[This happened a couple weeks ago during my time in South Africa]
As I was walking down by the ocean once again, just enjoying the view and my last day in Gordon’s Bay, South Africa. I walked by a young African girl sitting on the bench by herself. Awhile after walking past, I felt God wanting me to turn around and talk to her. To be honest, I didn’t really want to and didn’t feel like it. I stopped by the last bench on the path and began to journal for awhile. I wasn’t even sure it was God’s voice talking, so as I turned around I was doubtful she would still be there, but she was!
I stopped and stood next to the bench deciding whether I was going to sit down or not. I said hello to the girl and with shyness she said hi back. I decided to sit down. I didn’t say anything at first; I just admired the ocean view with her. I continued to say it was a beautiful day with no response from her. Then I asked how she was doing today and with a pause, she eventually said ‘good’ as quietly as possible without looking my way. It seemed she was just hoping I would go away because she didn’t know what to say.
(my view from the bench I was journaling on)
I contemplated whether I should walk away or not and I felt God saying, “Press in harder, keep pressing in.” I felt rude and asked God how in the world I could press in more. So, I continued talking to her and asking if she lived around that area. She revealed that she was not from the Gordon Bay area, but was visiting. I said a few small words, it was silent, and then she opened up and said, “I haven’t been here at this beach since my friend drowned here five years ago.” Wow! How do you respond to that? I articulated my sympathy, asked her some questions about it. And eventually she opened up and just started talking. Her names is Porche…yes, like the car!
She’s a beautiful 19 year old girl with dreams of being in the entertainment industry. Porche explained how there are numerous opportunities in South Africa to do that. Her parents both want her in the medical field which is not her passion at all, so she said it has been hard not knowing what to do and wanting to please her family and still wanting to be happy in what she does. She said that her family can’t afford medical school right now so she may have the opportunity to do what she wants if she can get enough money at least for some classes.
I had to get going to meet some of my teammates at the internet café and she was getting ready to meet up with her mom who had been shopping in the area, but before I left, I asked if I could pray for her. I didn’t know how she would feel about that, but she smiled and with a welcoming spirit, said yes. So I prayed for her and over her and she thanked me a couple times for praying for her and talking to her.
We went our separate ways and as I walked away I knew God was already working in her young life and has plans for her life. I wish I had had a camera, but her precious face is ingrained in my mind not to be forgotten. I thank God for opportunities like this everyday! The thought that He uses me to build Kingdom, to do His will, to accomplish His plan, to impact someone else’s life, boggles my mind. I don’t have to understand though, I just have to obey…and that’s what I’m working on. It’s not always easy, I don’t always do it, but I’m learning 🙂. Pray for this young girl Porsche and the life God has laid ahead of her. Pray for boldness and strength in your life to have open ears and then do what God calls you to do. Pray for the words to say because the Holy Spirit will teach you what to say if you ask; not just to rulers but to strangers all around you. Some people say they could never do that, but I’m no different than anyone else. Everyone has ears to hear and has a God that gives boldness and courage to obey…so seek the right One for your strength.
“…for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”
~Luke 12:11-12
***Hear more details about our past few days on Renee’s site
