Jail for a night.

Tonight I had my first experience in Juvenile Hall.

Every Tuesday night, my friend Sarah and some other young adults get together and put on a bible study and hang out time for the young boys at the nearby prison. I was blessed enough to be able to take her spot and join them tonight.

From the moment we arrived, you could tell the kids were so hungry and excited for their attention. Many of these kids asked such intelligent questions, such as: Who is the Holy Spirit? What things does he tell you to do? What should I read in the bible? What if I keep sinning over and over? Are the fruit of the sprit actually.....REAL FRUIT? So...Anyone can go to heaven? Why doesn't God just make us love Him? And they went on and on.

These questions made me smile because of their curiosity. But at the same time, it made me feel very humbled to think that all of these things were the "basics" to me, and what I had been drilled into my whole life. Now some of these kids had never heard any of these things before, such as the Fruit of the Spirit. We were able to answer all of these questions, not on our own, I am sure, but only because we prayed for God to give us verses and answers - which is exactly what happened. Michelle and I spoke about all kinds of topics, and a lot of it was being good, and producing these Fruits, and listening to the Holy Spirit. We challenged the boys to stop before they acted, and think whether a good thing or bad thing would result and if it would be pleasing to the Lord. They agreed. One of them was very curious and I know the Lord has really been tugging on his heart. When Michelle said "...my parents raised me up in church," he said, "You're so lucky...I wish...." It made me want to cry the entire hour and a half. He asked for a "cool bible to read, and where to start because the first 10 pages really made him lose interest." So Michelle gave him a bible and I told him to read in Matthew, it was the story of Jesus and fairly simple. I encouraged him to read it, and to keep asking questions because he's on the right path! He was excited and I am only praying that he continues to dig and search for the Truth.

I cannot even begin to explain the emotions I felt while walking out of that place. I have never felt so encouraged as I have today, but at the same time, so very broken hearted for these young boys. God really told me ask I was there to continue seeking Him out, reading his word and knowing it.


I Peter 3:15 ¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect


I pray that this is an encouragement to you to keep seeking out Christ's word and his Truth. Also, that you don't take for granted the brilliant things that you know and understand about the Lord, and the things He has revealed to you in your hearts.

Prayer Requests:

• That God continues to soften these boys hearts, and his Truth would be revealed. Even during the hang out time, the boys were already reading and digging into their bibles, asking questions
• That prayers would be answered, and it would be a testimony of God's grace and Love to them
• Patience and loving kindness for the boys
• blessings for these young adults who go so faithfully every week, and that God would continue to give them them words to say

Much love from Canada,
Rachel


My Fiances for Switzerland
Total Needed:  $2,175
Air fare: $1300 (To Switzerland and back)
Staff Fees: $875 (includes my airfare to Romania)
Total Earned: about $900! Praise the Lord!


Would you consider supporting me in getting to this new season in life and spreading the Gospel of Christ to Europe? Email me: rachelvillaire@live.com or donate online @ my Blogger.

They did, and I reunited.

On May 26, 2012 Veronica and Curtis were married. After many 2am work nights of wedding prep, a few tears, and lots of laughs, the most beautiful and loving wedding I have ever experienced took place. And I experienced my first wedding shoot! For being my first time photographing a wedding, I think that it went pretty well. I enjoyed it and I am so blessed to be able to get this opportunity! Now, I am able to say "Yes, I do weddings!" I now have over 1,100 photos to add to my portfolio, and seen old friends and made some great new ones. Thank you to the now-McRae family for giving me this rare chance!

Today I was reunited with another YWAM-er. Sarah Stad. Sarah is an amazing girl with such a big heart! Also from Edmonton, Sarah came to do her DTS while I was staffing this past year. When she heard that I was coming to her hometown, we quickly made plans to meet. Today I got to experience the bus around town, and she showed me some of the lovely Whyte Ave. (very classy, yet hippie and fun). I'll be staying with Sarah and her fabulous roommates until I leave. I'm so thankful to get to know this beautiful woman better!



Here are a few sneak-peaks at some photos taken from this weekend.

The street I was staying at (Veronica's Place)

My TOMS. They've been to America, Canada, and Mexico.

Scarf. Pretty chilly here, but luckily only one day of rain!

Abby, Veronica's daughter and me in the photobooth during the wedding.

McRae Wedding. Beautiful.

My Fiances for Switzerland
Total Needed:  $2,175
Air fare: $1300 (To Switzerland and back)
Staff Fees: $875 (includes my airfare to Romania)
Total Earned: about $900! Praise the Lord!


Would you consider supporting me in getting to this new season in life and spreading the Gospel of Christ to Europe? Email me: rachelvillaire@live.com or donate online @ my Blogger.

I just finished packing for my trip to Edmonton, Canada. This will be my first trip there, and also the only other country besides Mexico!

Last summer while helping staff the Tijuana YWAM base, I met a lady named Veronica and her two lovely girls from Alberta who were there for the Mission Adventures program. We kept in great contact this past year, and she recently invited me to come and be her wedding photographer! This is a huge step for me in my photography "career" and also an exciting experience, which I am so blessed to have.

I've been given an all-paid trip and a visit with friends while improving my hobby! What more could I ask? I serve a wonderful God and I am so blessed to be able to have experiences like these because of working on the missions field and obeying my Lord!

I leave at 6am Wednesday the 23rd and return on the 30th. Prayers for quick and safe flights are much appreciated! I love flying, but it will be long with layovers and traveling to a new country.

I cannot wait to see you, Veronica! Thank you for welcoming me into my home.
Love you all, blessings.
xx Rae

My Fiances for Switzerland
Total Needed:  $2,175
Air fare: $1300 (To Switzerland and back)
Staff Fees: $875 (includes my airfare to Romania)
Total Earned: about $785! Praise the Lord!


Would you consider supporting me in getting to this new season in life and spreading the Gospel of Christ to Europe? Email me: rachelvillaire@live.com or donate online @ my Blogger.

Currently sick at home watching America's Funniest Videos with Micah. Too bad, it's such a lovely day.

Prayer for health and motivation are appreciated. During this time fundraising, and 7 days before I leave for Canada I can't afford to be sick!

An update coming soon with exciting news! Love you all! Xx

Update - May 2012 - SWITZERLAND, here I come!

Hola, amigos! Hello friends and family!

As most of you know, after traveling to Mexico as a student on a mission’s trip for 4 years in a row, I’ve been living in Mexico for the past 10 months working with the YWAM Organization. I’d love to share with you what God has been doing and where he is going to take my at this point in my life.

In the summer (June-August 2011), I was able to work as volunteer staff for Mission Adventures – a short-term missions trip for youth – in Ensenada. We were able to take students to many different parts of the city doing ministries and outreaches, build houses, and experience a new culture in a safe and fun, loving environment, build strong relationships, and see many students come to Christ.

 After a short trip back to a few states visiting family, I heard God calling me back to Mexico once again…little did I know, I’d be staying three times longer than I’d planed. During my second time here, I’ve spent about 90% of it working under Tym and Sam Kemp, the YWAM Ensenada Base Directors. As a family of 8, from ages 18-5 years, (not including me) I am their full-time live-in nanny, home school teacher of three, dishwasher, taxi, laundry do-er, and anything else needed! I have enjoyed every second of it! We’ve been able to find a home-group church nearby as well where we’re able to connect with other English-speaking Christians in the community. I’ve had some opportunities to use my photography skills for some of the staffs’ engagements, pregnancies, weddings, and musical opportunities. I’ve also had more opportunities to go and staff MA on weekends and certain weeks when teams come in and to been a part of house builds and outreaches for many families, be a part of the worship services, and meet the locals in the colonials. It’s such an encouragement to be able to lead these church groups into the selflessness of becoming a servant.

Because of my past relationships during Summer Staffing, one huge door has opened up this month for me this coming summer. My previous leaders Jean-Philippe and Sarvia Godin have offered to take me as summer staff for Mission Adventures Burtigny, Switzerland. There, I will have the opportunity to work under these incredible spiritual leaders and friends, reaching the Swiss youth and taking them on an outreach to Romania from June 25-July 25. This is an answer to many, many months of prayer of seeking the Lord on my next step for my future, and I’ve been given so much conformation that this is where I should go.

In preparation for my journey, I am seeking support both financially and in prayer. In order to get there, I will need to raise around $900 for my plane ticket by the end of May/beginning of June. So far, I have $150 raised! Praise Jesus! Because it is all volunteer missionary work, I will need to pay staff fees of around $900 (800 francs) which includes food, room and travel expenses - no extra for living expenses. Would you consider supporting me in getting to this new season in my life and spreading the gospel of Christ to Europe? It would be an honor and privilege to spread God’s kingdom with your help and I would be so grateful! If you cannot support financially, prayer for finances, warfare, heath, safety and provision is always appreciated!

I appreciate your thoughts and prayers for my support.

Much love and Christ's Blessings -
Rachel