The Power of Prayer!

Last Friday (9/16/22) we got to sit down with our ministry hosts ( Isaac & Kelsey) and listen to the heart behind their ministry Dar Para Dar, which means “Give to Give”. The heart behind this ministry centers around two scriptural verses. First from Mark 3:13, that we as followers of Jesus Christ, are first called by Him. We were called by Christ, to follow him! How amazing is that.

The heart of the ministry is inspired by this next verse from Matthew 10:8

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Matthew 10:8 ESV

And what we give to others, must be something that we already have/received in order to be able to give it freely.

Overall, the heart of the ministry is focused around familial strengthening and providing tools for the families here to thrive and strengthen physically, emotionally and spiritually. In whatever skill, knowledge, strength and gifts that we’ve been given or blessed with, it is something that we as a team have the opportunity to give freely just as we have received freely.

Another part of their ministry includes a mountaintop called Prayer Mountain that the Lord blessed them with. The purpose and vision of prayer mountain is to have some trails and prayer spots for anyone to retreat to and spend some time alone with God in prayer, just as Jesus did.

We as a team have the privilege and honor to help in the process of preparing the foundations of the land. During this stage, we have the opportunity to practice and walk in prayer with God. The vision is big and can feel overwhelming at times, but God provides. We had the opportunity to visit prayer mountain on Friday and commit the work to the Lord just as he has said in Proverbs 16:3

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

I truly believe that we are being given the time to rest with God thru prayer more than ever before. Because I just keep getting blown away by the Power of Prayer! It is so amazing as I had an opportunity to receive prayers from others, but to also pray over others as well.

 

From left to right:  Aaron, Jordan, Kara, Morgan, Me, Lexy, Elijah

I had an opportunity to pray for an elderly man who was unable to speak and hear on a chicken bus (mode of public transportation) from Antigua (40 min drive) over the weekend.

 

Below is a “chicken bus”

 

Below is the a part of Antigua market place

Then on Sunday, the team and I went on an excursion to Chimaltenango (about 5 minute drive away). We had some moments where we ATL (asked the Lord) to see who He led us to encounter and pray over. My eyes were immediately drawn to an armful of flowers that a midaged gentleman was selling in the garden square. It took me awhile as I wrestled with God for a moment on whether I should walk over or not…briefly in my mind, I wrestled with “I don’t know Spanish well…how can I ask him if he knew of Jesus?” Eventually, I was reminded that I had Google translate and that I can just listen if anything at all. As I walked over and invited my Spanish speaking team lead, Elijah, to help translate instead, I began the conversation with “Quanto Questa?”, which translates into “how much?”.  As I purchased 3 bundles of flower for 60 Quetzals, I had the opportunity to listen to the young father (Alex) of two (11 yr old son & 25 day old daughter) share with Elijah and I beautiful pictures of his family. It was beautiful getting to hear about him and his family and just getting an opportunity to pray over him. He shared that he was working to save up some money for a baby stroller as he was just finally able to purchase a crib for his newborn daughter.

 

Below is the central square in Chimaltenango where we met Alex selling a bundle of flowers

A different part of Chimaltenango 

 

Not only that, but as of Sunday 9/18, I have been able to walk without crutches! My ankle has progressively been getting stronger and has stopped swelling. So praise God for the miracle of healing! It’s only been a little over 2 full weeks since the injury, and I’ve been able to walk around on it for three full days, without crutches! When I first went to have it checked, I was told I’d be in the boot for 4-6 weeks. But here I am, experiencing the miracle of God’s healing personally! God is so good!

Just yesterday (9/20) we did some work on prayer mountain, which included some weeding, some hacking away of protruding shrubs along the trail, and some prayer and worship.

 

Here’s a before picture

Here’s an after picture

I am learning daily how imperative prayer is when we are doing anything, going somewhere or just resting. It’s so important that we are constantly in communion with God, speaking with him and seeking his guidance & counsel in every decision. If there’s anything you take away from this post, then it’s this: there is power in prayer and never stop praying! Prayer is so essential to our lives as a Christ follower! It doesn’t have to be a big fancy prayer. God just longs for you to talk daily in a conversation with him. Whatever is on your mind, heart, joyful or sad; whatever it is, he wants all of it! Bring it to him, don’t be afraid and expect Him to answer in His timing!

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16?-?18 ESV

Here are some things I’d love your help in praying over:

1. Dar Para Dar Ministry and Prayer Mountain – please pray for health,  protection, endurance and strength over every individual who comes in contact with the ministry.

2. Please keep our host Isaac (Chacos) and his family in your prayers. He recently explained that he’s been experiencing vertigo (sometimes 3x a day) and that the doctors he’s visited aren’t quite sure what’s causing it. He explained that some villagers believe that what he’s experiencing, could be spiritual attacks from those who may not be happy about the plans for prayer mountain.

3. Please hop on over to a few of my teammates’ blogs and read how God’s moving in their midst and pray for their needs as well.

4. Fundraising – I am still in the middle of fundraising and have yet to meet my final goal. I have $2,863.00 left to fundraise. And I have until November 30th to meet the fundraising goal. Funds are budgeted between lodging, meals, local transportation (to and from ministries only), ministry supplies and travel day expenses. If you are being led to donate, please click on the “Donate” button on my blog. If you’d like to donate via any of the below forms of method, feel free to and drop me a message too!

Venmo: @Cheeka-Vang
               [email protected]

Paypal: [email protected]

Zelle: [email protected]
           971.274.8056

Thank you so much for tuning into this post! If you have any questions or would just love to hear more about how God has been moving, please feel free to message me privately or ask in the comments below. I will do my best to get to your comment as I am limited with wifi connection most days of the week.

I’d also love to hear how God has been moving where you are at. And let me know how I can pray for you as well!

Thank you and God Bless!
Cheeka