Hello everyone!
I wanted to touch base and keep you up to date with the exciting things that are happening here in South Africa! I know that it has been a while since you have heard from me, but I promise you I have not slowed down since I got here almost a month ago now.
Looking back over the last month, we have been able to accomplish a lot. I, along with 14 other team members and 3 other teams from our organization have been doing local mission projects in the Jeffreys Bay area. From building houses, painting houses, helping widowers in the local community move, making a playground for the local school, leading small devotional groups for the young people in the school, and running a school camp in the South African bush God has really taught me so many things through all of these experiences. I can definitely see that God will be challenging me in the area if faith this year. Already we have been in situations where the impossible was made possible only through prayer. There were projects that we did not have the financial or physical means to accomplish and after time in prayer, seeking the Lord, money was donated and tools were supplied by people in the local community!
Personally, I have been outside my comfort zone. I have already been stretched to do things, go places, and talk to people in ways that are very unfamiliar. Recently, Psalm 27 has been a big encouragement to me.
Prov 27:7 " a satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, but the to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet."
This is where I find myself. I am hungry. I am hungry to learn more intensely who God is, and who I was created to be by Him. Because of this and only this I have been able to find the sweetness of joy in so many difficult situations already.
Please continue to pray for my team and I. We covet your prayers. This is just the beginning of the year's journeys and there is so much more ahead. Each day I wake up and there is a new day full of adventure as well as many uncertainties. But one thing is certain... Psalm 37:23-24 "the steps of a man are established by the lord and he delights in his way. When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong because the lord is the one who holds his hand." Please pray that these truths will continually be on the forefront of my mind as I go about my Father's business.
Thank you again for all your prayers and support. Please feel free to write me with any questions, words of encouragement, or even just a little update on something going on back home!