*Do not conform any
longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind. Then you will be able to test
and approve of what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12: 2
Humjombo friends and fam!
So far our time here in
Sumbawanga, Tanzania has been pretty great.
We’re living with our contact, Pastor Amos, and his family which has
been grand. His kids have been teaching
us some new African dances and I can now confidently count to 20 in Kiswahili! Wahoo!
As of right now, with your prayers and
financial support, $13,202 out of $14,300 has been raised.
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all that you’ve done
to help me fulfill the call that Christ has laid on my heart. He has brought my team and I
strength, encouragement and hope in times when we knew we could no longer do it
on our own. Travel in Africa is comparable
to a game of Russian Roullette but God has been faithful through it all.
I feel like we’ve been away from home for a lifetime, and
that the experiences we’ve had in Europe and Africa have amounted to what could
be years of growth that have forever changed me. Each country has brought me to a new place in
Christ. He has continued to call me to
deeper places with Him, to learn more about His character and to understand
more and more about His unchanging, unfailing, unconditional and extraordinary
love for us.
I am here because of the grace that God has given me. I am here because He’s walked in front of me,
along side of me and behind me each and every step of the way. I am here because I could only rely on His
strength and endurance to bring me through the challenging times. I am here because of His love that pushed me
forward and comforted me in times of distress.
I am also here because He’s put it on your heart to support
me. These past 5 months many of you have
supported me with prayer. Yesterday, I
was reading my journal from Ireland when I found out I would be a team
leader. Prior to knowing who would be on
my team, I wrote out a few pages of prayer for us – for who I hoped we would
be, for unity, for what we would stand for, for protection, for seeking out who
God is individually and as a team – and man oh man, I feel confident in saying
that my prayers have been answered.
Since leaving on the World Race, I’ve learned how essential prayer is in
every aspect of our lives. I am sure
that your prayers for me and my team have kept us safe, healthy, and unified.
Thank you SO MUCH.
Also, thank you for your financial support. It is extremely encouraging to know that you
believe in what Christ is doing through us. What greater cause is there to support than
that of bringing God’s kingdom to Earth as it is in Heaven? You’ve
not only helped us travel across continents, provide food and places for us to
sleep, but you’ve also helped share the gospel, love on orphans, encourage
women with HIV/AIDS, strengthen the foundation of who Christ is with kids to
young adults. It’s funny how we came out
here to love on His people and to show them the love of Christ when often
times, they’re the ones showing us
the love of Christ. They’ve welcomed us
into their churches, their homes and their families with open arms. They’ve shown us more hospitality than I have
ever seen or experienced without expecting anything in return purely because
that’s how Jesus calls us to live and love with one another.
Doing the bare minimum isn’t enough anymore.
Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in
brotherly love. Honor one another above
yourselves. Never be lacking zeal, but keep
your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12: 9- 13
Thank you for making
this possible.
As we approach the holiday season (which I am extremely sad
to be missing out on, so have an extra piece of pumpkin pie for me, would ya?), I would greatly
appreciate your continued support. To be
fully funded, I’ll need $1,100 by December 15th. If you aren’t able to give financially, I
would greatly appreciate your prayers. I
know that God will provide what’s needed, He always has.
My team and I are
thinking and praying for you all often.
<3 I love and miss you all!
Random Side Note: Squatty potties and bucket showers are the
norm this month. You’d be surprised at
how quickly you adapt, but never lose appreciation for a good toilet and
running water.
In order to financially support me, click ‘Support Me’ on
the left hand side of my blog page. If
you’d prefer to send a check, click ‘Support Me’ and it will provide an address
and instructions to do so.
