Heading into our last full week of ministry raises bitter/sweet feelings in my heart. In a few days I leave this distant land with excitement to see family and friends. I am eager to wake up in my own bed and start a day filled with familiarity. But there is also sadness as I inch ever closer to saying goodbye to a country and people that have stolen my heart. I therefore charge into this week with a spirit of urgency and intentionality. Whether I am peeling oranges, leading Sunday school, or photographing sweet moments, EVERY second is precious. In this last week, I give myself wholly to an attitude of service in which I declare that no task I undertake is too small or without purpose. My heart is open and ready.
These past few days have been one for the record books for me personally. Yes, there were times of physical weakness, but in those moments, the presence of God completely obliterated all feelings of insecurity. He has used vulnerability to reshape my perception of others as well as myself; to embrace them and yes, to even embrace all of who I am. The fact that He can use people across the world to answer prayers so specific and unique to my situation has been mind boggling. To see how His Spirit is so alive and dwelling in His children anywhere on the planet to reveal to them a direct message to and for me has made this trip a powerful tool of faith-building. Something I did not foresee. I came here thinking I would help build faith in others only to see in coming here my own faith has been built. It has been humbling and rich. My God is so awesomely omnipotent, and He has made that entirely clear.
I praise God for what He has done and what He will do. I am so thankful to have been given countless opportunities to experience His glory. With each passing week I have been reminded of the faithful characteristics of Christ. I can personally say I have seen the impact of His spirit change lives all around the world. I have witnessed redemption in those who are filled with shame. I have observed broken hearts being transformed – mind, body and soul -with a hope that only comes from the living God. Beholding the true resurrection power of Christ will leave you forever changed. I KNOW it has changed me. His goodness cannot be ignored, and I cannot speak of it enough.
I look forward to seeing how the Lord will continue to move in my life and those around me. By His grace we will continue to run the race set before us and finish well.
Prayer Request
Week 7
Intentionality: I would really appreciate prayer for intentionality in this last week of ministry. From personal experience, I have found myself mentally checking out during repetitive and routine tasks. I want to remain fully present in the glory that is still yet to come in every detail and responsibility given me.
Health: I have come to find that rest is a concept that needs to be fought for here in Jeffery’s Bay. The hustle and bustle of ministry strides at a rapid pace which can sometimes be overwhelming. Being the “loud and boisterous” person I am, it is fortunate that I love busy. Busy, however, has not proven a fan of me. I have had to push myself every minute to keep up. I cannot seem to get over the bout of illness I started the trip with just before we got on the plane for Swaziland. Please keep me in your prayers to maintain a spirit of service and not complacency as my body continues to heal.
Thank you all so much for your continuous outpouring of support.
Father,
Your will be done, nothing more, nothing less
