I first want to apologize to all my supporters and the people following my journey for not being more consistent in writing my blogs. Honestly I have been in a place where I have no desire at all to write anything and that is very selfish on my part. So, I am sorry! As always God has been doing some really cool things and this past month is definitely a testament to His goodness, mercy, and grace. This was manistry month which means it was all the men of God doing ministry for the month together! A good change of pace and also super cool to grow closer to my brothers in Christ. Ethiopia and Djibouti were the countries we would be serving in. Ethiopia was an ATL (Ask The Lord) month, which meant we had no host or ministry partners. Djibouti was a short trip for just 10 days and we did have a host, but for security their names nor base will be named.
Addis Ababa was our home in Ethiopia and due to all the logistical details that had to be handled for the month we spent the good majority taking care of visas, train tickets, and housing. Seeing Gods hand in the little things is what this time taught me. It’s so easy to allow “self” to come in and get frustrated about whatever it is that’s not going the way you would want it to. Yet, right in the midst of all those tasks that we had to take care of Jake and I met a homeless man named Degen. If Degen was the only reason I came on this race then I thank God for bringing me across the ocean to meet this man. Our first day meeting him was only the second day of being in Ethiopia and honestly I was not feeling it at all. My sinuses were no bueno and I felt exhausted spiritually and physically. Jake handled the majority of that days conversations. We went to a coffee shop and I was not feeling well, so I sat away from Jake and Degen. An hour or so later Degen left and Jake came and filled me in on everything they have been talking about. Long story short, he grew up in the Orthodox Church so his access to the Bible was limited because you must have a priest read it to you…(so much to say on that but won’t) and how he had a lot of questions and really wanted to read the Bible for himself. So, Jake and I discussed about getting him one. Some time went by, and then Degen returned with someone who had an Amharic(The local language in Ethiopia) bible for sale. We both knew we had to make this happen and so we did. Degen left that day with an answered prayer and bible in his possession. Degen was homeless, had no job, and even shared with us that he didn’t have any joy or hope left. He left his family some time back because he wasn’t living up to the standards of orthodox living. So, for the remaining time we had in Ethiopia, Jake and I were able to meet with him for breakfast or dinner. Disciple him through what the Holy Spirit was showing him in the Word and just speak life into him. We really just shared with him what God has done in our own lives and how God wanted to redeem so much in his life and show him how much He does love him.
Every time we met with Degen, he would come with such a gentle spirit and love in his heart. For only knowing this man for such a short time he became family and a friend. Seeing his demeanor change throughout our time with him was so amazing and made my day every time! He now knew that he didn’t have to go through a priest or anyone else but had direct access to God through the precious blood of Christ. When we left Ethiopia, Degen had new clothes, a job, and joy in his heart from knowing how loved he was by Jesus! One of the biggest questions people have for me is what are you doing out there? Well this is it. Everyday I wake up and ask the Holy Spirit to override my flesh and lead me into what He has for us that day. Especially being a month of no host allowing God to direct our steps is crucial and there has been countless divine appointments. The race has taught me so many things but one thing that truly is going to stay with me throughout the rest of my life is that God has something for us in every precious moment we are blessed to live in.
Are you going to be so caught up in the details to miss it?
Are you going to be so stuck in what your doing that’s not what you want that you miss what he has for you?
Are you going to allow those around you to miss what God wants to do through you?
God asked me a question this morning, “What motivates you Austin?”
I think that’s a question we should all ask ourselves. The answer for me is the whole reason why I’m even on this race. To see His kingdom come and His will be done.
My time in Djibouti is next!
