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The Art of Losing Myself Julie Lortz

Taking it to the Streets



Saturday might have been my favorite day. We split into 3 groups. I went with the intercessory prayer group. We planned to go to several key places around the city, but the buses were several hours late – not atypical of a mission trip in Latin America or Africa. When the bus finally came we headed down to one of the main governmental offices in Tijuana. We gathered in the nearby park and for the next hour, we worshipped, prayed and spoke life over the city. It was so good and very powerful. 

I used to think it was crazy that people traveled to other nations for the sole purpose of praying. I couldn't believe they would travel that distance to pray. But at the same time it intrigued me. As I continually learn the power of prayer and the power of inviting God's presence into a place, I understand the effectiveness and the importance of such focused trips. Just worshipping on that ground changed things in the spiritual. So cool!

That was the theme for the day because next we headed to Revolution St. Here we met up with the other teams, grabbed a bite to eat and prepared for God to invade Tijuana. Revolution St. is just across the border from the States. It is the center of tourist activity - lined with shops, street vendors, restaurants, bars and clubs. Adjacent to Revolution St is the red light district, Zona Norte. The area is incredibly dark spiritually.  

At night it becomes flooded with people looking to have a good time. Our team went down there and rented the stage at the center intersection of these streets. We flooded the area with God's presence. We worshipped. Our dance team drew a crowd with their performance. The audience saw an incredible drama that communicated the gospel and the freedom found in Christ. The truth of the gospel was preached. It was amazing! Many people gave their life to Christ that night. We prayed for hundreds of people. Most of the people we prayed for were struggling emotionally and spiritually. We led people through forgiveness. We encouraged people and spoke truth. People with no hope left joyful. People that were depressed were set free. It was so good!!

 
One of my favorite parts of the night was when I stood at the entrance to the red light district. We weren't allowed to go down the street because it is very dangerous. The area is saturated with drugs, violence and prostitution. Standing there I could see a dozen women standing on the streets, dressed provocatively, waiting for their next customer. For about an hour I stood there praying over the street; speaking life, value, and worth to the women; declaring freedom and love. It was difficult to watch the women walk by with the men, as it took me back to the time I spent in Thailand. It's unbelievable how this business lives all over the world. Something needs to change.

It was incredible to release truth and God's presence in an area that is often possessed with hopelessness. The place was changed that night. Where there is searching and pain, joy and love was released. And people met Christ! That is a good night!

Me talking to a man before we prayed with him (the stage is in the background)
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Our First Night in Tijuana



Most of our ministry in Tijuana was in the church. Every night we went to a different church. In the early evening, we went to the neighborhoods surrounding the churches to talk to people, pray for them, and invite them to church. Then our team ran the service for the night. It was a blast! 

The first night, the service went really well. At one point, a team member asked anyone with a tumor to come forward. Four women came forward and I prayed with a lady who had a tumor in her abdomen. I didn't feel it ahead of time and I didn't interview her well – I basically asked her where it was and then prayed. After a simple prayer, I asked her how she was feeling. She looked at me with this absolute look of elation and said it was gone. I could hardly believe it. I asked her if she was sure and if she could feel to make sure it was gone. And with a huge smile, she confirmed that it was gone.

My faith sky-rocketed and I went to join some others praying for another woman.  We prayed for a while and her pain decreased, but the tumor did not completely leave. We saw other people healed that night and we were able to pray for some people that were feeling lonely and down about job/money situations. God definitely showed up and people felt His love as my teammate talked on the unconditional and perfect love of God.

On the way back from the church service, we stopped at a taco stand, which became a tradition endorsed by the men on our team. They are really good tacos, but I wasn't hungry, so I decided to stay in the warmth of the bus. While waiting, I communicated with the bus driver the best I could in my broken Spanish. He let me pray for him and he felt God's presence that night which was awesome. I was thankful for that and hoped that he felt loved and knew how much his Father cared for him.

As I went to bed, I was happy with the service, but there was part of me that wanted more. I wanted the church to be packed out and to see many people meet Christ for the first time. I know the power of God and I wanted to see that power erupt in the church and in all of Tijuana. I love seeing people healed, but I wanted more. I'm learning the value of one person being healed – that it connects them to God and it shows them how deeply God loves them; how much He values and cares for them; and that He sees their every need. Healing truly connects people to the Father's heart. I was also reminded that God wants to know and be known by the people of Tijuana more than I want them to meet Him.

With that, I decided to be thankful for everything that took place that night, and I prayed for more.

wish I had more pictures of us praying with the people, but here's one of me teaching.

 
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It's Good To Be Home.



I am home from Tijuana, and so thankful for your prayers!! In the next few blogs, I want to share some things I experienced in TJ.

I was excited in the weeks leading up to our mission trip and full of anticipation the day we drove the length of California, but I can't fully explain how I felt as I crossed the border and found myself on Mexican soil. 

This is my first time really in Mexico, but it feels like home. It sounds strange, but being in the nations feels more at home than anywhere else (sorry Mom and Dad). Everything felt right when I crossed the border. The US was only miles away, yet everything was different.

 
I love the differences. The different look of the buildings and houses. The different expressions of the people. The restaurants on the side of the road. The sound of a different language filling the streets. The new faces. The smells and noises. The people selling things in the streets. The unknowns of transportation.

 
 

      Just walking around, I find my heart happy and my spirit alive. I almost forgot how alive I feel in the nations. Or perhaps I was not fully aware of that fact, until I found myself here again. I want to talk to and hug every person I walk by. Even the border patrol, but their big guns and stern faces are intimidating, so I offer my smile.

      Being on a mission trip takes me back to my time on the race. I know this is strange, but it makes me  really, really happy and I'm even thanking God: That I can't flush the toilet paper. That my headlamp resides in my purse along with some emergency toilet paper. That I'm sharing a room and bathroom with 80 other women. That all of my things sleep on a bare mattress with me. That I have to wash my feet every night before I go to bed. I can't say I'm thrilled about the cold showers, but it's been way to long since I've had one. It's good to be in touch with the majority of the world.

I haven't felt so at home in a long time. I think I was made for this. Tonight, I'm thanking God for allowing me to come here!

God Reigns in Tijuana!

 

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Heaven invade TIJUANA!!



Tuesday morning at 3 am, I will make my way to the car for the 700 mile drive to Tijuana, Mexico!

Everyone at school goes on a mission trip. We've been learning how to minister to people and now we get to do it for a week straight!!

 

When we signed up for mission trips, I was hoping to go to one of the locations in the States. I loved being in the nations with the Race, but I was ready to bring some Jesus love to people in America. As it turns out, I am going to Mexico and I could not be more thrilled. I am seriously jumping up and down and screaming inside in anticipation!! I didn't realize I'd be so ecstatic to go back to the nations! I kinda felt like I was on the race again as I packed my bags. It makes my heart happy to be going back out. I'm so excited to partner with God in Tijuana!!!

 

I would be truly blessed if you pray for me and the people of Tijuana. We will be gone March 31 – April 7. Our team will be all over the place. We will be in 7-10 churches. We will work with children. We will focus on activating the local believers, so that they can step out in faith and prayer to bring transformation in their own city. We will perform dramas and dance. We will go out to the streets and into the neighborhoods. We will pray for every person we can lay our hands on! We are going to flood Tijuana with the love of God. There are about 150 people going, so we are really expecting to change the atmosphere of that place and release a lot of God's presence, His love and His goodness.

 
 
Some specific prayer points:

-    That the people and the city of Tijuana would be completely transformed with the love of Jesus.

-    That the local churches would be activated in the supernatural.

-    That everyone we talk to would feel the love and presence of God.

-    That people would be saved, healed, delivered.

-    That relationships would be reconciled. 

      -    That the miraculous would be released everywhere we go.

-    That people would find FREEDOM in Christ. Freedom from addictions, depression, hopelessness.

-    That people would fall in love with Jesus.

      -    That the joy and peace of Christ would infect people.

-    That generations would be changed forever.

-    That the drug dealers would be saved and that industry would be shut down!

-    That violence would stop.

      -    That Tijuana would prosper and find it's provision in God.

-    That are team would walk in unity and increased levels of faith.

-    That I would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and stop for the one.

-    That we would walk in our Kingdom identity and authority.

-    For safety and perfect health.

-    and that all attacks from the enemy would be canceled.

I know that's a lot, but you get the idea - we want to see Heaven invade TIJUANA!! Just pray for Tijuana and the people we will come in contact with - that it will never be the same again!

Love you all so much and I can't wait to share the testimonies of how God moves!

 
 
Lastly, I am still in need of some funds, so if you feel led to give, here's how:
- where:  Bethel Church, 933 College View Dr Redding, CA 96003
- how:  In order to receive a tax deductible receipt make the check payable to Bethel Church and leave the memo line blank. Include a separate piece of paper with my name and Tijuana, Mexico.
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Prayer is Power.



What is your view on prayer? I mean really meditate on what you believe. Is prayer something that you do because you are suppose to? Is it somewhere you turn when all else fails? Is it ongoing conversation with a friend? Do you pray with the conviction that something is being released in Heaven to change things on Earth?

Sometimes I think I pray because it's all I know to do. That's not wrong, but I think it is evidence that I forget God is actually listening and cares what I have to say. At times I'm even surprised when God answers a prayer. It sounds a bit ridiculous.

Unfortunately, I think we tend to pray without expectation. Maybe because we don't always see instant answers. Perhaps we have not encountered the reality that, as God's children, He chooses to partner with us. Maybe our earthly father has left us with a distorted view of our Heavenly Father. Unfortunately, whatever our belief is, it usually dictates our experience. The truth is God is on our side and He loves to give good gifts. 

I like to ask God how to pray in particular situations, so I can align myself with what He is doing. I also find it necessary to connect with the truth that I am seated in Heavenly places (Eph 2:6). Often I need to distance myself from the problem that seems to be swirling around me, and move into the place where I'm seated in Christ. This allows me to pray the solution and strategies of Heaven.

If you feel like prayer is a boring list of things you go through in the morning with little expectation, try looking at prayer in a new light. Ask the Holy Spirit to breathe on these promises and make them a reality in your life:

  • The prayer of righteous man is powerful and effective.  - James 5:16
  • Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and him who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! - Luke 11:9-13
  • If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  - John 15:7
  • Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.  - John 14:13-14

Lastly, there is incredible power in perseverance and thanksgiving. Often we have to persevere when it seems our prayers are fruitless. Additionally, I like to thank God for the answer I'm praying. When I'm praying from His heart, I know it has already been accomplished in His Kingdom and I thank Him until I see the answer come to Earth.

As believers, we have the incredible opportunity to change our environment. The Holy Spirit lives within us. Not only is the Holy Spirit power, but a lot of power. He is living in us so that we can be releasers of that power. He has put us here so that this world can have a power encounter with a heavenly God. I dare you to tap into that today.

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God Is Always Good.



Christmas break was over.  Early the next morning, I was headed to the airport to fly back to California.  My mom tried her hardest to convince me to arrive at the airport more than an hour and a half before my departure time.  I was not having it – "Absolutely not.  In case you forgot, I've traveled quite a bit.  I'm a pro at this routine.   And it's the Greenville airport.  How busy can they possibly be?" 

Somewhat peremptory, I arrive no more than 50 minutes prior to the departure time.   I insert my major credit card into the self check-in kiosk, and casually wait for my reservation to pop up on the screen.  To my slight surprise it comes back "Reservation Not Found."  OK, no worries, just try again.  I receive the same message a second time.  OK, now I'm a little concerned, but I'm a pretty laid back person, so I'll just talk to the counter agent.  She'll fix everything.  [Insert lesson number one: write down your conformation number (It's never important until you need it – profound I know).]  The minutes pass by as I dig out my computer, power it up, connect to the internet and retrieve my conformation number.  I give it to the counter agent and she begins to make phone calls to straighten things out.  The hands on the clock are moving closer and closer to my departure time.  Things are not looking good. 

Finally she confirms the flight info and sends me running through the airport as they hold the plane for me.  [Insert lesson number two: don't pack a lamp in your carry-on.]  Security requires a search of my bag, which seemingly takes eons.... And I've now missed my flight – Thank you TSA.  My parents are standing by, using every ounce of self-control to not say "we told you so."  With my head down, trying not to feel defeated, I head back to the ticket counter so we can somehow find a way to get me from Greenville to Sacramento today.

I know you've learned two valuable lessons, but perhaps you're looking for the deeper meaning of this story.  Here's the more.  As the ticket agent searches every possible route and airline to get me to Sacramento, I catch myself thinking "What did I do wrong?  I must have done something wrong to cause this dreadful situation.  Is God mad at me?  I should have prayed for so-and-so.  I knew I should have talked to friends more about what God's been doing in my life.  God must not be happy with me because I didn't spend enough time with Him over break.  Maybe if I had done those things, this wouldn't be happening to me."  YIKES!!  Where did those thoughts come from?!?  The really scary part is that most of what God's been showing me through school is that He is good all of the time.  If I'm steeped in this realization of God's goodness, yet I still have these thoughts, how much more will someone who sees the Father as some angry person waiting to punish them when they mess up, think these things?

Do you ever catch these thoughts running through your head?  What do you do with them?  Do you reject them or do you let the circumstance dictate God's character.  His nature is good.  He can't not be good.  And He's definitely not looking for ways to "punish" you or "teach you a lesson."  That way of thinking is quite absurd.  Yet I catch those thoughts in me.  So when life comes at you do you cling to the truth - that He is a good Father that gives good gifts - or does your mind convince you otherwise?

He can't love you any more than He does.  And it has nothing to do with what you do or do not do.

 The Lord is good and His love endures forever! - Ps. 100:5
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What Am I Really Believing?



Sometimes I wonder if we really believe the things we claim as truth.  Example...Would you say the following statements are true?
  • God is good all the time and He's in a good mood.
  • My prayers are powerful and effective to bring change.
  • God heals all of our diseases.
  •  I hear the Father's voice.
  • I am His son. I am His daughter.
  • We are spiritual beings and in a spiritual battle.
  • I am royalty.
  • God is my Provider.
  • God's love is a gift.  I must do nothing, but receive it.  It's not a love based on performance.
  • God is more interested in my relationship with Him than what I do for Him.

Now, would someone who looks at your life attest to your belief in these statements?  Would you say your daily life and thoughts demonstrate that you truly believe these statements?

Too often we let our mind train our spirit, though it should be the reverse.  How often does your personal experience, religious tradition or the cultural consensus stand above the Word of God?  I'll be the first to admit that this happens all too often in my life.  It is so incredibly vital that we don't allow our circumstances or personal experiences to dictate the truth of God's Word and promises.  I can't stress this enough in my own life.  Personally, I have to continually declare His promises when my experiences don't seem to line up with them.  I must until it becomes a truth at my very core.  And even then, I again, have to declare it.

For me, I would say I agree 100% with these statements.  Yet I catch myself thinking or acting contrary to what they proclaim.  In the next couple of blogs, I want to illustrate what this looks like in my life.  And perhaps this series will expose ways you respond to situations counter to the truth.

I hope you stay tuned.

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The Beauty of Process



I'm sitting in the LAX airport right now. I love airports....on most days. Today I love it because God is reminding me of where I was almost a year ago. I was on the World Race, and we were leaving Asia. We flew from the Philippines to Nicaragua, but this included a connection in LA. That was a semi difficult trip for me. We ended up staying in the States for 2 days due to confusion with dates and times. I must admit that I had a little anxiety about setting foot on US soil. There was a little culture shock mixed in with the fact that I didn't feel ready to see a familiar place. It was only 2 days, but I didn't want to slip back to where I was before the race. God was birthing things inside of me and changing me in so many ways, and entering the States didn't feel safe. I wasn't prepared for it. It felt like I was leaving the womb prematurely. In the end, I was fine. And when the race was over, God had truly made me ready to come home.

All of this reminiscing about where I was a year ago just launches me into adoration for God. Isn't it so beautiful that He doesn't leave us the way we are; He doesn't just redeem us and leave us alone. He changes and transforms us. He calls us into an intimate love affair. Just think about what has happened in the last year – How has He changed you? We are always in process on this wonderful journey. I just love it! Isn't He so good?! He cares so much about us that He continues to take us to new places. He takes us deeper. He transforms us. He calls us closer. He is always changing us and redeeming us!

Thank you God, that you are a God of transformation! Whatever journey He has you on today, I pray that you feel His arms surrounding you and that you know He has your good in His heart.

Oh, and my reason for being in the LAX...Jenny's incredible wedding:
the ones that understand me. the individuals that inspire me. the people that make me a better person. my WR family. *(insert Alli and J. Brown)

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The Year in One Phenomenal Video (thank you Sean!!)



Below is video of our year on the Race, beautifully created by Sean Smith.
 
Thank you all for following me over the past year and a half.  I would be honored for you to continue with me on my journey with God.  I will still post on this site some, but I will also have a new blog at www.julielortz.blogspot.com.  Please stop by!
 
I hope you enjoy the video!   Much love to all of you!
 
 




Preview- WR 2007-08 from Sean Smith on Vimeo.
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An Unusual Combination



I just finished watching Blood Diamonds...on Christmas night.  Not sure how those two events converged, but I wouldn't recommend it.  Or perhaps I would.

Now I'm thinking.  Movies like that – Human Trafficking, Invisible Children, etc – tend to have that effect on me.  I have questions swirling around in my head.  Those movies really mess you up on the inside.  My mind wants to fall into a pattern of thinking how can there be a good God when this is happening.  I know, that I know, that I know God is a good, good God.   So, really I'm just wondering how I could ever tell a person surrounded by constant war and fear and death that there is a good God that loves them deeply and cares for them intimately.  They would surely think I was crazy.  But still I know that God is good.  And, for me, the fact that He gives us choices and freedom is not enough to negate His inherent goodness.  I won't let the evil, that fights against us and attempts to steal our very lives, as evidenced by events happening  all over the world - Africa, Thailand, across town - dictate God's attributes.  He is always good and He is love.  That is truth.  My encounters and experiences in this world will not change what I know to be true in my spirit.  It's dangerous when we start to let our experiences tell us who God is or who we are.

So, what do I come up with?  Does it make sense for me to never buy anything again, to boycott $4 lattes, or to never eat out?  Probably not practical and it's of infinitesimal help to adopt this poverty mentality.  How can I change what is going on in Africa, a world away from me, as I sit in my warm home typing away on my laptop?  More importantly, should I even try?  I am met with an astounding YES!  How?  First, I think it starts with being aware.  Awareness is the beginning, but it's only as good as the action that it inspires.  For me, I choose to change things one person at a time by supporting stories like this.  Second, wherever I am, I believe I am there for a purpose, so I can start by changing things in my own community. 

The Holy Spirit brought two responses to the tension of why I have so much, while others are literally living in war.  First, thanksgiving and gratitude are to be my escorts through life.  Second, He gave me Luke 12:48 – "From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more."  In this nation, despite what any economist says, we have been given much.

 

I leave you with two thoughts:  Is your gratitude for what you have, allowing thankfulness to guide your life?  And what are you doing with what you have been given?
 
 
 Resource to help you determine if your diamonds are conflict free:
 - http://www.stopblooddiamonds.org/a-blood-diamond.asp
 - http://www.diamondfacts.org/
 
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