Falling in love is not something I knew much about before I got to Africa.
Before the Race if you had asked me where on our route I thought God was going to call me back to, my answer would have been Thailand or Eastern Europe. I was 100% confident Africa was not the place for me. I thought I knew what God had for me, but I was wrong.
The first day of ministry in Malawi I knew there was something different about this continent. I have done work all over the world now, and there is something different about Africa. There is hope, joy, love, laughter, and peace.
Last month our contact, Pastor Blessings, was one of the most dedicated men that I have ever met. He was dedicated to taking the Gospel to the nation of Malawi, and was doing everything in his power to go OUT and reach people, not just bring them in.
And I left a little piece of my heart in Malawi when we left last month.
Then we arrived in Zambia. We are living and working in different places, with different ministries. While our “first ministry” (the one assigned to us by the World Race) is more challenging this month, our “second ministry” (where we live) has been incredible.
We are living in a gorgeous house with 14 guys, ages 15-27, and one incredible woman named Jackie. She has been here in Zambia for the last 9 years, working predominately with orphans. Some of these boys she has been looking after since they were 6 years old. They are her kids, her sons.
I wish I could somehow explain to you how incredible these guys are. They are growing into men of God that will change this nation, and the world. The faith they exhibit takes my breath away. They don’t shy away from deep conversations about the Lord. They take all their struggles to Him, with expectant faith that God will show up. They are smart. They are kind. They are caring. I think I could go on for days about them if given the opportunity.
In short these 15 people here in Lusaka, Zambia have stolen my heart. This morning began our goodbyes, as one of the guys left for a week of football (soccer) camp and games (think district or state tournament).
As he walked away my heart broke a little bit, because I don’t know when I will see him again. At the same time my heart swelled with pride because he is chasing the dreams that God has placed in his heart.
I have fallen in love.
I have fallen in love with these guys. I have fallen in love with this ministry. I have fallen in love with this community.
And to be honest it HURTS, a lot. In less than two weeks I am going to have to say goodbye to these people.
Falling in love leaves you vulnerable. Falling in love leaves you open to getting hurt. Falling in love sucks.
God is teaching me every day the value of this though. In the last 6 months I have left a lot behind me. My family, ministries, and new friends to name a few and I thought that was hard. But I have a feeling that saying goodbye to this place is going to break my heart.
That saying goodbye to these guys who have become brothers is going to rip my heart out, because it already has a little bit.
Saying bye to one was heart wrenching. I seriously cannot fathom how I am going to say goodbye to the rest of them.
However God has been asking me to sit in trust. To trust HE will remain here with them. To trust HE will be faithful to support them. That HE will continue to grow them and teach them. I know God isn’t leaving this place when I do, I am just incredibly jealous I will not be around to watch all the cool things God is going to do here.
I know I haven’t done justice to explaining the ministry. I know I haven’t conveyed the joy that fills this place. I know I haven’t told you all about their needs, which are abundant. But I have full faith right now there is someone reading this thinking, how can I be a part of this ministry.
If that is you, I want to encourage you to pray about becoming a supporter of Dream Runners.
If you would like to support this great ministry you can send checks made out to “Doulos-DreamRunners” with “DreamRunners” written in the memo line to:
Doulos Ministries
PO Box 3080
Burnsville, MN 55337
I love you all, so very much!
Audrey
PS- Aaron and Drew just because I have 14 new brothers doesn’t mean you two aren’t still my favorites! Love you bubba!!!!
