Shawna Spratt - The World Race 2007

Dependence

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I have been living very independently and haven't really believed that I was worth sowing into, or that others wanted to. But praise God I'm starting to believe that I am worth it. I can't work while I'm in America and it's been 6 months and I have 3 to go till graduation.

Dependence is a very scary place for me to think to walk into, yet that's where I feel God is calling me to walk. Not just dependent on Him but on the body of Christ. Love always comes down and rescues me, so I refuse to sin in fear. I have always thought that dependence was a bad place for a person to be, because it leaves you at someone's mercy. However if I never depend on anyone but myself and God; how can I do what God has called me to do? I don't think I can. When I went to India God said you can't do anything with out me and you can't do anything without the body of Christ... I think He is right... I can't.

At this point in time I have run out of money. I have missed a few payments on stuff. I am holding the pain as close as possible so as to learn as much as I can from this season. I never want to end up here again, and by Gods grace I wont.

I am not one who likes to to do support letters and fund raise, because I don't even want to come close to manipulating people out of money. I feel like God has asked me to let my need be made known at this time and so I am.

I changed my missions trip from Mexico City to San Francisco and so now I only need $400 for the trip instead of $1200. Plus the trip to San Francisco was way more on track with my calling then the Mexico City trip. We are going to reach out to hippies, kids at skate parks, and prostitutes in the inner city March 9 - 13. I have never really done this outreach in a place like San Francisco before and hope to learn from it. So if you think to support or pray please do so. Bob Johnson (Bill's brother) has been working down there for years, and I'm really hoping to be able to go and partner with his ministry even after the trip.

Also I'm starting to work on a movie about my journey through the country of India and would love to have prayer support for that project as well. I will be learning more about movie making here at Bethel and my roommate majored in film, so the quality of the film should be as close to excellent as I can get it with God and the support from others.

My time at Bethel has been so amazing and I am so grateful for all the instruction and relationships that I've been blessed to make here. I feel like a different person.

If you would like to give to the missions trip to San Francisco please go to www.ibssm.org and click on the bottom link. I only need $400 for this trip and it needs to be in by March 2 at the latest.

If you would like to help support me while I finish school here in Redding please send it to 19327 Smith Road, Redding CA 96002 or if you are in Tumbler Ridge you can just walk into the bank and deposit it into my account by name. Thanks for reading this and hearing my heart. I love you and miss spending time with you all.

Aware of God

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I wanted to share this video.... its a way of viewing life. It changes what you pay attention to and it will change your life for the better. I have applied it to my life and it keeps me from living a defeated life. Try to live aware of God and what He is up to, pay less mind to negative stuff... if you come across it in your life clean it up but don't let it take you down.

Love gives us a Choice

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

God is Love

If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.

It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Something they say here is that Love gives us a choice. God put Adam and Eve in a garden and commanded them yet gave them the choice to obey. I think about abortion and how that principal applies.... Are we governed by our conscience / heart or by governmental law or consequence as people? The key is to focus on the abundance in our lives not the restriction.

I think about how we have the choice everyday as to whether we will yield to the Holy Spirit or yield to the flesh. I wonder about hosting the presence of God and finding fulfillment in Him, total satisfaction. I ponder about grace, and I surrender in worship. I am a new creation, I laugh and I cry, I am forgiven and I am set free and healed. Each day comes and goes and life passes by in the twinkling of an eye.

Will the world know the love of Jesus, will they be saved healed and delivered? Will we really live the abundant life and live in the promised land? Can I make it without taking a short cut? Will I represent Him to the world? Will I do greater things then Jesus in my life? He said I would and His word is all I get to go on.

Love Love Love

I hope you enjoy the video. It's 20min long but well worth it. I'm really loving school and feel so blessed to be able to receive all that we are given here.

I still need to raise support for the missions trip to Mexico at the end of the year, if you would pray about it and want to partner in sending me, go to www.ibssm.org and click on missions trip, search for my name and you can give from there. Thanks for your love.

Going back to Mexico

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I wanted to share about the mission trip that the first year students go on near the end of the school year. The trip I'll be going on is to Mexico city and apparently last year a revival broke out on the trip. I have heard testimony about a baby coming back to life after a team stopped at a car accident and prayed for about twenty minutes. God has really blessed these trips in the past years.

I'm getting more excited to go the more I think about it. Last time I was in Mexico God did some pretty cool things. One day we went out to invite people to the meeting we were having and give out flyers, we had done that the week before and no one really came so when I saw a really drunk man I pretty much grabbed him and drug him back to the church with us. We loved him as best we knew how. By the end of the service that night he threw his bottle away and gave me his gang colors. A year and a half later my friend went back to the church and found that our drunk man was now leading the outreach on the streets for the church, and bringing others hope and freedom.

The man on the far right is the man God has restored and is using to reach others now.

I hope you would consider partnering in sending me back to Mexico to further the kingdom. All you have to do is click on www.ibssm.org and choose my missions account. The cost of the trip is $1200. All prayers and backing go a long way, thanks for all you do.

First two months at Bethel

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

My first two months at Bethel as a first year student has really been amazing. I have been so blessed and love to see and hear and be apart of all that God is doing in the lives of His bride here. I am at a new level of being in awe of God again and that's always a great place to be.

I wanted to share some of the major points that I feel have impacted me the most. We hear so many sermons and teachings every week and I should share and give away some of what I've been learning before I take on more, so let me impart to you in Love. If you have any questions or comments I would love to hear them.

Angels harken to the Word of God... Declare the word of God. Be in relationship with God and hear what He is saying for today. The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit.

Stay tender and sensitive to the Spirit, Honor that Inner Voice. If you become calloused and cauterized to that part of you, you deaden your conscience which is that part of you that is your better judgment. When you hear my voice, don't harden your heart.

Christ in you the hope of Glory. Holy Spirit is in you, let Him out. The Kingdom is in you, the Kingdom is at hand, you are seated with Christ. Abide.

Being in right relationship with authority should be a life giving blessing.

Awaken and follow your instincts, Your Spirit is Alive in Christ!

Fathers provide a place for life to thrive, identity, protection, and provision.

Honor draws us close to people, dishonor pushes us away. The test of honor comes when people fail.

Honor isn't tested by how you treat the police officer when he pulls you over because you want to earn favor. It's tested at home with how you treat those you live with, it shows up when you really value and make it a goal to connect with someone.

Honor is a connection protection policy. Value your relationships and do nothing to hurt the connection, with both God and man. Withdrawing is dishonor. Honor comes from a love connection. Through God all things are held together.

Our identity is who we are not what we do. Our identity doesn't come from how well we perform, so our sense of worth should not be based on performance. Rather our performance comes from knowing who you are in Christ. Loved as a Human being not just for how I perform as a human doing.

Do not despise the day of small beginnings.

Find out what is beautiful to you, and ask God what to do with that beauty. God's desire is that you live fully alive.

A Good name is to be chosen rather then great riches.

I found out that the meaning of Spratt was an insignificant person. I discovered that that has been a lie spoken over my life. So I exchanged the lie for the truth and the truth is that I am very significant.... I am a daughter of the most high a royal priest, and I need to believe and walk in that. My opinion matters and changes the course of history. We are called to disciple Nations, and commanded to love, you have to believe that you matter to God and others to walk that out. God values what I have to say, and He values how I feel, He even anticipates my every need.

I have the mind of Christ, it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.

When a lie is exposed it loses its power, and the exchange of truth empowers me.

Shawna means God is Gracious, full of power. Donald is a world leader. Gloria is Glory...Yeah Baby! Stacey is Resurrection, and Sterling is valuable,

How we think God sees us determines how we are. Ask Him to show you how He sees you.

God is in Charge, not in control. Not everything that happens is God's will.

Love requires that you make a choice.

You will always have a tree in your garden that you have an appetite for, but God says don't eat of it or surly you will die. The test is if you love God enough to not touch that tree. For if you do you are exchanging Masters.

You are always tempted to try and get what God has promised you before it's time. Don't cheat or take it, wait for God to give it.

The Holy Spirit will lead you into temptation sometimes, pray that he leads you not into temptation but delivers you from evil.

Jesus didn't walk into his destiny before it was his time, but satin offered it to him, and He was tempted because of the promises that God had given Him.

Never let your appetite become your identity. We all have an appetite for something we should not have, and that's normal.

One tree is the tree of life and the other is the forbidden fruit, Love gives us a choice.

We look like and act like our Father.

(Painted by a bssm student)

Love suffers long and is kind, Love does not envy, doesn't parade itself, is not puffed up; Love doesn't behave rudely, and doesn't seek its own. Love is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love Never Fails.

I really have learned so much more about inner and outer healing prophesy and connecting with the Holy Spirit, but I'll share that another time.

I have a missions trip to Mexico city and the cost is $1200. I don't have enough money to pay for it at this point so if you want to help send me, go to ibssm.org and click on give to bssm. Thanks for all your love and encouragement, Blessings.

Tangail, Bangladesh Video

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Postcards from Heaven Video

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Joy Tastes Good

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I have been learning so much here at Bethel everyday, the Holy Spirit teaches us hidden truths and fresh revelation that set you free to a new degree! I am amazed that I was so bound up and never knew it. Fear and bitterness hides in the depths and is only discovered when bright light gets in and clears it out. Truth is that bright light, and Love and Forgiveness are the Keys to Freedom.

I smile so much that the muscles in my face hurt and I don't think that has ever happened to me before. I am hearing my laughter and discovering the different ways that I laugh. I have enjoyed the silly, playful and childlike characteristics of the Holy Spirit and I really like feeling the tangible presence of God everyday. We are learning to host the presence of God and pay attention to what He is up to. They say here that it is not normal to not feel the tangible presence of God, however there are times when one person will feel and the other won't and vise versa. So when that happens don't be skeptical but honor the testimony or recognize when God is moving and pay attention, they are leading the way into the presence. I have found this to be so true.

Never limit God to your own experience, He is so much bigger then you will ever know.

This is a song that we sing here and I feel the anointing is on it right now.

You are the love I need, You are the air I breathe, You are my everything.... Always Forever

Heavenly Day

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I've been listening to this song over and over today. I miss my family and friends and I want you to know that.... I love you all so much and I guess this song is hitting a place in my heart and expressing it. I hope you all have a heavenly day, love you.

Hebrew Tounges Translated - Video

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I've been in Redding California for just about a week now and I'm loving it. The weather has been so hot and sunny for the most part and I am surrounded by passionate lovers of Jesus (revivalists). Today was the third day of school at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) and I still can't really believe that this is my life. I don't think words can really express the love for God that gets cultivated in a culture that is so free. The way people worship here is with passion and adoration like I've rarely seen in other places.

I've learned so much already about honor and seeing the glory of God in the people around me, and learning to love myself in a healthy balanced way. What has really touched me is seeing how loving and kind people are here. They really do step out and go the extra mile to serve and love others. Also I feel a freedom to worship with my whole heart here and when I open my eyes and look around I see everyone else worshiping Him the way He is worthy to be worshiped. Another great thing about being here is we hear so many testimonies about what God is doing through His people. We hear testimonies of amazing miracles everyday, and the revelation that Bill Johnson and the other speakers share is just so beautiful you know it's fresh from heaven. I'll try and share some of what I'm learning in future blogs, but this is all the time I have for now to write.

I hope you enjoy the video Bill Johnson shared this on Sunday and I kinda liked it so I'll share it with you. Blessings, Grace, Peace and Much Love.....

Coming Home Video

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is an amazing Video, I feel that this is what I hear the Holy Spirit is saying right now. It's what I'm learning.

Kris is one of the leaders of the school on ministry that I am going to attend this year down in Redding California. If you want to check out more about where I am going to school go to www.ibethel.org.

Please cover me in prayer if the Holy Spirit leads through out this year, I am trusting Him for more and more and I will do my best to continue to post some blogs as best I can, to share what I'm learning.

I hope you enjoy the video and get as much out of it as I did. Blessings and much love.

Numbers Video

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A fellow world racer made this video about how vast this problem of human trafficking is in the world, here are the numbers.

Video Reports on Human Trafficking

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Northern India Video

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

India's girls - Who Will Vindicate Them?

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This adventure around India over the past month and a half has been one of the hardest things Iʼve done. God loves to put us in situations where we learn to surrender and learn to depend on Him instead of ourselves or our stuff. More ugly stuff inside of me was brought up and out and I had to see it and kill it. I am being refined daily and my hope is that India would end the process, I want to be done, but I guess it never really ends.

I started in Calcutta meeting different people that work to bring human traffickers to justice, and an organization called free set that offers prostitutes alternative employment in a loving environment. I was so culture shocked and afraid when I first arrived walking out each day with God and learning how to trust Him more. I asked different people if I could go with them to the red light area, but everyone said no it was too dangerous and that they donʼt recommend I go either. But I came to India to go into the dark places that no one else would go, so I went alone one day and looked into the eyes of the women standing in the doorways of Sonagachi trusting and believing that somehow in someway God was using me to bring hope, and accomplish His purpose.

Next I went to Chennai and stayed with a bunch of beautiful girls that have been rescued and have known the love of God to such a degree that they started ministering on TV in India preaching the gospel and praying for the nations of the world. While staying in Chennai I met more people that work to free bonded slaves. International Justice Mission has been doing great work all through out India and the world. These are forced laborers that are often children that work in brick kilns. I learned that Chennai doesnʼt really have an aria where you would find sex workers but that they are more hidden and spread out. It was thought that southern India may be a place where many of the children are trafficked from.

I found out about a great organization called Oasis in Bangalore so I went and met with a few great people that perform rescues in the brothels. I learned a lot about how they go in and find the girls in very small hidden rooms. They will tap on the walls and floors to listen for a hollow sound for hours. 15 to 20 girls will stay quiet in a space smaller then most bathrooms.

I also got a chance to talk to a few young women that have been rescued from brothels. I heard stories about how their family sold them for as little as 20 dollars and used the money to pay for alcohol. Horrific stories about being beaten, cut, and burned, Iʼve seen the scares. Not to mention being raped and forced to marry under the threat of your mother committing suicide if you refuse. And after all that having your husband sell you to his friends for sex until he is so disgusted with you that he beats you and leaves you to fend for yourself. Stories like this happen all over the world every day, but who is in place to reach out and help them. These women never knew love and thatʼs what breaks my heart most of all. God gave these children to mothers and fathers that never learned to love and cherish them. Thatʼs why what we believe as people is so important; thatʼs why we are called to disciple nations. The world has no clue that they are created to be loved by God and in turn learn to love others like their awesome dad does. Someone has to go and tell them or they perish for a lack of knowledge. The thing is that we either follow and serve the good father or we end up serving the bad father. A lyer is only impowered when we believe the lies, and truth sets the captives free.

In India often girls are celebrated because they will provide for their family, yet they are shamed and rejected because of how they are forced to provide. Boys on the other hand are favored and given more opportunity, they are more loved and stay with the family after they marry; where as girls leave and join the other family when they marry.

In Mumbai I met more wonderful people that perform rescues and work to bring traffickers to justice. I heard their hearts for the girls the pain that they have endured and how they work hard to find them and bring them to justice. More then anything we want to see the women and children vindicated. They need to understand their worth and know that someone cares about what happened to them.

I ventured into the red light area a few times in Mumbai, but yet again couldn't find anyone to go with me. I met up with an organization that provides daycare for the children of the blothel workers and got to do a home visit one day with them. I love the work they do and they are always looking for volunteers. My hope is to inspire and inform the body of Christ to get up and move into action, we need to reach out and love a lost and dying world.

Slum Kids want to Go to School!

Wed, 6 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While in Bangalore I heard about this couple that runs an outreach to children that live in the slum. Everyday the children come and have a safe place to learn and get a free meal. I stopped in to see them one day and found out that the children are fasting and praying for God to provide the money for them to be able to go to school. Education is a huge factor in ending the cycle of poverty, with out it many of these children end up enslaved or at risk to be trafficked and forced into prostitution.

It costs 100 dollars a year for a child to go to school here, if you can help please do so.

Email lathasuresh2@yahoo.com to send a kid to school.

Pain Cast Out In Jesus Name!

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I am learning to focus on what Jesus is doing and not trying to pay so much attention to my failures and short comings when it comes to releasing Kingdom. I'm trying to learn to rely on the voice of God and keep my eyes on Him. But I feel like I don't even scratch the surface most days. Even so I will testify of the times when the Kingdom of God does break forth and Pain was Cast out in Jesus Name!

(Not Father Anton's Wife)

Father Anton's wife came in on crutches and sat down across from me as I was eating supper. She introduced herself and we started talking. I noticed that she was in a considerable amount of pain as we were talking. I felt compassion for her and asked her if she was in pain and If could pray for her. I felt a little resistance in myself but pushed passed it. She said yes, so I moved over to her asked if I could lay hands on her, she agreed so then I did. I thanked God for His love and Commanded the pain to go In Jesus Name. After that I just listened to hear any more instructions from God, nothing came so I asked her if she could feel any pain. She said No. I told her to move her leg, she did and still no pain. So then I asked her to walk around. She was reluctant as this was the first time in ten days that she was pain free. She got up out of the chair and walked around with out her crutches with no pain. We both praised God and thanked Him for His kindness.

She explained to me that she has had hip replacement surgery a few years ago, but ten days ago a screw sheered off and has been causing her a lot of pain. She told me the next day that she was still pain free! Praise God! I talked to her a few days later and she said that she went on a long walk so the pain came back. So I asked If I could pray again, and she said of course! I put my hands on her and thanked God for His love and Commanded the Pain to Go In Jesus Name. Then I waited on God to say something, but I heard nothing so I asked her if she was in pain still and she said no the pain is gone! Yeah Jesus! This makes me so happy when God shows up and heaven invades earth. I love it!

If you are in pain and suffering today agree with me today and say, thanks God for your love and Pain Go in Jesus Name! Amen!

Outside Mother Teresa's - Video

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Royal Kids - Southern India

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I have been here in southern India for just under a week and its been great. I am staying at a wonderful place with 25 children that pray and worship God daily. I have met some other great people as well both indian and some westerners around my age. God is so good. I have been learning about bonded slaves and hearing stories about some of the girls that I live with here.

One girl has a medical problem with her digestive system and needs surgery. When her parents realized this they threw her into the dust bin. The founder of this ministry Father Anton found her some how and they are taking her to the hospital to get treatment. I got to hug and pray for this little girl twice already. Please agree with me in prayer for her healing.

Another little girl here was sold for 2000 Rs just around 50 dollars. Girls in India are seen as a burden often because of the marriage dowery and other reasons. I learned about a town not far from here where some wells in the town are designated for disposing of unwanted babies. Often girls are offered to the temples as an offering to be prostitutes. This is looked upon as a good thing to do.

The ministry I'm with is called royal kids. These kids pray for the nations daily and run a TV ministry called angle TV that airs weekly here in India. People call in with prayer requests and often children call in to ask for help. One girl around the age of 7, called in everyday for six months till they went and rescued her from the slavery situation she was in. Over the years this ministry has grown to take care of over 8000 children.

My First Time In The Red Light Area In Calcutta

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

None of the pictures in this blog or in the video are from the red light area, I took them on the streets of Calcutta.

I tried to find someone to take me to the red light area all week but no one would. I prayed about it all week and went on my own.

I looked into the eyes of love and put my trust in Him.

I was much closer to these women then I had dreamed of. I could have reached out of the auto rickshaw and touched them.

The street was so narrow and the rickshaw driver had to drive so slow, so I had lots of time to look into each of their eyes.

I have nothing but compassion for each woman I saw.

In my spirit I was yelling FREEDOM, LOVE, PEACE, HOPE, and even JOY!

My hope is that as they looked into my eyes that's what they saw.

God see's their pain and broken spirits and today so did I.

First three days in Calcutta India

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I have been in Calcutta for three days now and I am working through the culture shock little by little every day. I have met with different people from different organizations and I'm encouraged by the doors that God keeps opening up for me. I am learning so much every day on so many different levels. Trusting God is everything for me here.

I continue to see his goodness in the midst of badness, and I am amazed still by the beauty of His creation. No matter the shape or condition of a city; God's beauty is still very present.

I made a little video just to get me in the swing of things. I wish I had better shots, but I'm still very cautious about when I pull my camera out. Please continue to pray for me as I walk the streets often alone here in Calcutta.

Road to Calcutta

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When I think of Calcutta I think of Mother Teresa. A few years ago when God really started to do a work in my heart for the poor I came across a documentary on TV about mother Teresa one night and was deeply moved by what I saw. I have been learning about her and I am amazed at what can happen when one person makes the choice to love.

I have had a lot of different encounters with God in the last few years and I have heard His voice so many times and in so many different ways. Love is what He is known to communicate to me the most through. I am lead by the Holy Spirit and find fullness of joy in His presence. I long to always be in His will, no matter where it takes me in the world. India and human trafficking and the sex trade have been another constant call that I hear Him speak to me about. I dream dreams and notice anything and everything related to India and human trafficking so it's been in my sights for a while. I feel released in this season and ready to go, so here I go.

I have booked my flight to Calcutta and I fly out tomorrow. I am trusting God now more then ever to show up in my life and I am lost with out His presence and lost without His voice.

Please be praying, I need all the love that I can get.

Most of all I want to pour out all the love that I can and bring hope to the hopeless. I long to host the presence of God at all times.

I started thinking about India long before the world race. The first seed was planted most likely by me watching that documentary. Now I'm going to India to research for another documentary on human trafficking. It's called Expedition of Hope. I want to find the hidden children that are enslaved in the brothels of the world and share their stories.

I'll be posting as much as I can from India so I hope you'll stay tuned. Blessings and much love. I fly to Bangkok June 11, then to Manila June 17. Please pray for me as I will be walking through the red light areas of Asia.

The invitation to feast!

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I have been learning about the wedding feast and meditating on it randomly for days. I feel like God is really showing me a key to the parable that I've never really paid much mind to in the past. Last Sunday we had a guest speaker at our church and he spoke from the book of Esther. Something that stood out to me was that when Ester wanted to speak to the King about saving her people she didn't just come out and ask for it she risked her neck and invited him to a feast that she had prepared. A light came on when I heard that...

We are invited to a feast, and we invite others to a feast as well, but will we go? Will we recognize it when we get the invite? We are invited, and if we come the King gives all kinds of gifts.

What are some things that stop us from going?

Money.... car payments... house payments... family.... fear... other stuff takes priority in our lives; the list is endless really.

First the rich are invited but none of them go they have better things to do, then the poor are invited and they go with joy and laughter.

The Bible says the poor in spirit enter the kingdom.

What is better to go, or to stay? What do we trust in? What is our motivation? What is our excuse?

I see that God has invited me to the feast and He longs and can't wait till I come so that we can hang out and have a good time together. I see that others are invited too, but sadly they don't come.

Like Esther and King Jesus I too want to prepare a feast and invite Jesus and others to come.

What does that look like in modern day life?

I give of my time, food, money, energy and love to invite the poor into the Kingdom for a feast fit for a King.

Well for me it all pertains to where God has called me to go and what He has asked me to do.

I want to go but I want a date or a friend or two to go with me; if I can't find a date or some friends to go with me.... I will still choose to go, even if that means I go alone and meet new friends that are already there.

I have been called to India and South East Asia to love the lost, the poor, the broken and to proclaim liberty to the captives. I am going to the feast, that the father has prepared. As I prepare I am sending out invitations to my friends and asking for them to come along to the feast, but sadly no one has said that they would come with me.

I will go and prepare a place for you and if you want to come to the banquet the invitation is open, I know that my poor friends will come from off the streets, but will any of my rich ones come too? I have invited the King and I know He will be there.

One thing that I can see is happening is that people are feasting..... but only if they go.

What will it Take to End Prostitution? Video

Wed, 4 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I wanted to share this video with you; one of the world racers made it while in Thailand. I think the spirit of TRUTH was all over her and she spoke out of the abundance of her heart. Its a call to action, that the body of Christ needs to hear.

Invitation to Love

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I wanted to extend an invitation and share with you again about what I have been preparing for and what I see God moving to do in regards to Human trafficking and child prostitution.

I have partnered with my friend Morgan who I met on the world race in 2007 and we have both heard God's call on our lives to love the least of these and to take action and love how ever He shows us to.

So we are on an expedition of love to restore hope, and create a documentary film about what we find, so that we can share His love with more of the world through media. The film and project is called expedition of hope. I posted a video blog about what we are doing back in January.

http://shawnaspratt.theworldrace.org/?filename=expedition-of-hope-video&bookmark=true#comments

Hope is the joyful anticipation of something. We all need hope and that is what a lot of children are loosing day by day and night by night. Our goal is to find them and restore the joyful anticipation of something good happening in their lives.

Our hope is to tell the stories and put a face and name on the children that this is affecting, and invite people to get involved very tangible ways. God's love is tangible, and He wants to pout out His love through you if you'll let Him.

This is something I have been dreaming about for over two years. My heart aches to go and find these kids. I hear them crying out for help in the dark hidden places of the world. They are waiting for someone to care enough to come and get them out of there.

To get involved please contact us!

shawnaspratt@hotmail.com

shawnaspratt.theworldrace.org

morganmckeown.theworldrace.org

Please Pray!

I have gotten a few words that I feel like God has spoken to me about this up coming trip.

" You can do nothing without Me; and you can do nothing without the body of Christ."
" A triple braided cord is not easily broken."

and

"GO!"

We are looking for passionate people that will stop and love. We need to put together a media team and an individual or two to travel with me to find the kids in the dark waiting for help. We will be traveling to India and various places in SE Asia. Spring -Summer 2009.

This is your invitation... don't miss out on what God is doing.

Love doesn't seek its own

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Can you think of a time when you have been manipulated? Right from the start you get a sick feeling in your stomach but your brain hasn't quite understood why. You resist right from the start and can't understand why your hesitating. Your brain is getting signals from you heart but you just don't get what's going on.

I was just asking God about this guy who won't acknowledge clear none verbal communication, (not getting the hint), so he persists and I move on to very clear verbal communication. (NOT INTERESTED) Still no acknowledgment so he persists and torments me till I try rude and aggressive to see if I get better results. So then I'm like crap I've moved into the same spirit. Sales people do this all the time push you into a corner till you panic and either freak out or give in just so that they stop hounding you.

I wanted more understanding because my heart is to love, and I need to know what to do and how to deal with this guy in love. But I don't think it's love to give into manipulation and reinforce unhealthy tactics.Then again I don't want to reject someone because they are trying to get what they want.

So I ask God about it and I get this revelation

Its entrapment and it's something we are tempted to give into to get out of the pressure we are under. (Instant gratification) But giving into it only further entraps you because now your in deeper and the manipulation only gets worse.

Confusion ensues and you can't tell which way is up, you can't find air, and so you start to die because your being drown. You have no idea what is going on, all you know is that you don't like it. You've been entrapped, enslaved and you can't seem to get free till your brain catches up and you comprehend what is happening.

The key to freedom is understanding the root of why this person is doing this to you. But what is it?

I asked God and this is what I got.

Love doesn't seek it's own.

The next thing I know fire works are going off in my brain. This guy doesn't really give a rip about me; he is self serving and only really concerned about himself. He doesn't offer anything for you but slavery. This may sound elementary for some I know but just think about how many people in the world are enslaved and don't have a clue what's going on, they just know that they can't think straight, and they hate where they are at in life.

I went to I Cor 13 to see what else it said and in the same verse right after "does not seek its own" says, Love is not provoked.

Oh man! Now what?! I'm just as bad, I gotta find a solution in the opposite spirit and not accuse the guy but try and set him free from that which is enslaving him and others through him. Time to cast a demon or two out in Jesus Name! LOL! This guy needs to be encouraged to love others before himself and then his life will be more fulfilling. People will want to be around him and he won't be so alone that he resorts to try and manipulate and entrap people to hang out with him.

I feel like i understand oppression at a whole new level. We are all sinners and all guilty of oppressing others, when your heart is to serve yourself and not who ever you are with at any given time, you are guilty as charged. But that isn't the end. We are redeemed and called to a higher calling. We are chosen to be liberators and we bear all things, we don't act rudely, we don't get nasty. We stand and walk in a greater spirit, a victorious spirit. We put aside blame and are accountable for every word we speak.

I just love Jesus and I love that he loves us and forgives us in spit of our self serving nature.

Lord lead us to set the captives free in Jesus Name and let us walk in greater measures of love. Let us see the beauty of creation through love, thanks for revelation that leads to the tearing down of old mind sets and leads to the release of more captives. You captivate us with your love you show us a better way. Thanks for your amazing love and Freedom!

Fun in the Sonoran Desert Video

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Expedition of Hope Video

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I want to introduce to you the new documentary project I'm working on this year. Its called Expedition of Hope, we want to tell the stories of the women and children that have been exploited and trafficked all over the world. Our hope is to inspire you and others to be apart of change, to extend your hand to love and bring hope to those that have lost hope.

I am working on the research part of the project and will be traveling to various locations in SE Asia this spring and summer to find the women and children that are pleading for help in the night. We are still looking for one or two more people that want to work with me to do the investigative work. My friend Morgan is working on the production end of things, she is putting together a media team to travel and shoot the documentary by the fall of 2009. If there is anyway that you would like to help us in this venture please do so by contacting us, or click on the support me link on this blog. Please get involved in some way.

Post Race Update

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Life has been good, I started out traveling at a crazy fast pace all over the US and Canada, I visited a bunch of churches and went to all the best revival locations and conferences and had several life changing encounters. God had to prepare me for slowing down so he sped things up first, till I was contented to rest back in Tumbler Ridge. I didn't make it home till April or May, and when I arrived back it felt like a crash landing, God had prepared me before hand and He had a place prepared for me to be loved and counselled for the first few weeks till everything was settled. I started working with the ambulance service and running the youth group three times a week for the summer. My brother Sterling lived with me for June and July, and the youth group sure did stretch me, and I didn't catch my stride with the whole youth thing till August.

Working on ambulance went good I treated each patient as an assignment from God and loved each of them however God instructed me to, I seemed to be called to minister to them rather them just their medical needs. One patient was the caption of my volleyball team that I coached and she had been injured riding an ATV and smoked her head really bad and was bleeding in the back of her brain. As I drove her to the hospital I was praying and seeing visions of her funeral, so I prayed for over an hour for her and pleaded with God for Him to let me tell her about Him first before she died. We took her for a CT scan and the doctor said he didn't know what happened but the area of the bleed in her brain was a fatal location and it miraculously clotted. Right after he said that I shouted hallelujah!

All summer I prayed for this beautiful 17 year old, and three days before I left town I was able to share with her for over an hour about the love of God and how she was created for a purpose. I also got to tell her mother that Jesus sure loved her because he extended her daughter's life. Please pray for this young girl she may need surgery and she may still die young they have found a pre existing brain aneurism that may be fatal on the CT scan. She stated that one time she asked Jesus into her heart but didn't really know what she believed anymore.

God has really continued to confirm to me that I am to go to India and perhaps to do the WR again in the future. God has been so faithful to provide for all my needs. I have some dept that is being taken care of currently and God has opened a door for me to make a bunch of money as a private investigator in Saskatoon Saskatchewan. Praise Jesus!!! My brother Sterling and I sit in a truck for 12 hours every night and watch picketers on strike. Meals and accommodation are all included and we make 25 bucks an hour. We are free to go on line and read the bible, worship and praise God all night long. I really love Jesus for this one, plus my house is rented out for really good money too; I love how He provides the dollars and the rest that we need all at the same time. I have all the time I need at night to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all the things are being added unto me! Hallelujah! Plus I see my Dad and my brother everyday doing well and making good coin too.

I must be growing in favour with God and man just as Jesus did. I prayed for a girl I work with tonight and she was healed of all the pain in her body right after the second prayer. (Only 45% of the pain was gone after the first prayer) God loves to answer prayer, and he really loves to come and do a good work in us.

Super Thankful

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We arrived in LA the evening of Nov 19^th, my mom and dad picked me up in their motor home; we visited with Amanda for a bit before she had to catch her connecting flight home. I haven't really slept much the last few nights even though I'm exhausted. We are in Palm Springs soaking in the sun before we head home to a cold Canadian winter.

I'm feeling a little shell shocked trying to process through all that has happened this year, and grieving the loss of the community that I love. I may see many of them again, but we can never really have what we had again.

I loved this year of my life; I loved all of it; even the hard times and all the times of brokenness. I loved seeing Jesus in my friends, and I loved seeing the affect that Jesus had on my friends.

Jesus has revealed more of his character and more of his true nature to me this year then ever before. I've seen his heart and his gentleness through Tim and Leah, he has been bold and powerful through Erin and Mal, and he shows himself as a confident and humble leader through Chad and Stephanie. Jesus is kind, caring, merciful, patent, joyful, generous, and full of grace. He forgives, heals, restores, and redeems. He is so loving and good that at times that I can't help but weep at how powerful his love is.

Love breaks through hidden barriers and kills fear; it sets us free to become fully alive. We aren't perfect people and yet he chose to reveal himself to us through us. We just have to learn to look and see how good he really is. I am super thankful and give God all the glory, for he is the one that deserves all the credit, for all the good things he has done.

I plan on praying, and I have ideas about what's comming next but I don't know what God has in store for tomorrow so I'm learning to trust and obey.

Thank you all for your support, prayers and words of encouragement this year. I love you and hope to see you all again soon.