The Certain In the Uncertainties
Well… it was out last week at Beats and Books as far as we know. Our first month is up and the next journey is soon to begin! However, before the next one begins let’s talk about the present one and how much God has moved in it! There has also been some amazing moments this week where God has truly been present and worked through us and the people around me.
First…the end of last week marked the beginning of our group of 15 girls each sharing their testimonies. They were all so great and it’s amazing to hear. God has worked in peoples lives in different ways but at the same time our struggles were so to each other. It’s so comforting to know that in this big big world we are never alone. God is always with us and he most certainly gives us community who can relate and help each other through the hard situations. I shared my testimony on Tuesday! It was crazy! I have talked about bits and pieces of my testimony to people before but my full story has only ever been shared once other than my family who already know it. I was so nervous but prayed about it a lot and God was able to give me the right words. In talking with God my testimony highlights the character of God. Growing up, I was introduced to a God full of condemnation, hate, judgement, rejection and one that only loved conditionally. In finding Jesus I was able to learn that this is far from who God actually is. God is kind. God is good. God is compassionate. God is forgiving. God convicts, he does not condemn. Most importantly God is Love. It was amazing to look back and recognize that even in my loneliest moments God was still working and God was still by my side. Even when I rejected him he chased after me. It was powerful for me to release some of the pent up emotions that God was trying to release from me thorough sharing my testimony. It was so freeing to get it out in a loving God centered group who show Gods love instead of judgment.
The week was also full of happiness and tears from both sides. This week was the week that I think I was able to really solidify the relationships that I have with the kids and show them that they are truly loved. I was able to have good encouraging conversations with them about their futures as well as Jesus. We were able to worship, dance, play games, take selfies:) as well as prepare them for big exams coming up. I am so proud of all they have accomplished and the progress I have seen in their studies. Looking back at the first day at Beats and Books to now, I have seen so many ways that the Lord provided and equipped. Even the smallest things made a world of difference. For instance, as much as most consider me to be quite bright I am a terrible teacher. Haha. But…. the Lord has equipped me with the skills this month to really develop my skills. He enabled me to be what the kids needed me to be. I was actually a fantastic teacher abs God was really able to speak through me with that. I am also terrible with names. It has never been my gift but… the Lord is good and he also gave me the gift for the time being and possibly will continue to develop this even back at home. In a short amount of time I was able to not only know the 14 names of my team mates but also most the kids at Beats and Books. I could call them by name. I could let them know they are loved and cared for. It’s amazing and comforting to know that he will equip us forever whatever he calls us to do. No matter how wild we think it may be. Our team leader Tina says “ God always gives us more than we can handle because he doesn’t want us to do it alone. If we can’t do it we turn to God and he will provide abundantly.” It was so sad to leave them and see tears but we shall see what else God has in store for us. He knows all and has a plan.
On that note some thing on the more stressful side… COVID is getting worse over here:( South Africa has been bumped up to stage 4. Since South Africa borders Swazi, then so has Swaziland’s numbers gone up. Our leaders have had meetings upon meetings and the final decision,as of now, is we are staying in South Africa for the remainder of the trip and will not be traveling to Swazi. Disappointing yes… but God must not be done with us here yet. There is something he has for us and I am excited to see what it is. On the more light hearted positive side… it means I can do more surfing!!! Haha. I’ll be a pro soon! As for ministry, we do not know where we will be serving yet. There are plenty of ideas floating around so we will not be without but the final decision is in the air. Please be praying for guidance in that as well as COVID levels here in South Africa. The economic condition is so bad they could not afford another lockdown. It would be devastating to so many people.
God is definitely moving and working and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity here in J-Bay and am excited to see what else the Lord has in store even when I return back home. I truly feel He is speaking to me not now but to my future self as well. I have prayed for passion and he has continuously showed me why I should have passion. Thank you all for the prayers! Keep sending them my way:)
Our ministry group photo! So fun and so hard to say goodbye:(
Discipleship time with the kids! We get to share the word of God and worship the Lord as well!
Praying for Beats and Books ministry leaders as they are traveling back to Zambia to visit family
The last three pictures are of a few girls on the team that I have been able to really connect and help each other in our spiritual journey. All the girls here are so sweet and it has been so nice to connect with so many sisters in Christ. the first picture is our team making cupcakes for our ministry kids. we wanted to treat them with something special as we said goodbye to them all.
