Hello Everyone!
I apologize that I haven’t posted in some time. Africa was amazing in so many ways and challenging in others. Wifi being one of my struggles. Here is a brief update of what has been going on and where I am at now. Please feel free to comment and ask questions!
We arrived in Côte d’Ivoire back in April. We stayed in a village about an hour out from the capital (Abidjan) called Katadji. Ministry was self designed and we were partnered with a church while we were there. We did woman’s ministry, children’s ministry, visited villages, did home visits, sang and danced at Sunday services and fought vaious illnesses and bugs. Here is where I learned the power of the Holy Spirit to speak through me when I get out of my own way. I was given a 15 minute warning that one of us would be preaching and I had a verse and a message within minutes. We had fruit every day after lunch or dinner, sometimes both and it was the best fruit I’ve EVER had. (no joke). As a team we had to come together in new ways that allowed for growth and everyone’s voice to be heard. Personally I battled Malaria and various bugs including parasites, not fun! Overall it was a learning and growing experience that would not have been possible without such wonderful and hospitable hosts and translators.
Next our squad traveled to Ghana. In Accra we had our debrief and changed teams. I am now on a co-ed team and have been working with them during ministry. You can check out their bios through my blog homepage. In Ghana our ministry was in Sunyani. We partnered with Elim City Church and did evangelism ministry. It was a challenge at first having never done evangelism before but also a great way to learn and walk in something new. We spent 6 weeks there as plans to travel to Burkina Faso changed.
The last two weeks we were in Ghana my team and I spent it in Tamale, a city north east of Sunyani. We showed up homeless and without ministry. These two weeks were called “ATL” or ask the Lord. Within a few hours we had a place to stay and within two days of arriving we met a pastor who became our ministry host and one of the most encouraging blessings of the race. We had a beautiful time with his church and meeting other pastors and missionaries through him.
They say all is well that ends well. Africa was challenging in literally every way possible but God spoke to me during debrief in Accra and it has stuck with me since then. “If it takes sickness and coming to the end of myself to draw closer to God then its worth it all. The suffering that I have experienced pales in comparison to the suffering that Christ endured to draw closer to me.” It was a season of coming to the end of myself and beginning to take a stand on the rock solid foundation offered in the Lord.
We are now a squad all together again in Montenegro. Travel is exciting for me but 38 hours sleepless will catch up with anyone. It has been a time of rest and refreshing so far. I look forward to our ministry here in Montenegro but taking it one day at a time right now. I will continue to add detailed stories now that wifi seems strong enough.
Thank you for your patience and support. It means the world to us out here in the field. I encourage you to reach out to someone you’re supporting with encouraging words. Being the “hands and feet” can be rewarding in ways that words can not always express, but it presents its challenges as well. YOUR words, prayers and support go a long way. Your voice has impact. Thank-you again to my supporters! You’re helping to make this happen.
Danielle
