Hello friends,

I wanted to share with you this “Call of Consecration” that Nina and Ryan Landis have been lead to and have encouraged others to respond to as well.  We are entering into a new season…what is your heart feeling?

‘I am writing this note to explain and invite any and all who would like to join my husband and I on a 40 Day Fast For The Eye Gates Of California. Beginning July 24th and ending September 2nd…

…………………….
CONSECRATED – Solemnly dedicated to or set apart for a high purpose; “A life consecrated to God.”
A solemn commitment of your life or your time to some cherished purpose (to a service or a goal)
…………………….

The tensions are rising in the earth and the lines are getting blurry between what is Holy and what is not. I believe that the Lord is extending an invitation in the next 40 days for a people to step into a greater understanding of what is truly Holy, what our eyes were made to behold and the impact that we as the BODY of CHRIST have on the earth as we let the LORD, and no one else, define for us what is compromise.

About two months ago the Lord began speaking to me about “the little compromises”. In SOS Chapter 2 verse 15 it says “Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.” This passage is a reference to “little compromises” that spoil OUR vine, the vine of our hearts.
As the Lord began to speak to me about personal “little compromises” it quickly began to unfold in many areas of life, not to mention the region of California.

Recently Lou Engle came out to California for a Pre-Call Rally and as he was sharing with firey zeal as he always does, he began to speak once again about the Nazarite “Call”. Nazarites were called to a different level of consecration than others. The Lord asked them to set themselves apart in many ways from their peers and even fellow lovers of God. It’s not that the Nazarites were “better” than the others, they just had an invitation to step in to a greater measure of consecration. So what ended up being “compromise” for them maybe wasn’t at all “compromise” for another.
I feel like there are people that are called to a LIFE of extreme consecration but that sometimes we are called to SEASONS of extreme consecration…

IT’S NOT ABOUT RELIGION, IT’S AN INVITATION!

I am believing God as I fast and contend and consecrate my eyes over the next 40 days to escort in a new definition of Holiness and Consecration not just for my family but for the entire state of California. A definition that comes from God and God alone! Not from the current culture, not from the way I’ve been raised or what I’ve been taught, not from the medias definition or from entertainments standards…But from the Spirit of the Living God rising up inside of HIS body of believers! ESPECIALLY His body in California…

SO WHY CALIFORNIA AND WHY NOW?!

On September 4th in Sacramento California there will once again be a CALL to consecration! God’s people will gather together with one heart and one voice to humble themselves in the site of the Lord and repent on behalf of this nation. I believe, along with many other people, that California is a “gate” to the rest of the United States. What happens here, effects our entire country in a GREAT way.
This 40 day fast for the EYE GATES OF CALIFORNIA, beginning on July 24th and ending on September 2nd will usher in a united cry for a HOLY shift to take place in California and our nation…

It’s counter culture, it’s politically incorrect, it’s uncomfortable…BUT IT’S TIME!

We will personally be fasting any and all movies, television, visual entertainment, media, etc. Those things that grab the attention of our eye gates…ultimately the access to our hearts. I am asking that you Join us in consecrating YOUR eyes, in seeking the Lord for HIS definition of compromise for YOU, and committing to shed off any and all numbed out, dumbed down, definitions of HOLINESS that we have gradually become so accustomed to.

I emphasize this one thing again, “It’s not about religion, judging, or striving”…It’s an INVITATION of GRACE for greater consecration. Will you join us? Will you step into this level of Grace, and will you let the Spirit of the Living God re-define your inner man?

With Zeal for HIS HOUSE in my heart,
Nina Landis’

LAUS DEO

Do you know what it means?

One detail that is never mentioned is that in Washington, D.C. there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument.

With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc., this is worth a moment or two of your time. I was not aware of this amazing historical information.

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., are displayed two words: Laus Deo.

No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn’t care less.

Once you know Laus Deo’s history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. These words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.

Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.

So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say ‘ Praise be to God!’

Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States , it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo ‘Praise be to God!’

From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l’Enfant…a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west

A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.

Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message.

When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique republic ‘One Nation, Under God.‘

I am awed by Washington’s prayer for America. Have you ever read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!

‘Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.‘

Laus Deo!

When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation’s capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. You may forget the width and height of ‘Laus Deo ‘, its location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning, or these words: ‘Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.‘ (Psalm 127: 1)

Thanks for reading,

Patrick Judah

p.s. this article was not written by me

Hey friends,

Just wanted to share some Patriotic and God Blessing American tunes that reflect our Nations HISTORY and Beginnings!

“Praise the Power that has made and preserved us a nation”,

Patrick Judah

Hey guys,

I just finished my first International House of Prayer University eSchool class and it was amazing!  I wanted to share this video clip and review from the IHOP-KC Blog of the class that I just took.

http://blog.ihop.org/product-reviews/from-eschool-a-life-of-communion-with-god-session-1-reviewed/

I strongly recommend this class to those of you that are interested.  I feel that the teachings that are coming out of IHOPU are 100% biblical and filled with encouragement to go deeper with Christ!  Here’s a course demo you can check out at http://eschool.ihop.org/course/view.php?id=3

Blessings,

Patrick Judah

This message moved me!  I do not care if you dislike rap, hip hop, or poetry…YOU NEED TO TURN YOUR EARS TO HEAR THIS MESSAGE AND POSTURE YOUR HEART TO RECEIVE IT!!!  Listen closely because it’s truth will convict as Jose speaks deeply on issues that many of us (including ME!) have a hard time hearing and actually receiving with humility and walking out.

ENJOY!

Thanks for watching! Check out more about Jose and others at this website: www.p4cm.com/

Also, feel free to check out other posts on my site and leave feedback

Blessings,

Patrick Judah

Developing a Supernatural Lifestyle: A Practical Guide to a Life of Signs, Wonders, and Miracles by Kris Vallotton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“You are the bridge between history and His story.” Kris Vallotton

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this book. For starters the first chapter is titled, “History Makers”! Just this chapter alone is filled with encouraging words for those of you that are called to impact the globe (which is all of us!). From start to end, Kris gives great instruction and strategy while calling us to take our stand with Christ and with the love of Christ against a society of darkness. In this he reveals a great key to our warfare, “We are to be honorably confronting with people.” This is a reality that I am growing in and feel like it is something all believers must be equipped with. The revelation and truth in this book will break down your walls of thinking and start getting you excited about what’s in front of you. In this stirring it will cause you to start taking big steps into the supernatual! Kris outlines his own personal core values, as well those for a supernatural ministry to help encourage the reader to take serious the importance of having this foundation. There is a new mind set and pair of lenses that are revealed through Kris’ own personal walk with Christ that he shares as well as some great insight on the heart and words of Christ. The whole book is filled with scripture and examples of those mentioned in the Bible that walked in the supernatural. This really is a practical guide and it will renew your mind and open your eyes to start seeing things that you have heard before, but in a very new and inspiring way. One of Kris’ personal stories that completely blew my mind, was about his walk in the prophetic. It is an incredible story and because I want you to read it yourself I will just quote the last sentence, “You can alter the course of world history through prophetic declarations.” So if you are done with just hearing about the supernatural lifestyle and you want to start encountering it…this book will give you direction and encouragement to jump right in!

View all my reviews >>

“You want me to tell you why God is to be loved and how much. I answer, the reason for loving God is God Himself.”

ernard of Clairvaux is this months mystic, also known as the, “the mellifluous doctor”. Bernard was very passionate with his work for the Lord and because of it he had a great deal of influence with the religious, political, and military leaders of his day.  Bernard was sought after for advice from people in all walks of life and his words and works were highly respected.  It was said of Bernards personality that it, “was so attractive, his power of persuasion so difficult to withstand, that we are told that mothers hid their children and wives clung to their spouses lest he seduce them into the monastery.” The life of Bernard intrigues me so much because it is a rarity in these days to see a man of God with such passion for Christ and influence on the “leaders” around him.  Saint Bernard carried a lot of weight in the 12th Century and although like every human being, he had his flaws, he shaped history for the better.


Bernard’s father was a knight that died in battle and his mother passed when he was at a young age.  In 1098 Bernard joined a monastic community of reformed Benedictines in Citeaux along with 30 of his friends, relatives, and family members from the neighborhood.  This shows the influence that he had at a young age! The community received a fresh breath of life and continued to grow as well as heavily impact the Western way of monachism.  It was here that Bernard wished to live hidden and forgotten, concerned only with God.  Due to the rapid growth of the community they sent out Bernard and 11 others to establish a monastery in Clairvaux in 1115.  Before the monastery was established the town was called Wormwood and was a haven for thieves.   It was here in Clairvaux where Bernard was positioned as abbot and was launched into a world of popularity in and outside of the religious world.


The new established monastery grew fast and rapidly accumulated 130 monks.  It was known that Bernard was strict with fasting and eating habits and became ill, but he was restored and lightened up on his strict eating rules with his monastery.  He felt led to start preaching and because of his eloquent preaching style, he was sought from all over and people started flocking to hear Bernard of Clairvaux.   It was said by Erasmus, author of, Art of Preaching, “Bernard is an eloquent preacher, much more by nature than by art; he is full of charm and vivacity, and knows how to reach and move the affections.” The teachings brought many, but Bernard was also operating in healing and miracles, thus bringing throngs of sick people in order to get touched and healed.  There are said to be accounts of sick people whom Bernard healed by making the sign of the cross over them.


Bernard longed for a life of contemplation in Clairvaux, but his reputation was wide spread and sought after by princes, popes, and other high ranking leaders in the religious and political arenas. Because of this Bernard was traveling all over Europe.  He once wrote that his life was, “overrun everywhere by anxieties, suspicions, cares. There is scarcely an hour free from the crowd of discordant applicants, and the troubles and cares of their business. I have no power to stop their coming and cannot refuse to see them, and they do not leave me even time to pray.” Bernard himself sought after justice and longed to see righteous men in “church” positions.  The words of Bernard swayed many high up churchmen to change their ways and humble themselves.  Bernard said to the dean of Languedoc: “You may imagine that what belongs to the Church belongs to you, while you officiate there. But you are mistaken; for though it is reasonable that one who serves the altar should live by the altar, yet it must not be to promote either his luxury or his pride.”


In 1130 the death of Pope Honorius II brought Bernard into the middle of a highly disputed election.  It was a show down between Innocent II and Anacletus II.  Anacletus had Rome in its grasp but Bernard in Innocent’s defense was able to persuade a panel of bishops that Anacletus was a “worldly man” and that Innocent was the one to be pope.  His defense was heard and Innocent the II became the pope.  It was here where Bernard traveled with the Pope and preached as he went, bringing reconciliation, harmony, healing, miracles, and decisions for Christ! Bernard himself was offered bishop positions, but they were all declined and he decided to focus his time at Clairvaux.  It was his days in Clairvaux where he was able to spend his time on his sermons and writings.  Bernard never ceased to see righteousness in the land with the advancing of the Lords Kingdom, although he was heavily opposed by heresies of the time.  These heresies eventually gained momentum, thus thrusting Europe into the second Crusade of 1146, the Pope had Bernard to preach the Holy War. The second Crusade was a complete failure and Bernard received a lot of criticism for this, in his defense he said, “”How is it,” he asked, “that the rashness of mortals dares condemn what they cannot understand?”


In his aging and tiredness he returned to Clairvaux and continued in his meditations and writings.  His works include Grace and Free Choice, On Loving God, and his very well known commentary on Song of Songs which is comprised of 86 sermons as well as many more prolific writings from his lifetime.  On August 20^, 1153 he gathered those who were close to him and had his Last Sacrament and passed away at the age of 63.

Commenting on Song of Songs 2:17 in his seventy-fourth sermon on the book:

“I have to confess that the Word has come to me, and come often… As often as he would enter into me, I didn’t perceive the different times when he came. I perceived he was present; I remembered that he had been there. Now and then I would be able to get a premonition of his coming, but never perceive it, or sense it when he left (Ps 120:8). Where he came from when he entered my soul, or where he went to when he left it again, and whatever the means were of his entry and exit, I must confess I’m still quite ignorant of… But perhaps he does not have to enter because he is already within? He is not something on the outside (I Cor 5:12)… Since his ways are beyond all investigation (Rom 11:33), you may want to ask how I could know that he was present? He is life and power, and as soon as he came within he roused my sleeping soul to instant wakefulness. He moved and mollified and wounded my heart (Song 4:9), since it was hard as a rock and desperately ill. And then he began to root up and to destroy, to build and to plant, to water what was parched, to enlighten what was dark (Jer 1:10), to set free what was chained up, to set on fire what was cold, as well as to set the crooked ways straight and rough ways plain (Is 40:4), so that my soul might bless the Lord, and all that is in me might bless his holy name (Ps 102:1). Therefore, when the Word and Bridegroom entered into me from time to time, his coming was never made known by any signs – by word, or appearance, or footstep. I was never made aware by any action on his part, nor by any kinds of motion sent down to my most inward parts. As I have said, it was only from the motion of my heart that I understood he was present. And I recognized the power of his might from the way vices were banished and how carnal desires were repressed… This is all true, because when the Word has departed, just as if a boiling pot had been removed from the fire, all these things began to become frigid and cold by a kind of torpor. This was the sign of his going away – my soul would necessarily be sad until he returned once more. When my heart was re-kindled in the usual way within me, I knew that it was that sign of his return.” The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism, Bernard McGinn (editor), (New York: the Modern Library, 2006), p 222-4.

Some of Bernard’s focuses were Centrality of Love, Ordering, Preoccupation with Union, and Inclusion of Experience which have been brought into “Mystical Theology”.


I know that God is raising up passionate and influential believers in this day.  I pray that we set apart our hearts on the things of Christ and not allow us to be influenced by the “ways of the world” but that we may influence the influencers and carry a spirit of reconciliation wherever we go because it is the ministry that Christ has given us (2 Corinthians 5:18).


Thank you for reading.


Blessings,


Patrick Judah


Sources:


http://www.ewtn.com/library/mary/bernard2.htm


http://www.nndb.com/people/681/000094399/

Prayer has been a powerful, long lasting belief of our Forefathers and of the people of our Country!

Weather or not a “day of prayer” is nationally recognized by today’s “leaders”, it will always be A WAY OF LIFE for those that truly understand the beginnings of this nation and the favor and grace that have been bestowed to this great nation by our loving Father and Creator.  Prayer is the language that the Lord has blessed His people with to communicate and to receive guidance and wisdom.  The fact that this nation is questioning one day of recognizing the importance of prayer shows us that WE THE PEOPLE need to stand strong in these days and pray for our nation and leaders EVERY DAY!

Let us reflect on some of the days and  words from our founding fathers in regards to the importance of prayer and this nation:

April 15, 1775 John Hancock: A Day of Pubic Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer

“…to confess the sins…to implore the Forgiveness of all our Transgressions…and a blessing on the Husbandry, Manufactures, and other lawful Employments of this People; and especially that the union of the American Colonies in Defense of their Rights (for hitherto we desire to thank Almighty GOD) may be preserved and confirmed….And that AMERICA may soon behold a gracious Interposition of Heaven.”

March 16th, 1776 Continental Congress: Appointed Day of Fasting and Prayer for Colonies

“The Congress….Desirous…to have people of all ranks and degrees duly impressed with a solemn sense of God’s superintending providence, and of their duty, devoutly to rely…on his aid and direction…”

July 9, 1776 Continental Congress: Ringing of the “Liberty Bell” to establish prayer as a daily part of the new nation.

IT’S TIME TO RING THE BELL AGAIN!!!

March 6th 1799 President John Adams: Day of Solemn Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer

“That they call to mind our numerous offenses against the most high God, confess them before Him with the sincerest penitence, implore his pardoning mercy, through the Great Mediator and Redeemer, for our past transgressions, and that through the grace of His Holy Spirit, we may be disposed and enabled to yield a more suitable obedience to his righteous requisitions in time to come.”

October 18th, 1780 Continental Congress: Proclamation for a Day of Public Thanksgiving and Prayer

“That all the people may assemble on that day to celebrate the praises of our Divine Benefactor; to confess our unworthiness of the least of his favours, and to offer our fervent supplications to the God of all grace…to cause the knowledge of Christianity to spread over all the earth.”

March 4, 1805 Thomas Jefferson: A National Prayer for Peace

“…Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.  Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitude brought hither out of many kindred’s and tongues.  Endow with Thy spirit of wisdom those to whom in Thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth.  In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.”

September 26, 1861 Abraham Lincoln: National Day of Prayer and Fasting

“…It is peculiarly fit for us to recognize the hand of God in this terrible visitation, and in sorrowful remembrance of our own faults and crimes as a nation and as individuals, to humble ourselves before Him and to pray for His mercy…that the inestimable boon of civil and religious liberty, earned under His guidance and blessing by the labors and sufferings of our fathers, may be restored.”

March 30, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln: Proclamation Appointing a National Fast day

“We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven.  We have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity.  We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown.  But we have forgotten God.  We have forgotten the gracious Hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own.  Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!”

January 25, 1988 Congress of United States: National Day of Prayer

“Let us, young and old, join together, as did the First Continental Congress, in the first step-humble, heartfelt prayer.  Let us do so for the Love of God and His great goodness, in search of His guidance and the grace of repentance, in seeking His blessings, His peace, and the resting of His kind and holy hands on ourselves, our Nation, our friends in the defense of freedom, and all mankind, now and always.” President Reagan

“From General Washington’s struggle at Valley Forge to the present, this Nation has fervently sought and received divine guidance as it pursued the course of history. This occasion provides our Nation with an opportunity to further recognize the source of our blessings, and to seek His help for the challenges we face today and in the future.” President Reagan

We have been called to these days, FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS! May the wrongs of this nation drive us to our knees in prayer for the Will of the Father to be established here on earth as it is in heaven.  One voice, one heart, one spirit; crying out to the Father for His LOVE to breakout and for His LIGHT to breakthrough!


Thanks for reading,


Patrick Judah

p.s. Other related articles:


http://www.ihop.org/Publisher/Article.aspx?ID=1000066807


http://blog.ihop.org/general/national-day-of-prayer-opening-letter-from-mike-bickle-lou-engle-brian-kim/


http://nationaldayofprayer.org/ , http://nationaldayofprayer.org/about/history/


Sources: America’s God and Country: Encyclopedia Of Quotations, Wikipedia

40 Years of Mexico Outreach!

March 27th marked the beginning of the 40th year of the APU Mexico Outreach, as well as the launch of my first mission trip with my wife and baby in the womb!

It really was a life changing experience for me and hopefully for the adults and children in the village of Mexicali that we ministered to.

The long drive down was great because it allowed us in the “Smurf Mobile” to connect on a deeper level before we got to our campsite.  I would imagine that Jesus had a lot of His intimate talks with the disciples while walking from town to town…just a thought.  We also got to see healing after we prayed for one of our drivers who had gotten a mouth infection and for one of our leaders who had back pain! What a great way to start the trip.

We were the second team to arrive at the big open dirt field.  It was pretty much empty.  So we parked the 5th wheel and started unloading and setting up.  There were 6 tents up and a big tent of meeting…to meet in After the tents were up, the spit hole dug, and the chairs out, we were all settled in and ready for an adventure.  We had arrived a day earlier than most teams so it was nice to settle in and prepare our hearts for the next 5 days.  After eating and some fellowship we all quietly slipped into our sleeping bags and fell asleep.

The first morning (Saturday) wasn’t like the rest of the week because we got to sleep a little longer (well as long as you can sleep through roosters crowing) and hang out.  By the end of the day the empty dirt field turned into “tent city”.

(See the 5th wheel on the left at the edge of the tent line and the white capped tent near the back? That’s our site!)

Sunday: It was official; the music was blaring at 6:30am followed with a big greeting, “GOOD MORNING CUERNAVACA!!!” We rolled outta our tents and made it in time for breakfast and ate fast so we could get to chapel.  We started each morning this way for the rest of the week.  It is always good to start off each day with worship and a message, plus it was powerful to be with 1,000 plus other members going after Jesus. 

Once the message ended, our team gathered and loaded up to head to the church in the village.  When our four vehicles pulled up, the kids swarmed each car! It was so awesome to be greeted with big smiles and wide eyes!  There was a lot of excitement in the hard dirt parking lot.  Most of the team that had been there in previous years were looking for the kids that they remembered most…as for us newbies, well there were plenty of kids to love on.  We said our “hola’s” and played around until the morning service started.  The church building was not very big and had plastic chairs to sit in.  Pastor Eduardo and the rest of the church family were all smiles.  We were asked to lead worship and had one of our team members share a message.  It was a day of great unity.  After church we headed over to the pastors house and had AMAZING TACOS and played with all 30-40 of the kids out in the street.  It was a blast.  Then back to the church for some more worship and preaching from Pastor Eduardo!  Some of us got to share our testimonies and the Holy Spirit was moving all through out the body in Freedom! After a full day and night we drove back to the site, ate, and fell fast asleep.

Monday: We started Vacation Bible School!  It was a blast to share scriptures, act out a skit, make some fun crafts, and enjoy a snack with them!  Monday’s theme was LOVE, Tuesday was NEW LIFE, Wednesday was LIGHT, and or last day was JOY!   When V.B.S. would end, we would have lunch as a team and then go back to the village to play with all the kids.  We would spend hours spinning kids in circles, giving them piggy back rides, playing games, and just blessing them in any way we could. Monday night the pastor’s family got to come back to our campground to have dinner and chapel with us, it was good to get to know them in that setting.

Tuesday: After VBS it was our community work day! This was a great time of blessing the school in the village with a makeover.  We bought some bright colors of paint and uprooted the old tires out in the playground.  We were able to replace the old tires with some better ones that were found in the nearby ditch.  Once we replaced the old tires with the “new”, we decked them out in some bright fresh paint!

Wednesday: After VBS and playing in the village we went back to the church for an evening service.  The worship team was off the hook and the lead singer would switch the song verses from English to Spanish very well.  One of our team members, Travis, actually saw the cloud of the Holy Spirit come down from the ceiling and through the walls; filling the entire church building! The entire evening was full of freedom and love!

Thursday:  This was not an easy day for our team!  We all knew that at the end of the day we had to say goodbye to these kids that had stolen our hearts!  But we poured out all we had left at VBS and playing under the hot sun out in the dirt street.  Of course we still had enough energy and even more love when it came to the fiesta! We set up games, had face painting, and tons of candy to hand out…it was a blast!!!  Then we all went back to pastors house and they made some delicious chicken with rice, beans, and potato wedges; so tasty!  It was one big happy family enjoying each others company over a nice home cooked meal.  We all gave our last drop when it came to playing with the kids.  After exchanging presents, hugs, laughter, tears, and final goodbyes; the amazing night came to an end.

The pictures and memories will always be there to look back on and whether I make it back there or not (I pray that I do), they will always be in my heart! The impact that the kids and families had on me will last a lifetime!

(Me and my five year old friend, Criston)

Thanks for reading!

God Bless,

Patrick Judah

p.s. here are some links to my picture albums:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=161405&id=510317042&l=c1cb63b0aa

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=161950&id=510317042&l=70003629e2

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=162073&id=510317042&l=d4fd3467d7

Now that the celebration week of Saint Patrick is over and his name has quickly been forgotten by those that see it as just another day, allow me to finish the third part of my research on the Saint…not the Day.  For those of you that are just tuning in, check out my last two post to get caught up!

http://historyishiring.com/the-saint-not-the-day/

http://historyishiring.com/a-dream-that-changed-history/

The year is 432 A.D. and St. Patrick and his small entourage just landed on the shores of Ireland.  Upon arrival the team of strangers to the land were spotted and confronted by chief master, Dichu.  Not only was Dichu’s Patrick’s first contact, he was his host, FIRST CONVERT, and he also gave Patrick his barn for a church! That should give you an idea of how powerful God was working through Patrick from the start!

Of course this was only the beginning.  Patrick was extremely bold and passionate about his message of the GOSPEL and he took it directly to the top pagans and druids with a daring statement!  It was the eve of Easter (March 24^th according to the calendars of their time) when Laoghaire, High King of Ireland, was also celebrating an ancient druidic ritual and festival with the people from the land.  It was a sacred lighting of a fire said to symbolize the “resurrection of the life-giving sun from the winter’s death”.  So on that eve this WAS to be the first fire lit from the royal hill.  St. Patrick and his team had other plans; they strategically posted up on the hill across from the royal hill and camped out until the darkness came.   It was in this darkness when St. Patrick lit up a flame that challenged and defied all that the druids stood for!  This defying flame was seen by the king and all the druids and enraged them.  The account told by Muirchu (7th Century biographer)

“And St. Patrick was called to the king outside the place where the fire had been kindled.  And the magicians said to their people, “let us not rise up at the approach of this fellow; for whosoever rises up at the approach of this fellow will afterwards believe in him and worship him.”

At last Patrick rose; and when he saw their many chariots and horses, he came to them, singing with voice and heart, very appropriately, the following verse of the Psalmist:  “Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses; but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God.”  They, however, did not rise at his approach.  But only one, helped by the Lord, who willed not to obey the words of the magicians, rose up.  This was Ercc, the son of Daig, whose relics are now venerated in the city called Slane.  And Patrick blessed him; and he believed in the everlasting God.

And when they began to parley with one another, the second magician, named Lochru, was insolent in the Saint’s presence, and had the audacity, with swelling words to disparage the Catholic faith.  As he uttered such things, St. Patrick regarded him with a stern glance, as Peter once looked on Simon; and powerfully, with a loud voice, he confidently addressed the Lord and said, “O Lord, Who canst do all things, and in Whose power all things hold together, and who hast sent me hither-as for this impious man who blasphemes Thy name, let him now be taken out of this and die speedily.”  And when he had spoken thus, the magician was caught up into the air, and then let fall from above, and, his skull striking on a rock, he was dashed to pieces and killed before their faces; and the heathen folk were dismayed.”

St. Patrick knew that he had to bring this message of love and power to the top.  I believe it was displayed in a very eye opening way with this encounter that was just described.  After gaining this type of attention from the head of the land St. Patrick continued to spread the gospel through out the rest of the land.  If the kings or leaders of a tribe were not converted on the spot, he would get access for him and his team to set up camp near the people of the village.  It was here where they were able to organize a “community” center.  The team would then engage with the village people through conversation, ministry, prayer, preaching, as well as the visual arts.  The Irish people are very well known for their visual arts, this was one of the things that Patrick was able to pick up on in his time as a slave.  The ministry team would spend weeks to months in a place until they felt led by the Lord to build a Church.  St. Patrick would baptize and disciple the converts in this time and raise them up.  Patrick and his team would go from tribe to tribe doing this same thing.  They would often leave behind one of his disciples to pastor one of the newly established churches and the cycle would continue!

Mind you in this time, the successors of the bishops that sent St. Patrick on this mission to Ireland were not rejoicing in all the good news that was being shared. No, they were angered that he was spending priority time with the “barbarians”, “sinners”, and “pagans”! Of course this happened to Jesus as well.

(Croagh Patrick, St. Patrick spent 40 days of fasting on this mountain in prayer for the people of Ireland)

The reason St. Patrick was so successful in his mission was because of his apostolic approach, it was more of a movement than an institution. His ministry was set up in a way to convert whole tribe’s not just individuals.  Because of his “mission stations” the faith was more caught than taught.  It is said that he baptized many thousands of people in his time as well as planting nearly 700 churches and ordaining close to 1,000 priests! With his strong mission movement St. Patrick was able to convert about 30-40 if not more, of the 150 tribes in Ireland!  Patrick also preached against slavery and was able to see the end of the Irish slave trade in his time.

Remember these “barbarians” that no one wanted to approach?  Do you have any one in you life that you look at as impossible to reach?  May the life of St. Patrick inspire you and show you that nothing is impossible with the Living God.  His ministry lasted 28 years, but because the model that he left, many were able to be saved years later.

Irish Prayer:

Three folds of the cloth, yet only one napkin is there,

Three joints in the finger, but still only one finger fair;

Three leaves of the shamrock, yet no more than one shamrock to wear,

Frost, snow-flakes and ice, all in water their origin share,

Three Persons in God, to one God alone we make prayer.

Well with that being said, I will be going on my FIRST MISSIONS TRIP TOMORROW!  My wife and I will be going to Mexicali with our church for a week!  I am really excited and can’t wait to serve and minister the good news! Pray for us this week.

God Bless,

Patrick Judah

p.s. check out this IHOP St. Patrick’s celebration! http://www.ihop.org/Articles/1000047198/International_House_of/Resources/IHOP_KC_Video/Home_Page/Misc/St_Patricks_Day.aspx

Source:  The Celtic Way of Evangelism: How Christianity Can Reach the West…Again – George G. Hunter III

Source:  Sixteen Centuries With Ireland’s Patron Saint Patrick- Alice-Boyd Proudfoot