Hello everyone!!! You may or may not know that I’ve been spending this past month in South Africa. It has been amazing and already a season of new growth, new experiences, and new lessons. We have been living with Africa School of Missions (AMS) in White River. Ministry has been pretty scattered and of various kinds. The first week of ministry we went to Micheal’s Children’s Village, an orphanage that AMS partners with. When we got to their campus, they told us their story and how they began, as well as shared their heart for their organization. On the first day as they were sharing about the ministry they said, “The children that we bring in are no longer orphans when they arrive here. This is their family.” The cool thing about this orphanage was that as well as taking in children who needed a home, they also took in widows and allowed them to live in the homes on campus and help raise the children there. So working, with them basically consisted of helping them clean up their campus and houses as just a way to bless the mommas that live there as well as the kids. But, mainly we were there to love on kids when they got home from school. We played tons of games, most which consisted of dancing, and let them play with our hair. And when I say “play with our hair”, I mean let them trick you into getting cornrows even though you’re really tender headed and specifically asked for no cornrows. Tears were shed that day. But seeing how excited they got when we allowed them to “play” with our hair, made it worth it.
We also worked with a bible school and their staff by doing door to door evangelism. The first day we split up into groups and my team went to a ladies house who we heard was sick. When we got there she told us that she had a couple of illnesses which all basically caused her to lose most of the feeling in her legs and sight in her eyes. We all gathered around her and laid hands on her and prayed for healing. We asked God with expectancy that He would work a miracle. Once we were done praying the woman said, “I believe I have been healed. Nothing is above God.” Even though we didn’t see immediate signs of healing, we were hopeful that the Lord would provide. The entire rest of the day I continued praying for her; asking God to bring comfort and relieve her pain. I had moments where I started doubting that God would heal her. I’ve seen God do many inexplainable things, but for some reason I sometimes forget how capable and intentional He really is! In those moments I think back to Mark 9 where a man is saying to Jesus, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief.” (If you haven’t read the story, then I definitely encourage it) I can relate to this verse so often. I believe God is good. I believe in His unfailing love. I believe that God’s will is perfect. But because of my flesh and doubtful nature, I often need Him to help me really believe these things. That day after we got back to the bible college, the pastor that we were with got a call from the woman we prayed over, and she called to tell them that she was gaining feeling back in her legs as well as sight in her eyes! Wow. I was and still am absolutely amazed at His power. God does these things to show us just how unlimited He is. How sufficient He is. But also to bring Himself glory. Because He deserves it!
Since then we began working with Ten Thousand Homes which is an awesome organization that is focused on doing feeding programs throughout the communities as well as after school type programs before they give out the food. We were able to come alongside them and help handout food to kids and adults in the community, as well as play with the kids, which I’m learning is one of my favorite ministries to do. Getting whooped by a bunch of kids at soccer brings me an abundant amount of joy (that was not sarcasm, by the way).
So, Africa has been amazing so far. God continues to show me new things about Him through serving His greatest creation. If you saw my last Facebook post, you’ll know that I’m learning the importance of waking up everyday with a “yes” in my heart. A yes for the race, my squad, my teammates, ministry, and for God’s direction. The race is a choice and for it to mean anything at all, I have to willingly choose it every day. I have to get up every morning, and say yes to what the Lord has for me, whatever it may be. This is something new that I’ve been learning to walk in. It’s not easy. Actually, most days it’s hard. But when I ask Him to, the Lord always floods me with peace and rest and whatever else I may need. He is so good to His children and desires the best for us.
Tomorrow we leave for Lesotho, Africa, a small country landlocked by South Africa. It’s about an 8 hour bus ride and I’m currently pulling an all-nighter so that I will sleep most of the way there. I am beyond excited for a new ministry, new country, as well as a new team. We’ve currently been living with our whole squad this past month, but tomorrow we will split up into our separate ministries with our new teams. I don’t know a lot about our new ministry, but as soon as I am able to get wifi again, I will do my best to update everyone as to what it will be. I’m so excited for a new season and to grow in intimacy with my team and with our Father. Please continue praying. Pray for safe travels, an easy transition, and for God to continue moving through us and allowing us to make a difference. It constantly blows me away that God doesn’t need us to spread the Gospel. He could make the nations bow with a whisper. But He invites us to do it with Him living through us, because He knows the joy that it brings. Anyway, please keep praying.
Also, although I am technically fully funded for this trip, I am still in need of monthly supporters to help cover the cost of extra food, toiletries, wifi to keep in touch with the world, ect. I typically need about $200 a month to help with these things, and I currently am needing support for about another 5 months. Any amount helps!! Please prayerfully consider helping me financially, and if you do feel led to do so, just contact me or my parents and we can tell you the best way to do that.
Please bare with me for the next 2 months in Lesotho. Wifi will probably be scarce, so I don’t know how often I will be able to post updates. Thank you so so so much for your prayers, encouragement, and support! I am so grateful for this journey that you all have helped send me on.
