Since my expectations for living conditions and meals had been blown out of the water, I was interested to see what this month held in terms of ministry. After eating a delicious breakfast of fruit salad and toast prepared by the wonderful Marian, we headed next door to the school/girls home. As we walked across the field to the chapel, we heard the sound of African drumming as several of the children beat on a used blue water drum.
THIS IS AFRICA.
We walked in to a small room of very excited, smiling children who were singing and dancing praise songs to the Lord. The second I walked through the door, I could feel the presence of God in this place. We walked up to the stage and as I watched them, I just started crying. It was beautiful! The people, their hearts, their welcome was absolutely beautiful! This was the moment the Lord completely shattered my view of Africa and gave me an instant love for all of these children.
Over the past few weeks, I've had the privledge of getting to know many of the high school students better and have had the opportunity to preach/teach at daily bible studies and during bible classes. I've shared my life stories with them, stories from the Race and have encouraged them in their walk with God.
This has been such a sweet month of redemption.
Redemption from preconceived notions about what Africa would be like and redemption in preaching/teaching. Four months ago in the Philippines, our contact asked us to preach at church. No one from my team volunteered. I wasn't particularly fearful of public speaking, I had just never preached before and didn't want to.
A few days after turning down the invitation to speak, I felt SO convicted. Why did I say no?! I had come on a mission trip to share my life and share the gospel with people all over the world, yet I had said no?! How selfish of me!!! I realized that God had given me a story and experiences, not to keep to myself but to share with others all over the world. I started praying for opportunities to preach and had been praying that God would give me a message for the group He wanted me to speak to.
He answered that prayer this month. I have been so blessed to share my life and my love for God with a room full of high school kids!
