A Story of Trust and Boldness
by Ivett Garcia
This trip to Romania was my second missions experience with Lifestreams, and both have been life-changing for me. On the second day of our time in Romania, our team went on a prayer walk that ended up being a journey of trust for me. We had no idea where the destination would be, so I didn't really know what to expect. Three times I thought... or hoped, we had reached our destination, but it kept going further uphill and turned into more of a tough hike than a walk. I was dealing with shortness of breath from the altitude, had no water with me and was feeling very out of shape! But there was still more to climb. We kept getting higher and higher, and I stopped to calm myself down and kept going. Deep down, I knew that I had to get up to the top. And once I did, I knew why. When my feet reached the top of that mountain, I felt God’s presence surrounding me so strongly, like a tight hug. I raised my hands and surrendered all of myself to Him. I knew he was working in me. I heard him say that He heard my prayers and that He knows what my heart’s passions are, things that my mind cannot put in to words, but my heart still yearns to see. In that experience, He transformed my thinking, He set me free from limitations my own insecurities had set. He gave me new perspectives, He gave me freedom to be in the present and enjoy Him in it. Its as if I am still unwrapping the gifts He put in me on the top of that mountain. There’s something about the climb that shifts and opens the door for God to come.
I was also challenged and exposed to ministry in a new way. Before the trip, Lauren asked the team what we desired to get out of this time and my answer was to be bold. And, of course, God gave me opportunities to step out! When we prepared for our treasure hunting ministry time, I asked God “Who do you want me to pray for?” One of the "clues" He showed me was tall boots. We went out and ministered to the Roma people, and as we walked and found our clues, we saw paralyzed hands open up and move, legs healed, and freedom and restoration for a mother. What I didn’t see were the tall boots. The next day, during our morning service I had my head down when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a pair of tall boots walk by. “I found them!” I thought. Then the leader told us to find someone new to pray for. I went up to her and told her “I saw your tall boots yesterday. I think I’m supposed to pray for you. What’s your name?”
“My name is Ivett” she said.
“OMG! I’m Ivett also. Where are you from?”
“Mexicali, Baja California, MX.
“OMG! I am from Mexico too, I know where that is!” I said.
“Then why are we speaking in English? Speak to me in Spanish!” she said, and we laughed.
She went on to tell me she was a pastor’s kid and had a desire for missions. She was part of the mission staff currently serving in Romania. God is so awesome, He knew I would be nervous to go up to her, but when I did we both felt like we knew each other from a long time ago. He made it easy for me to be able to pray for her and identify with her. I can honestly say that I trust God enough to continue to be bold and go up to the people He decides I need to pray for! I am so grateful for the blessing of being part of this trip, and for all the amazing things God did that not only impacted the city, but our team as well... we are forever changed!