Walking the Word

Married and Well on My Way. . .

2009-09-10T01:23:59Z

Now that I've been on my way with half of my schooling completed. My term of commitment up with Overland Missions. Just getting used to "married life." I've learned a terribly important lesson. That lesson is this: the more I find out, the more I realize I don't know. It's a mystery of life and that's the reason why we so desperately need God the father. He is the creator of all things, so to understand Him, is to understand the very essence of life.

****

The past two years I haven't had to hold on to my faith half as hard as I have my love. My love for You. The cares of this world are real, I see them everyday and my flesh cries out. However the cry of my spirit is priority. I can't admit that I haven't let flesh take precedence though. Lately, I have had many temptations to forsake little things. I understand that if I forsake the small then I have forsaken the big. So I ask you father to help me not to forsake the small. May I, like the woman in Proverbs 31 wake up early and go to bed late. May I give my husband honer and glory. May I, be a woman who understands the DISCIPLINE of love.

God, make me a woman of prayer. Praying things into existence. But more importantly, make me a woman who seeks after you like Mary who wiped the feet of Christ with her hair. Please help me to break my worth at your feet everyday.

I desire to be that for you, for my family and for a lost and dying world. . .
Amen

Back to Free Writing

2008-02-08T05:57:05Z

Dear God,
It’s been awhile since I’ve free wrote to you. It’s a discipline I miss terribly. . . Everything is very fast paced here, so it seems. I love it though, monotony isn’t a problem here, and that is relieving. I feel so blessed, and I don’t want to take advantage of any blessings, I want to give all back to you. Temptation even, I give to you. I know that I have an adversary and I know he has been trying me. Lord, I pray I would not be lead into the temptation of being too comfortable. Of all the places I go, I know a comfortable place is the most dangerous. I don’t want to go there, and I wasn’t made to go there. I am almost finished with raising support. All I have to do is render my videos and burn them to DVDs; I pray that your hand is on that process, as it can sometimes be testy. I need to right out a vision plan for 2008 and send it to the leadership, I need to flatten my prayer card and send it to overnight prints; print and cut out the partnership slips; make the mailing labels and lastly I need to put it all together and send it out. This needs to be done by Wednesday of next week; sounds reasonable. I think it be a good Idea to send a heads up email to all my supporters as well. I know that you will provide already and I’m not worried. On Wednesday I leave for WI, to spend Valentine’s Day with Andrew. I don’t have much to give him for V-day, but I pray that what I do give him will touch his heart… This time I’ve spent raising support has been very good for me, because I’ve been able o focus on studying and reading your word more and more I’ve been allowing wisdom to poor in me, and I have been able to focus on school more heavily. These are my main priorities: school, working in the OM Offices, raising support, and keeping my time with you sacred. That’s where I want all my focus to lye for this season. This includes beginning to free-writing again. Please help me to keep these focuses accurate. I desire to have the drive of Jesus, and the apostles in their approach toward life because of the kingdom. Proverbs says “The lazy man desires much, yet never does anything” I don’t want to be the lazy one, and I rebuke that spirit of laziness that holds fast too many in the church. I want to wake up early and go to bed late, if it’s for the Kingdoms sake…
I also pray for Andrew and I; I want to support him whole heartedly when he goes to Africa, and I need your spirit in me to do that. I want him to flourish there and have great ministry and learning opportunities. God, I pray that my worry wouldn’t get the best of me. . . I want to be a blessing not a burden to him, and cause him honor. Help me to be all he wants, and love him as you do. I need You, so that I can do that. I miss him dearly.

New Area, New School, New Church, New Workplace, New Car, and a lot of New Friends. . .

2008-01-26T18:00:08Z

No longer is a small girl in a midst of a busy airport, instead, a lady on an international business trip; busy, important, and confident. Her classy pinstriped attire and shiny pearls, speak for themselves, her high heels clicking as she comes down the aisles, causing people of all types to look backwards and wonder as her driven visage focuses on the vibrating blackberry she holds. Wherever she stops, time to speak with her neighbors becomes of the essence, then suddenly, she is no longer an overconfident business woman, she freely shares her business, and her smile melts away intimidation, for it is the love of God which makes us bold like a lion, yet casts out all fear… For it is the love of the father who perfects our beauty, and even our professionalism, his kingdom is both task and relationship oriented. His works are good, and succeed our own, and he is worth our time, energy and effort. Truly this woman s is about business, she’s about the business of kingdom, she serves her neighbors and her authority exceeds the natural, she answers to the King of the universe and knows Him well. Truly she is a woman, on a long business trip… In a business trip where she must sell and buy, cook and sow, teach and train, support and defend, speak and be silent, write and tell, and above all else love. For her whisper is louder than a man’s roar . . .

Africa E-mail Update No. 4

2007-07-14T22:21:51Z

Friends and Family,
Time flies! This month I have not spent much time on the base (where I have internet access). On the road for the last to weeks in Chief Musukatwone’s villages, about 10 hours out in the African bush... These are some of the most neglected people groups in our world. There’s a saying around here; 90% travel and 10% glory. We had to take trucks down footpaths, cut down trees and find safe campgrounds, work on and prepare equipment, get lost (a lot), and find a well before we could start focusing on ministry… Showering, the least of our priorities. It really does take the grace of God, because by the time those ‘logistical’ priorities are all covered a person just wants to lie down and relax, call it ‘a day’s work’. However once all that is finished the trip can only then begin. Relaxing isn’t an option, the people in the village are ready to know who you are and where you’re coming from, and what message you’re bringing, time with them is short. Just when your body wants to relax, it’s time to pour out, so truly, it has to be the grace of God…

We visited two villages in the province, both with two very different spirits. Village number one had one Baptist church in it, with a solid pastor who loved God very much, Pastor Peter. When he was a newly appointed pastor who was undergoing much difficulty; the church's old pastor had just passed away and the whole church was very discouraged. During the daytime we walked from house to house encouraging the each believer in the church, Pastor Peter escorted us to each household where we prayed and believed with the members that the season will pass. Evenings, we did crusade meetings, where we’d have soccer games and then give a message of salvation to all who came. The village was very open to the gospel and I truly believe God sent a team of S. Africans with a few Americans just to encourage this church and its pastor. They were weary and it was a blessing just to know I was able to offer the family of God a fresh drink.
The second village, Kanchele’, was a dark place. Driving in, we came across a tree which the villagers brought offerings to, in order to please their ancestors. . . The village had four churches: Church of Christ; Baptist Church; Pentecostal; and Zionist. Deception ran rampit. The second day there was a Sunday, we separated the group, so that services at all churches to be attended. Seeing the pastors leave church with a cigarette and a beer in their hand was difficult, it was obvious the village had a ways to go. The village was covered in deception and legalism, the pastors were very confused, let alone the people… We ran a four day pastor's conference and did door to door ministry at the same time. During evenings we had meetings much like the first villages, giving the invitations of salvation… The most liberating thing about it all was seeing those pastors become liberated from all those legalist lies, they were all so hungry for the word of God in truth; the basic teachings. I didn’t do much evangelism myself, I actually taught at the conference for 2 of the 4 days… I was the first woman to stand in church and speak that they’d seen, and it did create some questioning at first. In the end I witnessed such a change in those pastors and in that village, the spirit had lifted drastically, but there’s still a long way to go. Three fourths of the Zionist Church (a cult) gave there hearts to Lord, and this included the Pastors and his wives. When the Zionist prophets found out about all the commotion in the village, they came to see what was going on. . . Part of Zionist doctrine says that in order to be a prophet, you must be demon possessed. The man came expecting to intimidate us, and instead God’s spirit ran him off of his own property. He would wonder outside the Zionist church and tell people “I am a prophet”, one day I told him, and “You are a false prophet”. The pastors tried to pray for him, but he wouldn’t have it, he left the village very upset. Ultimately, the ministry was wonderful, and the spirit of God was sweet, but the village of Kenchele’ needs follow-up and encouragement and I’m just praying that more teams will go out there and that Overland continues the work…Pray with me.
Tomorrow I will leave for another village, traveling with all my new South African friends to a place Overland Missions has never been before. Please pray that the headmen except us into the village and that God is glorified. I have been charting and journaling, but have not been able to submit the journals, because of loss in time… You will see them soon enough, but you can check amethystrodri07.livejournal.com for new picture albums I have posted…

Album 1: http://hs.facebook.com/album.php?aid=14033&l=7c089&id=644810329

Album 2: http://hs.facebook.com/album.php?aid=9993&l=62e48&id=644810329

I love you guys and appreciate all your support… The need is so great, and the laborers are few, but God’s hand is always sufficient for any work. Amen.
In Him, Amethyst

Pictures Update

2007-07-13T00:36:16Z

I've created to albums full of pictures:

Album 1: http://hs.facebook.com/album.php?aid=14033&l=7c089&id=644810329

Album 2: http://hs.facebook.com/album.php?aid=9993&l=62e48&id=644810329

(Please tell me if links are broken)
I've been out in bush alot, but i'll begin submitting a few journals soon... Please pray, the ministry is going very, very well; there is great need.
In HIM, Amethyst

HIV Monster

2007-07-03T23:01:11Z

It never seems like ‘such a big deal’ when you get comfortable with the culture you’re living in; it’s what gives we Americans the audacity to justify tearing each other apart as we go up our ‘corporate ladder’ as ‘friendly competition’ . . . Even so, here, sometimes I have to sit back and think about the stats—1 in every 5 people here are HIV positive, the other day I was in a neighboring village where I got to talk with a local doctor who was grieved about the epidemic “Women come to get tested by the droves, but men would rather not know”, he quoted his village to be 75 percent HIV positive. How right he was; I’m not sure—I do know it was one of the darker villages spiritually. Normally, I’m pretty comfortable with doing most things independently in a rural setting-- in this village, I do think twice. Anyway, I was shocked when only one word could turn up in my natural mind: extinction. Something needs to happen, spiritually, because in the natural it really is impossible—The gardens—The “Life Project” has been trying to set up garden committees amongst neighboring villages to provide food for the villages family’s who have taken in orphans. It’s so much easier said then done, in doing much research with and for the workers, I find so many variables that are against the villagers at times… If it’s not the pumps to the wells breaking, it’s the elephants stampeding the gardens, if it’s not that, it’s some other odd thing. Opportunity is so scarce… Who could survive but with the Lord?? The salvation message isn’t enough, these people need the Holy Spirit to guide them in their ways… The Holy Spirit is strategic to the trinity, he moves the hearts of the people, and He’s what causes us to think beyond the natural, He is strategic, and therefore believers can and will be strategic WITH Him. Only then can we have a God given idea that can outsmart the stupid elephants, or work around for the good of God’s people. The villagers are so willing to try, but they just feel like they’ve tried in vain over and over again. In America we’re taught to dream big, dream big, but in other countries; that’s not hammered in, they see dreaming as a good way to get your hopes up, only to lose them all over again and for that reason loose site of one of God’s most powerful tools given to us in the natural realm: VISION. How can they live by vision if they have not dreamed, and how can they dream unless they know how too? The other day I sat with a Zimbabwean friend of mine, and tried to help him ‘DREAM’, “Write down all the things you want to do…Write down all the things you can see yourself doing”. He wrote down like 3 pages. “THAT’S VISION!!” I got so excited he must have thought I was going to burst.
The former (and first) president Kenneth Kuanda has been heading up the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign, this week Laura Bush was in the country to help with the campaign—Rumor has it she was staying at a resort near our villages, and it’s been all the buzz on the streets… Anyway along with her coming, came all these free AIDS testing centers all put out by the US, they’re all around the area in tents. I had really thought about seeing how it was inside the tents for the last week or so, and the other day I was waiting by the trucks long enough to find out. Standing with two “friends” at the market (who were indeed trying vigorously to get me to by little things from them) I decided to set an example … I told the men I was going to get tested for HIV, and I invited them to come, again, (as I’ve gotten used to getting these) I got the look like are you crazy. I went into the tent to find a nice looking sterile environment. I told the lady all the stuff she wanted to know about my “history”, she pricked my finger with a needle (that I did make sure was sterile) and then she ran it through this little test machine, and she gave me the result in less then 5 minutes (negative, of course). It was so simple; she then gave me a card that told me I had a 2 counseling sessions, she said it’s for ANYONE whether they are positive or negative, and she practically begged me to get all my friends to come. I then got a wrist band stating “I know my Status”. So when I left the tent I told everyone around the area I got tested and encouraged all the locals to go. One guy (who knew me, because he worked on the base) actually went in and got tested. . . I know it sounds crazy, but how do you eat an elephant?? One bite at a time… The only way I can think of fighting this AIDS curse is to be an example. The tents were totally American run, and the quality of the testing was just as it is in America: excellent. So, I did it… I can only pray that it proved to those people that America is trying to help... Not hurt.

"Missions"

2007-07-03T21:44:16Z

It’s pretty insane when I have to hike a mile down a gigantic gorge just to get some genuine alone time with the Lord. The Logistical Base is crawling with traffic and I can’t sty still for five minutes with out being asked for something or to do something: mainly a lot of physical labor; stuff that requires using a ‘Leatherman’. Daily, I spend a lot of time cooking in the kitchen, organizing laundry schedules, and dancing with the Zambian workers; they love to dance. I’ve taken on two new instruments too; the guitar and the Jambaeu’ (I don’t know if I’ve spelt that right, it’s an African Drum). During nights when teams come in I have been leading worship around the campfires, or anytime for that matter.
Life in “missions” is greatly romanticized at times… Sure, there are revival services, and preaching, salvations, and healings. But behind every service is a process of
‘setting up’, behind every revival is serious repentance, behind any effective preaching with salvations is time in fervent prayer, behind every healing is the God given brokenness that would give us the compassion to heal (Jesus healed out of compassion, not for marketing), behind every expedition is a lot of fundraising. The reality behind it is this: you can choose to be a missionary where ever you are. It’s about using what you’ve got and letting the Spirit take it from there. The only difference between you and me is that I pioneer the unfamiliar, spiritually, physically, mentally. Pioneering isn’t one simple trip, it’s a lifestyle—It means, everyday there’s going to be a new hoop to jump, a new terrain to break your 4x4 vehicle, a new fine local cops will come up with, a new word to learn in a different language, a new cultural barrier to break. The little bit of glory that comes with the job is what makes it all worth it; the power of the Gospel of Christ. The glory of seeing a man at the market who was about to commit suicide, sit on the floor and cry out for the first time to a God that was able to hear him (which did actually happen the other day), to be able to introduce someone who’s worked at Chik-fil-A for the last 6 years of her life to a greater reality, a greater reality that needs her. That’s the glory, but it comes with a price, and that comes with a choice. One, you have to understand theirs always going to be 101 things to do (100 of which you don’t know how to really do). Two, you have to make a conscious decision that you’ll give stuff to the Lord when I doesn’t go your way, and PUSH the doors open when you have to. . .

Here on Base . . .

2007-06-30T21:06:34Z

God, I heard news of what my aunt is undergoing, and I pray you’d give her peace that surpasses all understanding, she and her husband both. Thing’s are finally beginning to feel like home here; the people, the work, I really am going to miss it, I know. Today, I was able to bring some of my native friends (from Zambia) to Victoria Falls for the first time. I showed them the prestige hotels and bought them meals and then we went to see one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It’s hard to believe that people who have grown up around here all of their life, have still, never seen Vic Falls. I know it was very exciting for them, and it blessed me to see them excited.
Here I am, on a mission trip, and it’s not at all what I’ve expected … I have not gone miles out into the villages that much, instead I’ve just stood here, and lived amongst the people of the Songwe village, I’ve worked with them, eaten with them, and have become very good friends with them. I live with native missionaries, who have a high and mighty call on there lives, and I’ve gotten to encourage them… But the ministry has gone two ways all the time; they minister to me just as much as I do to them. Many of the villagers around my area are striving to live a Godly life, and I just love being around them, I love working with the base workers. Gina, Jack, Flavius, Betty, and even little Phillip… I pray for them all, I pray that these relationships I’m building now would not stop here; I pray that one day these people will be able to come to America, that they’d be blessed by my country as much as I’ve been blessed by there’s. I pray that I can be a pawn you can use to empower them and get them going in the ministry they want to do in the world. They really are so precious, and sometimes I really wonder why you chose me to be the one to be born in the land of opportunity, where one US dollar equals 4,100 of their kwacha. Meanwhile they work just as hard, just as long, and things just don’t always come together, the way they do in the USA: Minimum wage here is 20,000 Kwacha a week; that’s 5 US dollars a week…
I know your going to expand there territory, and bless them indeed, I just pray that I cn be a part of helping you do that.

Untitled

2007-06-21T18:55:20Z

Soaring over distant shores
Soars your spirit in me
By night by day He meets me.

Deep work calls for deep knowledge
A learned tongue, a calm spirit?

In arid lands afar
They call for you my God
My God, my God, they call for you, my God
What is the requirement of this servant girl?

Of nothing, nothing no one can stop
No one can push, no one can trade
No one could dissuade

Seeing your love, seeing you fate
O please, allow me to participate
The song on my heart is you

The song on your heart, the nations
So I will fetch them, Lord
I will fetch the nations. . .

Africa E-mail Update No. 3

2007-06-17T19:33:12Z

Friends and Family,
Thank you for all the prayer, I definitely feel it, and need it. God has been opening ample opportunity for ministry, and for learning. Over the last week, two doctors traveled from New York, they were teaching a Wilderness First Responder course to the Advanced Mission Training team. I was able to sit in for that course, and just received my certification as a Wilderness First Responder, in creating a relationship with the doctors, I and the other students were invited to the medical “Solo” school they work at for two weeks of training to be Wilderness EMT Certified. It was very beneficial knowledge for me personally, but I’m sure the medical field is not for me.
Because of the hard week I had, my soul desire last Friday was to find my greatest stress reliever other then God himself: a piano. The only piano anyone knew about was located in a fancy area near Victoria Falls; a hotel called the Five Star. I was so frustrated I went there alone, asked the man behind the desk if I could play, and went at it. It really was a reliever, and there, in the middle of one of the fanciest restaurants in all of Zambia, I totally got lost in worship. I played for about 4 hours straight. After closing my eyes for a time, I opened them to an array of flashing cameras; tourists must have thought I was a hired professional, and they were all taking pictures. When I got used to the picture taking, several of the lady workers enjoyed certain songs more then others, “Play that one, again” they’d ask, as time progressed some sat down and talked to me more, that was when ministry began. One lady asked me if I was a famous musician in the U.S. (I laughed really hard at that one), “No, I just like to worship my God, who’s even more famous then all the musicians in the United States.” (In many third world countries, they still love American music) I was able to have a conversation about how there’s a difference between just playing, and playing for a reason. I got to share my testimony with her and by the end of the conversation three other ladies were involved, “And just the way there’s a difference between playing, and playing for a reason”, which they understood a lot “there’s a difference between living and living for a reason. I live for Jesus and He is the reason why I sing, He is the prince of my heart.” Prince of My Heart happened to be a song I wrote—it was the song one lady asked me play over and over again. They were blessed and I know they felt the presence of the Lord. I was later able to give all the workers the directions to a church in the city of Livingstone, where I have been attending on Sunday mornings. Shortly after a man walked in the restaurant surrounded by cameras and people, it was obvious he was an important man, he sat on the couch and people flocked around him. Later I found out that he was the First President of Zambia “Keep playing while he’s here” the worker said. There was a meeting between the former president of Zambia Kenneth Kaunda and a US ambassador that day. I just happened to be playing when he stopped for lunch at the ‘Five Star’. I played for the group, and was even able to minister to his workers (but I didn’t get to speak with him at all). Leaving, the US ambassador (I never did get her name), shook my hand and told me I played wonderfully, I asked her where I could get a ride to the ‘Three Star” so she pointed to a big black van and had two of the workers escort me in it. From there I was driven to the Three Star, where my team was doing some shopping. . . Talk about a day in town. . . I was not able to give an alter call, but I was able to plant very good seeds that day, and it was so worth it. Could it be God had me frustrated enough to make me find a piano, just so he could tell those workers that they needed to live for a reason? Absolutely so.
Coming up soon, I will be leaving the nation of Zambia and traveling up North to the country of Tanzania, staying on an island called Zanzibar— 99% Muslim area. The plan is to leave in very late June, please begin praying that these doors stay open and begin praying that God would prepare the hearts of the people. . . As time draws closer, I’ll give you more information. This week I will be accompanying an English teacher to the village of Songwe to begin working with some of the school teacher. We’ll see what God has in store . . .
Love you guys and continue to pray, thank you for all the wonderful feedback.
In Him,
<>< Amethyst Rodriguez

Dear God

2007-06-16T16:27:14Z

Dear God,
You are good… And I know you are working everything out perfectly. I know that everywhere I go; I am blessed, even during the times when it may not seem so. Last night I overheard someone teaching on “vision”, and I couldn’t help thinking of the incite I’ve had the privilege to learn over the years. I’m really thinking about compiling much of the material, making it a book, adding some more and getting it published. I need to educate myself in knowing where to go, in order to do all of that. It’s definitely on the to-do list when I get home. God’s really opened so many doors in the last week—Doors that I didn’t even ask for, but for some reason, have been blessed enough to get. Taking the Wilderness First Responder has opened a door for me to become Wilderness EMT Certified. Meeting/ministering to people I would have never thought of meeting… It’s almost as a reassurance that my dreams are from you, and that you’re sure to accomplish even more then I expected.
I pray for my friends who are on different parts of the world as I speak; some in Mexico, some in Swaziland, some in Honduras, some in Miami, others back home. I miss them a lot; at night I stay up late with the guitar and search the stars, thinking about what they’re doing, better yet, what you’re doing through them. In the morning after breakfast, I pray for different ones individually. There’s a lot of accountability here, but it’s nothing compared to the steadfastness I have in the network back home, people like Andrew and Candice, Mel and Dalena; people that really know me; the ones who are truly like hearted. Those are the one’s I really miss. God, where ever they are; I ask that you’d go before them, just as you did with Moses, let your Spirit go before them as you guide there steps. I pray there ministry would be more then just a salvation message; that it would be filled with power, healings, and miracles. Take there hands and use them to build, embrace, and protect. Take their eyes and let them see the people as ALREADY redeemed. Take there ears let them hear the whisper in the wind of the spirit, so as not to be foolish with heavenly things. Take there hearts and make them as big as Jesus’…
Lord, I’m really trying to take these next few days to study prudently the word and finish some other books too, I want no time here to be spent in vain. Lord let me come back a better person, changed by your grace, well taught, and more disciplined. I know you’re opening a door for me to go to a Muslim nation soon, and I want to begin researching that. I ask for the Northern parts of Africa, Mid East, and Asia, even Eurasia. Everyday you stir up more confidence that they are already given over to the work of the Lord—All we need are laborers. Not even competent ones, because God qualifies us for the call, if only we let Him.
I pray that I don’t get too comfortable here, that you’d open more opportunity to learn and grow, that you’d expand me in ways I haven’t thought of yet, that you’d take care of the things I can’t control; the car, the school, the place to lie. And that you’d strengthen me to confidently go about your business. Your burden is heavy, but it seems light because your yoke is easy.

Troubled ...

2007-06-12T20:24:33Z

Dear God,
I’m very worried about the issue with FL Bright Futures … I received a letter in the mail stating I was INELIGIBLE for the scholarship; but the reasons displayed were invalid. There must have been a communication error with in transcripts, the letter states that I did not take Pre-Cal, and that my test scores were too low. This is not correct information, my test score is 20 (VALID) and I did take Precalculus. This wouldn’t be such an issue if only I wasn’t in a different country. Calling is a long shot, and my mom has to go and handle everything… This is very discouraging to me. Lord, I know you are in control over everything, but my schooling really is depending on this. I don’t really know what to pray, nor do, I just want you to make a way. I know it’s going to happen, but this is very difficult… Please help me.
Today I very, very sick during class. Turns it was a ‘severe dehydration’, it feels like an awful hangover, my head is killing me, nausea was kicking in. I’m so tired…
I really don’t know what’s going to happen, but I am at peace, and I do know that you are faithful. I can’t describe how I feel, may be it’s a directional thing. I feel very much in the dark, I’m tired, and just want something to happen. I don’t want to be stagnant in anything, lazy in anything. I want to do what you want me to do.
If things do not get straightened out, I will have to call Courtney Travel, and leave early… Somehow I don’t see that happening, but that’s the reality of the matter. I’m going to have to go home, and work in order to pay tuition. God, please do SOMETHING for me… Loneliness is something I can deal with, pain, disorder—but I just want to go to college quickly and efficiently.
I’m in a place of such unsurity, in a place where I can’t plan anymore, I just have to ‘faith it’ and faith it is what I’m going to do.

1 Timothy 4 12-16

2007-06-12T20:21:10Z

1 Timothy 4 12-16
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
God has truly had me rest in this scripture lately...

Pictures!!

2007-06-07T21:16:57Z

Found a way to upload pictures ...To view, go to:
http://hs.facebook.com/album.php?aid=9993&l=62e48&id=644810329

More pictures will be available overtime.
Thanks and God Bless <>< Jeremiah 20:9 <>

Africa E-mail Update No. 2

2007-06-07T21:10:57Z

Friends and Fam,
Doing missions is like working on a war zone: A lot of downtime, with several bursts of unexpected opportunity disguised as madness. Some days feel too quiet, other days are non-stop and overwhelming, there’s not really any schedule to it, it just happens. I find that so freeing though; it makes me love the time I have with God so much. Some day’s I can spend just studying and praying, other days are all hard, hard work. It’s all so wonderful when it’s unto God, when you do it for a reason beyond yourself. Washing dishes till one in the morning, moving from tent to tent, bleaching tables, doing the royal run-a-round, it’s contributing to God’s greatness…
Being on base is wonderful, but it does not compare to working with the natives. True, it is a little difficult sometimes, but they really are precious brothers and sisters in Christ. Last Sunday I attended Pastor Janet’s Church and immediately I realized how I’d forgotten the sincerity of third-world worship. The church’s dirty cement walls were filled with people (packed out), and as soon as the praise began, the place shook, and with tear filled eyes all I could do was thank God for letting me worship with people of such stature in the kingdom of God. The worship was sweet and the message, solid and powerful. A fellow base volunteer I met here, (Haitian missionary) read a poem God gave him that week, I’d never heard such an anointed poet as Jubee declared “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of the Lord”; it reminded me of Martin Luther King Jr. Again, one of the most beautiful aspects about working here, is that I’m not working with people who all think the same way; they’re literally from all ends of the earth, and they all approach the Lord differently; with the same fear and reverence, but still very differently. For the first time, so many people with a like heart.
Today I spent the entire day in the bush visiting neighboring villages. Two Canadian Missionaries plus Pastor Dragon and I took the Land Cruiser out there conducting research for the Life Project (the humanitarian branch of Overland Missions). The Life Project is currently empowering villages to learn and do agriculture in order to feed and fund themselves. This is a timely and difficult task at hand when some of the villages lack water and have elephants roaming there agricultural land freely. What we are doing is having each village for an ‘Agricultural Committee’ and going step by step, week by week in helping the village plant and produce crops. Today, we ran into between the three neighboring villages… Machinga women and children were hauling water from up to ten kilometers away, because the village pump had broken. We made a deal; if Overland bought the part they needed to repair the pump, this village sees that it is fixed; we made it clear that it was there responsibility to get the tools and such for the job. They tried, but it turns out, this village was sharing ONE TOOL BOX with four neighboring villages (which are of SUBSTANTIAL distances apart). When the men walked to there neighboring village to get the tools, the neighboring village refused to allow them to borrow the tools: so, through much diplomacy and talking the four of us were able to retrieve the tool box, and allow the natives to fix their water pump. It was like Christmas in the village that day; the families’ faces lit up as the first drops of water fell from the pump that evening… It was an amazing thing to give God the glory for. Now this village is able to move forward in planting a garden for the production of their people. Give a man a bag of corn and you’ve fed his family for a day; plant a cornfield and you’ve fed the village for a time; teach a village how to plant and produce their own corn and you’ve changed there way of living. The Life Project has been having me do much writing and recording for the committees and research—this is something I REALLY enjoy doing. Please pray for the endeavors—It’s taught me a lot, researching and recording the committee meetings; and what an exciting way to empower a nation for the name of the Lord. Another aspect is that I, being a female who is writing and reading during committees is counter to Zambian culture; it addresses the problem of gender inequality Africa faces; one headman even came after a meeting to see how I wrote; he found it strange that a female would have skills in literacy. This is a statement that needs to be exemplified.
Forming relationships with the committee members and native workers on base is beginning to open a beautiful door of opportunity for the gospel. There are many natives who remember me from last year and one that is traveling from afar off to visit (she was a translator for last years expedition). God is teaching me how to ‘BE’, and by being, His name is SO glorified. I really feel that God is working out something very strategic in all of this… Even though it just feels like fun for me, getting to know a lot of people and learning ‘Tonga’.
I know that Satan has really been throwing some discouragements my way, through people, through offense, through worry, and through anxiety… It’s not deterred me, but please continues praying… Things are so different everyday; you really never know what’s going to come up next—so it’s all a matter of staying on your toes. So, keep me covered. Again, you can check:
amethystrodri07.livejournal.com
This band of internet is not allowing me upload/attach photos, I’m trying to figure out a way around it though. Please be patient with me!!
Love you and Shalom!!
AMETHYST AD RODRIGUEZ

The E-mail Update

2007-06-07T20:01:24Z

Friends and Fam,
I’ve arrived on base safely thanks to your prayers and the amazing grace of God! It was a great experience—traveling alone. I did get a little sick and ended up completely loosing my voice during the way; spent over 24 hrs on a plane. From Orlando to Georgia; Georgia to Senegal; Senegal to South Africa; stood the night in Johannesburg, South Africa; took one more flight to Livingstone, Zambia. I got a chance to speak with a native to Johannesburg, a woman who has lived there all her life. “Africa is a dying land … her only hope is people like you, bringing you bring; the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” she told me. Johannesburg is the hijacking capital of the world, a city covered in darkness—lying in bed the night I stood there, I thought, who will do missions here? In a city where the cops rent their guns out for 20 RAND an hour, where literally the whole world travels through everyday (via international airport), where the gospel can be strategic, who will reach it and when will it be reached? The fields are so white with harvest here—white in fear—people live in fear all over here, and they’d do or give anything to have security… Security that only could be found in Christ; only the prayers of the saints will defeat the spirit of fear that descends upon Jo-Burg. Keep the city in your prayers.
Now I am currently living on the Overland Missions Logistical Base. It’s been extremely busy here this weekend we’ll have up to 80+ missionaries staying on base (more then ever before). Because of this, the staff really needs a lot of help to keep things running smoothly; making sure everyone gets enough food and drink, making sure everyone has tent to sleep in, cleaning up the main center, etc. I’ve just been serving in all these areas. The first two days were slow, but the pace has picked up very quickly. Today I spent nearly the entire day cooking in bulk for everyone, I am learning A LOT. Another area I’ve been serving in is preparation for expeditions, before any team is sent out food rations, pots, pans, cooking utensils, tents and vehicle equipment all need to be prepared and packed away; I’ve been doing a lot of that as most of the 80+ people on base will be people leaving for the expedition to the western and central areas of Zambia, during the beginning of next week. Please pray for these teams. God has given me the opportunity to work with many natives who too have given there lives over to missions and are currently full time missionaries to the continent of Africa, the stories are amazing and I find it blessing to spend time with them.
Along with all the duties, I have also been spending my time sitting on the “Advanced Mission Training” classes Overland is now offering for missionaries who want to be fulltime. You can look up more about AMT at Overlandmissions.com
I have been taking many notes; the other day I learned how to work a Global Positioning System all by myself. Other classes include 4x4 training, a ‘come back alive’ course, HAM Radio mastery, diesel mechanics, welding and more. I’m trying to gather as much information as I can about these things, I was able to try some welding as well, but for the most part I was only learning the key factors to it.
It’s been a lot of ‘go with the flow’ so to speak, there are so many needs here; it’s all a matter of finding them and meeting them. During mornings I go running through the nearby village of Songwai, I play with many children there, and I wash dishes with the woman, it’s a great time for ministry and encouragement.
Thank you for all your support and prayers; I encourage all of you to go to amethystrodri07.livejournal.com for more pictures and updates. The internet is very testy on base, so it’s hard to send out email, and even harder to post/send pictures… Give me some time to try and send them/get them to you. For now, I’m serving on base, until I go on a trip… You will receive more information on that soon. God has just has me in a season of learning and solidifying my identity in him alone. I do not serve missions, I serve the God of missions—this is something that many people confuse and therefore become frustrated. I realize how worn out missionaries can get devoid the love and joy only the Holy Ghost can give… The most rewarding part of spending so much time on base is being able to study the word and drink in God and his creation; it’s been a great time. May you be blessed, and continue to pray. Pray for a deeper revelations, pray that the missionaries here do not lose sight of the ultimate vision of the base, pray that God will open up opportunities to minister, also pray for Anita and Roann—two missionaries here who recently got into a terrible car accident in Zimbabwe, breaking several bones. Email me if you have any questions, and please, stay updated by visiting amethystrodri07.livejournal.com …
You will be receiving more emails soon. God Bless.

For Such a Time as This...

2007-05-31T19:22:33Z

Dearest God, Thank you for who You are, thank you for all your goodness… I am the most favored in all the earth!! Brother Vonn, made a good point today, actually several: Waging war, that’s what he was he’s been talking about-- praise to wage war, give to wage war, speak to wage war, and so on; kingdom principles. He and I actually spoke personally; he really is an encouragement to me. He told me about Ester and Ruth; both women of God, yet two very different stories; he identified me as an Ester. That blessed me so much, because I’ve always felt like my story has always been the Ruth story: A lot of work for very little reward/promotion. He told me things are just going to happen for me, good things. Believe it or not; that’s the first not so scary word I’ve had in a long time. I don’t need an Ester life, but if it happens it happens… I’m on this earth to be, because I’ve finally realized He made the plans without me, I’m just along for the ride. Everywhere I’ll ever go, I’ve realized, has nothing to do with me ‘wanting’ to be there, it’s because he just needs me there, and that’s why I’m entitled to go.
There’s so much to learn on this base, and if that’s even the one reason I’m here, then the plane ticket was so worth it. These past few days have been about trying to find my place; I realize I don’t ever need to find my place… I just ‘be’—and there I am; in my place, because God has called me here, so what is it of me to demand my ‘spot’? Would God have sent me, if he did not have a ‘spot’ for me? I have found my ‘spot’ and it’s standing in the presence of my king; all the time. For all are drawn to my king; near my king I will receive all the that I need,; near my king I will have ample opportunity to witness his miracles, near my king I can tell of him more intimately then anyone. I will remain near my king… And everything will happen just as it’s supposed to. Thank you Lord for your goodness!

First Africa Entry

2007-05-29T17:15:54Z

Upon my arrival in Livingstone, I didn’t have a clue what to expect—all I could do is hope it would be good. Of course it would be; it’s from God isn’t it?? Chad was the first one I saw, then Phil, Sharon, Laura, Cairo, Patrick and a mass of people I don’t know that well… They were dropping off a rapper that flew in to do ministry in the city of Livingstone. It’s so easy to get intimidated around people you feel know so much more then you, bur what a folly; your good enough to be in their company—why be intimidated?? The drive back was a reminder that I’m with Overland in Africa over and over again. Tire busted to the Land Cruiser, so the girls all got out and had drinks at Livingstone’s more upper class restaurant: Rhapsody—There, I got the opportunity to meet the female Pastor of a thriving church in Livingstone, her ministry is televised on “TBN-Africa” on a regular basis. I got to talk with Sharon about my plans for the future, and about my situation with housing. Overland is having some issues with living space office wise; house wise is a whole other situation.
Coming to a big base, with people from all over the world, it’s easy to clam up and become a hermit; but in truth, that’s the last thing to do. I was tempted to go by my lonesome and read all night, but I would’ve missed the fruit of beginning relationships with all these wonderful people: AMT, leaders, fellow base volunteers, and the upcoming Life Project. Things are exciting—I’m going on to take on the Devil of laundry organization; it’s a major need on the base Sharon asked me about, I want to try to figure it out, but I don’t really know where to begin.
God, I still don’t know EXACTLY what I’m here for, but I’m confident that I am here for a reason, and that reason is your glory—whichever way it may be magnified. I pray that you would keep me humble and faithful, that you would keep this ministry thriving and that you would open some doors for me with AMT; I spoke with Dan Hoyme today and he seems like he really wants me on board; it’s a great possibility, so God I pray you’d really give me some favor in that area. Tomorrow I need to make a point to:
- Send mom those follow up letters with the list of follow ups and a list of what to do in specificity.

- Get at least one good Live Journal entry in
- Send out the first E-mail
- Get the numbers to
- BCC
- Get some good pictures taken
I can already tell there will be lots to do—Please help me to keep You, where you need to be; FIRST.

Good Night and Praise you for your faithfulness.

amethystrodri07 @ 2007-05-17T10:05:00

2007-05-17T14:09:40Z

"The Way I Was Made"
Caught in the half-light, I'm caught alone
Waking up to the sunrise and the radio
Feels like I'm tied up, what's holding me?
Just praying today will be the day I go free

I want to live like there's no tomorrow
I want to dance like no one's around
I want to sing like nobody's listening
Before I lay my body down
I want to give like I have plenty
I want to love like I'm not afraid
I want to be the man I was meant to be
I want to be the way I was made

Made in Your likeness, made with Your hands
Made to discover who You are and who I am
All I've forgotten help me to find
All that You've promised let it be in my life
Chris Tomlin-

Yeah, I know it's my fault

2007-05-02T14:01:22Z

Lord, I know that I’ve messed up on more then one occasion in the area of my academics; I need help… I feel like I can do it, but I just don’t know why I can’t. It doesn’t make much sense… But I really need help with this. I want to graduate on time; I want to graduate. You’ve never failed me, and I have no doubt you won’t now, but I’m so afraid I’m going to fail me. I’m willing to do anything to get this done—Put away my social life, lock myself in that room and get this done. Please just help me… I have a guidance appointment in 15 minutes that I can already predict: me pleading for the favor of the department and telling Pezzula the grouch that I’m going to do everything I can to get this done, and get it done now, her, tsking pathetically at me in doubt. I know people don’t always handle things the way they should, but ultimately it’s my fault if things don’t happen right. Other people are contributors, but I’m the conduit. Please help me with Pre-cal, this determines my graduation and my bright futures scholarship—both are huge deals, I know. I really want this to happen, and maybe if it takes a really hard kick in the butt from LHS guidance, then that’s what it takes… I just want to get this done. The good thing is that after this meeting I’ll have an exact date, a goal—Even if it means doing for assignments everyday, that’s good enough for me. I just want to be able to pick up my diploma after walking the stage on May 24th 2007. So my plans won’t be destroyed, so my family won’t hurt, so my mom won’t be disappointed, so you can have glory, and I can be free to do what you need me to do.

amethystrodri07 @ 2007-04-24T10:44:00

2007-04-24T14:40:45Z

Paige made a valid statement in saying “There’s nothing in your life that’s staying the same at this time—it’s all changing from the school you go to, to the area you live in, to the people you communion, new jobs, to being in a relationship.” She’s right, she’s totally right. Nothing really is going to be the same in the next say 5 months… I’m okay with that.
Wisconsin… I got to visit Rew last week—it’s been so great. I miss him a lot, but I know he’s where he’s at for a reason, please just help me to operate in wisdom. I can’t deny that this is a serious relationship to me; I really care about him. Now, I can’t decide what I like more though, him or his family. They were so great, I love my family and I wouldn’t trade them for anything; but having them and his would truly be the best of both worlds.They’re very missions minded and supportive of what we’re doing/planning to do in the future (which not everyone we meet is). I got to see his college, and the friends he’s got there— I think I got along with them quite well. Perkins, his best friend and I clicked pretty well (or so I think), maybe that’s why we both like Andrew, cause we think the same way. I’m very excited to to see what’s going to become out of this; I don’t want to fall in love with Rew because of the he’s easy to fall in love with, I want to fall in love with him because I know he’s my partner in ministry, because we’re meant to be a unit. Till you, God tell me this, I can’t give my entire heart away… Hiding my heart in the heart of my Lord heart, until the man for me finds it their…

Dear Lord..

2007-04-18T14:08:43Z

Dear God,
I pray that you’ll just help me to understand this course I’m taking online that I’ll finish with excellence and finish on time; my goal is by May 5th, 2007 to be completely finished. This is the only real ‘crunch’ that I have during this time—I’m so sick of Precalc I can almost pay someone to do the thing for me (although hat really wouldn’t do much good at all). If I come back for Wisconsin and work hard, I should have it done in like two weeks (that’s about two assignments per day). My graduation (and my scholarship[s]) absolutely depends on this. I’m not going to mess it up for myself, when I’m back from WI, this is my first priority over all other activities. I pray you’ll give me grace though. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wed, Fri, Sat, and Sunday ‘s I have no more commitments to anymore, so that leaves me with a lot of time to focus on the academics, work, straightening out the last few things for colleges and raising funds for Zambia. I still have about $2,000 dollars to go, I need to buy a Skype Headset, and headlamp before I depart for Africa and I need to sign my mom on the network and put some money in our accounts. My car is currently out of service, and I’m hoping to get the going again—I’m really praying that I can get this thing on the road soon, I think I need an alternator for it (and maybe an E.C.T. light too). I know all this stuff is coming through even now, because you’re amazing and you take care of ALL my needs.
With all that’s going on, you’ve really given me the peace that surpasses all understanding, I realize that it’s only when I try to figure out how I’m going to do things in my own strength that I begin to add unnecessary stress to myself; I begin to worry over things that aren’t even legitimate concerns. When I stay in your word and in constant communion with you and your love, everything else that’s going on sees so small in light of your glory, my path seems clearer and my love for people increases. It’s been hard not to allow my present concerns to precede the duty in being Christ to people who don’t have a relationship with Him—In fact I may be walking a fine line. Daily I must examine myself, my motives, and you’re plan.

Fast Pace

2007-04-01T03:53:28Z

Dear God,
It’s been very hard to stay focused lately… I don’t want to get off the ‘narrow’, I don’t want to stop trusting in you. There’s so much to do and so little or a lifetime to do it. Less then 30 more school days left until graduation. I still have $3000+ more to raise for the two month mission to Africa. These upcoming weeks I plan on doing ‘car wash’ after car wash repeatedly; also calling the last of the churches; and I’m also praying about conducting an ‘open house’ just before graduation to share the vision with acquaintances and supporters before I go. I do need to begin raising monthly support from Africa on out, I didn’t plan on doing an ‘internship’ with Overland Missions, but it seems like that’s exactly what I’m working my way into. That’s okay; Lord if that’s what you want you’ll provide all the time, energy, and money I need. I know it’s all possible if I just stay disciplined and inspired.
I still need to get EVERYTHING straight with B.C.C. I don’t want to return back to the states with the bad news of ‘All the classes filled up’, or ‘You missed the mandatory orientation’; you know all that ‘red tape’ stuff that looks okay from afar off, but once you come up on it, it’s a pain in the rear. I got news that I am eligible for Bright Futures Medallion Scholarship, thank you Lord, I pray that all works out right. I’m also still finishing up PreCalc online, I really need to make it out of that class with a ‘B’ average or higher. Sadly, that’s the most intimidating task of all of them… Help me to get this thing done and over with. Also, coming u is the English 4 AP Exams; I know it’s all going to go quite well.
A lot have my time has also been in investing into a very important ‘friendship’ I’ve developed over this past year… He’s turned from just another person on the team to a very cared about part of my heart. I know that thing’s can get confusing really quick if I let them, and I don’t want that to happen—Please just help both of us to go about things in patience, wisdom, and good counsel. I really just want to be an encouragement and a blessing to him. I pray that you’d just bless it and keep both of us right in the palm of your hand—even it that would mean we can’t be together. Your will is a lot more important to both of us then ours. Help me to just stay focused on why I’m here in ‘352’, right now, and him to stay focused on why he’s where he as (rather far proximity).
Ultimately, I’m not sure what to expect after the May 25th, everything’s all going to change, and fast—I’m really not sure what you’re getting me into, but if you’re in the middle of it—I want to be in the middle of it too. If the only reason I’m in Africa is to wash clothes and be alone with you, then even that would be worth it, because I know it would grow me. But you know what I want to do—what’s really on my heart—I want to go out into the bush, and I want to learn everything I can learn, possibly sneak in on the ‘Advanced Missions Training’ classes. Please just keep your hand on me, and keep my path straight and narrow. Only then, will I remain in Your Joy.
Daughter of a King, Amethyst

Keep it Going ...

2007-02-21T01:28:15Z

Dear God,
Magnification not only brings to light how big You are… It brings to light how small I really am. I feel like so much has been unveiled in so many ways, so many words, so much direction… It’s never been so difficult to walk it before though. It’s like I don’t want to do anything. Maybe it’s because I’m afraid things won’t go as planned—because I lack discipline—because I’ve got too much on my plate… I don’t really know. But this spirit of procrastination is over me heavily, and I want it to break off now. I will not let laziness and frivolity get in the way of the kingdom. God, I admit I cannot do anything without you, I can’t go anywhere without you. I give you all my life, over and over again each day…
Guard me, and guide me in all your ways. I need you now, and forever more.
I love you, and no matter who’s in my life at the time, You’re still my first love and the one and only prince of my heart…
I want to be all I can be for you, and I want to be all I can be for him … And I want them won for you, disciplined for you, sent out for you.
I love you Lord and I worship you,
Amethyst

Back to LiveJournal

2007-01-29T04:22:39Z

Dear God,
I know that I’m walking in your will, but it truly is a narrow (and difficult) road. It’s when I reach the end of myself when faith begins; the end is near if not here. $5,000 for Africa is a lot of money, but this in itself is a test from you; I said that money will not be an issue for me, and I refuse to let it be—I will not let this number throw m away from your call. February is approaching quickly, and time is running short for me by my plane tickets; I know you will make away—even if I don’t see that way right now. I’m going to be doing a lot of prayer and fasting in these upcoming months; give my grace for my spirit is willing but my flesh is weak… God I pray that these funds would come forth supernaturally from your glorious abundance, I trust you and I trust that you know what your doing—please just help me to do my part in having faith and in obeying and doing. I am not in a comfortable position financially; my phone bill is calling to my empty bank account, my mom needs money for the insurance agency, and I’m about to sell my car (even though I don’t see any deals for buying another one). I refuse to forget my tithe in all this and I’m praying about GFA. What should I do Lord? You have taken me to the rampart Lord and I’ve seen what you said to me, but now it’s time to jump off, the fall is long and unsure; but if I place my assurance in you—you will never fail me. I offer these things to you, they’re not worries; only requests because I know it’s all in your hands …
Lindsey said it right when she said it “Satan is on the prowl right now, and he’s angry.” Today I saw one of my best friends and brothers in the faith take a hard nose-dive to the grave he’s been digging for himself lately. I understand hurt, and I understand pain and pruning toward those closest to me (and even myself), but nothing colder can grab my heart then to see the fall of a beloved. I’ve realized the longer I stay running this race, the more fallen soldiers I will be sure to see. Today I saw one dear brother in the faith shoot himself in the foot way too many times to count, I don’t know what to say or to do about it, but all I know I can do is pray. God, please do something in his heart change this lie the enemy has instilled in his heart. Along with that I pray for Melanie, her car has given her a mass of mechanical problems already, bring her peace and guidance in her hard times instruct her in the way she should go, and comfort her in her times of loneliness. I pray that her, Cheri, and Candice would receive an over abundance in the funds they should raise for Swaziland. I know that we are all a work in progress and we need to constantly build each other up in the faith. Aside from my own issues I find it an atrocity to worry when I see such things going on about me.
Lastly Andrew … I pray that you’d keep me wise, and keep my heart pure and guarded… Don’t let me become deceived with feelings, or caught up in emotion, but keep me on the narrow. All these things I pray for him just as well. I know like I said before we are both a work in progress and right now I desire more then anything to be a blessing and an encouragement to him—not a stumbling block. Lord, I pray if there is anything that’s not from you, reveal it and make it known. Keep both of us on your direct our paths and guide him into being that man of God you want him to be. Whether he’s meant for me or someone else I pray he’d one day be a blessing to his family and a blessing to the nations…
Tonight will be a long night, as I’ve got ‘perspectives’ homework and mounds of ‘Precalc’ homework, season my studies and season my sleep… In Jesus name, AMEN.