Beth Schroeder - Mastering The Art of Living

Am I still living???

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Yes, Beth Schroeder is back to the blogging world! But am I still living that Abundant Life? That is something to really ponder.

My life is not being lived as it should be. I seem to have this problem of knowing what I want and how I long to live ...

yet being controlled by my body and not by my spirit. The Living God does live within me, but I so often choose to live

as if that doesn't matter. I find myself so easily swayed into the mundane flow of the average everyday life, only to be pulled further and further away from my beloved. As anyone who has been whooed by the Beloved knows, far away from Him is truly the last place your spirit wants to be.

Yet I buck, wiggle, and push myself away as this internal battle wages out in my life.

Paul's "Do Do" verse (as I so lovingly call, can you figure out why?) it has been my anthem lately:

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate, I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the Law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

Romans 7:15-25

I know what I have been called to, I have heard the voice of God calling me into the greatness of His plan. I can see it, and I long to live this life He has placed before me. It's crazy how badly I want to be the woman God created me to be. So instead of doing the logical next step of pursuing God's calling, I run and hide and pretend everything is "ok".

It is this custom that is completely illogical and accepted and I just don't understand.

I have been called to the promise land - Literally. My brother-in-law, sister and myself are starting an all natural farm/retreat center/community called Promise Land Ranch. It is 21 acres of God's goodness placed before us as a gift, a calling, a promise.

The adventure of a lifetime. Yet I see myself, as Abraham did making stupid mistakes in the "waiting time"; failing to trust this proven God of mine, forgetting who I am and what has been given to me, stumbling over the tiniest pebble in my way and remaining curled up in a ball covered with dust from the road I've fallen on.

Only to hear that sweet quite whisper of my Beloved reach out to pick me back up, dust me off and lift me over this ridiculously small pebble along the way. It continues to amaze me how often I can forget the strength and comfort of Christ, to be distracted by the lure and illusion of my sinful nature.

So the battle wages on between my broken, dirty, and distracting sinful nature lead astray by the sirens of this world

vs.

my redeemed, healed and purified spirit tucked securely under the wings of the King of the Universe.

Jesus - Pick me up again today, take me by the hand and lead me in the way of truth and understanding. Help me to keep my focus on you and away from the distractions of this world.

Wait and see that I am the LORD

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I started the last month laying down challenges and dares for God. I wanted to trust Him with the every day stuff, but I needed more proof that He would really do it. For some reason, the thousands of examples in Scripture were not enough. I had to see it for myself.

I made a list of things I wanted to see, people I wanted to meet, placed I wanted to go. But in reality, I just needed to see God show up and show off. Be careful what you ask for

I asked to see a healing, but I had to go through the pain of a sprained ankle, before He could heal me.

I asked to see a miracle, but I had to be stuck - unable to cross the Guatemalan boarder, before He had the opportunity to show His power.

I asked to meet some English speaking people in order to have real, deep, meaningful conversations. He answered and broke my heart because of the friendships that came from these conversations. You rocked my world guys!

I asked for words to speak and ended up telling my story in the most unlikely places. I expected to preach from a pulpit and found myself sharing words of hope from a bar stool.

I asked to see lives changed and discovered that it was my life being changed.

Yes, I asked for all of these things, not fully aware of the consequences of my actions. Each request came at a price. Each request took time, patience, frustration and hardship and I wouldn't change a thing. The process - the waiting - taught me as much about the character of my God, as the answers to my request did.

After many hours of processing the events to the last two weeks and about 20 pages in my journal, I was lead to a chapter that perfectly described my emotions. Enjoy!

Psalm 40 (The Message)

I waited and waited and waited for God. At last he looked; finally he listened.

He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud.

He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn't slip.

He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise song to our God.

More and more people are seeing this:

They enter the mystery, abandoning themselves to God.

Blessed are you who give yourselves over to God, turn your backs on the world's "sure thing" ignore what the world worships;

The world's a huge stockpile of God-wonders and God-thoughts.

Nothing and no one comes close to you!

I start talking about you, telling what I know and quickly run out of words.

Neither numbers nor words account for you.

Doing something for you, bringing something to you - that's not what you're after. Being religious, acting pious - that's not what you're asking for. You've opened my ears so I can listen.

So I answered, "I'm calling. I read in your letter what you wrote about me, and I'm coming to the party you're throwing for me."

That's when God's Word entered my life, became part of my very being.

I've preached you to the whole congregation, I've kept back nothing,

God- you know that.

I didn't keep the news of your ways a secret, didn't keep it to myself. I told it all, how dependable you are, how thorough.

I didn't hold back pieces of love and truth for myself alone. I told it all, let the congregation know the whole story.

Now God, don't hold out on me, don't hold back your passion.

Your love and truth are all that keeps me together. When troubles ganged up on me, a mob of sins past counting, I was so swamped by guilt I couldn't see my way clear. More guilt in my heart than hair on my head, so heavy the guilt that my heart gave out.

Soften up, God and intervene; hurry and get me some help.

So those who are trying to kidnap my soul will be embarrassed and lose face, so anyone who gets a kick out of making me miserable will be heckled and disgraced, so those who pray for my ruin will be booed and jeered without mercy.

But all who are hunting for you - oh, let them sing and be happy.

Let those who know what you're all about tell the world you're great and not quitting.

And me? I'm a mess. I'm nothing and have nothing: make something of me.

You can do it; you've got what it takes - but God, dont put it off.

Great American Heroes!

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There are moments in your life when you remind yourself, ahead of time, to remember everything - because you about to encounter something great.

The last two days fall into that category. On the Bay Island of Utila, I was privileged to meet a group of men & two wonderful ladies who are a part of the mighty US Army. It was a special treat to walk up to a picnic table, with chips and dip, American English speakers, and brats on the grill. It was that little bit of home I have been longing for but it turned into 2 days with some of the most amazing men and women I have met in a long time.

Amidst the LOUD voices, contagious laughter and timeless fun, I leaned several life lessons that must be shared.

#1 - Good Old Fashion Hospitality.
From the point of introductions, (Pilot Dustin :-) food was being offered, drinks all around and a true genuine longing to welcome us to the party. It is a characteristic of Americans that needs to be celebrated. Come join the Party!

#2 - Patriotism & Freedom
These are men and women who have dedicated their lives to the service of you and I and anyone who they can help. They understand that true freedom costs your life and it is worth the price. Just being around this group made me proud to be an American. They are here in Central American doing humanitarian work all over the region, standing up for the good of people all around the world, not just Americans.

#3 - True Brotherhood
Now I will remind you that I have been living in community for the last 9 months and have learned a good chunk about the "bond" of Brotherhood, but this weekend, I saw it first hand, in a deeper and more powerful way. Even through the jokes, and sarcasm, a bond that is not easily obtained, shown through them like nothing else. There is something to be said for the "community" structure of the Army. Maybe we could learn a bit from them for our journeys on the World Race.

#4 - Life has a mission
We as the church should know this deep within our guts, that we are here for a purpose, a calling, something higher and greater than ourselves. This is true for these soldiers. They are aware of the fact that is not just about themselves, their division or even their base, but it is about a worldwide mission and purpose to fight for life and freedom everywhere on this earth. Church listen up!

To my friends from Utila - THANK YOU for being who you are, for what you are doing and what you are willing to do. Thank you for feeding us, loving us and allowing us to invade your circle of friends. I will never forget the lessons you have taught me on the island. You have my respect and prayers!

Thanks for the fly by!

P.S. Thanks to my boys from the "Big Time" for teaching me to learn how to fly.

Zion Video Update-Show you love

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

You are not alone, Caralisa

Fri, 7 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday a prayer of loneliness and despair was raised up the King of Kings, and he heard her prayer. Her name is Caralisa, she is a Nicaragua women who lived on the outskirts of the city dump in Managua. And yesterday an adventures group of wanders stumbled upon her in her time of most need.

The best part of this story is that the answer to her prayer was on their way to Managua long before she even cried out to God.

You see we were the answer her prayer. But how did we even meet Caralisa? Only through the all knowing hand of our Savior.

Thursday morning, 5 world racers set out from Jinotepe in the back of a pick up truck with a slight idea of where we are meant to go. Greg & Sam Elam's house was our destination. We knew some road headed out of Managua, at Kilometer 20ish. Really - that is the complete truth. That is all that we could tell the people driving us, and the best part of it was that were completely ok with driving until we saw the sign. There is was Lomas de Alabanza (Hills of Praise) at km marker 21.5.

We pull up as Sam our new best friends was leaving to pick up her daughter. She welcomes us to her home, shows us around her barn that would make Brooke drool, and says set up camp I'll be back in a half hour and we can go a concert at the city dump.

Yes, you read that correctly! A man who goes by the name "Greg Again" formerly of "Dispatch" has been setting up mission trips for college age student in Virgina to spend their spring break in Manauga, Nicaragua playing with orphans. Yesterday was called the "Day of Light/Dia de Luz", which meant that these 200 some students spent their day in the dump, one of the largest in the world, getting really dirty playing with the all those beautiful babies. We wind and mingle our way though the dump to the opposite side to find an open field filled with Nicaraguan kids, Virginian College Students, a massive sound board, stage and artist singing out praises to God.

We arrived with just enough time to find out who all these people were, and hear the last song. But we did get to love on a few of God's greatest creations and prayer over some of the residents who live and work in this dump.

On our way out, racing to beat the sun and remove ourselves from what could get sketchy, Tiffany, Greg & Sam's 11 year old daughter sees Caralisa on the side of the road crying and asked if we could stop and pray for her. Jenny pipes in with a request just to give her a hug. We hesitantly agree, and these 4 World Race women lead by our mighty leader Tiffany, surround Caralisa and begin praying for her. As soon as we approach, she broke down into sobs unable to communicate. So we simply break into prayer all together. Before we know it she is falling in our arms and we are on the ground praying healing and blessing and comfort over this women. That is when we find out that she is all along and was crying out to God for someone to love her. She is pregnant, along and scared. She believes in GOD but yesterday she needed to see him. That is why 5 World Racers ended up there - all to answer the prayer of this lonely child of God.

I know that God answers prayers, I know that he uses other people to be the answer to my prayers, but I have never been so sure in all my life that I was an answer to a prayer as I was while holding this women in my arms.

I am quickly discovering that opening up my life to the will of God WILL lead me to places that I could have never imagined on my own.

"I called, you answered, and you came to my rescue and I just want to be where you are."

Journey of a Lifetime Part 1

Wed, 5 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The World Race is an adventure of a life time. I love being a WORLD RACER, it's a role that I proudly wear on my sleeve, but I've come to the point in the race where I want more. We have met some incredible people, loved on babies, and fed the hungry all around the world. But I have come to this point in the journey where I need more, I need to be pushed harder, to be forced to dig deeper into relationships, and given the chance to share the words God is giving me to share.

So for the month of March, 5 of us (Casey B, Heather T, Jenny D, Julie L, and myself) will be given the opportunity to do what we call Luke 10 or ATL'ing. For the first 9 month, we have been blessed to have contacts set up and waiting for us when we arrived in a country. This time, we are asking God to navigate for us. We have hopes and goals and dreams, but NO PLANS. Each day can be a whole new adventure.

We will set out on Thursday morning for Managua, Nicaragua. On this first leg of the journey we are headed for a horse farm, to stay with a couple ministering to the people of Nica and a visit to the city dump. We as a team will do our best to keep our readers captivated as we listen to the voice of God.

Words of Wisdom from God to me as I prepared for this journey:

"My Son & Daughter, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion, they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down you will not be afraid, When you lie down your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared." Proverbs 3

Bob the Builders got nothing on me

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What time is it? It's Tool Time!

In a small coastal village along the Caribbean shore of Nicaragua, our work crew is beginning an "Extreme Makeover Village Edition", that Ty would be proud of. We are no longer in Detroit, so Al Borland exchange your flannel shirt for your

World Race T-shirt and sunscreen.

For the next three weeks, World Racers will be

Bob and Wendy on the work site.

Move over Rollie, here we come. Last September, Hurricane Felix whipped through this peaceful village splitting trees and flattening houses.

Through the support of US AID, and a crew of workers from the Verbo Church in Puerto Calbeza, residents in Betania will be trading spaces from their old, hurricane torn houses into a new home build with the heart of a creator.

"This Old House"

lost its roof in the storm, but the family continues to live there until the construction is complete on their brand new home.

It is a dream come true to be able to bless these families not just with a new space to live, but with the knowledge that the Creator of the Universe is providing for all of their needs.

I have "Lofty" expectations to see many homes completed in our time here. In fact it makes me "Dizzy" to think about how much we can accomplish for this small community in such a short time. Please keep an eye out for the "Scoop" on the different families in this community.

Block Party Filipino Style

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

On Sunday, Brooke & her gang of world racers, hosted a block party in our neighborhood. The Children's Home welcomed over 300 children and some of their parents for carnival games, face painting, balloon animals, a puppet show, a drime and so much more.

We are discovering that when you give God an opportunity to work, he will. We opened ourselves up for him to capture this community, and in our time here we have seen him do just that.

God thank you for working in this community.

An Underground Meeting

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I have been hearing stories of mighty warriors battling for the truth of Christ in their country; men and women alike that have heard the message of Jesus Christ and will not allow it to be kept quite. Recently I was able to meet a handful of these warriors.

While in China, I had hopes of visiting what I had always called the Underground Church: A group of people who live their life for Jesus Christ. My dream became a reality one Thursday night in this far off land.

It was a powerful experience, and little did I know that God had big plans for this chance meeting. Sitting in an apartment high above the city, strangers began pouring into our small and basic meeting space. As we mingled together, learning names, and struggling with the language barriers, a peace came over me and I knew that it was going to be a good night.

Meeting sisters and brothers from China was a dream come true. I felt honored to be in their presence and to be welcomed into their community. But a crazy thing began to happen; their reaction to us was the same. By the end of the evening we were all sitting around the living room as one family praying for strength, courage and the will of God to be seen in our lives.

These men and women know and love God. Their focus is not on the limitations placed upon them nor are they fearful of the consequences to their actions. Instead they see a country and world in desperate need of the message of Jesus Christ, and they are filled with a passion to bring people to Jesus.

People are turning to God everyday. The request for bibles is around 10,000 copies EVERYDAY. The nation is hungry for the truth. They are hungry for the abundant life that can only come from God. The Church of China is on fire, and the power of God is moving through them. Please pray for our family in China. Pray for their faithfulness to Christ, for their hunger to know more of God and their lives to reflect their maker.

Thank you to the mighty warriors of the Kingdom of God for teaching me about faithfulness and obedience!

A beautiful body in Manila

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As I journey throughout the world, I am learning more about what the Church really looks like. For much of my life I struggled with the idea of church really being about the building and the meetings that took place there. But this year - this experience - has destroyed that image to reveal a whole new view of God's people.

In the Philippines, on the island of Luzon, just outside the capitol city of Manila is a community of followers who are mastering the art of living. A ministry called Kids International Ministry has set up a base to care for orphans.

There is a beautiful Children's home that any child would be blessed to grow up in, but it is not just the physical building, but its people who live and work there as well. The place is crawling with men and women from all over the world loving these children. They are people who have made Manila home, and are pouring their lives out to in this neighborhood.

In addition to the children's home, there is a community center that is home to an elementary school, a church, a dental clinic and a community chicken project. The church in this neighborhood is striving to meet the needs of the people from every angle. Yes, they are sharing the message of Jesus Christ, but it is not just through a Sunday morning sermon, instead, the pastor a Filipino, has lived in the neighborhood for nearly 20 years. He sees to it that the children have a good education at the school, mothers are asked to come and help prepare lunch for all the school children and themselves to provide a good meal each day. The dental clinic on site and medical clinic just minuets away are helping to bring health and healing.



Since we have been here, 200 chickens were purchased to start a business raising chickens for food and income. Other similar ideas are in the works to help this poverty stricken community meet their daily needs.



But that is the greatest part of the whole thing; it's not just about giving people food, or sharing the gospel message or even ending poverty. It is about being the Church of God in this place. It is about reaching out to our neighbors with the love that is overflowing from our lives, watching them be filled with God and then living this abundant life together. I have seen that community - the Body of Christ - here in this place.

In Rememberance of Me

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I was sitting on the beach this morning spending time with Jesus. I was talking about my family, memories of Christmas past, and the emotions I felt about not being in my parent's living room this Christmas. I asked God to fill them with memories that will not make them miss me or filled with loneliness, but instead fill them with thoughts of joy for all the wonderful memories we have shared. I asked for their remembrance to be joyful. Then it hit me. This is what Jesus was talking about when He said, "Take and eat Take and drink in remembrance of Me." He did not say to mourn because he is not at our dinning table. Instead, we are to rejoice in the memories of Him with us and in what He has done with His life. In that rejoicing we are to truly remember Him and be thankful for the time spent together. We celebrate because we have been blessed with memories, because we know HIM.

Jesus is alive and in our lives. We can drink to that. So on this Christmas morning - eat, drink, and be merry because a new born king is born. My family should celebrate because I am apart of their lives'. That alone is worth celebrating, even in my absence. In addition to celebrating Jesus' life, celebrate the memories you have together, love being given, and life being shared.

So today as your remember the birth of our King of Kings in a humble barn outside of Bethlehem, thank Him for all of the memories you have with the loved one's that are not physically present at your Christmas celebrations.

Merry Christmas

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Merry Christmas

I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I hope that you are able to celebrate the birth of Jesus with friends and family this year.

We on the World Race are honored to be telling others about this incredible new born king. It is worth not being with your over this holiday season.

Please continue to keep us in our prayers. And if you are still looking to buy some last minute gifts for us world travelers, our support accounts are always open.

Thanks again for your support, encouragement and love!

Beth Schroeder

My Christmas Story

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

When I was a little, the kids in my neighborhood would act out the Christmas story for our parents: bathrobes, and towels for costumes and a baby doll for Jesus. It was a big production in our little circle of friends.

Last week Team Zion was able to present the story of Christmas in a similar fashion. Our audience was composed of an English class longing to learn the true meaning of this "Western" holiday. It was a deep honor and a joyful event to tell of the birth of our Savior; to explain from the beginning, God's elaborate plan to save His creation.

For me it was incredible to share this story to ears that have never heard it before. A story I can recite by heart was captivating our new friends. In fact their joy and freshness to this ancient story reminded me of the importance and magnitude of the events that night. The power of a teenage mother holding her brand new baby boy on a cold night in a strange little stable with angels outside filling the sky with praises to this new born king.

This year as you celebrate the Birth of Jesus, listen to the story as if you have never heard it before.
"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rest."

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Christmas mailing address

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Posted by Elizabeth Uhles for Beth:

We will be spending Christmas in the Philippines. Here is an address to send letters and packages (Have a Happy Thanksgiving!):

Beth Schroeder
c/o Jeff Long
Faith Academy
PO Box 2016
0706 MCPO
Makati City
Philippines

Half Way Around the World

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Half Way Around the World -

We have made it to a major milestone in the life of a world racer - HALF WAY!
We have seen some amazing things, experienced the power and watched God move in incredible ways. But it's not over, in fact we are asking ourselves major questions to be sure we don't finish now or coast through the remaining months.

Let's recap the 1st six months:

June 5th we are stuck in Atlanta, GA unable to leave the country.

Swaziland opens the door to this adventure, welcomed by our now deeply loved friends on the January A&B squads, and the beloved AIM Debrief Leadership.

Then we're marchingon to South Africa for Kid's Camp.

Some time to wander in the deserts of Botswana and life, as we search deeper and push harder into God.

Thailand broke our hearts for the sex trade and the human trafficking crisis around the world.

Cambodia fills us with HOPE for a brighter future as a country rising from the ashes of terror and destruction.

And finally half way = Hong Kong and a sad goodbye. We say so long to our family on the January Squads, mixed with emotions of excitement and sadness and anticipation. We jump up as the leaders of this "Race", refreshed and empowered to see God do more than we could ever dream or imagine.

Rise Up Cambodia

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The month of October was spent in a small city along the river in Cambodia. Battambang one of the largest cities, is home of several universities, government offices, a large market and a majority of the population in that providence.

Team Zion had the opportunity to work with a branch of YWAM called University of the Nations. They have a deep-rooted place in the heart of the city, with networks reaching far out into the surrounding villages. We partnered with them to reach into the hearts and lives of the people of Cambodia. While we spent some time praying over hospital patients, and helping lead church services, it was our work with the students that had the largest impact on my life.

There are three main areas where they have been building relationships with the next generation. First, there is a beautiful governmental orphanage that is doing a stunning job taking care of nearly 300 children. Two YWAM staffers have been pouring hours of their week into teaching the children English. As a part of this education, they are building relationships and sharing the love of Jesus with stories used to help learn the language.

The second location was a part of the Battambang Christian Church ministry. They have established an orphanage with 30 children ranging from toddlers to mid-20's. These children function as a family with Godly caretakers and a community that takes care of their needs as well as loves them as brothers and sister of Christ.

The third opportunity was the largest coming in at over 500 students from the community. University of the Nations has opened a youth center in their front yard. Their goal is to build strong relationships with students in the community, share the message of the Gospel and empower the youth of Cambodia to be wise, knowledgeable leaders for the years to come. Each afternoon, classes of all varieties are taught free of charge to the students, from beginner, intermediate and advanced English, to hip hop dance, Khmer cooking, jewelry making, Chinese, Bible, Guitar and more. Staff from around the world have come together on Cambodia soil to plant the seeds of the gospel into these young minds. And they are ready to hear it. Every afternoon at 4 o'clock you could find team Zion seated out front of the youth center waiting for students to show up. We would talk to them about their schoolwork, teach them new "American" slang words, help them with homework, or simply talk in English so they could better learn the language. Why? - because knowledge is power.

Several World Racers posted blogs about the recent history of Cambodia, and the terror that swept the land 30 years ago. During the rule of the Khmer Rouge, they wiped out the wise, the educated, and the leaders leaving the country to fend for themselves.

Today, God is moving in Cambodia to raise up a generation that is Wise and Knowledgeable and ready to change the world one small village at a time. As we would sit and talk with the students, we learned many things. They are hungry for anything you can feed them, not just English, but scripture as well. One girl asked my teammate, "How do you know that God is real? How do you hear Him?" She was desperate to know more about this One True God.

We had the opportunity to perform a drama written by one of these amazing students. He was the first to greet us at the youth center with a huge smile and passion to know everything we could teach him. In fact he wanted to know English Slang and Spanish. So each day it seemed that we racked our brains to come up with more words for him to learn. He asked us if we would be able to do a drama with him on Sunday morning for the church service. We jumped at the idea but really wanted to give him the leadership and empower him. The play was fabulous, a modern day story of the prodigal son, filled with English slang and high school humor. It was delightful, but also a powerful statement of the state of the students in this community. They are ready to learn all they can to move into the leadership of this country and bring it to a place where justice and respect rule and the Truth of God is the foundation of everything they do.

I will not be surprised that if in 20 years, Cambodia is leading the way in South Eastern Asia to remove corruption in the government, end human trafficking and establishing a strong democratic government.

Even as I move on to our next ministry, with new people and different problems, my heart will still cry out for Cambodia to be transformed by these young Christians ready to make a difference in their world.

RISE UP Youth of Cambodia!

Lilies of the Valley

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The World Race has taught me a variety of lessons, for instance how to hand wash my clothes in a bathtub, bucket, or even the bathroom sink to learning to cook over an open fire. There have also been the lessons of loving everyone I meet with the Love of Jesus from your taxi driver to the orphan children: On a more personal note, to be dependent upon My Savior for all things and to run to Him first in the good and bad times.

This year really is about discovering who God has made me and what He has called this daughter of His to be. I am in awe and wonder of the Mighty King of the Universe. He truly is in control of all things and he has the best in store for His beloved children. Living in this community of the World Race, I am able to see the hands of God as we learn to share everything, and take care of one another's needs. It is great to see this concept of community within the body of Christ first hand.

The other main area where I am learning to be completely dependent is the area of financial support. I have removed myself from the opportunity of making an income to support myself in order to allow GOD to provide all my needs. This is a very difficult task. I often feel helpless and useless because I cannot do anything about it but trust that the money I need to buy toothpaste or the support I need to raise will be provided because God is taking care of things.

I have been led back to Matthew 6: 19 - 34 many times over the last few months. Please read that section yourself but here are a few main points

#1 - Your treasure is in heaven not on earth. The things that are really important have no monetary value, like faith, salvation, GRACE, and the Kingdom of God. These are the things to cling to!

#2 - Don't worry! We spent a good deal of time in Africa hearing Hakuna Matatta "No Worries" (yes it's your cue to start singing The Lion King soundtrack). Jesus clearly states that if he is going to take care of the sparrows and the lilies, making them more beautiful than a king, He will surely take care of your daily needs. So relax and let God do what He promises.

I have seen this promise be fulfilled over and over again this year. In fact just a week ago, I was running out of toothpaste, deodorant, and my personal spending money has been really tight. I had no clue how I was going to be able to keep fresh breath. The day I ran out of toothpaste we arrived in Bangkok to an office full of packages from home. I had two joyful boxes awaiting my arrival. What do I find in thetoothpaste, deodorant, and a plethora of other goodies. Thank you to those who sent a box of joy - mission accomplished!

I am currently low on my support, but I am confident that God will provide all that I need and more. The World Race cost $13,000 dollars, a total that must be met before the year is up, and throughout the year we are given deadlines. We are aproching the Nov.1^st deadline of $9000 in my account. I still need $700 to meet that goal. If He is encouraging you to be a part of His plan to support me I am more than grateful and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being obedient to the voice of God. To learn more about how to support me on this journey please click on the red link "Support Me" to the left of the screen.

May the King and Creator of all things bless you over and above your daily needs. May He hear the deep longings of your heart and fill you with the joy of abundant life that only He can provide.

SHE Thailand

Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

She Thailand

Team Zion & Concrete have spent this month working with an incredible organization called SHE Thailand. A dream given to Mark and Sharon Biddlell, their passion is to reach out to the women working in the bars and sex trade in Phuket, Thailand. They have created a company to sell hand crafted bead, shell, and pearl jewelry in the United States and England. The employees of SHE are women who want something better for their life and want to get out of the bars.

Mark and Sharon, and their four children have moved to Thailand, and the island of Phuket, to pour their heart and soul into the lives of these women. Their passion is not only to see them out of the holds of the sex trade, but more importantly to see them fall madly in love with Jesus.

I have spent the last 4 weeks in the shop, discovering that God has anointed this dream. It is a joy and privilege to called the women of SHE and the Biddell Family friends.

I would like to encourage you and all your friends and family to check out the web site for SHE www.shethailand.org also the next time you are in the market for something pretty, (Which I am discovering for the World Race women is ALL THE TIME!) please check out the SHE eBay store.

If you would like to do more to support this business, here are a few ways in which you can help.

1- Volunteer to hold jewelry parties or sell the products in your workplace and community. (For more info contact Sharon at www.shethailand.org)

2- Plan a short-term trip to Thailand to volunteer with the organization.

(College age and older!)

3- Move to Thailand and become an employee

Pics from Thailand

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Life in Thailand has beenwonderful. Take a walk with me through some of our experences over the past few weeks.

We have street vendors across the street, fruit, meat, hard boiled eggs, and wonderful authentic Thai food. Jessie and I received an education on drinking the milk and breaking open these young cocconut.

We have been working with these Burmess workers on the island. Each monday night we go and bring dinner and minister to these lovely people. The kid's stole the show and we love them.

Some views from our day exploring the island.

Our Visa Run experence. See the vidoe from Laruen Morris for the full experence!

Hope you enjoy the photos.

Bangkok Race Day

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Steps - Race Day Bangkok

One thing that I learned on race day is that the people of Thailand like stairs. What do I mean, well, it seems that everywhere we went today we had to go up or down a flight of stairs.

I started race day on the 4^th floor of the Youth With A Mission housing facility. And yes, I forgot at least two things requiring me to go up and down these 4 flights of stairs at least 2 times that afternoon. Once we started the race, we climbed aboard a bus to take us to the air train system, where we had to go up a flight of stairs to purchase a day pass then up one more flight to the platform. Off we were racing confidently with the "Asia" race belonged to Team Zion. We had a plan, the mighty Casey & his map of the city and the locations already mapped out.

We meet some new friends on the Air train and discovered that all over the country of Thailand, people wear yellow shirts on Monday and blue shirts on Friday in honor and respect of the King. - However this is not to be confused with the "Same Same" shirts we were searching for.

We arrived at our first stop - our mission: find a yellow duck and take a team picture on it. Hummm, what ever could they mean????

Mission accomplished - back up the stairs onto the air train again to repeat the process at the next stop. It seems that most of our mystery locations were right off of this handy public transportation system. Praise God, but it contributed to my day being filled with "steps". Then off to the mall, where to the relief of my legs we find escalators and Air Conditioning. Liking this environment so much we in turn spent the next hour plus searching the entire mall, and surrounding markets for a simple photo booth. You know, those cute little booths that you would go to on a first date to document the wonderful evening and tack it to your wall for the next four years. Oh wait; I digressed into a 80's high school flick. Back to the search for a photo booth - there was NO PHOTO BOOTH in this mall. After discussion with the other teams, it appears that this is the only mall in Bangkok without one, but we sadly didn't know that till an hour of our precious time was wasted.

So back up the steps to the air train for our next mission. As the rest of the day journed on, we went up and down the streets, towers, sky train steps and mall escalators taking in the beauty, culture and life of Bangkok. The city is wonderful, easy to move around in and filled with great sites I ran by.

Sadly, but not do to lack of effort and quick thinking Team Zion crawls in to our pit stop in last place. Thank God it was not an elimination round or I'd be seeing you all soon.

South Africa Race Day

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

On your mark, get set, RACE

The long awaited Race Day of the mighty World Race was upon us, the excitement was in the air, competition was flying between teams and anticipation held all involved on the edge of their seats.

We began our journey in Church Square, downtown Pretoria. Capital of South Africa and full of deep history, exquisite craftsmanship and the ideal place to start a race. We were off to the Union Building across town to receive our next clue.

We arrived to discover this sprawling green park, loaded with blooming flowers, majestic trees and school children in uniform on a field trip. A history geek's dream come true. But a quick picture, and we were off to Johannesburg. No need to hurry, we were all on the same train for the next hour and a half. In Joburg, we traveled from the downtown train station to the Zoo, Moyo, a wonderfully cultural restaurant, the Apartheid museum, and to the top of South Africa's tallest building.

Sadly, Team Zion had a difficult time being transported from Moyo to the Apartheid Museum, removing all chances of a victory. However, there is hope for the future, as we learned many lessons to make us better races in the legs to come.

Letters Anyone?

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We can get letters and packages in Thailand. I would love to hear from you. Here is the address.

Here's the instructions if you do send a package: DO NOT send any valuables through the mail. Note that it is a gift with no commercial value. This helps minimize taxes through customs on our end. Packages must arrive no later than October 1^st - allow extra time than what the postal service tells you.

The address is:

Beth Schroeder

Youth With A Mission Thailand National Office
P.O. Box 20 Thungsetthi Post Office
Bangkok 10263 THAILAND

I would love to hear from you. Receiving letters and cards brings me more joy than you could imagine.

The address is:

Beth Schroeder

Youth With A Mission Thailand National Office
P.O. Box 20 Thungsetthi Post Office
Bangkok 10263 THAILAND

I would love to hear from you. Receiving letters and cards brings me more joy than you could imagine.

The Art of ATL

Sat, 11 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Mastering the art of A.T.L.

We currently find Team Zion and Team Lego at Love Botswana Mission Outreach in Maun, home of the African Safari, Botswana.

We have set aside a day a week to do "A.T.L." (ask the Lord). It is a type of ministry, but really it is more of a lifestyle. The basic concept is simply to start off your day by asking God what He is doing today and to join Him in that work.

"God, where do you want me to go today?"

"Who do you want me to talk to?"

Then to listen to the voice of your shepherd and do as He says.

Today, we had originally planned to head into the city center to minister to people in the market, but after some time of prayer and seeking God's direction, several of us felt God was leading us to the area around the Love Botswana property.

Jessie, Brooke & myself set off down the road from the mission to the river. God is good and taught us a lesson on the road. We encountered a young man walking home from town. He was the only human we had seen on the road as of that point, and yet it wasn't immediately obvious that we were to share the gospel with him. We started off our interaction with him by asking directions, hoping to find some sort of civilization down this sandy road. He was helpful in leading us to a few people living in the area. But more importantly, we came to the realization that it was this young man who God wanted us to speak with. We spent the next half an hour speaking with him of a variety of topics from occupation, ancestral worship, and God himself. By the time we reached his home, he had come the realization that Jesus Christ should be the Lord of his life and asked God to be his God right there on the road.

It is crazy how God will pursue his children and call them into his family. Had we not intentionally set out to talk with whoever came along our path, we would have passed right by this new brother of ours.

God reminded me of the importance to the journey and how simply walking and talking with companions along the road is just the way he loves to "do" ministry. I have been praying for God's voice to be clear and present in my life. In response to my request He is asking me to listen for him all the time not just when my Bible and journal are in my lap. But it is just as important to hear him when I am out riding in a cap, talking with our security guard or even visiting the farmer down the road.

" The gatekeeper opens the gate from him and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his sheep by name and he leads them out." John 10:3

Shout out to the Kids in Botswana

Sat, 11 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

An experience at Love Botswana!

Today I was able to visit with a group of students from the International School. We talked about The World Race and about what it is like to travel around the world following the spirit of God. It was a great experience to meet them and hang out with them for the morning. Thank you so much for allowing us to come to your class and share with your our hearts for sharing Jesus with people around the world.

Welcome to Botswana

Sat, 11 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

An Update from Botswana

Team Zion arrived safe and sound on Wednesday August 1^st. We will be staying at Love Botswana Mission Outreach in the city of Maun, working with some of their contact throughout the community but also doing some ministry on our own, specifically ATL (see my blog called the Art of ATL).

Our travel plans worked out well, but we still found that traveling in Africa means you lose all right to personal space and the number of seats available means nothing!

We were kindly driven from Pretoria to Gaberone, Botswana, by friends named Colin & Kathy. This was a comfortable ride with just World Racers in the Sprinter (like a mini bus). However, in Gaberone, we boarded a very nice public transportation bus to take us to Maun. We arrived early and were all able to get seats, but the aisle quickly filled up with passengers and remained that way till we all piled off 7 hours later.

We will be ministering in Maun until August 20^th, when we load back up on a bus back to South Africa to catch a plane to Thailand.

Thank you for all your support and encouragement.

God's Shalom rest upon you all!

Reality Check

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Reality Check

There are so many reasons why I am on this journey called the World Race. They range from "That's sounds like a fun adventure" to "God is calling me to change the world.", plus so many other reasons all over the spectrum.

It is a journey that just turned out to be a roller costar ride and left me a bit shaken. Daughters of Zion spent two awesome weeks focused in our team building and personal spiritual growth. We were intentional about getting to know each other's "stories", spending time playing together, and learning to love each and every one of the 8 ladies on the team. We arrived back at Alabanza for debrief a whole new team, ready to take on the world.

Only to be ripped apart

The night before debrief started, the leadership of AIM announced that the team structures were going to be changing. DOZ will be releasing 2 ladies to Awaken, while Concrete will be releasing Casey to DOZ. The AIM leadership believes that it is best to have a male on every team, instead of the original set up of 2 teams with 2 males and 2 teams with all ladies.

At first this seemed like the worst day of my life. I felt like my newly united family was being ripped down and torn into little pieces. I was really mad, heart broken, rebellious and ready to fight back.

To be honest - team life was the thing I was least looking forward to on this journey. I didn't really want to spend the year with 7 other ladies, I want to be on this trip, but I would be more content if I were alone (or so I thought at the beginning). BUT the more I force myself to like my team mates, I find myself falling in love them.

I spent the next morning during worship time yelling at God, telling him why teams shouldn't change, that I don't need guys to protect me, that we would be just fine no matter what culture we were in that God was my protection blah, blah, blah

God so patiently listened to my heart, held me closely, asked if I was done and began to speak the words that I needed to hear.

He sent me to my new favorite book of scripture Philippians to chapter 2 where Paul is speaking to the church in Philippi about how their attitudes need be like Christ.

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being untied with Chris, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interest of others.

In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had:

Who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearances as a human being he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:1-11

God knocked me out with the fact that this journey is not about me, it is not about DOZ building strong relationships and becoming a family, it is not even about me changing the world. NO, this race, my relationships, my existence is about taking on the same attitude of Christ, to be humble enough to love all others before myself. To know that God is in charge, and that I can trust him to make the decisions.

So at the end of the day, DOZ is now COZ (Children of Zion), with a total of 7 people: Gina, Jessie, Gabrielle, Brooke, Elizabeth, Beth & our new addition Casey. We have peacefully handed over Cristie & Jenny to Awaken. But this must be said, they will always by my sisters no matter what team they are on or where we are in the world. And I have come to the realization that this team family is really God's, that I do not have any control over it and in fact, my only thing I can do is worship and love God and others with a humble heart.

Stretching

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I love the gym - to work out - to sweat - to push my muscles farther than before - to stretch and move - to feel the pain of strength and growth. Physical exercise - Heavenly!

HOWEVER - Spiritual exercise not so much. We are currently in Gordon's Bay, South Africa. Gordon's Bay is a breathtaking community on the opposite side of False Bay from Cape Town. Yes that is right the Daughters of Zion are in the Cape Town area enjoying the view and battling with God.

Before I dig into this change of location, let me tell you a story about our epic adventure traveling to Cape Town. Now being 8 very strong and wise women, we took our 2 days of prep time to research the most economical way to travel south. We discovered that a train went from Joburg to Cape Town for around $18 a person. SUPER! I have always wanted to do some major train travel, so I was on board (pun intended) for this form of transportation. When we arrived at the train station, we discovered there was a mass exodus out of Joburg. I even noted while we were there that I felt like a part of the Israelite community and the pillar of fire was on the move. We began in this line that we joked up going all the way to China; it was super long wrapping around the building and down the block. After waiting in that line for 45 min or so we discovered that it was indeed the wrong line. We needed to purchase our tickets on the other end of the station, with only one or two people in line and head directly down to the platform.

Relief! We are going to make it on the train; sadly there were no seat assignments on our tickets. So we used that incredible deductive reasoning to determine that all these people were going to pile on as quickly as possible rushing for the seats. The only words I can use to describe this experience are "Cattle Drive". We successfully secured seats for all 8 of us in the same area of the train. But sadly, there were many people who didn't find seats. In my American mind, that means sorry but catch the next train. NOT IN AFRICA, here it means make yourself comfy in the aisle - for 30 hours! That is correct; we spent 30 hours on a train with 50 more people than seats in our car. The ride was nosey, smelly, and very long - a memory that I will never forget and never want to. We did make it safely to Cape Town and to the beautiful ocean view house of Tom & Cindy Sibley.

The train was the first step in God stretching our team over the next 2 weeks. We are in Cape Town to "ATL" (Ask the Lord) what He is doing and what He wants us to do. So basically, we have no plans. We are staying in this beautiful house with 3 other racers and Tom & Cindy to simply seek out God's will and plans for us. We are learning more about each other and ourselves and what God's messing up in our lives. It hurts, it is deep and we all MUST take this time to dig deeply into what God is saying, changing, growing in us.

So we wait on the Lord and His moving in our spirits. We pray for each other, the World Race, for God's will to be done, and for God's will to become our own.

An Acts 2 Experience

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

It has been some time in my life that I have been discontent with "the church". No let me reword that, I have felt that the current church of today is missing something. I have been to different church families throughout the states, and even been a part of communities where I myself missed the point. But nowhere until last Sunday did I get why Acts 2:42 was so powerful.

There is this small but mighty tribe of people on a journey together to be the church. To be intimate and connected with the Creator and Savior of the Universe, who longs to be the same with us. This is a place where needs are met, hearts are treated as valuable items to be handled with care and all people are loved no matter the person. Where offerings are collected for people who are truly in need of food and clothing.

This is a place where peace and rest and struggle and search all happen at the same time. Here is my problem - my question:

From the very moment I stepped foot on these grounds, I knew there was something different, powerful, REAL. I love this place, these people, but why is it so unique? Is this not exactly what the church, the body of Christ is all about- being different - powerful - real. How have they nailed it so well and I have missed it so often. I would very much call myself an American Christian, so I group myself in this stereotype. How have I had the same Bible for direction and passion for the same God, yet I've missed the boat on this "church community" thing. (no good church word describes it.)

I have spent years searching for this community never to have round it. But alas, God has opened my eyes to a small glimpse of what the body of Christ functioning as a body might look like.

Oh God, please forgive me for my feeble attempts to recreate the church the way I saw it. Forgive me for being so caught up in doing, that I have missed years of being with you. God forgive me for trying to make you fit into the box we call Sunday worship. We have no right to box you up and mass produce you. God I am sorry for hiding behind the walls of my safe church building pretending to be a good person when there were people hurting, needing and begging for you and I missed them because I was too busy "serving" you.

Dear Jesus break the mold I have found myself in. Tear apart my box I have held you in and burn it to ashes. From the pile of rubble I call my heart, create a new longing to be your bride to follow you all the days of my life. Help me learn how to master the art of living.

"For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and not this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10

10 World Race Facts

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

10 things that have moved from standard every day living to luxury status on the world race:

1. Hot Clean Private Showers

2. Cold 2% Milk

3. Quiet Time being QUIET

4. Washer & Dryer

5. Communicating with Family & Friends

6. Cooking Meals on a stove top with 4 working burners and an oven.

7. Driving

8. Fresh Brewed Hot Coffee

9. High Speed Internet

10. Freedom & Independence

Pictures from Refilwe

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Refilwe Community Project Kid's Camp

Check out the beautiful faces I was able to hang out with this last week.

Preschool Cuteness

Brooke's Small Group

Moses & his golf clubs

Be sure to check out my picture for more camp shots.