These are questions that have been rolling over and over in my mind. I have asked God over and over again what He is doing. I have started a debt/mortgage reduction business that I fully believe in, yet He hasn't broken it open. I have waited on Him and screamed out to Him for the answers. I have truly been David ever since I have been back from The World Race.

What I laugh about most; is that every circumstance in our lives is answered prayer. I have cried out to become more like Jesus, I have screamed for David's heart, I have asked for it all and now it comes. 

Why do I pray the prayers that I do knowing that it will bring fire?   Some days I have no clue why, I just know that it is in my heart. Some believe that we are in the end times; some have said Jesus will come back in 5-50 years, some hundreds of years. Yes I do yearn for His return but I also want to rest in the moment of now.

The prayers that I have prayed require me to go through the fire. What will I do with billions of dollars if entrusted to me right now if I don't know what it means to have nothing? What will I do if I become a preacher across the United States/world if I don't understand humility, will pride take over? What will I do if I actually get what I pray? 

I believe God grants us our prayers and we resent Him for it. I believe that we get everything we ever wanted yet we feel like it is a curse or that we did something wrong. Being refined in the fire tells who a person really is. Character is not defined when you are on top of the mountain, it is defined when you are in the valley.

As Erin and I continually go through a refining season, we humbly ask that you think of us. I have prayed big prayers and have warred in the heavenlies and need the assistance of prayer. My family will always go for everything in Jesus and will never settle for a mediocre life. We were created for so much more and will fight to the end for freedom. If it is on your heart to lift us up prayerfully or financially this Holiday season we greatly appreciate your support.

Erin and I are so blessed to have people in our lives that love us and believe in us. We only want Jesus and what He has planned for us. May Jesus fill your lives with joy and cover you in His amazing grace.

God Bless.

So here we are, Colorado Springs Colorado. The Lord has taken us through an amazing journey of ups and downs with an open future off in the distance. We sit amongst the 14,000 foot mountains revering God for his Creation.

Our journey began with a radical 11 month journey around the world as friends and then through a 7 month amazing, challenging and life breathing engagement with a wedding set for the 5^th of July. Normal temperatures in Indiana at that time were 98 degrees with nearly 100% humidity, with thunder storms a normal occurrence.

The day of the wedding was 77 degrees with nearly no humidity. There wasn't a cloud in the sky; perfect. I was an emotional mess from the get go because this was the most important day of my life- covenant with the woman of my dreams.

My groomsman lined up behind me, as tears began to roll from my face. Erin's song, "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" played by the string quartet, as I saw a glitter of a white dress coming my way. My heart began to pound as I saw the vision that God had given me months prior, Erin walking through archways in her beautiful white dress. 

Although Erin was about 50 yards away from me, our eyes connected as though this was the first time that I saw her. She walked closer and closer as I came down to meet her and assume headship as her father gave her to me. Tears rolled off my face knowing what a pearl of great price I was getting and what a life I was about to begin.

Andrew Shearman started by saying that by totaling the combined faithful, monogamous years of marriage from Erin's parents, my parents, my grandmother who was in attendance, Andrew and Pastor Ron Johnson Sr., the blessing in covenantal marriage totaled over 250 years. My heart rejoiced as he said that because I gladly received that blessing over us and our children and our children's children. It was a generational blessing.

The ceremony was amazing and filled with the love of the Holy Spirit. We partook in communion together, lit unity candles, worshiped our Lord and shared our vows to each other. It is a day that we will forever remember.

















After the pronunciation of man and wife, the party began. We danced the night away, cried, laughed and rejoiced over the speeches and the dances. 

The end of the reception was amazing. 120 people lined the exit of the castle as they lit 120 sparklers. Erin and I ran out into the amazement of lights with smiles from ear to ear. We heard laughter, and joy and shouting and celebration and at the end awaited our limo to take us to downtown Chicago. The sensation from going from 120 screaming people to complete silence with your new bride is something that I can't explain. 

We then headed off to our honeymoon in the Caribbean on the island of Saint Martin. My father and mother so generously provided us with their ten day time share in complete paradise. We enjoyed the sunny beaches, sunsets every night and a much needed rest before we started our new life.

So here we are, Colorado Springs, beginning our life together, not as two separate people but as one, willing and ready for anything the Father has for us.

Our new address is. 89 Paloma Heights #204 Colorado Springs, CO 80921.

When a man can look himself in the mirror and believe that God has put dreams within his heart that he cannot do on his own is when I believe God starts to unlock His power. I believe that God has placed dreams within each man and woman that can only take faith to get to. That faith will mean that you have to step out and walk on water; you have to trust that He will hold you. Faith really isn’t faith until you can’t do it.

















Erin and I have dreams within us that we cannot comprehend. We have dreams about millions coming to the cross, sharing Jesus with entire African nations, caring for and feeding millions of orphans and helping to lead a generation to cry out for the glory of the Lord to cover the entire earth.   

We can’t explain these dreams and sometimes get intimidated by the mere thought of them. But why not, why would we not want these things? Why would we allow doubt, financial hurdles or lack of faith to get in our way? 

As we take one day at a time we have seen that God wants to bless us. He wants us to embrace the foundation that we need to be able to walk into these dreams that He has placed within our hearts. We have seen this is why we have to embrace the scripture “When a man has taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war or be charged with any business; he shall be free at home one year, and bring happiness to his wife whom he has taken.” Deuteronomy 24:5. 

We believe that this first year is so foundational to our success in marriage that we are going to put ourselves in the best possible environment to do so. We both believe that the environment for that success is Colorado Springs. 

Recently the Black Family led by Gary Black returned from Swaziland after 14 months. They are a family of eight that endured the struggles of Africa and embraced what God wanted to do through them while being there. Because of there sacrifice as a family and as a couple, thousands are being touched not only in a spiritual sense but in a physical sense. They have opened up the Nsoko project which cares for over three hundred children. 

They have returned to the states a changed family, believing in apostolic Family. They believe that the family is a unit and moves together as a unit. They have embraced family and marriage in ways that we have not seen before. We believe that God has given them an anointing for this generation, to embrace, to care for and to pour into. We believe that this is where we want to sit and rest as we see God perform his glorious works in Colorado Springs.

Erin and I are so fortunate for our supporters, family and friends. We are kingdom people who believe as the lords prayer says thy kingdom come thy will be done on EARTH as it is in HEAVEN. We will forever plant kingdom wherever we go and we believe that this is just the beginning. 

Please continue to lift Erin and I up as we go through this leap of faith in a new city and completely trusting as the Lord leads. Abraham set out not knowing so this is what we are doing, we are believing that God is in control and His plans are the very best for us.  

"Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them." Acts 16:6-7

I sat in the living room of my parent's house watching a movie when this scripture came to my mind. I asked the Lord what was going on. I began to feel, in my Spirit, that something was about to change. Erin and I had been talking about our reserves in moving down to Gainesville. I began feel unrest in my spirit and this scripture would not leave my mind.

I woke up the next morning and had an intense day. I knew that something was not right. Our God is a God of peace, and I was anxious about the move. I didn't know what was going on, so I decided to pull back to sit and wait for the Lord.

Two days passed as Erin and I prayed together. One of the main scriptures I was getting was Deuteronomy 24:5 -"When a man has taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war or be charged with any business; he shall be free at home one year, and bring happiness to his wife whom he has taken."

I began seeking counsel as to the best options for Erin and me. It was as though the Lord was opening my eyes. I began to see that I had already done a disservice to my marriage by putting ministry and calling above or next to Erin. I was dreaming of how things would work out in ministry and believed that Erin would just find a way to fit in.

I am not proud of that thought, but I am praising the Lord for opening my eyes to see what I was doing. Many men have decided to push forward in life, believing that their wives should just come along for the ride.

I was wrong. I now see that my calling in life is my wife. I see that when I embrace the scripture and love my wife like Christ loved the Church; Erin has the ability to walk into who she really is.

I was not taking her into consideration as much as I should have with our move to Gainesville. And although the leadership school that is being formed there is amazing, it is not where Erin and I need to be at this moment.

I want to apologize to all of those who were expecting us to be in Gainesville, Georgia. We both love you all and are walking out the Lord's plan for our marriage.

More will come on what will happen next!

I remember sitting across from Chad in November 2007 (at the end of our Race) and panicking as he shared his vision with me of getting married quickly, buying a bus, and touring the States with 6-8 other post- World Racers to share the vision of the Race. I can't exactly say I was lovestruck at that moment…in fact my response was quite the opposite- I cried.

What it comes down to is that if you don't know at the end of spending 11 extreme months living in close proximity to another person that you are going to spend the rest of your life with them- then chances are you aren't going to know.

Chad and I knew. We knew before we shared our hearts with one another. We knew before he bought the ring and before I said yes. How? It's just one of those things that the Holy Spirit hammers home until there's no shadow of a doubt that He is the master planner completing his work.

Now I had never in my wildest dreams planned that I would meet the man I had dreamed about in the way that I did. It was unheard of and not what I had signed up for when I joined the race. Honestly. I had no intentions of traveling around the world for a year to find a husband. In fact if that had been the selling feature of the race, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have gone purely due to the fact that I wasn't interested in hunting down a good catch.

I believe that I actually tried to throw Chad back a few times. I tried to talk myself out of having feelings for him. I tried finding impossible differences. I tried pushing his buttons to irritate some distance between us. Miraculously, nothing worked.

We came out on this end thinking we'd seen the worst of our lives together. Naively, I see how we were mistaken. Currently I sit, enjoying the easy life. A reliable car with gas- parked in the garage, a consistent job with steady paycheck, comfortable bed, hot shower, popcorn and 800 channels at my disposal. I'm not so sure I want to go back to living out of a backpack, moving every 3-4 weeks, eating rice, rice, and boney chicken for lunch and dinner every day, and experiencing more community than I have patience for.

While I type this, my fiancé is unnervingly praying crazy, radical prayers. He's a madman. I kid not. While I sit and try to rationally think about the decisions we are making and the plans we have to set for our future, he is jamming to Misty Edwards, in tears before the Lord, asking for a great move of God in this generation. How did we end up together?

I can't help but think this is sheer madness. We're polar opposites. When I'm not pulling back on him, he's pushing forward on me. We're either going to find a decent rope to hold us together or completely tear one another apart.

And praise God! How could I ask for anything less? Beyond all the safety and security of this life, there's a dulling of the places in my heart that once burned to see people experience the love of Jesus.There are entire countries of unreached people that have yet to feel a touch that will bring healing or a word that will spark life. And how would I ever get unstuck from the security of all my safety guards without faith from a man who hasn't promised me all the answers in life. And what makes me think that having all the answers is what I need?

Blessings to all my family, friends and supporters:

Well Erin and I are soon entering into our sacred covenantal marriage together on July 5th and are ready to begin the plunge further into missions. Here is a little taste of where the Lord is leading us.

We feel that the Lord has opened up an opportunity to be a part of something so much greater than ourselves in Gainesville, Georgia. Our vision is one of many that are birthing from the World Race.

Just to give you a taste of The World Race, it is actually a three year discipleship program for those who choose to go beyond the 11 months trip. We train the racers 6 months prior to the trip, they venture off into the world on a Luke 10 journey for 11 months, and then have the opportunity to attend a post- race leadership school.

Erin and I have been asked if we would be part of laying the ground work for our first leadership school in the States. This Leadership school will host between 30-60 seasoned missionaries who want to continue forward as a radical disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our focus is to live as community down in Gainesville Georgia. Erin and I will live alone for the first year of our marriage, but we will be highly involved in everyone's lives. There will be community life, Mentoring, Skill development, local ministry and travel incorporated throughout the leadership school.

We are so excited about this opportunity because we are a part of something that is so much greater than ourselves. We have a chance to birth something that is vision right now and see the Lord birth it into exactly what He desires.

Erin and I are walking in faith trusting that the Lord will provide for our new walk in life. We have been asked to raise support for our personal needs which are going to total around $24,000. We would ask that you would first pray and ask the Lord if you should be a part of our prayer ministry. Erin and I are firm believers of the WORD and believe that prayer is the answer to everything. We are firm believers that if it is God's will its God's bill. So if the Lord puts it on your heart, we would love for you to partner with us in this new venture that will eventually affect millions.

We appreciate everyone that is a part of our blogs and would love to hear from you. We will continually lift up every prayer request that we receive. There is something amazing going on in this generation and we are so excited to be a part of it.

We Bless you in Jesus Name.

In all reality and with my heart completely bare- I've been struggling with finding my place since I've been home. I can't seem to balance what I know my heart longs for with what I know I have to do for a season.

Song of Solomon 2:4 "…His banner over me is love."

When the Lord calls my name- how loudly does he have to speak? Is it a shout? Or a whisper? If he calls me to his side, will I go? Will I sit right next to Him?

Why can't I believe that he has called me to his side? He wants to whisper his love to me, as I sit- right beside him- and allow his banner of love to cover me.

Out of this intimacy springs a relationship so unmatched in depth and commitment that the world cannot help but stop to see. Confidence is found in that intimacy and in knowing how great the love the Father lavished on me.

Surrender leads to deeper levels of trust, and trust leads to fulfillment of the promise. The pieces of life seem to fit together. The passions of my heart meet the gifts of my Father. Together the two go forth into the world- into the nations- and meet the needs of the lost, dying; hurting…

...and now I know the place I belong. Now I know where I am called and where I fit in this life. Right here. Right beside the One who calls my name and sings his love over me. Right under his arm. So here I will stay… and wait…here I will learn trust...

Find His banner and let it rest over you.

C.P. resident's eyes opened by

11-month world travels

BY MARISA KWIATKOWSKI
mkwiatkowski@nwitimes.com
219.662.5333 | Tuesday, January 29, 2008 | 6 comment(s)

McKenna said she joined nearly 50 other people from across the United States to travel most of 2007 in The World Race, a mission-based trip dedicated to personal and spiritual growth, and outreach.

During her travels, McKenna said she fed the poor, worked with local churches and orphanages, taught English and brought prostitutes out of the sex trade in Thailand.

She said it was six months before she broke down emotionally.

"I struggled a lot," McKenna said. "It's heart wrenching. You can go play with (orphans), feed them, then you send them back."

She said she lived off $7 a day in some of the world's poorest countries. They traveled to Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Peru, Swaziland, Thailand, Cambodia, China and others.

McKenna returned to Crown Point in November and said she will continue her mission work.

"When you see what I see and know what I know, you can't go back," she said. "The little faces burned in my heart need someone to fight for them."

McKenna said she will not fight alone.

During the World Race, she met her now-fiance Chad Mast, 28, of San Diego.

Mast was a team leader for The World Race and said he and McKenna developed a friendship during the trip that evolved into more when they got home. They were engaged at Christmas.

"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." Psalm 126:2

Here are some pictures from an orphanage we visited last week!  I can't help it- I love kids!