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I've been creating a new blog/website!

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Go ahead, check it out!

James 1:27

"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:27

While in South Africa and Uganda next May, our team will be experiencing "pure and undefiled religion" by showing the love of Christ to women, orphans, and refugees from all walks of life. I am more than excited about what the Lord is going to do in and through each of us as we continue on this journey of trust. After all, the preparation for the trip can be the hardest part! Fundraising isn't easy, especially in this economy. But the Lord reminded me of His provision and faithfulness once again last night. I was looking through my folder from my trip to Uganda last year, and found this.



You see, Matt called me the second week of January and told me about his upcoming trip to Uganda. I made the decision to follow the Lord's call on January 13, and as you can see, my trip was paid for by February 25! It only took one month for the Lord to prompt people to give. As I was looking through my folder at the list of donors, I couldn't stop smiling. God is so good.


But God never works the same way twice. This time, I don't have to raise the money in less than three months. Thankfully I've got a little more time. But I am already seeing people step up and give sacrificially, and I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice.

That being said, as a fundraiser for our upcoming trip to South Africa, we are selling t-shirts!

You have the choice of crew neck ($15) or v-neck ($16). See the pictures below for more information! Please email me at hayleyc@sherwoodbaptist.net with your order!

Crew Neck::

V-Neck::

Close-up of the design::


"The truth is that in virtually every book in the Bible, God is screaming, begging, pleading, urging us to love mercy and justice, to feed the poor and the orphaned, to care for the last & least. It will not be enough to stand before Jesus one day and say, 'Oh, were You serious about that?'" - Jen Hatmaker, "Interrupted"

Faithful is He

"Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass."
1 Thessalonians 5:24

I'm not sure I ever stopped to intentionally memorize this verse, thankfully I've just heard and read it so much that I've come to know it by heart. I'm thankful for this because this verse has been running through my mind all day. It's all I can think about.

I spent all day yesterday stressing over something that I knew I shouldn't have been stressing over. I know that the Lord literally dropped South Africa in my lap. I was not looking for it or trying to make it happen, and that has always been a sign of His will in my life. I know that He has assembled a team of people to go alongside me. And, most of all, I know that He called me to go. But yesterday I found myself questioning just how He was going to do it.

You see, as the "organizer" of the trip, I feel a sense of responsibility to keep the cost on the lower end and help others raise the funds necessary. But as I was looking at flights yesterday, and realizing just how expensive this trip is going to be, I began to feel the pressure. I started having thoughts like How are we going to raise that much money, in times like these? Is someone going to drop out because it seems too overwhelming? Will I take it personally if they do? How am I supposed to have enough money to book a flight before the price goes up?

These and dozens of other self-condemning, questioning-His-will thoughts were running through my mind. I didn't know what to do, or where to turn. It just seemed too hard. I'm ashamed to say that I questioned whether or not it was worth it.

And then God, as He so faithfully does, whispered this verse in my ear.

"Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass."

And just like that my lack of faith shone brighter than the sun. Of course He will bring it to pass! He called me, didn't He? And if there is someone else He's called, He'll be their Jehovah Jireh as well. One little trip across the pond won't break His bank.

And then, just because He is a God of grace, He lavished me with even more.

"He is the Rock; His deeds are perfect. Everything He does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright He is!" Deuteronomy 32:4

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

"Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies." Psalm 36:5

"When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that You care for them?" Psalm 8:3-4

Verse. After. Verse. of His FAITHFULNESS. Praise the Lord that He is a good, kind, merciful, graceful, loving, understanding, faithful, and HEARING God. He hears my hurts, He even hears my doubts, and yet He still responds with more grace than I can stand.

Book Review:: Son of Hamas

I recently completed one of the most intriguing books I've ever read.

Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef is a gripping, true story about the effects and struggles of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism in Israel.

Mosab was raised a radical Muslim. He believed that Islam was the answer, and jihad was the solution to all of their problems. He was positioned to become the future leader of Hamas, the Palestinian authority that governs Israel's Gaza Strip. If he had continued down that path, he would have become one of Israel's most dangerous enemies. But something happened along the way that changed everything. Mosab came to the miraculous conclusion that Hamas is evil and Islam is wrong, that Israelis are his friends, not his enemies, and that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

How this transformation happened, and the choices Mosab made as a result, is the subject of one of the most powerful books I have ever read. Son of Hamas is a spy thriller surrounded by the spiritual testimony of a young man leaving terror for redemption.


As one who loves the country of Israel and has visited several times, I couldn't have been more interested in the Son of Hamas' story. However, I truly believe that every Christian, whether you've visited Israel or not, ought to read his story because Mosab gives detailed insight into the destructive mind of Islam, and their attempt to rid the world of Israel. He also provides the perfect solution to finding peace in the Middle East. These are things we, as Christians, need to know and support. Because if we turn our back on Israel, God's chosen people, we turn our back on God.

It is nothing short of a miracle that Mosab was able to step outside of his religion, break down all preconceived thoughts towards Christianity and Islam, and simply receive the love of Christ. Today Mosab believes that the only way for Israelis and Palestinians to truly find peace with each other is to first find peace with God by embracing Christ. Reading his story inspired me to not give up hope, to continue to pray for my dear Israeli friends fighting to keep their land, and to pray for Mosab, as he is risking his life daily to tell others of the Prince of Peace. He truly has abandoned everything he knows and loves to share this message of hope, and he will be greatly rewarded for his sacrifice.

Mosab's Father, Sheikh Yousef, on Al Jazeera

For more information on the book and on Mosab, visit www.SonofHamas.com.

"Chicago's Finest"

This past Saturday night while in Chicago, Rosie, her friend Laura, and I went down to Navy Pier for their 10:15 pm fireworks show. We had ridden the Metra into the city that morning from Rosie's apartment, and because we would miss the 10:40 train due to the fireworks, we knew were going to have to wait until the 12:40 am one. We took our time and made our way to Union Station. When we got there, we still had an hour to kill before the train departed.

Because it was a Saturday night, and the CUBS had played that day, and there were tons of weddings around the city, we were pretty much the only sober people at Union Station. After about thirty minutes, Rosie decided she wanted to go up to McDonald's to get something to drink.

"If I'm not back in 5 minutes, come find me."

Not long after she left, a middle-aged white man (remember that) came up to us and asked what we were doing in the city. He turned his back to me to talk to Laura, and I noticed that he had a pair of scissors in his back pocket. Being the Criminal Minds connoisseur that I am, I immediately started picturing all of the terrible things that could happen with those scissors. I couldn't get Laura's attention without him looking at me, so I waited, rather impatiently. He then sat down on the ground beside Laura and started asking us where we were staying and where we were going. We were as vague as we could possibly be.

"Illinois...just traveling around..."

It had been about 10-15 minutes since Rosie left, so we told the man we were going to find our friend. As we were walking away, I told her that he had scissors, then she told me that he wreaked of alcohol, and we were both glad to have gotten away.

When we got to McDonald's and saw Rosie was at the front of a very long line, we sighed in relief. I looked over and saw a cop sitting in the corner of the restaurant playing on his phone. I had noticed a sign down by the trains that said "See Something, Say Something", so I asked Laura if she thought we should tell the cop about the man with scissors in his back pocket. We decided it was a good idea, so she and I walked over to him. Laura told him that there was a man down by Track 11 that was intoxicated, and that we had noticed he had a pair of scissors in his back pocket, so we thought we would just let someone know.

Immediately the cop looked up and sarcastically responded, "Scissors?"

My first thought was, let me show you what I can do to you with a pair of scissors. But I just responded, "Well, we saw the sign down there that said 'See Something, Say Something', so we thought we should."

And I still cannot believe his response. He said, "Well, that's just like if you see Abdullah from Al Qaeda down there or something. Weirdos don't count". I couldn't believe him! I was infuriated. So basically, if I had said "There is a man down there in a keffiyeh with a pair of scissors in his back pocket", he would have done something?? Could he have been more racist? How about the fact that the majority of serial killers are middle-aged white males anyway?

I think it's time to retire, officer.

So there you have it. Lesson learned. Don't take the 12:40 am train, and don't depend on "Chicago's finest" to protect you when you do.

Camp KidzBlast:: Leaving a Legacy

My goodness it is hot outside!

I've spent this week standing under the hot sun, photographing close to 500 kids at our first annual Camp KidzBlast. This VBS type Day Camp includes exciting worship, fun games, small groups, and various classes including horseback riding, photography, art, interpretive dance, choir, drama, weird science, special ops, survival 101, and so much more! Each day the kids go home having learned a lot but, most importantly, they've learned about the love of Christ!

I love this new adventure the Sherwood Kids Ministry has taken on. It pushes the boundaries of a typical VBS, and makes a greater impact on everyone!

My favorite thing I've seen this week is the creativity and love of the volunteers. I love seeing grown men taking time off of work to play on the floor with kids, or teaching them how to survive in the wilderness. I love seeing senior adults greeting the parents as they drop their kids off in the morning. I love seeing moms, who spend every moment of their day with their own kids, sacrificing even more to cook and clean and love on other people's kids. I love seeing teenagers taking a week of their summer of fun to get up extra early and spend their time with a bunch of crazy kids. And I love seeing all of them worshiping the Lord alongside the kids. Jumping up and down, dancing, and getting everyone excited about Jesus! (Cool side note: the purpose/motto of Legacy Park, where KidzBlast is being held, is "Bringing Generations to the Cross")

I have witnessed quite a few special moments through my lens this week.

I've seen selflessness and gratitude. I've seen servanthood and joy. I've been encouraged and inspired.

And I've seen 32 kids come to know Christ as their Savior. That alone is worth every.single.thing we've put into this week.

Yes, it is insanely hot outside this week, but I've loved every minute of being a part of KidzBlast. Next year, I'm determined to put my camera down, and just love. Love as much as I can.














Bringing Generations to the Cross...

The Choice is Yours

"When you are looking for a way to get out, you can find just about any excuse you want. When you are committed, you will not let wild horses pull you away from your Lord." - Willie George, Church on the Move

The more tragedy I see in this life, the more I realize just how true that statement is.

I have seen many loved ones face great tragedy. Each one of them grieves deeply in their own way. Grief is more than acceptable. It is expected. It is good.

But every person who faces tragedy has a choice to make.
Will you turn to God, or turn away from Him?

When you miss your loved one so much that you cannot bear another moment on this earth without them. When you ask "Why?" - Why me? Why him? Why now? When you question the love of God. When you get mad at Him for not coming through. You prayed and prayed and your prayer wasn't answered the way you wanted.

What will you do then?

Will you believe that the Lord truly is sovereign, loving, just, and wise? Will you point others to Him in the midst of your grief? Or will you become bitter and angry? I have seen both scenarios. I have been in awe of faith and disappointed in bitterness. I have seen some draw closer to the Lord, praising Him in the storm, while others pulled away, blaming Him for their heartache.

And yet, sometimes it doesn't even take great tragedy for believers to run from God. Willie George mentioned in a sermon recently that when he was a new believer, his brother caught their pastor's son making out with a woman other than his wife. Something like that can cause believers who have not built their foundation on the Word of God to run. They are just looking for an excuse to get out. Some reason to be bitter and call out the hypocrisy in the church.

The key to choosing to praise Him, whether you have faced great tragedy, or merely been disappointed by a believer, is your foundation. It isn't about listening to your pastor. He cannot live your spiritual life for you. It isn't about setting other believers on a pedestal. They are human as well. It is about digging deep. Setting up your foundation on a trustworthy, holy God. Listening to His Word and obeying.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.” Matthew 7

"And great was its fall..."

Uganda: A Year Later

One year ago today I got in the car with my Dad and Jonathan to head to the Atlanta airport and, ultimately, to Uganda. Looking back, I'm amazed that I was in no way nervous. We were about to spend three exhausting days traveling across four different countries on three continents through three hemispheres and on two different airlines. And I had a complete peace about it. That peace was even more proof, in addition to the months of confirmations I had received, that I was obeying the Lord's call.

As we drove to the airport, I thought about how, in only a matter of days, I was going to be changed forever. My life would not, and could not look the same.

In fact, just a week before I left, I blogged this:

Please pray for me and Jonathan as we travel to Uganda. Pray for my teammates. For safety, security, health, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and a receptivity by the people. For an abundance of love, that our lives would never be the same and our hearts would forever be bent towards the least of the world. That when we return, we will help those who "just don't understand" to understand. That it doesn't become a pride issue, but a sense of urgency to come to the aid of those in need. That we constantly align ourselves with the Lord's will, and live our lives in selflessness. I really appreciate your prayers. It is greatly needed! The next time you hear from me, I will be a different person. I welcome this change wholeheartedly.

I can honestly say that each one of these prayers was answered. And better than I could have ever thought.

I am still trying to figure out what my life should look like after what I saw. I still haven't processed it all, even a year later. But I do know that my heart could never be more full as it is when I think about Africa, the people I met and grew to love as family there, and how I felt the Lord's presence there.

This time next year, I'll have just returned from South Africa. I am hoping to make a pit stop in Uganda on the way home. I cannot be that close and not go visit my African family. Plus, I'd give anything to have some of the people I love the most in this world meet Joel.

As someone very intelligent once said, "All I know is that every time I go to Africa, I am shaken to my core". That couldn't be more true. I welcome the change that SA will bring, and I ask for your prayers as we assemble a team whose lives will surely be forever changed.

Chicago Bound!

It's official, I'm headed to Chicago for the first time ever! A good friend of mine who went to Uganda with me is interning at AWANA up there, and when she came to visit me in Atlanta a few weeks ago, we discussed me going up to spend a long weekend with her! I didn't have much planned for this year as far as vacations go, and I had plenty of SkyMiles to cash in, so I decided to just go for it. I booked the ticket today, and I leave in less than a month!


And an added bonus? Some of my favorite people in the world live in Chicago - Bill and Lynette Ebel! Bill was an editor on Sherwood Pictures' films, and I just love him and his wife!

Typically, I'm not this spontaneous. Well, I used to not be.

Back in college, my roommate Victoria and I took a personality test. Our results were very similar, with both of us being told that we were not spontaneous enough. So, out of sheer irony, we decided that we would plan certain times throughout the week to be spontaneous. I know it wasn't exactly right, but at least it was a step in the right direction? Maybe?


So I'm slowly but surely becoming more of an adventurer. And I like it. I don't always have to know exactly what I'm doing and where I'm going anymore. I'm learning what it means to "fly by the seat of my pants". Well, I don't really know what that phrase means, but I get the gist of it.

I have learned be flexible. And it makes life a little more exciting!

Over the next few weeks I'll be trying to figure out what to do while I'm in the Windy City. I have two days where Rosie will be at work, and I will have the city all to myself! I'm thinking art museums and spending an afternoon at Navy Pier or strolling through the city are at the top of my list.

Anyone have any ideas of what to do in Chicago? Something unique perhaps? If you've never been, what would be the first thing you'd want to do? Feedback is appreciated!

The Next Step...

While attending ReFRESH® in the Smokies this past March, I was approached by some friends, Danny and Chris, about a potential meeting. They told me that they had brought a missionary from South Africa named Harold to the conference. Apparently they had told Harold about the passions the Lord has given me for missions, and he wanted to meet me. We set up a time to meet the following day.

As I sat down with Harold and heard about his desire to bring young people to South Africa to work alongside his ministry, I couldn't help but get excited. He asked me if I would be willing to go, and I said I would love to and would definitely pray about it. As we were concluding our meeting, we walked over and introduced him to my family. He had not yet connected that my sister is "the wife in Fireproof" (which is very popular in SA from what I understand). He mentioned to Erin that he would love to have her come visit SA as well and share her testimony.


A few weeks later I got a call from Chris. He said that Harold wanted Erin and I to speak at their annual Women's Conference in Johannesburg in May 2012. I told Chris that Erin's strength is public speaking and I would rather just play with babies. Besides, I've never spoken at a conference before, and I didn't exactly want my first conference to be the same one that Beth Moore spoke at last year! So Chris told me that all they needed at the time was a bio to present to the May 2011 conference. Once the women had voted, we would know for sure if it was a done deal.

While in Atlanta a few weeks ago, Erin and I spent hours working on the bio to send in. We wanted it to be perfect.

We must have done something right, because I got the call this week that she was approved as the speaker for 2012, and we are going to South Africa!

We are currently working out some of the logistics as far as what all we are going to do. We are hoping to work along the border of Zimbabwe with orphans and refugees. We are also praying about what kind of team we need. I have a few people interested, but I believe that we can have a greater impact with a few more key team members. Please pray with me, that the Lord will assemble the right team for the need.

I learned in doing some research yesterday that South Africa has more people living with AIDS than any other country in the world. Obviously the need is great. I cannot wait to meet the Lord there and I am excited to live out Isaiah 58 in South Africa!

So here's to a year of researching, studying, conversing, and, most importantly, lots and lots of praying!

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." James 1:27

"Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people." Psalm 82:3-4

"May Your ways be known throughout the earth, Your saving power among people everywhere. May the nations praise You, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you. Let the whole world sing for joy, because You govern the nations with justice and guide the people of the whole world." Psalm 67:2-4

"Father of orphans, champion of widows is God in His holy house. God makes homes for the homeless, leads prisoners to freedom." Psalm 68:6a

"The Lord replied, 'Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!' Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, 'Look, I have put My words in your mouth!'" Jeremiah 1:7-9