Message “Wet Feet Water Walkers” by Lana Vasquez – Life Impact International
Location: The Roads Church
Main Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 127:3-5, Hebrews 12:2
“Sometimes I look at these children and think, ‘What if I hadn’t said yes?’ ‘What if fear or excuses had kept me from stepping out of the boat?’”
—Lana Vasquez
Introduction
Discover how your yes to God can change lives through this powerful message from Lana Vasquez. This study is more than a reflection on a sermon—it’s an invitation to step into the kind of faith that transforms lives, starting with your own. Lana’s testimony of saying yes to God led to the rescue and restoration of countless children across Thailand, Burma, and Brazil. As you walk through the excerpts, scriptures, and discussion questions in this guide, you’ll be challenged to examine your own “yes” moments—the places where God is calling you to trust Him, step out of the boat, and make an eternal impact. Whether you’re in a Roads Group, studying with family, or reflecting on your own, this guide will help you see that there are always faces and stories on the other side of your obedience.
We’ve included excerpts from Lana’s message, along with scripture and reflection questions to help you discover your own “yes” to God.
As you dive into this study, take time to open your Bible—whether it’s a physical Bible or a Bible app—and read the scripture passages Lana shares. Don’t stop there. As you reflect on the questions, ask the Lord to highlight other verses that speak to your heart and your next step of obedience. Let His Word guide you, confirm what He’s saying, and encourage you as you discover the faces and stories on the other side of your “yes.”
Scripture Focus
- Matthew 14:22-33 – Peter steps out of the boat to walk on water.
- Psalm 127:3-5 – Children are like arrows in the hands of a warrior.
- Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him.
Part 1 – Lana’s First Yes
Sermon Excerpt:
“I’ve been in Thailand for 24 years now. I was 24 years old when I first went on what was supposed to be a two-month mission trip. But the moment I stepped foot there, God’s heart gripped mine.
On my very first day, a 14-year-old girl walked up to me and said, ‘I don’t have a mom, and you don’t have a daughter. From this day forth, you’re my mom and I’m your daughter.’ That one encounter changed everything. I couldn’t leave that nation.
God gave me a vision from Psalm 127:3-5—‘As arrows in the hand of a mighty warrior, so are children of the youth.’ He said, ‘These children in Buddhist, Muslim, and Hindu nations don’t know Me. You will raise up a generation to know Me, and they will make Me known to their own nations.’
What was meant to be a temporary trip turned into 24 years of my life—half of my adult life. Today, I’m seeing that promise fulfilled: generations of children raised up as leaders, worshipers, and rescuers themselves. It all started with one yes.”
Discussion Questions:
- Lana’s entire life changed when she said yes to God’s call, even though it was unexpected. What’s a time when you’ve sensed God asking for a yes that felt risky or costly?
- What fears or excuses tend to hold you back from taking the first step of faith?
- Imagine the lives or situations that could be changed because of your obedience—what might be on the other side of your yes?
Part 2 – The Rescue Story of Quan
Sermon Excerpt:
“One of our recent rescues is a little girl named Quan. She’s only three years old. Her father, an alcoholic, left for work one day and came home to find her gone—sold across the Thai-Burma border for 5,000 baht, which is about $175.
Can you imagine? In that moment, her life was being traded like a commodity. But because of the network and rescue teams God has placed on the frontlines, we were able to cross the border and bring her back within three days.
Quan means ‘gift’ in Thai—and that’s exactly what she is. Every time we hold her, we are reminded of why we say yes to God’s call to prevent, rescue, and heal. She is safe now, loved, and has a future.
Sometimes I look at these children and think, What if I hadn’t said yes? What if fear or excuses had kept me from stepping out of the boat? Who would have been there for Quan? Our yes matters—it matters for real faces, real names, and real stories.”
Discussion Questions:
- Lana said, “Sometimes I look at these children and think, What if I hadn’t said yes?” What comes to mind when you think about the people who might be impacted by your obedience? Do you even believe that there are people who your life is meant to impact? What is a Bible verse that tells you that your life is meant to tell others the gospel message?
- How does Quan’s rescue make you rethink the power of saying yes, even when it costs something?
- What is one area in your life where God is asking you to trust Him, but fear or hesitation has held you back?
Part 3 – Encounter in Brazil
Sermon Excerpt:
“In Rio de Janeiro, we turned an old crack house into a prevention center for children. But to do that, we had to meet with the leaders of one of the most powerful drug cartels in the city. Their children were some of the ones we wanted to protect.
One day, the number-three leader of the cartel asked to meet me privately. As he spoke, I couldn’t even hear his words anymore—I just heard the Holy Spirit whisper, ‘Pray for him.’ So, I interrupted and said, ‘Can I pray for you?’ He looked at me, shocked, and said, ‘Yes.’
I put my hand on his shoulder and prayed, ‘God, I thank You for the blood of Your Son Jesus, which is powerful enough to wash away every stain.’ As I prayed, this tough, hardened man began to shake and cry. When we finished, he said to me, ‘I’ve never seen anything like this in my life. As long as you keep doing what you’re doing, you will always be protected.’
Today, those same cartel leaders guard our team. They call us to warn us if it’s unsafe to come in. God’s presence transforms even the hardest hearts when we say yes to His voice.”
Discussion Questions:
- Lana’s yes to God led her to places and people she never imagined—where might your yes to God take you, if you trusted Him fully?
- What “hard places” or challenging situations in your life might be transformed by a simple yes to God’s voice?
- If God called you to pray or speak boldly like Lana did, what would it take for you to step out in faith, even when it feels uncomfortable? What is a Bible verse about faith and trust in God that you can begin to meditate on to take the step out?
Part 4 – Wet Feet Water Walkers
Sermon Excerpt:
“The title of my message is Wet Feet Water Walkers. God is calling us to step out of our comfort zones and live the kind of life where we trust Him completely. Like Peter, we may feel afraid of the waves, but Jesus’ word ‘Come’ is enough to hold us up.
Peter didn’t step out of the boat to show off. He just wanted to be where Jesus was. When Jesus said ‘Come,’ Peter trusted His word, even though the waves were rough and the timing seemed all wrong. Jesus didn’t calm the storm before Peter stepped out—because His word was stronger than any wave.
But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he began to sink. Isn’t that just like us? We get distracted by the storm and forget the power of His promise. The moment Peter cried out, Jesus immediately stretched out His hand and lifted him up. Jesus didn’t shame Peter—He walked him back to the boat, showing him that when we fall, His grace gives us authority over the very things that tried to pull us under.
What’s your next yes? God’s miracles are on the other side of our obedience. Our yes doesn’t just change us—it impacts generations.”
Discussion Questions:
- What boat of comfort or security do you need to step out of to follow Jesus more fully?
- Lana said, “Our yes doesn’t just change us—it impacts generations.” What generations or lives might be impacted by your obedience today?
- What waves (fear, doubt, circumstances) are keeping your eyes off Jesus—and what would it look like to cry out, ‘Lord, save me,’ and let Him lift you back up?
Your Personal “Yes”
Take time this week to:
- Pray: Ask God, “What’s my next yes?”
- Search the Scriptures: Take time to find and write down Bible verses about faith, trust, and obedience. Let these promises and principles from God’s Word strengthen your confidence in saying yes to Him. (Examples: Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 41:10, Hebrews 11:6, James 1:22.)
- Write: Journal about the faces or opportunities on the other side of your obedience.
- Act: Take one step of faith this week, whether it’s serving, giving, or simply saying yes to God’s call in your daily life.
Next Steps & Resources
- Learn more about Life Impact International and the work Lana is doing in Thailand, Burma, and Brazil: https://lifeimpactintl.org/
- Pray for the children and teams who are on the frontlines of rescue and restoration.
- Share your yes with someone this week, encouraging them to trust God with their own next step.