I Have A Dream…

On August 28, 1963 Martin Luther King Jr. delivered one of the most powerful speeches America has ever heard. Not only did his dream fascinate the masses- it instilled authentic courage into weary souls desperate for hope. It was a crucial state in our nation where discrimination ran wild and justice demanded a fighting chance.

This word “dream” often sparks MLK Jr’s speech in my mind. He was an integral man who lived out what is required of us. MLK Jr. sought justice, loved mercy and walked humbly with The Lord. (Micah 6:8)

In January of 2014, The Lord gave me a dream. A dream in which I will never forget. A dream that has driven me to a state of desperation to see come to pass.

I was participating in a 21 day fast at New Life Church while I was an intern in their program, Desperation Leadership Academy. I had never fasted for a considerable length of time and made the commitment to be all in. One day during the fast I was specifically in the “furnace prayer room” and decided to look up at the TV for a few seconds. The monitor had a prayer topic and the focus was the nation of China. I began to pray for this oppressed communist country.

Days had past and I went to pray in the same room again; As I looked up at the TV screen for a prayer topic, China appeared big and bold. “That’s strange.” I thought to myself. “The screen must be frozen?” I decided to ask around to see if any of my other friends ever saw this.. No one had. Hmm…

A few more days had past and I was attending DLA’s weekly “Gathering” service. One of my good friends, Jordan Bates, came over to pray for me and had a prophetic word. I joyfully inclined my ear to what she had to say. In sum, she said “Maria, if The Lord has called you to missions, you must obey. Missionary work is not a cliche christian thing to do, it’s a high calling from The Lord.”

I’ll never forget that moment.

The Gathering service had come to an end and I ventured off to a prayer room to debrief with The Lord. I walked into the chapel and my eyes began to flood with tears as a young beautiful Chinese girl ran around in pink pants and a flowery shirt. She had little pig-tails and the most jovial smile. Her laugh filled the room with pure joy. My heart broke instantly and Jesus started speaking to me and giving me visions. The vision I saw was of me in an orphanage full of Chinese children with disabilities. I was taking care of them, rocking them to bed and laughing with them. The orphanage had bright colors and it was marked by  healing visitations and miraculous signs & wonders. Words do not describe what I felt in that unforgettable moment. I had never felt so much hurt and yet so much joy simultaneously. The Lord was breaking my heart for China, specifically special needs children who lack the very thing we all are designed to receive, love.

I had the opportunity to speak with the Chinese girl’s adoptive mom and got the story. This little girl is diagnosed with autism and physical disabilities because of the abuse she endured from her biological mom. She was abandoned and left for dead. The Lord had miraculously saved her and allowed this lady to adopt her to show her the love of Christ.

Since January 2014, I haven’t been the same. I wake up most mornings praying for the children in China and contending for God’s justice to rule the nation. I believe He is and will release even more justice as I continue to be steadfast in prayer.

As for now, I have committed to praying for these beautiful children I have yet to meet and I’m raising funds to go on missions to China one day to begin this ministry. I have an urgency to see justice released to these children.

Though I have much to learn before the Lord gives me the opportunity to establish an orphanage for healing to take place in children’s live, I am choosing to believe that in my weakness, He is made strong. In my uncertainty, He is illuminating the road. Whatever life may bring to test my faith, God is preparing me. I am qualified through Christ.

As MLK Jr. stated, “Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.”

“I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; “and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.” 

I ask that you would please pray with me as I seek The Lord with this God-sized dream.