Krystle Longmire - The World Race 2008

How YOU can help Haiti!

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Let's not just pray, but ACT....

http://katierowland.theworldrace.org/?filename=how-you-can-help-in-haiti

Part 3: The Next Puzzle Piece...Good ?

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Restoration of the Broken Ones..."

"...You will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings."

Isaiah 58:12

"So, Krystle what's the next puzzle piece for your life?"

Lying wide awake in one of the most humbling accomodations all year, it was here in Pattaya, Thailand that I was struck to get up and write about all that was flooding my mind as God spoke to me. As we worked alongside the Tamar Center, a ministry that reaches out to broken women and prostitutes, my heart had been deeply grieved the entire month, showing me how much "Every Life Counts." However, on this one specific night I was moved to creative inspiration and faith through a BIG DREAM....
As I sat curled up on the floor with my Bible and journal, dim light peeked in from the moldy bathroom as I wrote into the early morning hours. "Krystle, you have a heart for the wounded, the outcasts, the unloved, unseen, and the most unwanted rejects in this world. I want you to...

"Restore the Broken Ones" through opening "Restoration Homes"

                                      for broken women and teenage girls."

            Black mold all of sudden didn't look so bad while bouncing on the cold tile of the bathroom floor and silently screaming into my hands, thanking God for giving me direction to a question I had been asking for the past 8 years! Feeling like I've been called to missions since high school, but not knowing what that was to look like or where, I now understood why He never clarified until now. This night He tweaked my perspective and solidified my calling in life. It isn't that I am a missionary who is to reach one people group within one country for the rest of my life. It is that I am a Restorer and Reconciler by nature, and from my identity bleeds my purpose in this world. I am not what I do, but everything that I do flows from who I am, my being.
         As you know from this past year, God wrecked me for life. Prior to the World Race, I began asking Him, "Who am I?" For so long I thought I knew myself, but all of a sudden I was having an identity crisis at the age of 25! This was a great beginning to an unfinished list of questions, many answered, some in process, and others that I have learned to accept will remain unanswered on this side of heaven. From Mexico to the Ukraine, even through now (September 09), I have gained deeper understanding of who I am through who God is, and from this journey of transformation: Identity, Role in God's Kingdom, and Calling within this World, my life's purpose, ministry, and vision of "Restoration of the Broken Ones" has been birthed.

          Read this next blog for specifics on how God's been confirming this direction of my life since Thailand, my next steps, and also how you can partner in it all!

                                                         "A New Dream's Beginnings..."

Part 2: "The One..." Thank you Supporters!

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Who you touched this year...

the One.

The "One" single mother Norma, abandoned by her husband to care for her daughter alone.

Palenque, Mexico

The "One" broken teen Marlon, abused by his father and left feeling he has no one to turn to.

Candelaria, Nicaragua

The "One" Socialist country, where darkness conceals the name and face of Christ.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The "One prostitute in Pattaya, a city enslaved by the enticement of sexual strongholds.

Pattaya, Thailand

The "One" lost Buddhist Roni, who searched for truth and found it in Jesus!

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The "One" Muslim 'Anna,' blinded and deceived by the world's false religions.

London, England

The "One" remote church in Africa, lacking resources and laborers to accurately teach God's Word.

Matchovane, Mozambique

The "One" woman dying from AIDS, Dudu, preparing to leave behind her 9 month old baby.

Nsoko, Swaziland

The "One" little boy Ndudusi, snakebitten victim who God spared from death.

Nsoko, Swaziland

The "One" hungry Pastor, who walked miles upon miles to receive teaching and training.

Zomba, Malawi

The "One" man ready to give it all up for Jesus, Ferdi, former Romanian kickboxing champion.

Viile Tecii, Romania

The "One" forgotten, rejected, and persecuted people group around the world, the Gypsies.

Viile Tecii, Romania

The "One" orphan, questioning where they belong and whether they're truly loved.

Kiev, Ukraine

Throughout my journey this year, God spoke to me.

The one person, the one circumstance, the one people group, the one nation, the one world.

There were moments I was overwhelmed by it all.

The person, the circumstance, the people group, the nation, and the sting of this entire world.

"God, is this pain worth it?"

"I am more than worth it," He says.

"Why?!"

"...because in my vastness lies detailed intimacy,

in my creation lives a creator who is specific and personal,

in my universe is a message desiring relationship with my people,"

He replies.

and so I've concluded,

" Even if it were just for One, it was all worth it."

God sees the One.

Thank you Supporters!

Through our partnership this year we have not only touched the world, but

we've seen the One.

Part 1: Thank you Supporters!

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Supporters!

I've officially closed out this chapter of my life as the World Race has ended this past week and I'm currently back in the United States. Reflecting back is overwhelmingly joyful and tearful at the same time. None of it would have happened without our partnership together and this journey has been just as much yours as it has mine! You have brought God's Kingdom to a desperate & hurting world. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Though words can't adequately express my gratitude, let me make an attempt...

I will be writing 3 blogs in which God has both used you this year (financially through our team's tithe $ and practically in transforming people's lives), as well as how you can continue to be used by Him (updating you on what this next season of life looks like for me and how we can still partner together).

Here's how YOU gave this year...

Central America

Palenque, Mexico you helped with repairs at Shekinah, a free pastor training school for Central American pastors.
Candelaria, Nicaragua you provided for the baptisms of 11 youth whose lives are being changed by the love of God. You also started a work-to-school program for young boys that have dropped out of school. Many teenage boys in Candelaria drop out of school and then feel as though they have no other option but to join local gangs. This program gives these boys safe jobs on the New Song Ministry property, provides mentoring from Christian men, and finds sponsors for the boys to return to school.

South East Asia
Vietnam you bought roses that showed Christ's love to prostitutes, women selling themselves in Ho Chi Minh City.
Cambodia you provided supplies for a 2-week VBS program for AIDS orphans in Phnom Penh. This VBS program brought laughter, fun, and Jesus into the lives of these children.
Thailand you helped in the expansion of a training program for women wishing to leave the bars and prostitution. Currently the Tamar Center trains them to work within a salon, bakery, or making cards so they can escape the vicious cycle of feeling they have no other options. They are in the process of purchasing a new building and expanding this training program to include more options. You also gave to the Mercy Center, a ministry and home for orphans. In northern Thailand you hosted a pancake breakfast for young girls living at the Eden House. This is a restoration home for girls that have either been rescued from or are at risk of human trafficking.

Southern Africa
Mozambique you donated Bibles to the churches of Matchovane. These are believers who love God passionately, but due to their lack of access to the Word they have very little Biblical knowledge. Your gift is bringing truth that these churches desperately need and desire.
Nsoko, Swaziland you provided medical care for a young baby Snethemba with TB and his mother, Dudu, who is dying of AIDS/TB. You also facilitated my favorite memory of the whole year, a women's retreat called Beauty from Ashes for 40 women. In addition, you trained teachers from eight carepoints. These "go-go's" are providing the only education that many of these children will ever receive. This training taught the teachers new educational techniques, discipline and management, and how to recognize and report abuse. You also provided court fees to advocate for the rights of abused children. Orphans are often seen as a burden to those left caring for them and many are abused. Currently the government does not have advocates for these children. Abuse cases are not tried in court unless a 3rd party goes to court on behalf of them. Your money is helping to provide court fees for two such children.
Zomba, Malawi you brought the gospel message to remote villages and ignited the churches within the country's southern region.

Europe
England you bought the Jesus Film in 24 languages to be given to London's ethnic minorities, as well as reaching out to the 11 million Muslims there.

Romania you provided supplies for VBS, a women's Bible study, and English classes for the Gypsy people of Viile Tecii. God moved through each of these venues to speak truth to the Gypsies that they are loved and greatly valued by their God. You also contributed towards an Easter feast for five Gypsy villages.
Moldova you painted houses and cleaned yards for the elderly. You also provided food for poor families in southern Moldova.
Ukraine you provided orphaned children opportunity to encounter Christ through a camp ministry called Pine Branch.

Thanks to YOUR GIVING various ministries have been impacted within so many countries around the world, and therefore

people's lives...

stay tuned for more to come.

As we say goodbye...

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As we say goodbye...

here's a small taste of my beautiful friend & Squad Leader, Stephanie Fisk, who says goodbye to us through her blog,

as well as a community of friends & now family who will never forget...

My second journey with the World Race finished a few nights ago when I was crowned with a pink Ukrainian butterfly tiara at our squad banquet. It matches beautifully with my coconut shell butterfly necklace. About three weeks ago, I started a three point blog: A Wine Challis, Butterfly and Silver Key. The first two rolled off my tongue while I was in Romanian. But then I disappeared into the "black hole" called Moldova. It appeared as though I had disappeared off the face of the earth, which, unfortunately, paints an all too accurate portrait of what happens to many Moldovan children and women. (Blogs about my time in Moldova are coming soon - so please stay tuned!)

For the moment, I want to return to the butterfly. Transformation. I want to tell you about the beautiful transformation that took place in the lives of 32 individuals over the past 11 months. While countries flew by - Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, England, Mozambique, Swaziland, South Africa, Malawi, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine - one thing stayed the same: our Father. One jealous Father whose love changes lives.

It's still very difficult for me to find words to explain how I feel. My heart is imploding and exploding all at the same time. Joy in watching them (my squad) soar, yet a sense of loss in seeing them leave the nest. Pride in their victory, yet pain that naturally accompanies a runner at the end of a race. Love cuts deep into one's spirit; yet entwines lives eternally.

I am so proud of each one of you: not for what you have done, but for WHO YOU ARE. And if you only remember one thing, let it be this - "You are still the same person right now (in America), that you were in Nicaragua or Cambodia or Mozambique or Romania. God did not transform you throughout the past 11 months for you to just forget WHO HE IS or WHO HE HAS CREATED YOU TO BE. You are a Hebrew's 11 saint. Read it...everyday if you need to. Your faith in God's character changed the lives of prostitutes in Pattaya and Hi Chi Minh City. Your faith in God's name restored the lives of once hopeless and voiceless women in Swaziland. Your faith in the truth that God is the one and only God challenged the belief system of Muslims in London and Malawi. Your faith in the idea that God is the Father to the fatherless comforted orphans in Mozambique and youth in Moldova. Your faith in the notion that God can do what He says He can do raised people from the dead and brought them into the Kingdom in 26 countries across the world!"

I love each one of you and Thank God for you. Each of you has impacted my life more than you will ever know. My butterfly crown off to you! This video is dedicated to YOU and your transformation!

Thank you supporters and prayer warriors for believing in my squad and me. I hope that as you watch the video, you will see the impact that you had on the lives of 32 racers. Because of you, I had the opportunity to serve them and love them along their journey.

True Religion.

Mon, 25 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Last Month of the World Race...

Camp Ministry for orphans in Ukraine.
(Stolen from my friend Kara Burrows blog, thanks K!)

"True religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:

to look after orphans and widows in their distress..."

James 1:27

My time in Ukraine was the perfect blend. Our first week we stayed with Vicki and Richard Nelson. They are an awesome couple who moved to Ukraine three years ago instead of retiring. Richard is a dentist and works with a small team of people doing dental outreach to villages and orphanages. Vicki is the queen of crafts. One afternoon we were able to tag along and see the Nelson's in action. It was a great day of songs, games, crafts, check-ups and teddy bears. Teddy Bears? Vicki requested bears from the James Fund charity to hand out to each child after they finish their check ups or dental work. The bears are a such a comfort and treasure for the children, not to mention adorable. The Nelson's are also helping to start Smile House. Smile House will provide a place where people can come and receive dental care and other services.

This last month taught me that God knows what i need even when I don't know. I was in desperate need of rest. Most of our time with the Nelson's was spent relaxing. We spent the entire first day jumping up and down because everything in there house made us excited. Real beds, a nice shower, movies, games, peace and quiet, internet, great food and wonderful fellowship. We also got a in some sight seeing in Kyiv and some retail therapy. Two of my favorite sites were St. Andrew's and the Lavrapsa(really the Lavara, but I could not remember so I renamed it.) I am not one for lots of detail so hear goes. St. Andrew's is a church constructed on the site where Andrew claimed the city for Christ. The Lavrapsa is the largest monestary

complex. At one time it might have been the oldest but most of it was blown up and rebuilt in 1998! If you want to see creepy dead monks in caves, this is the place.

Our second week of ministry brought back the good o'le days of summer camp. We left the comfort of home and our Ukrainian mom and dad. Andrew and Jenny Kelly have been working with orphanages and transitions homes for many years. Currently, they are building a camp. Pinebranch is in the process of finishing construction on a meeting hall/ kitchen/ dorm, and several smaller cabins. We jumped right in and with in matter of days had mastered flooring, meter and circular saws, building bunk beds, spackling, sanding, varnishing and my favorite Wigofolding( the wind barrier you put up before you install siding.) The days were long but we had a blast. Andrew taught us so much and we worked along side some wonderful Ukranian men. They were always looking out for us and and calling us strong anytime we lifted any object over 10 pounds. Our favorite job was playing with Abbie, an 8 month old genius baby. We all fell in love with her and fought for her attention constantly. We also added an honorary member to are team. Jared came to work with the Kelly's for three months. He had just arrived a week before us and he was such a great help to us. All in all we had a great time at camp. I will not soon forget all the laughs and memories of this last month.

Video: Faces of Romania

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

beautiful...enough said.

Video: All in a Day's Work

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is a little taste of one of the daily tasks that our Romanian "Tata," Abi,
has to do in order to have hot water and a heated house every day.
Though it's a whole lot of work, he showed us how it can also be fun together!

Serving the Gypsies

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here's some highlights of our time with the Gypsies...

English Classes

and

Women's Ministry

Kids Ministry: VBS program & Easter outreach

Serving our neighbors in Viile Tecii

Our Romanian Family

Easter Sunday & Baptisms!!!

"Let us not become weary of doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

"They are called the Gypsies"

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Viile Tecii, Romania

Land of the "Gypsies"...

I tell the Gypsies, "Because you have no home here on earth, when we get to heaven we're all gonna speak one language and it's gonna be Gypsy!"

John Fracker (Gypsy Agape)

We so often refer to the phrase,

"There's no place like home."

Unfortunately for the Gypsy people they feel they have no place to call home, and

therefore can't identify with much of the rest of the world.

Historically these people originated from India,

and may be described as a

race of nomads...

Over time they've had to scatter throughout different locations trying to survive,

because they are treated as social outcasts and rejects within their own societies.

Though Romania has the most Gypsies in Europe and they even have their own flag,

they are disregarded by many of the Romanian people and are treated as inferior.

Since arriving here in Viile Tecii, I have fallen in love with the Gypsies.

They are a beautiful people who understand the importance of community and love through their families in a very deep way,

a way that may surpass most of the world that I've encountered this year.

However, many of them are blinded by the Orthodox church that communicates religion over Jesus and lack a resurrected life in Him.

More people are needed to reach them with the LOVE of Christ!

If you would like more information on the Gypsy people,

or how to reach out to them here in Viile Tecci, Romania click here.

Katie Rowland's blog, "Where is home?" is also great!

"Eat your heart out" Romanian Roadtrip Remix

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"See what transpires when 25 July '08 F-Squad World Racers get a whole Romanian bus all to themselves for an 8-hour bus ride through the beautiful Romanian countryside.

Featuring the famous original Romanian song known as Numa Numa. Enjoy!"

-Katie Rowland

"Africa Through Our Eyes"

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As we are now in Ville Ticci, a beautiful Gypsy village in Romania...

Here's "Africa Through Our Eyes,"

saying goodbye from my team's heart....

Wrapping up Malawi

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here's a wrap up of our time in Malawi...

"Flames of Fire"

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Malawi

"Flames of Fire"

"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another..." 1 Peter 5: 2-5

"Igniting the Churches in the Warm Heart of Africa"

Malawi's name means "Flames of Fire" ....

And is also known as being the "Warm Heart of Africa"....

We experienced this as our team traveled to 6 different locations this month:

Mayaka, Malosa, Zomba, Phalombe, Blantyre, & Chikwawa

Coming alongside H.I.M. Ministries in the southern region of Malawi with Pastor Medson Gama & his wife Rose

we empowered an average 150 pastors (some with their wives!) through sharing our testimonies, preaching, teaching, & prayer

Feeling very much like Paul, as he visited various locations while establishing the early church,

I recognized the importance of encouraging, empowering, & igniting our leaders in the Body of Christ!

So often they are pouring out so much of themselves to those in their congregations (me & you),

giving but not receiving and are therefore overlooked.

Oh, but church how we must....

Let us....

love more, give more, & submit more to our leaders as they care for us as their sheep!

video - Ashes of Pain, Beauty of Spirit.

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"You want me to be WHAT?"

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Lord, wait. Did I hear you right? I'm tired. No, exhausted! You want me to be weak?"

    About six months ago, month 4 of the Race during Cambodia (while fresh & embracing every trial that flew our way) one of my best friends challenged me to expose "myself" a bit more on my blogs. She didn't do so with the intent of condemnation or saying I wasn't being authentic enough, but that she desired to hear more of the raw details going on inside of me, not just around me.
    Looking back, it wasn't time for that. Oh, but how it is now! This past month has been one of my favorites and yet one of the toughest too. Favorites including God using us in crazy cool ways in a few short weeks, moving our team from disunity to unity, encountering supernatural breakthrough in conflict, and just the joy and freedom that lingers over being in Africa and experiencing the importance of relationship emphasized in their culture. Toughest, individually reaching a "breaking point" during month eight, while sensing the same from many on our squad.
    One night in particular I pretty much exploded and couldn't hold it in any longer. I was tired. Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually. Physically from camping the past two month in tents (not realizing how much simply having a bed to fully rest in makes a significant difference in life, lol). Emotionally, feeling very alone in the responsibility of leading and feeling pressure to carry a lot of other's burdens and needs that I had no control over changing or meeting. Spiritually, being exhausted from the despair and hopelessness in many of the situations we encountered in Swazi life, which they face on an average day in just trying to survive. I couldn't do it anymore. In that moment I wanted to be anywhere but there, suffocating in being completely overwhelmed.
    Yesterday God met me there. Though I know I'm exactly where I need to be and would never go home, the thought of continuing to travel long distances, lead, serve, etc. didn't excite me to say the least. I've hit a point where I can no longer even think about living each day on my own. I have nothing left to give to anyone, my family, the people we serve, even myself. I wake up every single morning having to consciously make a decision that, "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it," or I may not make it that day.
    So, you're probably wondering what I heard...

"But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12: 9&10

If any of you can identify with where Paul was when writing this passage or where I'm currently at, then this is for you too. Because the weaker He allows us to be, the more He is made visibly strong.

"Beauty From Ashes" Update!

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Beauty from Ashes"
"I told my story"
Isaiah 61:3
*********
February 20-22, 2009

Manzini, Swaziland

*****

Up until Sunday, the last day of "Beauty From Ashes, Maria, an older woman of great love and inner strength resided more on the outskirts. Not because she put herself there, but because it wasn't yet her time. Being one of the women who assisted us in translation all weekend, she poured her heart into listening to the other women's stories while crying, praying, and coming alongside them in their pain.

Initially, she seemed very reserved. From a distance no one would suspect she even had much of a story to tell. As the weekend went on she requested for pain medication multiple times because she was suffering from intense headaches. On Saturday, the "Day of Ashes," it was a day full of many stories, tears, and women vomiting out the pain of their lives. As we were closing out one of the large group sessions, Maria and another lady both came to the front ready to share; however, Maria quickly sat back down after realizing we only had enough time for one more story. Promising she would be given an opportunity later, only a couple of the women at this point recognized she was currently living in deep pain and brokenness. So, the "Day of Ashes" finished and Maria still hadn't shared.

By the next morning during "Day of Beauty," our last day together, God made it very apparent that this was Maria's time. She was the only woman who ended up sharing that day. After worship and prayer, she told us how at age 20 something she was married to a 60 something year old man. She questioned God's hand in all of this, but learned to love. Since then she's been widowed and has had to raise her children alone. In the midst of all this is one of her sons who mistreats her, so much so that he's lied about his father's heart towards her and has held her at gunpoint in hopes of forcing her off her own homestead, leaving her with no place to go. "What am I supposed to do?" she cried out at us with her hands desperately questioning. Weeping to the point of falling to her knees, I next saw Jesus.

No longer needing to model to the women of Swazi the importance of coming alongside one another, they naturally flocked around her in a circle comforting her through touch and loudly praying together on behalf of her "ashes." Later that day, at the end of our time together, Maria once again stood before our group. This time it was to communicate the importance of continuing how to love. She stood in the middle of us all with the question, "How have we been shown love this weekend?" Being an older woman who's highly respected by the others, she modeled this as she walked towards one woman kissing her on the cheek, embracing her, and talking about the importance of praying for one another. Soon after a few of the women followed her example continuing these same actions within our circle, while also forming a line to show appreciation and love to us Racers for what they had been taught...

It was in this moment that I realized not only had God used us to empower these Swazi women to experience and continue living out "Kingdom" as being the hope of their nation, but He fulfilled what He had promised. Through them sharing their stories and learning to grieve with one another they would see Him "bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes."

"It was in the ashes of these women's lives being shared that I experienced beauty amidst the authenticity of their pain. I caught a glimmer of Jesus as we tasted heaven together." -Krystle Longmire

"The whole point of this weekend was to have these women share their stories, not only did they do that, but they came alongside one another to encourage, love, and celebrate one another's lives." -Jessie Miller

"It was amazing to see the Holy Spirit working in the lives of the women to become vulnerable with eachother." -Maithili Johnson

"I saw God when Alvina, one of the gogo's, told us she was going to give us a chicken at the end of the retreat because it showed how much she was impacted by the weekend." -Katie Rowland

"It was an amazing time of celebrating both joy and pain." -Kara Burrows

"As one woman mourned they all mourned, as the same woman found freedom the rest were sure to follow. This was beauty instead of ashes." -Tara Stephenson

"Beauty From Ashes" Swazi Women's Retreat!

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Beauty from Ashes"
"I told my story"
Isaiah 61:3
*********
February 20-22, 2009
Manzini, Swaziland

*****

God has been speaking to Seth Barnes, the founder of A.I.M., for sometime about the women of Swaziland being the hope for this nation. In a culture where there is so much brokenness (a large population of orphans and widows) and many people hiding behind taboo topics such as AIDs, shame masks this country. So, the overwhelming question that's seems to haunt not just our team this month, but every person that visits Swazi is "What can be done?"

As God continued to speak to Seth, the vision for a "Storybook weekend" unfolded where women could have a safe place to be authentic and vulnerable through sharing their stories, with no veil of shame. It would be through this type of change that many of them would find freedom and healing, therefore empowering their nation to do the same. Though we don't have God's power to save an entire country from AIDs, or prevent beautiful children and women from being orphaned or widowed we do have the power to love.
Through fostering this type of environment God will... "provide for those who grieve in Swaziland'-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of despair. They will be called mighty oaks, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." Isaiah 61:3

On the more practical side of things, this is a 3-day women's retreat with 40 women total (32 Swazi women & 8 Racers as staff). In order to make this as successful as we've planned, we can't do this alone. We need your help through prayer & finances. Below is the financial breakdown necessary to accomplish these purposes.

Please join us in touching the lives of women here in Swaziland!!!

Click here to give to help the women of Swaziland.

Please write "World Race Ministry - Swazi Women" in the space provided in order to make sure your gift is designated to this ministry.

$1,000.00 US Dollars - All supplies for activities, decorations, gifts, etc. (including "I told my story" Nametags & T- shirts) &

transportation

$1,192.00 US Dollars - Venue & All Meals
************

$2,292.00 Total US Dollars

PLEASE PRAY: For breakthrough in these women's lives through:
      *vulnerability in sharing stories of tears & pain
      *freedom from shame & masks
      *healing through encountering God's love & grace
      *God's true beauty to come from their ashes (not just for a weekend but throughout their entire life)
      *That these women would empower their nation in hope, freedom, and healing!

Nsoko, Swaziland Shoe Distribution

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Her name is Dudu"

Sat, 7 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Her name is Dudu"

    I've heard stories about her and her baby, seen her from a distance, and even prayed over her this past Sunday at church, but yesterday was different. Yesterday was real for me. "I know Dudu is dying and I want to honor her as much as I can," Pastor Gift said to our team. This beautiful woman who has an 8 month old baby is dying from AIDS and extreme TB at the age of 26. That's one year older than 25. She could be me, or even you.
    When we arrived at her house I only had enough time to recognize I had been here the week prior before I saw her coming out, frail and shuffling. Her head was bobbling with her physical structure lifeless and limp except for her eyes. Her eyes were intensely sharp, her spirit still crying out but her body resisting communication with even a faint whisper. You could see her mother's strength within her. Her mom reflects a typical African woman's survival through her strong-weathered hands and wrinkled, yet rich, glowing black skin. With the fight of her mother at her side and a sense of urgency we got Dudu into the back of Pastor Gift's van.

   He asked me to sit on the other side of her and her mom, so that between the two of us we could better support her weak body on our 1.5 hour trek to the hospital. She's progressively gotten worse, and being admitted to the hospital at this point would be best. During the initial part of our journey, after wrapping one arm around her and holding her hand with the other I was consumed with a deep love for a woman I didn't even know, God's love. The squeezing of her hand in mine, the non-verbal signaling for me to give her water or her handkerchief after coughing, and the closing of her eyes as I sang to her were enough for a new friendship to be kindled. Staring out the window with welled-up tears ready to burst forth, AIDS had become more real for me than ever before, but more importantly than that Dudu's life. God's peace slowly settled upon the two of us.
    I am convinced Dudu had experienced what I had, even if for a few brief moments. And though my heart is currently breaking for her entire situation, God reminded me that His hope, love, and compassion still remains in life's most dire situations. Only God's love would allow two strangers to connect on this level.

    **Dudu was admitted to the hospital yesterday, with the Dr. stating that she probably now also has Meningitis on top of AIDS and TB. We left her in their care while they were to do a spinal injection to confirm Meningitis for sure. Today we are taking her baby to the clinic.**

PLEASE PRAY:

*For God's best in Dudu's life (whether through miraculous healing, death in going to be with Jesus, but that she wouldn't

have to suffer anymore than she has)

*For her baby Snethemba to be HIV free

             *For her baby & family through Dudu's outcome
             *For God's Hope to prevail over Swaziland's strongholds of hopelessness & despair (amidst poverty, brokeness, &
               illness)

FOLLOW-UP BLOGS ON DUDU & HER BABY....
            "I remember 'Dudu's' affliction...the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." Lamentations 3:19-22

Looking back on Mozambique

Fri, 6 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

If You Build It, They Will Come

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    "Freedom!!" The next morning I awoke to Melanie telling me I had unknowingly belted this out the previous night. Being three feet away from one another's tent buddies this past month gave us the luxury of overhearing funny sleeping habits that some of us possess, but I think there was a little more to it than only giving Mel a good laugh.
Freedom describes this past month, individually, among our community with our team of 15, and outwardly while teaching and training rural churches in the bush of Mozambique.
    "Ugh." This was Ali and I's initial reaction within our specific church. We were there to train them how to share their story and God's story with others, so more people would come into relationship with Jesus and their church would continue to multiply. "How are we to accomplish this goal when half the people in this church don't even know what heaven, hell, or the Bible is?" Being released from having to accomplish a goal and instead focusing on the heart of why we were there, Jesus, became our foundation. Going back to the basics of faith we soon discovered that these people believed "church" and good works was their way to God. As they shared their stories and we took them out to evangelize to their neighbors, "church, church, church" was their primary focus while Jesus lagged behind in the shadows.
    Each day Ali, Josh, and I walked a half-hour through the white sand and tall grass to reach the hut of our Mozambican friends. For the 2 of us females one of us always commented about how we somehow just felt off. Recognizing that our emotions always followed suit the day we were teaching, we would pray for each other, and soon observed the other boldly imparting truth and empowering our church through teaching...freedom in learning new reliance upon God's Spirit.

    As we continued to press on throughout the week we also saw God bring freedom to this church. It may not have looked how we originally planned but His plans proved greater. By the end of the week we saw a 12 year-old boy with a permanent smile glued to his face proudly demonstrating God's story to others in the sand; Anna, a woman who was possibly a traditional healer (witchdoctor) in the area was now coming to church after witnessing to her the first day; Alfred, a 20 something, influencing others with his new blazing passion for evangelizing, as he shared God's story with his grandparents and they became Christians, while all the repetitive teaching we poured into this church finally paid off as they no longer emphasized the "church" as being the way to God, but only through Jesus.
    One particular day when I was teaching I glanced to my left where I saw a few builders carrying a massive tree trunk. As I continued teaching about Jesus being our rock and the foundation of life, I didn't think much about it until a few minutes later when I saw them sitting right in front of me. After we invited people to give their lives to Jesus that day, two of these three men did. "How like Him to have me teach on rocks and foundations when He knew these builders would come and listen!"
    It's no wonder that being in Africa my spirit unconsciously yelled out, "Freedom!" It is something that these people cry out for and respond well to when given opportunity to be free, freedom from sin's separation from God, false teaching, lack of purpose in life, evil spirits, and not trusting God to reign as both protector and Lord. Not only did these men experience freedom that day, but I learned that "If you build the church on Jesus, they will come."

"For where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom!"

Support Brian and Stacy!

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Support Brian and Stacy here!

On our Way to Africa!!

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We are on our way to Africa today for the next 3 months!!!
London has been incredible, but I'm ready to return to the continent of FREEDOM & inexpressible JOY!

A lot of the places we're expecting to travel to and serve at are pretty remote,
so our communication may be more limited than before. I will do my best to keep you all updated as much as possible.

Please pray for preparation of our hearts, as well as the African's hearts,
that God would lead us to the people that need Him most.

Also, please continue praying for London, one of the most diverse cities I've ever been to,

a strategic city in the world where the nations are in one central location,

a place where walking down the street you may hear 5 different languages flying past you,

and out of 11 million people 1.8 million are Muslim!

Here are a few pictures that wrap up our time in London...

Christmas Eve Service & Morning

Gettin' slightly ghetto

New Years, Happy 09!

We got front row tickets to see Wicked!!

Walked where the Beatles walked...!

And went to church at Hillsong London!

Family, did you know we were so famous in London?

Well we are.

"A Day of Remembering YOU!"

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Family, Friends, & Supporters,

This is for you. Thank you!

"A Day of Remembering..."

As we approach our 6th month in this crazy adventure we like to call the World Race, our squad is having a silent day of reflection over this last half of our journey. This morning as I was "reflecting" God directed me to Psalm 25 where David reminds me to REMEMBER...

In you, Lord my God,

I put my trust...

No one who hopes in you

will ever be put to shame...

Show me your ways, Lord,

teach me your paths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.

REMEMBER,

Lord, your great mercy and love..

for you, Lord are good."

...kingdom experiences I've encountered in each country so far, the life lessons I've gained, the people I've fallen in love with, and YOU, my family, friends, & supporters who have partnered with me each step of the way!

*Mexico: God's hand being upon me from the very beginning of this trip! When traveling to meet up with my squad I had a layover in Mexico city where I was planning on spending the night in the airport. Just when I began to notice a creepy man following & staring at me I prayed for protection, soon after I met a Christian family who insisted that I not stay there alone. Not only did they make me eat dinner with them, but they provided a free hotel room for me to stay in before catching my flight the next morning. I will not forget them...they were my angels! "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowng it." Hebrews 13:2

*Nicaragua: Learning the depths of love from our ministry contacts Tommy & Linda Gable, who served us more than we felt we were able to serve them. Falling in love with a broken teenage boy, Marlon, who desperately needed Jesus and taught me an entirely new measure of grace (See blogs An Unforgettable Smile & A True Picture of Grace).

*Vietnam: Experiencing the power of prayer & worship as spiritual tools to battle with in the midst of darkness, such as women in prostitution (See blogs Spiritual Bombs over Vietnam & A Saturday Night in Vietnam...Love is a battlefield!). "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned..The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." Isaiah 9: 2, 7

*Cambodia: Leadership = Empowering others. During this month God called me to step back so others on my team & squad could step foward. I went to a new level of understanding leadership as Jesus sees it, serving from the ground up and empowering others in their identity, as well as position in Him. I also became friends with a beautiful Cambodian woman named Roni, who I was incredibly blessed to see come into a personal relationship with Jesus while we were there! I realized through her, "It's all worth it for THE ONE!"

*Thailand: Dreaming BIG is a reality for our God. In Pattaya my heart was exposed to not just the brokeness of a city, but issues in our world that I've never experienced to this level. Broken men & women longing to fill deep wounds in their hearts and lives, therefore turning to all forms of sexual immorality such as prostitution, homosexuality, transgender activities, bar life, and living however they want to live. It was here that I recognized the next puzzle piece of my life. Through answered prayer, the people I came into contact with in ministry at the Tamar Center, and dreaming God has burdened me with a BIG dream of seeing THE BROKEN ONES RESTORED (in particular female women & teens)! Nadatat is a woman I met at the Tamar Center who has inspired me. God gave her a new name following a new identity in Him...Nadatat is the Thai word for the perfume that Mary poured out upon Jesus' feet.

*London: His blessings of love. It's here that I've received so many unexpected gifts and surprises, His timing being so perfectly centered around Christmas :) These have included: seeing one of my very best friends Sarah, while confirming my dreaming in Thailand with her own dreams, financially providing through some of you supporters when it couldn't have come at a better time, stretching me further in leadership while leading and speaking to me every inch of the way, & allowing me the incredible opportunity to share His love with Anna, a Muslim woman (see blog Behind Anna's eyes).

...AND NOW IT'S TIME TO REMEMBER YOU!!!

Thank you for partnering with our Savior Jesus in furthering His Kingdom in each of these countries, people's lives, and my own! Though not being physically present with the July 08 squad & I, you have played just as vital of a role.

None of this would have taken place without you!!

With that said, I'll let Paul say it best...

"I thank my God every time I REMEMBER YOU!

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership

in the gospel from the first day until now,

being confident of this,

that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart...

And this is my prayer:

that your love may abound more & more in knowledge and depth of insight,

so that you may be able to discern what is best

and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through

Jesus Christ-

to the glory and praise of God."

Philippians 1: 3-7, 9-11

LOVE YOU ALL,

Krystle

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

Family, Friends, & Supporters...

Just wanted to give a quick shout out to say Merry Christmas from London...

My video below says the rest,

With a fun addition from our squad!

Behind Anna's Eyes...

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Her eyes...

    said it all, "Authentic and longing for authenticity."
    In-between a caramel and chocolate covered sparkle. Transparent. Kind. Rich. Deep. They screamed, "Open. More. Truth." Anna's eyes communicated more intensely than anything else. Outside of any other body language or words they shouted, "Please, I'm longing for more. Tell me all you know. I'm seeking truth and authenticity."
    Today at the bus stop I spoke with Anna, a beautiful young Muslim woman, waiting for bus 316 to return home. As I approached the red bench that she sat at we struck up a conversation. I soon learned that she wasn't too much younger than I, working part-time while attending school at a university. Not at all proud to reveal this, but true...The reality of never having interacted with a Muslim as much as her soon led me to discover that behind Anna's external was a typical 20 something year old woman, like me. Though her haijab (headscarf covering her entire head minus her face) may seem rather uninviting for some, causing us to avoid or speculate about who she truly is, her eyes taught me to trust her. Outside of her religious dress was a woman like many other ladies her age, removing many of my former stereotypes and assumptions.
    Anna's eyes said, "I desire fullness of life, beauty, relationship, love, and purpose."
    Exchanging each of our beliefs about who is true, God or Allah, Jesus or Mohammed, and the Bible or the Koran, I saw a hunger mounting in Anna. A supernatural touch from her Creator. A kiss from the love of her Savior, who she is yet to know but soon to experience. Behind Anna's eyes today was a reality that she discovered deep inside to be true, but is yet to claim for herself. I saw her being left at a crossroads.
    Though she didn't make a decision today she did want me to pray that Jesus would make himself known to her and show her that He is true above everything else she has known her entire life. Opening my eyes...after praying, after seeing her how He sees her, after seeing her for who she truly is...
    Behind Anna's eyes...

were tears.

Please pray with me that Jesus would also open Anna's eyes & meet with her, revealing truth and speaking to her where she's at, whether through dreams, visions, the Bible, or her Christian friends who are currently in her life.

**Anna was a false name given to protect this woman's identity**

"Mind the Gap!" London

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Mind the gap," here in Britain!

This is how much our God loves us....

One of my very best friends & I got to spend 4 inseparable days together here in London, unexpectedly, before plugging into ministry!

Not only were we shocked about our paths crossing this year (wondering if they would but highly doubted it), but freaked out when we discovered that we were staying in not just the same exact town but building!

Sarah Jane Christopher

Krystle Ann Longmire

Only our God would bring two friends together serving him across completely different continents in the exact timing they both needed it most...

one returning home, the other at her half-way mark, both hearing God's voice, dreaming the same BIG dreams

communicating to us we're not alone, giving us partnership together in bringing kingdom to a lost world....

RESTORATION OF THE

BROKEN ONES

Thank you Jesus & Sarah for our sweet time together in this beautiful city here in London...

it was a blessing that is inexpressible in words!

No Longer Stuck in Bangkok baby!

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

So, as most of you know our squad was last heading to Africa for ministry the next three months; however, with all the recent events taking place in Bangkok, Thailand God has rerouted us! To read more about the situation that's been taking place there click here. We had been stuck for about 8 days amidst political unrest while thousands of protestors forced the international airport to close in hopes that the Prime Minister would be forced to resign. In short, the protests ended mostly peaceful with him officially resigning and stranded travelers continuing onto their destinations. Thank you all for your prayers during this time! We were completely safe and realized God had much more in store for us than we knew was necessary. Not only was this time used as a preparation period, but a reconciliation time between individuals, teams, our squad as a whole, & for me personally at home. Though we were able to finally leave the country it best worked out for us to go to England...so here we are for this month, London!!!! Not only are we overwhelmed with joy for being here during Christmas, but just today we have been assigned a ministry location that we are so excited about! As of now we can't share specifics about who we are working with or what we will specifically be doing, but please pray that God use us to be KINGDOM carriers, LIFE breathers, & FIRE starters in a nation whose hearts have been hardened and cold through history and over time.

Here's some fun that our family's experienced over the past couple weeks while being stuck in Bangkok.....

THANKSGIVING!!

bowling night, nose piercings, & tattoos!

A.T.L. (Ask The Lord) Afternoon...listening for God's leading in meeting random people & sharing Jesus' Love

And any opportunity for random fun & crazy dance parties...Enjoy!

All the Michael Angelo's in our world.

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

World Racer Marisa Banas reported this story. It is incredibly shocking, but a harsh reality occurring in our world today that many of us haven't the slightest clue about. Before this year I hadn't either. A first step in fighting against this world wide phenomenon of the sex trade and human trafficking is becoming informed. So, I challenge you as well as myself to do so, then pray & fight as our Lord leads.....

What do you see when you look at this picture?

Obviously there are 4 feet, two from an adult and two precious little ones from a toddler. I bet that you would never see or assume the truth behind this image, this haunting portrait. The two little feet that you just see were sold for $60 US Dollars to a pimp.
A three-year old turned sex slave. His name is Michael Angelo.

Welcome to Navotos, where Michael lives!

Navotos is a community of 10,000 people who live on top of tombs in a graveyard in the Philippines. Michael lives in the part of the community that is raised about 12 feet off Manila Bay's polluted waters. All 9 of his family members live in a 2-story makeshift squatter home. Most of the bottom level is rotted out and can't be used. You get up to the top floor by climbing a slippery ladder and once you get up to the top, you realize that this family literally has nothing. Each child has one shirt. Some don't even have pants. The baby's bottom is diaperless and the severe rash has bubbled his skin over to look like a think crust. Michael spends all day alone in the house with the baby and his other 2-year old brother while his father and mother go out to try to find work so that they can eat. His older siblings are left to govern themselves and find work.

When the pimp came to the door with a picture in her hand, the family thought that their luck had changed. She promised them that by giving Michael to her they would become rich. She said, "At the age of 20 Michael will come back to you with a million dollars and you will not have to struggle like this anymore." She also promised that Michael would be taken care of and treated like a king at his new home in Japan. The exchange was made. A child for $60.00. A poor boy turned to "king" in a matter of minutes.

PCF has 2 schools., one in the dump and the other in the graveyard. One of the teachers found out about Michael Angelo and notified the social work department at the school. Three of the social workers decided, despite how scared they were that they were going to do something about this tragedy. They worked tirelessly to find out all the details. They discovered that the pimp worked for a couple who live and own a bar in Japan. They also sell children undercover. The pimp became pregnant herself about 4 years ago and it was decided by her boss that she would pimp out her own child when he was around 3-years old. The time had come for her to give up her son but she could not bring herself to do it. She took a picture of her son around the Navotos village to find a child that looked like her son. When she found Michael Angelo, she found a way to save her own flesh and blood.

The social workers called the mother into the school, sat her down and scared the heck out of her. They told her that the adoption was illegal and that she could be put in jail if she didn't get the child back. The conversation took hours before tears streamed down her eyes because she realized that her child would be used for sexual pleasure by a man 4 times his size. They said that it took her about another hour to find the courage to go to the pimp's house to retrieve her son.

On June 15, 2008 at 12:00am, mere hours before the child was scheduled to leave the country and fly to Japan, Michael Angelo was back in her arms.I asked the social worker, do you think she will sell him again? She shrugged her shoulders and said, "We will notify the police to arrest her is she does. She is still thinking about that million dollars."

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing Michael Angelo. He didn't smile too much. Perhaps the shock of a white woman with a huge camera and lens planted right on him was a little shocking. His face was severely bruised because he had fallen through one of the cracks in the floor. The dark color around his lips is not chocolate, it is dried blood. I don't know how survived the fall a 12 foot fall. It's as if the Lord's hand is on this child. When I left the rickety house I turned back and saw his little head peaking out of a make-shift window. Through his swollen check and black eye he surprised me with a smile that radiated joy into my entire body. In the frozeness of this scared child I saw a glimmer of hope. He waved his tiny little hand frantically from side to side in such excitement as he sent me off in a heart-felt joyful goodbye.

I stopped by the house one more time before leaving to see if I could find the mother and tell her that there was no million dollars, but we couldn't find her anywhere. Michael was alone in the house with his two other siblings. This time, I captured his little head peaking out for you. So you will remember him. Remember his bruises and his face. Remember that he was sold and then saved. Remember him, pray for him, and give your money to send missionaries to do the work of getting children like him out of danger and back in the Father's arms!

**Marisa, thank you for sharing this story and having God's heart beat for all the Michael Angelo's in our world!** Krystle :)