Hello again!
Sorry to have ended my previous blog so abruptly… and with a story about rats no less. I was in the midst of typing it when it was time to go to the mall where we could get internet and I went with what was written because I wanted to spend the time I had talking to my family! Anyways, what you are reading now was written just hours after my previous post. I have officially talked to my mom, dad, grandma and niece, Quynn, for the first time since being gone and am so thankful for Skype!
And now to finish my blog about being in Chicago for launch and now South Africa:
My team and I have been meeting every afternoon to offer each other feedback about what we see in one another’s lives, to encourage one another, to pray together and to sharpen one another through the Word. The people of my team: Richard, Isaac, Jordan, Amie, Becky and Vanessa are now my family, friends and church. I am incredibly thankful for each and every one of them. I love that they are people I can laugh and study with, listen and talk to, and walk beside of during this season of life.
What we’ve realized is that it is very different to be away from the homes, friends and churches that have been avenues of nourishment for the gospel. We may not worship in a church, but our little spot under a tree in South Africa is beginning to feel like a new kind of home. When I look at their faces, it seems so weird that I have known them for such a short time, yet we all have our gifts and roles and brokenness that are being worked out with one another for the good of all. I love that.
If you want to pray for the church of J159, please pray that we would continue to walk in unity, recognizing one another’s strengths and weaknesses, and that each of us would find the natural gifts the Lord has given to us growing stronger even as weaker gifts are being developed. Pray that the Word would be made alive to each of us, that we would live as free people that find their hope, joy, laughter, comfort and peace in Christ. Pray that we would know our savior more than we know ourselves and that we would fight the battle to believe Him before we stand on any other battle ground.
Until next time,
Carrie
