Dubi from above
The Spy Team!
Our hotel room
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
My Apologies - "New" Post Out of Order
My apologies for not posting this immediately. For now, this post will have to remain out of order. The information in this post is from May 31, 2007 - Melody's first day in Europe. I received an e-mail from her but at the time was unsure if it should be published. She has approved this post and it is now ready for your reading pleasure. :)
May 31st, 2007
May 31st, 2007
We're Back in Germany
Greetings everyone,
I am little sad that we didnt get to visit with President Bush. It certainly appears that the Lord has a strategic plan for the Czech people. Wow, what a ride. We are back a the YWAM base and it feels good. Our team did a little more research work on Monday morning after leaving our brothel. Our host was so nice and made us our last breakfast. After meeing with the guy who represented the owner of the large house the girls were looking at we crossed over the river into a park (I think its pretty significant that the house sits just beside the river that runs through the town) we did a creative worship project by gathering rocks from the area and making a memorial of all the things we were thankful to the Lord for. This will continue to grow as prayer teams come in to interceed for Dubi and the work that God has started to transform this town.
We also had an opportunity to find a nice pizza place for lunch to reprocess all the information the Lord gave us. We all felt that amongst all the bad we can find the Lord showing himself in the potential for beauty and good. The two guys spent the entire day before mapping out the city and gathering practical data such as where the schools, casinos, brothels, police station, hospital, etc. were. They were also able to obtain information on the history of the town as well as what the daily activity looks like. This would include how many working girls are out during the day, what do the teenagers seems to occupy themselves with, are there many older people and where do they congregate.
I led four of us in spiritual mapping the city, this would include any impressions the Lord would give us as as we prayed out specific areas of oppression, strongholds or places of favor. We did find a few pretty interesting areas that turned out to have some suspicious backgrounds. This information will be critical as other teams come in to pray in breaking strongholds. While we were out doing this "Dana", "Sharon" and two others met with a pastor and the last christian family left in Dubi. There are actually nine believers (4 adults and 5 children) left out of a city of eight thousand and the Lord opened up a door for us to meet them. They are in a building that was actually a church plant from another town and that church didnt share the same outreach vision as the plant so they want to sell the building. The church we worshipped with on Sunday in Litvinof might be willing to take this place on and so the remnant in Dubi may be able to prevail.
After lunch our team broke and the three of us stayed on and the rest went back to the YWAM base. It was sad to say goodbye but this is just the begining of God doing His new thing here and our paths may cross again. We then went to Teplice to the internet cafe where we were able to communicate last time. It is odd just minutes away is a bustling city that feels like another world. That night (Monday) we stayed in the church office of the Litvonov congregation. Carla was a wonderful woman who translated for us on Sunday and again was with us this evening. We were treated to one of the parishoner's art gallery and wine shop where he makes very fine spirits (remember THIS IS Europe). A few of the elders from the church also stopped to see us and I learned a great deal about the old history of the Czech nation. Prior to the 1600s they were a strong proud people who stood fast against the state church and the crusades, there was a significant battle and the martyrdom of Jon Hus that broke the spirit of the people. When communism took over they lost whatever heart was there and now you can just see a sort of hopelessness. The country is primarily athiest with just a few christians and a large muslim movement encrouching.
Later that evening we went back to Dubi and had a chance to pray with "Rob", his wife and another lady who is a believer (she was the one crying in the sunday service when she heard our testimony and our heart for Dubi). This was a surreal scene, I felt like I was back in socialism. They lived as a family of seven in a two bedroom apartment that had no closets. Its hard to describe the beaten down look on his face. I had shared that the Lord put it on my heart to come to his town three months ago and he just couldnt believe it, that the Lord heard his prayers for saving this church and having people worship here. The church met in the ground level of this building and there are four apartments above where the christians live. In two weeks they will know if the Litvinov church will buy the building or if they will have to move out and the light of Jesus will go out in this place.
I had also told him that the Lord had given me Isiah 43 to 44 five to pray for Dubi. He couldnt believe this either since his wife had gotten the same verse two weeks ago and he was prompted to play this in music at their last worship service but he was discouraged and passed it by. The verse speaks of not being afraid that the Lord will be with us because he is doing a new thing, streams in the desert. Just like the river that runs through Dubi. This was so encouraging for him and the others. God truly is at work here and has left a remnant. His timing is truly perfect.
This morning (Tuesday) I got up quite early and prayed with the pastor, his wife, an elder and our interpreter Carla. They get together and do this every morning and have been doing so for quite some time. As we departed they told the girls that they were welcome to stay anytime and the people of the church were touched deeply by their testimony for Dubi. We then came back to Dubi and took a few more pictures and did a little more scouting. We did find one other very important revelation. There is a spa in this town where people come for healing and recouperation from surgeries. The building is very unimpressive, it just looks like a big yellow horseshoe shaped hospital. There didnt seem to be an easy way to get in so we walked into the center plaza and much to our surprise found an almost entirely Muslim population. Wow, could this town handle one more false religion... Bhuddist, Athiest, Gypsy Witchcraft, prostitution, the mob and Muslims... Statistically the goal of Islam is to take over Europe and it is well on its way. They are sending more missionaries out than we are and the Czech is ripe for the picking since it is atheistic and they are easier to convert.
We then picked up "Rob" our christian friend and he took us to the teplice orphanage since he worked there for many years. This was a good contact but we found out that it was more like a foster home for kids in high risk situations. The other orphanage that the prostitutes use was supposed to be downtown and the children are adopted from there. This place actually looked pretty nice, clean and cheery from where we could see. The woman in charge was very suspicious of us and we didnt get too far. A good piece of news is that "Rob's" wife has applied for a job where the little ones are and an evangelical pastor's wife from Teplice already works there. This will be a great contact for later on.
We now felt that this part of our mission was done and that the Lord was telling us to go back home to Herrnhut. There will be another team following us from our state in two weeks. Please pray for safety and favor for them. This truly isn't some extreme spiritual missions experience. It is pretty serious both in the physical realm as well as totally in the spiritual realm.
Continue to pray for the protection of those who gave us favor and our team. We want to see God reclaim this land through prayer, worship and creativity.
I am little sad that we didnt get to visit with President Bush. It certainly appears that the Lord has a strategic plan for the Czech people. Wow, what a ride. We are back a the YWAM base and it feels good. Our team did a little more research work on Monday morning after leaving our brothel. Our host was so nice and made us our last breakfast. After meeing with the guy who represented the owner of the large house the girls were looking at we crossed over the river into a park (I think its pretty significant that the house sits just beside the river that runs through the town) we did a creative worship project by gathering rocks from the area and making a memorial of all the things we were thankful to the Lord for. This will continue to grow as prayer teams come in to interceed for Dubi and the work that God has started to transform this town.
We also had an opportunity to find a nice pizza place for lunch to reprocess all the information the Lord gave us. We all felt that amongst all the bad we can find the Lord showing himself in the potential for beauty and good. The two guys spent the entire day before mapping out the city and gathering practical data such as where the schools, casinos, brothels, police station, hospital, etc. were. They were also able to obtain information on the history of the town as well as what the daily activity looks like. This would include how many working girls are out during the day, what do the teenagers seems to occupy themselves with, are there many older people and where do they congregate.
I led four of us in spiritual mapping the city, this would include any impressions the Lord would give us as as we prayed out specific areas of oppression, strongholds or places of favor. We did find a few pretty interesting areas that turned out to have some suspicious backgrounds. This information will be critical as other teams come in to pray in breaking strongholds. While we were out doing this "Dana", "Sharon" and two others met with a pastor and the last christian family left in Dubi. There are actually nine believers (4 adults and 5 children) left out of a city of eight thousand and the Lord opened up a door for us to meet them. They are in a building that was actually a church plant from another town and that church didnt share the same outreach vision as the plant so they want to sell the building. The church we worshipped with on Sunday in Litvinof might be willing to take this place on and so the remnant in Dubi may be able to prevail.
After lunch our team broke and the three of us stayed on and the rest went back to the YWAM base. It was sad to say goodbye but this is just the begining of God doing His new thing here and our paths may cross again. We then went to Teplice to the internet cafe where we were able to communicate last time. It is odd just minutes away is a bustling city that feels like another world. That night (Monday) we stayed in the church office of the Litvonov congregation. Carla was a wonderful woman who translated for us on Sunday and again was with us this evening. We were treated to one of the parishoner's art gallery and wine shop where he makes very fine spirits (remember THIS IS Europe). A few of the elders from the church also stopped to see us and I learned a great deal about the old history of the Czech nation. Prior to the 1600s they were a strong proud people who stood fast against the state church and the crusades, there was a significant battle and the martyrdom of Jon Hus that broke the spirit of the people. When communism took over they lost whatever heart was there and now you can just see a sort of hopelessness. The country is primarily athiest with just a few christians and a large muslim movement encrouching.
Later that evening we went back to Dubi and had a chance to pray with "Rob", his wife and another lady who is a believer (she was the one crying in the sunday service when she heard our testimony and our heart for Dubi). This was a surreal scene, I felt like I was back in socialism. They lived as a family of seven in a two bedroom apartment that had no closets. Its hard to describe the beaten down look on his face. I had shared that the Lord put it on my heart to come to his town three months ago and he just couldnt believe it, that the Lord heard his prayers for saving this church and having people worship here. The church met in the ground level of this building and there are four apartments above where the christians live. In two weeks they will know if the Litvinov church will buy the building or if they will have to move out and the light of Jesus will go out in this place.
I had also told him that the Lord had given me Isiah 43 to 44 five to pray for Dubi. He couldnt believe this either since his wife had gotten the same verse two weeks ago and he was prompted to play this in music at their last worship service but he was discouraged and passed it by. The verse speaks of not being afraid that the Lord will be with us because he is doing a new thing, streams in the desert. Just like the river that runs through Dubi. This was so encouraging for him and the others. God truly is at work here and has left a remnant. His timing is truly perfect.
This morning (Tuesday) I got up quite early and prayed with the pastor, his wife, an elder and our interpreter Carla. They get together and do this every morning and have been doing so for quite some time. As we departed they told the girls that they were welcome to stay anytime and the people of the church were touched deeply by their testimony for Dubi. We then came back to Dubi and took a few more pictures and did a little more scouting. We did find one other very important revelation. There is a spa in this town where people come for healing and recouperation from surgeries. The building is very unimpressive, it just looks like a big yellow horseshoe shaped hospital. There didnt seem to be an easy way to get in so we walked into the center plaza and much to our surprise found an almost entirely Muslim population. Wow, could this town handle one more false religion... Bhuddist, Athiest, Gypsy Witchcraft, prostitution, the mob and Muslims... Statistically the goal of Islam is to take over Europe and it is well on its way. They are sending more missionaries out than we are and the Czech is ripe for the picking since it is atheistic and they are easier to convert.
We then picked up "Rob" our christian friend and he took us to the teplice orphanage since he worked there for many years. This was a good contact but we found out that it was more like a foster home for kids in high risk situations. The other orphanage that the prostitutes use was supposed to be downtown and the children are adopted from there. This place actually looked pretty nice, clean and cheery from where we could see. The woman in charge was very suspicious of us and we didnt get too far. A good piece of news is that "Rob's" wife has applied for a job where the little ones are and an evangelical pastor's wife from Teplice already works there. This will be a great contact for later on.
We now felt that this part of our mission was done and that the Lord was telling us to go back home to Herrnhut. There will be another team following us from our state in two weeks. Please pray for safety and favor for them. This truly isn't some extreme spiritual missions experience. It is pretty serious both in the physical realm as well as totally in the spiritual realm.
Continue to pray for the protection of those who gave us favor and our team. We want to see God reclaim this land through prayer, worship and creativity.
Monday, June 4
Greetings to everyone,
We are out of Dubi and in Teplice in an internet cafe! All I can say is that we literally experienced the book of Joshua. We went in on Friday and got settled in our hotel which was really a brothel. God truly gave us favor. We were located right in the center of the red light district. The rooms were fine and we had to trust the Lord to keep us safe. This is such an amazing miracle I just cant even describe what God did. Regular people dont get to stay here. We were placed two to a room and even given a discount rate.
"Emily" was our hostess. She literally was our Rahab. There were two girls working out of her place but their situation was different. They were independents so they could move about freely in town or where ever. The place operates more like a family. One of the girls has been there for six years and the other one we didn't visit with much. There were two other girls there but it didnt seem like they were in the trade. One cleaned and cooked and one did most of the cooking. She apparently was trafficked from the other side of Slovakia a quite a while ago and "Emily" hired her as a waitress so she was able to get out of the business. We were treated very well, infact, since it is basically a night time establishment, "Emily's" husband would come in in the mornings and cook breakfast for us. They didnt charge us much at all which is a huge blessing since foreigners generally have to pay inflated prices.
When we first walked in on of the girls spoke in Czech that we were "different". We didnt even have to say or do anything and Jesus was already speaking love. Our rooms as I said were fine when you consider what they are used for. The doors really wouldnt keep anyone out so we took our valuables with us and just asked the Lord for protection. We went out in the afternoon and started our spy mission just asking the Lord what was there and for significant areas we should be praying over. One amazing thing was that there is a River that runs directly through Dubi. A couple of weeks prior to arriving here my husband and I met with the team that will be following us. One of the young girls on the team had a dream of a town with a river running through the middle. At the beginning of the river the water was fresh and clean and by the end of the river the water was black and dangerous. This is exactly how it is here, at the headwaters lies a church and nice neighborhood, the brothels are shut down and beauty is coming back but at the end the area is very poor and run down. It looks much like the slum area and the brothels are very wicked. The girls are working much of the time here.
We do alot of prayer walking and reconnecting with our team. We are fed supper which is very good. Our first night was a bit akward but we were feeling the Lords favor. That evening we were downstairs in the dining room which is really one room with tables, the bar, sofas, and a platform with a high stool on it. When we first arrived I thought that this was a pretty small stage for the band. Well, it wasnt for the band it was for the girls to sit in the window. The first night was interesting since the girl in the window was dressed pretty scantily and very very sexy. She was quite animated and seductive. One older lady stopped in selling lingerie much like an Avon lady and so this girl was giving us a bit of a fashion show. We just went about our business but didn't communicate displeasure.
That night I watched a couple of girls across the street who had to just sit there for hours. One looked very young and it was sad to watch. Two people on our team spoke Czech well and three spoke German so we could communicate with our hosts and others in the bar. I had great expectations of connecting with the working ladies but it was looking like that wouldnt be happening. Upon retiring to our room I was right across the street from another brothel and wanted to get a picture of what the girls had to go through. As I was trying to get a shot a very large angry man came to the window and totally flipped me off. I quickly closed the curtains fully expecting him to charge across the street and make alot of trouble for us. Our bedroom door had just a thin cardboard panel in the middle so it wouldnt take much at all. "Emily" our hostess was God's literal Rahab, we found out later that he did make a nasty phone call and then did storm acrosss the street and she totally protected us.
There was some activity that evening in the other rooms but The Lord gave us rest and we just had to trust him. Saturday consisted of mapping the city both literally and spiritually. I will write more details on that later when I get home. It is part of prayer strategy to pray out different areas of a city. We can see that God is working there and has gone before us to make more of an impact on everyone in the village. Czech republic is primarily athiest so its just not prostitutes, there is other stuff.
Saturday evening was good. We came together as a team and shared communion in one of the rooms. I guess that is something that doesnt happen every day, ten Christians sharing the Lord's supper in a brothel bedroom in Eastern Europe. Saturday night brought more men into the bar but it was pretty cool until about ten then we knew too many of us were being checked out and we retired for the evening. Again some action in the other rooms but we all slept well. Sunday morning was a treat, we were able to worship with an evangelical church in the next town. It was funny singing songs we sing in church in Czech. When we shared that we had a heart for the prostitutes in Dubi and wanted to see God change this place a couple of people started crying.
There are obvious lines drawn between the people the Czechs, the prostitutes, the gypsies and the Vietnamese who have erected a Bhuddist hall. The sermon was about being filled with the Holy Spirit and the pastor asked if anyone wanted to be anointed to have more of the Spirit. Almost everyone stood and He and another Elder went around and anointed us with oil. We shared a meal and then this church had a meeting to see if they wanted to continue to support the church building in Dubi. It had dwindled down to two people. They needed to decide if they were going to sell the building. Doris and Shalyn had been led to move to Dubi and start a work there that the Lord is putting together. They may have a great connection here. In the afternoon we climbed to the highest place overlooking the town of Dubi and prayed and worshipped from there. After that we had free time and I was able to get alot of good pitures.
I prayed that the Lord would make me invisible and He did. I was able to wave at a few girls in the windows and smile but most just look through you. They are very young and have already grown very hard and hollow. It appears that many cannot leave the buildings and that is an indication of trafficking. On June first the Czech Republic passed a law that the girls cannot stand on the street but must be inside. This will be better for the town but doesnt solve anything. Most of the girls inside are not Czech, the Czech girls worked outside and were free.
Our evening was pretty amazing. We totally bonded with everyone in family. I brought a few silver bracelets with scripture on them and gave them to the girls who worked at our hotel. They were so blessed. The one girls especially just hugged me and hugged me. I just wanted to take her away from this life so she could taste some freedom and this girl has it good, she is her own boss. "R", the girl from the first night who gave us the fashion show was the most excited that she received the gift but she was sad that she didnt have a gift for me and then she returned from the back with a silver crucifix pendant that I truly treasure. I will wear it an pray for all the girls who dont think they have a way out.
I brought some of my family history with and that gave us good conversation and we had more in common when they found out that I too was Czech. I too had favor and they asked if I would come back to visit some day. My heart breaks for all of the ladies. They are like prisoners in glass boxes who have to dance huddled together in nothing more than bra and undies all day long. Just going to walmart would be a different experience for them.
Its Monday and our team checked out a pension, large house, that is for sale that the girls are asking God if He would want them there to do ministry in. It is very well kept and has sat empty for five years since it was a brothel and was apparently owned by a someone who cannot come back to Dubi. Interesting how the Lord is bringing us right into the thick of things. It would be a great place and has been fixed up alot but the Lord will have to make this happen. We are now in Teplice and will spend the night in a church in the next town. We will go back to Dubi tommorrow for a few more pictures and more prayer. We will also try to go to the orphanage either Tues or Wed and then back to Herrnhut on Wed evening. I have other detials to fill in but should go for now. I love you all and could never have done this if everyone hadn't been praying. Please dont stop because we are not finished yet. Our team is now only three people and we need to still be safe and hearing the Holy Spirit.
Keep the prayer room going! Im hearing incredible things are happening!
We are out of Dubi and in Teplice in an internet cafe! All I can say is that we literally experienced the book of Joshua. We went in on Friday and got settled in our hotel which was really a brothel. God truly gave us favor. We were located right in the center of the red light district. The rooms were fine and we had to trust the Lord to keep us safe. This is such an amazing miracle I just cant even describe what God did. Regular people dont get to stay here. We were placed two to a room and even given a discount rate.
"Emily" was our hostess. She literally was our Rahab. There were two girls working out of her place but their situation was different. They were independents so they could move about freely in town or where ever. The place operates more like a family. One of the girls has been there for six years and the other one we didn't visit with much. There were two other girls there but it didnt seem like they were in the trade. One cleaned and cooked and one did most of the cooking. She apparently was trafficked from the other side of Slovakia a quite a while ago and "Emily" hired her as a waitress so she was able to get out of the business. We were treated very well, infact, since it is basically a night time establishment, "Emily's" husband would come in in the mornings and cook breakfast for us. They didnt charge us much at all which is a huge blessing since foreigners generally have to pay inflated prices.
When we first walked in on of the girls spoke in Czech that we were "different". We didnt even have to say or do anything and Jesus was already speaking love. Our rooms as I said were fine when you consider what they are used for. The doors really wouldnt keep anyone out so we took our valuables with us and just asked the Lord for protection. We went out in the afternoon and started our spy mission just asking the Lord what was there and for significant areas we should be praying over. One amazing thing was that there is a River that runs directly through Dubi. A couple of weeks prior to arriving here my husband and I met with the team that will be following us. One of the young girls on the team had a dream of a town with a river running through the middle. At the beginning of the river the water was fresh and clean and by the end of the river the water was black and dangerous. This is exactly how it is here, at the headwaters lies a church and nice neighborhood, the brothels are shut down and beauty is coming back but at the end the area is very poor and run down. It looks much like the slum area and the brothels are very wicked. The girls are working much of the time here.
We do alot of prayer walking and reconnecting with our team. We are fed supper which is very good. Our first night was a bit akward but we were feeling the Lords favor. That evening we were downstairs in the dining room which is really one room with tables, the bar, sofas, and a platform with a high stool on it. When we first arrived I thought that this was a pretty small stage for the band. Well, it wasnt for the band it was for the girls to sit in the window. The first night was interesting since the girl in the window was dressed pretty scantily and very very sexy. She was quite animated and seductive. One older lady stopped in selling lingerie much like an Avon lady and so this girl was giving us a bit of a fashion show. We just went about our business but didn't communicate displeasure.
That night I watched a couple of girls across the street who had to just sit there for hours. One looked very young and it was sad to watch. Two people on our team spoke Czech well and three spoke German so we could communicate with our hosts and others in the bar. I had great expectations of connecting with the working ladies but it was looking like that wouldnt be happening. Upon retiring to our room I was right across the street from another brothel and wanted to get a picture of what the girls had to go through. As I was trying to get a shot a very large angry man came to the window and totally flipped me off. I quickly closed the curtains fully expecting him to charge across the street and make alot of trouble for us. Our bedroom door had just a thin cardboard panel in the middle so it wouldnt take much at all. "Emily" our hostess was God's literal Rahab, we found out later that he did make a nasty phone call and then did storm acrosss the street and she totally protected us.
There was some activity that evening in the other rooms but The Lord gave us rest and we just had to trust him. Saturday consisted of mapping the city both literally and spiritually. I will write more details on that later when I get home. It is part of prayer strategy to pray out different areas of a city. We can see that God is working there and has gone before us to make more of an impact on everyone in the village. Czech republic is primarily athiest so its just not prostitutes, there is other stuff.
Saturday evening was good. We came together as a team and shared communion in one of the rooms. I guess that is something that doesnt happen every day, ten Christians sharing the Lord's supper in a brothel bedroom in Eastern Europe. Saturday night brought more men into the bar but it was pretty cool until about ten then we knew too many of us were being checked out and we retired for the evening. Again some action in the other rooms but we all slept well. Sunday morning was a treat, we were able to worship with an evangelical church in the next town. It was funny singing songs we sing in church in Czech. When we shared that we had a heart for the prostitutes in Dubi and wanted to see God change this place a couple of people started crying.
There are obvious lines drawn between the people the Czechs, the prostitutes, the gypsies and the Vietnamese who have erected a Bhuddist hall. The sermon was about being filled with the Holy Spirit and the pastor asked if anyone wanted to be anointed to have more of the Spirit. Almost everyone stood and He and another Elder went around and anointed us with oil. We shared a meal and then this church had a meeting to see if they wanted to continue to support the church building in Dubi. It had dwindled down to two people. They needed to decide if they were going to sell the building. Doris and Shalyn had been led to move to Dubi and start a work there that the Lord is putting together. They may have a great connection here. In the afternoon we climbed to the highest place overlooking the town of Dubi and prayed and worshipped from there. After that we had free time and I was able to get alot of good pitures.
I prayed that the Lord would make me invisible and He did. I was able to wave at a few girls in the windows and smile but most just look through you. They are very young and have already grown very hard and hollow. It appears that many cannot leave the buildings and that is an indication of trafficking. On June first the Czech Republic passed a law that the girls cannot stand on the street but must be inside. This will be better for the town but doesnt solve anything. Most of the girls inside are not Czech, the Czech girls worked outside and were free.
Our evening was pretty amazing. We totally bonded with everyone in family. I brought a few silver bracelets with scripture on them and gave them to the girls who worked at our hotel. They were so blessed. The one girls especially just hugged me and hugged me. I just wanted to take her away from this life so she could taste some freedom and this girl has it good, she is her own boss. "R", the girl from the first night who gave us the fashion show was the most excited that she received the gift but she was sad that she didnt have a gift for me and then she returned from the back with a silver crucifix pendant that I truly treasure. I will wear it an pray for all the girls who dont think they have a way out.
I brought some of my family history with and that gave us good conversation and we had more in common when they found out that I too was Czech. I too had favor and they asked if I would come back to visit some day. My heart breaks for all of the ladies. They are like prisoners in glass boxes who have to dance huddled together in nothing more than bra and undies all day long. Just going to walmart would be a different experience for them.
Its Monday and our team checked out a pension, large house, that is for sale that the girls are asking God if He would want them there to do ministry in. It is very well kept and has sat empty for five years since it was a brothel and was apparently owned by a someone who cannot come back to Dubi. Interesting how the Lord is bringing us right into the thick of things. It would be a great place and has been fixed up alot but the Lord will have to make this happen. We are now in Teplice and will spend the night in a church in the next town. We will go back to Dubi tommorrow for a few more pictures and more prayer. We will also try to go to the orphanage either Tues or Wed and then back to Herrnhut on Wed evening. I have other detials to fill in but should go for now. I love you all and could never have done this if everyone hadn't been praying. Please dont stop because we are not finished yet. Our team is now only three people and we need to still be safe and hearing the Holy Spirit.
Keep the prayer room going! Im hearing incredible things are happening!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Prayer Request - May 31
Tomorrow is the day... We will start our spytrip to Dubi as we meet as a team of 10 people and get to know each other first. "Sharon" and I will give some orientation and guidelines before we leave. On the 1st of June we will go into the 'promised land'. We will stay in a motel in the midst of Dubi. Our team is very international (we have 3 Germans, 6 Americans and 1 Britain) We are very thankful if you could cover us with prayer during this time: We expect clear guidance from God. He has opened already so many doors in the last weeks so we hope that he will give us a clearer vision for our role in Dubi!
At the moment we are pretty tired - just last weekend was a big festival in Herrnhut going on where we had to help a lot. But now there is special burden on Sharon's and my shoulders as we are going to lead the team. We need a big portion of strength and wisdom as leaders! - On Saturday, the 2nd of June we will have an important meeting with Jiri (a Christian from Dubi) and a pastor from nearby with translation. There we will share more about our vision and as the building the Christians live in shall be sold. We are very open to buy it if it's God's will!
On Sunday we will also have the opportunity to make connections with the church nearby in Litvinov and to share about our vision for Dubi. It's very important for us to have good relationships with the church and to have good communication even though we don't speak Czech yet!
- Pray for openness and honesty in the team (we don't know each other yet, but all are mature christians with a lot of experience).
- Pray, that we will have unity as a team and walk in our gifts.
- Pray that we will be protected as it is a tough area we are entering, full of corruption, prostitution, drugs and lies.
- Pray that wherever we will stay or pray we will be a blessing for the place and the people! Thank you so much for your prayers!!! You are helping to build God's kingdom in a dark place!
At the moment we are pretty tired - just last weekend was a big festival in Herrnhut going on where we had to help a lot. But now there is special burden on Sharon's and my shoulders as we are going to lead the team. We need a big portion of strength and wisdom as leaders! - On Saturday, the 2nd of June we will have an important meeting with Jiri (a Christian from Dubi) and a pastor from nearby with translation. There we will share more about our vision and as the building the Christians live in shall be sold. We are very open to buy it if it's God's will!
On Sunday we will also have the opportunity to make connections with the church nearby in Litvinov and to share about our vision for Dubi. It's very important for us to have good relationships with the church and to have good communication even though we don't speak Czech yet!
- Pray for openness and honesty in the team (we don't know each other yet, but all are mature christians with a lot of experience).
- Pray, that we will have unity as a team and walk in our gifts.
- Pray that we will be protected as it is a tough area we are entering, full of corruption, prostitution, drugs and lies.
- Pray that wherever we will stay or pray we will be a blessing for the place and the people! Thank you so much for your prayers!!! You are helping to build God's kingdom in a dark place!
A Story Received...
The first week this blog was created. The e-mailer's name has been removed to protect his identity.
"I saw your blog about working with women who are trapped by prostitution, God bless you! For seven years I didn't know if my daughter was dead or alive, but never stopped praying for her. During those years my daughter, Faith was involved with drugs and prostitution.
On Nov. 29Th of 06 she entered the Walter Hoving Home for women in Pasadena, California where she received Christ and has been in a process of miraculous healing ever since. This is a one year program designed to place these women on a track to walk with Jesus Christ in a new life. When i saw the work that God has led you to I thought you might be interested in these homes. There are three homes, Pasadena, New York and Las Vegas. John and Elsie Benton began these homes many years ago to minister God's love to women who are trapped in prostitution and the drugs that are part of that life. If you google Walter Hoving Home you will be connected to their web site. Again, God bless you for following His lead to this awesome work!"
Link to Walter Hoving Home
"I saw your blog about working with women who are trapped by prostitution, God bless you! For seven years I didn't know if my daughter was dead or alive, but never stopped praying for her. During those years my daughter, Faith was involved with drugs and prostitution.
On Nov. 29Th of 06 she entered the Walter Hoving Home for women in Pasadena, California where she received Christ and has been in a process of miraculous healing ever since. This is a one year program designed to place these women on a track to walk with Jesus Christ in a new life. When i saw the work that God has led you to I thought you might be interested in these homes. There are three homes, Pasadena, New York and Las Vegas. John and Elsie Benton began these homes many years ago to minister God's love to women who are trapped in prostitution and the drugs that are part of that life. If you google Walter Hoving Home you will be connected to their web site. Again, God bless you for following His lead to this awesome work!"
Link to Walter Hoving Home
Melody Arrived in Dubi Safely
Per an e-mail from Melody's host...
"I picked up Melody yesterday (Wednesday) from the trainstation in Dresden! She is safe and fine ;-)
Thank you for supporting us and praying for us!!!"
"I picked up Melody yesterday (Wednesday) from the trainstation in Dresden! She is safe and fine ;-)
Thank you for supporting us and praying for us!!!"
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
May 31, 2007 - My First Day in Europe
May 31st, 2007
I am doing great. Things are going by very quickly and we head out in the morning. My flight was very good. I was supposed to be the last person on the plane but my seat mate didnt show so I had the window and the next seat to myself - 2 pillows and 2 blankets - I got to stretch out and sleep the entire way. The connection in the netherlands was good as well. The airport is huge and I needed to go through immigration so it took a bit extra time. By the time I got to my gate I had time for a short nap and they called the plane. I only had an hour flight and prayed that I would make the first train connection at 6:10. This too was a God thing. I needed to catch a shuttle to the next terminal and race to the train station. As we disembarked the plane I saw my backpack being unloaded so I knew it made it - they made me check the big one.
I seemed to talk to just the right people at the right time to give me directions in english - the Lord was giving me favor. Once on the train I needed to call Doris to let her know I had arrived in the country and when she could pick me up. I didnt have any time to spare so I couldnt get off the train to find a public phone so I just prayed the Lord would bring me someone with a cell phone and they would be kind enough to make the call. As I sat there a business man took the seat across the aisle from me and laid out all his work, took off his watch and delicately laid his cell phone on the table. Score~~ He didnt look like he wanted to be bothered so I just hoped someone would sit with me and I could strike up that conversation.
A younger father did sit down and didn't even crack a smile. After a pretty long silence one of us started a conversation and it turns out he had a couple of kids, wife and used to teach at the university. He did share some information about a comuter plane that flys out early from Dresden to Frankfurt and I could probably catch it on my way back - this was good information to have. Later he pulled out his laptop and I thought I could possibly e-mail doris but I just didn't feel the freedom to ask.
We had traveled a couple of hours and I was starting to get a bit nervous about being picked up at the train station. The Lord was prodding me to ask the businessman but suddenly I was overcome with shyness and was struggling. He was now packing up his stuff and I felt like I might miss my chance. I looked at the prayers I was reading and the first one was that God would go before us and light our path and the second one was to not be afraid. This was my push and I asked the cell phone fellow if he would make a call for me. He was nice and did but it wouldnt go through. He thought we were too far away and to wait till we got to Leipzig (satanists had all gone home already) The young man was now departing and I gave him a pink ribbon for each of his children - he graciously took them and left with the computer. I now wished had e-mailed "Dana". Once we arrived in Leipzig he tried again and still no connection - it was the wrong number. After a little frantic searching I found the original and had transposed the last 2 numbers. He was very nice and helped me again and we got through.
Dana is German and a bit hard to understand so it was great because he spoke to her in German. After a few calls to clarify where to meet it was settled and the train was a half hour late. She would need to pick me up at 11:30 and this was very short notice since she was over an hour away. This fellow was also going to Dresden and getting off at my same stop. We had a very nice visit for the last hour and he shared quite a bit about his life. Before we left the train I gave him a pink ribbon and blessed him. It was pretty late and he was willing to walk me to the Burger King where Dana would meet me. As we departed I asked his name and it was Stephen. I had to chuckle since last week in my prayer time the Lord had me reading the story of Stephen over and over and He told me that He would have someone at the train station for me.
One other interesting thing was that someone had prayed that two huge angels would accompany me as I traveled. Both of these men were atleast 6 foot 5 inches and Stephen atlest 250 lbs. I did have to wait for Doris for about 20 minutes by myself but I have not felt alone this whole trip. This morning I didnt wake up until noon so I was a bit late for our 1:30 lunch to get to know the team. I believe we are going to gel very well together and it is obvious that the Lord has assembled a complete body with many different gifts that are all necessary. Everyone has such an interesting story.
Most of the following names have been removed to protect their identities :)
Everyone has such an interesting story, "R" and her friend will leave us first then go on to Prauge and onto switzerland - she is doing alot of research about trafficking. "O" is writing his thesis and wants to publish a photojournalistic book on the subject. "S" and "C" are missionaries familiar with the culture and the mafia. Their mafia is different than ours - most things are done to make a living - more like the black market - not so muchlike the Godfather. I ate supper with "Carmel" who is the YWAM director for the eastern europe region - 15 countries. We clicked - I like her and so far this has been amazing. I still dont know what the Lord has planned but it all feels very right.
I will be staying back in Dubi with "O", Doris, and Shalyn at a church to pray more and see what the Lord had for us the last 3 days the others will be returning to the base on Monday. It is 11:08 here and I need to go to bed so I'm not late again.... I am trying to attach some pictures of the base (it is actually located in a castle) called the Water Castle (it once had a mote around it). "Carmel" and I also walked up into the Morovian Church prayer tower and prayed for our trip. You can see three countries from there, Germany, Poland and Czech. The night air was just perfect and I felt like I was in a fairy tail.
The Spiritual Climate here is amazing, so sweet and full of beauty and life - I'm thinking things are going to change tommorrow. Like I said I'm trying to attach pictures but the computers are different here. I got pictures of the Moravian Church (the original 24-7 was burned in WW2) the graveyard where they lay the headstones down so no one is elevated above another - even in death, a picture of the building where the moravian texts are chosen for the entire year and have been since the moravians began in the 1700s. This is such a charming little german town.
I hear that we are still going 24-7 at home. Guys I am seeing what can happen when a community prays, really prays - things change and hearts change. I love you all very much and don't bother with worry - God is in control of this one and you would be more productive to pray.
I am doing great. Things are going by very quickly and we head out in the morning. My flight was very good. I was supposed to be the last person on the plane but my seat mate didnt show so I had the window and the next seat to myself - 2 pillows and 2 blankets - I got to stretch out and sleep the entire way. The connection in the netherlands was good as well. The airport is huge and I needed to go through immigration so it took a bit extra time. By the time I got to my gate I had time for a short nap and they called the plane. I only had an hour flight and prayed that I would make the first train connection at 6:10. This too was a God thing. I needed to catch a shuttle to the next terminal and race to the train station. As we disembarked the plane I saw my backpack being unloaded so I knew it made it - they made me check the big one.
I seemed to talk to just the right people at the right time to give me directions in english - the Lord was giving me favor. Once on the train I needed to call Doris to let her know I had arrived in the country and when she could pick me up. I didnt have any time to spare so I couldnt get off the train to find a public phone so I just prayed the Lord would bring me someone with a cell phone and they would be kind enough to make the call. As I sat there a business man took the seat across the aisle from me and laid out all his work, took off his watch and delicately laid his cell phone on the table. Score~~ He didnt look like he wanted to be bothered so I just hoped someone would sit with me and I could strike up that conversation.
A younger father did sit down and didn't even crack a smile. After a pretty long silence one of us started a conversation and it turns out he had a couple of kids, wife and used to teach at the university. He did share some information about a comuter plane that flys out early from Dresden to Frankfurt and I could probably catch it on my way back - this was good information to have. Later he pulled out his laptop and I thought I could possibly e-mail doris but I just didn't feel the freedom to ask.
We had traveled a couple of hours and I was starting to get a bit nervous about being picked up at the train station. The Lord was prodding me to ask the businessman but suddenly I was overcome with shyness and was struggling. He was now packing up his stuff and I felt like I might miss my chance. I looked at the prayers I was reading and the first one was that God would go before us and light our path and the second one was to not be afraid. This was my push and I asked the cell phone fellow if he would make a call for me. He was nice and did but it wouldnt go through. He thought we were too far away and to wait till we got to Leipzig (satanists had all gone home already) The young man was now departing and I gave him a pink ribbon for each of his children - he graciously took them and left with the computer. I now wished had e-mailed "Dana". Once we arrived in Leipzig he tried again and still no connection - it was the wrong number. After a little frantic searching I found the original and had transposed the last 2 numbers. He was very nice and helped me again and we got through.
Dana is German and a bit hard to understand so it was great because he spoke to her in German. After a few calls to clarify where to meet it was settled and the train was a half hour late. She would need to pick me up at 11:30 and this was very short notice since she was over an hour away. This fellow was also going to Dresden and getting off at my same stop. We had a very nice visit for the last hour and he shared quite a bit about his life. Before we left the train I gave him a pink ribbon and blessed him. It was pretty late and he was willing to walk me to the Burger King where Dana would meet me. As we departed I asked his name and it was Stephen. I had to chuckle since last week in my prayer time the Lord had me reading the story of Stephen over and over and He told me that He would have someone at the train station for me.
One other interesting thing was that someone had prayed that two huge angels would accompany me as I traveled. Both of these men were atleast 6 foot 5 inches and Stephen atlest 250 lbs. I did have to wait for Doris for about 20 minutes by myself but I have not felt alone this whole trip. This morning I didnt wake up until noon so I was a bit late for our 1:30 lunch to get to know the team. I believe we are going to gel very well together and it is obvious that the Lord has assembled a complete body with many different gifts that are all necessary. Everyone has such an interesting story.
Most of the following names have been removed to protect their identities :)
Everyone has such an interesting story, "R" and her friend will leave us first then go on to Prauge and onto switzerland - she is doing alot of research about trafficking. "O" is writing his thesis and wants to publish a photojournalistic book on the subject. "S" and "C" are missionaries familiar with the culture and the mafia. Their mafia is different than ours - most things are done to make a living - more like the black market - not so muchlike the Godfather. I ate supper with "Carmel" who is the YWAM director for the eastern europe region - 15 countries. We clicked - I like her and so far this has been amazing. I still dont know what the Lord has planned but it all feels very right.
I will be staying back in Dubi with "O", Doris, and Shalyn at a church to pray more and see what the Lord had for us the last 3 days the others will be returning to the base on Monday. It is 11:08 here and I need to go to bed so I'm not late again.... I am trying to attach some pictures of the base (it is actually located in a castle) called the Water Castle (it once had a mote around it). "Carmel" and I also walked up into the Morovian Church prayer tower and prayed for our trip. You can see three countries from there, Germany, Poland and Czech. The night air was just perfect and I felt like I was in a fairy tail.
The Spiritual Climate here is amazing, so sweet and full of beauty and life - I'm thinking things are going to change tommorrow. Like I said I'm trying to attach pictures but the computers are different here. I got pictures of the Moravian Church (the original 24-7 was burned in WW2) the graveyard where they lay the headstones down so no one is elevated above another - even in death, a picture of the building where the moravian texts are chosen for the entire year and have been since the moravians began in the 1700s. This is such a charming little german town.
I hear that we are still going 24-7 at home. Guys I am seeing what can happen when a community prays, really prays - things change and hearts change. I love you all very much and don't bother with worry - God is in control of this one and you would be more productive to pray.
Just More Evidence...
That trafficking is closer to home than you think!
From KMSP Fox 9 news:
Link to Article
Video
International Prostitution Ring Busted in Minn.
Last Edited: Monday, 21 May 2007, 11:25 PM CDT
New details are coming out about a police bust on an international prostitution ring, right here in the Twin Cities.
It was a huge raid across the metro. In all, 25 people were arrested in connection with a large-scale prostitution ring. Two of the women were apparently forced to have sex with 80 men in one day.
Investigators say a duplex in south Minneapolis served as the headquarters of the operation, which had eight brothels across the state.
Investigators say the defendants lured women here from other countries and forced them to work as prostitutes.
On Saturday officers raided eight alleged brothels. The operation was recorded and posted on the Internet by activists who believed it to be an immigration raid.
Earlier today the U.S. Attorney and other law enforcement representatives underscored that this was a prostitution sting.
The 19 men and six women charged are accused of running or supporting the business of selling sex.
“In one night, operators of the brothel bragged about having just two women service over 80 men” said U.S. Attorney Rachel Paulose. “And you can imagine what sort of conditions those were. And I’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions, but they certainly were harsh.”
Right now the 25 people charged are all accused in some way of running this prostitution ring. The prostitutes are considered victims in the case at this point and have not been charged.
Paulose would not say how many women were involved as prostitutes or what countries they’re from – only that none are minors.
FOX 9 has also learned the addresses of the eight brothels in question, which are listed below:
3144 Tyler St. NE, Minneapolis
3019 11th Ave. S., Minneapolis
2500 Pleasant Ave. S. suite #2, Minneapolis
3104 Pleasant Ave S., Minneapolis
2955 Bloomington Ave. S., Minneapolis
7521 Penn Ave. S., Richfield, Minn.
126 Logan Ave. suite #1, West St. Paul, Minn.
1100 10th Ave SW, Austin, Minn.
From KMSP Fox 9 news:
Link to Article
Video
International Prostitution Ring Busted in Minn.
Last Edited: Monday, 21 May 2007, 11:25 PM CDT
New details are coming out about a police bust on an international prostitution ring, right here in the Twin Cities.
It was a huge raid across the metro. In all, 25 people were arrested in connection with a large-scale prostitution ring. Two of the women were apparently forced to have sex with 80 men in one day.
Investigators say a duplex in south Minneapolis served as the headquarters of the operation, which had eight brothels across the state.
Investigators say the defendants lured women here from other countries and forced them to work as prostitutes.
On Saturday officers raided eight alleged brothels. The operation was recorded and posted on the Internet by activists who believed it to be an immigration raid.
Earlier today the U.S. Attorney and other law enforcement representatives underscored that this was a prostitution sting.
The 19 men and six women charged are accused of running or supporting the business of selling sex.
“In one night, operators of the brothel bragged about having just two women service over 80 men” said U.S. Attorney Rachel Paulose. “And you can imagine what sort of conditions those were. And I’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions, but they certainly were harsh.”
Right now the 25 people charged are all accused in some way of running this prostitution ring. The prostitutes are considered victims in the case at this point and have not been charged.
Paulose would not say how many women were involved as prostitutes or what countries they’re from – only that none are minors.
FOX 9 has also learned the addresses of the eight brothels in question, which are listed below:
3144 Tyler St. NE, Minneapolis
3019 11th Ave. S., Minneapolis
2500 Pleasant Ave. S. suite #2, Minneapolis
3104 Pleasant Ave S., Minneapolis
2955 Bloomington Ave. S., Minneapolis
7521 Penn Ave. S., Richfield, Minn.
126 Logan Ave. suite #1, West St. Paul, Minn.
1100 10th Ave SW, Austin, Minn.
Another E-mail from my Host
Dear 'Spies'... ;-)
On thursday, the 31st of May we will meet to spy out the land that God has showed us... - Dubi is waiting! (I think all of you received our recent newsletter - that will help you, to get a bigger picture, how God has led us in the past weeks and month).
Shalyn and I are really exited, that all of you are willing to support us in prayer and research to find out more about God's heart for Dubi and his strategies for this place!
We are a team of 10 people, who will spy out the land!
Here already the names and some short background:
1. "Dana" (Germany, 2 1/2 years part of YWAM Herrnhut/Germany)
2. "Sharon" (USA/Minnesota, 1 1/2 years part of YWAM Herrnhut, Germany) - she will lead the intercession and worship times during our spytrip!
The two of us will lead the entire spytrip. We have commited ourselves to move to Dubi according to his plans and his timing!
3. "Carmel" (Great Britain, Central European Director of YWAM)
4-5. "S" and "C" (USA, working with YWAM Budapest, have worked in the past in the Czech Republic and other east european countries as missionaries)
6. "M" (USA, women pastor, she mobilised her whole church to pray 24/7 for Dubi and the spytrip! her blog: http://www.melodywarren.blogspot.com/
7. "A" (Germany, working with YWAM Herrnhut/Germany)
8. "U" (Germany, writing his theses at the moment about Dubi and the Czech Republic, did his DTS with YWAM Herrnhut)
9. "R" (working with YWAM Salem/Oregon. has a passion and longterm call to see human trafficking stopped, ecspecially in Eastern Europe)
10. "R" will bring also a friend who is working with YWAM for many years, and wants so support and bless us as well in joining this spytrip!
We will start on the 31st of May, at 1 p.m. with lunch at Sharon's apartment in Herrnhut. Afterwards we will give introductions, share more about expections and our time in Dubi and we will have time to get to know each other!
On the 1st of June in the morning we will leave with two cars from Herrnhut to Dubi!
We will stay in Dubi until Monday, the 4th of June in the evening. From there we will split the team. Some of us have to go back to Herrnhut, some of us will probably stay with a church nearby Dubi for two/three more days.
What do you need:
- please don't bring too much luggage...
- But you need good walking shoes (for prayer walks...)!!!
- We will stay in a motel.
We are looking forward to get to know you and we are sure God will surprise us during these days with his goodness and guidance!!!
On thursday, the 31st of May we will meet to spy out the land that God has showed us... - Dubi is waiting! (I think all of you received our recent newsletter - that will help you, to get a bigger picture, how God has led us in the past weeks and month).
Shalyn and I are really exited, that all of you are willing to support us in prayer and research to find out more about God's heart for Dubi and his strategies for this place!
We are a team of 10 people, who will spy out the land!
Here already the names and some short background:
1. "Dana" (Germany, 2 1/2 years part of YWAM Herrnhut/Germany)
2. "Sharon" (USA/Minnesota, 1 1/2 years part of YWAM Herrnhut, Germany) - she will lead the intercession and worship times during our spytrip!
The two of us will lead the entire spytrip. We have commited ourselves to move to Dubi according to his plans and his timing!
3. "Carmel" (Great Britain, Central European Director of YWAM)
4-5. "S" and "C" (USA, working with YWAM Budapest, have worked in the past in the Czech Republic and other east european countries as missionaries)
6. "M" (USA, women pastor, she mobilised her whole church to pray 24/7 for Dubi and the spytrip! her blog: http://www.melodywarren.blogspot.com/
7. "A" (Germany, working with YWAM Herrnhut/Germany)
8. "U" (Germany, writing his theses at the moment about Dubi and the Czech Republic, did his DTS with YWAM Herrnhut)
9. "R" (working with YWAM Salem/Oregon. has a passion and longterm call to see human trafficking stopped, ecspecially in Eastern Europe)
10. "R" will bring also a friend who is working with YWAM for many years, and wants so support and bless us as well in joining this spytrip!
We will start on the 31st of May, at 1 p.m. with lunch at Sharon's apartment in Herrnhut. Afterwards we will give introductions, share more about expections and our time in Dubi and we will have time to get to know each other!
On the 1st of June in the morning we will leave with two cars from Herrnhut to Dubi!
We will stay in Dubi until Monday, the 4th of June in the evening. From there we will split the team. Some of us have to go back to Herrnhut, some of us will probably stay with a church nearby Dubi for two/three more days.
What do you need:
- please don't bring too much luggage...
- But you need good walking shoes (for prayer walks...)!!!
- We will stay in a motel.
We are looking forward to get to know you and we are sure God will surprise us during these days with his goodness and guidance!!!
Urgent Prayer Request
This was received via e-mail from a group of Christians in Leipzig, Germany. This scenario just provides a glimpse of the climate over there and near Dubi. The festival described is the world's largest gathering of this type, bringing in participants from all over the world. It is also located just an hour from Hernhutt, Germany (site of the original 24-7 prayer movement). It is interesting that this much darkness is so close to the YWAM base which also hosted the festival of the nations - about 1000 people over the weekend. Pentecost (mentioned in the e-mail) was celebrated last Sunday.
"Dear friends,
This is a small group of Christians in Leipzig, Germany running the prayer room Freundeskreis
http://24-7prayer.com/cm/nowpraying/4469
GothicChrist is reaching out to the 20.000 to 35.000 gothics and satanists who have come from all over the world to meet here in Leipzig, Germany over pentecost. It seems all darkness has come here but the one the is in us is greater than the one in the world! If you have read Red Moon Rising you will find on the first few pages Leipzig mentioned as the place where through prayer the peaceful demonstrations of 1989 started and then caused the Berlin Wall to come down. Leipzig is a place to write history. We believe this can happen again!!!
Lets tear down the walls of darkness once again! Over Pentecost the city is full with people celebrating death and destruction. Please join us praying. We are very few here and do not manage to fill every hour. Please fill the gaps for and with us. Our prayer calendar can be seen at http://prayertent.de/kalender/ or http://prayertent.de . You can see pictures of the prayer room and of our street outreach team here at http://www.effata.info. We are a team of Protestants and Roman Catholics plus some international guests reaching out to the lost. Please keep yourself updated about the "Wave Gothic Festival" and please pray for us!"
News:
http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=&q=wave+gothic&btnG=Search+News
"Dear friends,
This is a small group of Christians in Leipzig, Germany running the prayer room Freundeskreis
http://24-7prayer.com/cm/nowpraying/4469
GothicChrist is reaching out to the 20.000 to 35.000 gothics and satanists who have come from all over the world to meet here in Leipzig, Germany over pentecost. It seems all darkness has come here but the one the is in us is greater than the one in the world! If you have read Red Moon Rising you will find on the first few pages Leipzig mentioned as the place where through prayer the peaceful demonstrations of 1989 started and then caused the Berlin Wall to come down. Leipzig is a place to write history. We believe this can happen again!!!
Lets tear down the walls of darkness once again! Over Pentecost the city is full with people celebrating death and destruction. Please join us praying. We are very few here and do not manage to fill every hour. Please fill the gaps for and with us. Our prayer calendar can be seen at http://prayertent.de/kalender/ or http://prayertent.de . You can see pictures of the prayer room and of our street outreach team here at http://www.effata.info. We are a team of Protestants and Roman Catholics plus some international guests reaching out to the lost. Please keep yourself updated about the "Wave Gothic Festival" and please pray for us!"
News:
http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=&q=wave+gothic&btnG=Search+News
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Suggested Reading
To learn the story of the 24-7 Prayer Movement, you can read the following inspirational book -
What is 24-7 Prayer?
24-7 Prayer is set to begin at Lake Community Church in Alexandria, MN in Jamie's old office. Sign up at the reception desk to fill out a time slot. You do not have to be a member/attender of LCC to participate. Spread the Word!
How did 24-7 Prayer start?
24-7 prayer started by accident in September 1999, with a bunch of young people in England who got the crazy iea of trying to pray non-stop for a month. God turned up and they couldn't sto untill Christmas! From there the prayer meeting has spread into many nations, denominations and age-groups. Hundreds of non-stop prayer meetins now link up via the web at 24-7prayer.com to form a unique chain of prayer.
What's the big idea?
simplereally...24-7 has become a worldwide, non-stop prayer movement. 24-7 is a network of Prayer Rooms determined to "pray like it all depends on us and live like it all depends on God until the tide turns in our generation.
How do the prayer rooms work?
Paricipating groups pledge to pray 24 hour a day for a week or more in a dedicated prayer room. They then 'carry the baton of prayer' for that period. The prayer passes from location to location in a never-ending flow linked up by the Worldwide Web. We are a virtual community praying in real locations. Right now someone, somewhere is praying 24-7.
Why do we need a prayer room?
"A prayer room is to the church what the heart is to the body." (The Praying church Source Book) Locating the praer season in a specific location seems to be one of the keys to the effectiveness of 24-7. Why" The Holy Spirit can fill a place as well as a person. (Acts 2:2, 16:16). there's often a strong sense of God's presence in such a place of prayer, even experienced by non-Christians. Time often goes quicker! Many have reported that "in the prayer room 1 hour feels like 10 minutes". The room provides accountability - a place where people have to turn up, and his ensures a constant flow as one prayer-shift hands the baton onto the next. Visiting the room is like a mini-pilgrimage. A shared location provides a strong sense of being part of a community carrying each others' burdens, celebrating the breakthroughs togther and ministering to one another.
Shouldn't we start out gradually?
There's something abot the extreme challenge of 24-7 Prayer that makes it work! Water down that challenge and you lose the dynamic. There are always a million good reasons to put it off and no one ever feels truly prepared to go or it the first time, but the sheer nature of continual prayer means you have to depend on God from the onset.
What are the goals?
1. To turn the tide
The dream behind 24-7 is to turn the tide of our culture, especially youth, back to Jesus. It's a big dream - maybe an impossible dream. The Body of Christ in the West is losing the next generation. Something has to change. History shows that the tide turns when God's people pray.
2. To Mobilize Prayer
24-7 prayer is not for experts. It's for those who find prayer a struggle. It has proven unusually successful at mobilizing people - especially young people - to pray like they've never prayer before. People learn to pray...by praying! 24-7 captures the imagination. Young people today are more likely to turn up at a prayer meeting at 3 a.m. than 7:30 p.m.! Why? because it's exteme. The dare is to be alone with God for a whole hour - maybe even in the middle of the night.
It's time to do what you've never done in order to see what you've never seen.
How did 24-7 Prayer start?
24-7 prayer started by accident in September 1999, with a bunch of young people in England who got the crazy iea of trying to pray non-stop for a month. God turned up and they couldn't sto untill Christmas! From there the prayer meeting has spread into many nations, denominations and age-groups. Hundreds of non-stop prayer meetins now link up via the web at 24-7prayer.com to form a unique chain of prayer.
What's the big idea?
simplereally...24-7 has become a worldwide, non-stop prayer movement. 24-7 is a network of Prayer Rooms determined to "pray like it all depends on us and live like it all depends on God until the tide turns in our generation.
How do the prayer rooms work?
Paricipating groups pledge to pray 24 hour a day for a week or more in a dedicated prayer room. They then 'carry the baton of prayer' for that period. The prayer passes from location to location in a never-ending flow linked up by the Worldwide Web. We are a virtual community praying in real locations. Right now someone, somewhere is praying 24-7.
Why do we need a prayer room?
"A prayer room is to the church what the heart is to the body." (The Praying church Source Book) Locating the praer season in a specific location seems to be one of the keys to the effectiveness of 24-7. Why" The Holy Spirit can fill a place as well as a person. (Acts 2:2, 16:16). there's often a strong sense of God's presence in such a place of prayer, even experienced by non-Christians. Time often goes quicker! Many have reported that "in the prayer room 1 hour feels like 10 minutes". The room provides accountability - a place where people have to turn up, and his ensures a constant flow as one prayer-shift hands the baton onto the next. Visiting the room is like a mini-pilgrimage. A shared location provides a strong sense of being part of a community carrying each others' burdens, celebrating the breakthroughs togther and ministering to one another.
Shouldn't we start out gradually?
There's something abot the extreme challenge of 24-7 Prayer that makes it work! Water down that challenge and you lose the dynamic. There are always a million good reasons to put it off and no one ever feels truly prepared to go or it the first time, but the sheer nature of continual prayer means you have to depend on God from the onset.
What are the goals?
1. To turn the tide
The dream behind 24-7 is to turn the tide of our culture, especially youth, back to Jesus. It's a big dream - maybe an impossible dream. The Body of Christ in the West is losing the next generation. Something has to change. History shows that the tide turns when God's people pray.
2. To Mobilize Prayer
24-7 prayer is not for experts. It's for those who find prayer a struggle. It has proven unusually successful at mobilizing people - especially young people - to pray like they've never prayer before. People learn to pray...by praying! 24-7 captures the imagination. Young people today are more likely to turn up at a prayer meeting at 3 a.m. than 7:30 p.m.! Why? because it's exteme. The dare is to be alone with God for a whole hour - maybe even in the middle of the night.
It's time to do what you've never done in order to see what you've never seen.
More Pictures
Contrast: a beautiful and huge Catholic Church in Dubi. At the mass, in a little side room, we ("Dana" and "Sharon") met a small group of 12 visitors .
News about Dubi - May 2007
WHERE IS DUBI?
First of all greetings from "Dana" and "Sharon". Maybe the name 'Dubi' sounds familiar to you, maybe you've never heard about it before. Maybe you think we want to share about Dubai (and it was a spelling mistake...;-). We would like to share with you about a little town at the border area of the Czech Republic, that captured our hearts, and we believe that God especially has such a passion and love for this little place on the planet called earth...
GOD'S HEART CRY
It begins 2 1/2 years ago. An young unsuspecting lady was asked to research into the prostitution problem that runs along the border area between the Czech Republic and Germany. Little did she know that it would have an deep impact on the next years of her life. As she led the intercession time in August 2005, who would have thought, that this was the beginning of God doing something new... Only a few weeks later: she and a team of three people prayed in front of a 'nightclub' (=brothel), 20 Minutes away from Herrnhut/Germany. They got to know some of the ladies by drinking a cup of Czech coffee ;-) with them. Just a few days later they watched a movie about a girl that was trafficked from Russia to Sweden into sex trade. Suddenly she could feel the heart of God and his pain, as he sees all of the injustice happening... his heart is crying out for these people!
LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
Just another few weeks later she (Dana) and "C" (a friend of her's) led a team of 25 young people into one of the main prostitution areas along the German border. The name of the town is ‘Dubi‘. Since going there I (Dana) haven’t been able to get this town out of my mind. Our first outreach was crazy. The police stopped us, because we were parking in a ‘wrong place‘. After paying a penalty, we wanted to go back, frustrated with the fact that we couldn’t find any brothels. Just a few streets further down, we suddenly saw it: It was 12 o’clock at night and as we watched trucks, coming from the E55 on their way to Prague, slowly driving along the street. As we looked to see what had caught their attention we saw half naked girls standing in windows inviting customers in. Immediately we stopped and decided to intercede right then and there. It led into a time of praise and worship where we could really feel God’s presence and the fact that He wants to do something in this place.
One year later, Sharon, myself and two friends found ourselves in Dubi once again. We had just been in Prague with the purpose to start working among the prostitutes there. Yet as I asked God I felt over and over again that Prague is not the right place. On our way home we got lost and somehow ended up in Dubi. Something about this town again gripped my heart. Lord what are you speaking to me about Dubi?
HEAVENLY PERSPECTIVES
The following month friends and I started to visit a lady in a brothel, only 20 minutes away in a town called Varnsdorf. It was totally God opening the doors, so that we were able to visit this Bulgarian Lady ('Rosa') at her working place. We got to spend time with her, to sing worship songs with her, and to share with her about Jesus. Through time we were able to build a friendship with her. She felt valued and loved, when we as her friends would come back to visit her almost every week. During this time God broke my heart, and one time I almost started to cry, while we were sitting with our friend in this room beneath the brothel. I imagined how wonderful it would be to see this woman one day before God’s throne, to hug her and to be able to speak with her without the language barrier. I long to see one day some of these ladies united with Jesus.
SUPERNATURAL SIGNS
We weren't able to keep contact with Rosa, because the pimp wanted to shut down his buisness, so she had to go to a different town. We couldn't figure out the name of the new place. We would have loved to see Rosa coming to the Lord! Even though we had a really good conversation the last night we met her, we felt, that there were still a lot of doubts and fears inside of her. On our way back to Herrnhut we suddenly saw some interesting looking 'light-wheels' in the dark sky, that werefollowing us. Nobody in the car knew, what they could be... As soon as we stopped the car, the 'lightwheels' stopped as well. This 'supernatural appearance' followed us almost all the way back to Herrnhut, then it disappeared... Somehow we felt very encouraged. A sign from heaven? God is so much bigger than we are. And it seemed to show us, that when we give the little bit that we have to give, God really takes it and uses it to build his kingdom.
NOT MY WILL, BUT YOUR WILL BE DONE...
As God was opening more and more doors to the Czech Republic, it was still on my heart to go long-term to Cambodia. But when I went to Cambodia for a short-term-outreach, God was still reminding me of the Czech Republic. I started to think about this idea... a team of young people, focusing on prayer, intercession, and the arts – in one of the darkest places in the Czech Republic, to bring God's light. His beauty and grace instead of pain, injustice... setting contrasts.... daring to do new things...
December 2006. I had to decide: Am I willing to make myself available for God's plan? To lay my own dreams and plans down before him, to follow him? Who would come with me? Would I be there, left alone? Would God put the same burden and passion on the hearts of others? The leadership confirmed 'my' plans. But first I went to India. There I got inspired about prayer, intercession and community life and I learned a lot more about leadership. I had earlier asked Sharon if she would like to join the vision. Coming back to Herrnhut, she confirmed that she would be a part of the team! Yipee! So here we are. Two people.
THE STORY CONTINUES...
So now we are planning to move to Dubi. We are still very much in a process of having
God shape and sharpen our vision and we know that we only have a piece of the puzzle at the moment. There is much more to unravel. These days are busy with preparation. We have been meeting with people who have wisdom and experience, such as a lady who founded a ministry in Bangkok 17 years ago and a German speaking missionary from the Czech Republic, who knows a lot about the history of his nation. We are also trying to come into contact with local Christians and cell groups. One of our goals is to learn as much as possible to be prepared as we go there. As we look towards the future we are also praying that God will raise a team who would be willing to move there with us. We believe that it is not only the two of us, we are only a piece of the picture.
SPY TRIP – NEXT STEP
From the 31st of May until the 4th of June 2007 we are going to have a prayer- and research week in Dubi. Together with an international team of about 10 people we want to seek God in this town and find out more about his plans and 'strategies' to reach out to Dubi!
GOD'S FAVOUR IN DUBI
We were just in Dubi over this last weekend to prepare the Spy trip in June. As we arrived in Dubi, we realized soon, that we don't fit into the city at all. The cars were passing by us slowly, because some of them thought we were prostitutes... - what else should two young girls like us be doing in such a place? Our first priority was to find a place to stay before it became dark. As we looked around we saw that there were only hotels in which prostitutes worked. We decided we would ask in one to see if it was a possibility to stay there. They immediately said no! So we continued to pray. We met a lady who could speak some German. So we asked her if she knew a place in which to stay.
She repeated over and over again, that Dubi is not a good place to stay, there are no hotels, so we should go to the next town! But we resisted, and emphasized the fact that we really like Dubi, and that we would like to stay here over night. Then a miracle! She said that we could stay in her place! From this time on, we could sense that the favor of God is on us!!! Through this lady we received contact to the landlady of a 'motel'. This is the place, that we can come back with ,10 friends of ours', and stay. Suddenly one door after another seemed to be opening. The next morning we went to the catholic mess in Dubi. We met about 12 other Christians there – they received us warmly, even though they were probably as surprised about our visit, as the people in the 'motel' the night before.
Dubi is a place where you can easily access drugs, prositution is everywhere, corruption is normal... the people continued to ask us if we were afraid to be there. Our answer was no. We could honestly feel the peace of God, his protection and guidance in such an amazing way!!! Even though we came with little faith, God revealed his faithfulness and mercy to us in even greater ways!
DO YOU WANT TO JOIN THE ADVENTURE?
We need God's guidance and his presence with us, in each step that we take. Would you like to be part of the adventure? We want to ask you to join us as we go out to Dubi, by partnering with us in prayer. This is one of our prayers...'Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.' Exodus 33:12+13
Our biggest prayer requests so far:
- That God will bring a team together
- That God will give us favour and opens the doors to the local believers (on sat, the 19.05. there will be a conference where Dana will meet different pastors and Christians from that region)
- Unity
- Protection, we are going into a spiritual battle, the enemy will not give up his territory without a fight.
- Wisdom as we make connections
- Clarity in things such as; Vision, Location, etc.
- Guidance, open ears to hear God clearly
Thank you so much for your prayers and interest in this project. We would love to hear from you. Also if you have any impressions or thoughts please let us know. Many blessings
Dana and Sharon
First of all greetings from "Dana" and "Sharon". Maybe the name 'Dubi' sounds familiar to you, maybe you've never heard about it before. Maybe you think we want to share about Dubai (and it was a spelling mistake...;-). We would like to share with you about a little town at the border area of the Czech Republic, that captured our hearts, and we believe that God especially has such a passion and love for this little place on the planet called earth...
GOD'S HEART CRY
It begins 2 1/2 years ago. An young unsuspecting lady was asked to research into the prostitution problem that runs along the border area between the Czech Republic and Germany. Little did she know that it would have an deep impact on the next years of her life. As she led the intercession time in August 2005, who would have thought, that this was the beginning of God doing something new... Only a few weeks later: she and a team of three people prayed in front of a 'nightclub' (=brothel), 20 Minutes away from Herrnhut/Germany. They got to know some of the ladies by drinking a cup of Czech coffee ;-) with them. Just a few days later they watched a movie about a girl that was trafficked from Russia to Sweden into sex trade. Suddenly she could feel the heart of God and his pain, as he sees all of the injustice happening... his heart is crying out for these people!
LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
Just another few weeks later she (Dana) and "C" (a friend of her's) led a team of 25 young people into one of the main prostitution areas along the German border. The name of the town is ‘Dubi‘. Since going there I (Dana) haven’t been able to get this town out of my mind. Our first outreach was crazy. The police stopped us, because we were parking in a ‘wrong place‘. After paying a penalty, we wanted to go back, frustrated with the fact that we couldn’t find any brothels. Just a few streets further down, we suddenly saw it: It was 12 o’clock at night and as we watched trucks, coming from the E55 on their way to Prague, slowly driving along the street. As we looked to see what had caught their attention we saw half naked girls standing in windows inviting customers in. Immediately we stopped and decided to intercede right then and there. It led into a time of praise and worship where we could really feel God’s presence and the fact that He wants to do something in this place.
One year later, Sharon, myself and two friends found ourselves in Dubi once again. We had just been in Prague with the purpose to start working among the prostitutes there. Yet as I asked God I felt over and over again that Prague is not the right place. On our way home we got lost and somehow ended up in Dubi. Something about this town again gripped my heart. Lord what are you speaking to me about Dubi?
HEAVENLY PERSPECTIVES
The following month friends and I started to visit a lady in a brothel, only 20 minutes away in a town called Varnsdorf. It was totally God opening the doors, so that we were able to visit this Bulgarian Lady ('Rosa') at her working place. We got to spend time with her, to sing worship songs with her, and to share with her about Jesus. Through time we were able to build a friendship with her. She felt valued and loved, when we as her friends would come back to visit her almost every week. During this time God broke my heart, and one time I almost started to cry, while we were sitting with our friend in this room beneath the brothel. I imagined how wonderful it would be to see this woman one day before God’s throne, to hug her and to be able to speak with her without the language barrier. I long to see one day some of these ladies united with Jesus.
SUPERNATURAL SIGNS
We weren't able to keep contact with Rosa, because the pimp wanted to shut down his buisness, so she had to go to a different town. We couldn't figure out the name of the new place. We would have loved to see Rosa coming to the Lord! Even though we had a really good conversation the last night we met her, we felt, that there were still a lot of doubts and fears inside of her. On our way back to Herrnhut we suddenly saw some interesting looking 'light-wheels' in the dark sky, that werefollowing us. Nobody in the car knew, what they could be... As soon as we stopped the car, the 'lightwheels' stopped as well. This 'supernatural appearance' followed us almost all the way back to Herrnhut, then it disappeared... Somehow we felt very encouraged. A sign from heaven? God is so much bigger than we are. And it seemed to show us, that when we give the little bit that we have to give, God really takes it and uses it to build his kingdom.
NOT MY WILL, BUT YOUR WILL BE DONE...
As God was opening more and more doors to the Czech Republic, it was still on my heart to go long-term to Cambodia. But when I went to Cambodia for a short-term-outreach, God was still reminding me of the Czech Republic. I started to think about this idea... a team of young people, focusing on prayer, intercession, and the arts – in one of the darkest places in the Czech Republic, to bring God's light. His beauty and grace instead of pain, injustice... setting contrasts.... daring to do new things...
December 2006. I had to decide: Am I willing to make myself available for God's plan? To lay my own dreams and plans down before him, to follow him? Who would come with me? Would I be there, left alone? Would God put the same burden and passion on the hearts of others? The leadership confirmed 'my' plans. But first I went to India. There I got inspired about prayer, intercession and community life and I learned a lot more about leadership. I had earlier asked Sharon if she would like to join the vision. Coming back to Herrnhut, she confirmed that she would be a part of the team! Yipee! So here we are. Two people.
THE STORY CONTINUES...
So now we are planning to move to Dubi. We are still very much in a process of having
God shape and sharpen our vision and we know that we only have a piece of the puzzle at the moment. There is much more to unravel. These days are busy with preparation. We have been meeting with people who have wisdom and experience, such as a lady who founded a ministry in Bangkok 17 years ago and a German speaking missionary from the Czech Republic, who knows a lot about the history of his nation. We are also trying to come into contact with local Christians and cell groups. One of our goals is to learn as much as possible to be prepared as we go there. As we look towards the future we are also praying that God will raise a team who would be willing to move there with us. We believe that it is not only the two of us, we are only a piece of the picture.
SPY TRIP – NEXT STEP
From the 31st of May until the 4th of June 2007 we are going to have a prayer- and research week in Dubi. Together with an international team of about 10 people we want to seek God in this town and find out more about his plans and 'strategies' to reach out to Dubi!
GOD'S FAVOUR IN DUBI
We were just in Dubi over this last weekend to prepare the Spy trip in June. As we arrived in Dubi, we realized soon, that we don't fit into the city at all. The cars were passing by us slowly, because some of them thought we were prostitutes... - what else should two young girls like us be doing in such a place? Our first priority was to find a place to stay before it became dark. As we looked around we saw that there were only hotels in which prostitutes worked. We decided we would ask in one to see if it was a possibility to stay there. They immediately said no! So we continued to pray. We met a lady who could speak some German. So we asked her if she knew a place in which to stay.
She repeated over and over again, that Dubi is not a good place to stay, there are no hotels, so we should go to the next town! But we resisted, and emphasized the fact that we really like Dubi, and that we would like to stay here over night. Then a miracle! She said that we could stay in her place! From this time on, we could sense that the favor of God is on us!!! Through this lady we received contact to the landlady of a 'motel'. This is the place, that we can come back with ,10 friends of ours', and stay. Suddenly one door after another seemed to be opening. The next morning we went to the catholic mess in Dubi. We met about 12 other Christians there – they received us warmly, even though they were probably as surprised about our visit, as the people in the 'motel' the night before.
Dubi is a place where you can easily access drugs, prositution is everywhere, corruption is normal... the people continued to ask us if we were afraid to be there. Our answer was no. We could honestly feel the peace of God, his protection and guidance in such an amazing way!!! Even though we came with little faith, God revealed his faithfulness and mercy to us in even greater ways!
DO YOU WANT TO JOIN THE ADVENTURE?
We need God's guidance and his presence with us, in each step that we take. Would you like to be part of the adventure? We want to ask you to join us as we go out to Dubi, by partnering with us in prayer. This is one of our prayers...'Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.' Exodus 33:12+13
Our biggest prayer requests so far:
- That God will bring a team together
- That God will give us favour and opens the doors to the local believers (on sat, the 19.05. there will be a conference where Dana will meet different pastors and Christians from that region)
- Unity
- Protection, we are going into a spiritual battle, the enemy will not give up his territory without a fight.
- Wisdom as we make connections
- Clarity in things such as; Vision, Location, etc.
- Guidance, open ears to hear God clearly
Thank you so much for your prayers and interest in this project. We would love to hear from you. Also if you have any impressions or thoughts please let us know. Many blessings
Dana and Sharon
What is God Stirring in You?
For an MP3 download of Tracy Weaver's sermon and Melody's backstory, follow this link-
MP3 File
PDF Version
MP3 File
PDF Version
Letter from Our Host
On the 19th of May, there will be all the pastors and a total of about 300 Christians gathered to pray and to worship and to have reconciliation between the Czech and the German people, because there happened a lot of cruel things after the second World War (I will share more about the history in our research week).
Is everyone from Germany?
No. We are an international team. Actually the leader of YWAM Central Europe, she is British and her name is "Carmel" (she is coordinatings YWAM in about 15 nations in the Eastern part of Europe) will join us, as well as another couple that is living in Budapest will probably join via Carmel, then some YWAMers from Herrnhut, and of course Sharon, who is preparing ad pioneering the whole project is on the track ;-).
How should we be praying here in the US?
-Please pray for favour among the Czech Churches, and Christians especially in Dubi. And also for this concerence next saturday, May 19th, that God will give us the right pople to talk to and also very practical guidance:
-Accomodation
-Transportation (enough cars for the spy trip)
-Team unity (right now between me and Shalyn as we prepare, and then also later for the whole team that is going!)
-Protection as we go into a dark place, for understanding of the place and the spiritual condition of Dubi
-For GUIDANCE in all the preparations during this week!
We really expect that God will show up and show us a path for the future! What is His heart, his plan for Dubi!
Is everyone from Germany?
No. We are an international team. Actually the leader of YWAM Central Europe, she is British and her name is "Carmel" (she is coordinatings YWAM in about 15 nations in the Eastern part of Europe) will join us, as well as another couple that is living in Budapest will probably join via Carmel, then some YWAMers from Herrnhut, and of course Sharon, who is preparing ad pioneering the whole project is on the track ;-).
How should we be praying here in the US?
-Please pray for favour among the Czech Churches, and Christians especially in Dubi. And also for this concerence next saturday, May 19th, that God will give us the right pople to talk to and also very practical guidance:
-Accomodation
-Transportation (enough cars for the spy trip)
-Team unity (right now between me and Shalyn as we prepare, and then also later for the whole team that is going!)
-Protection as we go into a dark place, for understanding of the place and the spiritual condition of Dubi
-For GUIDANCE in all the preparations during this week!
We really expect that God will show up and show us a path for the future! What is His heart, his plan for Dubi!
Letter from Host (About Dubi) - May 14, 2007
From Shalyn - group organizer
" "Dana" and I were just in Dubi over the weekend. It was so crazy. It was the first time that we had really been in the town for longer than a couple of hours. We were looking for a place to stay but all that we could find was brothels. So by a God appointment (I think) we came in contact with this lady who invited us to her home to spend the night. We had such peace about this and knew it was God. So we were placed right in the middle of the town with a brothel across the street and this family who has a Gypsy background. We were totally immersed in the city. Not only does Dubi have a huge problem with prostitution but also with drugs and alcohol. God had such favor with us and we now have good contacts in three diffrent places in the city. It was only God who could open up the doors in that way He did. I have never before felt so much of the favor of God. It also amazed me that neither Dana nor I were afraid during our time in this lace though we very well should have been."
" "Dana" and I were just in Dubi over the weekend. It was so crazy. It was the first time that we had really been in the town for longer than a couple of hours. We were looking for a place to stay but all that we could find was brothels. So by a God appointment (I think) we came in contact with this lady who invited us to her home to spend the night. We had such peace about this and knew it was God. So we were placed right in the middle of the town with a brothel across the street and this family who has a Gypsy background. We were totally immersed in the city. Not only does Dubi have a huge problem with prostitution but also with drugs and alcohol. God had such favor with us and we now have good contacts in three diffrent places in the city. It was only God who could open up the doors in that way He did. I have never before felt so much of the favor of God. It also amazed me that neither Dana nor I were afraid during our time in this lace though we very well should have been."
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Pink Ribbon Movement
The Lord has given me a vision for connecting intercessors with those in bondage. It is a very simple concept - one already used in the book of Joshua (2:1-21) a ribbon. I am asking anyone willing to pray for me and with me to tie a ribbon around their right wrist as a sign of their sanctification and commitment. The piece of yarn is pink to represent the women and orphans and on it is a white bead representing the alabaster jar the harlot broke at Jesus feet to anoint him with her tears and hair.
I will be bringing with me the rest of the undistributed ribbons and am asking the Lord to give Doris and I favor in blessing anyone He would lead us to - prostitute, pimp, customer, orphan, policeman - who ever - by speaking a simple blessing on them and offering them a gift of prosperity - the ribbon. I know, I know, this sounds pretty crazy but then so does marching around a city for seven days, blowing trumpets and shouting at the walls making them fall down. I think that is even more far fetched than the ribbon idea.... but then again, I'm not God; who will use what ever means He wants to be glorified!
I will be bringing with me the rest of the undistributed ribbons and am asking the Lord to give Doris and I favor in blessing anyone He would lead us to - prostitute, pimp, customer, orphan, policeman - who ever - by speaking a simple blessing on them and offering them a gift of prosperity - the ribbon. I know, I know, this sounds pretty crazy but then so does marching around a city for seven days, blowing trumpets and shouting at the walls making them fall down. I think that is even more far fetched than the ribbon idea.... but then again, I'm not God; who will use what ever means He wants to be glorified!
Prayer Requests
Please pray Matthew 10: Miracles! The sick would be healed, the dead would be raised, the lepers would be cleansed, demons would be driven out and salvation would come to this place through the gospel.
Doors to open as God goes before us in the brothels, streets and orphanage
The Holy Spirit's power and Christ's Love would be poured out
Our safe return to find a church that was praying 24/7 and not stopping
God would hear and heal our land
Doors to open as God goes before us in the brothels, streets and orphanage
The Holy Spirit's power and Christ's Love would be poured out
Our safe return to find a church that was praying 24/7 and not stopping
God would hear and heal our land
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Pictures of Dubi
Photos of Dubi, Czech Republic
One of the many nightclubs in Dubi
the E55 (highway) from Dresden/Germany through Dubi to Prague
Vietnamese Market in Dubi
One of the many nightclubs in Dubi
the E55 (highway) from Dresden/Germany through Dubi to Prague
Vietnamese Market in Dubi
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
The Backstory!
This journey the Lord has put me on actually started in the year 2005 as I found myself traveling to some of the most beautiful places in the world; St. Thomas, Aruba, Barbados, Puerto Rico, Dominica, Acapulco, the Mexican Riviera and I was no longer having fun. There was a weird emptiness that echoed 22 years ago to the time before I knew Christ personally. I didn’t know what to do with it so I just stayed busy with family, business and ministry.
Last year, early June 2006, I had an opportunity to check off another of my life’s goals by visiting the Czech Republic via Germany. In Dresden Germany I stumbled upon a venerable statue of Martin Luther. The rest of the tour group was caught up in touring a beautiful church heavily damaged in WWII; while I just stood in front of this monument thinking “God, I can’t believe I’m standing in this very place.” We then continued on our journey with another stop being Prague, Czech Republic. There again the rest of the group were taking in the splendor the oldest square in the city when I came upon another statue that stopped me in my tracks. It was John Huss, the forerunner to Martin Luther who would follow 100 years later. Both of these men were willing to give their lives for their convictions to Christ and freedom for the people. I just stood there thinking this is so cool – I am a Bohemian and so was he – I actually DO come from a good people.
We only had a very short time to spend in this mystical place (like a few hours) and had to leave. As we were walking out of the square I turned to my husband and said, “I would really love to bring our kids back here some day,” meaning our two daughters and their future husbands some day far off in the future. I turned; glancing back offered a quick prayer, “Lord, could I come back here one day with my children.” We left and the prayer forgotten.Throughout the summer and winter of 2006 the Lord continued to sift every part of my heart. I didn’t understand the emotional and spiritual rollercoaster I was experiencing and just attributed it to a fast approaching empty nest, too much caffeine or the most dreaded thing of all – the legends of menopause. I had heard stories of women losing their minds in this season. None of these were the case, He was preparing me for a call He would extend in the near future.
I participated in a medical mission trip during the Christmas Holiday to Matlapa Mexico. At the time I had no idea how life changing this event would be. Yes, it was a very fulfilling experience, but the real change came as my heart was reshaped on the trip back into the states. I came to another point of deeper surrender and no longer wanted to encumber myself with shallow things, relationships and endeavors. I wanted to live life on a deeper level all the time – not just on a mission trip.During this sifting time I was hearing the Lord speak to me about a variety of things and now He was directing me again.
February 23 journal entry: “I was again reading of Peter’s shadow passing by and healing those who were brought to him. Father I’m feeling like you are directing me to a place of miraculous power- not for my glory but yours. Lord a fairly long time ago – maybe 11/2 to 2 years ago you told me you were going to give me the gift of healing; to pray for this and to start praying for the gift of miracles.” Other entries followed that started to weave together painting the same picture.
March 10, 2007 journal entry: “Father it’s late and I’m not tired. I feel more strongly than ever to ask you for another big miracle; Lord would I please be able to go back to the Czech Republic and minister there for an extended period of time. Could I return to Mexico, India and Czechoslovakia before my time here runs out?” This prompting from the Lord took me completely by surprise since I hadn’t even thought about Europe since last summer. I automatically assumed that I might find myself helping on a short term trip in the Czech possibly doing some painting or supporting a missionary in Prague much later in life. The burden still lingered to find out if there were any missionaries from the EFCA that I could start a relationship with now just to be able to pray and give encouragement. I did follow through but didn’t really make any significant connections.
On March 20, 2007 I found myself celebrating my 46th birthday still lamenting that I just couldn’t live the rest of my life going to work, watching TV and trying to invent ways to entertain myself till I die – yuk!
Journal entry: “Father, I’m 46 years old with probably 35 years left. Lord would you use each of those years to make a big difference for your kingdom.”
Wednesday, March 27th: After participating in a rather interesting staff meeting discussing the reality of having a conversational relationship with God, miracles and living out the book of Acts I found myself in my associates office whining. “I want to go to India – no, I really want to go to the Czech Republic.” Well, this was all being said in a spirit of unbelief since it seemed so absurd. He turned to me and flatly said, “Well then just go,” “Yea right”, I scoffed. “No I mean it, a group from another Church here in town as well as Lift Off Ministries in Minneapolis went last year and plan to go again.”
Interestingly enough our internet in the office was not working so I just opted to call to get the details. Still thinking this is so impossible but it’s worth getting the scoop; As Anna from Lift Off, and I visited she indicated that the trip would consist of counter culture Christian music festivals and street evangelism. Neither of which I might add appeal to me at all – AT ALL! As we were winding down our conversation she did add one other connection they would try to make time permitting. It was with a woman named "Dana" who was just in the beginning phase – meaning just praying about it – of doing a God led work for the prostitutes, pimps and orphans in the border town of Dubi. I hadn’t even heard of this place but I was so overcome with emotion and a movement in my spirit that I just knew this was what the Lord wanted me to participate in; I wasn’t sure just how that would look.
Anna forwarded Dana’s e-mail address to me through a letter she had received from her previously and I made first contact Friday evening, March 30th. The next morning I received an unusual phone call from a sweet young mom who attends one of my bible studies. She had no idea that any of this was coming down the road toward me as she indicated the Lord had told her specifically to give me a message, it was Isaiah 20:3. Matthew Henry’s commentary explains:
“Isaiah was a sign to the people by his unusual dress, when he walked abroad. He commonly wore sackcloth as a prophet to show himself mortified to the World He was to now walk stripped. The world will often deem believers foolish, when singular in obedience to God. But the Lord will support his servants under the most trying effects of their obedience; and what they are called upon to suffer for His sake, commonly is light, compared with what numbers groan under from year to year from sin.”
My blood was now beginning to run cold since I had done a little research on the web regarding Dubi. It is in my opinion the belly of Hell. A front page New York Times article paints the picture of the town and its trade in sex. Girls from Bulgaria, Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia, it reported, are lured there with the promise of work, but become prisoners of the vice trace, heavily in debt and without their passports to get home. This is also a pipeline for the trafficking of women and children in the sex industry to Germany, Italy, France, Western Europe, Netherlands and Greece. The article goes on, “When you scratch the shiny façade which Dubi gives the sex industry you find a world of violence, hatred sexually transmitted diseases, misery and orphaned children which the prostitutes dump at the nearby Teplice orphanage. Child prostitution can also be found.” (1997).
Although the article is dated, reforms come very slow since everyone is on the take.March 31, Saturday Dana replied back to me with her desires to see the light of Christ brought to this un-reached area of the border towns. I knew that this was something the Lord wanted me involved with but I was still unsure if the Lord actually wanted me to physically go there. I was even questioning a bit if I could really hear God at all or if I was just concocting a dramatic adventure in my head. Around six weeks prior He had told me that I would be receiving an answer to a prayer I had been praying and a revelation to a question I had been asking. It would be a response to a previous letter I had written, and I would receive the answer on April 1, 2007.
On April 1, Sunday the Teen Challenge Choir performed at our church, this is an organization that provides rehabilitation through a Christ centered life change. For many this is the last stop on the road to self destruction and it is the only thing that works. In our very own community we have the same problems only they are just in a neater package. The choir concluded with the song, “This is how it feels to be free”. As I sat and listened to their testimonies and remembered my own testimony I realized that nothing is too difficult for God and, as reluctant as I was, I needed to get involved. At around 3:30 I checked my e-mail and there was the response that Lord had told me I would receive on April 1. I was so rattled that I couldn’t even open the letter. My head was swirling now since the response, as important as it was had become secondary. I now knew everything I had heard from the Lord was coming to pass.
April 2, Monday evening was spent late in my office praying with a couple of trusted friends over how I would know if I were to actually go to this awful place. It was concluded that my husband would need to give me his blessing; at this point he had no idea of what was going on, only that I was terribly preoccupied and distant. I had also prayed that if I were to go the money for the flight would be taken care of as well as other expenses; all three stipulations were provided for the next day.
I will be boarding a plane to Frankfurt Germany on May 29, 2007 to meet with Dana from Hernnhut Germany. Hernnhut is the original location of one of the greatest movements of God in the middle-ages. A group of Moravian Bohemian Christians were given refuge there and began a prayer movement that lasted over100 years. Another 24/7 prayer movement has been going on since the latter part of 1999 and is connected with this place.When I looked back on the date of the letter that Dana originally e-mailed Mark and Anna Haugen making them aware of what the Lord was doing in Hernnhut and Dubi it was March 20, 2007 – my birthday – the day I said “Lord use me to make a big difference for your kingdom”.I will be meeting with Dana and we will be traveling to Dubi on a prayer and research mission. Much like the spies going into the Promised Land before the Israelites crossed the Jordan.
Our journey is not one of a “social service” nature – it is one of the “power of prayer” - about evoking a prayer 24/7 movement here at LCC and beyond to touch broken people an ocean away as well as to bring an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to our own city; claiming the truth of Luke 18:7 “Will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night?” This journey is simply an act of stepping out in obedience and asking for justice for those who are perishing through unbelief and self destruction. We realize that we are only two or three candles in a very dark place but where the light of the Holy Spirit who resides in each of us enters the darkness has to flee.
Revelation 3:7-8 “What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name”. We believe that a door is being opened again and again in Hernnhut, Germany and in Dubi, Czech Republic.
Last year, early June 2006, I had an opportunity to check off another of my life’s goals by visiting the Czech Republic via Germany. In Dresden Germany I stumbled upon a venerable statue of Martin Luther. The rest of the tour group was caught up in touring a beautiful church heavily damaged in WWII; while I just stood in front of this monument thinking “God, I can’t believe I’m standing in this very place.” We then continued on our journey with another stop being Prague, Czech Republic. There again the rest of the group were taking in the splendor the oldest square in the city when I came upon another statue that stopped me in my tracks. It was John Huss, the forerunner to Martin Luther who would follow 100 years later. Both of these men were willing to give their lives for their convictions to Christ and freedom for the people. I just stood there thinking this is so cool – I am a Bohemian and so was he – I actually DO come from a good people.
We only had a very short time to spend in this mystical place (like a few hours) and had to leave. As we were walking out of the square I turned to my husband and said, “I would really love to bring our kids back here some day,” meaning our two daughters and their future husbands some day far off in the future. I turned; glancing back offered a quick prayer, “Lord, could I come back here one day with my children.” We left and the prayer forgotten.Throughout the summer and winter of 2006 the Lord continued to sift every part of my heart. I didn’t understand the emotional and spiritual rollercoaster I was experiencing and just attributed it to a fast approaching empty nest, too much caffeine or the most dreaded thing of all – the legends of menopause. I had heard stories of women losing their minds in this season. None of these were the case, He was preparing me for a call He would extend in the near future.
I participated in a medical mission trip during the Christmas Holiday to Matlapa Mexico. At the time I had no idea how life changing this event would be. Yes, it was a very fulfilling experience, but the real change came as my heart was reshaped on the trip back into the states. I came to another point of deeper surrender and no longer wanted to encumber myself with shallow things, relationships and endeavors. I wanted to live life on a deeper level all the time – not just on a mission trip.During this sifting time I was hearing the Lord speak to me about a variety of things and now He was directing me again.
February 23 journal entry: “I was again reading of Peter’s shadow passing by and healing those who were brought to him. Father I’m feeling like you are directing me to a place of miraculous power- not for my glory but yours. Lord a fairly long time ago – maybe 11/2 to 2 years ago you told me you were going to give me the gift of healing; to pray for this and to start praying for the gift of miracles.” Other entries followed that started to weave together painting the same picture.
March 10, 2007 journal entry: “Father it’s late and I’m not tired. I feel more strongly than ever to ask you for another big miracle; Lord would I please be able to go back to the Czech Republic and minister there for an extended period of time. Could I return to Mexico, India and Czechoslovakia before my time here runs out?” This prompting from the Lord took me completely by surprise since I hadn’t even thought about Europe since last summer. I automatically assumed that I might find myself helping on a short term trip in the Czech possibly doing some painting or supporting a missionary in Prague much later in life. The burden still lingered to find out if there were any missionaries from the EFCA that I could start a relationship with now just to be able to pray and give encouragement. I did follow through but didn’t really make any significant connections.
On March 20, 2007 I found myself celebrating my 46th birthday still lamenting that I just couldn’t live the rest of my life going to work, watching TV and trying to invent ways to entertain myself till I die – yuk!
Journal entry: “Father, I’m 46 years old with probably 35 years left. Lord would you use each of those years to make a big difference for your kingdom.”
Wednesday, March 27th: After participating in a rather interesting staff meeting discussing the reality of having a conversational relationship with God, miracles and living out the book of Acts I found myself in my associates office whining. “I want to go to India – no, I really want to go to the Czech Republic.” Well, this was all being said in a spirit of unbelief since it seemed so absurd. He turned to me and flatly said, “Well then just go,” “Yea right”, I scoffed. “No I mean it, a group from another Church here in town as well as Lift Off Ministries in Minneapolis went last year and plan to go again.”
Interestingly enough our internet in the office was not working so I just opted to call to get the details. Still thinking this is so impossible but it’s worth getting the scoop; As Anna from Lift Off, and I visited she indicated that the trip would consist of counter culture Christian music festivals and street evangelism. Neither of which I might add appeal to me at all – AT ALL! As we were winding down our conversation she did add one other connection they would try to make time permitting. It was with a woman named "Dana" who was just in the beginning phase – meaning just praying about it – of doing a God led work for the prostitutes, pimps and orphans in the border town of Dubi. I hadn’t even heard of this place but I was so overcome with emotion and a movement in my spirit that I just knew this was what the Lord wanted me to participate in; I wasn’t sure just how that would look.
Anna forwarded Dana’s e-mail address to me through a letter she had received from her previously and I made first contact Friday evening, March 30th. The next morning I received an unusual phone call from a sweet young mom who attends one of my bible studies. She had no idea that any of this was coming down the road toward me as she indicated the Lord had told her specifically to give me a message, it was Isaiah 20:3. Matthew Henry’s commentary explains:
“Isaiah was a sign to the people by his unusual dress, when he walked abroad. He commonly wore sackcloth as a prophet to show himself mortified to the World He was to now walk stripped. The world will often deem believers foolish, when singular in obedience to God. But the Lord will support his servants under the most trying effects of their obedience; and what they are called upon to suffer for His sake, commonly is light, compared with what numbers groan under from year to year from sin.”
My blood was now beginning to run cold since I had done a little research on the web regarding Dubi. It is in my opinion the belly of Hell. A front page New York Times article paints the picture of the town and its trade in sex. Girls from Bulgaria, Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia, it reported, are lured there with the promise of work, but become prisoners of the vice trace, heavily in debt and without their passports to get home. This is also a pipeline for the trafficking of women and children in the sex industry to Germany, Italy, France, Western Europe, Netherlands and Greece. The article goes on, “When you scratch the shiny façade which Dubi gives the sex industry you find a world of violence, hatred sexually transmitted diseases, misery and orphaned children which the prostitutes dump at the nearby Teplice orphanage. Child prostitution can also be found.” (1997).
Although the article is dated, reforms come very slow since everyone is on the take.March 31, Saturday Dana replied back to me with her desires to see the light of Christ brought to this un-reached area of the border towns. I knew that this was something the Lord wanted me involved with but I was still unsure if the Lord actually wanted me to physically go there. I was even questioning a bit if I could really hear God at all or if I was just concocting a dramatic adventure in my head. Around six weeks prior He had told me that I would be receiving an answer to a prayer I had been praying and a revelation to a question I had been asking. It would be a response to a previous letter I had written, and I would receive the answer on April 1, 2007.
On April 1, Sunday the Teen Challenge Choir performed at our church, this is an organization that provides rehabilitation through a Christ centered life change. For many this is the last stop on the road to self destruction and it is the only thing that works. In our very own community we have the same problems only they are just in a neater package. The choir concluded with the song, “This is how it feels to be free”. As I sat and listened to their testimonies and remembered my own testimony I realized that nothing is too difficult for God and, as reluctant as I was, I needed to get involved. At around 3:30 I checked my e-mail and there was the response that Lord had told me I would receive on April 1. I was so rattled that I couldn’t even open the letter. My head was swirling now since the response, as important as it was had become secondary. I now knew everything I had heard from the Lord was coming to pass.
April 2, Monday evening was spent late in my office praying with a couple of trusted friends over how I would know if I were to actually go to this awful place. It was concluded that my husband would need to give me his blessing; at this point he had no idea of what was going on, only that I was terribly preoccupied and distant. I had also prayed that if I were to go the money for the flight would be taken care of as well as other expenses; all three stipulations were provided for the next day.
I will be boarding a plane to Frankfurt Germany on May 29, 2007 to meet with Dana from Hernnhut Germany. Hernnhut is the original location of one of the greatest movements of God in the middle-ages. A group of Moravian Bohemian Christians were given refuge there and began a prayer movement that lasted over100 years. Another 24/7 prayer movement has been going on since the latter part of 1999 and is connected with this place.When I looked back on the date of the letter that Dana originally e-mailed Mark and Anna Haugen making them aware of what the Lord was doing in Hernnhut and Dubi it was March 20, 2007 – my birthday – the day I said “Lord use me to make a big difference for your kingdom”.I will be meeting with Dana and we will be traveling to Dubi on a prayer and research mission. Much like the spies going into the Promised Land before the Israelites crossed the Jordan.
Our journey is not one of a “social service” nature – it is one of the “power of prayer” - about evoking a prayer 24/7 movement here at LCC and beyond to touch broken people an ocean away as well as to bring an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to our own city; claiming the truth of Luke 18:7 “Will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night?” This journey is simply an act of stepping out in obedience and asking for justice for those who are perishing through unbelief and self destruction. We realize that we are only two or three candles in a very dark place but where the light of the Holy Spirit who resides in each of us enters the darkness has to flee.
Revelation 3:7-8 “What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name”. We believe that a door is being opened again and again in Hernnhut, Germany and in Dubi, Czech Republic.
Where is the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic is located is Eastern Europe, situated between Germany and Poland. You can find additional general information about the country at -
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