Hey everyone! I just want to give an update of how March ministry went, and how April is so far in Zimbabwe!
In South Africa last month, I was working at a camp as a counselor. We worked closely with a group of young interns, and were really blessed to be able to come along side them in their growing relationships with the Lord. There were three different groups over the course of three weeks. The camp’s goal is to bridge the economical, social, and racial gaps between schools and communities through the gospel. In South Africa, the economic and racial gaps are still a relevant and visible, especially to a foreigner.
The first group were was a group of fourth and sixth graders from two very different schools. One was an all black school, and the other all white. It was awesome to see them have fun and come together by the end of the camp. I was blessed to be able to teach my group of girls how to really listen for God to speak to them. They understood that God speaks to everyone in different ways, but there are a few common ways that God speaks to us. It was such a blessing to hear the different ways He spoke to them throughout the camp.
The second group was a Christian school, integrated and diverse. The school reminded me of a Christian school in America. I had a group of sixth grade kids, who had trouble with cliques and just being mean to one another. But God really worked through this camp. My team and I were able to share a message about surrendering everything to Jesus, and letting Him take your burdens. This school also had teachers who loved the Lord, so it was great to have their support. I was even able to play a worship time on the guitar with one of the teachers that week.
The third camp was an all girls camp of girls who were at the beginning of their freshman year of high school, and were all new to the all girls boarding school. They were still figuring out who to be friends with, and where they fit in at the school. The camp was focused on values. They learned about integrity, relationships, and getting to know Jesus for yourself, which was awesome! The camp was large, so I was a counselor for two groups, each with twelve girls. Throughout the week we participated in rock walling, paintball, hikes, and a lot more. God really worked in the girls lives the last night of the camp, where I was able to pray with and mentor many of the girls as they rotated through different stations on prayer, surrender, Bible reading, worship, and communion. This camp was blessed to have an awesome leadership team!
Zimbabwe!
I was not sure what to expect in Zimbabwe, when it took us 10 hours ( 3:30am-11am) of lines and chaos to cross the boarder from South Africa into the country. But God has redeemed that here at Youth for Christ. Youth for Christ is an international organization started many years ago through the late Billy Graham and his crusades. Here in the city of Bulawayo, we are able to evangelize on the streets, and invite teens back to Youth for Christ to hang out and to events. We also have done youth programs at youth centers and homes around the city, most of which operate like orphanages. It is amazing to share the Gospel with these kids, and we have seen over 30 kids decide to follow Jesus so far! Please pray that my team will continue to see God move in the hearts of this city!
Personal Update: My life after the World Race is moving forward in an unknown direction. Please pray for me that I will stay present, and with give God all of my anxiety and worries about being provided for when I get back to the States in June. I am applying for jobs right now, because I will need one ASAP after I land in America at the end of June. As I feel called to teach health and physical education, I have to begin applying now for jobs that begin in August. I feel like I’m going towards where I’m supposed to be, but I don’t know how exactly I will get there. I know that God is faithful, and will open doors for me! I am still selling “Talya’s Adventure Tee” to fundraise for my plane ticket home, and expenses that I will have until I am able to find a teaching job, or whatever God has for me. You can order at www.bonfire.com/talyas-adventure-tee ! Thank you all for your continued prayers and support!
p.s. I only get wifi about once a week here! So I apologize for any delayed responses 🙂
Love you all!
In Christ,
Talya
