Battlegrounds

You never know how rough war is until you experience war as a christian. We weren't forced to join this battle, we choose to join this battle. God laid a hand in each of our lives, and we decided to answer the call. "Many are called, but few are chosen."

Each one of us has some sort of story as to how we came to Christ. Some simple, with rough trials, others through bad times. We all have our story, and are practically form different lands, but we share the same goal...to see souls get saved and people to come to Jesus Christ.

For months we have spent our time preparing for this siege. Sharpening our swords through the word, hardening our armor through the test and trials of everyday life. Through every trial we have faced, our swords have strengthened and our armor shines brighter. No longer are we maggots in this army, but now we are soldiers serving under the one true God. Our companies name? None other than 180 degrees. Taking siege of Portland Oregon, turning this city upside down for God.

Our armor is battle scarred. Dents covering every inch of them. The helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the sandals of readiness, and the shield of faith. Each piece worn out and damaged, but every time we get on our knees and humble ourselves before the Lord, our armor is restored and we're ready for another wave of enemies from hell. Demons stand no chance against the Lord, for even they knew there was a God, and even they feared that one God.
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Pastor Marshall (0) is the company commander. He has a bite far worse than his bark. Height don't matter to him, he can take anything down, even a rhino if he felt like it. A true man of God. There is never an ounce of fear in his voice when he is witnessing to someone, or passing out tracks. In his heart he knows for a fact God is moving and his sword will pierce his adversaries armor. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

Ms Cherise (00)(Kiki)is the platoon leader. She is the pastor's wife and is sweet and kind to us. Almost like a mother, we call her momma Cherise at times. A godly woman who confronts the sins of others and reveals them. She plans out the events and makes sure we are ready and have the schedule prepared. She makes the tactics clear, and God points us in the direction to go. "To shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct and guide our feet in a straight line into the way of peace. Luke 1: 79"

Abby (1) a soldier rough around the edges. She is also a specialist who works in video production and encouragement. Upon battle she goes straight for the kill and doesn't bother with the details. But upon witnessing she takes her time and really explains to who she's talking to in order for them to have a better understanding. She going forth for the Lord full force, and is always willing to do God's will. When one of us is down, she'll always be one of the first ones there to try and cheer us up and just push us along. She has also been busy posting slide shows of our moments here in Oregon. "Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing."
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Robert (2) Platoon sergeant, directly under (00). Hes the team leader, charging into hordes of enemies with his platoon behind his back and God protecting him. One of the best leaders you'll see, naturally born, but he still humbles himself. His mouth isn't everyone's favorite thing, but when he when hes serving God, the gospel floods out his mouth and speaks to our hearts. He has a vision in serving God, and is determined to live his life for him. "Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]--blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he." Proverbs 29:18

Shanity (3)obviously not a medic, but of the infantry. Her specialty is photography. She's a tough cookie who doesn't show her soft side too often. When it comes to battle, she breaks through the ranks, not just by force, but by intimidation. A child of the Lord who is willing to do what she has to do to serve the Lord. "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]." Philippians 4: 13

Shelby (4)(Penny Proud) Shelby's fields are photography and treasurer, a corporal. Her smile is always ear to ear due to her never being able to stop laughing. She really makes the other soldiers feel encouraged and refreshed. Every time we had prayer she was one of the first to be down there, and didn't pass up any opportunity to pass out tracks or serve God. A great woman of faith who has a real heart of God. "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." Philippians 4: 6


GO (5) King Kong, Goliath but on the side of God. His job is the daily organizer, right by (2). Foes fear the sight of him, a mere glance can leave a man terrorized. On the field hes terrifying, on private, hes one of the funniest people you'll meet. He cracked so many jokes during PBC, and really brightened our day. He got the opportunity to preach during youth service, and really has a heart for God and wants to go somewhere for him. "The way of the Lord is strength and a stronghold to the upright, but it is destruction to the workers of iniquity." Proverbs 10: 29

David (6) (little baby fetus) David is GO's assistant and really has a heart for God. When witnessing, he tries to connect to people in order for them to be more interested in talking. His heart is just all for the Lord. Excitement always ran through his body before, during, and after church service. "If anyone serves Me, he must continue to follow Me [to cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying] and wherever I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him." John 12: 26

Gabby (7) another soldier in rank. Specialist like (8) and works in the field of Journalist and faith. Her voice sounds like an angel, when enemies from a far off camp hear it, they flee in terror for it sounds of a mighty army marching forth for battle. She's always believe in God and everywhere she goes there's a smile on her face. You hardly don't see her smiling, she seems to always just have this joy in her and that must be from the Lord. "And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord." Psalm 40: 3

Isaiah (8) is one of the soldiers in ranks. A specialist who works in the field of Journalism and evangelism. It don't matter if whoever he is talking to is a higher up, or a lower up, he shows respect and listens. Soft hearted, he shows compassion for his enemies. Once he starts witnessing and passing out tracks, fear seems to leave his body and strength floods him. If his actions will bring glory to God, he'll do it in a heartbeat. "To open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may thus receive forgiveness and release from their sins and a place and portion among those who are consecrated and purified by faith in Me." Acts 26: 18
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They hear it...they hear it...they hear him. The three things most people hear before getting saved. They hear a testimony, they hear the gospel, they hear God's voice. Vistory has been obtained. The siege is yet to be complete, but my company's cycle is over. New recruits have been trained and God is on their side. Thank you Jesus, for answering our prayers and working in every city.

"But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired. Isaiah 40: 31"