Faithful followers (special shout out to Paoli United Methodist Church)
You love me SO WELL!!!! Really I mean it. Between the comments you leave on my blogs, the quick “just thinking about you” messages on Facebook or by email, the crazy, amazing videos you send me chalk full of encouragement, and the way I can literally feel the power of your prayers as my squad/team goes through waves of sickness or attacks from Satan, and I remain untouched; seriously, a day doesn’t go by where I don’t feel entirely filled up and that’s a big testament to your warriors at home! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you’ve done for me. I couldn’t be here without you. And you better believe I wouldn’t have been strong enough to stay on this crazy 11-month adventure if it wasn’t for you convincing me I was ready. For the second time in my life (the first being August 11th 2012, the day I became fully funded right in front of Paoli’s eyes as money literally came flooding in from left to right), I am without words.
But I will say this. Thank you. Thank you for being with me every step. Thank you for loving me like Christ loves. Thank you for continually having faith that I would choose to follow the Lord. Thank you for showering me with grace and seeing me through Christ’s eyes. When I look at you, I see Jesus. That’s right I said it! And I meant it too. Jesus is wearing you today, and He looks good doing it too. You are radiant. You are captivating. You are attractive. Something about you draws others in. You are disciples…and you are His chosen people. Doesn’t it feel good? I know I smile in a whole new way. I walk on a cloud of freedom and I’m not afraid to show it anymore. I wear Jesus with pride not shame; and so I thank you for setting that example. Colossians 3:17
After having my mom here for a week (PRAISE GOD!), it just makes me desire even more for you all to be experiencing this right beside me. There’s nothing like it. The fact of the matter is that this trip is overwhelming. So much of the time I fail to put my experiences to words (although I know you are so kind telling me otherwise). There is so much I wish to tell you, and I guess with time God will show me how. But for now, I guess that is why I am so passionate about videos. They capture moments that maybe words never could. It tells a story that may be unimaginable otherwise.
So here is a video that has been on my heart for months (mainly because the internet wouldn’t load it…hehe but that sentence works for dramatic effect as well). A video of a real, traditional Maasai village: who knows Christ (I had to add this little caveat because oftentimes Maasai people practice witchcraft. However, God is present even in the middle of the African desert and has been reaching this people group, raising up churches and sending out crazy people like us to evangelize and tell more people about our Lord and Savior.) Tanzania, more than any place I’ve ever been, worships God without inhibition. They praise Him however they are moved to praise; and as we know we serve a God who is worthy to be praised…so you can imagine the festivities were big!
You love me SO WELL!!!! Really I mean it. Between the comments you leave on my blogs, the quick “just thinking about you” messages on Facebook or by email, the crazy, amazing videos you send me chalk full of encouragement, and the way I can literally feel the power of your prayers as my squad/team goes through waves of sickness or attacks from Satan, and I remain untouched; seriously, a day doesn’t go by where I don’t feel entirely filled up and that’s a big testament to your warriors at home! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you’ve done for me. I couldn’t be here without you. And you better believe I wouldn’t have been strong enough to stay on this crazy 11-month adventure if it wasn’t for you convincing me I was ready. For the second time in my life (the first being August 11th 2012, the day I became fully funded right in front of Paoli’s eyes as money literally came flooding in from left to right), I am without words.
But I will say this. Thank you. Thank you for being with me every step. Thank you for loving me like Christ loves. Thank you for continually having faith that I would choose to follow the Lord. Thank you for showering me with grace and seeing me through Christ’s eyes. When I look at you, I see Jesus. That’s right I said it! And I meant it too. Jesus is wearing you today, and He looks good doing it too. You are radiant. You are captivating. You are attractive. Something about you draws others in. You are disciples…and you are His chosen people. Doesn’t it feel good? I know I smile in a whole new way. I walk on a cloud of freedom and I’m not afraid to show it anymore. I wear Jesus with pride not shame; and so I thank you for setting that example. Colossians 3:17
After having my mom here for a week (PRAISE GOD!), it just makes me desire even more for you all to be experiencing this right beside me. There’s nothing like it. The fact of the matter is that this trip is overwhelming. So much of the time I fail to put my experiences to words (although I know you are so kind telling me otherwise). There is so much I wish to tell you, and I guess with time God will show me how. But for now, I guess that is why I am so passionate about videos. They capture moments that maybe words never could. It tells a story that may be unimaginable otherwise.
So here is a video that has been on my heart for months (mainly because the internet wouldn’t load it…hehe but that sentence works for dramatic effect as well). A video of a real, traditional Maasai village: who knows Christ (I had to add this little caveat because oftentimes Maasai people practice witchcraft. However, God is present even in the middle of the African desert and has been reaching this people group, raising up churches and sending out crazy people like us to evangelize and tell more people about our Lord and Savior.) Tanzania, more than any place I’ve ever been, worships God without inhibition. They praise Him however they are moved to praise; and as we know we serve a God who is worthy to be praised…so you can imagine the festivities were big!
If I could use two words to describe the Maasai people it would be APPRECIATIVE and HOSPITABLE. Matthew 25: 35-40 They literally gave us the clothes off their backs and food from their table. When we were mere strangers, they took us in and treated us with the utmost care. It was a time of few words (language barrier) but much laughter.
Africa really is as great as people have always made it sound (Sara Jones and Carolyn Thibodeau…shout out to you). Now it’s your turn to see it.
