Sunday, June 24, 2012

Mexico Miracles

So I just spent the morning with God.. Praying and worshiping and missing the people of Mexico, we were only gone a short 10 days but they were full of the leading of God's presences and ministry to souls..This post will just be a taste of the miracles and many amazing things God did in and through me and our whole team.

Leaving Tulsa Wednesday, June 13th.. we had a schedule all made out for the next 10 days, even including each meal time. But...God had other plans for us to accomplish! HAHA




We flew into Oaxaca and arrived around 10pm on Wednesday.. and began our 9.5 hour bus ride through the mountains to the Oaxaca coast. This was quite an interesting night... after two doses of Dramamine I figured it just didn't work on me, and between dozing in a out all night...going potty on the side of the road in a pitch black patch of trees on the side of the mountain we made it to our base just after sunrise Thursday.



We began "on schedule" with the Roca Blanca Oaxaca Victory Bible Institute graduation on Friday. This was such a powerful time and because of working here at VBI in Tulsa it was so amazing to see the same program take place there! (Oaxaca was the very first International VBI, now there are over 1,200 worldwide) They really are trained up there to be member of an army taking the territories of Mexico for God!

At breakfast before the graduation we received word that Tropical Storm Carlotta was on a path headed our way.. So instead of the team helping with graduation while the preparation was going on, a couple of girls and I headed into the prayer room for an hour and the other girls prepared for the graduation meal for all 350-400 attendees, while all the guys on the team headed to take down tents, and fill sand bags and build retaining walls! Such a full day of work! And the team kept a great attitude despite everything going on :) Mark and I moved all our stuff from the first floor into Paul and Ashley's room.

Meanwhile, in the midst of all the prep happening Carlotta picked up speed and formed into a Cat 2 hurricane with winds around 105mph....
After a hurried dinner we instructed the team to all stay in their rooms, with doors and windows locked and closed. We were staying a concrete house RIGHT on the beach where the storm was coming in but knew that the house had made it through other storms and we were gonna make it!!! Here's where we stayed:





As we were all situated in each of the rooms, and the winds were really starting to pick up..we noticed water seeping in through any crack in the windows and doors, because of the rain blowing in sideways.... Then a pond started forming on the balcony because that's the side of the house were the storm was blowing in from and it started dumping water into the room :( And all we could do was sweep it out soak it up and laugh! (there's video's on my facebook) After just deciding to quite our clean up efforts until the storm was over we decided to try and get some sleep... four of us in one bed..


The next day began the clean up process, which it was a blessing that we were there for the base because normally all the students would have helped with the clean up but they were all gone. So we spent the day hauling branches, sweeping out water, hanging out wet towels and everything and anything else that needed done.

And the hurricane changed ALL of our plans for the rest of the trip. Because the mountain villages we planned to go up into were either closed off by fallen trees or bridges/roads were washed out by the storm. So, we began taking one day at a time, and learning major flexibility! haha On a side note we were without electricity for 7 days....


The ministry that began to take place was irreplaceable though! God presented new opportunities. We went into city market squares, small village churches, a school, an orphanage, house to house, road side outreach sites.. etc. Most of the pictures will tell the stories, but one site that was powerful was a school we went into, during the dramas I went a sat by a little boy named Waldo, he was sitting there quietly very focused and attentive to everything taking place. As the salvation message was brought he started tearing up.. his heart was being softened. He received the Lord into his heart! I saw him go forward when we asked to pray for healings. But then he sat back down. So I went over to him after the service, and asked him what prayer he needed, he said he didn't need any. But after MUCH questioning he said I could pray for his parents, because they didn't know God. As I closed my eyes and began to pray I felt the Lord so strongly on him and prayed out what God gave me. When I opened my eyes tears were streaming down his face. He gave me a big hug and said thank you! It was precious to see his heart breaking for his unsaved parents.

Then we took silly pictures!



I will add short caption stories with all the pictures I upload to facebook. We saw blind eyes open!! God is a miracle working God and wants to do it in every life all around the world!
The journey back to the airport again over the mountains was full of miracles and God's hand moving!

We loaded the bus and headed out of the base at 9am... after a stomach churning few hours.. around 4pm we pulled up to a line of stopped cars about a mile long... After the translator getting out of the bus and talking with people we  learned that it was Blockade formed blocking the road by a local village who wanted to get the attention of the Federal Mexican Government, but word was there may be a small 10 minute window of time that they would let cars through for 10 minutes at 5pm.. Well after some prayer and game time.. 5pm came and went and we were still sitting in the bus... And going potty on the side of the road if needed.. :/ The bus driver started telling us that he has slept in the bus before. He said, "if we're still here at night we'll just lock the door and sleep!"


But we knew God had plans to bring us to the other side!! So around 8pm the guys got out of the bus and just decided (with the translator) to all walk up to the blockade and plead our case about missing our flight! As they walked up to the blockade they saw men and women blocking the whole road with Axes, huge sticks, machetes.. etc. haha But when they walked up there Mark heard the Lord speak that they needed to fight the people natural weapons with spiritual ones! So they all started praying in the spirit!
Meanwhile, us girls are back in the bus taking our authority by praying and reading out the word of God! I felt like God said "Pray the supernatural into your natural". So I did just that! As I opened my eyes I see the guys RUNNING back to the bus with HUGE smiles on their faces.
They said "start the bus, all the sudden the town decided they are going to open the road!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
And we started moving, after 3 hours of waiting! God is faithful! Well, we started praising God at the top of lungs and thanking Him!!!

About 30 minutes later... what do you know, but we hit another blockade. Except this one was about 3ish miles longs and it was dark and starting to get more tense.
Our translator said in all her life she had never seen two blockade's in one day.... :(
As we were slowing to a stop we saw the LINE of cars and started praying!! It started to get pretty intense, This time the bus driver said " God has left us!" We said "NO! He's right here with us and will bring us through again! And this time even quicker!"
There were police trucks full of men with Machine guns. Then some men started running through the line pointing people around with their guns... We then found out that the town forming this blockade had now taken over police that had come to break it up... We prayed more!!!!
People started coming back through the line saying "We'll for sure be here ALL night, maybe even a couple days." But we prayed more! God was going to finish what He started in bringing us to the other side again!!! Within 20 MINUTES we were moving across the blockade!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God is so faithful! As tears filled our eyes at this miracle, we worshiped and praised for the next hour! Never look at what you see in front of you through your natural eyes. Because God is always working in the supernatural to bring you through!!!
Psalms 27:13 "I will remain confident in this: I will see the goodness of the Lord!"

This is only part of the things that God brought us through.. If you make yourself available He will use you and you will never be disappointed.

Mexico 2012 Missions Trip statistics:
Salvation's- 116
Confirmed Healings: 23
Filled with the Spirit-2
Total people ministered to: 2,454

If you gave financially or prayed for us you will reap in this harvest of people in heaven one day!!
We are all called in Mark 16:15 to Go into all the world and preach the God and be God's hands and feet. My favorite verse is Mark 16:20 (the message version) "They went about validating the message with indisputable evidence"
This is what kind of life God has called us to live!
We do it all for the least of these.. The ones who need to hear the message, and be loved on. All the sweat, no electricity, bugs, money raised, time off work, fundraisers, different foods, uncomfortableness... if we brought just one to God then it would have all been worth it..



Thursday, April 19, 2012

Our purpose is love..


“Do you know your purpose in life?” It’s the big question everyone seems to want answered, Christians and non-Christians alike. To be honest, I came to bible school asking that same question, but found an answer so different than I expected. Yes, there can be one big main thing that God has put in your heart that you’re passionate about, but I realize more and more every day that it’s all about the everyday things that He’s called us to. How often do we over look them? 

There are ministry opportunities ALL around us.  What about the girl crying in the hallway, or the person in the wheelchair at the store?  God’s Word says, "When we’re faithful with the little, then God will give us much."
 I’ve been challenging myself lately to get uncomfortable. I think lots of people are waiting for God to “hand” them a ministry, business, or a great opportunity. Right now, are you doing exactly what He’s called you to do? Did you feel prompted to text someone and see how they’re doing? Or pray with someone who needs it? Or apply to Bible school? We’re called to act out the desires that God has placed in our hearts. 
In the Bible school class “Growing up Spiritually,” I remember the teacher, Dr. Edwin Miranda, mention walking in love with your roommates and being an example of peace even at your house. That’s real spiritual maturity, and growth in that arena, is a process. Your calling in life will also be developed by the people you surround yourself with!
"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one anotherThis is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.John 13:34-35 The Message (MSG)


   
Love is not just an emotion; it is the most powerful force in the universe.  God is love. Actions of love are such a loud witness. Sometimes we don’t even have to speak a scripture to them or pray for them. Just show love. That’s our ultimate purpose.
But practically, does that look like preaching a crusade to thousands, or ministering to the small villages of Africa, starting an orphanage, becoming a doctor or nurse, leading worship, being a youth pastor, being a business owner? I’m convinced that God can use anyone to accomplish any and all of His purposes!
When I was in Bible school, I saw myself be transformed in the little things in life.  Now as a staff member, I see spiritual development in the students as the school year progresses.  God is so faithful to finish what He has started in you.   Fulfill your calling. You can start today in the little things….


love always: Natalie

Wednesday, April 11, 2012


But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The LORD never appeared to you’?”  Then the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?”
“A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied. (Exodus 4:1, 2 NLT)

What an eye opening question? How many of us find ourselves in this situation, well, in a sense. 

Moses is wrestling with the thought of his own competency and ability. Human response many times is to look at our lack. What can I do? Who would listen to me? Common questions for most, if not all people.

Being called by God to accomplish His will is an extraordinary blessing and honor! The awesome reality is, we are all called to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19-20). We have all been called to accomplish great works (Ephesians 2:10).
So often we reply to God's calling with our lack. I don't have this or I don't have that. But I want to encourage you to look at what is in your hand!
What do you have in the natural that you can surrender to God, and allow Him to put His supernatural touch on it? For Moses, it was his staff. It was what he had in his hand.
In the natural, sure, it was just a stick. In the natural, sure, it was just his voice. It was when he surrendered what was in his hand by faith for the use of The Master, that those natural elements became powerful tools to free a nation.

What is God asking you to do? What is in your hand, and more importantly, is it surrendered to God?

Mark 

Thursday, April 5, 2012

I've (Natalie) been going through the book of Acts I'm now in chapter 13 so I decided to go back and skim over the chapters i've read and see what i've underlined. I noticed a common thread in ALMOST EVERY chapter. The words "Filled with AND controlled by the Holy Spirit".


Hmmm I decided to think on it a little bit more... So as I sat there I really felt like the Holy Spirit prompted me to see what followed when those words were written.
And this is what I found..... In Acts 4:8 it says "Peter was filled with AND controlled by the Holy Spirit". Then later (in verse 14) it shows this...

WOW!!!! Then.... again in Acts 6:5 is says "Stephen was filled with AND controlled by the Holy Spirit"
So I skimmed down and look what I found just below it..



Can you just imagine with me for a minute what would REALLY happen if we would live out our lives "filled with and controlled" by the Holy Spirit. I believe that it's not enough to just be filled. We have let the Holy Spirit have free reign and control in our lives. I have to say that when this happens we will see the lame walk, the blind see, the brokenhearted made whole. There's not time for this generation to sit back and just "be filled" we have to walk it out! When we walk every day "Filled and controlled" people will NOT BE ABLE TO RESIST the wisdom we speak out and live out (like it says above in vs 10).

Today is the day to see the book of Acts come alive.....

Monday, March 5, 2012




It is hard to believe 2011 has come and gone so quickly! Natalie and I have been married just over six months, and of course loving every minute of it. God has blessed us more than words can tell, and we believe He will continue to as we follow His purposes and plan for our life together.

As most of you know we serve with 3D, a young adult’s ministry here at Victory Christian Center. God has been causing much growth in 3D, from salvations to physical, mental, and emotional healing. We are honored to be a part of it!

As we began making plans for our one year wedding anniversary we believe God spoke to our hearts to invest in that of eternal value, rather than a romantic getaway. We are all about the romantic get away, but we believe that when God gives direction it is wise to obey. 

So we have committed to travel to Oaxaca, Mexico from June 11- 23, with a 3D group, to bring the good news of Jesus to a place with the highest concentration of “unreached” people groups in the Western Hemisphere. We will be traveling through the mountains and along the coast to minister in schools and universities. We will be serving the local tribe pastors by bringing food and working on community projects in their villages. We will have the opportunity to reach people in a place where witchcraft, idolatry and sickness are so prevalent. Natalie and I pray daily that God would break our hearts for what His heart is breaking for.

We ask that you would consider partnering with us by supporting us prayerfully and/or financially. The total trip cost, including our expenses will be $5,675.
We’re believing for 50 people to sow a gift of $100.00, or whatever God lays on your heart to sow. We love you all, and thank you for taking the time to hear our heart. A financial gift of any size is tax deductible, once you give I will send you back a receipt!  

Luke 6:38-“Give, and it will be given to you. You will have more than enough….The way you give to others is the way you will receive in return.”


Thanks so much, 
Mark and Natalie

We recently mailed out missions postcards, If you didn't get a postcard mailed to you from us and would like one just message me your address and I send it out! OR if you are interested in joining the team that's going you're more than welcome!!! Message me for details :)

GIVING-

You can give by mailing a check to:
Mark and Natalie Kresge
2422 East 59th Court #4
Tulsa, OK 74105

Or online with a credit/debit card: www.paypal.com using our email address: amour1257@yahoo.com

Thursday, February 23, 2012

I've really been putting off writing on here but I know it's something i'm supposed to do... Mark is really more of the writer than I am. I write songs, but that's about it... I don't even journal.. haha.

I was on a flight into Dallas (just for a layover) two weeks ago coming home from the birth of my first niece Elizabeth Kate :D 

Isn't she precious?!


Anyways, On the air plane I was sitting next to an older lady (probably in her 70's) and her daughter. They were talking the whole trip. :)
Well the pilot got on the overhead speaker and said "We'll be landing in 15 minutes, weather in Dallas is very foggy with a temp of ?? degrees" (I can't remember haha).
 About 10 minutes later (still flying), the older lady looks out the window and says "OH MY GOSH YOU CAN'T EVEN SEE THE GROUND, HOW IN THE WORLD IS THE PILOT GOING TO KNOW WHERE THE GROUND IS/WHERE TO LAND?!?!?"
And her daughter calmly replied, "he just has to trust his instruments, that they know where we are, how far the ground is, he's not looking out the window".

WOW! It hit me, immediately the scripture came up in me "My word is a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path". (Ps 119:105) We, as Christians, have to come to a place where we JUST TRUST THE WORD (our instruments). Sometimes we're going to look "out the window" and it may be foggy and we have no idea when or where we're gonna land, or where the ground is. There may be a mountain in front of us.. but we have to trust the instruments. The word of God CAN BE TRUSTED.

The pilot that was flying us that day would have gone crazy possibly if that was his first day, don't get discouraged if you are new at trusting/learning the word. Trust isn't built overnight. He had to STUDY the way the system worked and how to respond etc.. We need to get in the Word, study it learn the heart of God, how we should be working and responding to situations. Because I can promise you, there will be a time where you look out the window and all you see is fog and you have to keep flying. God is always faithful. He's word (instrument) will NEVER fail or lead you to crash.

Friday, February 3, 2012

First Things First..

So, This is our first blog post :) I think we had good intentions of writing this together but... busyness is getting in the way, so i'll just start. Mark and I will take turns posting on here sharing our heart, our travels, and our new adventures in life together!
This is such a great season for us of growth and newness, in marriage and in us really seeking God about the future. I'm so excited about life with my amazing husband!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



I'll be posting more soon, busy week/weekend ahead!