My time in Africa is done. I remember when I arrived on January 23rd and it seems like just yesterday. My heart is sad to leave. I am sitting in an airport in Switzerland sad. I am glad that I got to go to four countries(South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, and Botswana). I am sad that we had to leave. I just know that it was my time and season in life to be in Africa. I pray that God will allow me to go back one day.
God changes people. I believe that this race is not about the countries. I could change in any place I live. Because
of the intense situation I am in, I am changing faster. I don’t know why God changed me in Africa. I just know He did.
I think back to the day I know the change started. It was my birthday and Krystal prayed for me. I should say God spoke through Krystal to me. The prayer Krystal prayed changed me. I do not even remember what she prayed. I did not know that Krystal’s prayer had changed me, but I can look back and see it now.
The speakers in Africa changed me even more. I loved hearing Gary Black, Mike Pascal, and Andrew Shearman speak. Every time I am around Gary, something switches on in my soul. The Holy Spirit comes upon me stronger than any other time. Gary has made me want to change. I have been stubborn in the change, but I truly do want to change.
The last few days I have felt I needed to change more. The January squad came to Africa. We got to meet them and worship with them. While we were worshipping, I felt God tell me to say ‘rise up’. It was something my squad was told earlier in Africa. I said the words and then the power of the Spirit came upon me. I just said so much more than the original words that God gave me. It was God’s desire for me to do it. (I do want to say it took me two to three minutes to get the courage to say anything). I have no clue what I truly said. I just knew I had to speak and God would do the rest. (I will tell you that this scares me half to death when it happens. I am not the type to just scream out a prayer, but that is where God is changing me.) My squad mates can’t believe the way my prayers have just changed. I just love what God does to change us.
Now I will be in Central America. I just want more of this. It may scare me, but I want to see God’s power manifested. I want to see the sick healed and the power of prayer go so much further. I want God to over take me in ways I have never understood. I want to be bold to scream out to Jesus and not care what others are thinking. I want more and more and more. I am wrecked I guess. I don’t want to go back to a normal life. I want God to shine through me.
I just want to end by saying thank you to Gary and Lisa Black and their family. Gary and Lisa are now our coaches. I will see them again before the race is finished. Thank you, Gary, for taking the time to change me. I know I can go further and you make me want to. I love your family and the way they just reflect God’s love. Thank you for changing my life and I can’t wait to see you again in Central America.
