Barber Family Update

I love that we have a God that is so close to us that we can feel him move. Whether its a huge break through or something small but reassuring. We have a God that moves. He moves here in America and he moves overseas. In homes that are broken, in homes that are whole, in churches that are overflowing and in one on ones in coffee shops. When God moves there is always a mark that is left. Sometimes he changes lives, communities, or countries, and sometimes he changes an individual heart. Where ever he moves he leaves an impression.
I believe in this God that moves. That is why my family and I have stopped the lives we knew to relentlessly pursue and serve this God that moves. We want to be a part of the lives he is touching, at home, overseas, at McDonalds, the grocery store, and our backyard. We want to be on call 24-7.
We're starting off here in YWAM Los Angeles, serving on the base and in local ministries. In a few weeks we'll spend a short time in Mexico, and then we'll be pouring into the lives of teens and college age students as they participate in short discipleship schools this summer. We want to see God move in the lives around us. We want to see people discover who they are, who God is, and who they are in Christ, and then equip them to go into the nations and into their communities and impact the world with what they have learned. This is what we are devoted to. This is what we are called to, Discipling, loving, and spreading the word and love of God.
If you want to be a part of what we are doing. If you want to partner with us please contact us. We are never too busy to talk to you! We want to know that we have people standing with us in prayer and in support. We would love to share more with you about what our family is doing, and how you can be involved.
Blessings,
Robert, Jenny, and Lily Barber
Youth With A Mission Los Angeles
11141 Osborne St. Lakeview Terrace, Ca 91342
robertandjennybarber@yahoo.com
(559) 760-5160

Shannon Envisions Gabon

We are so excited to send Shannon Lundberg to Gabon for 6 weeks. Read more in her prayer letter below!

But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD,
That I may declare all Your works. -Psalm 73:28

Gabon, Africa
March 29th- May 12th 2011 (44 days)

●Over 20 million children have been orphaned by AIDS worldwide.
●88% of people living with HIV, and 92% of AIDS deaths have been in Africa.
●Gabon has a population of more than 1.5 million with a high mortality rate due to HIV/AIDS.
As I leave for Africa, I'm embarking on a mission very dear to my heart; reaching out to the children all across the world. I'd love to take a moment and share a little bit about what I'll be doing with you, my Stirring family.
This is my first mission trip and to me it is so much more than just 6 ½ weeks of serving somewhere. This is what I've been called to do. This is the dream that God has invited me into and made my heart burn for! I feel like I’ve been waiting to go for forever but that’s because ever since God’s given me these dreams I've wanted to be living them. This is what I was created to live and fight for! Going to Africa on a short term mission trip may not seem that big, but for six weeks it’s everything to me. For now it’s me starting my journey and going, and it’s just the beginning of something big. Libreville, Gabon
I'm going to Libreville which is the capital of Gabon, a republic located in on the western coast of Africa. I've had the privilege of serving with the Envision of the Christian Missionary Alliance (CMA). I'll be living on the Envision base with a group of the CMA's missionaries. Each day I'll be traveling to the near by House of Hope (run by Envision) for orphaned and abandoned children. This is where I plan to spend most of my time, with these kids. I'll be teaching them, playing with them, taking them places, but most important just loving them. This really is a chance for me to do what God has called me to do, taking care of and loving His little children. And while today it may only be for six weeks, tomorrow it may be for the rest of my life.
I am really looking forward to what the Lord has planned and I need your prayers to help me fully carry out this mission and blessing that I have been given. You can play a vital part in my ministry through your prayer support. I know God is at work in Africa and I just want to be able to take part in what He is doing. I'm expecting to see the impossible as well as witnessing those small moments where God is opening eyes and hearts towards Him. And I really am just praying that this trip would be full of God and that He would bless me with wisdom, understanding, strength, compassion, boldness, faith, and love!
If you would like to write, I’d enjoy hearing from you. If you’d like to contribute towards my expenses, make the check payable to Shannon Lundberg and send to my home address below.
1891 College View Dr.
Redding CA, 96003


I'll be keeping my blog updated while I'm gone, feel free to check it out!

http://adaughtersheart14.blogspot.com/

This is my address for my time in Africa. I'd love to hear from you!

BP 49 Lembamba
Gabon
Africa


I’m trusting that by God’s grace and your prayers, my time and service will be profitable for His glory.
With Love,
Shannon Lundberg

The Bakers Dozen

Sadly our time at Refilwe is coming to an end. We have had so many great memories here and the people have literally become family.
A few weeks ago, Piet and I met with the leaders of a ministry called Africa Ablaze. Piet grew up under this ministry when he was a lot younger. He attended the youth group and became a believer under the care of Africa Ablaze. This ministry runs weekend and weeklong camps for youth during the school holidays. They also go into schools and minister during morning assembly, plant churches in the rural farm areas, as well as host a career and life skills camp for youth who are a bit older.
I was taken a bit off guard when the Pastors offered us a position right on the spot. Our area of expertise would be working with youth who have just finished high school and need leadership skills, spiritual and job training. Africa Ablaze has partnerships with a few big companies that will pay for this gap year program and allow the students to do job shadowing. At the end of the year, the students will be able to come on staff at these businesses.
Piet and I went away from the meeting feeling different. We couldn’t imagine walking away from a program that we’ve worked so hard at building up. We’ve built strong relationships with these youth and how can we just leave with no one to follow behind? But, also, inside we felt a sense of peace. This program had such similarities, it was almost exactly what we were trying to achieve: to make the youth of this generation sustainable both spiritually and physically.
After praying about it long and hard, we decided that it was where God was definitely leading us for this point in our walk with him. After we made the decision, we learned that we would also be acquiring something from the ministry: free housing and electricity, food support from a local grocery store, a small cell phone and fuel stipend, as well as a small cash stipend. God is really taking care of us as we move forward in His perfect will.
This past weekend we moved into our new cottage (which is personally my 4th house in a year!!) and made it our own. We are excited about this new chapter in life. Please pray for us in our journey and email us direct if you want to hear more!
Jesus, lead on, we will follow.
The Bakers

Wedding Bells in South Africa

Leah and Piet were married on December 29th!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Bakers! We are so excited to welcome Piet as one of our new Stirring Missionaries

Barbers in Thailand

Our first two weeks in Thailand have been great. We spent the first couple pf days in Bangkok in an orientation into Thai culture. We learned about Buddhism and also how to find food. We went on a temple tour to get an even better idea of the influence of Buddhism in Thailand. While on the bus on our way back to YWAM Bangkok, from the Temple tour, the bus was beeping. We did not think anything of it, then the bus stopped and the driver ran past us and out the door and down into the Jungle. We were really confused, and then about two minutes later he returned with bottles full of river water that he then dumped on the overheating engine of the bus. That was when we realized that we were not in America anymore. We had to stop several more times for water for the bus but these times not were quite as funny. We did make it back alive and with a great story so we are grateful for that. We then got on another bus this time for 12 hours and traveled to Chiang Rai thailand. Chiang Rai is 40 minutes from the border of Burma. We are just down the street from Mae Fa Luang university and are spending most of our time working with a local university student ministry. We went camping in the Jungle and also put on a Christmas party for the university students. A young lady here gave her life to Christ at the Christmas party which completely made the whole trip. Yesterday we worked at Home of the Open Heart. This is an orphanage for children affected by AIDS. These kids were amazing and they loved to play. We played soccer and tag with them for 2 hours. We are having a great time here in Thailand and are making an impact for Christ. Please continue to pray for us that we will be bold, and for the health of our family and team.

P.S Lily is a hit. She has a ministry of her own here.

Much love,
The Barbers

The Lains Adoption from Ethiopia

We are very thankful this Thanksgiving season as we are in the process of adopting a beautiful 5 year old little girl from Ethiopia. After receiving approval from immigration we were able to review her information. The night before, we were praying about her and our adoption when Eli asked us to read the story of Deborah in his children's bible. The following morning we got her picture and found out that her name is Dibora which is the Ethiopian version of Deborah! (Her full name will be Acacia Dibora Lain). We are hoping to travel as early as February! The sooner the better!!!

We have been diligently writing grants for this adoption. The adoption will cost around 30,000 dollars total. We have paid 15,000 thus far from savings and we are believing that by His grace He will provide an additional 15,000 dollars through grants and donations from friends and family to be able to bring her home.

If you would like to join us in caring for orphans and help us bring our daughter home, http://www.thelains.blogspot.com now have a Donate Button on our blog page, www.thelains.blogspot.com, that you can use to make a donation via Paypal.

We are VERY thankful for all of you !!! We appreciate your prayers for patience, grace, perseverance, and provision as we wait! We are so thankful for the calling of God on our lives to care for orphans and to bring the good news of the Kingdom with us wherever we go...even to the ends of the earth in Mongolia! We really couldn't do it without you holding us up! We love you all and thank you for your sacrifices of prayer and financial support for His work in our lives overflowing onto others!

May we all praise Him on Thanksgiving day and everyday for the wonderful things He has done. Our King is enthroned on our praises! Thank Him for this awesome Holiday season!

Much love,
Larry and Krista Lain

Lains Prayer request

PRAISE THE LORD WITH US!!!
1. We are moved in to our new rental home with 2 rooms and a kitchen.
2. Though it is below freezing outside most everyday, we are toasty warm (wood-stove and radiator system with hot water heated by the stove)!!!
3. Our home is attached to a very small store plus an extra room...which will be converted into a Chapel/office and Fitness room at the end of the week when the occupants move out. How great of God to give us a house with a Chapel and Fitness room...a dream come true!!!
4. Larry's fitness project is under-way! A few guys have been working out in one of our bedrooms until the fitness room is available.
5. Krista found a potential language teacher to meet with a couple times a week. (Been without a teacher for 2 weeks)
6. Averi and Eli are really enjoying school! Averi started a new dance class! Praise Him for His Provision and His love for the little children!
7. God is meeting with us as we study His KINGDOM and are crying out for His Kingdom to Come in Mongolia as in Heaven!!!

PRAY FOR THE LAINS NOVEMBER 2010
1. Pray for renewal and restoration of our First Love...More of Him and Practicing His Presence!!!
2. Pray that we find new solid language helpers/teachers this month.
3. Pray for Larry's fitness project. That many men will be interested and drawn into community!
4. Pray for Krista as she begins teaching Kindergarten for a new student as well as continues teaching Science. Music, Art etc. in the afternoons. Also pray for her as she teaches English to a few Mongolian children.
5. Pray for us as we seek deeper relationships and understanding as we continue building our new Team.
6. Pray for Opportunities to meet and practice speaking with Kazaks in our community.
7. Pray for His Kingdom to Come and His Power to be demonstrated!


--
Larry J. Lain
larry.krista@gmail.com

The Barbers are going to Thailand

Hello Friends!
Just an sending you all an update! We have been in Montana for a few weeks. It has been awesome. We are learning so much about the character and grace of God. We have been growing so much.
We are also getting ready for our outreach. We will be leaving for Thailand in early December and doing several different ministries there. No plans have been set in stone yet, but we will most likely be working with students, refugees, and in orphanages.
We were informed a couple days ago that of the $4000 we still owe, we need to have $2000 by the 18th of this month. We know that is less than two weeks, but we have no doubt that God is bigger than money, and can make it happen. both the staff and our family really feel that God has called us to Thailand, and are so excited to serve his people there. We ask that you would keep us in your prayers, and consider supporting us financially. It has been a huge step of faith for us to drop everything, and follow God's call for our family to do missions, but we fully believe that he wants to use our family in this ministry, and has big plans that we are excited to be apart of.
If you are interested in supporting our family, there are a few ways you can do so, I will list them below. We really would like you to pray about this and ask how God would have you partner with us in our ministry. If it is through prayer, we are very thankful, and would love to get in touch with you and tell you how you can be praying for our family.
Ways to give:
1. You can send money directly into our missions account online, ad completely free, by visiting: http://sendthebarberstoywam.chipin.com/missions-to-thailand

2. Send check payable to "YWAM" at:
Robert and Jenny Barber (DTS)
501 Blacktail Rd.
Lakeside, MT 59922

3. Send check through our church in Redding with the account #503 in the memo at:
The Stirring
1348 Market St. #201
Redding, Ca 96001

4. Give checks with a note attached to Rick Lowrey or Sue Davis at Sierra Pines Church.

We thank you all for your prayers and support!
Robert, Jenny, and Lily Barber

"Brianne Poppins"

Brianne is preparing to travel with the Barbers to Montana to serve as Lily Barber's nanny for 3 of the families 5 month YWAM DTS. As you can see Bri has an amazing love for children and she is excited to explore her opportunities in serving the Lord in missions. Bri needs to raise about $400 more and needs more prayer support as well. If you would like to partner with Bri please comment on this blog or write to missions@thestirring.org . Join us at Chevy's on September 12th 12-4. 25% of your bill will support the Barber's and Bri. See you there!

Stirring Missions Chevy's Fundraiser

Print and bring this flyer with you to Chevy's September 12th 12pm-4pm
We will also be sending off the Barbers and their Nanny, Brianne Harris to YWAM Montana that afternoon. Come and enjoy a Stirring family lunch at Chevy's!!

CAR WASH for the Barbers Abroad

Saturday July 31st · 10:00am - 4:00pm
DAIRY QUEEN CHURN CREEK ROAD

The Stirring will be raising money to send the Barbers out as a missionary family. They will be serving with YWAM Montana and receiving their training there before going overseas for an outreach.

Tell your friends! We will be washing cars July 31st from 10am-4pm

We need help washing cars. Please let us know if you can help wash cars for a few hours.

Prayer Requests for the Lains

Wonderful Friends and Family,
Thanks for your prayers as we get ready for a big month of transitions ahead!!!  Thank you in advance for spending extra time praying this month since we know there is  lot to pray about!   We love you guys!  We really cannot do any of this without your support and prayers!  Be on the look out for a you-tube video update and ways you can support us prayerfully and financially next week!
 
Joining with you in carrying His Kingdom with us wherever we go!
Larry and Krista Lain
Averiana and Eli
 
PRAY FOR THE LAINS AUGUST 2010
1.  Only 3 weeks to go (out of 8) of Kazakh Language Study at Indiana University 
(5 days a week/8 hours a day-4 hours in class and 4 hours of homework each day)
Pray for perseverance and that we would finish well
Pray for retention of learning a lot of information in a short time (over 1000 words and LOTS of grammatical structures to memorize!)
Pray for great bonding time for our children with grandparents while we are away
Pray for great memorable weekends with our kids and our families
2.  Pray for our MOVE back to Mongolia!
Pray for wisdom to know what we need to bring back as we pack
Pray for our flight on Sunday, August 15 from Chicago to San Fran
Pray for our flight on Monday, August 16 from San Fran to Mongolia
Pray for peace, patience, along with excitement and joy as we reunite with friends
Pray for a great Field Forum with all our teammates on August 20-25.
3.  Pray for PREPARATION as we get ready to move to Western Mongolia September 1st!
Pray again for wisdom as we pack up our stuff from Darhan to Hovd (30-40 hour trip)
Pray as we find a way to transport all our belongings
Pray that we would be able to find an apartment quickly and easily
Pray that we would be connected with a GREAT host family to set up a ger in their yard...for life-long friendships to develop
4.  Pray for our ADOPTION paperwork to be processed quickly and smoothly
Praise the Lord!  All the paperwork is in the mail!!! 
Pray that they receive all the right paperwork that it is filled out correctly, that it reaches the right destinations and that it is processed quickly
Pray that we are given a fingerprinting appointment before we leave for Mongolia (very important)
Pray that God will prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for our new child(ren)
*Pray for PATIENCE as we wait! 
*We have about 2-3 months to wait until we get APPROVED (GOD WILLING...Please pray for God's will for APPROVAL of one or two children!!!)
Then we will most likely have about 6-12 months to wait until we receive our child(ren)...Potentially we could bring them home next summer! 
 
Thanks so much for joining with us and praying for us as we follow the Lord!  May you be blessed as you follow Him as well!  We love you guys!
 

Back from Tanzania... A new chapter

Check out Tessa's amazing pictures and update about her time in Tanzania.
http://tessaratner.blogspot.com/2010/07/back-from-tanzania-new-chapter.html

Amsterdam Team returns to Redding!

http://amsterdamteam2010.blogspot.com/2010/06/hello-california.html

Sarah Arrives in Jordan!

Sarah arrived in Jordan safely. Check out her blog or write her a letter!
Now the moment you've all been waiting for!!!
My mailing address:
Sarah Schepens
PO Box 815354
Amman, Jordan 11180

I will appreciate anything you wish to send...I love letters and packages!!:) But please know that most of your stuff will probably be read and searched--there's nothing that should cause a huge problem--just know that nothing is super confidential around here. Also, please don't send huge boxes..those will probably get stuck in customs in Aqaba. But smaller boxes and big envelopes are fine.

Thank you all for your prayers and for your support!!! I appreciate knowing I have so many people who support me and are praying for me daily. Thank you!

Continually trusting Him,
Sarah

Nanny needed for Lillian

The Barbers need a mission’s nanny
YWAM Montana requires that we have a nanny for the first three months of the training phase. This nanny would not be required to go on outreach with us. Lillian will be four months when we leave in September and we will need a nanny for three months. We are looking for someone who is responsible, has experience with kids, loves God, and has a great outlook on life. This would be an awesome experience, because the nanny will still get to sit in on some lectures by and hear some really gifted speakers. The fees for room and board are only $675. It would be great if our nanny was able to raise this support before we go. If you or someone you know is interested or you have more questions please let us know by emailing missions@thestirring.org!

I'm engaged!!

If you have facebook, you may have already read the story of how I got engaged. If not, enjoy!

Piet came down to Port Elizabeth on Friday April 23 to help me close up my time there and help me move to Johannesburg. We had lots of things planned for that week, one of which was a whole day in Jeffreys Bay. Jeffreys Bay is such a special place to us because it was there where we met.

We arrived early April 27 (Tuesday) in Jeffreys Bay and went straight for horseback riding. It was a group of 5 or 6 plus two tour guides. We rode through the hills and the grass for the first half of the ride and it was beautiful! The whole time we kept trying to get the horses to walk side by side, but they were so stubborn! My horse didn't want to stop moving, and Piet's horse didn't want to go. So for pretty much the entire time we were riding about 15 meters apart. I had to turn around to look at Piet. And whenever I would turn around, he had such a serious look on his face. He said he was enjoying everything, but was looking so serious! Little did I know, he was looking so serious because he was trying to figure out how to get the ring out of his pocket!

The second half of the horseback ride is on the beach, and the horses literally walk through the water. So we crossed through the sand dunes and arrived at the beach. It was gorgeous and so romantic! By this time, we were way behind the entire group. It was nice because we were just enjoying it together. The only thing was that the tour guide kept staying just in front of us. I kept wondering why he wouldn't just leave us to be by ourselves.

Eventually, the tour guide asked if he could take some pictures of us. Again, the horses were very stubborn so it took a while for us to get side by side. But the tour guide jumped off his horse to help even us out. We took lots of pictures and suddenly Piet pulled a ring box from his pocket. He asked if I wanted to marry him and showed me the ring! I said "YES!" and couldn't stop smiling! I was so excited and happy! The horses walked side by side for a while and we just enjoyed the moment hand in hand. It was perfect! I wanted to go faster and feel the wind in my hair, so we made the horses run for a bit. I wanted to shout, "I'M ENGAGED!!!" but I resisted. :)

We took so long, that by the time we got back to the stables, everyone else had already dismantled and even gone home!

That night, we had a "surprise" engagement party. It wasn't actually a surprise because I figured it out. I knew Piet was scheming something with my friend Jody, and it made sense that it would be a surprise party. So, we arrived at Jody's house later that night and all the people that I love most (in Port Elizabeth) were waiting for us. It was wonderful!

I can't believe I'm marrying the man of my dreams and ministry partner. I couldn't be more satisfied!

-Leah Rush

Come meet Leah on May 23rd Lunch at Bechelli YAKS @12 noon. $5 lunch available.

Germany -Update

It's been a crazy few weeks as our team has been preparing for Germany, and we just want to thank you for the support you have given us! Whether it has been helping with fundraisers, attending the events, or even giving us bottles and cans to recycle, we couldn't have gotten to this stage in our trip without you!

With that said, we have a couple things that we would like to share with you all. First, our team has shrunk from three people to only two. Jenni and I (Megan) will be going to Germany, while Travis will be fulfilling his internship in Washington state for two months. While we are disappointed that things didn't work as planned, we are excited to see what God will be doing in both Germany and Washington during the summer.

Another thing we want to announce, is that Jenni and I are in the process of receiving airfare! This is a huge step, and makes Germany an even bigger reality for us. We will be leaving on May 23, and coming back on July 24. During our trip we will be sending all updates through e-mail, this blog, and our facebooke group as well (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=315740331803).

So, with all the good, and difficult, things that we have been experiencing, we ask that you continue to pray for us! We still are in need of some money, so please pray for funds (if you want to give, you can do so by logging onto simpsonu.edu/missions and clicking on the Germany Team link). Also, prayer for safety, unity, and being able to get through cultural conflicts would be appreciated.

Thanks again for your support and prayers! There is no way that we could have done this without you guys, and we will keep you updated on our trip as well. If you like to receive updates via e-mail please e-mail me at megan.fitzgerald@ug.simpsonu.edu. Thanks!

Blessings,

Megan Fitzgerald

Lillian Hope Lindsay Barber

On May 4th we welcomed our newest Stirring Missionary into the world!
Jenny and Robert Barber were excited to welcome Lillian with perfect timing to celebrate Mother's day and children dedications this month. The Barbers are raising support for their September departure to their 5 month DTS with YWAM Montana. For more information about the Barbers check out their Blog: www.thebarbers3.blogspot.com

4 days and 20 hours until take off!

I officially leave on Monday the 10th! I am so beyond excited. Thank you all for your support! It has been such an incredible blessing to see all of my friends and family come up behind me to help in this!

I will have access to the internet over there, so I will try to keep you all updated by posting on this page.

I still need about $300 more dollars! Please if you haven't contributed yet, and you were hoping to, please do so as soon as possible! It would be greatly appreciated!

Please be praying for me as I embark on this journey. :)

Blessings to you all,
Tessa