January 4, 2017
As I sit here staring at my brother’s lap top wrestling with where to begin my last blog post, the first thought that pops into my head is, “I just took the last hot shower of my life.” Ok, I know that is a little dramatic and hot showers are not too significant but as I had that thought memories of India, Dominican Republic, other travels and time at home come flashing before my eyes. In Philippians 4:11-13 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, weather well feed or hungry, weather living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” The Lord has prepared my heart to go. To say goodbye again here and again and again wherever I go. To live in solidarity with others and bring the gospel. I not only have this overwhelming peace to go now but a joy that cast out all fear and anxiety. The uncertain things of this life excite me because I have given my life to the Lord and those things are His.
I am in constant awe of the Lord’s faithfulness. But you would think that after a few moments of life with Jesus I would learn that He keeps His promises and miracles are ordinary. I can testify to this in the happenings of the last twenty-four hours.
Tuesday morning, I went to Earth Adventure a camping/adventure sport store in my home town to see my friend Bridgett. Bridgett manages this store and has significant experience backpacking. She offered to help me pack and show me some packing tips. Which is incredible because I have never lived out of a backpack for a year. Anyway, because of other events two friends from out of town came with me and my mom to the store. When we got there a young man struck up conversation with my mom about who was going on a trip and why and where and etc… The events that followed were incredible. Josh introduced himself and then asked if he could testify to the work of the Lord in his life. Well, of course! He had my full attention and his story was not only encouraging to me but I know needed to be heard by the others in our circle. When he finished I asked if he would pray for the group. The Lord used him to prophetically speak truth and bring the kingdom of God through the word of his testimony. We went on to have a conversation about the Spirit of the Lord. And in that shop the Lord did so much in our hearts and He provided for my needs. Josh donated financially too! Praise the Lord!
The hours that followed that encounter with Josh I was reminded how powerful the Spirit of the Lord is and how significant it is that we are a part of the body of Christ; the church. That we are not stand alone individuals. But Christ in us, connects us and impacts the world through us. My dear friend Nicole texted me this afternoon and said, “Wanz, I hope this next year gives you the freedom to not feel constrained by relationships, but freed by them! Love ya!” I am so thankful for the relationships in my life (all of you) and for the way the Lord seems to connect my heart to others’ (like Josh.) Because of these connections the Lord has provided people to pray and support this mission. Praise the Lord I need less than $300 to be fully funded!! Thank you for your faithful support. The Lord has and is using you to bring His kingdom to this earth.
Please pray for me and my team. I leave in the morning and so many have already started the journey to our rendezvous point but some of us do not have our Uganda visas. Praise the Lord I have gotten my visa approval! Pray that we all get approval upon entry. When our team arrives in Uganda we will have time to grow in relationship as a team and have some necessary training. I am so excited for this time. Then we head to Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and finally, Guatemala. I will keep y’all posted through this blog with monthly updates, testimonies and ways to continue to lift our team in prayer.
Please continue to press into the heart of God as you follow His leading. Like my good friend Bre last night said, “Wanz, anything you need let me know and I got you. I think this is what the Lord has for me and I want to serve you and be obedient.” Bre is awesome. And an awesome example of what this pressing into Jesus looks like for her. You don’t have to go to Uganda to experience the mystery and power of the Lord. You just have to press into His presence and be obedient.
Some of you have asked if there is anything I still need. please continue to pray for me and our team. And even though I am almost funded! Praise the Lord. There are other needs that come up along the way. If the Lord places it on your heart to give you can FB message my mama Shellie Kale-Burden or me to help make that happen! Thank you so much for all the support that has already been given! Thankful to not be on this journey alone.
