May Madness!

April Showers bring May flowers...

Mel and I (one of my 3 Roommates)


Many great and exciting things have come from that statement this month. God had prepared me for this wonderful month of May in the middle of April. He reminded me that the showers and hard times and crazy-ness of April was going to bring immense growth. I believed him, but now I understand!



May 2&3rd Pittsburgh Acquire the Fire

We traveled to Pittsburgh, PA! We were a part of the Acquire the Fire that took place. Since Minneapolis was over I had been on the call team for the Pittsburgh Acquire the Fire. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with Acquire the Fire - It is a large youth conference that is put on by Teen Mania Ministries. We travel all across the United States and Canada from September - May. There are speakers, bands and a life transforming live drama to inspire and encourage our generation to stand up for what they believe and become PASSIONATE followers of Jesus :) Needless to say, It has changed my life ever since I was in 8Th grade. Basically the drive to Pittsburgh was 21 hours but it was SO worth it. We had the opportunity to do some exploring downtown, as well as preparing for the event. At the event the Lord reminded me of where I have come from. And about how much he has taught me in the past several months while being a part of the Honor Academy. So quickly I forget all that the Lord has done in my life! During the event I was able to work at the HA (Honor Academy) Booth, promoting for students to come to the internship. I had the chance to interview two beautiful ladies who are planning on going to our Honor Academy campus in Texas. I still stay in touch with one of them - Marie. Pray that the Lord would make a way for her to go and that nothing would hold her back :)



May 7-9Th - Fasting Life Transforming Event

This was our 2nd fasting retreat weekend. I had experienced this back in November, but this time our focus was on Vision. I would like to say that I put no expectation on this weekend, but in all honesty I was banking on the fact that the Lord was going to reveal some HUGE things for my life... but, It did not go like that. Actually, it was quite a struggle the first day and a half. I was trying so hard to focus on my own agenda that I was closing off what the Lord planned to do in my heart and life. We had some phenomenal speakers come in and incredible worship. It did not click that in my striving I was not abiding (John 15) in my true vine. I think the main theme of the whole weekend was that JESUS IS THE VISION. It is great that we all have our own ideas and very much truths about what Jesus has revealed to us, but if we forget that Jesus is truly our focus and vision we have lost the simple truth. Sunday Morning at 5am they had an optional viewing of the Passion of the Christ. I chose to watch this. I had seen it before, but there was a deeper meaning and significance this time. My focus was on the truth and reality that he took it ALL. All my sins. All my failures. All my unbelief... He took that on the cross. For me and for you, truthfully we don't have to bear it anymore. HE BORE IT! My eyes kept being drawn to Mary Magdalene as well, I read her story in Luke 7 and it changed my view of love. Mary Magdalene was known and forgiven because she loved much. I want to be someone that is known because regardless of anything and everything going on around me - I loved much.



May 16-18th - World Awareness Life Transforming Event
Where to even begin? This weekend was to make us aware of what was taking place all over the World with Christians and non-Christians. We role played a scenario of a Communist government coming in and capturing the US citizens that were "visiting". All of the interns (including myself) and Bethany College of Missions students were considered Christians coming into this communist, "Republic of Ceylon". I was taken immediately to the "Prison Camp" while others were sent to the "Peace Camp". It may be a little hard to explain due to the fact that it was a role playing scenario, but it was significant because it opened my eyes as well as my peers to the cold, hard truth about persecution in the Church. While in the prison I was questioned as to what I believe and why I believe it. I was "charged" for Treason and Cult Activity. They classified Christianity as "A cult". There was a general over the Republic of Ceylon as well as a Warden who tended the Prison Camp. It lasted for 36 hours and I was in the Prison camp for about half of that time until someone was traded in and I was released. Like I stated before, it may be hard to gain a real understanding of what all took place but the truth is that I learned SO much. In between role playing this situation we watched some videos/documentaries of what is taking place all over the world. Some include: Hotel Rwanda, Invisible Children, Obsession and one on the crisis in Sudan. These opened my eyes to a hard reality of what is really taking place all over the world. I can now say that I have a World Awareness. It is hard sometimes for me to watch these things and then ask myself, "What am I going to do in response?" I feel like my response to this is going to Uganda, Africa next month! I will be able to go and be a part of how the Lord is showing his glory even in the midst of persecution.

Texas - Next Week: May 28th - June 9th
I will be making my way to Texas with the whole Honor Academy North internship. We will be joining with the Texas Campus for a big Celebration Event! This is to rejoice in all the Lord did through the Acquire the Fire's this past year :) Then I will be spending a week working and going to classes in Texas before preparing for my trip to Uganda.

UGANDA, AFRICA June 9th- July 5th
I will keep you posted as I begin training on June 9th and I will be flying out on June 12th to Kampala, Uganda. My funds are coming in for my trip due to trusting the Lord! He is SO faithful!I am still in need of a couple hundred dollars so if you are willing to donate and feel led my information is:

www.globalexpeditions.com
Click on: Support a Missionary
My Id#: 2434692
Follow the Instructions

Thank you for taking the time to read about all the Lord is doing in and through me. Please feel free to comment on this blog or send me an email: ria.lenzen@teenmania.com

Much love,

Ria Lenzen