I came into this month’s ministry thinking that with my experience and my testimony, I would be able to help these women and hopefully help them see who they are in Christ. Little did I know that these women and men who most would see as drug addicts, gangsters, criminals, or drunks would be the ones that would help me see who I REALLY AM.
The more we have spent time with the people at Camp Joy, the more I have been amazed at how much they are showing me.
They have taught me not to be ashamed to dance, sing, and act like a fool for Jesus. One night we went over for devotions and we had to go around a circle and get in the middle and dance as we introduced ourselves. If you know me, I’m usually the girl that is like, “Uh uh…” with my arms crossed not wanting to dance. Whelp, there was no choice here. They believe in clapping and shouting your name to a beat until you build up the courage to just act like a fool and have fun. As we continue to dance, sing, clap and holler…I began to look around the circle. I couldn’t believe that here I was…dancing and jumping around with a bunch of former gangsters and dealers and users. I looked at each of them carefully and could only see bright futures, huge smiles, and the joy of the Lord written all over each of their lives. I saw how I had been holding back these past few months.
During devotions, they have taught me that you don’t need music, guitars, or a huge worship service to worship before the King. I have felt the Lord show up each time we begin to sing without music and lift our voices to Him. Half of the time I can’t keep up as they sing fast and half in Afrikaans, but the Spirit shows up and it is a beautiful thing. They have taught me to dig into scripture and how important it is to hide the Word in your heart to be able to stand strong in this World.
“Why do drugs when you can do scripture!”
Man, the Word of God is so good if we will just get into it and see what God wants to show us in it!
We were waiting for a ride to the church one day. It was cold and I had not prepared myself to stand out in the cold so I was way underdressed and shivering from the wind. While I just wanted to stand against the fence and complain about the bus taking forever…Devin started worshiping and singing songs with a little hop in his step. They all joined in and it was contagious. We all started clapping and attempting to sing along. I learned that you can turn any annoying situation into a happy one all by a spirit of worship and thankfulness. They have taught me what it means to have a constant spirit of worship and praise.
Listening to Devin tell us his testimony, I was reminded of my own story. I realized that once we give our lives to God…He doesn’t EVER give up on us…ever.
I know this to be true as I have seen it in my own life…but hearing his story and each story of the girls that have come to change their lives at Camp Joy…I realized that He is madly, deeply, truly in love with EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US. He will not stop until He has our hearts and He FIGHTS for us until He does.
The other day, we got to walk with the girls to the beach for the morning. It was so fun to get out for the day and walk along the beautiful beach and listen to the waves crash onto the shore. One of the staff members came up to me and grabbed my hand once we arrived and pulled me aside. With tears in her eyes, she began to spill her heart to me. Her frustrations with the program, her exhaustion from working literally 24/7 with these women and never having time for herself, and her feelings that she needed to confess to someone. In that moment, my heart was so softened. As I listened, I was so encouraged and inspired. Why am I so reluctant to ask for help when I am at the end of my rope. She just boldly walked up to me and poured her heart out to me and expected the Lord to show up and for her to receive the encouragement and support she needed. I learned through her humble spirit that when we can let go of our pride and just ask for help and let out all those emotions Satan is desperately trying to get us to hold inside…THERE IS FREEDOM and that is when the change happens. And sometimes the person we go to will be JUST as encouraged as we are…just like I was when she came to me!
Gah, I am getting chills just writing about all of these moments where revelation happened. God is moving here in South Africa. He is breaking the chains of addictions, loosening the grip of gangsterism on young men’s lives, pulling people back to Him and reviving the hearts of believers!! And it is getting me all sorts of excited!
I couldn’t have asked for a better ministry this month. I feel so at home here. So loved. So cherished. So supported. So inspired. Camp Joy has helped remind me that no matter where I have been or what I have done, I am His and He has chosen and predestined this life for me. I have learned that I can always humble myself more to love others and let others in. I have learned that sometimes you just have to let go of the things you think you want to go after what you need. I have been reminded that sometimes it’s better to be smart than try to be strong and that walking away isn’t weakness, but it is wise.
I have been reminded that the decisions we make TODAY will affect who we become tomorrow.
I have been reminded how it feels to be in a place where you must take time to get your own life together before you can help others.
I have been reminded that freedom comes from honesty, willingness, and brokenness.
I have found that sometimes a big hug can show love that words cannot. 🙂
I have been reminded that God moves in ways we cannot see and that His will and purpose and plan will always come to be.
There is no Plan B with God…He only has the best for us.
With 15 days left on this race…I am more inspired, pumped up, and excited about what God has in store for the next season of my life!
