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