Outreach

I am very sorry for not posting sooner. So much happened to me while I was in Uganda. I am a completely new man. It is so hard to explain what happened in those two months but I will try my best.

There were three different teams in the Winter DTS. One team was going to Thailand, one to Argentina, and then our team to Uganda. Right now I would just like to give the names of the people on my team. We had our two leaders Chase and Kelly, Jay and Kevin (both from New Jersey), Laura and Andrea (both from Michigan), Jenna and Megan (both from California), Kaitlyn ( from Pennsylvania), Steph (from Minnesota), Rebecca (from Ohio), Ryan (from Chicago), Chaiyapat aka Bom (from Thailand),  and then we have Gracie and me (both from Washington). Each member of our team brought something different. It was amazing how well we worked together under each circumstance.


We left Montana on March 13th. We flew from Montana to Seattle, then Seattle to Dubai. The flight from Seattle to Dubai was over 14 hours! The longest I ever have been on a airplane. Once we got to Dubai we spent a night at a hotel. The next day we had our final flight. From Dubai to Entebbe, Uganda. We met our contact Jimmy at the airport. I was so excited to finally meet Jimmy and to be in Uganda. From the airport we had to take a bus 10 hours to get to our house in Gulu. During the drive we saw so much of Uganda. I was following more and more in love with area as we drove. Finally we got to the Gulu! We were all so tired we passed out!

Our team did a lot of different ministries. We played with kids, taught classes, did hut to hut evangelism, and spoke in public areas, and help to build part of a church. My favorite thing to do was play with kids and go hut to hut. The kids there were so amazing. They are all so care free and liked having fun. If you do something the will copy you, it made us all laugh when the kids would copy out horrible dance moves. Another thing about the kids is most of them have never seen a white person, so whenever they saw us the would come running in flocks and would grab our hands and walk with us. I fell in love with those kids there. They didn't have much but would run around with so much joy. I also had a blast going hut to hut sharing about Jesus. We would walk miles to talk to people. It was worth it. We saw people being healed physically and spiritually. God used each and everyone of us on the team to further his kingdom.

The whole trip changed for me right in the middle. For a week we went a lived in a village named Idure. From the moment I saw the place I knew I would love it. For the whole week we walked around the village praying for people and leading them to the Lord, if they wanted to. At night we would do a small teaching, then have a fire and dance and sing under the stars. It's amazing that just one year ago the LRA was attacking them and they had to live in fear. But now they don't have to live in fear. They can all just live out in joy and happiness. They thing that effected me most was one man. The mans name is Simon. I had the opportunity to hear Simon's story. Simon was kidnapped by the LRA and forced to be a child soldier. He was in it for three years before he escaped. It took him one year to get home. When he got home all that was left of his family were his mother and sisters. Since then he has gotten married and has taken in nine orphans. All of the orphans parents were killed by the rebels. Simon told me because he was kidnapped he has no education, since he has no education its hard for him to make money to support his family. After he said that he looked at me and said "None of that matters though, because I have my salvation and that's all I need". That statement hit me. I have so much and its hard for me to say that but Simon has nothing at all yet he can say that. That statement is what I want to live the rest of my life by.

Weeks went by and all I could think about was the village. I needed to go back! Finally on our last Sunday in Uganda I had the opportunity to go back with Jenna, Rebecca, and Andrea. We each got to speak and share to the people of Idure. After we were done speaking we got to go to a river and baptize people. Each of us felt honored to do this. Afterwards we said our goodbyes to the village and left. Sadly Simon had went out so I did not get to see him again.

Our last week we spent as a team, remembering stories and sharing how we grew. During this time Steph, Jenna and I were baptized by Kelly and Chase. The remainder of the week we said our goodbyes to Jimmy and to our two translators that we all grew close to, David and Patrick. We said our goodbyes and left Uganda on May 11th. It hurt my heart to leave that place, maybe one day I'll walk those red dirt roads again.

We got to the base in Montana around 11pm on 20th. The other teams were waiting for us. It was an amazing reunion. We spent our last week all together as a whole team. Having fun with each other, telling stories, and listening to our speaker. Each one of us graduated. On the 18th we started saying our goodbyes for the final time. I did this on the 19th also. Finally on the 20th I landed in Seattle and returned home.


I apologize for not posting something sooner. It's been hard trying to write something but it's been hard to think of what to write. But I tried my best. I would like to thank each and everyone of you. For praying for me and for donating to me.

A normal site to see..me surrounded by kids

Some of the kids

Baptizing people from the village

Graduating for DTS

Holy Spirit you are welcome here!

Hey everyone! Giving you an update here from Lakeside, Montana!! Life here is going great. I am learning so much about God. It is incredible! Last week would have to have been the best week so far. We learned about the Holy Spirit.

Are speaker last week was Nick Gough. The Spirit of God is with him! The first day he prophesied over everyone. When he got to me I was scared. But he looked at me and said "I will heal people, I am a very  encouraging person, and that God is calling me for relocation." I dont know what the "relocation" means but I am really excited to see what God has in store for me.

Tuesday was a hard day for all of us here. One of the people in out class decided to go home. It was an emotional night for all of us. During night lecture we opened up with worship. But during worship the Spirit fell onto the room. We decided to stay in worship and prayer. BEST DECISION EVER!!! For the first ten minutes I was just standing there worshiping and praying. Next thing I know I am face down on the ground crying and just praying out. After a while people came over and started praying and prophesying over me. I started just screaming out for God. I could feel him but I wanted way more! I want to be overflowing with the love of God. After that night I have been a new person. I am so much more alive in my Spirit. I am still in the process of living out only in the Spirit and not my flesh. Its hard but I can do it.

Wednesday was an amazing day. At night we had a Giving Night. A Giving Night is a day for the class you are in to gather together and make your financial needs known. If you want to you can donate money or things to people to help them out.  At the start of the night our class had over $8,000 to pay in order for everyone to be have fully paid their DTS off. We started at 7pm. Very slowly the money amount started dropping. After two hours we all yelled in celebration. All the money came in. I was on the ground praying. I jumped up to celebrate and ended upon the ground again crying. For those of you who do not know, I came here with $2,000, God provided $4,000 for me. I have never really relied on God for s much. I was crying in celebration. It felt so amazing that I am paid off. The amount of support my classmates, God, and everyone who has supported me is just so incredible. Now I will make sure I never lose faith. My God is good and will always provide.

This week we are learning about Missions. Are speakers name is Don, he is part of the Taiwan YWAM Base. So far the message is really good. I cant wait to hear more from him the rest of the week.

Please continue to pray for me. Pray that my heart will starting beating for Uganda. Also be praying for my health. I have been getting sick and not feeling lately and its really hard. Thank you all for the love and the support. God bless!

So much more

Hey everyone! I apologize for not keeping up on my blog. Life here in Montana is crazy! Every single day I learn something new. Its just amazing.

Since the last time I posted a lot has happened. Two weeks ago we had a man named Chris Lautsbaugh came up from South Africa and spoke about grace. I just have to say that he did the best job ever! I have never heard a better sermon on grace. He went into detail on redemption and salvation. By the end of the week I was on my face crying out to God. I didnt deserve his grace yet he gave it to me. God adopted me into his family. I am so madly in love with God even more!

Last week was an amazing week. We went on our mini outreach to Salem, Oregon. We did so much! FOr our lecture time we talked about relationships. But we did so much more! One of the jobs I did  was to walk the streets and evangelize. The other days I worked with the Union Gospel Mission, I ate lunch with the people living there. Then after that I went to the store and helped price items. It was such an amazing experience. On thursday night we all got to go to Portland to work with Under the Bridge Ministries. I have to say that this changed my view on so many things. The small groups I was in had the job to walk the street and talk to the homeless. We started walking and ran into a man who called himself Ace. He was standing on the street playing his ukulele. Next to him was a kid named Spencer. I has the opportunity to talk to Spencer. He told me a little bit of his life. The reason why he was in Portland was because he wanted to hang out with the homeless. I realized that he was not homeless. We started talking about my story and what I was doing in Portland. When I told him I was a Christian he started smiling. Now he was not a Christian but he believes in a higher power. He told me that he thinks everything is about love, and how he loves everyone no matter what. Even though this man was not a Christian I felt I met the richest man ever! He was filled with so much love and compassion for people he did not even know. After a while it was time for me to go. When we walked away from each other I realized we had spent an hour and a half talking to each other. I was so surprised i could talk that long to someone. Spencer if you are reading this I love you man and will be praying for you everyday.

On Friday we had the day off. SO I GO TO SEE MY MOM!!!! My mom drove four hours to Portland to see me! We had a fun day catching up and hanging out with each other. I loved it so much!

On Saturday are group drove back to the base. For those of you who did not know, I had the opportunity to come to Montana three months ago. There I met and became friends with the Fall DTS class. Well they are back! When we got back to the base most of the people I became friends with were there. The rest came back in a few hours later. Right now the Fall DTS is having their debriefing week. I am so happy so be able to reunite with my friends. Cant wait for them to share the stories of things that happened.


Alright! So thats all that has been happening. This week we are talking about Spiritual Warfare! So far its been really good.

Thank yo so much for all of your pray and support. Right now I still have $2,100 to pay off. But God will provide. Please continue to pray for my team and me. If you feel like you would like to donate anything at all you can email me at regan_beal@live.com. Love you all so much! God bless

A Normal Day

Hey everyone! Week 3 has started and I having so much fun! Todays blog is just going to cover what I do everyday and tell you all where I am going on my outreach!!!

My day begins with my waking up at 7am and getting ready for my class at 8 am. From 8 am to 9am we have prayer/worship/intercession. During this time we either worship with music or just spend time in prayer with each other. From 9 am 10 noon we have are class. We have different classes and speakers every week. This week is all about Prayer and Hearing Gods voice. From noon to 1:30 pm we have lunch. During this time I eat and do my job, which is to clean the lunch dishes. 1:30 -3:00pm is different everyday. On some days we meet with are small group, on others are outreach team, and on the others we are with are "track" groups. My track group is Community Development. Ill be learning how we can be helpful in a community. It is fun so far! The rest of the day I have off. I spend time doing homework, hanging out with friends, or playing sports in the gym.

Right now we are in the middle of a snow storm. You can go outside without freezing your butt off!

Alright what we have all been waiting for. Where I am going on outreach. The lucky place is.....UGANDA!! I am so excited to go there! From what we talked about, its not all for sure, we will be staying in a village and ministering to everyone around. We mainly will be helping out with the children, which is something I love doing. I seriously cant wait!

God has been providing for me so much. Last week someone randomly walked in and donated $1,500 to me. I dont know who it was but I am so thankful. I still need $1950. Please be praying that the money will come in. Also be praying for all of us here, pray that we can work on are homework and love each other like family.

Thank you all for reading! God Bless!

Grieving

Moving to a new place you expect the first week to be hard. Well, I probably had one of the hardest weeks I have had in a long time. My friend, Matt Swale, passed away a few days ago. On the 5th Matt was sent to the hospital because he was bleeding internally. In the matter of a few days he passed away. A few hours before I was crying out to God. Yelling and screaming as tears fell down my face, asking God to heal Matt, to let him live. I fell on my face just sobbing, but all of a sudden I was covered in peace. I realized that Matt loved the Lord and I would see him again. I am sad that he died but I am happy that he is in a better place.

Matt was a man that was in love with the Lord. I only knew him a few months but I think of him as a close friend. Everyday he would come to the church and volunteer. He did it all with a smile on his face. He also served in the Children's Ministry. His passion was to help kids learn the gospel so they would grow up and love Jesus no matter what happens to them. He loved every single kid that walked into the room. He made sure he said hi and talked to every single one. The kids looked up to him because he was loving and would take time to get to know the kids.

Matt walked in 100% faith. He gave up so much to serve the Lord. He was one of the most compassionate person I have ever met. I miss him so much. But I know he is in heaven with our Father, smiling and dancing around. I'll see him again one day. I cant wait for the day to give my friend a hug again.

Please be praying for Matt's family. The lose of a son is something parents should never have to go through. Pray that they will have peace, and that this will bring them towards the Lord, not away.

Matt Swale, August 11, 1981 - January 8, 2012

Worship and fun

Sorry I have not posted in a while, been very very busy.

Well to start off I just have to say the worship here is so amazing! Everyday I am just dancing and singing just declaring my love for the Lord. Each day I learn a brand new song but that does not stop me. I am filled with so much joy!

Anyways the topic for this last few days have been worship. Our worship leader, Zach, is filled with so much knowledge. He taught us that the act of worship is to place God above everything else in terms of priority or attention. Then we went into the scriptures and look at Genesis 4, the story of Cain and Abel. When you ready you learn the Cain brought "some fruit" and that Abel brought fat portions from the firstborn of his flock, which is the best. Cain did not give God his best. But Abel did. We should give God the best every single time we come to him. Then we started jumping around the bible looking at many stories. He taught us to be humble before God and to hunger for him. He finished his message by having us all be quiet for 10 minutes. At the end of the 10 minutes he asked anyone to lead out in worship. Could be a verse, a song, a dance, or just something on your heart. Many people spoke and in the end we were all just worshiping crying out for the Lord. That was one of the best days so far.

Yesterday was my birthday. Also one of the hardest and most fun days. It started normally, get up, go to the class, go to lunch, and lunch duties, my job for the 3 months I am here is to spray off the dishes. Then the moment we were all waiting for...OUTREACH LOCATIONS!!!! My leaders told me they were going to show us thre places. We were to take 10 minutes to an hour to pray where God wanted us to go. The choices were Thailand, Argentina, or Uganda. We went off to pray. Right away I knew I was suppose to go to Uganda. I prayed for a little longer and then finally wrote it down. On Monday I find out if that is where I am going.

Since it was my birthday I decided to do something really stupid and really fun. To jump in the lake. Right now its 20 degrees. So the water would have to be in the negatives. By buddy Chris, he is from Texas, decided to go with me. We hiked down to the lake and climbed in. Rachel, from Canada, decided to come with us and film. Right when my feet hit the water I knew it was a stupid idea. My whole body went numb. I rushed to the shore as fast as possible. I dried off and everything was okay.


Well that's all that has been happening. Right now I would just like to ask you to pray for my friend Matt Swale. He was bleeding internally but it has stopped, but he is in a coma right now. So please be keeping him in your heart.


Thank you all for reading this. Love you all!!

New places and new faces

Hey everyone! I first would like to thank everyone who has been supporting me. Either through prayer of financially. Please keep praying for me and if you feel like you would like to donate anything you can email me at regan_beal@live.com.

On Saturday morning I left my house to catch my airplane which left at 1:30. When I left my parents at the security check I knew that I was doing God's will. I got through security with no problem, and my gate was just a few yards away. There was only one spot to sit near my gate, so thats where I sat. More people started coming to the gate, so much people had to stand around. I looked around and saw so people I recognized. I find out later that I met them two months early when I was visiting YWAM). When they called the my flight number I jumped up, and the person next to me did to. He looked my age so I asked why he was going to Montana. He smiled and said "YWAM". I smiled back and said "ME TOO". W said hello and introduced ourselves. His name is Bom and he is from Thailand. We both got on the plane and took our seats. He was in the front and I was in the back. Sitting down I just thought how much God is going to work in Bom's life and my life the next three months. The plane took off! I sat there for a while, then finally talked to my neighbor. She was an older lady who lived in Kailspell.   When I told her I was doing YWAM she told me that "everyone who does that is so nice." I thanked her and then she decided to take a nap. I was about to plug in my Ipod when I heard someone say, "I am going to YWAM". I turned around and thats when I met Vance. Vance is doing a DTS also and he is from South Carolina.

We finally landed! Waiting at the airport was a YWAM staff member named Dan. I met him when I was visiting before. He introduced us to Jay, from New Jersey, and Elise, from Minnesota. We all jumped into the van and headed towards the base. We just talked a little bit about why we chose Montana. Then we got to the base. Right when we pulled in I felt home.

Right away we got taken to our rooms. My roommates are Caleb, he is originally from Montana but lived in Thailand for a while with his parents, and Ryan, he is from Chicago. We already are like brothers. Talking and  just eating some meals together.

My class is 43 people.  25 girls and 17 boys. I wish I could tell you everything about everyone but I have not yet learned everyone's name. But you will hear about them all soon.

The first two days so far have been the introduction. We haven't really had any classes but where given all the supplies for our homework. We have weekly homework, but it is pretty easy.


God is already showing me things he is going to change in me. I cant wait to come back as a new man.

Thank you again for reading this. Please keep praying for me and everyone here!
Love you all!