Sidenote: I wrote this letter to myself after
returning to the states from being in Kenya for two months. It was a note to “future
me” that I would get in the mail a few months after returning to America life.
Hopefully it is of encouragement for you, and a reminder for me of what God is doing
and has done.
Brandi, August
8, 2011
I don’t know where you are at
in life, where you have put your hope, or what your future looks like, but I
hope that you have been fervently chasing after the Lord’s heart these past few
months. God has changed you from who you were in May. I hope you have been
reminded of how great and strong God’s love for you is. I hope you understand
that no matter what your plans are or where you are going after December, that
destination doesn’t matter. You were NOT created for this place we call
Earth, you were created for Heaven. That is your destination. Take a
step back and look at everything around you, everything that is occurring in
your life with an eternal perspective. God has a PERFECT plan for your future,
and I trust that He will lead you wherever He has planned for you to go. Jesus
is bigger than all these worldly things you are going through. Remember God’s
heart and love for those in Mathare. Remember to continue lifting up the loan
groups, and officers up to Christ in prayer. Remember that you have a new
definition of Faith that you need to be praying for. Remember that you
need to “be still and know that I am God.” Remember that friendships are made
possible through contact with others. Remember that our God is so much bigger
than you. Remember that God loves everyone equally. Remember that you, Brandi
Lynn Wilcox, play a very special, unique role in the Kingdome of God. I have no
clue where your relationships with the opposite sex are, but know that when you
are seeking the heart of God and His love for you, everything will happen in
His perfect timing. I hope that wherever you are in part of your life, that you
are remaining pure and taking every thought captive. Jesus is with you, right
beside you, wherever you go. Not one person’s love will be any greater than His
love for you. Never forget God’s presence in Mathare. The overwhelming peace
and protection you had while walking in each of the villages. Never forget that
you are not greater than any single person in Mathare. Never forget
Subira and their appreciation of your openness with them. Never forget that God
has you where you are right now with a purpose. If you are still in school,
realize and understand how blessed you are to get an education. Do not take
school work for granted. Study hard and remember that not everyone has the
chance to get a higher education. Maybe the greatest lesson for you personally
to learn this summer is that you can be an accountant. Maybe you have found the
perfect blend of accounting and ministry after Trine. Maybe you are going on
The World Race. Maybe you are doing ministry somewhere in the states. Maybe you
have felt a tug on your heart to return to Nairobi. Whatever God has or hasn’t
revealed to you, remember that you must “seek first the Kingdom of God,” and
all other “things” will be revealed to you when God wants you to know them. Do not
take for granted the friendships you have with people at Trine. Do not
take for granted this summer that you spent sharing Christ’s love. Do not
take for granted all that God has blessed you with this life in America. Do not
take for granted the relationship you have with your mother. Do not take
for granted the power of prayer. Do not take for granted all the
relationships you have built with others.
You have a Kenyan shaped hole
in your heart. You have had this experience that most other Americans will
never experience. You may feel left out or set apart from others. Do NOT
distance yourself from loved ones and those that are close to you.
Keep on praying for all the
Lord’s people. Read Ephesians 6:18-20. God placed these verses on your heart
for the last several months for a reason. Pray Brandi, PRAY.
Remember the verses that were
on your bed this past summer, keep on memorizing and meditating on them. I know
God will continue revealing Himself to you.
In Christ,
Brandi
p.s. If this letter didn’t
make you cry, then you need to go to the prayer room and pray real hard.
🙂
