Joy to the World…
I find it hard to believe that it’s already December, that I’m in Africa serving GOD and that I’m half way done with my WR trip!
From my last blog I shared with you that I was having debrief and meeting up with the rest of my squad. We met for five days in Lilongwe, Malawi at Mabuya Camp. It was a refreshing time to rest, relax, hang out, and encourage one another and to worship GOD. This is also where I shared my 36th birthday (Dec. 6th) with my P-Squad family…I definitely felt loved. Check out the video below that was made for me by my fellow teammates Jon & Cinthia for my birthday-enjoy!
After finishing debrief, my team called the “A-Team Remix” and Team “MOR3” traveled to Dzuwa (See-Wa), Malawi. Upon arriving in Dzuwa, GOD welcomed us with a beautiful sunset…thank you GOD!
My teammates and I are definitely in the “bush of Africa”. Living in the middle of nowhere…no internet, no electricity (only by solar power), etc. Living in houses with many bugs, candle lights, and each other (13 total). It could be worse, but I’m thankful that we have the privilege to serve with Joy to the World Ministries. Ministry so far has consisted of helping cook and feed children within the village, planting trees, planting crops, visiting villages and sharing the love of CHRIST, attending four (4) hour church services and lastly, comforting, caring for and loving on one another within our teams.
As for me personally this month, I have found myself longing more for GOD, to be filled more with HIS love and the Holy Spirit. I belive this happened with my heart and my life because while at debrief at one of our worship and teaching sessions, there was an invitation given to everyone who wanted MORE of GOD to come forth to be prayed for and prayed over. And without hesitancy, I got up from my chair, got in line and waited with expectancy and excitement to be prayed for and to be prayed over!
When my turn finally came, I was prayed for and prayed over and within minutes, I found myself speaking in tongues, which I have never done before. I have prayed and asked GOD for it before, but I figured it was a spiritual gift that GOD gave to only certain Christians…boy was I wrong! For GOD says for everyone “who desires earnestly spiritual gifts” (1 Cor. 14:1). I have learned that speaking in tongues is not only a spiritual gift given by GOD, but most importantly, it “is not speaking to men but to GOD; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speak mysteries.” “One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself” (1 Cor.14:2, 4). As a result, I am so thankful that GOD has given me this spiritual gift of speaking in tongues. I realize that HE has done so to build me up in HIM and to bring me deeper in my loving relationship with HIM.
Within the last month or so, I have had an increased desire to fall MORE in love with GOD, to be filled MORE with HIS love, to filled MORE with the Holy Spirit, to share MORE of HIS love with others and to be MORE of HIS love to everyone. To sum it up…I want MORE of GOD!
The following are some scriptures that GOD has been speaking to me about:
+ 1 Cor. 13:1-8; + Matthew 5:8; + 1 Timothy 1:5; + Romans 12:9-10;+ Romans 15:7 and + Galatians 5:16
GOD is definitely bringing me to a new level and deeper place with HIM. It’s a good place to be and I’m so thankful!
GLORY BE TO GOD!
“May you GOD continue to increase in my life and may I continue to decrease in my life.”
(John 3:30)
PS…
I don’t know if I will be able to write another blog, etc. so I want to leave you with Christmas wishes from The A-Team Remix Family to you and your family.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
With
Love,
Derek
