I was asked to write something about my first Light in Darkness experience, how I got started in it, or perhaps why I feel called. I do want to share why I feel called to this ministry as well. However, that is a pretty deep story. It will take some serious prayer and writing time to relate. For now, here is a brief account of my introduction to LID and what I have learned.
My step-mom, Deborah, has been working with Light in Darkness Ministries in Kokomo for nearly a year now. I have been on her prayer team and have always looked forward to her coming home after her night at the clubs and telling me her “war stories.” We rejoice together over successful encounters, answered prayers, etc. And we weep together for the hearts and lives of the men and women she meets in the clubs.
I knew from the beginning Deborah felt pressed that I should be more involved. However, not only did I not feel complete release to participate, my work schedule would not allow it. Not to mention, well, I was afraid.
Then a few months ago I had my heart broken. Oh how often it takes serious brokenness for me to listen to God’s leading! I will admit, I did not handle this breaking particularly well. I might have a tattoo of a heart on my chest, but I more often than not wear mine on my sleeve.
That following Monday I could not stand the thought of going into work and still feeling so alone and so shattered. I called in sick and asked Deborah if I could go with her to Kokomo. She spends the whole day leading Bible study and counseling sessions before it’s time to hit the clubs. And there is nothing quite like spending the day with your mother serving others to takes one’s mind off your own woes.
During our prayer time before going out to the clubs, I got to meet some of the ladies from the Kokomo LID team. These are women I’ve grown to love and respect just through Deborah’s accounts of them. This team is a great inspiration!
I chose to be a Moses that night; to be one of the prayers who stay in the parking lot while the Joshuas go into the clubs. I ended up being by myself at the first club. This is unusual, but I think it made it a little easier to pray out loud in the car for the first time. Then at the next club I was joined by another woman. Wow! Could this lady pray Scripture!
It was so neat to sit outside praying and waiting as the team entered the club. This club was one we were certain they would get kicked out of instantly. You see, the owner of this particular club had given strict instructions to his staff not to let “the church ladies” in. But as the minutes ticked by, it became more and more exciting to witness this miracle that God was performing right in front of me. Almost an hour later our team returned to the cars and gave their excited report of their time inside. At that moment I gained a much better understanding of the role of the intercessor in this ministry.
It still took several weeks for me to be confident that God was calling me to join a team. When the Waterline team decided on Wednesday nights and chose a time that fit my work schedule, I knew it was the Lord. Once I felt that release, I have never for a moment doubted my involvement. It seems almost scary the extent to which the Lord has increased my faith. I am so confident that God has hand-picked our team and that He puts together just the right partnerships each week.
I know how different it is for the women who go inside the clubs, but maybe that’s God too. They’re bombarded with images we’ve spent most of our lives trying to avoid, and sometimes they even become fearful or discouraged. Me? I just pray. And when I pray I now know God listens, He answers, and He moves. I can have all-faith and all-confidence to lift up my sisters when they’re in the pit, in the darkness. That’s the point of this team. The Joshuas go into battle while the Moses stay back and pray with a faith that can move mountains… or club owners.
Since joining this team I have heard more than one testimony from our Joshuas that the exact thing the Holy Spirit has put on my heart to pray fit the exact circumstance the girls were facing inside right at that moment! The role of the intercessor, the Moses, is so vital and so dear to me. It has been a serious challenge and something I never thought I could or would do. It is amazing how God uses each of us; though it may take some braking and stepping out of our comfort zone.
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
~Tina
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