Participants:
Series Code: TDY
Program Code: TDY018037A
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00:01 I want to spend my life
00:07 Mending broken people 00:12 I want to spend my life 00:18 Removing pain 00:23 Lord, let my words 00:30 Heal a heart that hurts 00:34 I want to spend my life 00:40 Mending broken people 00:45 I want to spend my life 00:51 Mending broken people 01:10 Hello, and welcome to another 3ABN Today program. 01:13 We are so glad that you have joined us today. 01:16 I'm Greg Morikone, 01:17 and this is my wonderful wife sitting next to me, Jill. 01:19 And I don't know how your day is going, 01:21 I know here at 3ABN, it's going very well. 01:24 And I can say that with confidence 01:25 because Jesus Christ is the Lord of our lives, 01:28 He's leading this ministry. 01:30 And we just want to say a great big thank you 01:32 for your prayers and financial support 01:34 to the ministry of 3ABN, 01:36 because it's those of you that are donating 01:38 on a monthly, weekly basis, yearly basis. 01:40 Some people give us a large donation 01:42 maybe once a year, 01:43 but some of you are consistently 01:44 supporting this ministry monthly. 01:46 We say thank you. And why is that important? 01:48 Well, it helps to spread the gospel around the world. 01:51 And I think that's neat, isn't it? 01:52 'Cause we're part of a team. 01:54 We're obviously teamed up with Jesus Christ 01:55 who is the Lord of our life, 01:57 and He is the one that's directing this ministry. 01:59 But it's because of you and your support 02:00 to this ministry that is continuing 02:01 to go around the world. 02:03 Now today, we have, sweetheart, a really exciting testimony, 02:06 we could say love story. 02:08 It's kind of interesting before we came on here today... 02:12 I'm going to go and say his name, Jason, the husband. 02:14 He was saying, "You know, I had a whole 02:16 like five-year plan figured out." 02:18 Well, they got married quicker than five years. 02:21 And she said... What did she say? 02:23 "I was never planning on being married." 02:25 So this is amazing 02:26 what God has done in their lives, 02:28 and what a powerful testimony... 02:30 I still consider you and I newlyweds, 02:33 though we've been married now... 02:34 Well, it's a while, I don't know, 02:36 it depends on when this airs, 02:37 but it'll be 16 years this year. 02:39 Sixteen years. 02:40 They've just been married months, 02:41 but it's neat to see the glow on their faces, 02:43 not only because they're in love with each other, 02:45 but they're in love with Jesus Christ. 02:47 So who do we have with us today? 02:49 I'm excited about this program 02:50 because I think we all like a love story. 02:53 But to me, the key is a love story 02:55 that's rooted and grounded in the love of Jesus Christ. 02:58 And they're going to share with us 03:00 how they met, their journey, their experience, 03:03 as well as the pivotal part 03:06 that prayer played in their entire journey. 03:09 So we're going to learn all about that. 03:11 So we want to introduce to you our special guests, 03:14 we have Jason and Natanya Vanderlaan. 03:17 And we are so glad to have both of you here. 03:20 Yeah, we're glad to be here. 03:22 So where is home for you right now? 03:24 So we're living in Burlington, Vermont. 03:26 Okay. Kind of cool neck of the woods. 03:29 Yeah, a little bit colder up there. 03:32 And you actually have a ministry 03:33 that's entitled Upward Movement Ministries, 03:36 and you're actually a pastor, Pastor Jason. 03:38 So you're a pastor... Yes, yeah. 03:40 You're not a pastor now, 03:42 but, obviously, you're a pastor in, 03:43 I think you said, Philadelphia? 03:44 Is that right? 03:46 Yeah, I was pastoring in Philadelphia 03:47 at the REACH Philadelphia Church. 03:48 Before you got married? 03:50 Yes. Yup. 03:51 Okay. Yeah, before we met. 03:52 And then I moved up 03:54 after we got married to Burlington. 03:55 And we've been just living life 03:57 and doing our own ministries there as well. 04:00 Amen. 04:01 And they are on a really neat tour too, aren't they? 04:03 You're on a love tour, is that right? 04:04 Yes, we are. We're on our love tour. 04:06 So what is a love tour, Natanya? 04:08 So the term had been coined some time ago, 04:11 but it really has been an extension 04:13 of what God has given us. 04:15 When we decided we wanted to get married, 04:18 we knew that even in our wedding 04:21 that ministry would be a cornerstone in that. 04:24 So as we were doing the planning 04:25 and going through even the invitations, 04:27 we thought, "How can we minister in this?" 04:30 And so the love tour was kind of a way 04:33 to open the doors to invite 04:36 absolutely everybody 'cause then... 04:38 You understand, you can't have everyone 04:40 at your wedding, right? 04:42 But we've created this idea 04:44 where we've traveled actually internationally 04:48 and in the United States to share our love 04:51 with our friends, our family, and now, with anyone 04:55 who has an open ear 04:56 because as you said it, it is a love story, 04:58 but more importantly, to us, it's a power of prayer story. 05:01 Yes. Praise the Lord. 05:03 And it really embodies 05:04 the spiritual discipline of testimony 05:07 as a practice, yeah. 05:09 Amen. That's incredible. 05:10 So tell us, Greg had mentioned this briefly, 05:13 you were thinking, Natanya, 05:15 "I'm not even going to get married. 05:16 I'm going to do ministry." 05:17 So what ministry were you involved in 05:19 before you met Jason? 05:20 So I've done a lot of public health work, 05:23 which kind of evolved into population health work. 05:27 And I was doing story telling, 05:29 working very closely with people. 05:31 I'm doing empowerment 05:33 with women and underprivileged, 05:36 minorities, and... 05:39 Yeah, I was doing a lot of really 05:40 interesting work in Boston. 05:41 And I was hoping to do that one day internationally. 05:44 I didn't know how God would grow, like my work, 05:47 but I knew that I loved to work on a very close 05:50 and interpersonal level with people. 05:53 And so I thought I'd continue to do that work. 05:54 I love to travel. 05:56 I have a really broad circle of friends and family, 05:58 and I was perfectly content, you know? 06:01 Yes. 06:02 I didn't really feel like there was need for anything, 06:03 but God knew, and my mom knew 06:06 that there was more to the story. 06:09 So I have to praise Him for that. 06:12 Wow! 06:13 Already whetting our appetite, right? 06:15 This is going to be a great, yeah, testimony, again, 06:17 of what God has done and is doing in their lives. 06:20 And I know we have a scripture that you like to share 06:21 before we go to the music. 06:23 Absolutely. 06:24 And this is a scripture that I know is pivotal 06:26 in you-all's relationship. 06:28 And, to be honest, at 3ABN, 06:30 this has been a cornerstone of 3ABN from the beginning. 06:33 Danny Shelton always quotes this 06:35 at the end of the Today program. 06:36 I'm in Ephesians 3:20, 21, 06:41 "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly 06:45 above all that we ask or think, 06:48 according to the power that works in us, 06:51 to Him be glory in the church by Jesus Christ 06:53 to all generations, forever and ever. 06:56 Amen." 06:57 Amen. Amen. 06:59 Well, why is that scripture before we go to the music? 07:01 Why is that significant or important for you all? 07:04 We often pray scripture. 07:06 And so this has been one 07:08 that we've claimed aggressively. 07:12 Yeah. And God never fails to respond. 07:15 Amen. 07:16 And we just found in our experience of each other 07:18 and in the prayer experience we've had together 07:21 that it's so much more than 07:22 we could have ever imagined or asked for. 07:23 Oh, my goodness. So much more. 07:25 And this just been... 07:27 You know, our cup is overflowing 07:28 with His blessings. 07:29 Even now. Yeah. 07:31 Amen. 07:32 The key is just to surrender everything to Jesus Christ, 07:34 isn't it? 07:35 And He takes it from there 07:36 'cause He knows what is best for each one of us. 07:38 And we have some special music today 07:39 by a great friend of the ministry of 3ABN, 07:42 Mary Grace. 07:43 And she's going to be bringing a song to us today entitled 07:46 Lord, Be Glorified. 10:44 Amen. Thank you so much, Mary Grace. 10:47 What a great song too, Lord, Be Glorified. 10:49 And I know that's what I want in my own life, 10:52 and I hope yours at home too. 10:53 You're saying, "Lord, 10:55 I just rededicate my life to You. 10:56 Lord, be glorified in my life." 10:59 You know, one of the things that we're going to touch on 11:00 today as well is that, 11:02 you know, we all have a testimony. 11:03 Yes, we're hearing from the Vanderlaans today 11:05 and what God is doing in their life, 11:07 but, you know, we all have a testimony 11:09 that we can share with others 11:10 because if we allow God to do something in our life, 11:13 He is glad to do it. 11:14 I think I just have to surrender, 11:16 we all have to surrender our lives to Jesus Christ. 11:18 So who do we have with us in case someone's 11:20 just joining us now at home? 11:21 We have Pastor Jason and Natanya Vanderlaan with us. 11:25 And you're going to be sharing your incredible story, 11:27 your testimony of how God brought you together 11:31 in marriage and in ministry and how... 11:34 That song is really... 11:35 It's perfect for this interview 11:37 because God is being glorified in your lives together. 11:41 So let's begin with how you met. 11:45 I didn't know who wants to pick that up first. 11:47 Yeah, I can start. 11:48 So the great thing about our testimony 11:50 is that prayer has just interwoven through all that. 11:52 Oh, throughout. 11:53 And, you know, the points we want to share about prayer 11:56 come directly from our story of coming together, 11:59 that we've learned, you know, 12:01 in the presence of God in the prayer, 12:03 we've gained perspective, we can see as God sees, 12:06 we can have perseverance trusting God's ways, 12:10 and we can also partner with God 12:11 which is just how it all culminates together, 12:13 and so really... 12:14 I like that. 12:16 So say that one more time that He has a number of Ps. 12:17 Perspective. The three Ps. 12:18 Perspective. 12:20 Yeah, perspective, perseverance, and partnership. 12:21 Amen. Oh, I like that. 12:23 Yeah, that's really great. 12:24 And so perspective is definitely 12:26 where it all started. 12:27 So it was two Christmases ago I think. 12:31 And I was preparing the sermon, I was just looking at how 12:34 when Jesus came into this world, 12:36 people have been waiting 12:38 and praying for Him for a long time. 12:40 But when He came, almost nobody knew that it had happened. 12:42 Yeah. It's true. 12:44 Like the answer to everybody's prayers 12:46 was already set in motion, 12:48 and yet, most people thought 12:50 God still wasn't hearing their prayers. 12:51 Yes. 12:53 And I was feeling that in my own life, 12:54 like I was really discouraged and feeling like... 12:56 And a lot of my prayers, 12:58 I feel like they're just not seeing the results 13:00 that I wanted at that time. 13:01 I think a lot of people can feel that way. 13:04 Were you praying for wife at this time? 13:05 Or was that not included in your prayer life? 13:07 It was included, yeah. Okay. 13:09 So that was one of those prayers 13:10 that you were saying, "God, I'm not seeing results. 13:12 I'm not seeing an answer"? 13:13 Yeah. Okay. 13:14 And it was definitely one of them. 13:16 There is more, but just a lot of feeling, 13:18 like, waiting for a breakthrough, 13:19 you know, waiting for that to happen. 13:22 Yeah, because marriage is a very critical thing, 13:24 you know, for us in a ministry, you know, you are a pastor 13:26 and, yeah, you want to marry the right person. 13:29 Because otherwise life could be horrible. 13:31 Yeah, for sure. 13:32 If you rush ahead, and just, "I want to do this my own way." 13:34 Excellent. 13:35 And I never could have... 13:36 You know, I was definitely praying for like 13:38 the right person for me, 13:39 but also wanting someone that was going to be like 13:41 a life ministry partner that, like, 13:44 we could do everything in ministry together, 13:47 and that was really important to me. 13:49 So I was praying for that, 13:51 and I didn't even know that a month before 13:53 I was writing the sermon, I had just met Natanya. 13:57 And I didn't even... 13:59 It wasn't on my radar that this was the answer to my prayers. 14:02 Yeah, it was. 14:04 And so it was really interesting 14:05 that I was writing about this in a message 14:07 and God was fulfilling it in my life 14:10 even though I didn't know it. 14:11 Ain't that amazing? Yeah. 14:12 So you actually met a month 14:14 before you're writing the sermon? 14:15 Where did you meet the first time? 14:17 Yeah, so we met in New Hampshire 14:19 at a counseling training seminar. 14:23 So what's really interesting about that 14:24 is the year prior to that, Jennifer Jill, 14:28 who does the A Multitude of Counselors on 3ABN. 14:31 She does. Great friend of the ministry at 3ABN. 14:33 Yeah. 14:35 She was holding that seminar in my backyard basically, 14:37 like five minutes from my house. 14:39 And I was like so excited about it, 14:41 I wanted to like learn more about counseling 14:43 and how to do that as a ministry. 14:45 And so I was set to go to it and at the last minute, 14:48 something came up with the students 14:49 I was working with, and I had to be with them. 14:52 And I couldn't go. 14:53 And I just sort of really discouraged, you know, like, 14:55 "Man, this is like a great opportunity, 14:57 and why didn't God let this happen?" 14:59 And, you know, sometimes 15:01 it's those prayers that God says 15:03 no to that end up being the greatest blessings. 15:05 Amen. Yeah. 15:06 Because the year later, she's like, 15:08 "Oh, I'm doing the seminar again." 15:09 I was like, "Great." 15:10 She's like, "This time it's in New Hampshire, six hours away." 15:12 I was like, "Oh, a little more inconvenient, that's not as..." 15:17 Further away from home. It's not your backyard. 15:18 Yeah. No. 15:20 But I felt like a really strong calling to go to it 15:23 and to be a part of it. 15:24 So I was planning to go, 15:26 and then so it was a Friday and Saturday seminar. 15:30 Thursday night, I was going into a board meeting 15:32 right before that, and my car battery died. 15:34 Oh, no. 15:35 And I was thinking, "You know, 15:36 it's a late church board meeting, 15:38 you know, how those go, 15:39 they can be really long sometimes. 15:40 And by the time it's over, 15:42 everything's going to be closed. 15:43 I won't get a battery till the next morning. 15:45 I'm going to miss half the seminar." 15:46 In my mind, I said, "I'm not even going to go, I'm done." 15:49 And right as I'm walking into that board meeting, 15:52 my friend, Mario Bravo comes out. 15:53 And I just mentioned to him what's going on. 15:55 He's like, "I'm going to go to the store right now, 15:57 buy you a battery, and get it to you." 15:59 And so by the time, I was out of the meeting, 16:01 I already had a battery left in my car. 16:03 And God provided in ways that I didn't even know 16:06 how great that was going to be. 16:07 Amen. And so I left the next morning. 16:10 Yeah, the six-hour drive. 16:11 Yeah, did the six-hour drive, made it up there. 16:14 I was just really enjoying the material 16:17 and felt like I was growing. 16:19 And I went down for a dinner that evening, and suddenly, 16:21 there is this beautiful woman who is standing there. 16:24 And then I'm like, "Wow! This is really nice." 16:26 And so that's how I met her. 16:29 I think it's funny, 16:31 Jennifer Jill always jokes 16:32 that we both met in the line of duty. 16:35 And I think that that's really beautiful 16:38 and ties in with our point that when we are praying, 16:42 God works in ways we would have never even perceived. 16:46 Yes. 16:47 And prayer is not a magic button that we press, 16:51 but when we are in the presence of God rather, 16:53 we can't help but be changed. 16:55 There's always change in God's presence. 16:58 Amen. Yeah. 16:59 So what was your first impression? 17:01 And why were you at the seminar there, Natanya? 17:04 So I was actually helping host the seminar. 17:07 Okay. It was at my home church. 17:10 And my mother and I had invited Jennifer Jill, 17:13 and we were collaborating with the local church 17:16 and women's ministries to have her come out... 17:18 She'd done several seminars for us by that point, 17:21 and we've worked very closely together. 17:23 And so I was very excited, and I remember, 17:27 I was also working a lot that time of year. 17:31 And so I wasn't there for the beginning part of the training. 17:35 I came in the evening just to check in 17:37 and make sure everything was running smoothly. 17:39 And, yeah, I met Jason, and it's funny 17:42 because as wonderful church folk do, 17:47 several people said, 17:48 "You know, there's this really nice, 17:49 young gentleman here, you should meet." 17:53 And I never really thought anything of it. 17:55 I thought he was a great young man, 17:59 very well-rounded, you know, Christian gentleman. 18:03 And I thought he'd be a great friend. 18:05 And so I made sure that he was meeting 18:09 all the other young people and made sure 18:10 everybody was fed and taken care of, 18:12 and I kind of went on with whatever we were doing. 18:16 Yeah. Yeah. 18:17 We like to say that we think God was smiling really big 18:21 when we met because we had no idea. 18:24 I obviously thought she was a wonderful young lady. 18:28 But, you know, I was living in Philadelphia, 18:31 she was just about to go to school in Vermont, 18:34 and we had a lot of differences in our backgrounds 18:37 and perspectives. 18:38 And we just... 18:40 I don't know, we enjoyed the connection, 18:42 but we didn't see a future. 18:44 And so we parted ways after that weekend. 18:47 We exchanged contact, 18:48 but really, we just, you know, we texted once in a while. 18:52 So then a month later, you're working on this sermon. 18:54 This is a month after you met now. 18:56 And you're working on this sermon and saying, 18:58 "God, why aren't these prayers being answered?" 18:59 And He said, "I'm already working." 19:01 I know. That's amazing. 19:03 So when did He drop in your heart 19:04 that she's the one that you need to pursue? 19:07 Yeah. So I guess in January, beginning of January. 19:12 You know, we were starting to text a little bit more, 19:14 and I called her a couple of times. 19:16 And so we started talking, 19:18 but it was really this prayer book 19:20 that we came across that really sparked. 19:24 And God is so funny the way He works, 19:26 as I mentioned, prayer, 19:27 I had a mother that was praying, 19:29 I had friends and family that were praying. 19:32 I was given a book three years prior. 19:36 It was entitled Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson. 19:39 And I've done lots of facilitation and workshops. 19:43 And, at that point, I think 19:45 I was doing a prayer conference for the... 19:50 At the Northeastern Women's Conference. 19:52 Okay. 19:54 And I did a talk on prayer for the weekend, 19:56 and several women came, 19:58 and there was a one woman in particular who said, 19:59 "You know, I feel really impressed 20:01 to give you this book." 20:03 It's really changed my life. 20:05 It's a prayer challenge you should do with someone. 20:07 I was very grateful, and I took it to heart, 20:10 but as you know, life can get very busy. 20:13 Oh, yeah, that's for sure. 20:14 And so I got home, 20:15 and it ended up on the coffee table, 20:17 and then I moved, and it ended up in a box and another box. 20:20 And here we are, three years later, 20:23 I see it on the floor of a friend's bedroom, 20:26 not my book, but she had the same book. 20:27 I said, "Oh, you know, I have the same book. 20:30 We should do it together." 20:31 And I thought it was a sign. Yeah. 20:33 This is what's supposed to happen with this book. 20:35 God saved it for this time. 20:37 And for several months, 20:39 we just couldn't meet, you know. 20:42 She was doing something, I was doing something. 20:44 And even over the phone, like, 20:46 it just didn't workout until finally, she said, 20:48 "You know what, I don't think 20:49 I'll be able to do the book with you." 20:51 And I remember I was frustrated, 20:52 and I said Lord... 20:54 I know it might seem small, 20:55 but when you feel an impression on your heart... 20:57 I said, "Who would You like me to do this book with?" 21:01 And clear as day, I remember I was in my car, 21:04 and God said, "Do with Jason." 21:06 And my response was... Oh, wow. 21:09 Of course, we lecture God sometimes, 21:12 "Father, that would be irresponsible 21:14 because I have already friend-zoned him. 21:15 I'm not interested in a relationship." 21:18 Yeah. 21:20 It wouldn't be responsible to go into 21:22 such an involved exercise. 21:24 And that was the end. 21:26 That evening, Jason called me. 21:28 And this was maybe the second or third time, 21:30 third time, he never called me. 21:32 And he said, "You know, I have a few questions about prayer. 21:35 I know you do a lot of work around prayer." 21:38 And this was the first time we talked about prayer, 21:39 and I said, "You know what, this is a sign, a sign." 21:43 I said, "You know what, Jason, there's this incredible book. 21:46 I think you should get it and do it by yourself." 21:49 Did you tell him that? I did. 21:52 He's feeling a little off-point. 21:54 I was still digging my heels and... 21:55 Yes, I know I'm not. 21:57 You know, God is so good. 21:59 He just kept working with me. 22:01 And I felt a little guilty. And I called him. 22:05 I called him the next day, I said, "You know what, 22:07 I have the book that I told you about. 22:10 If you'd like to do it together, 22:12 I would like to do it with you." 22:15 And as she was saying this, 22:16 I'm on my phone getting it on Amazon Prime, 22:18 two-day shipping. 22:20 Yes, for getting the book. Yeah. 22:22 And it was funny because, you know, 22:25 I thought the book sounded a little gimmicky, 22:26 you know, like 40 days of prayer 22:28 that will change your life like instantly. 22:30 You know, I was like, 22:31 "I think it's a little more complicated than that." 22:33 But I really wanted to talk to her, 22:35 and she really wanted to do the book, 22:36 and so God used, you know, 22:37 those motivations to bring us together into that space. 22:42 I also want to just put out there, 22:45 I don't think that there was anything incredible 22:48 about the book itself. 22:50 In the same way, I said, like, 22:51 prayer is not a magic button that we press. 22:54 But this was a tool that we were able to utilize 22:57 to come much closer together and to God. 23:01 Yeah. 23:02 So we started doing the book, and we were planning... 23:05 We were thinking, you know, maybe 23:06 10, 15 minutes each morning. 23:08 And within the first week 23:10 that had turned into an hour or two hours 23:13 of praying together and discussing things. 23:15 Over the phone? Yeah, over the phone. 23:17 So you'd read the book together, 23:18 and then pray together over 23:19 whatever the questions were and then... 23:21 Yeah, and it was two, three pages. 23:23 Okay. Not a huge commitment. 23:25 But God was really working on our hearts. 23:28 And we were having to rearrange our schedules 23:30 'cause we were praying together, 23:32 we were also praying, you know, privately, 23:35 we're having our own private time 23:37 that really informed this practice 23:39 that we were growing into. 23:42 So when, in your heart, did you start realizing, like, 23:44 "Oh, wow, this lady is really special"? 23:46 Or this young man is... 23:48 It's funny you asked that question. 23:49 Or maybe Natanya knew first. Yeah, that's right. 23:51 I like to hear you. I mean, I don't know. 23:52 Yeah. What happened next? 23:54 So God moved us in tandem. 23:56 I think Jason had a hint before I did. 23:59 I'll bet. All right. 24:00 So day five... Of the prayer book... 24:03 Day five of the prayer book. So not even a week? 24:05 Not even a week. 24:07 You would wanted to pray about our relationship, right? 24:10 There still has different themes on each day, 24:12 and I was talking about praying boldly 24:14 and not that you force God's hand or anything, 24:16 but being really honest and open with God 24:19 about the desires of your heart. 24:21 And so at the end of each time, we would talk about, you know, 24:24 what do you want to pray about today in regards to this. 24:27 And I was thinking in my mind, 24:29 I want to pray that this relationship, 24:31 you know, develops into something. 24:32 And I was like, "But, I'm not going to say that 24:34 'cause like five days in, that's too soon." 24:37 So I was kind of like stalling and trying to think, 24:41 and she was just like, 24:42 "Just pray it out loud when you're ready." 24:45 I was like, "Okay." 24:46 So, like, we started praying, 24:48 and I'm trying to like figure out 24:49 what am I actually going to pray about. 24:51 Because, you know, it's the one to be genuine, 24:53 and this happened so many times in our experience 24:56 that the Spirit would just give us 24:58 words to say and pray through us. 25:01 And so... Though you hadn't intended. 25:02 Yeah, definitely, not intended 25:03 'cause I was figuring out a way not to pray about it, 25:05 and then I find myself praying out loud that, 25:09 you know, that I really value this relationship, 25:11 this developing that I want to see it grow. 25:13 Yeah. 25:15 And so then I pray that, I'm just like, "Ah, okay." 25:17 So you prayed it out loud, 25:18 she heard it on the other end of the line... 25:20 And what did you think when you heard that? 25:21 Well, it was funny, as I prayed before him 25:23 'cause I had gotten a little impatient. 25:25 And my intention was to pray for, you know, 25:29 run-of-the-mill things, I had my list, 25:31 we all have our grocery list. 25:33 And as I started praying, 25:34 exactly what he expressed happened 25:36 where I hear myself claiming him boldly as mine. 25:43 I know. Jason? 25:44 Jason. I claimed... 25:45 Claiming Jason as yours in your prayer? 25:47 Yes, and I was mortified. 25:50 You know, after he prayed, and he prayed, you know, 25:52 about us in a very thorough and more reasonable prayer. 25:57 But I got off the phone, I was so embarrassed. 25:59 I couldn't even talk to him for the rest of the day. 26:02 I was like, I didn't text him, I didn't call him. 26:04 I was just like, "Lord, what did I say." 26:07 But, you know, it was the Holy Spirit at the same time, 26:10 like, I was a little embarrassed, 26:11 but I was at peace. 26:12 I knew that God was working out something greater than us. 26:16 And that's really I think where perspective comes in. 26:19 He was transforming our perspective 26:23 by the power of His Holy Spirit. 26:25 And we were perfectly okay with it. 26:27 Yeah, so you're asking when we knew. 26:30 It was... Yes. 26:31 We literally fell in love in prayer. 26:33 That's powerful. 26:34 Like during that prayer is when those walls that we had, 26:36 broke down. 26:38 And we could see what God saw 26:39 'cause we had our whole list of reasons 26:41 why this wasn't going to work, 26:43 why we weren't the right match for each other. 26:46 Just like a few days... 26:47 The beginning of the week, 26:49 I was telling my best friend like, 26:51 "Yeah, she is nice, 26:52 but nothing is going to happen." 26:53 And then, like, a week later, I'm like, 26:55 "I think I'm going to marry her." 26:57 Did you really say that? Wow! 26:59 Isn't that something? 27:00 And so there is 27:02 this transformation of perspective 27:04 in our minds where we saw. 27:06 And as we kept going, you know, 27:08 every day was a further revelation 27:11 of what God was wanting and what He saw in us. 27:14 And so, we more and more, we saw as He saw, 27:17 and we were just excited 'cause like, 27:18 "Wow, we really are perfect for each other." 27:21 So as you prayed together, God changed your perspective. 27:25 Your perspective in how you looked at each other 27:27 and whether you wanted a future relationship 27:30 or even to get married and all of that, 27:32 and God changed your five-year plan. 27:33 Yes. 27:34 He said, "It can be a little shorter, My son." 27:36 Yeah. Yes. 27:37 I very distinctly remember, you know, as she lectured God, 27:40 so did I, I was like, "But what about the plan? 27:43 What about this methodical, thought-out plan?" 27:46 And He was like, "I'm going with Natanya, 27:49 this is the direction we're going, 27:51 do you want to come with us?" 27:52 I was, like, "Yes." 27:53 I'd gave up my plan 'cause, you know, 27:55 sometimes the expected is not what God wants, 28:02 He wants the unexpected 28:03 to surprise us with joy and to do, as the verse said, 28:06 immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. 28:08 Exceeding abundantly. That's right. 28:10 Above anything we could ask or think. 28:12 You know, it's so amazing 28:13 because the 40 days ended on his birthday. 28:15 We didn't planned it that way. 28:17 And I had planned to visit him four days after? 28:19 Yeah. She had visited a couple times. 28:21 Yeah. During this 40 days? 28:23 Yeah. Okay. 28:24 But I show up, and he proposes. 28:26 Oh, wow. Yeah. 28:28 Four days after the 40-day prayer challenge. 28:29 Yeah. And the rest is history. 28:33 We got married a few months later. 28:35 Wow. And we haven't looked back. 28:38 God has been so good. 28:39 I can truly say exceedingly, abundantly, 28:42 above anything we could have asked 28:43 or thought or even imagined. 28:46 Amen. Yeah. 28:47 Well, that's perspective. 28:49 Let's move into perseverance. Yeah. 28:51 Talk to us about that and the prayers of other people 28:54 along the journey. 28:56 So we had tons of family, friends, church members 28:59 who have been praying for us for years 29:02 and about many things 29:03 but, you know, they want to do their matchmaking 29:06 and see us happily married which is fine. 29:08 We wanted that too. Oh, yeah. 29:10 Yeah. 29:11 So for me, 29:13 it was especially 29:14 my mom had done a lot of praying for me. 29:17 You know, ever since I was born, 29:18 she was praying for me and for my wife. 29:20 So she was praying for Natanya long before 29:23 she ever knew she existed. 29:24 Yeah, that's beautiful. Yeah. 29:25 And so for us, there was a rapid process, 29:29 like, when it actually started unfolding, 29:31 but it was the culmination of years 29:33 of many people praying 29:35 and just trusting that God would do something. 29:38 And my mom has a friend at her school, 29:40 her name is Schwanda, 29:42 and they were praying together for me 29:44 for like 10 years to find a wife. 29:47 And I never even met Schwanda until after the wedding 29:50 because she was just so dedicated 29:51 to praying for another person 29:53 that her friend cared about that she's prayed for me, 29:56 like, every day for 10 years. 29:58 Ten years. It's incredible. 29:59 And it's just learning to trust 30:01 that God's ways 30:03 are what we can trust and His timing. 30:06 You know, we might wanted a certain time or place, 30:08 but He knows the right moment 30:10 when things can be revealed and unfolded. 30:13 And so it's really powerful 30:15 to have people love you and pray for you that way. 30:17 And this taught us to, you know, we see the results, 30:20 the fruit of that prayer. 30:22 And so now when we're praying things 30:23 that we don't see the outcome right away, 30:26 we can know, we can keep persevering 30:28 and keep trusting in God's way. 30:29 Amen. Amen. 30:30 And you mentioned your mother too 30:32 earlier that she was praying for you. 30:33 Yeah, prior we spoke about praying boldly, right? 30:37 And sometimes God likes 30:39 when we pray those bold prayers 30:40 even when we get a little crazy. 30:43 Everybody who knows my mom knows 30:44 that she is more reserved. 30:46 She is more of a behind-the-scenes person. 30:48 You won't see her upfront. 30:49 I'm on the platform at church, 30:51 and she always makes it happen behind the scenes. 30:54 And she felt compelled, one evening, 30:58 I was out with her and one of my friends, 31:01 to make a proclamation, a declaration on my behalf. 31:05 And so we're at a restaurant, 31:08 and my mom decided 31:10 that it was necessary to get up on the table 31:12 and make an announcement. 31:14 Really? So she sat up on the table. 31:16 Right, you're Pastor's wife, right? 31:18 Who is rather reserved, you said, behind the scenes... 31:19 Very reserved. 31:21 And she gets up on the table and says, 31:22 "Excuse me, everyone, 31:24 I have an announcement to make." 31:25 This is to the entire restaurant? 31:27 To the entire restaurant. And so you are there. 31:29 And I'm there. And you're like, "Mom!" 31:30 You probably wanted to dive and go underneath the table. 31:32 I mean, I was so amused. 31:34 I said, "I don't know what's going on." 31:37 "This year, my daughter is getting married." 31:42 Everyone started congratulating me 31:46 and, you know, offering their best wishes, 31:49 and I'm just laughing, this is hilarious. 31:52 But afterwards, I said, "You know, Mommy, 31:53 you can't just say stuff like that. 31:56 You know, I'm not even dating 31:57 or interested in dating anyone." 31:59 She looked at me and she said, 32:00 "No, that was not like a fib or joke, 32:05 that was prophecy." 32:06 And I looked at her, and I said, 32:08 "Yes, yes, of course, sure." 32:10 But, literally, two days to a year later, 32:14 I had to invite my friends 32:16 to the same restaurant to celebrate 32:20 because Jason had just proposed. 32:21 Wow. 32:23 Incredible. Yes. 32:24 You know, again, I want to stress, 32:25 you know, prayer is not a magic button. 32:28 There is no formula or thing that we can say or do, 32:33 but God is pleased 32:35 when we come before His throne boldly. 32:37 And I think that He honored my mother's wish that day 32:40 for she too had been praying for a very long time, yeah. 32:45 For the young man that you would marry? 32:46 That was wonderful prayers, I'm sure. 32:48 Yes, definitely, 32:49 she was praying that God 32:50 would have someone very special for me. 32:53 So I can just imagine then the joy 32:55 that they must have then as they have prayed, 32:57 you know, many, many years. 32:58 And then to see what God has done. 33:00 Yes. Praise the Lord. 33:01 To this day, my father is in disbelief. 33:03 He's a pastor. 33:05 And I remember when I first told him, 33:09 "I'm in love with Jason. 33:10 I think I'm going to marry him." 33:12 He was on his way out of the car, 33:14 putting on his suit jacket to go up on the platform, 33:18 he paused, I was on speaker phone, he said, 33:21 "Can we talk about this another time?" 33:24 Because he was still using as an example in his sermons, 33:28 like the point that I had told him 33:30 that marriage is just a question 33:31 of picking your poison. 33:33 I was convinced that, 33:35 you know, life has its responsibilities 33:39 and, you know, that's it, that's it, it's difficult, 33:43 and it can work, 33:44 and it'll be better for some and worst for others. 33:46 But that's what it had come to for me and... 33:50 So you weren't even... That's amazing. 33:52 I had not grasped that before. Me neither. 33:53 I was thinking, you just thought, 33:55 "Okay, you know, serve God single, 33:56 I'll be in ministry." 33:58 But you were actually anti-marriage. 34:00 I mean, I wouldn't say anti-marriage, 34:02 but I wasn't interested in it for me. 34:03 Wow. Okay. 34:05 Incredible. Yeah. 34:06 So it's really a miracle, 34:08 which is why my dad in disbelief 34:09 'cause that really made him very sad, you know. 34:12 I mean, he and my mom had been married very happily 34:14 for over 30 years. 34:15 And he wanted what was best for me. 34:18 And so that really troubled his spirit. 34:21 And so even till now, he says, 34:23 "You know, I never imagined 34:24 there would be anyone so perfect 34:27 and well-suited for you 34:28 'cause you are kind of unique." 34:31 But that's neat though, you know, 34:32 'cause God brings us all together, 34:33 and then He's put your marriage together 34:35 as a ministry. 34:36 And that's what you are doing. 34:38 I want to just go back to the perseverance 34:39 'cause one thing that stuck out to me was like 34:41 when your battery was dead, you know, you're like, 34:43 "Okay, this could be sign from God. 34:44 I'm not going to go to this." 34:46 You know, it's just interesting 34:47 how God worked all this things out. 34:48 He brought that friend there, he said, 34:50 "Hey, I'll go to town and get the battery for you." 34:51 I think many times, you know, in all of our experiences, 34:54 perseverance is the key 34:55 because God wants us to press into His presence 34:58 to come boldly before Him, ask things. 35:00 You said be crazy, so to speak, but just ask things, 35:03 "God this is what I'm wanting 35:05 or this is what I think is best." 35:06 But at the same time, 35:08 it comes down to surrender, doesn't it? 35:09 Because many times, I pray these prayers to God, 35:11 and then I want them answered in certain way. 35:12 So I'm almost telling God, 35:14 "Okay, I want You to answer 35:15 this way, this way, this way, this way." 35:17 I'm going to like, you said you're going to be married 35:18 in what, five years or you had a five-year plan, 35:19 "I really don't think marriage is best for me," 35:21 but then, okay, 35:23 things are happening and you're like, 35:24 "Wow, God, okay." 35:25 And you're going with those leading, 35:27 and I think that's powerful. 35:28 But I like the perseverance part 35:30 though going back to that. 35:31 Definitely. 35:32 It definitely would have been very easy for either of us 35:34 to short circuit that process in the beginning 35:36 if we had insisted 35:38 on our own vision, on our own plan. 35:39 Yes. Yes. 35:40 But, yeah, trusting that perseverance of God's ways. 35:43 And being surrendered to God. 35:44 Amen. It's great. 35:45 So then, you guys, then got married, 35:48 somehow you decided to form a ministry then together too. 35:51 Do you want to hit it upon that right now? 35:52 Yeah, and that goes very well into our next step, 35:55 which is partnering with God, right? 35:56 Yes. 35:57 So perspective... 36:00 Perseverance. Perseverance. 36:01 Yup, and then partnering. And partnering. 36:03 Yeah. Yeah. 36:05 And, you know, they all work together, right? 36:06 They do. 36:08 'Cause God through the power of His Holy Spirit 36:10 is able to change the way we see the world. 36:12 We're able to see through His eyes 36:15 and that gives us the trust, right? 36:17 That enables us to persevere through the obstacles, 36:20 that affords us 36:22 the great gift of partnering with God. 36:24 Yes, I know. Wow. 36:26 What a privilege. Yeah. 36:27 You know, ministry has been 36:29 such an integral part of both of our lives. 36:32 And so it was very natural 36:35 for us coming together to minister together. 36:37 Yes. 36:39 I knew if I ever was with someone, 36:40 it would be for ministry and it would be in ministry. 36:42 And he was praying for exactly the same thing. 36:45 Well, were you really? Yes. 36:46 So 'cause you're a pastor 36:48 and so you're thinking 36:49 someone to come beside you in the church 36:52 and minister there in the church. 36:54 Yeah, yeah, definitely, and to be more than 36:56 just, you know, like a cultural Adventist, 36:59 but wanted 24x7... 37:01 Be involved. 37:02 Yeah, like, after we started praying for a while together, 37:06 you know, there was a conversation 37:07 we had where we wanted to bring prayer 37:09 into every conversation that we had, 37:11 to pray about every decision we were making, 37:13 to pray about everything 37:15 and just to invite God's presence. 37:16 And that, for me, was, like, a really big sign, 37:20 like this is what I've always been wanting 37:23 and haven't really been able to find someone 37:24 who is committed to prayer, not just as an act 37:27 but as a way of being and doing like a whole... 37:30 A life discipline. Life discipline, yeah. 37:31 Yes. Yeah, well said. 37:33 Yes. 37:34 So how soon after you got married, 37:35 did you begin the love tour? 37:38 The love tour actually began before we got married. 37:40 Before? Okay. 37:41 Our first love tour was in New Hampshire. 37:43 And it was several months after we had been engaged. 37:46 And we got married in my hometown, 37:49 it's New Hampshire. 37:50 And so two and half hours away, 37:52 but I wanted to involve 37:54 and engage all my church family. 37:57 If you can imagine, through the years, 38:00 my father is a pastor, 38:01 and we've known and loved so many people, 38:05 far too many people to invite to a wedding. 38:07 Yeah. 38:09 And so we had our first love tour 38:10 prior to the wedding in New Hampshire, 38:13 and that was really the kickoff. 38:15 Yeah. So what is love tour? 38:16 We talked about it at the very beginning, 38:18 but if someone has joined us part way through, 38:19 what is a love tour? 38:21 I know you talk about, there's like music tours 38:22 that people do, 38:24 so would this be similar or what's involved? 38:26 So we started off with the idea, 38:28 we wanted to go to different cities 38:30 where we had a large group of people 38:31 that we knew. 38:32 Especially 'cause we got married so fast, 38:34 a lot of our friends 38:35 didn't get a chance to meet the others. 38:37 And so we go to a city, 38:39 usually at a church or something, 38:41 invite a bunch of our friends, 38:43 and they usually invite a bunch of other people, 38:44 and we share our story. 38:46 And we share how God brought us together. 38:48 And a lot of times, we also involve, 38:51 you know, inductive Bible study or prayer workshops 38:55 or, you know, invite people into deeper prayer experiences. 38:58 It really gives a great space for people to interact 39:00 with each other and to connect with God. 39:03 And always food. Yes. 39:05 We love to have a reception. 39:07 It's an engaging experience. 39:08 Yes. Yes. 39:10 But don't you think people connect over that? 39:11 Like fellowship. 39:13 People connect over food, 39:14 and people connect over prayer as well. 39:15 That's true. 39:17 If you're inviting them into that prayer time 39:19 and that prayer space, that would connect as well. 39:20 Definitely. 39:22 And what we always tell them is this is more than 39:23 just our love story. 39:24 This is a story about the power of prayer 39:26 and how that can really transform your experience 39:29 when you put yourself in God's presence like that. 39:32 Yes. Yeah. 39:33 And so that's what we've been doing 39:34 with our love tours. 39:36 We've gone all up and down the East Coast. 39:38 And we just did one in Indiana on our way over here. 39:41 And last weekend, we did one in Paris, France. 39:45 That was really fun to do with... 39:48 Her dad and mom are over there doing ministry 39:51 with Upward Movement Ministry. 39:53 And so we're working with them a lot to help coordinate things 39:57 and make things work for us. 39:58 It's been really a blessing partnering with their work. 40:02 And allowing God to let it grow as He sees fit 40:08 and using the love tour to share His message. 40:12 So who would be invited to a love tour? 40:14 Is it only newly married or those that are thinking 40:16 about getting married? 40:17 Absolutely, anybody, everybody, young and old, friends, family. 40:22 Those that are just been married, 40:24 those who have been married 30 years, 50 years... 40:25 Those who have never been married. 40:27 Never been married, yes. Yeah. 40:29 So is it a whole weekend? 40:30 No, but I think that's a great idea. 40:32 Okay. 40:34 You could do like a retreat at a church or something. 40:35 Totally. Totally. 40:37 We've done seminars and workshops, 40:38 but the love tours have usually been similar 40:41 to like a reception. 40:43 We'll do it either in an evening 40:45 or sometimes the Sabbath morning. 40:47 And it's usually just like a several hours, yeah. 40:51 Amen. 40:52 So you'll share your testimony? 40:54 You said that you'll share your testimony 40:55 and then there will be some food, that's involved. 40:57 Some type of prayer. Some time for prayer. 40:59 But I think that's really great 41:00 because prayer is definitely an important aspect 41:02 and should be in all of our lives. 41:04 And I think this is just an incredible thing, 41:06 they're not only talking about 41:07 what God has done in their lives, 41:08 bringing them together, 41:10 then being involved in ministry, 41:11 but it's also a call to prayer. 41:12 Amen. 41:14 And the power of prayer, 41:15 and I think about their mothers are praying for them, 41:17 other people, as one lady that was a friend of your moms, 41:20 didn't even know you, never met, 41:21 but yet was praying for you. 41:23 And I think... Do you know that's powerful? 41:24 I think you at home, we can all be involved 41:27 because there are people right now 41:28 that are viewing maybe this program, 41:30 you have just flipped the channel, 41:31 come across 3ABN and saying, "What is this? 41:34 What God, prayer?" 41:36 Do you know, I think if you just bow your head... 41:38 And maybe we should actually have a prayer here 41:40 during this program. 41:41 I'd love that. 41:42 But just pray for the people that are searching 41:44 because God has people everywhere, 41:46 and we don't know because we've met many of you, 41:48 and we see you here in this glass and this lens, 41:51 but some of you, we've never met. 41:53 But God has a calling on each one of our lives, 41:54 and I think, well, that's just a powerful thing. 41:57 So, yeah, we should have some prayer here for sure. 41:59 And talking about that, should we pray now? 42:00 Absolutely, let's do that. 42:02 Pastor, would you like to lead us in prayer and then, 42:03 Natanya, if you would too? 42:05 Sounds good. Great. All right. 42:07 Father, we're so grateful for an opportunity 42:09 to give glory to Your name 42:11 and to just share the story of how much You love us. 42:15 And how dedicated You are 42:16 to bringing about good in our lives 42:19 that we can't even see or imagine sometimes. 42:22 And I just ask that for everyone listening 42:24 that they may have their hearts open 42:27 to a deeper sense of trust 42:29 and surrender in You 42:30 to really find that we can have peace 42:35 and just that assurance and confidence in Your presence 42:39 that You are working all things together 42:41 for the good of those who love You, 42:43 and are called according to Your purpose. 42:45 We thank You for this, in Jesus' name, amen. 42:47 Amen. 42:48 Father, we're so grateful to be here in this space 42:52 before Your throne. 42:54 We pray that You might speak to our hearts, 42:58 that You might afford us exceedingly, abundantly, 43:02 above anything we could ask or think, 43:05 that You might afford us to see as You see and to trust, Lord, 43:11 that You might walk us into paths overwhelming, Lord, 43:16 that we might go out 43:18 which ever avenue we're called with joy, 43:21 and that we might know the abundance of Your love. 43:24 Thank You. This is our prayer. 43:26 Amen. Amen. 43:27 Amen. Wow. Beautiful. 43:29 Just want to encourage you at home 43:31 that if you have never made Jesus Christ 43:33 the Lord of your life, today is the day of salvation. 43:37 Accept Him into your heart, 43:39 spend that time in His Word and in prayer. 43:43 And if you have made Jesus, the Lord of your life, 43:47 spend time interceding with your brothers and sisters, 43:50 time interceding for the needs of other people as well. 43:54 What an incredible testimony here today 43:57 to hear how prayer worked 43:59 in such a powerful way in your lives 44:02 and how you really fell in love with each other 44:04 as you were praying? 44:05 That's just incredible. 44:07 We want to move it toward the end of the program here 44:09 to testimony and your Revelation 12 says, 44:11 "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb 44:13 and the word of their testimony." 44:16 So talk to us about testimony 44:18 and about some of the testimonies 44:20 that you have heard from people 44:22 whose lives have been changed as a result of this. 44:25 So we were so blessed by this 40-day experience 44:30 that we decided to make the book our wedding favor. 44:35 And so everyone who came... Oh, well. 44:37 And that was a miracle in and of itself, 44:38 we contacted the publishing house directly. 44:40 That could be quite expensive. Yeah. 44:41 'Cause that's a lot of books. 44:43 And it was really a miracle 44:44 that they just so happened to have overstock at the office 44:48 'cause publishing wasn't really as flexible. 44:51 And she said, "I have a ton of copies 44:53 if you want, we can give you a really good deal." 44:56 And God works in mysterious ways. 44:59 And so we were able to share this book, 45:01 and I have so many friends and family. 45:05 I have several cousins in my mind particular 45:07 who read this book and told me 45:09 how, like, God has influenced their prayer life 45:14 in a way that they've been able to grow in exceptional ways. 45:17 I know that you had mentioned a few testimonies 45:19 that you might want to share as well. 45:23 Yeah. 45:24 So one of the great things is that 45:25 we do see a lot of feedback, 45:27 and we can see the fruit of our testimony. 45:29 Yes. 45:30 But sometimes you don't always see that fruit right away. 45:33 That's true. 45:34 So we were just traveling recently in Morocco 45:36 on our second honeymoon. 45:38 And first night there, walking back home, 45:40 I have my phone looking for directions, 45:42 two guys on a motorbike come by swipe it right out of my hand. 45:45 Oh, wow. Your phone? 45:46 Yup, they stole my phone right on... 45:48 Yeah, his cell phone. 45:49 And so we were running after them, 45:50 we realized that we're not that fast, 45:52 we can't catch them. 45:53 But Natanya immediately says, "We need to pray about this." 45:56 And so we pray. 45:58 And, you know, we eventually meet these guys, 46:01 and they help us make a police report. 46:02 And we want to, you know, 46:04 how at the end of the story where my phone came back. 46:06 But that's not the end of our story yet. 46:09 We don't know what will happen with it, 46:11 but what we do know is that one of the prayer practices 46:14 we're committed to is praying for our enemies 46:17 and praying for those people 46:18 who may be causing these problems in our life. 46:21 Excellent point actually. 46:22 We don't think about that very often. 46:24 Yes, I like that. 46:25 And one of the things that has inspired us 46:27 is this idea of praying for our enemies 46:29 those things that we desire for ourselves. 46:31 Amen. 46:32 So if someone is causing us a lot of strife and conflict, 46:35 we pray for peace in their life. 46:37 And so I don't know these two guys, 46:40 these two thieves that took the phone, 46:42 but I'm sure they have not been prayed for 46:44 as much as they have in the last two weeks. 46:47 And just praying for them, 46:48 whatever is stolen or lost in their life 46:50 that it may be return to them. 46:52 And maybe I'll never get my phone back, 46:54 but I know that we're praying for them, 46:56 and there will be fruit in their life 46:57 whether we see it in this lifetime or in eternity. 46:59 Amen. Wow, that's powerful. 47:01 I was really committed to that. 47:02 It was really powerful hearing him pray this prayer 47:05 sincerely over their lives. 47:07 And to continue doing that, 47:10 it affirms me to know that this is our practice now, 47:16 this is the way we live our lives, 47:17 and it's changed our perspective. 47:19 And it's afforded us our perseverance. 47:22 Yes. Yeah. 47:23 You know, I believe that prayer 47:25 is an important facet for the family. 47:27 So, I mean, you know, 47:29 Jill and I don't have any children, 47:30 you-all don't have any children, 47:32 but, you know, we're family, 47:33 you know, she and I are a family, 47:34 you all are a family. 47:36 And so Satan has a direct attack, 47:37 I believe, on family. 47:38 So why do you feel that prayer is important for the family 47:41 'cause, you know, you are a husband and wife, 47:42 why is prayer important? 47:44 And why would you encourage someone else at home, 47:46 whether they're married, single, whatever, 47:48 why would be prayer important for the family specifically? 47:53 I think, for me, prayer brings us 47:55 into the space of unity with God and with each other. 47:59 And it makes that really the top priority 48:02 that we're committed to being together. 48:04 That's good. 48:05 Say that one more time, so you said it's a unity... 48:07 Yeah, prayer brings us into a place 48:09 where we can experience unity with each other and with God. 48:13 Yeah. 48:14 And we found, especially with us 48:16 coming from very different backgrounds, 48:19 racially, socially, culturally, 48:22 even just our perspectives on marriage, 48:24 you know, as we told, we're very different. 48:27 And having prayer brings us into a place 48:30 where we can be committed 48:32 to being unified with each other 48:35 has really transformed the way 48:36 that we experience our relationship. 48:38 And we really want in our ministry 48:41 to pass that onto other couples 48:43 and to small groups, to church bodies. 48:45 There's so much disunity in our world, 48:49 in our church now. 48:50 And we really find that prayer is that key, 48:53 which brings people together and unity in this diversity. 48:57 And that's really powerful. 48:59 We know the Spirit can do that in our lives, 49:00 I think he's doing it, 49:02 and it can do it in another people's lives too. 49:03 Yes. Well said. 49:05 Yeah. For sure. 49:06 What would you say to someone who is saying, 49:08 "I'm trying to pray, 49:09 but my prayers are hit in the ceiling, 49:11 and I don't feel like 49:12 I'm experiencing a breakthrough, 49:15 I'm not getting anywhere with that." 49:17 What advice would you have for them? 49:19 I would invite them to narrow their focus 49:25 and simply seek God and His presence, 49:29 feel His presence and embrace that for what it is. 49:33 Yeah. Yeah. Amen. 49:34 That's powerful. It is. 49:35 Because many times we pray for things, 49:38 but in this case, you're saying, 49:39 it's a person, seek Jesus and His presence. 49:44 And then all these things would be added unto you. 49:46 And I think it goes back to 49:48 'cause again, I like all these things, 49:49 and I don't know if I have missed one, 49:51 but you have perception, perseverance... 49:52 And, again, going back to the perseverance, 49:53 like, it feels like our prayer's 49:55 bouncing off the ceiling, 49:56 you know, or whatever but to keep pressing 49:57 and saying, "God, I'm going to bring it before You again." 49:59 "I am here again." 50:00 And the partnering part is fantastic. 50:03 You have here, which I think is kind of neat... 50:04 We're almost out of time. 50:06 But your ministry is in Burlington, Vermont, 50:09 but you have a home as an Oasis. 50:11 And I think that's beautiful 50:13 'cause I know being in ministry, traveling, 50:15 it gets so busy. 50:17 But it's good to have that home, 50:19 this is our oasis place, and that's important, 50:21 see to our guys don't get burned out. 50:23 And not just for us but also for ministry. 50:25 We've opened our home as an oasis for others. 50:28 Oh, okay. Oh, that... 50:30 Okay. Oh, that's neat. 50:32 Yeah, it's a place that we find restoration. 50:34 And just the spirit that we create there, 50:36 allows other people to come and they notice it. 50:38 You know, a lot of her friends have come over 50:40 and said, "This place feels different, 50:41 like, we feel peace here." 50:43 Amen. And what a testimony. 50:45 Yeah. 50:46 That's powerful. Amen. 50:48 You know, isn't it neat to see 50:50 what God does in each one of our lives? 50:52 And the testimony we've heard today from the Vanderlaans 50:55 is what He wants to do in your life. 50:57 That we're all not led 50:59 in the same way in the same journey, 51:01 but we all can spend time in prayer. 51:03 We all can experience restored relationships. 51:07 We all can experience that healing, 51:09 that transformation. 51:10 And God can bring people into our lives 51:13 like He did with you both. 51:14 Thank you for sharing your testimony. 51:16 What we want to do right now, 51:18 we want to go to contact information 51:20 for the Vanderlaans. 51:22 This is their website, their email address, 51:24 their phone number 51:25 if you'd like to contact them for yourself. 51:28 If you have prayer needs, 51:29 if you would like them to come to your church 51:31 or your community as part of the love tour, 51:35 or if you would be interested... 51:36 Financially support them. Thank you. 51:37 I'm just going to add that in there 51:39 maybe in case you're feeling pressed to do that. 51:40 Support what God is doing 51:42 in this incredible prayer ministry. 51:44 Here is their contact information. 51:50 If you've been blessed 51:51 by Jason and Natanya's testimony 51:53 and would like to support them financially, 51:56 you can do so in a variety of ways. 51:58 You may visit their website, 52:00 UpwardMovementMinistries.com. 52:03 That's UpwardMovementMinistries.com. 52:06 Or you may contact them by telephone at (603) 264-8019. |
Revised 2018-05-09