Ok so i dont have anything revolutionary or profound to say. I just thought i should write an update and let you know i’m alive, and what i’ve been up to. (there are a few stories that i’m not at liberty to share until im out of the country, remind me once im in Tanzania)
Anywho- So we’ve been doing ministry here for about 2 weeks. Most of what we have been doing is street Evangelism. Our team, with translator/pastors from the church, head out almost every morning and go into the surrounding neighborhoods. We stop and talk to anyone we see, and tell everyone who will listen about Jesus. The reactions we get are varied. I was upset with the pastors at first, when someone would say they were saved and they received a cross examination, but then i began to understand that many people who said they believed in God and even Jesus could tell you nothing about them. Some people turn out to have a relationship with Jesus, and i just try and encourage them and pray with them. I can’t even count the number of Muslims ive talked to on the streets. All of them have agreed to listen to what i have to say- sometimes i feel so inadequate when trying to covey to them why they need Jesus. But God has given me the scripture from Jeremiah 1:
7 But the LORD said to
me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send
you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.
9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
So I just tell them what i feel God is saying. I know it’s not my responsibility to save these people, so i just plant a seed and trust God. He can tug at their hearts. My only responsibility is to go where He says go and say what He says to say.
One thing i love about street Evangelism is that because we’re white kids are SO interested and follow us around. It’s like i have a unending supply of little kids to hold! It’s my favorite. I think the ladies i talk to trust me more when they see how much i love their kids.
Oh yes- church services. I’ve officially entered into 5 hr African style church. 5 hours. We’re asked to speak in almost every part of the service. Last week i helped teach children’s church and spoke on tithes, and this week I will give my testimony. I’ve also been asked to preach at the evening service on Wednesday! Oh and last Saturday Carin and I went to a youth conference called “Rise and Shine” and we were the guest speakers. I didn’t even know God wanted me to do public speaking!
So this next week we’re going to be doing more door-to-door, going to a hospital to pray for the sick, going to an orphanage, and to a school to preach! I’m so excited about the orphanage! The orphanages here are kind of strange though. They are also a school, so they couldn’t really explain who the students were and who the orphans were, or where any of them came from… I also thought it was sad that they don’t adopt any kids out. They said that the people in charge of the facility were called the “parents” although there were hundreds of kids there… So i’m going to pray that God moves in a big way when we go there. Please pray for our upcoming week, as well as for the people we’ve talked to during Evangelism.
As far as finances go, i’m still around $100 from my goal! There are several fundraisers in the works back at home, so if you’d like to get involved, or want to do your own email me! I was thinking maybe a hay-ride/bonfire? Sounds fun!
Thanks for your prayers guys! love you!
<3
