I hear all the time about people worshipping idols. I hear about Buddha and Allah and the thousands of gods that are worshipped. Yet, the reality that this actually happens never hit me till today when I stood on the grounds it takes place on.
Our team is here in Pokhara, Nepal with Maya Ministries, and we aren’t alone. We have the privilege of serving alongside the YWAM New Zealand team! These 14 men and women are filled with the Holy Spirit in unique ways I love being apart of. About an hour away from the Maya Guesthouse, our home for the month, there is a Tibetan refugee camp. For those of you who aren’t aware, China overtook Tibet in 1950. The Tibetan people fled to Nepal for safety and most have made it their home.
Our mission going into this refugee camp: cover the grounds with prayer. We made our way through the camp and eventually arrived at a temple. Inside was a ginormous statue of the Buddha, coated in gold and surrounded with offerings of food and money. Looking from afar, you’d think the wall behind the statue was painted gold. In reality, the entire wall was shelves PACKED with small statues of the Buddha. It was an intimidating sight. Part of me wanted to sneak a photo to share with you all but felt better avoiding this. Incense filled the air as well as monks chanting in the distance; being in a building dedicated to worshipping something other than our true and divine Father is a numbing feeling. It’s truly indescribable in an odd way.
After leaving the temple, we walked through more of the camp. I was expecting to see face after face and herds of small children, but we were met by the eeriness of quiet houses. My prayer focus shifted to revival. Revival of the land I was stepping on. God created this earth, I prayed His land would be His again and that those walking on it would praise Him in the process. Our trek changed to a large set of steps and with each step I prayed harder and harder for revival to come over this camp. Revival of their hearts, revival of their beliefs, revival of the land. When we arrived at the top, I couldn’t help but gasp.
We were at the worship altar for the king of Hell.
I was shocked to say the least, but as I walked around, I realized any place of worship that isn’t for God is on the same level this altar was. It was surreal to put together, yet so obvious. It’s taken me years of hearing about idol worship to truly understand how real it is. Each one of us was affected in individual ways with this. A YWAM team leader recommended we worship while on this hilltop. We began praising the one true God for all He’s done and continues to do and proclaimed His spirit over everything and everyone around us.
We continued to walk through the camp after a few songs, and the Lord and I started chatting. I apologized for the moments I worshipped something or someone other than Him. I went back to the times I could remember doing this, and asked Him to help me dig for the moments I wasn’t aware of my actions. I asked for forgiveness and thanked Him that He doesn’t need to be begged. He is the God who loves us in our mess, knows our hearts individually, and forgives us when we simply ask. This is something to praise Him for every day, something I’ve never thought to bring to Him.
We worship the God of hope.
The God of revival.
The God of true joy.
The God of healing.
The God of peace.
The God that dreamt us into being.
The God of strength.
The God who doesn’t need to be begged.
The God who loves us for who we are.
The God who created the heavens and the earth.
The God who knew you’d be reading this before you were born.
My prayer for you right now is that you take a moment to praise our Father for these truths and then write down more. I pray this gives you an even greater desire to know Him more. Before leaving a comment, I pray you take these steps. Share the truths about the Father as you think of them, I would love to read your view on Him.
Month 9 is already digging deeper than I ever imagined it would, and I can’t wait to see what else the Lord has planned in it.
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Here are some great podcasts!
“Discovering the Father’s Heart” by Jonathan David Helser
“Your New Name” by Jonathan David Helser
“Living from Sabbath” by Jonathan David Helser
(Trust me, he’s a pretty great speaker.)
Awesome Sarah! I love what you wrote. I love how Jesus is so present in your heart. I love how you are growing in the Lord. Oh…how He loves you. I’m Praising HIM!! He is good alllll the time! He is: The God who never gives up on. The God who protects us. The God who Is ever present. The God who lives in us. The God who sings over us. The God who is pleased with us. The God who changes us.
This sound like an experience like you have never had before. It certainly woke you up to what is going on around world. You have a very good relationship with you Heavenly Father and He will always be looking after you. Love you lots and lots and looking forward to June 5th.
May the blood of Jesus surround and protect with u life and mind….surround u angels to protect and u team
May the blood of Jesus surround and protect with u life and mind….surround u angels to protect and u team
Israel King and Redeemer, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies: I am the first and last; there is no other God…Who is like me? Let him step forward and prove to you his power
You are experiencing things in the deepest part of your heart……most of us only feel it on the surface. Sending you a great big hug and tons of love!!! Love you so much! “Grandma” Pat
thank you so much, Miss Pat!
What a surreal experience!! And so awesome you got to worship the only God in a land of false gods! Our God is the one that loves unconditionally, that always has a perfect plan and perfect timing! Hugs and prayers for you!
Wow Sweetie, what a powerful and moving experience! How awesome to praise and worship the ONE TRUE GOD in the midst of all this darkness… and The Light shines brightest in the darkness! Thank You Yeshua!
I have been reading and taking in these truths you have shared here about the Father… looking forward to talking with you more about this when you return.
Love you and praying for you!!
xoxoxox