some days are harder than others...

Some days are harder than others...or maybe I should say some weeks are harder than others...Last week was Carnaval here in Brazil. Carnaval is similiar to Mardi Gras, but more than a thousand times worse(similar to Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible)...so last week was a week "off" After only being here for two weeks at that point, I didn't want a week off, but I took some time to enjoy it. Our team went to the beach for the day, and that was nice. The beaches here are similar to the US, but the bathing suits people wear are not similar. Since most people head to the cities for a "fun" time at Carnaval, the Christians head to ranches or retreat centers. So, a group of 300 youth were here at the base where I live...that was overwhelming. People were everywhere all the time. Luckily they were only here for a few days, but it was like one BIG loud Christian party. This week I was asked by our team leader to organize a arts and crafts class and english class two days a week in the favela for the children of the favela. I was very excited, but also nervous because it's been a while since I've done something like this(luckily I have lots of experience in daycare) so I am looking forward to using arts and crafts to teach the gospel to the children in the slums (It has taken me over a week to just write that simple entry above) A whole week has gone by....

So, this last week I had the opportunity to go to the school we have here in Brazil. It's a school to teach about the supernaturalness of God, every opportunity I get, I take it all in. This week we learned about deliverance. I have always feared deliverance, I didn't like to see people manifest demons(and it's more intense in a foreign country than America) it is something I don't fear anymore...because I have ALL authority in Christ. It was definitely a great learning opportunity. And I know some who read this may not believe in demons, but if you believe in angels, than there are demons. But, I'm not here to argue belief's, just sharing my heart, and what God is teaching me.

So, this morning I was taking some time with God, I've decided morning time is the best, start my day off with a little bit of God, it's great! The verse He shared with me was from Acts 20:35 "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.

(so I'm still learning this whole blog thing, and it definitely changed my fonts, but anyways) I read that verse this morning, and I was like ummmm....God, I am giving, and it feels like I am giving all the time. Just this week I had the amazing opportunity to go out and talk with a bunch of homeless people on the streets here in Brazil. They asked me what the homeless situation was like in the States, so I told them what I've seen in Philadelphia. One man began to pray for my financial situation, he felt privileged that I was in his country to help him rather than the states, but I felt honored to be in his country and honored to pray with him. He and his son were homeless, and his son was addicted to alcohol(we got to pray for bot of them.) We met a woman, who was only 20, she had a baby a month ago, but it was taken by the government, she just expressed to us how alone she felt, so we told her we would be her friend, and just spent time talking with her. We went out another night, and I brought her clothes, but we could not find her. The homeless here move around a lot to stay safe. It's hard sometimes because you don't see HUGE or MIRACULOUS changes, but it's not about that, it's just about showing them the love of Jesus, giving them a blanket to stay warm, showing them unconditional love, we want nothing from them, we just want to share what God has done in our lives, in hopes that they will want that for their life, but if not, it's okay, and we have just made a new friend. But anyways(I feel like that was a long tangent) I am working on giving more...I don't know what this will look like, but I'm asking God to give me more opportunities to give, and not always giving money, because I don't have much of that, but giving of time, giving of gifts, whatever God wants of me, His will be done :-)

But alas....I would like to to ask each person who reads this to take a few moments and think if you are able to give financially in order to help me show God's love to the people I encounter in Brazil, will you please give...here is an easy link where you can give, and it will all go to helping me share the love of God with the homeless, prostitutes, transvestites, and people in the favela's(slums)

http://www.shoresofgrace.com/about-us/ministry-staff/winnie-moyer

I understand that not everyone can give financially, I also love to have your prayers too. God is doing great and amazing things here in Brazil, and I wish I could have each one of you by my side. Thanks again for all your support and encouragement. I pray that God blesses you abundantly with his awesome love :-)

~Winnie (Marylou)

PS...tomorrow I am going to the favela's again, it has been two weeks, and I am so excited to see my friends again :-) I hope and pray I get to see my little friend Stephanie!!

Love Her Like Jesus *warning very blunt*

Well I've been in Brazil for two weeks, and I really have fallen in love with so much while I've been here! Some mornings I wake up, and I just think "wow, I'm in Brazil" I've been praying about this for over two years, and raising support for so long. God is so faithful! There is so much I want to tell everyone, but I am already feeling a bit sleepy, so I guess we will see how long this will be LOL...So, I have already done a lot in less than two weeks. I got the opportunity to go out onto the streets and meet some prostitutes and transvestites. This was quite an eye opening experience, something that is truly indescribable , and cannot be understood until you actually do it. Most of the people we encounter are just searching, they are filling the hole in their life with something that just leaves them so empty. They just love a conversation with a new friend, and many are open to receiving prayer. Some have already asked if they can come with us off the streets, and how much it will cost, but the love we give them is FREE...I am only doing what I see my Father do. I cry for these people, the one who just desire love so badly. But really, imagine, how desperate do you have to get to sell your own body, the one and only thing that is your's, you didn't buy it, you sell it at least 10 times a night, sex is no longer about intimacy it's about how much money can I bring home to feed my children, or myself. It's really heart breaking, but what can I do, what can YOU do, just pray, open your heart, I challenge you to stop looking around you with judgment in your eyes and start looking with God's eyes. Going out on the streets has not been easy for me, I don't know who would really consider it easy. It is something that God is using to help me grow closer to Him. But I just look at these people, directly in their eyes to show them God's heart for them. I only went once, and was not able to go again yet, but even one of the guys(dressed as a woman) remembered me and asked where I was the next day, of course this made me smile, and I just hope and pray He saw Jesus in me. I know that my identity is in Christ, the love and joy I have comes from God, and I want everyone I encounter to know their identity in Christ, to know they are always loved! okay...so that was a lot...but thats only half of it....I also went to a church in the favela's(the slums) I LOVE this! The children that come are just so precious, they are covered in dirty, smelly and do not wear shoes. Today I had the opportunity to hold a little girl, probably about three, no shoes on her feet, no pants(of course she had underwear) and a dirty old t-shirt. She had snot running out of her nose, my natural self wanted to run away from the germs all over her, but I was FILLED with compassion and just gave her a HUGE hug. Her name is Stephanie, and she is my favorite little girl. When we opened up the front for prayer, we put pretty smelling anointing oil all over our hands, the little girls all wanted to smell it and so I took their hands, spread it on them and prayed for each of them, when Stephanie came, she jumped into my arms and would not let go, I picked her up and just held her close. I prayed destiny and truth into her life. She had no idea what I was saying, but I just loved her the way Jesus would love her. She rested her head upon me and just relaxed. Every once and a while I thought about how gross she smelled, but yet again I was filled with compassion and love. We had to leave, but she did not want to let go. I will definitely be back to see her again, and all my other friends. I just want to love them like Jesus would love them. I don't care how they look or how they smell, I see them the way Jesus see's them. I have a lot more to tell everyone about, but it is getting later(it's after midnight here, and I've had a wonderful day) Please keep me and our team in your prayers, and also all the people we encounter. I really am enjoying it here, of course there are some things I am still getting used to, but I am just so blessed....

Back to Life...Back to Reality

Well...life on the road was fun, but I haven't been traveling since about the last week of August. I had an amazing Summer, and if I was asked to do it all again, I think I would say YES! I got to see so much of the US and meet so many amazing people. God definitely brought me out of my comfort zone and into His. I mean he knows I can do all things in and through him :) So...where am I now...I am currently living in Tennessee(outside of Nashville) I am living with a pastor, his wife, and his four children(all under the age of four) I originally planned to go to Brazil as a missionary in September, but God has other plans. I was not able to obtain a VISA to get into the country(yet) but I plan on going in January. So, it was a huge blessing that this family in Tennessee in which I've known for five years was willing to open up there home to help me out while I am waiting to go to Brazil. The biggest thing God has been teaching me lately has been his provision in my life. God always provides...and his word says "And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus." I have a lovely home that I am able to live in while raising more support for Brazil. God is providing me my needs! I no longer have a car, but when I need a ride, a ride is provided. When I am hungry, I have food, when I am thirsty I have a drink. Just the other day a woman from the church donated some of her clothes to me because they didn't fit her, I didn't have many fall/winter clothes, and guess what, she gave me sweaters :) God provided what I needed in my life through a member of my new church :) And when I moved in another woman donated personal items(shampoo, toothpaste, soap, etc) God provided my needs!! I don't know how I will ever have enough money to move to Brazil BUT I know God WILL provide ALL my needs. God is so faithful to come through on his promises. While I am here in Tennessee I had the opportunity to start a woman's Bible study, it has been so awesome, I never thought I had the gift of teaching, but God is using me! I simply just want to love the woman because I know God loves me!! I love my new bible study. I get to help in the nursery at church on Wednesday and Sunday's. I have definitely been keeping myself busy. I am also still working on gathering financial support for Brazil too, so if you get a minute check out...http://modernday.org/modern-day-welcomes-marylou-moyer-brazil So, as I write this I am sitting in a friends office in his recliner. I got to a place a bit early after staying over at a friends, so I had a lot of luggage, and my next ride was due to come in an hour or so and it was raining so I couldn't be outside. I put my luggage in a corner when I was greeted by a friend, I told him why my stuff was in the corner but then joked and said "or I'm homeless and I need his corner to sleep in" and he jokingly said back "well if you were homeless we would find a place for you." But this was no joke, I learned that if I was actually homeless he would have found a place for me to stay, and I've found in the body of Christ that there are many willing to help, and this is such a HUGE blessing. Sometimes I have to put aside my pride, and ask the body of Christ for help, and they usually are so willing to help :) The body of Christ is such a blessing to me, and I am thankful for all my family and friends in Christ!! Keep me in your prayers as I am still on an adventure to Brazil (our team leader and family leave for Brazil this Thursday so pray for them too) and think and pray on this verse... Philippians 4:19 "And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in Christ Jesus."

Corn Husker State and Holy Water

Our team had one night in Nebraska at a Methodist Church. Unfortunately that night I had severe back pain and was tired. I found an old church pew and took a nap, just in time to wake up to go to a host home. The people in Nebraska were sooo friendly and so full of hospitality. There wasn't anything really interesting in Nebraska, it was lots of corn fields LOL It was great to seem people passionately worshipping in a Methodist Church, there seemed to be so much freedom! After Nebraska we stayed a night in a hotel in Iowa and headed to a church in Chicago, Illinois. I absolutely LOVED the church in Illinois. We were at Saint Dennis :) I learned sooooo much about the Catholic church and Catholic traditions. Father Jim(the main priest of the church) was so open to teaching me about Catholicism. I toured the church including their confessional in which I leaned the priest cannot see the person who comes in, but you can see him, so you have to look at him as you explain your sins. However, many of the church members did not go to confession. At this church there was healings! It was an amazingly passionate night of worship! It definitely changed all everything I thought about Catholics. They also had a school within their church, and the principal(Lisa) also taught me so much about Catholicism :) I just had so many questions, and it was great to get some first person sources. We stayed in an old convent, which was kind of strange, but it was like living in old dorm rooms, however there was a Sister who stayed there. When I spoke to the priest he said that every denomination has a piece of the puzzle, God is a mystery(thats in the Bible) no one has the full truth and if they think they do they are fooling themselves. I like that perspective, no one is right or wrong, as long as we love Jesus than God is within us, and each of us is different(God created us all differently) but when I meet new people I meet a piece of God...so the Saint Dennis Catholic church was amazing! I stayed up until 1:30am with the priest and a church member just talking and asking questions. So....right now I'm in Ohio(so close to home-Pennsylvania) and after tomorrow there is only one more conference and then the Summer tour is OVER...it's definitely bitter sweet, but than before I know it I'll be onto Brazil :) 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind."

Are we there yet??

Well tonight our team landed in Albuquerque, New Mexico where we lead worship again at a church. It was soooo comforting to see old friends(well friends from almost a month ago) Before that we were in Phoenix, Arizona! It was absolutely amazing! However, if you ever visit Phoenix don't go to downtown, there is almost nothing at all to do. It was a lot of fun in Arizona, we got to minister to so many different people. Again, God is helping me break out and be bold in reaching out to people. The church service on Sunday was in a movie theatre, that was pretty cool, but so many people sat so far back. I thought because it was in a theatre you would want to be in the middle or up front(like at a movie), but most people sat far back. It was a great service :) Our worship time was very good too, THEN Sunday night we went to an event that Patricia King was hosting(google her if you don't know her) She took our whole team out to eat, and she is the most down to Earth person! She was just so sweet and genuine!! Sunday night was absolutely amazing! Everyone was soooo passionate during worship!! There is so much more I want to say, but I am VERY tired! Please keep our team in your prayers, we have about two more weeks on the road...and then who knows LOL :) And please say an extra prayer for my Aunt Roxanne, I just found out the cancer she had a serious operation on weeks ago has spread to her liver, I know it is scary for her kids because we lost our grandfather and another aunt to cancer. Thanks so much to everyone who reads this and prays too :)

Jesus take the wheel...

Well our team was just in Houston and it was amazing! We stayed with one of the most precious woman in the world! She was so welcoming and helpful :) I really enjoyed Houston. I got to do a lot of ministry while helping with the kids too. I prophesied over a few people, and it was soooo accurate! God is helping me step out in boldness so much. My favorite thing was praying for a dear youth to be healed of a blood disorder. I know the Lord is so faithful, I couldn't imagine the suffering this young girl has gone through. In Houston I also found out I lost my suitcase. It apparently fell out on the side of the highway unnoticed by our team until it was too late, but God blessed me(again) and I got a lot of new clothes :) The Lord continues to do amazing things in my life! Keep our team in your prayers if you can, we are always up against attacks of the enemy, but God is ALWAYS victorious! "He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Lord, give me peace...

home again home again jiggity jigggg

Well I'm back in Tennessee, but only for the night. Tomorrow morning our team leaves for Houston, Texas. And actually Nic and Rachael fly out on Wednesday to appear on the Sid Roth show, please keep them in your prayers. Well I don't have too much to say, West Virginia was definitely not my favorite state or my favorite place, however I did enjoy my time with my friend Allie and my sister. I am starting to really have a difficult time saying good bye to friends and family as time gets closer to the BIG move to Brazil. I will definitely miss my sister!! The conference I was just as was awesome, it gave me some time for rest and relaxation. I am feeling more joyful and ready to serve out of God's overflowing! I've learned that I definitely cannot lean on my own strength(or star bucks), but that I need to lean ALL on God's strength and then I won't feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Well I think thats all...James 3:9-10 "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." We need to praise God with our mouths and use our tongues as a tool to glorify him in all that we say!