Mission America 2-Pueblo, CO

WOW, what an amazing GOD we serve! Our second Mission America trip has been just amazing; we have been busy for JESUS, non stop. So please forgive me for not writing as often as I would have loved to. Traveling from one place to another, a million thoughts have passed through my head, which is when you wish you had a tape recorder in hand, not wanting to miss one thought! The last time we talked was about Billings, Montana. We had worked very diligent everyday blanketing Billings with flyers for the night meetings, after 10 days were spent in Billings we were filled with joy seeing all the wonderful things the Holy Spirit did in the hearts of the people.

We headed into the state of Colorado my old stomping grounds. It had been many years since I had been back to Colorado, I remembered preaching my mother’s funeral, and later sharing at Beverly’s father’s death. Arriving in Silverthorne, we drove through Dillon, Colorado, and at the best time of the year, wow! Knowing the team needed a few days rest, a decision was made to camp in Silverthorne, Colorado. We thought maybe three or four days after all who could resist these beautiful, colorful Rocky Mountains? Unpacking our tents, setting up camp, and seeing my fishing pole in close reach, I knew this was God’s blessing from all our labor in Billings.

How can I find words to describe the beautiful scenery before my eyes? As my mind searches for just the right words to describe and share even just a glimpse of these majestic views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Driving over the pass, the mountains were covered with so many different colors, fire orange, red and yellow, an artist or cameraman’s dream I am sure. With each turn one view ran right into another beautiful view. The Aspen trees were breath taking, as the green leaves were saying goodbye to summer, and welcoming in the fall and winter. I stopped the truck to take in a moment to soak in those bright gold colors of the Aspen leaves; they were like shiny new gold coins dangling on a thousands branches. Then I closed my eyes listening as the Aspen trees sing their own song in the wind, as each tree sings in harmony with one another, a song only heard in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

As we got closer to the top of the mountain 13,000 feet the temperature was colder, and with cold comes more color changes, some of the Aspens trees were turning into a bright rust color, soon to be screaming bright red. Again, my breath is taken away with this amazing beauty, far beyond what one could really describe in words, unless they have been right where I stood. These Colorado mountains are amazing, midnight blue, and indigo blue (only the ungodly would say there is no God after seeing His Mighty workmanship), His wonder is seen everywhere I look in these Colorado Mountains.

Setting camp in Silverthorne at Columbine Landing, it’s hidden away in the crevices of the mountains, right beside the Blue River. The sound of the river flowing never seems to run dry, day or night, as the river dances over rocks and boulders, its white waves of rushing water as they crash against the rocks, and then all of a sudden you notice in another area, the river is so clean you can see the bottom of the riverbed.

This freezing clear water is so refreshing and comforting, what a glorious place to unwind after 17 days of working in the harvest field. Now a few days to rest, then our Mission America team will launch out on the road again. As my mind unwinds, knowing the girls truly need a few days with no phones, no computer, just this beauty that is set before my eyes by God Almighty. Soaking in every change of the sky as the sun goes down behind the mountain and the comfort of the campfire in the night to keep warm, and of course the beauty of the rising sun as it creeps over the mountain, wows my heart.

As I sit down on the edge of the river with my fishing pole, I am taken way back in time when my children were only 7 years old up and up into their teen years. How we used to camp in these Rocky Mountains it was a way of life for our family, as they were growing up. Where did all those years go? Eighteen years have gone by, from the time we left Colorado; my son only fifteen years old the last time we fished together in these Colorado Rivers. Sam now married with four kids now lives in Atlanta, GA. He now fishes with his two small sons, Josh 3 and Zack 5. My daughter Kaweah, who never liked to fish, always seemed to bring a book as she sat on a rock reading, while my son Sam and I fished the river. Or she would stay back at camp with the tent and those who just enjoyed sitting around the campfire. Then Sam and I walked the river, knowing we would find just the right place to pull out that prize trout, one we were sure we would mount on the wall above the fire place. Well…, we never did catch that prize fish, but we did capture memories that will forever be in my mind.

After all those years passed, here I am now on our Mission America trip, my daughter Kaweah now 33 years old, turns to me and says, “Mom, maybe I will try fishing.” WOW, what a surprise, I let her know I was ready to teach her! Pulling out my fishing rod, of course I always keep on hand, after all you never know while traveling when the opportunity might arise and you get a chance to try the river. This was one of those special moments the river is calling, asking Kaweah, “Are you ready for fishing 101?” What fun, did we catch any fish? No, only a tiny, baby trout, four inches long. We laughed as I gently released him, and said, “Maybe next year we shall see you again, your free little fishy, swim away!”

Well, the first night temperatures dropped, BRRRR, we all froze, dogs included. We woke and hurried to bundle up with extra sweaters and jackets, the morning was cold, 39 degrees. I thought, “What is this?” I thought in the past it did not get cold until the end of October, this was September. After a camp breakfast, we headed into town to find a thrift store to find some extra blankets to throw over our sleeping bags, and a few for the missionary puppies. The second night, BRRRR, again the temperatures dropped to 37 degrees, as I stood outside the tent, I looked at the girls, and laughed, we were all freezing, I looked up at the clouds and suddenly remembered, “Girls…! Those are snow clouds!” We smiled, and almost at once we said, “Pack it up! Enough of this Colorado camping, let’s head to Colorado Springs, and get a warm hotel.” Within a few hours, we were packed! Did I forget to share it rained the night before, and water was misting inside the tent. I looked to Kaweah, and said, “I thought you waterproofed the tent before we left California.” She smiled and said, “I did, but only the seams…!” OOPS! I placed a tarp on top of the tent, but it stopped raining by the time I got it covered, and I almost forgot to share after the rain, the winds blew 30 to 40 miles an hour, our tarp blew frantically throughout the whole night, along with the howling wind. I think we were ready for a hotel…Smile! But we did have fun and had a GOOD laugh in the midst of all the beauty! Arriving in Colorado Springs, we got a nice warm HOTEL room…! The next day as we went outside, I looked towards the mountains I saw SNOW! We just missed ONE FOOT of SNOW! THANK YOU JESUS for wisdom…!

We made contact with an old friend, and it was set up to minister for the next Sunday services. Preparing for Sunday’s two services, we called a few people we knew and what a wonderful surprise to see old friends. Ministering under the power of the Holy Spirit, I could feel this church needed a new fresh touch from Jesus. Many people had been wounded, and it lingered in the air. How great it was to see Pastor Mark Garcia and Debbie, they were long ago friends.

What a blessing to see him now pastoring his own church. I know God has a plan for this couple, they have been faithful. Spending time fellowshipping with them was truly a gift. Time and dates did not allow for a three day meeting in their church, but in those two meetings the Holy Spirit moved in His power, the altars were filled, and healing comes from the Master Himself. People were saved that morning in both services; it was also nice to see my sister Brenda in the second service, as she answered the altar call to receive Jesus. We left their service, and were happy all the Lord did in a short time.

The next day we spent some time praying for the Holy Spirit to guide us to the next place desiring to be where He wanted us. That was more important than anything in the world, so into prayer we went. I knew we were to head towards the direction of Ordway Colorado, because before we left California the Lord placed it on my heart. On the road and heading in that direction, I remembered Pastor Mark, (the church we just left), had told me of an old friend of ours who had a church in Pueblo, Colorado. Beverly found his number, and I made the call. I left a message and within ten minutes, Pastor Darin returned my call, I shared about Mission America, and I could tell he was somewhat open, but I felt by the Holy Spirit he was worried about monies. I said, “Let’s meet for coffee.” We had to drive through his town anyway; he agreed but wanted to call his wife Gloria to let her know.

Well, on the road towards Pueblo, Colorado my phone rang but I did not hear it, I forgot to take it off silence. Later, I realized there was a missed call, I checked the message, and was surprised to hear Pastor Darin, say, “No, maybe another time.” As I finished listening to the message, I felt the Holy Spirit speak to my heart, “Do not call him back, nor agree with his decision,” I thought that was strange, normally I would just continue on.

Thinking and praying, “LORD how do I do this?” I waited until we arrived in Pueblo, and ignored the fact that Pastor Darin had told us to go on, maybe next time when are in the area. I called Pastor Darin’s answering machine the second time, I told him, “We are now in Pueblo, and waiting to meet you, let’s have coffee and of course a bowl of Colorado Green Chile.” Pastor Darin, called back and again tried to say not right now, right at that same moment, again the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, “Meet him in person.” I said, “Listen, Pastor Darrin, its lunch time, you need to eat, we need to eat, let’s at least meet for lunch,” he hesitated but finally agreed. I did not know what the Holy Spirit had in mind, but I knew it was something more than my eyes or mind could comprehend. We found the restaurant; and arriving first we got a table and sat down. I prayed, “Lord, give me wisdom when Pastor Darrin comes, help me see with your eyes, and hear with your ears.” As I finished praying, Pastor Darin walked in with two other men, I stood, and gave him a hug. WOW, this man was a different man, changed by the power of the Holy Spirit. My mind went back in time for a moment, 27 years ago when this man, was a hard core drug addict, his beautiful wife Gloria was in my women’s home. He was facing prison, so filled with hate and bitterness, now he was changed and filled with the Holy Spirit. As I shared our vision and the things the Lord was doing, tears came to his eyes, I knew right then the Lord had a GREAT plan. I told Pastor Darin, we did not come for money; I came to be a blessing.

Right then his wife came in the door she was just as beautiful as 27 years ago. She was so sweet; we stood and said our, “hellos,” and shared back and forth all the Lord was doing in both of our lives. What a blessing, just sitting at this table sharing God’s amazing grace in the lives of this couple was worth it all. Then Pastor Darin turned around and said to the two guys with him, “Pastor Luauna told me twenty seven years ago, God had a plan for my life, and this will all pass. She told me one day, God will use you to preach the gospel.” He shared with them, “I was so mad when Pastor Luauna told me that back then, and LOOK, now I am a preacher.” We both had tears in our eyes; God was knitting our hearts in a very special way. I was so proud of this man and his wife, I did not care if we had a three day meeting or not, just having this time at lunch was a blessing. Then just like that, Pastor Darin turned to his wife and said, “I changed my mind! We are going to have a three day meeting, I know its God.” We all smiled at each other, I asked, “So where is your church?” I wanted to get the address so I could get some flyers done fast.

Pastor Darin then went on to tell me how God opened the door for him to have his church in an old orphanage building. RIGHT THEN my heart skipped a beat! I looked into his eyes and said, “Is it the old Sacred Heart Orphanage?”

He was surprised, and answered, “Yes.” Wow, I told him I was in that same orphanage as a child, right then I KNEW without a doubt, God was going to do SOMETHING more than I could even imagine. Many years back, I remember asking my mother about that old building, she told me it had been knocked down, all these years I thought the building was no longer in existence.

Now by God’s amazing grace I find out it has not been tore down at all! Years later, I am going to return and preach in the very same building. Plans were made and the meeting was set up, after lunch Pastor Darrin asked if I wanted to see the church. We agreed and followed him to the church. As we drove up towards the entrance, I suddenly went back to yesteryear, and the old rock walls awakened some old memories, long ago forgotten.

As we drove into the parking lot, a thousand memories went through my mind, like an old movie, one frame at a time; rolled back into time, I was not sure what I was going to feel.

As I wandered throughout that old brick building, I was astonished, as I remembered so many things I thought I forgot. Walking up and down those halls, the little girl who once cried herself to sleep every night was now all grown up. As I ran my hands along the walls and up the old wooden carved stair banister rails, like I did as a child.

I climbed each floor as an adult remembering the very foot prints I made as a child. I noticed the tile floors were still the same with their tiny ceramic squares, up and down each hall.

Then we walked into the little church, funny as a child it seemed so much bigger, I remembered walking down the very same aisle, the only difference, the wooden floors were now replaced with carpet and the old statues throughout the church were now gone. I walked to the front, turned left and walked down in front of the very same wooden pew I sat as a child.

Sitting down right in the same spot I was made to sit as a little girl, my eyes starting from one side of the platform looking around the whole church until I covered every inch of that room.

I remembered services as a child in this building, at one point thinking God must hate me that’s was why my mother left me in this place. As I sat thinking of all the silent tears and cries that must be hidden away in the walls of this old building, as thousands of young children were rejected by their mothers and fathers. Hearts so broken, filled with rejection and anger! Now this very same building, has become a place of redemption, freedom, joy, and victory, where life is given back to the broken hearted, and healing is brought to the oppressed.

As I sat looking and thinking, I smiled inside, wondering what was God’s plan for bringing me back to this place, He has brought me around full circle. My thoughts were interrupted, as Pastor Darin had to get back to work, and we needed to get everything ready for the meetings.

Preparing flyers, the team worked hard to blanket the area, starting around the old orphanage, and working their way out into the city. Banners and flyers were placed on hundreds of street corners, inviting people to come and hear the powerful story. Little did the people know how this was ONE miraculous story of God’s amazing grace! Three days, and the first night had finally come, the Holy Spirit was wonderful in our midst, His power touched deep into the hearts of the men and women present, Jesus was ready to heal and save. The altar was filled, and His love touched each person as they wept and cried out to the Master.

More and more people arrived at the service each night, and without fail the Holy Spirit met us each night, people being saved, healed, and filled with their prayer language. Pastor Darin and Pastor Gloria, were touched in a special way as well, they are so special. As I watched the Lord fill the church with His glory, I knew the Lord had a MIGHTY plan for this couple.

I will call this couple “One in a Million,” we will have a book out about their story; they are a true WORK of God’s mighty hand. Each night was more powerful than the night before, and by the last night the church was filled with new wonderful people. Heaven was rejoicing as people were brought into the Kingdom of God.

As I ministered, the Holy Spirit placed on my heart to tell one couple, “This is the church you are supposed to be in!” I thought it strange, because I never tell people what church to attend. Again, this came to my heart the second time I looked at this couple. Finally after the third time I said, “OK, Holy Spirit!” I walked up to them as they sat close to the front row I looked right into their eyes, and said, “This is the church you are supposed to be in!” As I finished saying those words the woman took a deep breath, and covered her mouth in surprise. I walked away not knowing she had told the Holy Spirit earlier, “If you want us in this church, please tell us tonight!” Well, the Holy Spirit, knew where they needed to be, and answered their question. (Just ask Him, He is faithful!)

Sunday morning service arrived and more new people came into the little church in the orphanage. As I ministered, I noticed two strong, distinguished looking men, sitting in the back row. I gave the altar call, and they both raised their hands to receive Jesus. As people came forward, the Holy Spirit put such compassion in my heart for these two brothers, I spoke out, “You have been rejected, and Jesus wants to bring healing.” I went back to pray for them, and I could see tears in their eyes. One of the men asked, “Do you remember us? We were in this orphanage at the same time you were here.”

I looked at them and searched my memory, although their eyes looked familiar. As a little girl, I was so broken and scared; I asked their name, it sounded familiar. As we talked after the service, one of the brothers said, I became a Christian, and my wife as well, she was a special lady. Yet, the other brother who had just prayed to receive Jesus that morning, I could see he still needed healing from the hurts of yesteryear, he was still broken inside. I reached out and touched his shoulder, and looked him right in the eyes and said, “Jesus loves you, and you are so special!” He could not keep my eye contact; he lowered his eyes to the floor. I remembered what it was like years back to think I was anything but good, let alone thinking that Jesus loved me. I will pray for this special man, and in time I know HEALING will come soon to his heart.

Coming to a close, the last night, a young lady came in named Andronica, as I ministered I could see right through her life, broken, wounded, and abused. This woman sat right in the very seat I sat as a child, listening to the whole service, tears welling up in her eyes; she was fighting back the tears. Jesus longed to heal her broken heart. I called her forward, and shared with her, “Jesus loves you and He has a WONDERFUL plan for your life, do not hide behind drugs and alcohol, Jesus wants to heal the hurt of your heart.”

As I reached out to lay hands on her, she started to weep like a child; the Holy Spirit was bringing healing to her heart. I reached out and hugged her with all my might, as she wept like a baby. I remembered all those years back, I just needed someone to tell me Jesus loved me. She was so touched, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit, she began to speak in other tongues. The Power from on High showered her, with His amazing grace, love and POWER for her tomorrows.

The night before, the Holy Spirit placed on my heart, there was a couple in the service who needed healing from a broken heart because of an unexpected death of a loved one! A couple came forward, I could see the pain surrounding them, and I just wanted to weep with them. As I laid hands on them, I felt the healing salve of heaven come down upon them, joy comes in the morning. No more pain, what the devil thought for bad God will use for GOOD. I did not know they lost a daughter 25 years old; the pain of her death had overwhelmed them. The last day before leaving Pueblo, Colorado I wanted to get pictures of the old building, I ran into this wonderful couple, they shined like the light of JESUS! Healing did come in the morning, they are so special!

So many more people were touched in so many ways, old friends we touched; I could keep you here forever!

I almost forgot my old friend named Max, now married to his beautiful wife Margie. Max’s daughter Tina lived with me when she was a child for about a year, and hung around my house for many years, like my second daughter, now all grown up. She and Kaweah were best friends, what a treat to see them once again.

Max & Kaweah

They will forever have a special place deep in my heart. So many old friends, it was like years were never an issue, the Love of Jesus keeps our hearts a fresh and anew.

As I left that building the last day, I stood in the parking lot at the back of the building, by my car door, looking over that old building before leaving to our next meeting.

As I stood there looking, I felt like the Holy Spirit showed me a picture in my mind of a runner as they run across the finish line, hands lifted up, chest forward, the Holy Spirit was saying to my heart…! “LOOK, where I have brought you from, I planted little seeds in your heart as a child, now they are full grown, look at the VICTORY, we have WON!

What the devil thought for bad, God has turned for good!” The Holy Spirit spoke right to my heart, “You have My approval, you are My servant, and I am your FATHER whom shall never leave you.” I saw myself right then and there run through a yellow ribbon in my mind; I lifted my hands high in the air in that parking lot, and shouted, “Rejection from a little girl is no more, it is finished!”

Dr. Luauna as a child

What an AWESOME God we serve! AMEN!

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