I am sick and tired of playing it safe when it comes to writing blogs- I am finished with fabrication. I want to be as genuine as I can in my writing and that means I am done with trying to please others with my words. So, in saying this, I am going to be writing about something that has been pressing on my heart and mind for about a year now.
So here it is…
I will be sharing my personal testimony of how a business affected me spiritually and blinded me of what is heavenly & of biblical certainty. It’s about how I let a business take a control of my life by what I thought was truth, but in reality was so worldly that it hindered my relationship with Jesus Christ. What I mean by saying “the business” is me actually referring to the belief of the people within the business- it was what they believed and spoke of that brought me to believe in the so called “freedom & abundant life” that they so proudly proclaimed.
Around two years ago I was introduced to a business called Amway and I immediately jumped on bored. Amway truly is an incredible business model and I if I would have done the work, I probably would have become a modeled “IBO” (Independent business owner) spokesperson. I could have made it to the big stages, speaking to thousands about how this company could hand-deliver the “American dream” and how this business could radically transform everyone’s life. The business does have the ability to create what most people call “the American dream;” however, it also lacks the one thing that is supposed to be holding the business together- Christ himself. Now, I did not leave because I thought Amway was a horrible business; I let my business go because like I said before, “it was what they believed and spoke of that brought me to believe in the so called ‘freedom & abundant life’ that they so proudly proclaimed.”
It wasn’t the business or the people- it is what they believed in.
This is what I see…
I see Amway playing the part of Abba (God/Savior).
I see Money playing the part of Faith.
I see IBO’s (Independent Business Owner’s) playing the role of Disciples.
A solely self-sustaining life is surely a hollow one. This business is a way to use people for the greater benefit of their own selfish motives and it leads to a false identity. Your mind is the mountain before you.Do you IBO’s really understand how far the “American dream” is from God's dream for us? Amway is steeped in a culture that worships freedom, independence, personal rights, and the pursuit of pleasure. We respect people who sacrifice to get what THEY want.
But to be a living sacrifice? To be crucified to self? That would be considered a weakness.
Also, whatever happened to what God wants for our lives?
What about a community of believers coming together for the purpose of glorifying our God?
What truly is the definition of freedom?
Little did I realize that while I was consumed in this deception of worldly smooth talk, I fell from my Faith in Christ. My savior became Amway, I placed my Faith in money, and my mission became making IBO’s of all nations. I began to praise the blessings not the blesser. My dreams of doing the Will of God transformed into materialism and consumerism. I placed my identity in the world and its desires, not who I am in Christ.
I had drifted away from my true identity.
The world needs Jesus Christ (GRACE&LOVE&TRUTH) not its views and desires.
If you are broke, don’t pursue money- Pursue God your prosperity. If you are faced with lack, don’t pursue material goods- Pursue God your provider. If you are sick, don’t pursue the “cure”- Pursue God your healer.
I thank Jesus every day for coming into my dream last year; I thank Him for waking me up from my slumber. God came to me in a dream one night (before I ever made the decision to join the World Race). In the dream He asked, “Beloved, my Son, would you be willing to trade in the pursuit of the American dream for a world that desperately needs Christ?” That night in my dream He showed me a reflection of myself (the way that I had been living). I was able to see the kind of man that I was becoming and it was the complete opposite of who Christ is. I woke up from this dream in sweat & tears and knew immediately what the Lord wanted me to do. He reminded me of my true royal inheritance and my true identity in Christ.
I am now one voice amidst the shouts of many. I cry for those who don’t believe they have a voice. For those who don't know that they have a choice.
I realized that my greatest calling in life was to make disciples out of the nations and guess what...so are you.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” ~ Matthew 28:18-20
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” ~ Matthew 19:29-30
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” ~ Matthew 22:37-39
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” ~ Matthew 7:21-23
“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” ~ 1 John 2:3-6
Mom, I love you so much and I thank you for everything you have ever done for me through out my 22 years of being alive. I can't tell you how much I think about you and how much I pray for you. You are always on my mind and on my heart, I love you and you are loved!
I will see you soon.
Love
~ Carl
Shout out to my Grandma's Norma Stemple & Norma Anderson and all the other amazing mothers that have basically been a mother figure to me in my life, I love each and every one of you!
Cambodia was a month of much rest and a time to reflect back on the previous months of the race. It was exactly what the doctor ordered.
My main ministry that month was going to take care of kids that were addicted to drugs, abused, and who were living out on the street. However, the second day of being at my ministry site, 11 boys had run away in the middle of the night. This left my team at a standstill so were put on a different project for the month. My team and I were given the opportunity to repaint the organization building we were staying at. It took us about a week to get everything done so we were left with more spare time than we had hoped for.
So what exactly did I accomplish while in Cambodia you may ask?
Now although it did not seem like my team did much, I assure you, we made it a point to be intentional every single day while in Cambodia. I prayed for divine appointments and encounters with God and His children and that is what God gave me. I developed a friendship with a man named Sam during that month. I loved being able to hear most of his story and really being able to listen to him. Due to the extra time that was given us while in Cambodia, I got to help this man work out some bondages in his life that had been holding him down for years. The Lord used my testimony and lessons I have learned from the bible to communicate God’s love and abundant grace- it was truly amazing! It is incredible how a testimony can impact a person’s life in such a positive way. That is our God!
Walked 20 minutes in the cold with a 50 pound bag and a 25 pound day pack, then boarding a subway to where a crowded train awaited for a 39 hour journey across China.
1) Lay in poopy pants for 29 hours?
2) Sleep on the floor of a place where a scorpion was lost hours earlier?
3) Lay your hands on a baby who was covered from head to toe in scabs, sores, and infected open wounds?
4) Look at someone differently after you found out they were/are possessed by demons?
5) Preach in front of 500 people?
6) Give up the person you wanted to marry?
7) Let go of the lies to accept the truth?
8) Hug 100 of the cutest Asian kids in the world?
9) Eat a duck fetus?
10) Be persecuted for your beliefs and speak truth no matter the cost?
11) Walk an hour up a mountain just to tell someone they are loved?
12) Walk two miles a day for water?
13) Walk a mile in heavy rain and sticky mud to tell someone they are loved? Worthy? and beautiful?
14) Sleep on the hard floor for four months of the year?
15) Walk 20 minutes in the cold with a 50 pound bag and a 25 pound day pack, then board a subway to where a crowded train awaited for a 38 hour journey across China?
16) Willing to never have alone time?
17) Live without electricity?
18) Rather not shower for a month or shower with pond water your neighbor pees in?
19) Change your name so people from other parts of the world can pronounce it?
20) Preach for 30 minutes when you had no preparation and only 15 minutes notice?
21) Be able to find joy when you’re sick for three weeks straight with ear infections, boils, spider bites, endless mosquito bites, lice, a cough, and a cold (all at the same time) when there is no clean water, either?
22) Stay up all night puking and then walk yourself to the hospital?
23) Would you bungee jump into the Nile River?
24) Live without running water for a month?
25) Live out of a back pack for 11 months?
26) Let dirty street kids crawl all over you like a jungle gym for hours after a long day of digging up dirt so a medical clinic can be built?
27) Cut grass five feet tall day in day out so kids can be given a home instead of sold into sex slavery?
28) If your toilet was clogged to the max, with no running water in your compound, would you if you poop in a bag?
29) Pray healing over someone if they came to you and told you they were sick?
30) Be okay with not knowing what you were doing the majority of the time?
31) Be okay with knowing that your dishes were being washed with shampoo and pond water?
32) Eat rice three times a day for a year?
To fight for the freedom in Christ in order to set the captives free, I would do these things (and then some) all over again for the gospel in which I am an ambassador in chains.
I would go through persecution and death for a world that desperately needs Christ.
I was born to make Disciples of all Nations.
“Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on the twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.’” Matthew 19: 28-30
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” Matthew 28: 18-20
Yeah I’m radical, but that is only because Jesus was first.
While my time in Africa had come to an end, my time in Asia had just begun. My squad landed in Manila, Philippines and the moment I stepped off the plane I knew I was no longer in Africa. Most of my squad stayed at KIM ministries (which ministers to the youth of Manila and the surrounding cities) and the moment I had settled into my room I could not help but to notice how blessed I would be for the month. As I was given the tour of my new humble abode, I was surprised with what I saw. This placed had a 24 hour prayer room, small gym, pool table, basketball courts, a church with an incredible drum set (btw), awesome-diverse meals, a washing machine, comfortable mattress to sleep on, and internet to stay in touch with the people back home. I’ll just say my squad and I were beyond blessed. It was actually very overwhelming how westernized Manila was. There was so much to do like going to mega malls or catching up on the latest films at the movie theater. There were so many potential distractions that could have blinded me from the purpose of being in the Philippines. I had so much freedom and space to do almost whatever I wanted to do. I was faced with a lot of challenges those six weeks that were almost too hard to bear or too easy to pass up. I had to make a decision each day from the moment I woke till the time I went to sleep in order to pursue what the Lord had for me and how I could serve others.
Before I get into what ministry looked like, let me tell you a funny story.
At the Philippines Mega Mall (on our day off) my squad mates Rachel, Cameron, Leah, Lacee, and I were out shopping to buy some new clothes after our African experience had ruined our old ones and mainly to explore the city after finishing out the first week there. Cameron and Rachel went upstairs for headphones and to hopefully repair a computer; so while they were doing that Leah, Lacee, and I were in a huge marketplace within the mall. There was a section of literally dozens of Tom shoes of every single color you could possibly imagine. So while Lacee and Leah were trying on Toms (by the way were only $5 so I understand why they would stop to buy a pair) I decided to wonder off by myself around the corner of the marketplace. As I started walking down the next lane in the market a couple women started pointing at me smiling and then more women followed. Before I knew it, about 25-30 women ran up to me grabbing me and pulling my clothing and shoulders screaming how handsome, gorgeous, and beautiful I was. At this point I was terrified and wanted to break free. Thankfully as soon as the screaming for me started, Lacee and Leah heard what was happening and came to my rescue. Let me just say, that experience was both terrifying and something I would not wish for anyone to have to go through. I do not know how famous people do it! I have no idea who they thought I was- maybe a soccer or rugby player because I was wearing a Real Madrid jersey that day. Later towards the end of the month, I was hit on by a famous Filipino female vocalist. To top it off, it was in front of hundreds of people in the mega mall which not only caught me off guard but it was also kind of embarrassing. People wanted to take pictures with me almost everywhere I went or they would just take a picture of me without permission. It was weird and hilarious all at the same time.
Moving on…
Ministry was absolutely amazing during the six weeks I was in the Philippines. My main ministry was being in charge of worship for my squad. The moment I found out the church had a drum set and all the other equipment needed for a full band, I felt the call to pursue and form a worship band. As I went to God in prayer, I felt God saying, “Carl, if you don’t make this worship night happen no one else will!” So I took everyone aside that had a worship background and asked them if they wanted to be a part of the weekly Friday night worship. They accepted and everything ended up happening as God had planned. There was intimacy and freedom that took place in my squad during those worship sessions that was undeniable. Our God is so good!
The Children’s Garden aka “the boys of C.G.” had been another huge part of my ministry and now has become a huge part of my life. Throughout my time spent with these amazing boys, I had learned so much about them and the trials they had faced growing up. These young men of God had been through a lot and much more than most young people would ever have to go through. I was able to help rebuild one of the young boy’s homes for his family. His father was living another life somewhere else and ended up taking belongings with him including a third of his family’s roof. During the rainy seasons, the family was forced to move to one dry corner of the house every day to keep dry and warm. God had worked through me and some of the other men of my squad to rebuild a home that had been once taken from this family. There are so many stories I could share about these young men but there literally would be pages and pages of testimonies. These kids have been one of the biggest blessings of my life and I am so thankful for every moment I was able to spend with them.
The two other ministries that I fell in love with while I was in Manila were with the street kids and the nursery. I have always had a heart for the homeless but most especially for the kids; for out of anyone they do not deserve that kind of lifestyle. The first night I spent time with the street kids there was one little girl that stood out from the rest; she completely stole my heart. Her name was Maurine. She had jumped into my arms with a full embrace and ended up falling asleep there. The hardest thing was having to let her go knowing there was a huge chance that I would never see her again. Little Maurine asked me not to leave and in that moment my heart shattered for her. Every day that I went back she was not there. All I can hope for is that she is safe and sound that she will come to know who Jesus is.
The nursery was interesting and an absolute challenge to say the least. I did something I never thought I would do until I had my own kid- I changed my first diaper! I almost vomited several times during that grueling and terrifying process, but I am glad I experienced it. There were not just babies at the nursery. Most of the kids were around three and four years old. I loved all my toddlers; they were a blast to be around. God is going to bless me with children someday but I am in no rush for one any time soon. God has taught me a lot through that ministry and I am thankful Jesus had put it on my heart to be a father figure to those precious lives. Seriously, I know I have said it before, but God is so good!
This video was made by Lacee Peloquin.
www.laceepeloquin.theworldrace.org
So our final support deadline is fastly approaching. If we are all not fully funded by Feb. 1, we will be sent home. This concerns me because there is so much left for us to do around the world. There are so many children who need to be held. There are so many women who need to be told that they are worthy. There are so many people veiled by false religions and idols. There is so MUCH left to be done.
With that being said, check out the awesome people on my team who still need your help to bring the love of Christ to these people.
TEAM CANNONBALL!!
Meet Erin Miller
She's our fearless leader and tender-hearted mother. This girl has such a huge heart. She is fired up for the Lord and carries herself with grace and compassion.
Carl is the bro of all bros. He's got a love for people that reaches past their exterior into their hearts. He's always got a smile on and is ready for any thing. He's the only guy on my team so I would be forever in your debt if you'd help keep him on my team ha. But seriously though, I love this dude. Let's come together and support this man of God.
She's my favorite Canadian. She has one of the most sweetest hearts I have ever encountered. She has a nuturering, caring and motherly spirit. Children around the world still need to feel her embrace. Let's gather around and make that happen.
This girl has some powerful words. The Lord has gifted her with a way with words that'll make ya cry. They keep you going when you don't want to. You can't forget them. They stick to you. People around the world need to hear these encouraging words. Be apart of that.
So if God is placing us on your heart, I pray that you listen to His voice. We need your help to continue our mission of spreading the love of Christ to the nations. If you don't feel called to support, I ask that you keep us in your prayers. Our God provides. Thank you.
Christmas Eve in Thailand was an amazing day to say the least. I mean I am talking hard labor work, helping “mom” cook Thai food, soccer with the bro’s, Christmas music at dinner, playing with Mhai a.k.a. “Cujo”, going on a two mile adventure walk in the dark for one bottle of coke with a squad mate, and lighting up a massive bond fire that you had to stay 10-15 feet away from due to the intense heat.
I couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas Eve.
However, I do miss spending Christmas with my family and all the things we used to do, like: playing a board game, watching a Christmas movie, listening to Christmas music while helping cook in the kitchen, going out to the city for a Starbucks coffee, and I miss the life bringing instances with my family and friends on both Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Those really are some great memories. In saying this, though, I am blessed to know that my family is supporting me in this time and that I now get to spread Jesus’ love to a nation who needs Him. That is the meaning of Christmas after all, isn’t it?
Christmas day for me in the most beautiful part of Thailand with all the men on my squad was absolutely the best present I could possibly receive this year for Christmas. It was not just your average gift that you get to open under your tree but a gift that only God could give and unwrap for me.
I am so thankful for a Thailand Christmas.
Thank you everyone for all your blessings and I hope you all have had a great Christmas this year! Love you!!
