Wow, our time in the lovely region of SE Asia is officially
coming to a close… I feel like I have a foot in both continents. I’m extremely excited about Africa (I hardly
know of anyone who hasn’t wanted to go there at some point) but also not quite
ready to leave Asia.
Here’s an update on our squad, teams and ministries for the
next month.. As of this moment, H Squad has flocked to the airport (not sure
if flock is the word to describe tryin to get over 50 ppl to move together
efficiently and effectively) to catch a 1 am flight to Nairobi, Africa, then another flight
to Johannesburg, S. Africa. Sometime tomorrow,
our feet will touch down in S. Africa where we’ll stay in a hostel for 2 days,
and then take a bus to Mozambique. Once in
Mozambique, four teams will go one way and four will go another. Teams Luminous, Manna, Gentle Warriors and
Tikvah will be working with Iris ministries. For those who aren’t familiar with it (myself included), it was started
by Rolland and Heidi Baker, a power couple from America who has devoted much of
their life to Mozambique and the orphans there. I claim ignorance on the Bakers and their ministries, but my teammate
Melissa will no doubt school us this month about them. The Bakers are her idols/inspiration and her
dream has been to work with their ministries… so I’m really glad that God has
granted this desire of her heart. Heidi
Baker wrote the books Always Enough and Expecting Miracles, and some crazy
stories of the Holy Spirit doing major work are described. Stay tuned for some great blogs from Mel and
the rest of the teams doing work together. I look forward to embracing a new culture, to being treated as a
spectacle in the ways that I’ve been able to avoid these past three months in
Asia, and to seeing and experiencing God’s astounding beauty in Africa… It’s
amazing and a huge privilege to get a taste of different regions and enjoy each
one uniquely, knowing that we’re all covered and created by the same hands! While we’re all excited to move on and to do
it together, I know Africa is a new place to contend with (including females
not traveling alone, and keeping all our important stuff hidden away). Please
keep our safety, logistical details that come with transporting a large group,
health, and spirits of our squad in your prayers.
Once again, not enough words could express my thanks to
ya’ll for your continued interest in my journey. We’re already at the halfway mark… sometimes
it seems like only 6 months to go, and other times it seems like 6 MORE
months.. either way, it’s been a huge blessing to be here with your support,
love and encouragement going before, with and after me. I appreciate all your comments, emails, and
ways of staying in touch. Thinking about
you guys!
Much love, thanks and blessings.
*On a side note, a HUGE praise item: the top three squad mates
who were low on support a mere month ago – Matt Williams, Anna Coffey, and Kara
Frate – are now either close to being fully supported or have reached their
financial goal. All in just a
month! When God does work, it still
blows me away. Please pray for Noah and
Cathy Zelvis, the other married couple on the squad, as they are in need of
financial support. I haven’t had a
chance to work with their team yet but I’ve gotten to know them and their
journey is relatable to mine. They’ve
left behind careers in engineering to pursue God and His people. They’re meant to be with us, riding out the
year together. So please pray that God
will meet their needs abundantly in these next few weeks.. thanks!!
