Up in the mountainous village of Quinchicoto live 5 brothers and sisters and a cousin. We don't know how old they are, all of them are mentally disabled, only one of them speaks a little, some cannot even walk, and they are little midgets.

40 years ago their mother died leaving them to fend for themselves. They have been shunned by the community because of their mental disabilities. They used to live in two little wooden huts. Today three of them have moved to a house built by the government right in front of the old huts. One of them farms a little, usually their meals (which I don't know if they have everyday) consist of either potatoes or rice.

Our mission today was just to love on them.

We brought them lunch, then started to clean out their houses. Made of mud and bricks, it was dusty and musty in the cold climate. We took out layers of damp blankets and gave them a good shake out in the open. My nose started running from the dust. I headed back in again and went through piles and piles of clothes to see which were extremely dirty so we could ask the neighbor lady to help wash them. Honestly, if I could, I would have taken all of the clothes and gave them a good wash.

The old house.

Extremely dusty with flies flying around.

The new government-built house. The thing is, the government just built them a house and then still left them to fend for themselves which they are not capable of. 

Probably haven't had a good meal in a long while.

Frances and Carissa feeding Pedro outside his house. Pedro could not walk up to the house where the others were eating because his stomach hurt too much. Unable to talk intelligibly, he merely nodded or shook when addressed. Pedro enjoyed the company tremendously.

Shaking out the dusty blankets.

We brought them up to the neighbors' house to take showers. Since many of them were unable to walk, we had to carry them in a chair like kings and queens. The production line was lice shampoo comb down, shower, a change of clean clothes, feet and nail washing, nail clippings, haircut, shave.

Iganacio was one of the last ones to take a shower. He didn't want to take a shower because he thought the water was cold. So we brought down some warm water in a basin to showed him that it was warm water. He then agreed to come.

Frances and Raul lovingly giving Pedro a shower.

Getting a haircut and manicure.

Check out Pedro's face, he looks so content.

Lynda scrubbing down Alfredo's grimy feet.

You could just see the priceless smiles that were on their faces. The simple love of service and touch that they hardly ever receive made the world to them. As I clipped away at their fungus-grown nails, or tried to without hurting them, I just could not help but cry. How could they be so forgotten that literally all the nails have turned yellow and there's stuff growing under them? And when I anointed Ignacio's hands and feet with oil I couldn't even utter a single word but just wept. Sadness just overwhelmed me. 

But then I'm reminded that they are not forgotten by God.

Matthew 25: 35-36, 40

³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' ⁴⁰ 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'

Anointing their hands and feet with oil. 

After bringing back to their homes, we prayed for them and then said our goodbyes.

Somebody told me that as they were praying for Pedro, he got really sleepy and so they carried him to his bed. His face was so at peace that they almost expected him to leave for heaven.  

These 2 weeks of mission trip with Global Children's Movement has been interesting. It is definitely not what I expected, in the sense that it is more like a 6 stars World Race, but I have also been challenged, stretched, and grown in ways that I did not expect.

I came in to this trip not really knowing what to expect. I guess the only expectation that I had was that we were going to be working with the poor, working in the dirt, just like at the World Race.

But it turned out to be the complete opposite of what I expected. We are living with host families, and my host mom has an apartment with a view of the entire city. Ministry is different everyday, from  having a birthday party for mentally disabled children to feeding programs for kids in a poor area to visiting the maternity ward to visiting young men and women's prisons to street evangelism in the red light district. I personally do not like the touch-n-go ministry, as I learned a lot just from 'living life' with our ministry contact each month while on the Race.

Every morning I sit here and soak in the presence of God while soaking in the beauty of Ecuador.

However, being immersed in the Bethel culture (as this is a mission trip for 25+ Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry students) has been really growing and stretching for me. Yes I learned about prophecies and praying for healing while on the Race, but it is not ingrained in me yet. For these students, it is such a part of them that it's totally natural to get words of knowledge quickly and easily for strangers, and they always pray for healing, and see healing. It is not really a matter of understanding a certain 'method' but it's their understanding of who God is - that He is a God who is always in a good mood, who always wants to heal - that miracles happen all the time as they pray and ask God.

Last Sunday we were called to the front in church to minister to people. I debated whether to go up or not. But I decided to just step out in faith. Tons of people came up wanting to be prayed for. As I was praying for a man I got the 'notion' to ask him if he has any pain in his body. The man told me he had pain in his neck. And instantly I thought, "Oh oh.... I don't really know how to pray for healing. But here goes nothing." And so I mimicked how I've seen the others pray for healing and prayed in the same way. And miraculously, he told me that there was no more pain! But doubt straight away crossed my mind, "Are you for real? Or are you just saying out of politeness?" But I saw tears started welling in his eyes and coming down the corners of his eyes. He was healed! Praise God!

I honestly don't understand healing, but it's such a desire of my heart to carry the healing presence of God everywhere I go. So much more to learn. But I'm loving it. J

Ephesians 5:1

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents.

I cannot begin to tell you how faithful God has been. Every time I ask Him for a confirmation, He gives it to me. When I decided to go to Ecuador, I told God, "If you really want me to go, please confirm this by somebody giving me money without me asking." The next day I was handed a check of $100.

Last Sunday when I announced to my parents' church asking for donation items to bring to Ecuador, I did not mention anything about raising support. But in my heart I prayed, "God, show me that you are faithful and that You will provide by sending someone who will ask me about support raising."  Now you should know that I don't know very many people in the church and I usually do not talk to anyone at all, but this lady came up to me and ask how this trip is funded. So I told her that I'm support raising.

A few nights ago before I went to bed, I asked God to send a "big, fat check" tomorrow. It may not literally mean a lot of money, but it will be a "big, fat check" to the person, like the widow who gave the two small coins (Luke 21:1-4 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.  "I tell you the truth," Jesus said, "this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them.  For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.") The next morning I received a check in the mail from someone that I did not expect.

Yesterday I calculated how much support I've received so far a week right before I'll be leaving for Ecuador, and I have exactly what I need for this trip to Ecuador.

He always provides just the right amount at just the right time.

Deuteronomy 7:9-10

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

P.S. I still need to raise $10,000 for my internship in LA and mission school in Mozambique. If you'll like to participate and support me, please make checks payable to 'Yee Hwa Soon' (my dad) and mail it to 1414 Norfolk Ave, Westchester, IL 60154.

♪ ♫      He's gonna turn it all around

Just wait and see

He's gonna make everything beautiful

Just in time                                            ♫ ♪

First of all, I want to thank you for your prayers and support for the past year of my life. Going on the World Race was one of the best decisions I made in my life and I cannot begin to tell you how much it has grown me, life lessons that I will carry on for the rest of my life. My idea of who God is was completely redefined while on the mission field.

Towards the end of the Race, I discovered that I have a heart for the youth. I want to see them come to know their true identity in Christ and come fully alive. I was surprised that many churches around the world are led by young people, whereas back here, it is almost always older people who are given the decision making positions. Matthew 18:3 "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." I believe there is so much lost potential in children and youth that have not been tapped into. I believe that God is moving to rise up a new generation of young people who are passionate for Him, who will forsake all and run relentless after Him. I especially want to see that happen in the 10/40 window, which is the region on the earth where there are the most unreached people groups. I want to be a part of equipping and empowering the children and youth there. 

However, before launching out in my dream, I feel that the right next step for me is to serve someone else's dream and learn and grow as God continues to awaken this passion inside me. 

What are my next steps?

I am very excited to be going on a mission trip to Ecuador for 3 weeks with Global Children's Movement (GCM) from March 25-April 16. We will be ministering to youth in youth prisons, ministering to and feeding malnourished children, spending time with young girls recently rescued out of the sex trade, speaking in schools, visiting hospitals, traveling to a small village to deliver supplies, bringing the Gospel to an impoverished community, and loving on the poor and hurting. We will also be taking to the streets for treasure hunting and prophetic evangelism, as well as ministering to local believers through a conference. 

After Ecuador, I will go to Los Angeles to continue interning with GCM. GCM is one of the organizations that are at the forefront in equipping and activating children. This is a place where I can learn how to train and equip children. I want to learn to work with children in a way that will not suffocate them but instead will value their potential and learn how to release that. This internship would allow me to grow and learn in ways where I would be more equipped to venture on and help other leaders.

Following the internship, I am planning to go to Iris Harvest School of Missions based in Pemba, Mozambique. There I will be trained by Heidi and Rolland Baker and other international ministers and missionaries. We will go on extended evangelistic outreaches in local bush areas, live with hundreds of children and experience the Father's heart and gain understanding of how to minister cross-culturally.

As my closest friends and supporters, you are who I lean on during times like these. I know that you all are some of my strongest prayer warriors and also have the most giving hearts in terms of provisional items and finances. Therefore, I am inviting you to join in these next steps with me. 

The cost of my internship with Global Children's Movement including the 3 weeks mission trip will cost $3000 which includes flight tickets, transportation, food and living expenses. The trip to Mozambique will cost $8500 for 3 months. I am very excited to learn from these mighty people of God and I trust that He will provide for all my needs as I have seen Him provide beyond my expectations! Please prayerfully consider supporting  me during this time of equipping. 

If God moves you to give, please make checks payable to 'Pei Yee Soon' and mail it to 1414 Norfolk Ave, Westchester, IL 60154. If at all possible, I would encourage you to make a monthly commitment to supporting my work during this time. If you're in the Malaysia area, please make checks payable to 'Soon Yee Hwa' and send to Tan Ay Zing, 2A, Lorong PJU 1/46A, Aman Suria, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. The money will then be transferred to me. If you'll like to donate by paypal, please contact me too. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me at aspy.uw@gmail.com or 206-4221517 if you would like more information, I would be more than happy to share with you about my calling! 

I am proud to partner alongside such amazing people. I appreciate your love and support, and look forward to continuing our impact in the Kingdom together!

This is Adua. She wants to do damage for the Kingdom. Not just a soldier standing on guard, or a passive defender, but an active fighter.

Joel 3:9-10

⁹ Proclaim this among the nations:
   Prepare for war!
Rouse the warriors!
   Let all the fighting men draw near and attack.
¹⁰ Beat your plowshares into swords
   and your pruning hooks into spears.
Let the weakling say,
   "I am strong!"

This is Jen. She taught us to ask for our pastries. If you want or need something, you have to ask for it. One night at Starbucks we got a whole plate of pastries for free because she asked for it, and she got it! It's the same with our Heavenly Father, we have to come boldly before Him and ask Him.

Matthew 7:9-11

⁹ "Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ¹¹ If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

 

This is Lily. She teaches me to enjoy the simple things in life and be forgiving. One time somebody asked her what has God been showing her on the Tour, and she answered, "God lets me catch lizards!" Lily also never stays mad at people for long. She expresses her anger, tells the person, and then starts playing with them again. That's a life lesson right there.

Matthew 18:3

"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

What has God been teaching/showing you lately? Would you share it in the comments box?

We've met countless dreamers on this Tour.

Some already know what their dreams are and are already pursuing it.

Some have an idea and just needed people to speak into it.

Some are unsure.

Something that I've noticed though is that helping people speak out their dreams have made a difference to them.

For one woman, I could see that as she spoke out her dream, she found value in her life. It was almost as if there was a shift in her spirit, from unworthiness to worthiness. She found a meaning, a niche that she could live out.

Another person just needed confirmation and a push. To not be apologetic that she doesn't have her dream all planned out yet.

For some others, hearing somebody else's dream encouraged and challenged them so much and caused them to reevaluate the life they are living.

The dream that God placed in us isn't just something for us to dream about. It's not just a castle in the air. It brings meaning to why we're here on earth, how we fit into the big picture of God. When you speak it, share it, take the risk to be vulnerable with others to share your heart, something happens...something that makes it more than just a dream in your head. More than just a a thought or an idea. It brings value and helps life make sense. 

Have you gathered around like-minded people lately and just share and bounce ideas off each other?

 

Two weeks ago I turned thirty. I remember struggling and hating myself that I didn't know what my next steps after the Dream Tour were. Yes, I know I have a passion to 'wake up' the youth and children to their true identity in Christ, and it all sounds dandy and lofty, but what do I DO with this passion? The more I thought about it, the more vague I felt like it was. I hated that people around me seemed to know what they were doing - Sarah was going to London; Katherine was going to work with homeless shelters and/or Habitat for Humanity - their dream just seemed so clear and they knew what their next steps were, but I still had no idea where I was going to land my feet in twenty days.

I questioned myself that had I listened to Jesus and answered His call way earlier in my years where I would be now. Had I listened earlier, I probably wouldn't still be here, at thirty years old, still trying to figure out how I fit into the big picture of God. Why didn't I listen to Him earlier? Did He call me earlier?

I am learning to trust that His timing IS perfect.

That there really is no point being apologetic that my dream still seems unclear at the moment.

What's important is that I am going to run as hard and as fast as I can after Him.

I am not going to back down or look back.

I am not going to regret or question one moment in front of me whether I had chased after His heart.

Philippians 3:13-14

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Last Friday we didn't know where we would be going the next day. All we knew was that we were to leave Sarasota the next day.

Saturday morning. Tiffany, at whose house we were staying at, tells us that she got a place for us to stay for the next few days. Woohoo! So we drove to Brandon, FL that afternoon, not quite sure who were the people we were going to meet there.

Brandon turned out to be such a huge blessing for us. We were tremendously blessed by the love, hospitality, and generosity of the people we were staying with and the church. We received words of encouragement and when the pastor asked the church to pray over us yesterday, this is what he said, "Imagine them as your child. Now pray for them as if you are praying for your child, with that same fervency."

Another pastor said, "You are servants of God. When you come, we treat you like kings and queens."       

Luke 12:22-32

²² Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. ²³ For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. ²⁴ Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! ²⁵ Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? ²⁶ Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

And this precious verse that I've always overlooked until today: