Posted in General Posts by Emma Halstead on 2/5/2012
It would be a romantic, charming scene... Sitting here at our debrief hotel, writing on my computer as my feet dangle in pool and the sun shines down with no sound but the Cambodian birds. Nice picture, but I have not told you yet what is in my vision. Over across from me in a lazy chair are a 65 year old looking man (white) and a young Asian girl about 16. Normal, but is it ok if my blood boils a little bit? What can I do? I can point out many just walking around all of Thailand and here in the little travel section of Cambodia that I have been so far. It is the norm here. I was not privileged to go to the red-light district, but one of our all girls teams did! The stories that they tell me never fail to lead me to tears. One of the girls shared that the going rate for one girl is 400 baht, which is about $13 US dollars. The next day she saw a mug for 400 baht... a mug, or a girl. There are so many arguments about helping the girls, they need money, they sell what God made so precious so that they can live, support themselves, and maybe their mom, brothers and sisters. The girls here have no one fighting for them, no one but God. And He is. When I spot the men, all the white men that make my blood boil, I can just pray. I met a couple of young, strong Christian men that work for Y-WAM in Thailand who minister to the men that go to the bars and red-light districts. I do believe that the Lord is raising up young men and women to have passion for these countries, and to fight for the women that do not feel like they have a choice, but to sell themselves.
This last month in Thailand my team got to live at a small orphanage, House of Union. The kids there were so precious… they are from a hill tribe that migrated from Burma, called the Lahu tribe. They are not valued in Thailand in the least. They are none existent. The only way that they can make it in the world is to go to University and get a degree, which might secure them a small job and give them a status in Thailand. These kids were taken from their homes so that they can have an education and prevent them from trafficking.
The Lord taught me so much through their smiles and faces… playing with them and teaching English lit me up like a fire, put much passion inside of me, and broke my heart for the future. I would love more than anything to adopt a little Thai baby someday. It would be a gift from God. Until then, after the Lord provides me with a good job, I hope to sponsor one kid. That in and of itself sounds cheesy, but it is one girl or boy, taken out of trafficking, given food, education, and taught about the Lord.
Let me leave you with this thought. Keaston, Katrina, and I were cleaning out the boy’s room because it was messy with molded food, dirty clothes, and trash everywhere (because they never throw anything away, aka: boys). I found a box… a shoe box with Christmas wrapping on it, and on the side had a couple words, “Boy” and “Ages 8-14”. It took me a second to completely understand what that box was, Operation Christmas Child box. I had met him, maybe it was you that sent it? Maybe it was you that sent this sweet thing one toy, shoes, hat or gloves. They wear it, and play with it.
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Posted in General Posts by Emma Halstead on 12/19/2011
I want ya’ll to meet Samuel
Here at La Qinta, there are three young girls ages 8-12, two girls 16 and 18, and then the man of the house, Samuel, who will be 13 next month! He is the most handsome boy I have seen in all three countries. Samuel is only 12 but already speaks with the authority of an adult.
The other night Samuel sat down with my team at the table during dinner and told us his testimony. I wish I could give it to you word for word, but it came to me in an ADD abbreviation form and through a translator... so therefore I only got bits and pieces.
Samuel grew up in the slums of a small town an hour and a half away from the capital of Nicaragua. Houses made out of stone walls and dirt floors, roofs made of random tin, and strong smells surrounding the trashed properties. It is humbling to see the people of the slums sweep their dirt floors and eat only a little beans and rice for every meal. These people work harder than I see most Americans work; using their children, oxen, starved horses, and broken-down equipment to complete a day’s work.
Samuel’s story started out only a year ago, when he was eleven and living at home. Never knowing his father, his mother still made him go to church every Sunday. One Sunday little Samuel learned that one of his fifteen year old friends was in jail, so naturally he bailed him out. Then after that Sam robbed around and smoked. We skip to another Sunday where he does not go into church because everyone inside is well dressed and he is not. He instead stayed outside with his friends, got drunk till late in the night, and then got into some trouble. He put his hand over his heart and said that is when God was entering his heart, that is when he knew he needed God.
This boy has captured every heart on my team, the way he spoke about the Lord at his young age astounds all of us, and we truly do see Christ in him. Samuel is not like any twelve year old boy anywhere, he is the man of the house here, and he steps into that. In his boyish attitude, he protects the girls here, works, takes responsibility, listens, and loves people with Christ’s love. I wish you all could meet this little man.
Time here has been amazing; I cannot imagine leaving this place. The kids here bring all of us so much joy and energy. Most days we go into the slums and go door to door to tell them about youth group, church, and other activities around La Quinta. This Friday we are starting a soccer game for youth. We worked hard this past Friday to get the soccer field ready for the upcoming game! For Christmas our team is buying the kids a new soccer ball, you would not believe what the old one looks like!
Youth group has been quite an experience for my team. We would get to church by a long walk and a bus ride consisting of a 14 passenger van full of over 26 people… all to learn that we are leading church! But my team-mates stepped up to the plate and took up the guitar, mikes, and the drums to lead worship! Last week we had youth group every day, and then today was the young kids Christmas party during church. We had about thirty kids from the slums, some that just wanted to hold your hand or be held, and then ones that would not listen to any authority. In any case it was lots of work, but we successfully played games, broke a piñata, and fed them lunch.
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Posted in General Posts by Emma Halstead on 11/19/2011
We have P.E with the kids
We teach English in a room with 20 kids!
They are all so sweet, and always hug and smile! Their eyes capture me!
This is the church I talked about, down in the slums... which is where the 'school' is also. It's a hard place to be... or to see how they live their lives and how the devil has gotten ahold of the city. But where there is light, like this church, it always previals over any darkness.
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Posted in General Posts by Emma Halstead on 11/19/2011
The hard thing about blog writing is I do not know what it can and cannot contain. Some people screen what they write for their readers, or write to promote something; therefore, the real is not said. I want to write about the real, because that is what matters.
So here I am, Honduras. Known by many as the number 1 most dangerous country in the entire world. I am psyched about it! Why? I think you know the answer.
This is where Christians have to be. This is where a battle is being won and Christ needs more of His army to love and fight. Even against odds. I am part of that army here, and if I have to face something, I have the full armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-20)
The Lord is my everything here, and I want to cultivate that habit and lifestyle so that when I live in America I will not be distracted by the little trinkets and loves of this world and the American dream.
I worshiped not too far away from all of you this morning. While dancing and praising the Lord with people from the slums of Tegucigalpa, I knew all the people I love were also worshiping the same God in America. Worshiping the Lord comes from the heart, but the outward appearance is very culture oriented I am learning. It was new for many of us, but so so fun. They pulled the chairs to the side and just danced all out for the Lord, full joy in their faces! Their eyes pierced me with the beaming grace they have received from the Lord, it showed.
The testimonies of the children I have met here are incredible… things that only the Lord can get a person out of. It is a clear calling. But in reality, I was just as them. The outward actions are just different.
The couple we live with got married three years back, an amazing man and woman of God. Tony has just started this ministry not too long ago… they never were blessed with children of their own, but the Lord blessed them abundantly with other children. They currently have about six boys in their house living with them, all from the slums and coming clean. When he’s honest with us (which is always) he says any day, any time, the Lord might serve them someone else. These young boys never have received love, or family attention, and now I don’t know if I have ever had more kisses and hugs in the past couple days!
Tony is so excited to have us here, so efficient in providing for us in every way possible. His wife cooks for us amazing Honduras food, 52 people three times a day!
Joseph, age 15, came to Tony a year ago, and spent five months being their son. He was high on paint-thinners and other hard drugs, using a knife to get his next fix. Tony gave him food, clothes, a house, family, church and a discipleship. Joseph took money many times until he was confronted. The next day he was gone. Tony didn’t see Joseph again until he came begging to come home again. And again he took, and ran.
Today, the Lord put Joseph on Tony’s heart. While we were all in church Tony went to look for Joseph and found him on a bench, higher than high.
“What do you want?” Joseph asks. Tony just looks back at Joseph and replies, “Well, what do you want?”
Silence overwhelmed them until Tony tells Joseph that he knew long ahead that he was being taken advantage of, that theft was happening with someone he trusted, with his son.
“Why then?!” Joseph starts asking. “Why not ask me before, or throw me out?”
“Because, I might not have a lot of money, but I care more for your heart and soul than any amount of money.”
Sobbing, Joseph starts saying he wants to return home. Tony tells him not now, but that wanting to is the
first step. They already have one teenager that is difficult to have as a son, it would be much with Joseph too.
Pray for Tony and his wife’s strength… that their work here for the boys and the Lord is not in vain and they know it! The devil knows how to work here, and it gets discouraging. Tony’s trust in the Lord’s sovernty astounds me.
Pray for Joseph’s heart. For him to desire the life God would provide for him, if only hegave up himself.
I am learning about the one.
That it is sometimes all about that one, that one relationship, that one person the Lord gives you.
Joseph is Tony’s one today.
Who’s yours?
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Posted in General Posts by Emma Halstead on 11/7/2011
GUATEMALA 
The month is almost over. So crazy how fast it can go… each day is a blessing here.
When there are hardships, revelation and peace always follows.
If we are filled with joy by means of what the Lord has put in our life, we quickly find ourselves in thanksgiving and praising Him for that joy.
Battles of the heart are fought here. The identity that the Lord has given us is constantly in question by our flesh.
Battles are won here, our Savior IS the lover of this world and before my eyes I get to see people receive His great love.
My days are filled with trials, laughter, family, homesick feelings, peace, good food, the beginning of knowledge, smiles that melt my heart, lots of tortillas, walking, the faces of poverty… and the everlasting, intense feeling of compassion.
I have been wanting to blog for quite some time… I love letting ya’ll know what is happening here, it is a big desire of mine. However, lately I find myself sitting down with my computer and my Bible asking myself what I should do… And I end up every time picking up my Bible. Luckily, right now I happen to find myself in a coffee shop with only my computer! We might not always have extra time, but I love the little distraction there is here when making my decision to be with the Lord.
Three days ago I fell in love. He is four years old, has cerebral palsy, lives at the hospital, and his name is Mickey; or in my words, Mickey mouse. His form of cerebral palsy consists of him having minimal control of his muscles. When he tries to talk his mouth will open and close but no sound will come out, as with walking… I would hold him up by his armpits and he would put one foot in front of the other which would take all his strength but, it filled him with so much joy! He would get so excited that he’d fall down to his knees. I was able to put him on a mattress and wrestle, feed… and just love on him. I would raspberry his belly and he’d giggle and giggle. I wanted to stay with him forever, or take him with me. But… I would probably get in trouble.
One of the ministries this month was Casa Maria in the heart of Antigua… aka “Grandpa house”.
I really enjoyed it there. It was an old folks home… but their reality was to wake up, eat, sit, eat, sit, sleep, and be forgotten by the rest of the world. One of the Ladies I met there was Christina. She would cry when she saw me, I would play balloon, sit, hold her hand… and just be there. She told me through a friend about her family… how her parents died young and the rest of her family left her… and here, they beat them.
Our other ministry for the month was at a small hospital for malnourished babies called Casa Jackson. It was a little bit more of a stretch for me, I am not too good with babies… but it softened my heart. We changed their diapers; held and fed them… took care of them.
This whole month I have been seeking the Lord so much that when the devil attacks, it is to mix everything up to where I can’t completely see things clearly, as they are or the Lord is showing me. I love my God. It has been a month full of clinging to my Father. I have been submerged, covered by the Word, and I feel it, see it, and am in awe of it. I went out to the beach, and just walked, watched the sunset and pondered on the Lord, His steadfast love, and what it means to truly walk with Him like many people had done in Genesis. To wake up, and He is there. To eat, and He is there. To interact with people, and He is there. To put the Lord in the forefront of my heart because He is there…interacting in my heart through His spirit, as much as I am with anyone else in person.
I am still fundraising for my next deadline which is Jannuary 1st! I need $3,500 to make it, and I have no doubt that the Lord will bring it! Thank you thank you thank you for all your prayers, I know they are coming my way. It is such a blessing to know that I have such a big support group back at home. I miss everyone!
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Posted in General Posts by Emma Halstead on 10/17/2011
The air here is complete opposite of Wyoming. The humidity captures all the pollutions in the air. It seems the rain is on a schedule… every afternoon it never fails to pour. I feel very much like I am in Mexico again… bars on all the doors and windows, rundown buildings all in rows. I love the cobblestone roads… bikes and cars consume it in equal numbers. Because of the rain, inside courtyards, vines that cover cracked buildings, and the amazing wild parks; greens flourish, flowers bloom, and Guatemala comes to color. Something incredibly real about walking ten minutes to the market place… seeing the ladies with baskets of food on their heads, and the young children selling bracelets with glowing eyes.
It is real.
There is no middle class here like you and me. The people here sell on the streets, walk, ride bikes, or drive in BMW’s and go to expensive restaurants in their all get-out ball gowns and ties.
It takes no faith to see poverty.
I have been here a week and my heart and minds are just starting to slow down. For a long while everything was jumbled. Nothing made a sense of logic. The Lord was bringing to knowledge everything I need to work on.
We’ve been blessed more than we know with a man here called to great things. His name is Luis. He has lived in Guatemala his whole life, until he wanted to be a missionary. So to Istanbul he went, living there for only a month until he heard from the Lord that he was not called there, he was called to Guatemala. Now he is ahead of a school that teaches Christian values, that pays families for their children to come. It also teaches parents how to provide and give proper nutrition to their children. Many times they give tortillas and coffee to newborns because that is all they have, and then the children get deformities and problems.
We are privileged to work alongside Luis, for him to teach and challenge us to what we can bring for the Lord and the purpose of a short-term mission. He reminded us last night that it’s not about us; it’s about God’s glory. But while it is about God’s glory, the most work we will see is what happens in us.
He is growing me so much still, and instilling me at the same time more love for the people around me. And… love for Him. The passion and desire to be in communication with Him constantly is overflowing. It is really good for me, to be here and have an outlaid schedule of prayer and worship… the fellowship with my team-mates is so sweet because it is constantly circled around the Lord, speaking truth into each other, and praying.
Pray for me, as the Lord challenges and grows me into the woman that He desires me to be. It is not an easy task in any respect... during this process I figure out more how in inadeguate I am to be a daughter of the King. But He desires me in His kingdom and in fellowship with Him, as He does you. =)
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Posted in General Posts by Emma Halstead on 7/5/2011
I get to write my blog now as it’s pouring down rain and everyone gets under the covered eating and worship area. Only two days have gone by and it’s been crazy… but a good crazy. The Lord has been moving a lot, in my heart and the ones around me. I see joy rising. Joy rising as they exceed in their understanding of God’s grace, love, and what He has for them. The leaders love the Lord and all of us with outstanding devotion and it is evident that Christ has touched their hearts and given them new lenses… lenses I can’t wait to be handed. I find myself on the mountain of belief and joy that I never thought I could have climbed. I know some is heightened because of being here, but I don’t hold back because of that. I find myself understanding and glimpsing at the immeasurable love my Father, the King, has for me. In that process, I find myself dancing during worship because of the joy… a joy that could burst if held secret. Dancing! The Lord is moving, I’ve already seen and heard amazing miraculous things. Cannot wait to see what our Kind does through me, my team and in the nation.
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Posted in General Posts by Emma Halstead on 5/6/2011
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$3,000 - Due 6/18/2011 (2 weeks before Training Camp)
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$6,000 - Due 9/17/2011 (2 weeks prior to your trip)
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$10,500 - Due 1/1/2012 (End of 3 months on the field)
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$14,300 - Total Due 4/1/2012 (End of 6 months on the field)
These are my deadlines which I failed to mention, and then these are the countries and what I will be doing in them, Lord willing.
Guatemala
Guatemala is a land in indigenous history and natural resources -- fertile soil from volcanoes yield excellent coffee! Beside the beautiful landscape, Guatemala needs God's touch. Gripped by poverty and bound to a spirit of religion, people hunger for the kingdom of God to invade their lives. You'll change the spiritual climate wherever you find yourselves. You'll have the opportunity to extend God's kingdom by sharing their lifestyle/living conditions, reaching out to the fringe people of society, working hard, and maybe being a part of a miracle or two.
Nicaragua
This location is always a World Race favorite. Full of wonderfully warm and caring people, participants leave impacted by the new partnerships and friendships. Hopelessness, addictions, destitution, and poverty, however, plague many in Nicaragua. There are orphans who have grown up without knowing the love of a parent and families who survive by scrounging for scraps from the city dump where they call home. In Nicaragua, you'll have the opportunity to bring God's love through slum ministry, door-to-door outreach, children's outreach, and more.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a hot spot for surfing and just enjoying "pura vida" - literally, "pure life", it's a concept of a "chill," relaxed, laidback way of life. The beautiful beaches that line both coasts are the perfect setting. Among the Central American countries, Costa Rica ("Rich Coast") lives up to its name. While the natural beauty attracts lots of tourists, there are still large pockets of poverty and family brokenness. Because of its relative affluence, Costa Rica also draws in immigrants from neighboring countries, like Nicaragua, who don't fare much better than they did before. You might help feed their physical and spiritual hunger - and discover other creative ways to give new meaning to the concept of "pura vida."
Thailand
According to the CIA, the kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim, and 0.7% are Christian. Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city-where you, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where you may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
Cambodia
Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, transit point, and destination of human trafficking. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope you can bring.
Challenge: Asia
Will you forge further inroads with a ministry from the previous months? Or will you blaze a trail for your team and future World Race teams? This will be the opportunity for you to continue flexing your faith muscles as you depend on a few words of advice from the staff and mostly God's guidance. With God, all things are possible and the possibilities are endless.
Malaysia
Enter a world entrenched in Islam. A people within the thriving metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians still live in ignorance of the Good News of Jesus Christ. As you delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, you will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
Uganda
This East African nation was once an autonomous kingdom and British protectorate. During most of the later half of the 20th century, Uganda was under military rule, first under Idi Amin, the subject of the film, The Last King of Scotland. Northern Uganda was also troubled by the Lord's Resistance Army, which heavily recruited child soldiers. Often referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is diverse in topography and wildlife. You may find yourself in the north partnering with ministries that are bringing still-needed healing and reconciliation or in the south working with churches to evangelize and disciple the next generation of Kingdom workers.
Kenya
Who hasn't heard of Kenya in their lifetime? The Kenyan people are colorful, musical, artistic and hungry for the love of Christ. The Maasai bush, the Nairobi metropolis, and the Kibera slums comprise a country diverse yet unified in history. As a new era dawns in Kenya, so does the gospel of truth and faith. By meeting felt needs in the bush and the city, participants help bear lasting fruit with current ministry partnerships (ministries like evangelism, orphan care, and community development), and build foundations of future partnerships.
Tanzania
Roughly a third of the population in Tanzania consider themselves Christian, another third, Muslim, and the final third adhere to indigenous religions. In addition to the religious and demographic diversity, the relatively stable nation also houses Mount Kilimanjaro. Whether you are doing open-air crusades, door-to-door evangelism, or visiting hospitals and orphanages, Tanzania will capture your heart.
Malawi
Known as "the warm heart of Africa," Malawi is definitely a place that you visit to ignite yourself with the fire of God. This country has a beautiful landscape and an even more beautiful culture and population. This month, you'll be helping plant churches, raising up leaders, and infecting the people with the love of God. Chances are you won't want to leave.
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Posted in General Posts by Emma Halstead on 4/13/2011
Hey Friends!
Well, here it starts! I am sooo incredibly excited about what the Lord has in the next year for myself, and the people around me. I still can’t believe that He wants me to go on this trip… I have never been more driven towards something, and have just as much peace.
I’ll be coming from my second year in Wyoming… I work currently an hour from Jackson Hole on a dude ranch as chef! I grew up in a small town outside of Fort Worth Texas… surrounded by much countryside, animals, and small town love. But being called out to Wyoming has been the greatest adventure yet! I have experienced things that most people wouldn’t even know to put on their bucket list! But God knew they were on mine, or that my heart needed such experiences to change and grow me to the person I am right now… not matter how extreme. I live with and around many missionaries in Wyoming, some are dear to my heart and have taught me so much about love for people and passion to bring them to Christ. I don’t guess, I know that He had me surrounded by such people to prepare me for a heart that desires this very trip.
I have been out of the country only twice, and that was to Ireland and Mexico… also I have grown up a privileged American with food everyday and freedom to love and seek the Lord, which I know is so much more than most. Going to eleven countries, I know will change me in dramatic ways. I will be surrounded by people that have faced poverty their whole lives, and have never heard the grace that the God of the universe has for them…
The past couple years the Lord has brought people in my life that have or still are currently going through very hard things. He has given me the ability to help them in whatever way I can, mostly through love and encouragement or understanding truths. Through these people I have a growing desire to stop sex trafficking, encourage destroyed lives with the hope of Christ, and love on those that have not yet seen the harshness that life can bring. I was so excited when I saw that I can do all these on this World Race trip. The last decade has been hard and challenging for me personally… Sometimes I feel like I have lived a full life of heart ache all ready but I know the Lord is my strength and has seen me through every day. I would not be here without Him! He has provided me with great healing through His will in Wyoming, and I have no doubt the World Race has less to offer! I am excited that because of my life’s experiences God has turned my vision to helping others by any humble means I am aloud to offer.
Hmm… some facts about me…
I love Diet Pepsi… running is my outlet- nothing can compare to running in the mountains! I can be a little too sarcastic sometimes… I love Pride and Prejudice! My dog Hoss is my best friend. I’ll never be the same after riding a horse an hour up the mountain in a storm to retrieve a (bloody) elk for hunters, and snowmobiling, in Yellowstone, in a blizzard at night to retrieve sleds… and my favorite thing to do is to have deep Biblical conversations with friends. =)
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