For those who may not know I came home from the Celebrant Singers on Wednesday the 19th. Please forgive me for not updating earlier. The library is my main source for the internet but they do not allow access onto Blogger.com.
This summers tour was good but hard. God was molding me like clay through my experiences. However I praise God that I heard his call and I listened.
May you continue to pray for me and other celebrants as we begin to adjust back to "real life". It is hard to leave people you have been around 24/7. I also ask that you pray for me as I pray about what the Lord wants my involvement with Celebrants to be. I know that I shall continue with them in some way but I do not know if the Lord wants me to just continue summer tours or if he wants me to join the Celebrants full time. It is a big decision but whatever is the Lords will is the best
Thank you so much for praying for the Celebrants this summer. God is good!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
It's not about the music
This past week, August 2nd - 8th, our team was a little different. Jon, founder and director, and his wife Mimi, our pianist, had to leave us temporarily to do some preparation work for our Homecoming. So in their place Tennyson joined the team. He is an assistant leader who plays the trumpet. He had to not only be the director but also the pianist.
So this past week the songs weren't perfect. We had to use some instrumental tracks for a few songs that were too difficult for Tennyson. But each night we saw God working through us. We had 8 people make a first time decision to follow Christ, 5 people rededicate their life, and countless other prayers! Praise God!
It's not about the music, or about our abilities. It is really about us giving what we have - a lot or a little. We have to continue our tour now without Mimi, but that doesn't mean we can't minister. We will just be doing it in a different way.
As our tour is coming to an end, please pray that we would stay focused on the ministry. It is hard to not think about what you are going to do when you get home, who you are going to see, what you are going to do with your time, etc etc. Instead we need to stay focused on what God wants us to do now.
Also pray for strength, joy, and Gods provision as we finish our ministry. God is so Good!
So this past week the songs weren't perfect. We had to use some instrumental tracks for a few songs that were too difficult for Tennyson. But each night we saw God working through us. We had 8 people make a first time decision to follow Christ, 5 people rededicate their life, and countless other prayers! Praise God!
It's not about the music, or about our abilities. It is really about us giving what we have - a lot or a little. We have to continue our tour now without Mimi, but that doesn't mean we can't minister. We will just be doing it in a different way.
As our tour is coming to an end, please pray that we would stay focused on the ministry. It is hard to not think about what you are going to do when you get home, who you are going to see, what you are going to do with your time, etc etc. Instead we need to stay focused on what God wants us to do now.
Also pray for strength, joy, and Gods provision as we finish our ministry. God is so Good!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Back in the States
Hello Everyone!
Sorry I did not update earlier. I was not able to find the time until now. Morocco was a neat experience. It was challenging because people either spoke very broken English or only French. But through Dorice (our French-Canadian) we were able to communicate. We did not have many performances, but what I can tell you on this site is that we were able to make connections with me Moroccans for some public venues for our next visit.
As we enter the second half of our ministry we begin to encounter some more struggles. We need to continue to have patience, love and unity among the team (which being on a bus everyday, it can get tested). Please pray for those so that sin and separation will not effect our ministry. We are still in need of support, and also we are in Old England this weekend and Mimi (Jon's wife) informed us that Celebrants always seem to be spiritually attacked in this area of the US - pray for protection.
A while back I informed you of some difficulties that I was having. God has me learning a lot about forgiveness and boundaries this summer. He calls himself the potter and as the clay it can be painful but I know that I can trust Him to mold me into something beautiful. Thank you for praying for my struggles.
Thank you for your prayers -- your devotion to this ministry is essential. God is moving mountains!
Sorry I did not update earlier. I was not able to find the time until now. Morocco was a neat experience. It was challenging because people either spoke very broken English or only French. But through Dorice (our French-Canadian) we were able to communicate. We did not have many performances, but what I can tell you on this site is that we were able to make connections with me Moroccans for some public venues for our next visit.
As we enter the second half of our ministry we begin to encounter some more struggles. We need to continue to have patience, love and unity among the team (which being on a bus everyday, it can get tested). Please pray for those so that sin and separation will not effect our ministry. We are still in need of support, and also we are in Old England this weekend and Mimi (Jon's wife) informed us that Celebrants always seem to be spiritually attacked in this area of the US - pray for protection.
A while back I informed you of some difficulties that I was having. God has me learning a lot about forgiveness and boundaries this summer. He calls himself the potter and as the clay it can be painful but I know that I can trust Him to mold me into something beautiful. Thank you for praying for my struggles.
Thank you for your prayers -- your devotion to this ministry is essential. God is moving mountains!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Rejoice!
"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!" Psalm 47:1,2
Rejoice with me!! We are going to Morocco tomorrow!! We did not have tickets, or could afford them until yesterday. This has not happened with the Celebrants since 1978: we were driving to a dead halt for we did not have the provisions. But Praise the Lord, He has provided!!
We are still not sure what our mission field will look like, but the founder, Jon Stemkoski, believes that this will be the first of many trips to Morocco. This trip we are planting the seeds for ministry. Please pray for us to be sensitive to the Spirit leading us, and to be careful with our words since we are in a country where evangelism is illegal. But may we speak his words and our testimonies (that is one thing we can do. If they ask us about our faith we can speak about it)
I may not know what we are doing but I have a God who knows and has been leading us. I have seen His hand all over our ministry - and I feel honored to be apart of His work. Truly honored.
Thank you for your prayers -- God has answered and He has been faithful! Isn't it exciting to be apart of Gods plan? Tomorrow we leave for a direct flight to Morocco at 8:30 in NYC. We will be in Morocco until the 20th. Pray diligently for us during this time!
Rejoice with me!! We are going to Morocco tomorrow!! We did not have tickets, or could afford them until yesterday. This has not happened with the Celebrants since 1978: we were driving to a dead halt for we did not have the provisions. But Praise the Lord, He has provided!!
We are still not sure what our mission field will look like, but the founder, Jon Stemkoski, believes that this will be the first of many trips to Morocco. This trip we are planting the seeds for ministry. Please pray for us to be sensitive to the Spirit leading us, and to be careful with our words since we are in a country where evangelism is illegal. But may we speak his words and our testimonies (that is one thing we can do. If they ask us about our faith we can speak about it)
I may not know what we are doing but I have a God who knows and has been leading us. I have seen His hand all over our ministry - and I feel honored to be apart of His work. Truly honored.
Thank you for your prayers -- God has answered and He has been faithful! Isn't it exciting to be apart of Gods plan? Tomorrow we leave for a direct flight to Morocco at 8:30 in NYC. We will be in Morocco until the 20th. Pray diligently for us during this time!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Still in Canada, eh
So if you remembered anything about my schedule, the plan was to go to Morocco tomorrow but it turns out that was not Gods plan. Our leaders have been in prayer and we are still going but instead we will be leaving the 14th and will be there for 6 days instead of 11. So these last few days will be used to try to raise the last of our support. God is good and He is our provider.
These last three days we have been in Montreal. God has been moving. In one church we asked for those who wanted prayer to stand and 95% of the church rose for prayer! It was powerful because the people were so willing to be honest about their needs. To God be the Glory!
Today we entered a cathedral that was breath-taking. It was so beautiful that I had to stop to just soak it in. While we sang I began to think about how beautiful this place was, to honor God and then the verse crossed my mind that states that we are holy temples for the Spirit resides within us. We are more beautiful than anything man could build to honor Him. How awesome!
Continue to pray for protection. We have been under spiritual attack very heavily this trip. May we not be shaken; May Gods will be done! I am excited to see what He has in store.
These last three days we have been in Montreal. God has been moving. In one church we asked for those who wanted prayer to stand and 95% of the church rose for prayer! It was powerful because the people were so willing to be honest about their needs. To God be the Glory!
Today we entered a cathedral that was breath-taking. It was so beautiful that I had to stop to just soak it in. While we sang I began to think about how beautiful this place was, to honor God and then the verse crossed my mind that states that we are holy temples for the Spirit resides within us. We are more beautiful than anything man could build to honor Him. How awesome!
Continue to pray for protection. We have been under spiritual attack very heavily this trip. May we not be shaken; May Gods will be done! I am excited to see what He has in store.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Hello Canada!
I am now in the Maple Leaf state, and so far it really is no different! Well, except for a few 'ehs' and a couple 'aboots' =] =]. But God has been moving mountains!! The past two days (July 2nd and 3rd) we were in Mississauga. The Holy Spirit was strong in both of the churches. At one of the worship nights the celebrants went around and laid their hands on each person. As our hands went down, people began to cry and pray. The Spirit was moving! Each night I am amazed that as I worship the Lord the people in the audience are having an experience with God, that they are being touch by us worshiping Him.
And God is providing for us financially too! Peoples hearts are moving and they are able to see what God does with our ministry. Jon Stemkoski talked to us today and God has firmly told him that we are to go to Morocco. We may not be leaving on the 9th, and instead leaving on the 14th but God told him that even though there are people in power who do not want us there, He is stronger than them. Talking to Jon and his wife, Mimi, I know that God wants us there and we are going to do some powerful stuff. I am really excited that God wanted to use me here too. And I am also so humbled. Part of me wants to say, 'who am I to minister to someone in a country who cannot praise God in public?' But what it comes down to is that I am willing to say, 'Here I am, Lord. Use me!' We all need to be open to His call!
Also, I had a great moment with the Holy Spirit on the bus today. As Jon was talking he was telling us about how Celebrant Singers were the first ministry to get into the country of Albania. He said that God used Celebrants as a ministry to plant a seed and begin revivals in countries. After he said that the Spirit lead me back to a moment in the fall of 2005.
I had a vision of a red heart lifting up in front of me, and as it rose, I could feel the Holy Spirit get stronger in me. I reached out to grab it and as my hand almost touched it it parted in two and floated to the ground. The feeling of the Spirit fell back into me and I was shocked. I didn't know what it meant and I realized that I needed my Joseph. During the summer of 2006 I found a girl who interpreted my dream and she told me that God uses me and will use me to plant the seeds but with the work that He will have me do I will not see the fruit. I will begin the work and He doesn't want me to be disappointed by this.
It was so powerful that the Spirit reminded me at that moment because it was God telling me that I am doing the right thing. This is the ministry He wants me in. With this summer I needed to hear that confirmation again. God is good!
Keep up your prayers for us, God is moving!
And God is providing for us financially too! Peoples hearts are moving and they are able to see what God does with our ministry. Jon Stemkoski talked to us today and God has firmly told him that we are to go to Morocco. We may not be leaving on the 9th, and instead leaving on the 14th but God told him that even though there are people in power who do not want us there, He is stronger than them. Talking to Jon and his wife, Mimi, I know that God wants us there and we are going to do some powerful stuff. I am really excited that God wanted to use me here too. And I am also so humbled. Part of me wants to say, 'who am I to minister to someone in a country who cannot praise God in public?' But what it comes down to is that I am willing to say, 'Here I am, Lord. Use me!' We all need to be open to His call!
Also, I had a great moment with the Holy Spirit on the bus today. As Jon was talking he was telling us about how Celebrant Singers were the first ministry to get into the country of Albania. He said that God used Celebrants as a ministry to plant a seed and begin revivals in countries. After he said that the Spirit lead me back to a moment in the fall of 2005.
I had a vision of a red heart lifting up in front of me, and as it rose, I could feel the Holy Spirit get stronger in me. I reached out to grab it and as my hand almost touched it it parted in two and floated to the ground. The feeling of the Spirit fell back into me and I was shocked. I didn't know what it meant and I realized that I needed my Joseph. During the summer of 2006 I found a girl who interpreted my dream and she told me that God uses me and will use me to plant the seeds but with the work that He will have me do I will not see the fruit. I will begin the work and He doesn't want me to be disappointed by this.
It was so powerful that the Spirit reminded me at that moment because it was God telling me that I am doing the right thing. This is the ministry He wants me in. With this summer I needed to hear that confirmation again. God is good!
Keep up your prayers for us, God is moving!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
God can Move Mountains
" 'If you have faith as small as a mustard seed you can say to this mountain, 'move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.' "
Matthew 17:20
Isn't that verse amazing? I hear it often but when I think about the words it is so powerful: Nothing will be impossible for you. Do I really believe that? God keeps showing me that I can. He is Almighty, All-powerful and in control of everything!
Since I said 'yes' to joining celebrants this summer I knew that I had a challenge. I had three weeks before I left to begin to fund raise. Looking at my list I had no idea how I was going to raise $4900. I would talk to God and say, 'You called me here. I need you to provide.' And I would tell my friends that God was going to do a miracle and it would be this great story that I would be able to share on this web site. That blessing has happened!!
Yesterday I had the blessing of being able to facilitate worship at my church in Elkhorn. Jon Stemkoski (The leader and creator of the Celebrants) had said to me that I was going to get my funding. Now I thought they would let the church know of my need and take up a second offering. Well, the people was told that all the money given that night was going to go towards my support (which I needed at least $2000). They raised over $2000 for me! I was so shocked that I began to cry tears of joy.
I was so shocked because I had decided the day before that when I got home that night I was going to check my bank account and see how high of a check I could write to the celebrants (which is really not much at all). I have been blessed so much by the Lord I cannot even put it into words.
My church has grown me so much spiritually and the people mean so much to me. It blessed me to see their love for me in return.
That has been one of Gods messages to me this summer. through my church and also through people at rehearsal camp God has told me how much he loves me and how others love me. He has also confirmed me as a teacher, during a time when I can feel so unsure about my career.
I believe I have received so much love because this tour has been spiritually hard. God calls himself a potter. Right now He is chiseling out a beautiful design in this clay pot. I say that with faith because right now I can't see the design and I only feel Him carving the surface. I don't know what I am going to learn or why I am going through these challenges but looking at the challenges I have had and, remembering the promises in His Word, I know that I can have faith in Him. He is in control and when this is over I will have a grand story of the greatness of God.
I see though that I need prayer to be faithful. No matter how hard the circumstance I need to submit to Gods authority and do what is right. I know that it is good for me to climb this mountain. May I follow God and be obedient.
My final praise is also financial. 10 days ago I wrote about how our whole team was in need of $40,000 to go to Morocco. We are now down to $20,000 and 9 days until we fly! We are a team of faith, God can move mountains, and Keep praying for us!! God is answering!
Matthew 17:20
Isn't that verse amazing? I hear it often but when I think about the words it is so powerful: Nothing will be impossible for you. Do I really believe that? God keeps showing me that I can. He is Almighty, All-powerful and in control of everything!
Since I said 'yes' to joining celebrants this summer I knew that I had a challenge. I had three weeks before I left to begin to fund raise. Looking at my list I had no idea how I was going to raise $4900. I would talk to God and say, 'You called me here. I need you to provide.' And I would tell my friends that God was going to do a miracle and it would be this great story that I would be able to share on this web site. That blessing has happened!!
Yesterday I had the blessing of being able to facilitate worship at my church in Elkhorn. Jon Stemkoski (The leader and creator of the Celebrants) had said to me that I was going to get my funding. Now I thought they would let the church know of my need and take up a second offering. Well, the people was told that all the money given that night was going to go towards my support (which I needed at least $2000). They raised over $2000 for me! I was so shocked that I began to cry tears of joy.
I was so shocked because I had decided the day before that when I got home that night I was going to check my bank account and see how high of a check I could write to the celebrants (which is really not much at all). I have been blessed so much by the Lord I cannot even put it into words.
My church has grown me so much spiritually and the people mean so much to me. It blessed me to see their love for me in return.
That has been one of Gods messages to me this summer. through my church and also through people at rehearsal camp God has told me how much he loves me and how others love me. He has also confirmed me as a teacher, during a time when I can feel so unsure about my career.
I believe I have received so much love because this tour has been spiritually hard. God calls himself a potter. Right now He is chiseling out a beautiful design in this clay pot. I say that with faith because right now I can't see the design and I only feel Him carving the surface. I don't know what I am going to learn or why I am going through these challenges but looking at the challenges I have had and, remembering the promises in His Word, I know that I can have faith in Him. He is in control and when this is over I will have a grand story of the greatness of God.
I see though that I need prayer to be faithful. No matter how hard the circumstance I need to submit to Gods authority and do what is right. I know that it is good for me to climb this mountain. May I follow God and be obedient.
My final praise is also financial. 10 days ago I wrote about how our whole team was in need of $40,000 to go to Morocco. We are now down to $20,000 and 9 days until we fly! We are a team of faith, God can move mountains, and Keep praying for us!! God is answering!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Information to see Holly and Celebrants Perform
Hello Everyone!! Information Stacey here to the rescue!!!
First of all, Please remember when you are sending in your donations to Celebrant Singers to remember to direct the payments for Holly Ericson!!! Let's help get her fully funded!!
Second of all, and the REASON she asked me to post is because she and all of Celebrant Singers will be performing in Wisconsin at Holly's church on Tuesday, June 30th.
Date (again) - Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
Time - 7:30pm
Location - Southern Lakes Evangelical Free Church
Address - N6686 US Highway 12, Elkhorn, WI 53121 (I recomend Google for directions)
Phone # for More information - 1.262.742.2366
I encourage ALL of you to make the trip out to see them!
That's all for now! We look forward to hearing more from Holly soon! I will see all of you on Tuesday, June 30th!! :)
First of all, Please remember when you are sending in your donations to Celebrant Singers to remember to direct the payments for Holly Ericson!!! Let's help get her fully funded!!
Second of all, and the REASON she asked me to post is because she and all of Celebrant Singers will be performing in Wisconsin at Holly's church on Tuesday, June 30th.
Date (again) - Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
Time - 7:30pm
Location - Southern Lakes Evangelical Free Church
Address - N6686 US Highway 12, Elkhorn, WI 53121 (I recomend Google for directions)
Phone # for More information - 1.262.742.2366
I encourage ALL of you to make the trip out to see them!
That's all for now! We look forward to hearing more from Holly soon! I will see all of you on Tuesday, June 30th!! :)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Hitting the Road
Hello Everyone!
First, please forgive any typing errors. I have a very small window of time to blog! Well, we are now hitting the road today and it is an adventure! There is a lot of spiritual warfare going on and we need your prayers to conquer. We have now had two people denied access to the US even though they have good Visas. So we are looking for another pianist and trying to contact congressmen and senators to help us.
Also, we will be performing at my church in elkhorn WI! The church name is Southern Lakes Evangelical Free Church. We will be performing at 7:30. i am hoping stacey can come on here to give the address for all of you. What a great opportunity for some of you to see what part of our ministry is like.
God has been working wonders with fundraising. I am still at 47% but I have many promised pledges. I ask all of you to be in prayer for our whole team. we nee $40,000 all together. I do not know how the Lord is going to provide but I know he has us all here and he can do it. Pray for his provision and also keep your eyes open for anyone who may have interest in supporting a music ministry.
Well, i have 3 min to get on the bus so I must run. Thank you and I love you all! I am just an email or a call away!
Holly
First, please forgive any typing errors. I have a very small window of time to blog! Well, we are now hitting the road today and it is an adventure! There is a lot of spiritual warfare going on and we need your prayers to conquer. We have now had two people denied access to the US even though they have good Visas. So we are looking for another pianist and trying to contact congressmen and senators to help us.
Also, we will be performing at my church in elkhorn WI! The church name is Southern Lakes Evangelical Free Church. We will be performing at 7:30. i am hoping stacey can come on here to give the address for all of you. What a great opportunity for some of you to see what part of our ministry is like.
God has been working wonders with fundraising. I am still at 47% but I have many promised pledges. I ask all of you to be in prayer for our whole team. we nee $40,000 all together. I do not know how the Lord is going to provide but I know he has us all here and he can do it. Pray for his provision and also keep your eyes open for anyone who may have interest in supporting a music ministry.
Well, i have 3 min to get on the bus so I must run. Thank you and I love you all! I am just an email or a call away!
Holly
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Prayer Warriors Needed!
Hello from sunny California!! I must admit that it was very nice to arrive here out of the chilled, rainy day it was in Wisconsin on Monday. However, there have been some changes and Celebrants need your prayers!
We had to postpone our rehersal camp by two days for two reasons. First of all, our Violinist (and also one of the leaders of our group) is stuck in Slovania. Long story short, when she was coming back into the states from Slovania they did not believe that she was a missionary and deported her. Celebrants is now trying to work on getting her back in the country. Please pray for God to work wonders so that she may travel with us!
Second of all, we are still in need of a few players for our group. Continue to pray that God would move the hearts of those He wants to minister with us this summer.
Please also pray for me as I face new circumstances that may be difficult.
I am blessed to have all of you who care so much for me and this ministry. Thank you for joining us in prayer. God is good, and may His Will be done!
We had to postpone our rehersal camp by two days for two reasons. First of all, our Violinist (and also one of the leaders of our group) is stuck in Slovania. Long story short, when she was coming back into the states from Slovania they did not believe that she was a missionary and deported her. Celebrants is now trying to work on getting her back in the country. Please pray for God to work wonders so that she may travel with us!
Second of all, we are still in need of a few players for our group. Continue to pray that God would move the hearts of those He wants to minister with us this summer.
Please also pray for me as I face new circumstances that may be difficult.
I am blessed to have all of you who care so much for me and this ministry. Thank you for joining us in prayer. God is good, and may His Will be done!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Beginning Another Summer
Hello everyone!
Summer has come, and hopefully good weather with it! I have two days until I leave to join the Celebrant Singers but I wanted to leave an new post for all of you.
If you do not know, our tour will be bringing us across the US, Canada, and, if we receive all of our support, Morocco and Spain. The Celebrants have never been to Morocco before so it really shall be an adventure for all of us! On June 30th we will be in the Chicago area (we are still looking for a church). I would be nice to share that experience with you!
I am getting excited with the date approaching! Please pray for God to be preparing our hearts and minds before we get there. Personally, I have had a lot on my plate with the school year ending, working at Wal-Mart, and trying to get ready for this summer. Please pray that God would bring me peace and focus. Also, we are still in need of a trumpeter, a male vocalist, and a sound technician. Please pray for those who may still be attending out team.
Also, please continue to pray for God to supply my financial support. As of today, I have a little over 30% of it raised! I feel blessed to see the support coming in, and Gods provision coming through! He is truly in control and He will pave the way for me!
I feel blessed that I have all of you with me, praying for me this summer. My hope is to give all of you an update at least every 10 days. I will try my best with our schedule!
Summer has come, and hopefully good weather with it! I have two days until I leave to join the Celebrant Singers but I wanted to leave an new post for all of you.
If you do not know, our tour will be bringing us across the US, Canada, and, if we receive all of our support, Morocco and Spain. The Celebrants have never been to Morocco before so it really shall be an adventure for all of us! On June 30th we will be in the Chicago area (we are still looking for a church). I would be nice to share that experience with you!
I am getting excited with the date approaching! Please pray for God to be preparing our hearts and minds before we get there. Personally, I have had a lot on my plate with the school year ending, working at Wal-Mart, and trying to get ready for this summer. Please pray that God would bring me peace and focus. Also, we are still in need of a trumpeter, a male vocalist, and a sound technician. Please pray for those who may still be attending out team.
Also, please continue to pray for God to supply my financial support. As of today, I have a little over 30% of it raised! I feel blessed to see the support coming in, and Gods provision coming through! He is truly in control and He will pave the way for me!
I feel blessed that I have all of you with me, praying for me this summer. My hope is to give all of you an update at least every 10 days. I will try my best with our schedule!
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