Sawubona!
My first of many rudimentary attempts to use some native greetings indigenous to the people I will serve next year. “Sawubona” means “hello” (literally “I see you”) in Zulu, the language of the Zulu people in South Africa.
I hope this particular post finds you well. However, if today you are feeling more challenged than blessed, remember Joshua 1:9. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Take heart in that promise. He will be with you. Always. Wherever.
My heart goes out to those that have never had confidence in that idea, to those that have never had anything or anyone that they could rely on so completely. It brings to mind a story that my dad heard on Focus on the Family. The speaker (whose name I forget) told a story from his youth, when he was only eight-years-old and proudly wearing his baseball uniform.
Our little speaker sat eagerly on the bench awaiting his turn to take the bat and make his family proud. Now, this wasn’t a typical baseball game, his entire family, aunts, uncles, cousins, even his blind uncle, came out to show their support. This family wasn’t an ordinary family either, every single member was a huge baseball fan. Finally, little speaker’s turn arrived. It was the final inning and his team was counting on him. He dawned his helmet, grabbed his bat, and approached the plate.
Confident, little speaker readied himself and waited for his moment of glory. “Strike one!” rang out before he realized what had happened… That is when he looked down to the pitcher’s mound and beheld a giant! The pitcher was at least eight feet tall and had arms that could have ripped him in two! (Because that’s how all sixth graders look to a third grader…) He hesitantly reassumes his position. “Strike two!” Clearly, the giant also had super-speed abilities. He took his position, saw the ball hurtling towards him, and swung as hard as he could. “STRIKE THREE! You’re out!!” rang through the stadium. He dropped his head and walked back to the bench. He could hear the cheers of victory coming from the other team. Then he heard the moans coming from his own team. As his teammates gathered up their gear, they reminded him that he was the reason they lost the game. He was a loser. A failure. He covered his face and began to cry.
As his teammates’ voices faded, he heard another voice calling his name. He looked up and saw his father standing on the pitcher’s mound and the rest of his family covering the other positions on the field. “The game isn’t over yet, Son. Come back out here.” Little speaker did as his father instructed. He picked up his bat, wiped a tear off his face, and approached the plate.
Still downhearted, the little boy looked to his dad’s smiling face for assurance as he took his batting position. His father threw the ball and the boy hit it! The ball flew high to centerfield. Little speaker ran as if his life depended on it as his aunt threw the ball to his (blind) uncle in leftfield. As his family “struggled” to get the ball to infield, little speaker slid into home!! His father yelled out, “He’s safe!”
His entire family came running back, hoisted him on their shoulders and cheered! That’s when the little boy’s father looked up at his and said, “Son, you’re always safe at home.”
Did you catch that?
You’re
Always
Safe
At
Home
God blessed me with a family that loves me. I always knew that no matter what, someone had his or her eyes on me. It wasn’t a bad thing, it meant that there was always someone there to help me when I need it. From my church to neighbors to the homeschool community. So many people have always made me feel loved, protected, and safe. They were there to remind me how great our God truly is, even when I didn’t see it.
I always had a place, and people, that made me feel safe.
Unfortunately, that comfort is denied to so many. The International Labor Organization estimates that there are 20.9 MILLION victims of human trafficking in the world… 5.5 million of those victims are CHILDREN. What do they know of safety? Do they have a safe haven? Do they fear their homes?
What about the 1.5. Million children that die EVERY YEAR from starvation? Did they know safety? Did they know that the Creator of the entire universe loved them so much He sent His Son to die for them?
I do not know what will happen when I meet these hurting people and their families, but I know that I am ready. I know that God will guide me. I know that He will protect me. I know that He will use me to reach His people.
If you’re still reading this, thank you for supporting me and making me feel safe and being my home base. Most importantly however, thank you for the support you have given me in this endeavor. You’re helping me create and strengthen God’s churches, places for His people to grow in His love.
We have confidence in our “home base.” I know that I always feel safe when I’m at home… but I have many homes. Something that not everyone can claim.
I have eleven months to go to eleven countries and help lead people “home.” Yes, to their church family, but ultimately, to their heavenly family.
Because, in the end, we’ll all be safe at home. It’s going to be one amazing family reunion and we don’t want anyone to miss it.
However, I still need your support to make all this a reality! My first fundraising goal has been met thanks to your generosity! We’ve raised $4,892! (Happy Dance!!) You are all so amazing. The fun doesn’t stop here! I need to raise another $2,600 for my November 30th goal of $7,500! That means I’m only $11,351 away from being fully funded.
I leave for training camp in Thailand in less than two months! If you feel called, here are some ways that you can help!
– PRAYER – I need so many prayers right now and throughout this journey. If you would like to be a prayer warrior, please send me an email at [email protected]!
– FINANCIAL – The financial portion of this process is something that not everyone can contribute to, but it is also so important in making this a reality. By clicking the “Support Me” button above, you go to my donations page! If you’re interested in setting up a scheduled donations (like my sister), please contact me and I’ll get you the information!
– WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT – You caught me. I’m human. Those kind words you send my way lift my spirit more than you realize and keep me pushing onward.
With God’s help, ANYTHING is possible.
Let’s show the world.
