All of the lights

I arrived safely in Las Vegas on Sunday night. The view from the plane as we flew over Las Vegas was spectacular!  We flew over total darkness and then the city came into sudden view and I could clearly see all of the lights. The view was overwhelming and spectacular. I did not realize how massive the city is.

Today marks the 4-day anniversary of my time here in Las Vegas. Thus far, our days have been full of lectures on human trafficking: we're jumping straight into the subject matter. No beating around the bush. The material presented is not always pleasant, but it's real, and it's impossible to ignore the reality of human trafficking and exploitation in this city. Despite the information overload and our need to process the material presented, I think all 13 of us students have been inspired.  Las Vegas, despite the neon signs and flashing lights, is incredibly dark from a spiritual perspective. There is so much opportunity here, and I cannot wait to see how God is going to use us in this city.

Yesterday we learned the history of the YWAM Las Vegas base and the desperate need in the city for more ministries, particularly to the sex workers.  Because of the intensity of the spiritual warfare in this city, no permanent ministries/outreaches to the sex workers exist. Anyone who has attempted to develop a ministry to the prostitutes has come under heavy spiritual attack and sadly, their attempts failed.  The wheels in my head are spinning.

We shared our testimonies yesterday and today, adding up to a total of 6 hours spent sharing our lives and Christian walk.  I was certain we would not need the entire 6 hours reserved on the schedule, but I was wrong.

Despite the heavy material, we have managed to have fun including an outing for frozen yogurt, frolicking on a playground and taking pictures, and barbequing in the park.  We also played a game (dangerous at times) of Red Rover.  We’re enjoying re-living our childhood. 


Tonight is the commitment service; the details of which I am unaware but will soon find out…in fifteen minutes, so I should stop typing and get ready.