Hey friends! Sorry I haven’t posted a blog in a while, I’ve just been super busy! Life is really good here in South Africa, and God is doing big things in me and through me. I am beyond blessed to be here, and be serving God everyday. I have absolutely fallen in love with the people we minister to in the communities, and have also grown very close to the other interns here.
We spend most of the day, four days per week, out in the informal settlements. Here, we go house to house just telling people about Jesus. In these communities, there are people from many different countries in southern Africa. There are usually lots of little children running around, and they are usually excited to see us white people. Many times, people will be busy doing some chores (washing clothes or dishes, cooking, cleaning, etc.) We offer to help them, and just start getting to know them. People here are from many different countries in Southern Africa, and most have come to Johannesburg to find work. It’s always fascinating asking people about their families, work situation, and struggles. We will also share about ourselves, and often find common ground with people, despite being from different continents, cultures, and backgrounds.
One thing that has struck me the most during my time on the Race is the cross-cultural value of the Gospel. I have now lived in four distinctly different cultures (US, Albania, The Philippines, and now South Africa). One thing that remains is people’s desire to find purpose and value in their lives. I thank God everyday for the joy of bringing people hope through His Son Jesus. I thank Him that His Gospel is simple, and powerful. I thank Him that no matter where I go, I will be a missionary, and will continue to have the joy of seeing people brought to the Lord.
This is the first ministry I’ve had where I am honestly exhausted by the time we get to the weekend. We often find ourselves going to bed extremely early after our long days in the communities. I have a wicked farmer’s tan going, as well as a Keens tan (yes that’s a thing). Sometimes the ministry is hard. Sometimes people don’t want to hear what we have to say. But I trust God in knowing that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and He has me doing the work He has planned specifically for me. It’s easy to get caught up in what I’m missing back home. Being away from my family is by far the hardest sacrifice I have had to make while on the Race. But, I have never felt closer to God, and I have never been more sure that I am exactly where God wants me to be. I am also super excited to see my family in just over a month!
SUPER IMPORTANT: I will keep posting blogs here for the rest of my time on the Race. However, I have started sending out newsletters with information about my future missions activities, and will be updating you that way once the race is over. If you are subscribed to this blog, you will automatically receive these newsletters. If you aren’t subscribed to this blog (you just see the posts on Facebook), please send me your email address via Facebook messenger. This is the only way you will receive updates from me in the future, so please make sure I have your email address. Thanks for all of your continued support!
