So I’m guessing you understood by the title of this blog that I’m going back to Africa haha. Yes, in September I will be going back to one of my favorite places in the world, Swaziland. Swaziland was the first place I went on my world race last September! It was the first place that really opened up my eyes to how TRULY blessed I am for my family, my health and my home, but also showed me how much joy people can have without worldly things. I mean these people had little to nothing and we’re always singing and dancing for the Lord. They were eager to learn anything we had to share about Jesus, when they honestly probably knew more of what intimacy was with God than I ever will.
These past ten days I’ve been in Gainesville, Georgia serving at the same training camp I went to last year! I’ve been able to hang out and serve with some of my best friends while being able to watch a bunch of young adults get to know more of the Father’s heart and worship like they’ve never worshipped before. It’s been extremely humbling.
The first night of worship God put the idea of team leading back on my heart. Alumni team leading is a new thing that AIM has added to the squads going out. Basically it is what it’s called. Alumni gap year racers are now going out with squads to lead a team so that they can have someone else experienced to help guide them in their first few months on their journey. It was something that I wanted to do back when I was still in Guatemala, but the timing just didn’t seem right. I didn’t have peace about it then. When I was worshipping that night, I wasn’t just overwhelmed by the idea of team leading, but God put Swaziland specifically in my thoughts. At first I felt like it was just my desire to go back to Africa, but I asked God if it was something He also wanted for me. The next few days I could not get it out of my mind. I had a conversation with God and decided to only do team leading if I was asked to do it.
Well four days rolled by and I still was not asked. In my mind I thought that it was good that I wasn’t asked because I would be able to go home to Arkansas and everything would be fine, but then the Lord gave me a REALLY tough question to answer. He asked me, “Jess, are you only going to do thing for me when you are asked to do them?” WOAH GOD! Heck no I’m not going to just do things when I’m asked. I needed to be obedient to the passion the Lord was stirring up in my heart to go back to Swaziland.
So that next day I went and asked if team leading was still even a possibility. The day after that they told me that doors were opened for me to be able to go, and not just anywhere, but Swaziland! That morning I had a “YES” in my spirit and hands open to go anywhere, but because I put all of my trust in Him, He blessed me to go to the place I so deeply wanted.
So yeah I’m going back to Swaziland! It all happened really fast, but I have so much peace with it. I know God has some big things planned for the those three months I’ll be leading two amazing groups of ladies who are on fire for Jesus! This is going to be a huge step for me walking alongside people and pointing them more to Christ. Making disciples is something near to Jesus’ heart shown through his relationship with the twelve.
I leave September 2 to go back to Gainesville for more training on team leading and then leave just two weeks after that! Last year I had to raise just about $15,000. This time I only need to raise $3,000!! I completely trust God that He is going to provide that. If you feel led to give towards my trip it would mean the absolute world to me. You can donate by clicking on the fundraising bar at the top of the page.
When I get home I will be sending out support letters so if you would like me to send you one you can just comment down below or text me your address! (702)338-1153 is my number if you don’t already have it!
Much love,
-Jess
