The
World Race program talks about the different steps many racers go
through to get to the point of Kingdom Empowerment. They say the steps
are abandonment, brokenness, dependence, and finally empowerment. I
feel like I reached abandonment in Turkey.
This week I have completely understood what they mean by
dependence. Tim and Paul, our team leaders had to go to Kampala, the
capital of Uganda to get some work done for next month. They left Ashley Higgins,
an amazing woman of God and videographer, and me in charge. I was
honored for the position, but a little worried. I have no clue how to
lead as far as AIM programming goes, much less in the bush of Africa.
Nevertheless, off Tim & Paul went, and up Ashley and I steped to
lead the group of 12. Our week was scheduled for us to travel to two
different Bush towns and work with local pastors there. We packed up
on Monday and arrived late that afternoon. After a quick meeting with
the pastor, we went right into house-to-house evangelism. Our schedule
for the next few days was: Up with the sun, quick breakfast, then
teaching at local schools all morning, break for lunch, then
house-to-house until dinner, finally finishing the night with a crusade
or a showing of the Jesus film. Now, as excited as I was to have
tangible ministry this month, I had no idea we would be having as much
or as strenuous as we did. I am learning that ministry takes a LOT out
of you. By the time lunch came around each day, we were completely
exhausted….It takes a lot of energy to keep the attention of an entire
elementary school. When it came time to evangelize each day, I was
completely spent. I had literally no energy at all. I remember the
first day stuttering and stumbling over my words as I attempted to
relate the Gospel to a Muslim woman. I was completely weak. But
amazingly, it was in those moments that God did a miracle.
countless confusing and stressful meetings as a leader, and hours of
ministry, I could no longer go on. It was there that God met
me. I heard him say, “Lean on me Jennifer, my yoke is strong”. This
week, I learned the meaning of complete dependence. When I have
absolutely nothing else to lean on, that is when God can begin to
move. There were so many prayers prayed that I don’t remember what was
said, so many people touched and I have no idea how – other than the
power of God. He worked through me when I was at my weakest. I think
he was able to truly work in the lives of others because I was no
longer in the picture, I was completely set aside and all ministry was
completely God. I love that.
are completely dependent on him so that He can be the one working.
hear him whisper to us all, “Lay down your own strength, and trust Me…I
am able.”
