Reconnecting with an Old Friend

When I was 18, I was incredibly fortunate to have the privilege of working at Heritage Park Alliance Church (HPAC) under the mentorship of Pastor David Chotka. Throughout my time at HPAC, David allowed me to join the intercessory team, where I learned to pray and cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit. It was also during this time that I began to see the gifts of the Spirit in action amongst the intercessory team. That season of life radically changed me forever, and I grew exponentially in my walk with Jesus. Unfortunately, due to various circumstances in the church and my personal life that season came to a close, I moved away and my passion and love for prayer began to wane. 

This week we had the incredible opportunity of having Amy Ward for our teaching time on the Holy Spirit, and it did not disappoint. In many ways this week allowed me to reground myself in the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and for the first time in a long time, I found myself beginning to have that childlike zeal and faith again.

The biggest takeaway I had was from Amy’s reiterating time and time again, "Just ask the Spirit." As Christians, we all have the Holy Spirit within us, and He wants to commune with us. So, especially when we need direction or even justhave questions about how we should go about something, ask the Spirit. Many years ago, I had a mentor who used to always remind me to do the same. At the time, I hated it. I was too immature and impatient to want to listen to his advice, but upon reflection, this was some of the best advice I have ever received. The Holy Spirit is always walking with us if we choose to allow Him in. He is our friend, our guide, and support. If we are in step with the Holy Spirit, it makes it much easier to follow God and obey His direction in our life. Why is this not a more consistent and daily habit in my life?

Amy also discussed at length how we are supposed to operate in the Gifts of Spirit, and a framework for how to do it appropriately. Again, as mentioned earlier, this is something I began to experience and be a part of at HPAC, but I lost my way. This is something I have struggled with and often gotten wrong for years. Amy not only helped me reground in the teaching and encouraged me (us) to practice them, but she also emphasized time and time again, that it is okay to make mistakes and even to fail, that is how we learn, which is something I do not think I have ever been told. I was so worried that I would get it wrong, that I began to stop altogether out of fear.

In addition to Amy's teaching time we have been reading through Luke this past week and I have been incredibly moved by the idea of rakhum or oiktirmos. Rakhum or rahum, is the Hebrew word meaning full of compassion and merciful, often used when describing God's character. Oiktirmos is a very similar word, used in the Greek, to describe Jesus, meaning compassion, pity, and mercy. You see it in stories, like Luke 7:11-17, where Jesus "had compassion (Oiktirmos) on her (on a widow)", because her son died. So, Jesus being moved by oiktirmos, raises her son from the dead. I am realizing this is something that I need more of in my life. I am beginning to have a deep desire for this compassion, a desire to be moved for the lost, hurt, and broken. I want my ministry and my life to be spurred by this deep compassion and mercy for others.

Not only have I been impacted by the teaching, but God continues to provide again and again. As I have mentioned in the past, I currently do not have much spending money, as all my money has gone to outreach. Unfortunately, I had a credit card bill that I needed to pay off. Last month, I put the little I had towards a minimum payment, and I prayed and trusted God to provide the necessary money to pay it off this month. Surely enough I received 3 separate, random payments into my bank account this week, which not only allowed me to fully pay off my credit card, but it gave me enough money to pay off my university payment for the month as well.

I am also continuing to watch as God keeps guiding me through healing and restoration. Sometimes He gives me pictures or words of what I need to do, other times He shows up in mysterious ways. It is not always at the speed I would like, but He is faithful to walk me through the journey of redemption. I am beginning to just expect God to provide in every way I need, as He continually is breaking into my life with power.

Lastly, they have announced my outreach location! I will be heading to the Mediterranean (in the 10/40 window) where I will be working doing church ministry/preaching, young adults/university students ministry, evangelism ministry, bible study ministry, and worship ministry. I will also be going to Derby for a midterm outreach, where we will be doing similar work and preparing for the coming trip.

Thank you again for following along. Continue to pray for continued healing/restoration, that the Holy Spirit continues to break into my life, and for more oiktirmos (compassion) in my life, and my team as we prepare for our outreach trip ahead.

Grace and Peace,

Cam