“the days are long but the months fly by”
that’s what everyone from the 11 month squad keeps telling us. we’ve been privileged to do life with a group of world racers (they go to 11 countries in 11 months) the past two weeks. They’re on month 9 here & they leave us soon to head to Europe. I’ve enjoyed picking their brains and trying to soak up as much as I can from them. Over and over I’ve heard the quote “the days are slow but the months fly by.” I’m not even a month in, and I’m seeing the truth in this statement.
It’s rainy season & it’s africa. Together that means you can plan alllll you want to, but there’s a 110% chance it’s going to change.
Rainy season is intense. I laugh at myself now for being so excited to see Africa in the rainy season, because I’d only ever been between May & July. It’s day after day re-soaking the land that is already 4+ inches of mud. I do enjoy the sound of rain on our metal roof, a cup of hot tea, and a book. (quick plug- David Platt’s new book “something needs to change” comes out the 17th and you NEEEED to read it, it’s incredible. I had a prerelease copy and couldn’t put it down!)
The way Jesus is pursuing my heart and speaking to me is so powerful. I feel Him calling me to a season of stillness to experience Him more and more. I feel like a toddler being wrestled into a car seat, but I’m way worse than that. He had to fly me across the world, 4 hours from an airport, no WiFi (only a hotspot from a WR teammate for 3 mins to post a blog I wrote in the notes of my phone), and steady rainfall outside to get me to sit down and focus.
Dry season is quickly approaching, but I don’t want to miss a drop of the sweetness He’s offering me in this stillness.
•He’s renewing my mind (Romans 12:2)
•He’s teaching me deeper dependency. He has drawn me into the wilderness and is asking me to find strength and comfort in Him alone (Luke 4:4)
•He’s helping me to fully dive into understanding His general will for all his disciples in missions. The location was never the point – the actions were. Share the gospel – heal the sick, feed the hungry, clothe the naked. (Mark 16:15-18) Signs and wonders accompany his truths as confirmation – meeting physical needs is necessary, but not enough. Meeting spiritual needs is primary and necessary. Loving others is the second greatest commandment – but we must be careful of our interpretation of that. Loving people well is recognizing their eternal state is more urgent than their worldly one, but caring enough to attempt to meet both needs. Let us not ‘love people straight to hell.’ Let us teach bold truths – following up with matching character. (Again, David Platt’s new book is amazing, and covers this topic so so well.)
•He is asking me for surrender in new ways. Each time you give God everything, He asks for more. He wants all of us, and then some. He stretches us, and when we become comfortable there, it’s time for more stretching. He loves us where we’re at, but loves us enough not to leave us there.
This season of stretching is just an echo of “to whom much is given, much is required” in my head everyday. I carried two suitcases and a backpack here, and it was a paaaiiin. And I got here just to realize I brought way too much stuff. Jesus smiled at me the other day saying “don’t miss the lesson in that.” I’m blessed beyond comprehension with more material things than I could ever need in 5 lifetimes, good health, opportunity for education, and freedom to do whatever my heart desires. Those are all blessings, but they, like my suitcases, have weight to them. I’m burdened to use what I have for the furthering of the Kingdom and not for self. My favorite quote is “for I have seen, now I am responsible.” As I spend three months here before heading back to life in the states to finish school and pursue a career, how am I going to make sure that my life is devoted to using everything I’ve been given to give back? My education, my finances, my freedom.
This post really didn’t even discuss what ministry I’m a part of here – but I will soon. I just felt lead as I drank my coffee this morning, to share my heart with you all. To allow the Lord to do with it what He will in the hearts of those reading.
I want to leave you with prayer requests for myself and my team if you’d support us in that way!
- my best friend Juliet. She is in the states, and had some complications in her pregnancy – and gave birth to her baby girl two months early. They are doing well, but both have a road of recovery ahead of them. (& being thousands of miles away from them has been so tough on my heart) {I love you so much sis. see you and Sadie real soon.}
- HOPEthiopia, the ministry I am working with here. The orphanage, the workers, and the land as they work to reforest it. The goal is to breathe life into Ethiopia in both a physical and spiritual sense.
- My teammates. I believe God is doing huge things in each of their hearts as well as working through them here.
- Myself – God is stretching me and calling me to new depths each day. I’m excited, but would very much appreciate your prayer in every stage of this, and especially October 17th- November 25th if you’d devote prayer to me for something God is asking of me it would mean the world to me.
- The world race team as they finish out their race!
Thank you for following my journey with Jesus. I love you all & think of you guys daily! Your support and impact on me pushes me to the Fathers feet daily. I’m eternally grateful.
Until the next moment of WiFi,
-Lauren Rhett
Book suggestions:
“Something Needs To Change” – David Platt (releases sept 17th)
“The Spirit Led Heart” – Suzie Eller
“Kingdom Journeys” – Seth Barnes
Song suggestions:
“New Wine” – Hillsong worship (the song God has declared over this season for me!)
“I’m listening” – Chris McClarney
“Nothing else” – Cody Carnes
