day put my trust into him and say I will “GO”.
Not sure what my purpose is for this journey, and I have no expectations, but to “GO” and allow God to use me in ways that I never thought was possible! I will “GO” and let him be my compass! I took the first step and he will take the rest. Please Please Please Pray for me has I prepare to "Go".
RADICAL GOD
RADICAL CALL
RADICAL MISSION
PLEASE SUPPORT ME ON THIS JOURNEY, TO "GO", TRUST, AND BE USED BY GOD! ** click on the support me button to the left. GOAL:$15,500
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