For those of you who read my last blog, you read that God is calling me back to J Bay. But you may be wondering why? What's so wonderful about this place?! Man, I wish this blog could adequately capture my heart and passion, but I'll do my best to share what has so deeply moved my heart and my plans for returning.
The moment we crossed over the marshy waters on the day we arrived in J Bay, I knew this would be my best month yet. Maybe it was the God filled atmosphere of the Artist Cafe, owned and operated by a Methodist pastor, Lynn, who had come to J Bay looking for a church to pastor. God gave her a coffee shop instead. Maybe it was painting our faces at our first day of VBS ministry this month. Maybe it was the long runs on the beach or praying for the local people or crying out to God about what His plan was for the next season of life. Maybe it was the corn bread and chili dinner with fellow American missionaries, Kara and Ellen. Or maybe it was braaiing with so many new friends and exchanging stories. Each day was filled with adventure, laughter and usually a divine appointment from God. I felt like He was constantly guiding my steps and naturally allowing me to do life with the people in J Bay.
For the first time in a long time, I can say that ministry has actually filled me up rather than drained me. And not just the spontaneous, divine appointment ministry, but the Purity Avenue ministry with LXP. I greatly enjoyed working with Thando and the other LXP ladies reaching out to high school girls through bible studies, prayer, school assemblies and dance! I had the opportunity to teach a lesson on journaling, do outreaches and home visits in the community and share part of my story/a word of encouragement at a school assembly. Although we were only here a short time, I started to build some great relationships with some of the girls and am so sad to be leaving them.
This month has confirmed that my heart and passion is for discipleship/mentorship of young women. I want to walk alongside these girls through tough things they are dealing with, teach them the bible and about what it really means to have a relationship with God. I believe my strong passion for discipleship stems from wishing I had a mentor to walk with me through life at that age… someone a little older and wiser to speak life and encourage me and point me to God.
God is doing incredible things in the various ministries at LXP and I am so humbled and excited that He has called me to be a part of it! After much contemplation and prayer, my plan is to return to Jeffrey's Bay in February 2014 to intern with LXP. Upon returning from the Race and going back to South Africa, I plan to work and begin support raising. If you are interested in learning more about LXP ministry, check out their website –> http://thelxp.org/lxp-south-africa/jeffreys-bay-base
