This Christmas I spent a week in Samochima, Botswana living out of a tent, brushing teeth out of water bottles, and showering out of buckets. Days were spent under shade trees talking to locals about Jesus. Nights were spent cooking over a fire and worshipping. Way cool. Also way hard. There were no frills or fluffs this year. No presents or Christmas trees. No cookies or hot chocolate. No snow or scarves. There was sweat and mosquito bites. Sandy feet and hot tents. Smiling kids and sticky hands. Thirty-five lives given to Jesus and fifteen physical healings.
A year ago I would have never imagined this was what my Christmas was going to look like. It was such a sweet season for me to step back and look at what I was truly celebrating. I dug deep into the Word and looked at the true reason for the season. No, not Jesus. Sin. This year I celebrated Christmas because of my sin. The whole reason Jesus had to come to earth was because of humanity and their sinful nature. Woah. Having new perspective on the “reason for the season” I was able to walk in a new appreciation for the holiday.
Christmas Eve was an eye opening night for me. I still haven’t fully processed through what I saw that night, but the Pastor and others from the church were able to deliver several people from spirits that they had been holding on to. The community we were in still walks in a lot of ancestral traditions that they have mixed with biblical concepts which manifest a lot of unholiness. So much spiritual warfare. I had never been exposed to anything even remotely like that and honestly it scared me. It very much felt like a spiritual battle and I was in the middle swinging for my life. I had to remove myself from the service at one point. I walked into the middle of the field and looked up at the stars asking God, “What am I doing here? What is happening here? It is Christmas and I am supposed to be celebrating Jesus yet I feel so afraid of what is going on in front of me.” Clear as day He responded “Emma this is why you are here.” This is why Jesus had to be here. The next day over the same tent that was a spiritual battlefield the night before, a double rainbow appeared in the sky. God was there Christmas Eve. God was there Christmas day. I was not fighting alone. He is always fighting for and with me.
Christmas will never be the same after this year. And I am thankful for that. I am thankful for a new perspective and life experience. Yes, it was hard. Yes, I was uncomfortable. But I grew and was changed. I matured and am able to walk in more knowledge and confidence in Him.
On another note, I am almost halfway done with the Race and 2018 is quickly approaching! That is crazy! My team and I will be living Johannesburg, South Africa for the next two months. We will be working with Team Abundance and Impact Africa. Very stoked. Pray for our transition into a new ministry and processing as we leave Botswana. I am so grateful for everyone at home who is constantly battling for us in prayer. It does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. We love you all.
Happy New Year,
Emma
