Wow! Is it really the end of Month 4? It’s crazy how time flies so quickly. It feels almost like just yesterday that I left, but it also feels like it was ages ago as well. This past month has been challenging, wonderful, weird, different, crazy, blessed. It was a month that just has so many twists and turns that makes it have so many descriptions connected with it depending on what is thought of.
This past month my ministry was evangelism. It looked different than the original plan, but it was so great. My team, Anchor Depths, partnered with team River Dancers and the 12 of us plus one of our amazing Squad Leads Bethany went in to several different schools going classroom to classroom sharing the Gospel, our testimonies and encouragement. The last week of ministry was spent at a University called STI West Negros with our entire squad. As a squad we led a 3 day camp with students ranging from kindergarten to university (college) students. All three days of camp were amazing. We saw God move in mighty ways as space was created for people to open up and bring to light things that had previously brought shame to their life. The first two days I helped guide one of four groups to different sessions and participated in those sessions with them. On the third day of camp, however, I was asked to participate in one session only and share my testimony to all four groups that came through.
That opportunity was incredible. Between all four groups, I spoke in front of around 1000 11th grade students. Where did that confidence and boldness come from? The answer I have found is only from God. Only God could take me, a person who does not like speaking in front of even a small group of people, and have me speak in so many classrooms all month and in front of so many students at a camp/conference. God is so good and He answers our prayers in ways we don’t even consider.
Now my squad has left Bacolod and is at Crystal Beach which is 4 hours outside of Manila (Philippines -> quick side note… Did you know that there are over 7000 islands that make up the Philippines? I sure didn’t). We arrived the 24th around 3am, and we’ll leave here on Saturday, the 28th.
This debrief is all about a time of reflection. Reflection over our time in Asia, over the growth and change that has happened, over our teams and the dynamics that included. It is a time to think about what we want to grow in during our time in Africa and what we want Africa to even look like for us. It is a time to jump in to our new teams and choose yes for this next season. It’s a time to rest and restore ourselves for this next part of the race.
Team changes have indeed been announced and I’m very excited, not even just for mine but for all the teams. My entire squad is going to grow, change and do so much with these teams and it just brings a lot of joy to my heart to see the potential in all of them.
My new Team Leader is Hannah Erickson and on our team is Elise Swepston, Meagan Dooney, Ally Buttshaw, and Crysahna Suarez. There is just so much excitement that I have for this team. I know it is going to bring so much growth and joy.
As of right now, I still have not heard what my team’s ministry will be in Zimbabwe, Africa just yet, but we do head there on Saturday. I’m excited! Like extremely excited! On Saturday morning we leave Crystal Beach and travel the four hours back to Manila. We then will fly out on Sunday to Hong Kong, China and will have a 13 hour layover there before an 18 hour flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. From there we will either fly or bus to Zimbabwe. It’s going to be a long couple/few travel days, but it’s also going to have a lot of memories that are made with it.
I do not know what wifi will look like for me during my time in Africa. I would like to think that I’ll be able to keep you all updated, but I may not have that ability. I want to thank you now for your prayers and encouragement. They do mean so much to me. You all are a tremendous blessing and I am constantly asking God to bless you all as much as you have blessed me.
Prayer Requests:
1. A couple weeks ago I brought you all in on my back pain. I was able to get a massage about a week and a half ago and that brought a lot of relief. The muscle spasms have ceased and I am praying that they will continue to remain dormant. My back has improved greatly since I wrote the blog, and I thank you all for your prayers and your continued prayers.
2. Please be praying for safety as we travel. These travel days are very taxing and just pray that my squad stays rested and able to start ministry and do it to our fullest once we arrive in Africa.
3. Please be praying for my squadmates. There are quite a few (including 4 of my teammates) that have not yet become fully funded. Our final deadline is January 31st and it is bringing with it a lot of stress for my squad. Pray that our trust will rely fully on God and that the deadline will be met. If you feel led, please go read their blogs and donate towards their race.
Till Next Time,
Kara Faber
