Overwhelming Joy

My team and I have been in Hawaii for almost two weeks now and we will soon be heading back to San Diego. We have gotten to do so many cool things here. We have gone to beautiful beaches, hiked, sailed, kayaked, and seen Pearl Harbor.

One day we got to go to a mountainside called Pali. Pali was the windiest place I have ever been! everything was so green- not the kind of faded green of Texas hills, but a deep and dark and rich forrest green. It was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. You could see the entire island, all the way to the sparkling ocean. Fog hung over the mountain tips as we walked down a small pathway. Staring back at the mountains I could only dream of God taking a look at His creation and running his fingers down the side of the mountain, making magnificent indentions, as a final touch. As we walked down the path we played in the wind. God's name glorified with every breeze.

I have been overwhelmed with joy multiple times on this journey, but nothing has quite paralleled what I got to experience tonight. We did a screening at a women's correctional facility in Honolulu. The second we got there we were showered with prayers and warm welcomes. They even made each of us a decorated journal in which they had each written their favorite Bible verse in. The night started out with multiple prayers and a worship session. Jesus was there; there is no doubt. His spirit was so apparent. All of the inmates raised their hands and voices. I cannot count the times Hallelujah was shouted. I was so moved to see their joy and contagious love for the Lord. These women found truth and hope in the fact that while their physical freedom is on hold they are liberated through Jesus. After worship, we started the film. I have seen this film probably close to 60 times now, but tonight was as if I was watching a different movie. The women cried hysterically, laughed joyously, and applauded many times throughout the movie. Their reactions to this issue refreshed my mind and spirit and reminded me that this is real. People are suffering and it has to stop. While Papito was telling his story I had a sudden panic realizing that the ways they can get involved are somewhat limited. An incredible peace came over me knowing that the way I would urge them to join us in the fight for justice is the most important and most overlooked. I had the immense privilege of asking these women to devote time to prayer for this issue. I was able to pray over them and feel their hearts also begging God for Kony's justice and salvation. I am so amazed by the kindness I encountered tonight. God is good and He continues to bring glory to His name at every turn.

Thank you for all of you who are praying for my team and I. Tour is officially halfway done. I cannot believe it. So much has happened already; it is only the start. Continue to pray earnestly that Kony would surrender in the name of Jesus.