Rubie Palmer - When my feet hit the floor each morning the devil says, "Aw Crap! She's up!"

Highlights Video

Wed, 6 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I made this photo video of my time on the mission field for a recent talk I did and wanted to share it with all of my supporters. Thank you again for your faith-filled prayers and financial giving that reached countless people in the name of Jesus. Be blessed!

Still close to my heart

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is an awesome video that sums up much of Swaziland and what is going on there. July '08 squad members Stacey and Brian Alonzo put together this awesome video. Not a day goes by or a meal eaten that I don't think about these precious people and the struggles they face. Since my team and I have been there, so many projects have continued to progress and many more lives changed! Praise God! He is always faithful! And I am delighted to let you know that my brother and sister-in-law will be moving to Nosoko, Swaziland to continue on God's work come this August. Watch and be blessed...and above all, be encouraged and keep praying!

Final Flight Home-Video

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Despite utter and sheer exhaustion on our final flight home, we decided to make the most of it and have a tried and true World Race dance party! Before we knew it, two hours had gone by!

This is what I call... World Race Entertainment... Jan.'08 Style!!

Conviction: How deep does it run?

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It's been a month now of being back home and trying to gauge this past month has been a little difficult.

HOME.

It's easy to pass off this last year of transformation as a dream, and not take full responsibility and abide in obedience that is required. Home reminds me a little bit of when we were in India (don't freak out all you Jan. Racers). Here's why: India was delightfully difficult. The circumstances made it very easy to "check out" and I found myself having to find spiritual stimulation outside of my normal means. I remember expressing this challenge in my prayer journal and distinctly hearing God say, "you are blessed when you abide and obey." And He was right (He has a tendency to do that). Being in India the month prior to SE Asia was a blessing. The Lord empowered and equipped me for the darkness of Thailand, the difficulties in Vietnam, and to encourage the Cambodians.

So tying this all up again: sometimes at home it is easy to lie to myself and not whole heartedly pursue the Kingdom every day. I need to be on my knees in desperation for Him to be my every bated breath and not to settle' by coming up with all kinds of excuses. I was listening to Nate Evan's radio interview the other day, and in it he mentioned how being on the race was a direct result of his prayers in college. The same was with me. Even when I was in Peru (prior to the World Race), I kept praying, "Lord, there has to be more out there, and I want it..." I look back on how He has faithfully answered those prayers and brought me to a place of deep intimacy with Him. I never want to stop praying dangerously, and fail to lose sight of His Kingdom purposes.

My challenge to you then is to set up accountability and continue to pray dangerously. Quit making excuses and settle' (I'm preaching to myself here as well...) with anything less then Him fully. Let's get calluses on our knees and continue to abide in obedience and bring Kingdom!!!

My Brother Capitan Palmer home today from Baghdad, Iraq. Home for good!! Praise the Lord!!

He left for Iraq when I left for Peru-it's good to both be home finally!!

Have a Merry Christmas!

Dear Satan,

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This is an army of the LORD,
We have risen up.
We are skilled, practiced, prepared, and anointed.
We are ready.

Do you hear us Satan?
It is the sound of our footsteps coming down the hallways.
Is that your demons shrieking?
We are coming!
We are not tired, we are not weary.

Move Out! We are taking back our homeland!
No longer can you lie to out families, peers, and churches.
The bonds are breaking, the shackles have cracked.
We are His army. His warriors.
The depressed are set free.
The self-mutilators are healed.
The broken are bound.
The lost are found.

We will not be stopped.
We cannot be stopped.
Our passion and desire has turned to zeal.
We burn with righteousness.

Get out! You've been here to long!
We shall never settle.
We shall never give up.
We burn off mediocrity and pursue excellence.
Mundane is no longer used to describe us.

We are the united Army of the King.
His chosen, His warriors, His sons and daughters.
And we will continue to stomp your head until our heels are bruised!

We have risen up.
We are skilled, practiced, prepared, and anointed.
We are going.
So move out!

Never going back to same-same.

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kim Daniels made this awesome video as a tribute to our year of life together. It's hard to sum it all up in one video, so this will have to suffice till I get home.

We leave for America tonight. I will see you soon!! Please continue to pray for us as we travel, and make the adjustments to home. Country 12! Thank you again for your investment in my life!!

Ministry in Cambodia

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Our squad was able to visit the ancient ruins of Ankor Wat in northern Cambodia and have a time to rest from our months in Vietnam/Hong Kong. We then headed to the country's capital of Phenom Phen. This city of 1.7 million is recovering from the terroristic and destructive years of the Khmer Rouge.

The first week we were in Phenom Phen was a week of holidays. Consequently, we were unable to work with our contacts during that time, and in reality it worked out well because our squad had not been together for our ministry time in South East Asia. We were able to worship together, spend time in the Word together, encourage each other, and laugh a lot (we had squad-wide Olympics!). It was really awesome to use that week to build up the body. The following week, we were able to go to the slums, spend time at an AIDS orphanage, and go to house cell-groups and share. Our time in Cambodia was brief, but very good. I was able to spend most of my week sharing in the house groups and encouraging new believers. I spent a Saturday morning in the slums washing children's hair, clipping nails, and just overall hygiene. It is ALWAYS a blessing to serve!!

GREAT NEWS!! I AM FULLY SUPPORTED AND WILL HAVE A REIMBURSEMENT COMING BACK!! THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL INVESTMENT IN MY LIFE!!

Puppy Chow (the video)

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Yeah, I ate some. In fact, I felt like I needed to eat my money's worth (those of you frugal like myself can appreciate that). However, I just couldn't stomach eating the entire plate.....

I have $318 to raise until I am fully supported!! Thank you all so much!! God bless you tremendously!!

The Persecuted Church

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There are times in life where you just can't believe that you are where you are. That happened several times for me while in Vietnam. One such time, I was sitting in a coffee shop with Caroline and a Vietnamese named Deborah (name changed for protection). She was telling us her testimony and about life in the persecuted church. Sometimes I am taken back to the New Testament of Paul and others, whose purpose was to encourage the persecuted church to keep going.

A registered church in Vietnam

As I sat there, I knew I was sitting with a rare warrior for the Lord. She beamed Jesus. Literally. Like Moses, when he spent time with the Lord on Mount Sinai and came down and glowed, she clearly spent tons of time in the presence of the Lord. She understood Him in ways that I had not, and knew Him so intimately. Her foundation was unshakeable and no trial could waiver her faith. She understood the seriousness of her calling, and never wasted time.

She met her husband (who was days away from becoming a Buddhist monk) 8 or 9 years ago and has one son. They help run the underground church in Vietnam. They have had to move 7 times in the last 7 years because of persecution from the government. Their desire is to train up leaders for the house churches. They do this at night and during secret times so that the government cannot stop them. And during persecution, the church is flourishing. James 1 talks about how trials bring life. So the trial of suffering as a body is bringing about life. One hundred fold. The masses are ready for change. They are ready for answers. They are ready for their souls to be fed. Not by statues or chants, not by clearing the mind, but for something deeper. They long to be swept along into the movement of radicals who bring about change by love. Who do not operate out of fear, but are more concerned with others then themselves. They long to join the vision of change. They want to be apart of the history in the making, they are dreaming once again of new foundations, of a new nation, a new world in which life bursts forth from every seam. The church here on the outside looks small, but once in you realize the depth and seriousness of the believers, you realize it is a war in which they have already won. And the devil knows it. He is screaming because he knows his time is coming to an end quickly, and that the Church in which he has done all that he can to stop, is flourishing. It's funny; you would think that he would learn that trials and suffering ALWAYS produces life.

A Catholic church in downtown Ho Chi Minh

Deborah's story was one of many trials. She grew up very poor, and with parents who abused her. She sold vegetables at a local market while attending school, to help provide finances for her family. From the outside, her story is very typical in poor areas. You find this everywhere. But, one day, a Christian lady came to her home and shared the gospel with her. From that night on, she was baptized in the Holy Spirit, and her life changed dramatically. Because of one lady's love for the Lord, Deborah's life was radicalized and in turn, hundreds of lives are being radicalized. Never forget your impact for the Lord. Never. Pray for the persecuted church in Vietnam, that it may continue to explode despite persecution, and that finances would come in so that any one who wants to receive training in the church may have the opportunity. And please use your love for the Lord to radicalize our generation.

One of our amazing translators and friends

Baby Zoolander

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

One of the ministries in Vietnam was feeding, holding, loving, and prophesying/praying for abandoned/orphaned babies. I loved them all and affectionately named them all 'Baby Zoolander', here are some pics of them, I tried to get them to make the Zoolander face, but you know how it goes with babies....

He inspired me... the original Zoolander

Good Morning Baby Zoolander

Curious Baby Zoolander

Sometimes Baby Zoolander cries...

...screams even.

Hairy Baby Zoolander

Flexible Baby Zoolander

Happy Baby Zoolander

Daydreaming Baby Zoolander

Pensive Baby Zoolander

Tuckered out Baby Zoolander

Wazzz up?! Baby Zoolander

Baby Zoolander found a good friend

Lessons from Communism

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lessons from Communism

A quote on the wall of the war museum in Vietnam stated:

"You (Americans) may kill 10 of my (Vietnamese) men to every 1 of yours I kill, but I the end I will win."

Now that is pretty determined. He was not willing to let anything or anybody stop him from achieving the goals that had been set. Now, what would happen if the body of Christ took the same approach? If we would stop at nothing, till we achieved the end goal (bringing the Kingdom of God to the ends of the earth)?

I can't help but make as such a bold statement as Ho Chi Minh said. No matter what obstacles, the Kingdom will prevail.

Recently the thought struck me, (or perhaps re-struck me); what would it take to be apart of Heaven invading earth?

The Scriptures say I am free in Christ, free from sin, yet a slave to righteousness (Romans 6). What does this look like then? I have been set free from the law as a system of salvation. It never depends on what I do or don't do; I live in freedom not by being perfect, but by being forgiven. I have also been set free from the dominion of sin, and have been supernaturally regenerated to God through Christ's death and risen life. I now have the dominion (the power, right, control) to be freed from the tentacles of sick, weakening, distracting sin.

Here is the ironic thing, by being set free, I am actually a slave. I am motivated by gratitude for the gift of grace and energized by the Holy Spirit to serve forever in the call of righteousness and bringing heaven to earth.

So now your question may become: how do I bring heaven to earth? It is pretty clear in Galatians 5:13&14: For you were called to freedom, brothers.Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Wow! So, by being enslaved to freedom, I bring heaven to earth. So stand up Bride of Christ!! Claim freedom from the dominion of sin and start to serve one another in love! And by our unity, we will be bearers of the Kingdom of God to this earth.

Thank you July '08 squad!!

Sat, 4 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thank you so much to everyone of you, for your work here in the harvest fields of Vietnam. Your obedience and service has not gone overlooked. You have set the stage for us to continue where you left off, and we are so excited to continue to pour in the relationships you've established. The presence of the Lord still lingers in the hotel on the streets and in the ministry sites where you worked. The work has been carved out for us, and we feel blessed to continue to claim Vietnam as the Lord's territory! Thank you for letting Vietnam have your hearts. We are excited to follow you into Cambodia after this month! Huge blessings on each one of you!

WHY GOD?!?!

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Ultimately our gift to the world is HOPE. Not blind hope that pretends everything is fine and refuses to acknowledge how things are. But the kind of hope that comes from staring pain and suffering right in the eyes and refusing to believe that this is all there is. It is what we all need- hope that comes not from going around suffering but from going through it. We can insist that hope is real..."

(Rob Bell, Velvet Elvis)

Gretchen's eyes get huge as we are swimming in the ocean and yells, "GET OUT!!" Sarah, Gretchen, and I ride the wave in, and we see the group of Thai guys, who were swimming next to us, eyes huge. It was no shark- it was their friend. Out there, stuck, drowning. Gretchen starts swimming as the first life guards jump in. They tell her to get back. We stand with the Thai friends and the girls from SHE who joined us for the day for what seemed like forever. I was praying and felt like my hands and legs were useless. What the heck am I doing standing knee deep in water when someone is dying?!?! There was nothing we could do. Talk about the worst feeling in the world. This has happened to me once before, when I was in Chincha, Peru (pre World Race days) and a man in front of me had a heart attack (he later found out at the same time he had pneumonia, a chemical attack, mini stroke, and had to have a quadruple bypass on his heart). They got him out about a half hour later. As they placed him on the beach, water and foam came out of his mouth, and he still had some color in him. Check the pulse! Do CPR! Move over and I will!! But, they picked him up before anything else could be done and put him in the back of this small SUV with no one else but the driver. His friends sat in the back of his pickup truck, looking as numb as I felt. The Thai was only about 25 years old. The lifeguards shrug their shoulders at the fact that the man died. What is the value of life?

So, I am left on the shores trying to figure out what it really means to hope. I know God was teaching me this lesson before I got here, and somehow it all ties into this disaster but I can't seem to parallel it at the moment....

Oh, and I head off to Vietnam in a day. We are going to be staying in a hostel, where the bottom floor is rented out for prostitution. Please pray for me and the squad as that kind of stuff is so intense and draining spiritually. Love you all, and thank you for praying and supporting me!

How SHE changed me

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

.HOPE.

The assurance of something not yet fully experienced.

To believe, desire or trust.

My heart pounds harder with each step I take, the air definitely has a different smell and feel to it. Breathing becomes more difficult. My eyes confirm what my spirit feels. It's real, no longer a documentary or a 5 minute news blip before commercials, or even something you read about in a book or attend a forum on. I swallow hard, realizing that what the Lord told me before I walked down Bangla Road couldn't have been more appropriate. "You are my hands and feet. Don't worry about protection, I've got you. Don't worry about words, I've got you. Just minister my love."

Rewind a bit. My family is very near and dear to me. I would do just about anything for them. Anytime. No questions asked. But, my heart breaks even more for some of my brothers and sisters who seem to be trapped under the same lies that the people I see walking down Bangla Road believe. Addicted to selling their bodies, addicted to the feelings that come from purchasing this sick destructive pleasure.' I have struggled for so long as to what my role as a sister to them is. How can I help fix' the problem, how can I reach them and minister to them?

Fast forward. The day before I got to Phuket, the Lord started to teach me about Christ Jesus being the mediator of our faith. A mediator is the link to both sides. Because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, He is the link. The mediator. The peace, the HOPE. Hope instills boldness (2 Cor. 3:12); hope requires patience (Ps. 39:7); as hope increases, praises increase (Ps. 71:13); our hope is living (1 Pt. 1:3); the mystery is solved: Christ in me the hope of glory (Col. 1:27). I am a minister of love. I am a minister of hope through Christ Jesus. Satan loves for me to think that my hands are tied and there is nothing I can do. I can pray. I can claim hope and love and peace.

Oh Lord Jesus, You have given me Kingdom eyes, help me to see and look through them. I walk in a bar and meet a girl about my age. We chat for a bit, and I begin to ask her about her family. I ask her about her dreams. We talk about that for a while. I go back the next night, and the next and the next. Each night brimming with love and compassion. You see, God has given me Kingdom eyes, so amongst the dark filth and lies, and deception of false intimacy, there is love. There is hope. I realize that it's not a role' I have to fill; it's not a problem I have to fix. I have to love, no, I get to love. I get to hope. I claim hope. I walk in hope. Hope is living. Even when abuse and darkness and death looks like it prevails, Bangla Road is a road of hope.

Being apart of SHE (Self Help and Empower) has let me see the spectrum of growth from relationship building in the bars, to seeing girls choose to get out of it and start to reach their dreams by earning money through SHE's jewelry making business and return to their children and homes in northern Thailand. One gal just started a Discipleship Training School with YWAM. Since we have been here, three ladies have chosen to accept Christ, and one of the girls I visited at the bars is considering joining SHE. This is the life of hope. This is the life of not letting go to the promises Christ has given us in His word.

"For in this HOPE (redemption) we were saved.
Now HOPE that is seen is not HOPE.
For who HOPES for what he sees?
But if we HOPE for what we do not see,
We wait for it with patience."
Hebrews 8:24&25

How SHE is changing me

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

So here I am in Phuket. I have a lot on my mind and not much computer time, so this will hopefully wet your appetite till I can fill you in later. I love the title of my blog because SHE really is changing me. This month, I am going to the darkest places a human being can go, to share the best thing human beings can receive. Walking in authority and confidence is a must. The protection and armor of the Lord is crucial. Prayer IS powerful. I don't want to give you the outline of my ministry schedule or even what the bar scene is like, you can get that by reading other blogs, or watching videos. Which I recommend if you are the slightest bit curious. But, going to the bars has brought healing to my heart, oddly enough. And that is where I will leave you till next time. But here are pictures as an appetizer.

Working in the new office of SHE

Mark and Sharon, founders of SHE

The Phuket team in India

A side street of Bangla Road where we do ministry during the day

Patong is the red light district of Phuket. Bangla road at night

One of the girls considering leaving the bar and joining SHE

Somehow I still find time to do manual labor.

Wait for the steak, it's coming (do you prefer medium rare?) In the mean time, go to www.shethailand.org

TRANSFORMATION DAY 365

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It's official. I have been on the field for one year now. Never did I ever anticipate that God would bring me on this adventure to teach me, show me, love me, walk with me. I truly am blessed that He has showed me the nations, and probably a little stubborn that He had to take me there to show me and teach me. The World Race and my previous time in Peru has dramatically changed my life. Thank you so much for praying that He would mold me, protect me, and use me. I have been wrecked for the ordinary.

When I started my time in Peru one year ago, I put on the top of my journal entry page "Transformation Day _" never thinking that I would exceed 365. But here I am, in a Phuket hospital (one of my team members has dangue fever), thinking, praying, reading, laughing, loving, learning. This has been my life. A little chaotic, and a whole lot of craziness. Let me just tell you a liitle secret I have learned this past year...there is no bottom, no end to intimacy. It is challanging, dangerous, beautiful, and so dang fun. My entitlement is His, His glory radiates above and beyond. I have seen enough to fill up my eyeballs for a lifetime. But thru it all, HE IS LOVE. There is not one orphan, one starving, one sick, one homeless, one in need, one lonely, one scared, that He does not see and LOVE. Oh, did I tell you that HIS KINGDOM IS ALIVE AND THRIVING?!?!

Thank you so much for sticking with me. It means more then I could ever tell you. Oh by the way, I only need $420 left to raise!! And whoever keeps giving anonomously and knowingly, I pray blessings over you!! God is using you across the world- literally! Did you know that?

Thank you so much as well to my team and squad-- Your personal investment in my spiritual growth has pushed me in the exact direction God wants me to go. Thank you for being obedient to His calling. I love and cherish all of you.

Thank you Lord for every lesson I have learned, every relationship built, every foreign and native missionary, every ministry site, every child and adult blessed and healed. May Your Kingdom continue to spread like raging wildfire. May my life be used to be a minister of LOVE. Thank you that You've known my heart before I could describe it myself, and You have used my time on the field to awaken Your dreams for me and my dreams for myself. Your word penetrates to my inner being, and out of that You equip my tounge and lips as instruments of prayer, communication, and adoration. I am forever indebted to You and Your love.

As each day comes, I find myself in deeper love, in more joy, in a greater desire to serve You and Your people then ever before. Voluntarily or involuntarily. I will never go back to former reasonings with self. I have lost the desire to be Rubie Palmer. I AM HIS AND HE IS MINE. This is who I am and who I will continue to be. This is my life. One year ago I wrote in my journal: You are it. In constant devotion I pursue You with eyes wide open. Not open to sin, but open to Your leading. My had in Yours, onward we shall trudge. You are my Hero.

I would be honored to go another year with You.

When the dove decends...

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many of you are familiar with my surprise visit back to Spokane for my brother's wedding. Let me just tell you how reenergizing that week was for me. I have been on the field for almost a year now, and I didn't realize how good the trip would be for me until I got there. Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz was right when she said, "there's no place like home." Nothing like a good meal, strong cup of coffee, and endless conversation. I love the mission field, I don't want to lead you on otherwise, and I am a motivated person. But when I was home I realized how sleeping on the ground, mats, eating the same diet, really wears on my physical body. Not one night did my back hurt. It felt awesome.

The night before the wedding, I really felt the Holy Spirit telling me to go and pray over my brother (the groom). At that time, he was sleeping, and I knew any waking him up, and he might not get back to sleep. So despite the persistence in my spirit, I let him sleep. As soon as I woke up the following morning, Cole asked me to go with him to Prayer Rock, which is overlooks our house on some cliffs. He constructed this monument, using 23 rocks from the local river, each one representing one of the children in my family, and at the top of the monument is one representing my parents. It is awesome in its symbolic simplicity. Just like Joshua took the 12 stones out of the Jordan to remember God's faithfulness, so I am reminded that He is faithful to my family as well. Cole and I talked and shared and prayed for each other that morning. I cannot tell you how blessed and full my heart was to be apart of blessing and celebrating what God had put together.

Also, this last week was my grandpa's 80^th birthday. He is in excellent health, and also what a blessing to see how the Lord has been faithful to him in his life. From WWII in Holland, to 6 children, 40 some odd grandkids, and numerous great grand kids. He has had a life full of pastoring churches, chaplain the military, and ministering to professionals. He and his beautiful wife (whom he has called Her Majesty') celebrated 58 years of marriage this weekend as well.

Not only that, but I was able to connect with really good friends and see the house I will be living in when I come back. It is so awesome how the Lord is teaching all of us the same lessons at opposite ends of the globe. How He is uniting our hearts and visions, so that He may be more magnified and His name echoed louder.

Enough said. I think you get my drift. It was an anointed week. And the dove definitely came down. Thank you to all for your prayers and support. I still have $1,400 left to raise until I am fully supported!

I am so excited to finish out my last few days in India, and then head off to Thailand for debrief and ministry to the women trapped in the sex-slave mess.

Yeah! Rejoice! Keep your eyes focused on the Man walking on the water, and not on the waves!

SURPRISE!

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This says it all....

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas!!

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hot chocolate, snowball fights, fires crackling, fresh goodies, presents, santa, Jesus?? CHRISTMAS IS HERE!! Watch and enjoy the film, just click the link below...http://rachelhunt.theworldrace.org/?filename=17-days-til-christmas

So your sayin' I have a choice?!

Sat, 9 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Here I am in India. First impressions? Very much like South America with a Hindi twist. Hot and humid, and I am amazed that a cold shower can make me sweat. Yes, the food is spicy (I thought I had died on the flight here when I ate a "green bean." ), the culture different, and I am amazed that after being on the mission field 11 months now, some things I see still suprise me. Through all these differences, I must say, I love India! I think I get really excited when I see the visions of what God is doing where ever I go, and I get to be apart of it!! We are back in our squad again (minus Terri, Teagan, and Kim-- love you all ladies). The ministry we are doing is leper colony relationship building, Bhurmise refugee work, and orphanage work. For some strange reason, I am heading up the team that works at the orphanage, and really love it! We are pouring into the 105 kids and teaching them about the fruits of the spirit and will later teach them about their identity in Christ- something all of us on the squad have learned this past year.

Going back to the title of this blog... what choice do I have?? Well, in India, I get the option of choosing JOY. I think that is going to be the theme for this month. You see, it is so easy for me to throw in the towel, do only partial-work, or let myself complain, or think about what's next after the race. Really none of that can be an effective tool for advancing the Kingdom. Every day, every moment, I can choose JOY. I can choose obedience, I can choose perserverance. I can choose JOY. So in an country where temptation to look at the bleaker things looms outside my door, I make the concious choice of JOY.

The other day, our water as well as electricity went out, and our neighbor lady opened her door to me and let me use water to flush the toilets (having several people with stomach issues using the bathrooms, plus heat and humidity and no fans= discusting!), and invited me in her home and we were able to chat for about 45 minutes. There must have been some other AIM team from the past who left her with pics of their time there, because she knew who we were and welcomed the Christian joy into her home! What a blessing to be a blessing!

Africa Video

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A few days ago I phoned a friend who has just set her Bible down after seeking the Lord on how to give of her tithes and offerings. The timing was Jesus alright. Currently I need $1,450 by August 1st to meet the deadline. I need a total of $3,520 to be fully supported to the end of the Race (end of November, 2008). I cannot begin to tell you how much your financial support helps. If it has been a while since you have last given (or even recently), please pray about donating more. Thank you all for being faithful workers in a world where the harvest continues to grow.

Paul was never in need. He was taken care of by fellow believers, and because of their faithful giving, God promised to supply all of their needs (Philippians 4:19). I pray blessings over you as you give financially and continue to pray faithfully. May He provide abundantly for you!

Unveiled Eyes

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I see a mountain, You see a miracle.

I see a wasteland, You see a garden.

I see dry bones, You see an army.

I see impossible, You see everything.

I see a seed, You see a harvest.

I see the water, You see the wine.

I see the broken, You see your body.

I see an enemy, You see your footstool.

I see my sins, You see your blood.

I see a baby, You see a Savior.

I see my failures, You see redemption.

I see a beggar, You see a son.

I see my Father, You see Your son.

I see a shepherd, You see your lamb.

I see my Savior, You see your joy.

I see Your eyes staring at mine!

You are, I am, but I've been so blind all this time. My God, touch me, I want to see the way that You see.

John David Hessler- The Awakening.

Dancing out of the Ashes

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD that He may come and rain righteousness upon you." Hosea 10:12

A few days before we came to Africa, our squad was worshipping one night in Bolivia, and we started to sing the hymn "Oh the Wonderful Cross." God really showed me that night a picture of His Son on the cross crying out in agony over the lost. The vision was so real, I felt like He was right there, above me hanging. And there was nothing I could do. Even writing this now gives me the goose bumps. At the same time that I truly felt the wonderful cross, I involuntarily broke down and cried a deep belly sobbing cry. So many many things ran through my mind in one second, it was overwhelmingly thick. The realization of the Truth of the sacrifice, the distressed cry of those who like me, put Him there only to want so desperately for Him to come down, the love displayed, all wrapped into one. I think that heart realization was a building block for me as I headed into Africa. Here, it seems my new song is "I cannot hide my love" by Enter the Worship Circle (second circle), I wish I could play it for you now. But the whole song is about being so in love with God, consumed with dancing, enthralled in just the essence of who He is. And proclaiming this love with acts of service, still soaking, deep cries, and unspeakable joy. Isn't it ironic how dancing follows mourning and healing comes after brokenness?

Africa has showed me the Lord in new ways, how infinite simplicity is far better then finite complications, the necessity of walking in the authority He has given us, leaning into hope, the importance of unity, more of His astounding physical beauty in the soft eyes that recognized the Jesus in me too, soaking in His presence, amazing nature, intercession, and how He creatively provides for His children. I have realized that the more I pursue this Christian walk- the more my heart becomes alive; the more my heart becomes alive- the more the rest of me follows suit. Recently, a person made a comment to me about how hard it must be traveling the world seeing so much heart ache and pain, and hopeless destruction. Honestly, that is probably the assumption of most. However, after visiting the cross, and finding myself involuntarily dancing out of complete love, His strong and prevailing essence breaks any sense of hopelessness and poverty. Being a Christian, I cannot help but be so thrilled to see Him at work in these days. To embrace Him is to shout from the ashes and the tops of the mountains that He is Glorious, Awesome, Mighty, Incredible, Peace, King, Obedient One, Papa, Love, Precious One, Healer, Answer, Caller, Faithfulness, Creator, Ruler, Judge, Righteousness, Breath of Life.

May it be our unified cry to dance out of the ashes into declarations of hope restored. Thank you for your support in sending me to Africa. May the Lord bless you this day with deeper intimacy in your walk with Him. May He water your soul and bring you beside His loving peaceful pastures.

Please pray for me and the squad as we head into India for the next 6 weeks. Hinduism and idol worship is everywhere, and I can guarantee that there is thick spiritual warfare. Pray for protection and discernment as we minister and travel. Our emails will be monitored by the government, so contact will be very restricted.

Last Stop: Durban

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I just came back from my last month of ministry in Africa. Our team was sent to Durban to work with Missions Ablaze http://www.missionsablaze.org.za/

We helped build beds for the new orphanage they are constructing (saving a cost of $6250 for the work to be sent out).

I learned how to tile, and tiled in the orphanage.

We also helped with their feeding program that feeds over 500 homeless people a day.

We also managed to dine at a nice restaurant in the largest mall in the southern hemisphere. Mark bartered with the flower seller for 20 minutes, till he was able to get us all a rose paying about 1/3 the cost he was asking. We all got a good laugh.

Really it was a great way to end this chapter in the race. I had a lot of thinking time while working, and finished my in depth study of Acts, as well as read two books, and started two others.

Mozambique in a week: part IV

Sun, 8 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Mozambique in a week

PART IV:

The orphanage.

I want to wrap up my trip to Mozambique by referring back to the video I posted of the orphanage. It is hard to express the magnitude of need that is there. My team and I had the opportunity to stay and sleep with the 23 orphans on a reed mat. The fact that they are living in some of the most fertile land in Africa, but because of lack of water access, their gardens struggle, leaving them with less free nutrients, really causes one to dream of a better way of life if water access is possible. And it is. There are 78 other orphans living in the bush, warding off wild lions and other animals, eating insects and other foods, waiting for Jaco (the missionary) to gather enough money to come and bring them to the tent orphanage. They have been waiting since February 2007. The chief gave them plenty of land, and the vision is to house 100 kids in cottage style houses, equipped with schools. But for now, it is just three meager tents, and lots of dirt. And it will remain like that if we don't help. So, even if you've watched the video once or twice, perhaps even three times, watch it again, and ask the Lord how you can help.

http://rubiepalmer.theworldrace.org/index.asp?filename=mozambique-orphanage-needs-your-help

Hope. It is the assurance of something not yet experienced. Lean into hope. God will provide for His children. He does not disappoint.

http://www.mozambique-orphans.co.za

Snapshots of Swaziland

Sun, 8 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Snapshots of Swazi:

The breeze is a welcome relief to anyone sitting under the hot African sun. I sit behind a makeshift cinderblock hut where the GoGo's make food everyday for the children. This is called a Care Point and is one of G42's growing vision. In the last 14 months, this new organization has put up 19 Care Points in Swaziland. They desire not just to feed the children (a cost of just 3 cents a meal, and for just $7,600 they can have 228,000 meals/month), but give them school and Bible education.

There are three GoGo's (grandma in SiSwati) sitting next to me chatting up a storm, dogs catching some afternoon z's, and chickens roosting underneath the nearby cactus. A boy is sleeping at our feet, no more then two years old. Because of the dump nearby, scores of flies trounce around on his body as if he was the talk of the town. I notice he is missing a shoe and discover it is being used as his make shift pillow. I look up to my left at the brush covered ridge and discover not even a half mile away is South Africa. Most of the children fed at these Care Points have no parents and a little girl orphans about 4 and 5 years old live in the nearby ditches and under the trees. With a nation literally dying faster than it's growing, where the average life span is 28 years, staticians project that Swaziland won't exist in 2050. That's just 42 years. The children travel miles a day for one simple meal of pap (pronounced pop, or grits) and beans. If they fail to make it, they don't eat.

I look around me; Tammy is playing catch with a boy who's blind, encouraging him and making him smile. Mark is playing futbol with the boys. I decide to make use of the small wheelbarrow, load it full of kids and cart them around the bush. I crouch down to talk with a little boy and put my hand on his swollen belly. It's hard and tight. I remember from my schooling it's marasmus a form of protein malnutrition. It is a rare exception if a child doesn't have upper respiratory infection, a runny nose, and eyes full of gunk. A little boy climbs into my lap and with in 2 minutes is fast asleep. I'm probably the most comfortable thing he's slept on in a while. I look into the girl's eyes sitting next to me and notice how amazingly beautiful she is. They all are. The verse in Genesis 1:27 says we are all created in the image of God. I see Jesus in all of them.

Seyabonga Gulu Gulu!

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In SiSwati (the language of this area) it means Thank you Lord!!

To date I $925 to my immediate June 1 goal of $2,548!!

This next month I will be living in the tiny Kingdom country of Swaziland. I am going to be working with G42 (a movement AIM is helping start) with Care points, feeding clinics, and Bible schools. I will be tenting it in a safari, sleeping next to a caged lion, and waking up to ostriches pecking at my tent.

Please continue to give as God leads.

Love from Swazi,
Rubie

Snorkeling in Paradise

Mon, 26 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Mozambique in a week

Part III

Snorkeling in paradise

On Monday, we were able to go to the Indian Ocean (a first for all of us), and spend the day resting and snorkeling (a first for me). Vilanculos is known for its fabulous beaches worldwide as has the most beautiful coastline in the world. The day was perfectly sunny and the water amazingly blue/green. It is so hard to describe the beauty unless you were there. We headed out in the early morning, and got on a little sailboat and headed for an island 12 kilometers away. Because Mozambique is headed into it's fall season, not very many tourists were around, and all the kids were still in school. We landed on the small island. There were about 8 other school children playing in the sand. Got our snorkeling gear, and walked down the beach. The sand was white, clean, perfect. Normally, I am told, that if someone goes snorkeling in Hawaii, Bahamas, Cabo san Lucas, or other destinations, they don't let you touch the reef, and usually you are not along the beach line. Well, this is Mozambique. We were alone on the small island. God's creation was not restricted to laws and don'ts. Don't worry, we were not careless, and did not take a hammer and start smashing their habitations. Just thought I'd throw that out there. We crossed over the reef, after we walked down a ways. I put my little flippers on, the head gear, and crossed over the reef. As I stuck my head in, I was absolutely wordless at what I saw. It was so incredible, amazing, I have never experienced such a thing like it before. Above the water it was a beautiful blue; below the water was a whole world of life that National Geographic or Animal Planet can't show. The water was calm, and the current slow moving. We literally floated totally relaxed, breathing slow deep breaths, and never blinking. It was incredible. Thousands of fish everywhere! Because we were in the tropical waters, there were tons of angel fish, neon colored fish, fish with big huge lips that looked like they were wearing lip liner, huge blue and yellow and red fish, pipe fish, jellyfish, plants, shells, everything was alive. We watched them eat off the reef, play around with each other, tease each other. It was awesome. Often, I could see multitudes of fish in schools, floating right underneath me. Everyone just minding their own business, doing their own thing, and I got to observe. One particular time, the school of fish were so many, I mumbled over to Mark (that is all you can do when you have a pipe in your mouth), to look at the school slowly swimming beneath us. We must have just been in awe for about a minute. Then, I looked up, and all around us, passing by our heads, coming right towards us, was the school of fish. We were in it!! The day was fabulous, not to mention the best seafood I've ever eaten, prepared for us by the boy's on the boat, and served to us on the shore. What a day to relax. They put up the sail, and we sauntered home.

Financial Update

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Let me give you a financial update. To date I have $4,700 raised for this World Race. I need $10,600 by June 1. That means I need $5,900 in about 10 days. I cannot tell you just how crucial your financial support is for me. I am in deep gratitude for your support thus far. The name of Jesus has been spread to many people who wouldn't have heard if you had not been obedient. Please help me in raising this money, by telling your family, friends, roommates, co-workers, and any one else. Twenty dollars goes a long way, and I am asking you for all the help you can give me. Thank you again for the support and time you have given thus far. Every penny has eternal worth. God bless as you continue to give. Please remember, that my heart in doing this is to be the hands and feet of Jesus, not for a year of traveling and living high off the hog (yeah right, you should see our living conditions), but I am being intentional in obedience, learning tons, and sacrificing a lot. At times, I am tired because I have been on the field since September, and I know the easiest thing would be to go home, but that would be disobedience. Also, please keep me in your prayers as I most likely will not be able to attend my brothers wedding this summer (not to mention a family reunion, my grandpa's 80^th birthday, my other brother on home for leave from Iraq in the same weekend), and it is going to be really hard for me.

Freeeeeeee Fallin'

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

So, here is the video I wrote about a few weeks back. When I saw the first two people jump, I almost peed my pants (ha, ha, just joking). When I went, I was singing 'free fallin' and so excited..... I definitely would recommend this to anyone.