So ministry in Africa hasn’t really looked like we imagined thus far. We arrived here about a week ago and while we thought we would be in Mozambique camping in the bush, we have been resting, living in a house and eating food like I never expected on the World Race. After a few days in a hostile in Jo’burg God led us to this missionary house in Nelspruit, South Africa. We are living in a house (all 51 of us), we have hot showers, toilets we can actually flush toilet paper in and many other comforts of home. We thought our time here would be short lived, but as doors continued close for our entry into Mozambique the Lord made it clear in multiple ways that He had a plan beyond what we could see for our squad. He even sent a women here to pray for our leaders that specifically spoke into areas and ways we needed to grow as a squad and a family before we faced the strongholds and ministry God had for us in Mozambique.
We were not ready to jump right into Mozambique and we needed time to rest and be together as a squad. So through prayer and worship, through sharing meals, through time to just “be” (a continual lesson in my life) that has happened and we have been ridiculously blessed in the process. We have laughed together, shared together, encouraged one another and yes we have played lots of cornhole together. I wanted to post the video here, but due to slow internet you will have to click here on Di’s page to view it. It is quite humorous and worth your time. We have decided we would like to invent a traveling cornhole to take with us for the rest of the race. I will keep you posted on that.
All in all there is much truth that has been spoken to all of us over the course of the last week. We continue to hear the phrase that is oh so common in the Christian world ‘die to your self’, but one that is so true and crucial. It is crucial for us in regards to our relationship with the Lord and crucial as we live together with one another in community. I am learning daily that until I really take my eyes off of myself I can’t love the Lord or those around me. It’s not about us, any of it….it is all about Him! We believe God is doing new and big things in our squad and we are excited about the places He is taking us.
Plans have changed again and basically all 8 teams will be on their own this month. We will set out tomorrow afternoon on a 33 hour bus ride through one of the poorest countries in Africa…yes 33 hours!!! 7 teams will be in Mozambique and 1 will be in Zimbabwe. The costs to get to our locations are outrageous and due to that we will be living on $4/day for all expenses for the next 3 weeks, which pretty much means rice and beans. We have pulled the money of all teams together and are trusting God to stretch the budget and leave us again in awe of His provision. BLING will be camping in a National Park in Gorongoza, Mozambique and working with a man named Jonathan…that’s about all I know. We are thankful for the promise and the ways we have seen God go before, with and behind us and are confident that will continue this month. Pray for continued unity, safety, protection, an increase in faith and the confidence to walk in the gifts and callings God has placed on our lives! Internet will most likely be non-existent this month so more to come at the end of the month!
