Hey Family and Friends,
I’m back! It seems impossible to put into words exactly how overwhelmingly grateful I am for your prayers and support throughout this immensely impactful year! Those nine months felt unimaginably long and at the same time flew by in a blink! As my eyes were opened to drastically different cultures and lifestyles around the world, I was humbled and for one of the first times in my life truly saw how our God is not limited by any culture, language or human barriers. In every country and through every ministry that we partnered with He exceeded our expectations. His character rings true past any obstacle and any doubt. “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’—”-1 Corinthians 2:9 We don’t deserve to be part of such a redemptive and awe-inspiring Kingdom that He is bringing to this broken world. Yet here we are, chosen, beloved, adopted, perfectly hand crafted to fight for His goodness only out of a faith that this world and we might never understand.
This race surprised me, in absolutely every way! Life on the field often times didn’t look much different than a nine to five, but it never stopped there. Through painting, teaching English, preparing meals, putting together kids programs, door to door evangelism, even mushroom farming, and much more I’ve learned that God’s great love is too vast to box into these scheduled ministry hours. Discovering that it’s our call as sons and daughters of the Most High King to embody His sacrificial love in every step we take and in every encounter we have; our only purpose is to bring Him glory. This challenge and purpose is one of those things that i will take into the rest of my life. It might not make sense to this world but laying down my life for Him has given me such glorious and sweet joy. I have found new life that leaves me in awe daily. “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” -Ephesians 3:19.
The community that I was immersed in and the leaders that poured into me expected nothing less than radical growth. Around every corner and through every challenge I was asked to press in, to ask the hard questions and to dig into my own character and His dreams for my future. Being surrounded by these new brothers and sisters propelled me into walking in the great authority we hold and into seeking the Lord in all I do. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” -Hebrews 10:24-25 As much as this year was about laying my life down to serve and love his people, it was equally about my personal refinement. Through the challenges i started to grasp just how deep and sweet the Father’s love is for me and his children, and that He never wants us to stay stagnant. With this refinement and love He ignited my passion for mentorship and discipleship.
(learning how completely dependent i am on rooting myself in the Word and spending as much quality time with my Heavenly Father all over the world changed my life)
So here’s what’s next! I’m beyond excited to invite you into the next journey the Lord has orchestrated for me! I have been asked to come back and lead a new gap year trip, for their first three months in South Africa! The Lord is so sweet in combining my passion for discipleship and service by bringing me back to a country that completely captivated my heart. But truly this isn’t about the next exciting adventure i’m going on; this is about an incredible Father who keeps overflowing His love on me, and taking another big step of faith!
So far this summer I got to meet this new squad of 33 at training camp!! yes i got to go through training camp a second time(: This was actually such a sweet time to really see how the Lord has transformed since my training camp! And this past week i’ve been at Adventures in Missions going through some leadership training and now i’m off to South Africa today!!
Some prayer requests for this new season!
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safe travels (will take us a few days to get to Jeffery’s Bay)
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transitioning into a new community
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health (no one likes to be sick so far away from home)
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learning how to lead out of a place of rest
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deeper intimacy with God
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open eyes and ears to how the Lord wants to speak and use us
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fundraising for my team and I
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confirmation in my decisions for my future:)
Love and Prayers,
Acacia Sachs
