Hello all,
Well, the year has come to an end and for me it has been, although fast, fantastic. Sometimes in the busyness of everyday life, especially around the holiday season, we lose sight of our God and His personal meaning to us. Even our trust in prayer may become weak and that is harmful to our prayers and walk with Christ.
As an athlete I struggle with this from time to time. I train most of the year and compete in the summer. While competing, I am constantly comparing myself to the other athletes and sometimes that affects how I view myself personally. This is harmful not only to my personality but also to my prayer life and how often I pray. Whether it is that I forget to pray or just do not think my prayers will be heard, my prayer life is surely affected. This has happened several times in my past and every single time, when I finally remember that God loves me so much more than I ever could imagine, I pray. And every single time He shows me that it’s not about who’s better or what place I get or how many points I get on a dive, it’s about Him and living my life for Him and His cause.
This is only a small issue in my life, but the children in Ghana deal with this everyday. My hope for the children on Lake Volta is that God would show them that they are worth far more than their owners show them. I pray that they would see their individual worth and seek Him. And I pray that they would know they are so much more than just property.
- Harrison Mitchell
Monday, January 7, 2013
Friday, December 21, 2012
God's Love.
"Love, we're supposed to love, just like Jesus says in the Fruits of the Spirit," exclaimed Brooke as her older brother Will stood baffled at the idea of me leaving them for two weeks. He did not understand why I would leave him who has everything to hang out with a bunch of children I did not know who had nothing. That day was the beginning of something new, and for Brooke and Will it was going to be the idea of love. It just so happened my trip to Ghana was the spark. As I began to explain to them where and why I was going and what I was doing there, they began to have a look of worry in their eyes. Questions were coming from everywhere because their little minds could not grasp the idea that a child would have to work all day while they stayed home and played. While Brooke's main worry for the kids of Ghana was that they had no toys, Will's worry was that the boys had no life jackets to wear. Individually, they both wanted to do everything they could to help out, as they remembered to love. For me, it was a wake-up call. Here, these kids were trying to give me all of their special toys to give to children in Ghana while not even thinking about holding back. As I was going home that day, the conversations I had with Brooke and Will never left my mind. I realized how I could not hold back when I went to Ghana, no matter how nervous I was going to be. Brooke and Will, two young elementary school children, reminded me of how I needed to love and that without Christ's love in me, I could do nothing. Although they did not fully understand the things they did or said, they made an impact on me: reminding me first and foremost to always love.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Our God.
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being.” -Revelation 4:9-11 (NIV)
So, as you most likely observed from reading the big bold letter directly above this sentence, I’ve been reading through Revelation. Besides the descriptions of things that I can’t even comprehend, like creatures with far too many appendages, what I’ve noticed the most is how often the book keeps coming back to simply proclaiming the glory of God. I think God has been using this book to simply show me how wrong I can be about him. Too often, I live with only a head knowledge of how great the God we serve is. I define God by what I think, and I make him far too small.
5 Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. 6 And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, “There will be no more delay! -Revelation 10:5-6 (NIV) ((emphasis added by Sam))
This is the God we serve: the God that lives forever, the God who created the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. We, as a team, have been praying and thinking over what we want the goal of Ghana Rock 2013 to be. These passages have really been a great reminder to me that no matter what we decide, our God is big enough to do it. Ok, maybe more than a reminder. A rebuke. Yahweh is he who was and who is and who is to come. And my picture of him is often flawed, but HE is worthy to receive glory and honor and power. So my prayer is that we as a team (and especially me) will keep that in mind as we go about attempting to plan this concert.
Excuse my ramblings,
Sam
11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being.” -Revelation 4:9-11 (NIV)
So, as you most likely observed from reading the big bold letter directly above this sentence, I’ve been reading through Revelation. Besides the descriptions of things that I can’t even comprehend, like creatures with far too many appendages, what I’ve noticed the most is how often the book keeps coming back to simply proclaiming the glory of God. I think God has been using this book to simply show me how wrong I can be about him. Too often, I live with only a head knowledge of how great the God we serve is. I define God by what I think, and I make him far too small.
5 Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. 6 And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, “There will be no more delay! -Revelation 10:5-6 (NIV) ((emphasis added by Sam))
This is the God we serve: the God that lives forever, the God who created the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. We, as a team, have been praying and thinking over what we want the goal of Ghana Rock 2013 to be. These passages have really been a great reminder to me that no matter what we decide, our God is big enough to do it. Ok, maybe more than a reminder. A rebuke. Yahweh is he who was and who is and who is to come. And my picture of him is often flawed, but HE is worthy to receive glory and honor and power. So my prayer is that we as a team (and especially me) will keep that in mind as we go about attempting to plan this concert.
Excuse my ramblings,
Sam
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Serving the Lord
Hey everybody!
From year to year Ghana Rock has been one miracle after another; God has been working in awesome ways with this group of teenagers. I know, without a doubt, it was solely because of Him that we’ve had success 2 years in a row (going on 3!). I know what some of you may have been thinking, “Gosh, this group of teenagers is outstanding! Look at what they have done!” I am not denying that this group of teenagers is a great group of people; however, we cannot take the credit for our success, it’s the Lord’s. Let’s face it ya’ll, I am on the team! Even with this deadweight (this blog was due two days ago…), our heavenly Father has granted us huge success! In Philippians 2:13, it is written, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” And in Romans 11:36, “For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.” I just wanted to remind myself and everyone that our God is great and it is through him that every good work comes. So let’s remember to praise him:
Psalm 29 -
“Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of his[a] holiness.
3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon leap like a calf,
Sirion[b] like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord strikes
with flashes of lightning.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the desert;
the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord twists the oaks[c]
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
11 The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.”
This is the God we serve. Let’s remember that throughout our days. Only through him can we do all that is good.
-Micah Levinson
“9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”- Philippians 1:9-11
From year to year Ghana Rock has been one miracle after another; God has been working in awesome ways with this group of teenagers. I know, without a doubt, it was solely because of Him that we’ve had success 2 years in a row (going on 3!). I know what some of you may have been thinking, “Gosh, this group of teenagers is outstanding! Look at what they have done!” I am not denying that this group of teenagers is a great group of people; however, we cannot take the credit for our success, it’s the Lord’s. Let’s face it ya’ll, I am on the team! Even with this deadweight (this blog was due two days ago…), our heavenly Father has granted us huge success! In Philippians 2:13, it is written, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” And in Romans 11:36, “For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.” I just wanted to remind myself and everyone that our God is great and it is through him that every good work comes. So let’s remember to praise him:
Psalm 29 -
“Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of his[a] holiness.
3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon leap like a calf,
Sirion[b] like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord strikes
with flashes of lightning.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the desert;
the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord twists the oaks[c]
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
11 The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.”
This is the God we serve. Let’s remember that throughout our days. Only through him can we do all that is good.
-Micah Levinson
“9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”- Philippians 1:9-11
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Rescue, Redeem, Revive.
"Over 7,000 children, right at this very moment, are in bondage. They have no hope, no future, and certainly no peace in their souls. I can picture little children with tears streaming down their faces because they have been worked harder than any human being. I can hear the bittersweet cry of a child simply desiring to be loved or even just cuddled. I can smell the stench of uncaring masters who only utilize these sweet, young souls for their own financial gain and don't even dare consider the spiritual and physical pain they’re inflicting. I have never stepped foot on Ghana’s soil, but I already care deeply for each and every one of those innocent children of God. I know that until every single child slave is brought to freedom, my heart will still yearn to help those still trapped. WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN when the rescuing of children lies within our grasp. We will do all that we can do, and do all of it through Christ. We pray He will guide us in the correct footsteps. We believe these children need a massive voice and Ghana Rock can be a part of that voice. We shout to Rescue, Redeem and Revive.~ Lauren Blakey"
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Ghana Rock 2013!
Welcome all! We are back! If you can believe it, Ghana Rock is now entering its third year; planning sessions are starting back up, dates are being plotted, and artists are being called. Last year was a huge success: God blessed us even in our weakest moments, and His blessings- in one sense you all, your prayers and support- led to the freeing and housing of 17 kids on the lake (the money to save the 18th is there, but the child hasn’t been identified yet. But for those saved; please scroll down to read more about them and our trip!). Seeing their smiling faces made the entire struggle worth it, and it’s a struggle we’re about to step right back into, hopeful of what God has in store for us, and the others still on the lake.
So, to update you guys, our team has changed a bit! A few members from last year-Madi, Katie, and Katy- have graduated, and are off in college, and a few new faces have entered to fill the gaps. So, it’s difficult to imagine Ghana Rock without Madi’s leadership. Her dream, her mission, started this, but here’s the thing: we know God’s purpose carried it through. And now, we believe God’s purpose is with us, a similar group of teens with the same mission and certainly the same purpose. There are nine of us, and over the course of the next few months, we hope that through this blog, and through local events, you all will get a feel for each of our hearts. John, Sam, Micah, Kelsey, Randy, Lexi, Lauren, Harrison, Helen, and Andrew; that’s us, and we’re oh so excited.
As we begin, and as this excitement pulls us forward, you guys need to know that both in Ghana and here there are so many things to pray for; here are a few:
-That 18th kid! He/she is out there! Pray that they would be brought in to City of Refuge soon, quickly, and safely.
-The kids are back in school, but it’s tough to acclimate after a life on the lake. Pray for their peace and comfort in City of Refuge.
-Health over there is always a concern, just as it is over here whenever so many little kids are running around. Pray that they would stay healthy!
-The school run by City of Refuge is open to the local village kids as well, but they can’t go without the help of a sponsor. Pray that sponsors would be found so that those kids can be put in school, and not end up stuck in the same cycle that put other kids on the lake.
-Pray for a new Ghanain house-parent. It takes a special person to look after so many crazy lil’uns, but without one, life is much more difficult on the home. Pray for that search!
But, let’s close with this: though we start meeting, though we try our best, this ministry is NOTHING without the power of Christ. Whether we’re freed or enslaved physically, neither us nor those kids will have ANYTHING without the spiritual freedom that the power of Christ offers. Again, pray for us if you can, because we’re simply a rag-tag group of stressed our highschoolers; pray that Christ would prepare all of us for a night of praise and prayer for a purpose- to Rescue, Redeem, and Revive.
We’re so excited to be a part of this!
In Christ!
Your 2013 Ghana Rock Team.
ghanarock.org
facebook.com/ghanarock
twitter.com/ghanarock
So, to update you guys, our team has changed a bit! A few members from last year-Madi, Katie, and Katy- have graduated, and are off in college, and a few new faces have entered to fill the gaps. So, it’s difficult to imagine Ghana Rock without Madi’s leadership. Her dream, her mission, started this, but here’s the thing: we know God’s purpose carried it through. And now, we believe God’s purpose is with us, a similar group of teens with the same mission and certainly the same purpose. There are nine of us, and over the course of the next few months, we hope that through this blog, and through local events, you all will get a feel for each of our hearts. John, Sam, Micah, Kelsey, Randy, Lexi, Lauren, Harrison, Helen, and Andrew; that’s us, and we’re oh so excited.
As we begin, and as this excitement pulls us forward, you guys need to know that both in Ghana and here there are so many things to pray for; here are a few:
-That 18th kid! He/she is out there! Pray that they would be brought in to City of Refuge soon, quickly, and safely.
-The kids are back in school, but it’s tough to acclimate after a life on the lake. Pray for their peace and comfort in City of Refuge.
-Health over there is always a concern, just as it is over here whenever so many little kids are running around. Pray that they would stay healthy!
-The school run by City of Refuge is open to the local village kids as well, but they can’t go without the help of a sponsor. Pray that sponsors would be found so that those kids can be put in school, and not end up stuck in the same cycle that put other kids on the lake.
-Pray for a new Ghanain house-parent. It takes a special person to look after so many crazy lil’uns, but without one, life is much more difficult on the home. Pray for that search!
But, let’s close with this: though we start meeting, though we try our best, this ministry is NOTHING without the power of Christ. Whether we’re freed or enslaved physically, neither us nor those kids will have ANYTHING without the spiritual freedom that the power of Christ offers. Again, pray for us if you can, because we’re simply a rag-tag group of stressed our highschoolers; pray that Christ would prepare all of us for a night of praise and prayer for a purpose- to Rescue, Redeem, and Revive.
We’re so excited to be a part of this!
In Christ!
Your 2013 Ghana Rock Team.
ghanarock.org
facebook.com/ghanarock
twitter.com/ghanarock
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Meet Florence
Florence is very skinny and frail, which you can tell by the pictures. She has been drinking a nutrition drink daily to help her gain some weight or "tea" depending on what you'd like to call it. Florence will be going to Faith Roots International Academy in September with the other rescued kids. She is currently working on learning English, which I have no doubt she will pick up quickly.
-Mads
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