Before I get into the meat of this blog, I want to mention that we have the French version of Shelter called Sous Ses Ailes (Under His Wings) in development. What you see is our new logo for the cover. We have 3 great editors helping us now to smooth over the translation so that it flows in the Quebec language. It is being translated at a high school level and we're confident that nothing important such as the voice of the Spirit is taken away from what Shaina has already interpreted. We also have 4 unique opportunities to distribute these books up north, one from a secular publisher who is extremely interested. We're being careful to choose wisely.I recently came back from visiting Shaina's church over the weekend for a GPS fundraiser to help us "Feed the French". They want to support us so we prepared lots of items to hand out including Christmas cards and gift tags, books of course, bookmarks, buttons, posters and ACEO's that Shaina had created from our images. We were shocked with how much money was raised! The funding will go towards the printing of an extra large amount of French books in addition to what will be distributed already. Our hearts ache so much for the lost.
Yes, we are working on Spirit Song, vol 2 in English although time is very limited. Both Shaina and I have families/homes to care for and other responsibilities, so I do wish for more free time. Is it wrong for me to wish to backtrack, be single again with no kids? Hehe, I'm not serious but I'd rather fast forward to Heaven where I can hang with loved ones, David and Jonathan! yep:)
I think it's time that I share the second part of our time spent in Quebec at the April seminar.
It was Friday, April 8 around 7pm when Shaina and I made it to the rustic retreat center in Lac Brome, while Hans drove to see his mother some distance away. It was warm and sunny, and I didn't find out until later that this weather was a bit unusual for the time of year. What a blessing that was! We were warmly greeted by the staff after trying to figure out the correct protocol welcome (do you kiss the cheek like the French, shake hands like Americans or hug as if you've known each other for ages??) I forget what Shaina did (I'll ask) but I hugged^^. One comment from renowned French comic artist Alain: "An American bear hug!" As they showed us to our private rooms with a few beds in them, I unexpectedly found a nice welcome basket, complete with chocolate, teas and assorted munchies! That in itself was worth the trip.
We unpacked and found the conference room, then quietly snuck inside and sat down near the back table to avoid any distractions from Nate's powerpoint session, Creating Characters. Already we missed the early classes including Overview of the Comic Process, Defining Your Audience and Planning Your Story, Comics Writing etc., so we were glad to finally become part of what we worked so hard for. We were happily introduced when Nate saw us, and I became a little surprised and embarrassed as he showed slides of my work to the students. When the teaching was over, we looked over everyone's homework, chatted awhile and began to form solid friendships.
Later that night, we found out that Joël Spinks, the pastor and head of Quebec Victory Church and EVQ Ministries, wanted to speak with us and we spent the next 30 minutes in deep conversation in the quietness of the cafeteria over the spiritual darkness of the region. I could sense it immediately, having felt the heaviness of the oppression as soon as I crossed the border. It was like someone placed a heavy rubber blanket over the front of my body, much like a restraining jacket. I ached for the people and it seemed that I could not get used to that feeling which did not subside as long as I stayed. It was very depressing. Joël explained it was not unusual to feel that way since evil spiritual forces dominate the region, and he told me that he prepares for it on a daily basis through combat prayer in order to be effective in ministry. He also told us that many ministries leave for America because they are too challenged here. I was stunned. After sharing more of the spiritual darkness, suicide, hopelessness of the people, we talked about God's power, protection and provision as he prayed over us. We said our goodbyes but received strong connection and unity.
By this time I was eager to get to my room and prepare for the following day--it would be a long one and I was already exhausted. I made sure to eat stuff from the basket.
Shaina and I said goodnight after unpacking and praying. I wasn't used to sleeping alone so I was a bit uncomfortable with the thought--having my hubby with me most every night over the past 21 years spoiled me rotten. It turned out that I could barely sleep and spent the night with the light on to read and pray. When the sun came up, I found myself a little tired and a bit afraid. I was prepared for the day's teaching sessions but also felt strange and uneasy.
I was greeted by a smiling Shaina after a knock on my door and we went down to breakfast. The awkward feelings began to grow but I pushed them aside to talk to the students. It was interesting to hear both French and English being spoken (some could speak both fluently) and I was made to feel very welcome and right at home. I quickly developed a fondness for the people. After all, God had told me ahead of time that I was like Ruth.(Side note: Shaina is to be like Jonah, but that's a story for another time!) This concept was not strange, since years prior I had already given my life to be used however Abba wanted, even becoming a "nameless nobody" in order that HE may receive the greatest glory. Today we understand that since the French would be given the greater portion of our newly found ministry, Gold Plum Studio, Shaina and I were assured that the English would still receive the "crumbs". I was grateful for that.
After breakfast, the staff and students met in the main conference room with whiteboards and a large screen. There was an amazing worship time in both French and English, with songs I was familiar with. God's presence was already with us as we had devotions, and the students shared their homework. Then the first PowerPoint session of the day began. Throughout the lecture I was sitting quietly to the side, with fear continuing to rise. I couldn't shake it. I couldn't breathe, while the heaviness that consumed me as I crossed the border intensified. I turned to Shaina next to me and told her I wasn't able to speak--she left quietly to tell others to pray. Then as I was escorted to one of the smaller rooms for prayer I began to wail.
The prayer warriors sat me down and layed their hands on me, praying out loud and in the Spirit. I couldn't stop crying and wailing, feeling the weight of fear and sorrow over the people of Quebec. I was overwhelmed with grief. I apologized for my loudness (I'm a naturally quiet person who dislikes extra attention) when I realized everyone in the conference room could hear me. Nate came in very concerned and prayed as well. It wasn't for another 15 or so minutes that I was able to calm down, fears had subsided to the point where I could function again. We all knew that something supernatural had taken place, and it wasn't until later that we found out one of the prayer women--a true servant--received what was meant for me: she was physically knocked out that afternoon as she helped disarm the adversary on my behalf. I thank the warriors for their help, and will never forget their servant's hearts.
After a trip to the bathroom to wipe my face, we quietly snuck back into the conference room where Nate was finishing up his Visual Scripts and Storyboarding session . It was a little awkward for me to return but Nate was very entertaining and lightened up the mood. I held my composure when it was our turn to teach Manga Illustration and Storytelling. The air was heavy and I could barely lift my arms, but not from the presence of the adversary--we all knew that HE was with us, and with great power!
I'll have to be rude here and stop the blogging. So sorry, but I'll have to continue this later.
Have a wonderful Holiday season (don't forget why you're celebrating)--and don't forget to visit the shelterofwings.com site during the Christmas season for a special gift! :) Many blessings!
--Lisa
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