Posted in General Posts by Justin Orr on 4/3/2012
“So here I am playing a game with the devil himself,
He got his eyes peeled straight on me, try to take away my wealth.
And that’s fine, cause the dollars don’t make any sense to me at all.
You pile your chips high, as high as you want, but you’re never gonna have it all.
And you can run just as fast as you want to,
But you’re stuck with yourself ‘till the end.
Find yourself runnin’ round in circles, lookin for your oldest friends.
You can stack your chips as high as you’d like,
But you can never get it all.
So when the devil took my money, man he took my gold,
He took my wallet, and he took my watch,
And that was fine with me because he cannot ever get my soul.
Won’t ever get it, no!”
- OAR, “Crazy Game of Poker”
I’m back home! I remember listening to “Crazy Game of Poker” last April and realizing that I needed a radical shift of priorities in my life. I was caught up in the corporate America mentality of money, power, and personal achievement. The first half of this song talks about playing a game of cards with the Devil. I could completely relate because I gambled my life with the enemy for years. My thinking, "I've got a few dollars in my pocket...why not!" The second half of the song is about redemption and how the enemy can't win when you put your faith into things that aren't of the world. God had been jealous for my attention for years and I got real good at ignoring his whispers. My focus was on money and worldly things. But that day, listening to that song, it hit me that my life needed to change and that I needed to sign up for the World Race. That was the beginning of a complete change of my heart posture.
From April to training camp in October, my life slowly changed as I slowly embraced becoming a man of God. I struggled with letting go of the selfish life that I had led for so long. Training camp in mid-October was when I finally let go and let God in completely. You can read about that story in my “Puff, Puff, Pass” blog. Since then, God has continued to teach me and strip me of my selfish, entitled mentality that I used to operate out of.
Towards the end of the Dominican Republic I felt God telling me I should return home after Haiti. He began to speak to me about an even bigger calling…coming home to prepare for life and missions with Shealei, my girlfriend. I began to pray about what I was hearing and prayed hard about the source I was receiving this from. I felt it was God but I wanted to make sure. So I prayed. And prayed. And prayed.
The more I prayed about it the more peace I received about it being a divine message. Since coming back to the Lord last year, I’ve learned that He speaks to me in very obvious signs when I come up against big issues. I was starting to receive more peace about the message, but God wanted to make sure there were no doubts in my mind. I know not everyone receives obvious answers in prayer from God, but He speaks to me directly when it comes to these situations in life and I’m very thankful He continues to draw me more in tune with His spirit.
One of the last days in the Dominican, I knew I wasn’t mentally present in ministry and that what I had been praying over was weighing on my mind. So, I took my bible and walked away by myself to get quiet and to spend time intently listening to God. Since I’m no theologian, I often just open the bible and let God decide what I need to hear. That day, I opened to Ecclesiastes 9. The bold header read, “Enjoy Life with the One You Love”. Interesting, I thought. I start reading and come to verse 9,which reads, “Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain (Hebrew meaning vapor or mere breath) life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.”
I knew at that moment where I was receiving the message from God. He answered my prayers directly and in a way that I didn’t have to interpret. After Haiti, I was to go home to start preparing with Shealei for our life together.
I can’t even begin to explain how blessed I am that God brought Shealei into my life! Besides Jesus, she is the best thing to ever happen to me. She is a strong, bold, loving, supportive, beautiful, Spirit-filled woman of God. She’s crazy gifted from the Lord in faith, prayer, mercy, exhortation, giving, and teaching. She’s my best friend and she’s proof that our God is a beautiful, intentional, masterful, and artistic creator. We grew up on the same street together, but God never gave us the eyes for each other until my heart was back in His hands. The whole story is really cool! God’s timing is so perfect and I’m so thankful for how He has prepared us for each other. We both know that God created us to be together, grow together, love together and to serve together. We don’t know what or where God has in store for us yet (we both have a heart and desire for missions), but we’re committed to loving Him and each other better every day and we will continue to listen as He reveals His plan to us.
While I wasn’t called to visit the remaining countries, God did call me into an 11-month journey. I now understand that my 11-month life changing spiritual journey...my World Race...started last April when I joined the January route. Without answering the call to the race I don’t know that my life would have changed. I certainly would not have reconnected with Shealei. This isn’t the end of missions in my life…it’s the beginning of living out God's plan with the person He created me to be with.
I’ve been stripped of control. I have tasted and learned the importance of spending intimate time with Jesus. I’ve learned that the Great Commission should never be placed in higher importance than the Great Commandment. I discovered that I don’t have to strive or stress for acceptance, God desires us to live from a heart posture of rest and peace. I learned it’s NOT about me. It freaks me out how much God has changed my heart. I mean I was realllllyyyyyyy selfish and entitled to everything. I am living proof of what Jesus’ love can do in your life when you allow Him in. I was completely addicted to the world and now I’m completely addicted to the Spirit!
I am a HUGE believer in the World Race program and Adventures in Missions. My coming home had nothing to do with dissention towards the race or people involved. In fact, the people that God brought into my life through the race are some of the most incredible people that I’ve ever met. I can’t express how much love I have for my fellow C-Squaders and I thank God every day that He allowed me the privilege of serving with them. God blessed all of us with the opportunity to serve such beautiful, loving people in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Since returning home God has confirmed my calling back. I had $150 to my name and no idea what I was going to do about a car, phone, or job. But I serve a God who provides and takes care of His children and I put my trust fully in Him. Within the first week home my amazing friends, Stephen and Ashley Moad, had a phone sitting around from a prior job that is paid through May…and they gave it to me. Shealei’s mom has been trying to sell her car and had it sitting in her work parking lot. She lovingly handed me the keys and said not to worry about money and that we’d figure out a payment plan when I land a job. Because of the car and phone I was able to start interviewing and searching for a job. As of today, God opened up the opportunity that I (and family/friends) had been praying most for. I’ll be working with ABF as an account manager and I can’t explain how great of a blessing this opportunity is. I know I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am always in awe when I see God’s plan and the providing that comes with it unfold in front of me.
I’m home with a new heart and a new sense of thankfulness. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. I know that I am where God wants me to be and I have no issues at all if you approach me with confusion, frustration, etc. It’s okay I promise. Just talk to me and I’ll openly share my heart!
To my financial supporters --- Without your support my journey would not have happened and my life would not have been changed. Thank you for being obedient and faithful to God when He asked you to support me. I’ll be sending out a letter with more stories and information so keep an eye out!
To C (WHAT!?), C SQUAD! --- Thank you for being the coolest, loving, loyal, supportive community that I’ve ever been a part of. Thank you for teaching me how to love and serve better every day. God is doing huge things through you and I can’t wait to see everyone again at the final debrief!
To my friends and family --- Thank you for loving me in every way possible. I would not be who I am today without your love and support. Special shout out to my sister who has been insanely supportive and loving through every part of my life. Sis --- you inspired me to become a better man and you pushed me to the cross by living as a disciple. You set an incredible example for me while I was doing my whole own way thing. I know Mom, Dad, Neta, and myself are so proud of you! I feel like the most blessed man in the world to be surrounded by such amazing people.
I love you all!
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Posted in General Posts by Justin Orr on 3/7/2012
"Manual" Labor
Compared to the Dominican Republic, Haiti has been a complete 180 in day to day life. In the DR we lived only with our team, chose what we got to eat, got to walk around the town and villages, had good internet access. This month the entire squad of 45 lives together, we have no input in meals, we are restricted from walking around town, and we get internet for about an hour a week. Before you get the idea that this month has been a drag, read on. This month has been amazing! Last month’s ministry (on the surface) focused daily on the spiritual realm through relationships and spreading the love of Jesus. This month, however, our ministry has been all project based manual labor.
We’ve had the honor of working with Mission of Hope and Be Like Brit on their construction projects. Mission of Hope is building a school that will assuredly be one of the best in the country. Be Like Brit is building an orphanage that honors the life of a girl who lost her life in the 2010 earthquake.
Our days have involved mixing concrete, pouring concrete (one day we poured 96,000 pounds in 8 hours), shoveling rock, backfilling, bending rebar, running wheelbarrows, more concrete…then repeat all of the above a few more times. The work has been physically demanding, and to be honest, I figured at first the work wouldn’t be as spiritually filling as last month.
But, here’s the cool part…when you take stuff to God (it’s okay to be frustrated with Him), He breaks down self-created boundaries in your heart and introduces you into His understanding.
Here I am thinking manual labor, while physically rewarding through instant tangible results, wasn’t going to be as spiritually rewarding. What God showed me this month, though, is to draw a parallel from manual labor into my spiritual walk. He wants me to be manual in my walk with Him. Not in the sense that I have to work for and earn His love, but manual in the sense of being involved.
man·u·al [man-yoo-uhl] ; adjective
- involving or using human effort, skill, power, energy, etc.
Let’s compare manual vs. automatic transmission. How involved is the driver in an automatic transmission vehicle? Not very. Turn the vehicle on, put it in drive, and the gears are shifted automatically. Manual transmission, on the other hand, requires the driver to be involved in the shifting of gears. Our spiritual walk is no different. God is always manifesting in our hearts and preparing us for change, but we have to become involved if we want a deep relationship. Healthy relationships are not one-sided. There is an intentionality to grow that has to come from us and it absolutely effects our journey with God.
Yes, God’s love, forgiveness and grace are automatic and do not require us to put effort in to receive them. Becoming manually involved does not mean we have to earn those things. That work was put in when Jesus’ blood was shed at Calvary. And it doesn’t mean that we need to stress out or put pressure on ourselves. God wants us to live from a heart posture of rest and joy. But when it comes to growth in spiritual maturity and a more deeply-rooted relationship with our beautiful creator, we have to become manually involved.
This doesn’t mean you have to attend a certain number of church services a week. It doesn’t mean you have to read your bible every night. Remember that God isn’t keeping score and He doesn’t judge us by our works. Being manual instead of automatic means you take an active role in your heart posture with God. Seek without ceasing for Him to pour out His Spirit over you so that you can more deeply grasp His love and return that love to everyone around you. Pray for the Spirit to move in you and to bring up and break down boundaries that keep you from a deeper, richer relationship with Papa.
So my question to you is, “Is it time to shift gears?”
Compared to the Dominican Republic, Haiti has been a complete 180 in day-to-day life. In the DR, we lived only with our team, chose what we got to eat, got to walk around the town and villages, and had good internet access. This month the entire squad of 45 lives together, we have no input in meals, we are restricted from walking around town, and we get internet for about an hour a week. Before you get the idea that this month has been a drag, read on. This month has been amazing!
Last month’s ministry (on the surface) focused more on the spiritual realm through relationships and spreading the love of Jesus. This month our ministry has been all project based manual labor.
We’ve had the honor of working with Mission of Hope and Be Like Brit on their construction projects. Mission of Hope is building a school that will assuredly be one of the best in the country. Be Like Brit is building an orphanage that honors the life of a girl who lost her life in the 2010 earthquake.
Our days have involved mixing concrete, pouring concrete (one day we poured 96,000 pounds in 8 hours), shoveling rock, backfilling, bending rebar, running wheelbarrows, more concrete…then repeat all of the above a few more times. The work has been physically demanding, and to be honest, I figured at first the work wouldn’t be as spiritually filling as last month.
But, here’s the cool part…when you take stuff to God (it’s okay to be frustrated with Him), He breaks down self-created boundaries in your heart and introduces you into His understanding.
Here I am thinking manual labor, while physically rewarding through instant tangible results, wasn’t going to be as spiritually rewarding. What God showed me this month, though, is to draw a parallel from manual labor into my spiritual walk. He wants me to be manual in my walk with Him. Not in the sense that I have to work for and earn His love, but manual in the sense of being involved.
man·u·al [man-yoo-uhl] ; adjective
- involving or using human effort, skill, power, energy, etc.
Let’s compare manual vs. automatic transmission. How involved is the driver in an automatic transmission vehicle? Not very. Turn the vehicle on, put it in drive, and the gears are shifted automatically. Manual transmission, on the other hand, requires the driver to be involved in the shifting of gears. Our spiritual walk is no different. God is always manifesting in our hearts and preparing us for change, but we have to become involved if we want a deeper relationship. Healthy relationships are not one-sided. There is an intentionality to grow that has to come from us and it absolutely effects our journey with God.
Yes - God’s love, forgiveness and grace are automatic and do not require us to put effort in to receive them. Becoming manually involved does not mean we have to earn those things. That work was put in when Jesus’ blood was shed at Calvary. Becoming manual doesn’t mean that we need to stress out or put pressure on ourselves. God wants us to live from a heart posture of rest and joy. But when it comes to growth in spiritual maturity and a more deeply-rooted relationship with our beautiful creator, we have to become manually involved.
This doesn’t mean you have to attend a certain number of church services a week. It doesn’t mean you have to read your bible every night. Remember that God isn’t keeping score and He doesn’t judge us by our works. Being manual instead of automatic means you take an active role in growing your heart posture with God. Seek without ceasing for Him to pour out His Spirit over you so that you can more deeply grasp His love and return that love to everyone around you. Pray for the Spirit to move in you and to bring up and break down boundaries that keep you from a deeper, richer relationship with Papa. Take an active role in growing with your creator.
God gave us free will. He's not going to force you to grow your relationship with Him, although it's His greatest desire. I guess the question you have to ask yourself is, "Is it time to shift gears?”
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Posted in General Posts by Justin Orr on 2/8/2012
Working on my Son-tan Working on my Son-tan
I’ve always heard the phrase “being on fire for God”, but until this month I never grasped the fullness of what it meant. I’ve felt moments in my life where I was on fire for God…but soon enough those flames died out. So how do you catch and stay on fire for God?
By talking to people about Jesus? Or do you get catch fire by going to church every Sunday and Wednesday? What about by leading a bible study? Listening to the latest worship CD? Ooohh wait! How about going on an 11-month mission trip around the world?
Nope. Nada. Negative. None of the above will truly set you on fire for God.
The ONLY way to be set and stay ablaze for God is by spending time in the secret place with Him. Scripture tells us how to get on fire for our Father.
Luke 12:49 says Jesus came to kindle a fire on earth. Jeremiah 23:29 says God’s word is a fire. Ezekiel 1:4, 27 and Daniel 7:9 talks about His presence being totally engulfed in fire. It’s all over scripture. So what do we take from this?
Being on fire for God means spending TIME with Him and being entrenched in His WORD. God’s primary desire in your life is not that you discover His will and walk in it. God’s primary desire is that you draw near to Him and get to know Him. After having that knowing relationship He desires to walk together in his purposes.
My good friend Stephen Moad gave me a book called “Secrets of the Secret Place” to read on my trip. He told me it was a life changer and, somehow, that feels like an understatement. I never realized how quiet time with God is the single most important part your walk.
After signing up for the World Race in March of 2011, I half-heartedly tried to get back on the path of walking with God. I would experience brief moments of feeling on fire for God. Most of the time that came after a great church service, hearing a powerful worship song, or someone laying hands on me and praying for me. I’m not questioning the validity and necessity of those things, but none of them set a fire in my soul that could be sustained.
After my first week of frustrations in the Dominican, God started to pull me into the secret place with Him. So for the last 3 weeks I have dedicated myself to shutting the door and spending time with God. There is absolutely nothing in the world that can fill you up spiritually like being alone with God. No wonder I had so much trouble staying on fire for God…I never spent time hanging out with Him. I was so fixated on trying to do His work that I forgot the most important part…listening to His guidance on what to do.
So after a month on the world race I am joining and challenging you to work on your Son-tan. Not like the one I got today when our team got to visit the most beautiful secluded beach I’ve ever been to (truly---just wait for pictures). I’m talking about dedicating yourself to getting so close to God in a one-on-one setting that you can’t help but catch fire. How good does a Son-tan that doesn’t fade and isn’t seasonal sound?
Thank you all for your continued support and prayers! Dios les bendiga (God Bless You)!
I’ve always heard the phrase “being on fire for God”, but until this month I never grasped the fullness of what it meant. I’ve felt moments in my life where I was on fire for God…but soon enough those flames died out. So how do you catch and stay on fire for God?
By talking to people about Jesus? Or do you get catch fire by going to church every Sunday and Wednesday? What about by leading a bible study? Listening to the latest worship CD? Ooohh wait! How about going on an 11-month mission trip around the world?
Nope. Nada. Negative. None of the above will truly set you on fire for God.
The ONLY way to be set and stay ablaze for God is by spending time in the secret place with Him. Scripture tells us how to get on fire for our Father.
Luke 12:49 says Jesus came to kindle a fire on earth. Jeremiah 23:29 says God’s word is a fire. Ezekiel 1:4, 27 and Daniel 7:9 talks about His presence being totally engulfed in fire. It’s all over scripture. So what do we take from this?
Being on fire for God means spending TIME with Him and being entrenched in His WORD. God’s primary desire in your life is not that you discover His will and walk in it. God’s primary desire is that you draw near to Him and get to know Him. After having that knowing relationship He desires to walk together in his purposes.
My good friend Stephen Moad gave me a book called “Secrets of the Secret Place” to read while I was on the trip. He told me it was a life changer and, somehow, that feels like an understatement. I never realized how quiet time with God is the single most important part your walk.
After signing up for the World Race in March of 2011, I half-heartedly tried to get back on the path of walking with God. I would experience brief moments of feeling on fire for God. Most of the time that came after a great church service, hearing a powerful worship song, or someone laying hands on me and praying for me. I’m not questioning the validity and necessity of those things, but none of them set a fire in my soul that could be sustained.
After my first week of frustrations in the Dominican, God started to pull me into the secret place with Him. So for the last 3 weeks I have dedicated myself to shutting the door and spending time with God. There is absolutely nothing in the world that can fill you up spiritually like being alone with God. No wonder I had so much trouble staying on fire for God…I never spent time hanging out with Him. I was so fixated on trying to do His work that I forgot the most important part…listening to His guidance on what to do.
So after a month on the world race I am joining and challenging you to work on your Son-tan. Not like the one I got today when our team got to visit the most beautiful secluded beach I’ve ever been to (truly). I’m talking about dedicating yourself to getting so close to God in a one-on-one setting that you can’t help but catch fire. How good does a Son-tan that doesn’t fade and isn’t seasonal sound? Give it a try!
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Posted in General Posts by Justin Orr on 1/22/2012
After we arrived in the Dominican Republic I had the privilege of riding with a man named Miguel from the airport to our drop off point a couple of hours away. We made a bathroom/coffee stop about an hour into the drive at a little store on the side of the road. As I was walking out of the bathroom I saw a group of 4 Americans walking into the store…and one was wearing a RAZORBACK shirt! I thought I was dreaming for a second. All I could do was smile ear to ear and yell, “WOO PIG”! The group looked as surprised as me when they heard those words. I learned that they were from Springdale and Fayetteville and that they were in the country for a mission trip as well. My first hour in the Dominican Republic I run into a group of Razorbacks from Arkansas?
This trip is fate.
We were dropped off by buses in the middle of the Dominican,16 people hopped on the outside of a Nissan Frontier…and up the mountain we flew. As dangerous as the situation seemed, the sky was full of diamonds and I was in awe of the most star-filled sky I had ever seen. What a surreal moment.
Considering my only out of country trip prior to this had been to Americanized Cancun, the last week has been a complete sensory explosion. New geography. New language. New money. New music. New people. New everything.
We served in two towns last week, Guayabal and Los Naranjos, where we did door-to-door ministry. As the week went on I found myself becoming more and more frustrated internally. Door-to-door evangelism was something I secretly wanted to avoid this year. I wasn’t comfortable with it. About 98% of the time I had no idea where we were in the conversation with people. I like to build relationships.
Are they being followed up with? How can they really learn about being a disciple if we only talk to them once? Are they even understanding what we are talking about or are they just smiling and being nice?
I was operating in the mindset of my expectations. The Holy Spirit broke through and slapped me across the face on Thursday afternoon.
This trip isn’t about me. It’s not about my comfort. I’m not in control. It’s not up to me how the conversation goes. It’s not up to me to make sure the words are translated like I said them. And it’s especially not up to me to put the Holy Spirit inside the boundaries of my world.
God is teaching me just how much control I thought I had in my life. How can I do God’s work if I’m operating at my speed and by my comfort? I’m learning to let go of control and to hold things that I tried to control with an open hand.
I couldn’t understand any of the conversations but I could understand the smiles. I could understand the eyes full of hope and joy. I understood thankfulness painted on the faces of the people after we prayed for them. I was missing that when I was stuck inside of my world. We didn’t pray in Spanish but that didn’t matter. Our prayers were being heard and felt. The Holy Spirit is the universal language and I can rest peacefully in that.
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Posted in Pre-Launch by Justin Orr on 12/20/2011
**Disclaimer** Not for guys who are okay with the status quo. I used to avoid readings that would try to change my views on porn. I didn’t want to believe that my actions fueled an entire perverse industry. Out of sight, out of mind…right? Don’t stop reading this right here, men. Take 5 minutes out of your day. Be bold. Be open. I’m challenging you to educate yourself on how your porn consumption is fueling the sex trafficking industry across the globe.
Watching porn: IT. HAS. TO. STOP.
Not tomorrow. Not after you watch it again tonight. Not “I’ll try cut back on it”. Stop it completely. Now.
Men, I’m not apologizing for the challenge that God has put on my heart. I’m writing this because I know I have been freed from the desires of porn. I'm also writing this because I know many of my friends and guys in general struggle with porn. The attitude of men towards women has to change. I’m opening up to you to share my personal experience about a mindset that Papa has delivered me from and to open your eyes to a few unsettling truths that I didn’t realize before a few weeks ago.
When I went to training camp on October 14th, I had a 12 year relationship with porn. I discovered it when I was 14…just as computers and the internet started to boom. Over the course of a few years it became a regular part of my life...even when I had a girlfriend. I would justify watching porn with reasons I heard all over our society,
“I just watch it to masturbate, nobody gets hurt.”
“Men are visual creatures, I need visual stimulation.”
“I wouldn’t have to watch it if my girl would give me more sex.”
These are just some of the twisted excuses that our culture has trained our men to use to justify watching porn. We see it on movies, TV, and all over the internet. Porn and the degradation of women has become okay in our culture in so many ways.
What our culture does an incredibly poor job of doing is bringing light to the direct connection between watching porn and global sex trafficking.
Pornography is a promotional campaign for commercial sexual exploitation. Not all pornography is created by traffickers (although a good chunk of it is). But, the driving force of commercial sex is the belief that women are sexual commodities…and internet pornography is the ideal vehicle to teach and train this belief.
Porn creates demand for sex trafficking. It creates the appetite. “Porn drives people to the place where they become comfortable with commercial sex. Of course, not all porn consumers endorse human trafficking, but by their actions, they do tacitly endorse the objectification of women and the commodifying of sex.” - Noel Bouche, Vice President of pureHOPE.
Imagine if your mother, or daughter, or sister, or niece was kidnapped and forced into sex slavery. Forced into a life of drugs, rape, zero self worth…completely losing her innocence and soul. Be thankful that they aren’t. But what would you do? How hard would you fight to get her back? Would you be willing to do whatever it took to stop it from happening?
There are an estimated 27 million adults and 13 million children/teens enslaved in sex trafficking right now across the globe. That’s 40 million mothers, daughters, sisters, and nieces. 40 million!!
So how does this change? It starts in our hearts and desires as men. “If all sex trafficking victims were rescued today, there will still be a demand for millions and millions of new slaves tomorrow. At the root of sexual exploitation is a demand that is driven by men. If we want to change this issue systemically and stamp it out at the root then the desires of men, at the deepest level, have to be changed. There is something that can change men. What men need is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The reality that Jesus died for our sins so that we can be alive with God. It’s Jesus who has and will continue to change the hearts of men. It’s Jesus who changes abusers into protectors, addicts into free men, and traffickers into rescuers.” – Jacob’s Story (video link below)
I tried to stop watching porn multiple times over the last few years. Every attempt was unsuccessful though. From 13 years old until two months ago, the longest I had gone without watching porn was probably a week. Right now, I can sit here and say that I haven’t watched it in over two months and I have absolutely zero desire to start again.
How? What was different this time? Jesus. He gave me a new heart with new desires. I’m starting to accept and embrace my role as a man of God. I’m filling my old wounds with truths of the Lord. I’m letting Papa heal me.
Next time you are tempted to look up porn, go to the strip club, etc…I want you to think of the industry you are supporting. Are you going to continue turning a blind eye to the 27 million women and 13 million children that are forced into a sex slave lifestyle? Seriously...are you okay with contributing to that?
Sex slavery doesn't have to be a thriving industry. It starts with us, men. Are you ready to accept the responsibility?
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If you have read this far then I hope you now realize that “watching a little porn” isn’t as harmless as most people believe. I also pray that you are at least a little curious to learn more about human trafficking. If you are, check out the video and sites below. Be blessed!
Here’s an incredible short documentary called “Jacob’s Story”. I highly encourage you to take 10 minutes to watch this powerful video ( http://vimeo.com/31795904 )
Powerful poem about changing attitudes towards sex http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlJFvxad1_A&feature=share
A couple of links with some alarming statistics about human trafficking.
http://justiceforyouth.org/7/
http://www.polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/overview?gclid=CP_R1LOlka0CFcJgTAodcT86LQ
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Posted in Pre-Launch by Justin Orr on 10/27/2011
“Hey you! Take a hit of this stuff”, I hear from behind as I feel a tap on my shoulder.
I turn around and a few thoughts run through my mind:
“Take a hit of that? Yeah right.”
“Should I even consider this with so many people in the room?”
“What will happen if I take a hit? I don't know what's in it. I’m legit nervous.”
“I might lose control and I don’t like the idea of that.”
As I contemplate my decision, I look around and see that a few other people have given in to the offer.
“What is this stuff being passed around,” I ponder. I am having a hard time grasping what is happening in the room. I have done my fair share of toking up but I have never acted like these people.
“Why are they yelling?” “Why are they crying?” “Why are they falling down?”
I remember my curious nature from college and how it led to experimenting with number of different drugs. Old feelings start to surface…those feelings where the fear of the unknown is staring me right in the face. It’s kind of exhilarating to be honest.
“WHAT IS IN THIS STUFF”, my curiosity screams! It looks different than anything I’ve ever tried. I can’t pass this up, can I?
At this point I know I am about to take a hit. My old rebellious and curious nature has won over. Just like in college -- I don’t care what people think. I don’t care who is looking. This is it. I open my hands, reach out for it and take a huge inhale.
That’s when the Holy Spirit CHANGED my life.
As I breathe in I can feel years of guilt and personal struggles shoot up and out of my body and soul. I want more. I take another huge hit and feel joy and peace rain down on me like a heavy monsoon. Wow. Chills shoot up my arms and I reach out as high and as wide as I can.
Freedom. Complete and total freedom. I look around the room and see chains falling off of everybody. What is this feeling? For the first time in my life I feel the Holy Spirit in my soul. My soul no longer dwells inside of me. I just breathed in the Spirit of Papa. I start bawling uncontrollably as the Spirit overwhelms me. My arms can’t reach high or wide enough … I am wholly consumed. I am NEW!
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Ezekial 36:26 says, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”
I didn’t realize it until I started writing this blog that I was saved that night! I completely let go on Wednesday October 19th, 2011. I went through confirmation when I was young but this was a different kind of saving. Saving that, in an instant, changed how I prayed and worshipped. Saving that, in an instant, brought me complete and total freedom. Saving that, in an instant, took me from miles away to sitting in Papa's lap.
After allowing God to breathe His spirit into me I now pray with conviction. I pray healing upon people. I prophesy. I hear the voice of God. I worship with abandon. My hands go up. I dance. I have fun! I feel other people’s joy and pain. I cry. I laugh. I give out hugs like they are going out of style.
I think back to when I was without an intimate relationship with God, when smoking a joint seemed like such a good escape. I would think, this plant is a natural gift from God so no big deal. What I failed to realize is that I have free access to the ultimate gift from God ... His Spirit. Now I’m addicted to the Holy Spirit and nothing can ever give me the high and freedom in my soul that He does.
I’m going to steal some words from Michael Hindes that sum up what has consumed my mind since that night. “Any environment I’m involved in from now on, I want to be Spirit-led. Minus the Spirit, things are mostly academic, superficial, passionless, and just plain boring. The Spirit spices things up because it’s unpredictable, unexplainable, and often uncontrollable. Where the Spirit is released, the atmosphere is charged with heavy doses of joy and peace. So why would we do anything at all without the Spirit?”
So I’m tapping you on the shoulder and saying, “Hey you! Take a hit of this stuff.” The power of the Holy Spirit is real. Papa is waiting to exhale His spirit into you. Breathe it in. When you experience it, though, share the love and don’t sit on it … puff, puff pass baby!
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Posted in Pre-Launch by Justin Orr on 10/25/2011
I can't believe how blessed I am to get to serve with 2 strong men of the Lord and 4 beautiful ladies whose
hearts are FERVENT for Papa! These people are now my FAMILY! Over the next year we will be living together, eating together, laughing together, crying together, praying together, discussing poop together, serving together, dancing together, and HEALING together. See the common theme there? Together. I am SO excited to serve in community with this group of amazing people. Ahhhhhhhh...God is so good! I have no doubt that the seven of us being called together is a divine appointment and I know that God has HUGE plans for us as we give our lives up to serve and grow in Him.
This week Papa called me into leadership and I have been so humbled by the experience. The World Race is FULL of gifted leaders. I don't think you can sign up for the race without being a leader. I came into the week thinking, "No way I will be chosen as one because of the lack of "church" in my life over the last few years". I walked away this week knowing that the gifts God has given me are not measured by how many times I have been to church. They are gifts implanted by Him and they are available to use when I seek Him out wholeheartedly. I used to think I had the ability to do things but Papa has crushed that thought this week. I kneel humbly in front of the Lord and will serve Him with all of my heart and soul. Only with His Spirit inside of me can I love and serve my team with all of my heart and soul in the way that they need from their leader...so please shower me in prayer!
I will go into detail about why we chose the team name, "Monarch", in another blog ... but for now I just want to introduce my ridiculously cool, funny, joyful, passionate, amazing, spiritual, loving team. We all have stories. Messy stories. I know God is smiling down on us right now and can't wait to turn those messy stories into world changing stories. Without further adieu ...
Meet the lovely ladies of Team Monarch ...
Miss Michelle Imig! 
Michelle comes to our group from Illinois and let me tell you ... this girl LIGHTS up every single room she walks into. Maybe I should rephrase that to every room that she dances into. This girl can break it down! Right off the bat I noticed a couple of incredible qualities about Michelle: the joyous mood of everyone around her and her overall zest for life. Anytime I saw Michelle around camp she was surrounded by people who were smiling and laughing. When you are around Michelle, you can't help but enjoy life. One of the first things she said to me was, "Hey, have you seen the movie constipated yet?" ... I responded no ... "Well that's because it hasn't come out yet!" This girl is HILARIOUS! And the cherry on top ... she snorts when she laughs ... so classic. Michelle's zest for life is contagious and it spread like wildfire throughout our squad. Her gifts will turn around lost and depressed souls this year and I am absolutely stoked to see it happen.
Miss Meagan LaFoy!
Meagan is another one of our southern girls, claiming Alabama and rolling tide everywhere we go! Two things that I love about Meagan are her nurturing spirit/positive attitude and ability to find humor in things. I don't think I heard ONE negative word or thought come out of her mouth all week. The positive attitude she carries with her is a gift and will be such a blessing next year as we are sure to face situations that will need her positive spirit to lift the group up. She is a TOTAL sweetheart and is willing to serve the Lord and love the people around her with everything she has. When people are around Meagan they can relax and be themselves! I caught myself multiple times this laughing with Meagan when most people in the room didn't find humor in a situation. She shares my love of finding little humor in situations and I am so pumped to laugh about obscure things in 11 different countries with her. She will spread the joy in her heart around the world and I can't wait to see kids' lives affected forever by Meagan.
Miss Candice Yates!
I would tell you where Candice is from but the only thing you need to figure that out is a working eye. This girl is crazzzzy about the Florida Gators! License plates, email addresses, and every article of clothing she wears contain something Gators. It's awesome. What is even more awesome is her HUGE desire to serve the Lord. She is an incredibly hard worker and has absolutely no quit in her. I had the pleasure of hearing a couple of her stories and let me tell you, this girl is PERSISTANT! That quality is going to be needed so often this year as we face challenges and times get tough. Another incredible quality about Candice is her openness and honesty. I was inspired by the work that the Lord did over the course of training camp in Candice and I cannot wait to see her life continue to change. She has a heart for helping women and I know she will restore confidence and life in a crazy amount of women this year as we travel across the nations.
Miss Leah Malone!
Leah is our Texas girl and I don't know if everything is bigger in Texas ... but let me tell you, this girl's heart is! The Lord did some insanely awesome work in Leah this week and I watched her change before my eyes. A couple of amazing characteristics about Leah that I learned this week is her random humor and her newfound BOLDNESS! I appreciate humor that comes out of nowhere and Leah is the queen of random sayings. She is not afraid to say what is going on in her mind and when she shares it the group cracks up! Her vibrant spirit absolutely lifts the group to another level. While her ability to share random thoughts is amazing, her boldness to share spiritual thoughts is even cooler. Leah's confidence in hearing the Lord's voice grew exponentially this week and because of that our group encountered the Spirit and grew closer together than I thought was possible in one day. I am so excited to see the power of the Holy Spirit continue to explode in her heart and to see crazy changes happen in the nations where small thinkers did not think changes were possible.
Jesse Morris!
Coming from Chicago, Illinois, and not afraid to tell you that ... Jesse Morris! This man has the most amazing servant attitude towards life. If there is ever a task to be completed or an extra hand that is needed ... you can count on Jesse being there to serve with a smile on his face. Most people will serve willingly when asked, but Jesse actively seeks out ways to help. His LOYALTY to the Lord is crazy inspiring and I have learned so much about the joy of serving by spending time with him. I still so often get caught up in the 'me world' where I am considering my thoughts and what do I need at the moment. That doesn't exist in Jesse. The Lord is going to use Jessie in BIG ways this year as he continues to serve with relentless obedience. What a blessing Jesse is to have on our team and I am so excited to see the work God does through him this year.
Sam 'I am' Walter!
Sam is a native to Ohio and currently lives in Iowa. I have NEVER met a man who articulates his thoughts into words as well as Sam does. This man carries himself with such a calm spirit that I can't help but listen intensely to every word he speaks. Sam has wisdom beyond his years and is such an asset to the spiritual dynamic of the group. But just when you think Sam is sitting back, processing thoughts and about to give amazing insight ... he busts out in a smeagol impression or breaks it down on the dance floor! What a crazy, cool guy. I know that the Lord has things in store for Sam that are BEYOND my comprehension. He has a passion for youth and I know God will use that passion to hault teens from the path they are on and use Sam to guide them back to the path of fruitfulness and life.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my new family. I encourage you to check out their blogs too as they share stories about their lives over the next year. I love these people with all of my heart and cannot wait to serve side by side with them!
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