When we started this journey, we had two things on our schedule. Our first stop was a conference in Northern California last Oct, and the second was The Send in Orlando, FL on February 23rd. Well, those dates have come and gone! We made it five months on the road. So, now what? Well, first let us share about the last two weeks! We spent 5 wonderful days with our friends the Yanov's in Lynn Haven, FL. They were hit by hurricane Michael back in October, and it was still very apparent! There had been tons of work done in the previous months, but it still looked like a disaster zone in many areas. We were able to help a lady who had just gotten an RV but had no idea how to work it. After leaving the panhandle, we went straight to Orlando to help with the outreaches and services leading up to The Send. We went out on the streets with people from YWAM, Lifestyle Christianity, and so many other ministries to share the gospel in the greater Orlando area. Literally, hundreds of people got saved and healed all over Orlando. Then, we would get together every night at a local church to worship God, intercede for laborers and get excited for what's coming. FINALLY, The Send. JOSH'S TAKE AWAY: It was amazing. There were so many awesome things that happened, but my favorite was seeing my boys, Judah and Xander, raise there shoes in the air as a sign that they would go anywhere God told them for the sake of the gospel! It was so great for a father to see that. Many people got healed and even saved at the event, but the one that hit me the most was right in front of me. Awhile back, God spoke to us about loving the person in front of us. Well, the guy literally in front of me was actually scheduled for a hip surgery. The short of it -- HE ISN'T ANYMORE! We asked if the people in front of us wanted prayer for anything. The man's sister said, "He has a bum hip." So, we prayed for his hip to be healed. The sister said, "Well, try it out!" The man squatted and lifted his ankle up his opposite knee. When he did that his head snapped to the right as he said, "I couldn't do that before!" Tears began streaming down the faces of everyone in the group and one of the other guys looks at us and says, "You have no idea what this means... no idea." We were so overjoyed with God's love and presence, it was a special moment. This happened at the very end of the night, so we didn't get to know them better. However, I had a sense that the man had been resistant to the gospel and possibly even the supernatural healing power of Jesus. It's possible that he reluctantly came to The Send at the request of his sister. Whatever the case, GOD. IS. SO. GOOD. One last testimony... We stayed at YWAM Orlando base for The Send weekend and got to connect with a lot of cool people. More to come on that in our next post :) However, one great testimony was that normally YWAM Orlando has 150 applications for their 6 month training program. This year they already have 350!! The Sending Out of laborers has already begun! MARY'S TAKE AWAY: All I can say is that, at this moment in time, we have no idea the impact and eternal significance of that day. Without a doubt, it is the most significant event we have ever experienced as a family. Honestly, I would say that it wasn't an overly emotional event for me. The sun was HOT and the little girls were NEEDY. We didn't have enough snacks (God bless the Yanovs for sitting by us and sharing their abundance!) and the food in the stadium was EXPENSIVE (can you say $15 for a sandwich and chips?) However, all of that stuff is just life. And, life often tries to rob us of the moments. That was not the case at The Send. We were spiritually present and we were 100% committed to the eternal ramifications. The day consisted of 4 focused segments: High schools, Universities, Neighborhoods and the World. It was fantastic hearing about how God is moving in these areas where we so often see only the negative. Personally, and as a couple, I feel God is preparing us to be sent to the neighborhoods and to the world. Jesus has come to move across the nation and to bring hope and life. We are so excited to be part of this amazing time in history. We would implore you to be part of this move of God. There will inevitably be some who sit on the sidelines and miss out on how Jesus shows His love to the world. Don't let that be you! Talk to God and tell Him that you will do anything and go anywhere to bring the gospel. Because, in the end, that is all that any of this life stuff is really about. It's all about Jesus. With Love,
2 Comments
LuAnn McFall
3/6/2019 09:42:23 am
I am so amazed at the incredible timing and compassion of God. Reading your take aways totally blessed my heart and fanned my fervor to express and demonstrate God's love for ALL of His people. Thanks Mary and Josh for all you do to advance God's kingdom here on Earth.
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Josh Hoeckle
3/18/2019 12:59:05 pm
Thank you, Luann!! Thanks for following our journey and for your willingness to listen to God and to do what is on His heart ?
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Hello!We're a family of six living full-time in a skoolie (aka a school bus converted into an RV). We are inviting you to join us as we live life to its fullest and empower others to do the same. Welcome to the family! Archives
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