I have officially spent my first week in Cote d’Ivoire as a missionary. How can I even explain all that has happened in these last few days? After two days of travel, we arrived in Abidjan. Early the next morning, we took a ten-hour bus ride to the city of Man. We arrived at the church and were immediately welcomed by pastors and members. They are so excited to have us be here to share God’s word and help advance God’s Kingdom. Our first four days of ministry were spent in Fagnampleu a village in the Man region. We spent full days in ministry, preaching, dancing, singing and worshiping. Spending time with the community, we did children’s, youth and women’s ministry; We evangelized in the village, we prayed over the hurting and sick, we ate together, laughed together, cried together and celebrated Jesus together.
Do you ever wonder what God is doing? I find myself feeling quite inadequate most of the time, unable to process everything happening around me. Its like I’m on auto drive, I have no idea where I am or what I am doing, but at the same time I have felt more bold and free in my first few days than I have maybe ever. Those who know me well, know I am not a public speaker! I don’t just shake, I actually am the one that trembles so much that I can see the concern on the audiences faces as they wonder if I’m going to pass out. So, to my surprise on our first day of ministry in a little village of Fagnampleu, I was the one to stand up from my team to preach to the congregation. Now I can’t say whether or not the message was good, but that doesn’t matter to me. I felt God asking me to stand up and share His word with my new brothers and sisters so I wanted to honor Him. There was no hesitation.
It’s amazing to see how God is using Team Haven to encourage, challenge and call me to be bolder. To be honest, we hit the ground running once we arrived in Cote d’Ivoire. Although we have spent time ministering together, living together and talking to each other, I still know very little about these ladies personally but I see how God is using them to inspire me daily! Chloe is our team leader, she leads with such grace and poise. She is willing to stand up for us and takes each of our feelings into account. Margaret (Marge) inspires me to dance like no one is watching. She is so passionate and vibrant when she dances I find myself wanting to feel as free as she does when she worships the Lord. Krista (Prisca) is one of the greatest listeners I have ever met. She makes you feel like you are the only person in the room when you’re in a room full of people having a conversation. She hears you and encourages you. Amanda is a prayer warrior and preacher by nature. Words of life just poor out of this girl like no other. She is able to pull you right into Gods word and message. Emily is a quiet force! She literally pulled me through a 2.2 mile hike at training camp and is a humble servant, she amazes me. Last but not least, we have Michelle, our squad leader for the month. This girl is absolutely on fire for God, she is our advocate and is willing to spend her time explaining and sharing her experience with us. I am so grateful for the ladies on Team Haven. I have so much to learn from each of them and I can’t wait to see how God continues to use them throughout our ministry together.
This first week of ministry has been a whirlwind. Although I still feel quite inadequate I am so grateful for this opportunity. It has been an absolute joy and at the same time, really challenging. I feel behind and lacking. Comparison is the thief of joy. It’s hard not to compare myself to others. I have so much to learn but at the same time have a hard time retaining the information. I want God’s word to come alive when I read it but I must admit I read the same words over and over again and am unable to comprehend. I try to journal and pray to the Lord but my words are hindered, lost and jumbled. I’m trying to remain patient. I know that Jesus is faithful and He will continue to reveal things to me in His time. I will continue to seek Him and take rest with Him. I look forward to the day when my head and my heart align. To know something and to believe something are very different. I want to become confident in who God has created me to be no matter my appearance. I want to be able to play my guitar and sing out to Him boldly like never before. Jesus, my hands are open, my feet are ready, break me, wreck me, call me out, speak through me, may I always be an encouragement and blessing and not a burden or hindrance. Let me shine for you and you alone. I thank you for what you are doing and will continue to do. Greater things are yet to come!
