tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64827314985198946342024-03-13T00:29:54.660-05:00Gracious Uncertainty "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news."
Romans 10:15Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-45146712907101645482014-08-08T17:41:00.004-05:002014-08-08T17:41:55.584-05:00Sip and Share
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NToi4WO3uVreh5LoRmOFQxy4qSL-xxCdAkCHC_ickv5WW9Mz-0H-X1Oc8Q9JpCPx-XiMxuRjQdMulshOMtCqMtVgcJJDEeJXRHdPUHeYb70vIGuQ60doSiFs7aYx6fBbcCug8v5fwY3R/s1600/IMG_5474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NToi4WO3uVreh5LoRmOFQxy4qSL-xxCdAkCHC_ickv5WW9Mz-0H-X1Oc8Q9JpCPx-XiMxuRjQdMulshOMtCqMtVgcJJDEeJXRHdPUHeYb70vIGuQ60doSiFs7aYx6fBbcCug8v5fwY3R/s1600/IMG_5474.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kajo Keji, South Sudan</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Over the next couple of weeks I intend to share with you
what my gracious Lord shared with me while Lincoln and I journeyed to the place
that forever dwells in my thoughts and affections – South Sudan, Africa. Maybe
I can also convince my formally educated in creative writing husband to gift us
as well in between my efforts of writing down simply what I think that somehow manages to be somewhat digestible. We (my husband and I) have been back home
a week now, and I still can’t seem to put all that’s stirring in my heart and
swirling in my mind down into words. I suppose I have choice in when they come.
I lean more towards not. They interrupt - the thoughts. They don’t want to
fade, nor do I want them to. I give in. Here it is- an attempt to bring life to
each letter on this page by way of my grace saturated experiences to my eager
fingertips, to your eyes; words you see, hear, and if God sees fit, feel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if these words of mine allow you just a
mere peek into the sweet taste of glory my King has served me, you must be a
divinely invited guest. So, sit. Sip. Enjoy. You are welcome.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-44569938248472814402014-03-24T16:37:00.002-05:002014-03-24T16:40:49.881-05:00...and the journey continues with 2!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Hello!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt;">We are overjoyed to share with you some of the
ways God has been abundantly gracious to us lately! As you may well know, we
were married November 16, 2013, enjoyed a beautiful honeymoon in Belize, and
are relishing our time as newlyweds. We are so thankful for the underserved
gift of marriage and are striving to do marriage well in light of the Gospel!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt;">You are also likely to be familiar with and may
have even supported me (Jessica) in the journey the Lord has led me on in both
Uganda and South Sudan over the past 7 years or so. Well, to both our
excitement, God has opened a door for that journey to continue now as a married
couple! We simply cannot put into words how thrilled we are in light of this!
It has been three years since I returned from South Sudan and will be Lincoln’s
first journey to Africa! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I have been biting at the bit to go back, and
prepared to do so as I was on staff with Empower Sudan for 8 months, raising
support to this effort. God graciously persisted in telling me to pray and wait
as I worked hard to reach my support-raising goal. He then threw a curve ball and
asked me to trust Him in resigning from my staff position just in time to get
married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not knowing what the future
held, I faithfully obeyed, albeit with a heavy heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Fast-forward 5 months and here we are with plane
tickets purchased and a journey awaiting us!! We will be traveling to South
Sudan on July 20<sup>th</sup>, 2014 and returning on July 31<sup>st</sup>. We
will be traveling with two other gentlemen, one being a dear friend of former
co-worker of mine at Empower Sudan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt;">T</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">he
heartbeat of Empower Sudan is to carry the Good News that Jesus Christ has come
to set the world free from sin and condemnation forever to the 20 million South
</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sudanese</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
and </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sudanese</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> who have never heard His name.<b> </b>The mission is to
find, develop, train, disciple and “</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">empower</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sudanese</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and South </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sudanese</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to make disciples (followers) of Jesus Christ. Lincoln and I
consider it a privilege to join in this effort. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
will first fly to Nimule, South Sudan where the first two days of our trip will
be spent equipping and training pastors. Lincoln and I will then take a short
flight on our own down to Kajo Keji, South Sudan. Kajo Keji is where I lived
for 4 months, my second home. There we will have the opportunity to visit a
number of the same villages where I established and facilitated discipleship
groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We intend to encourage, challenge,
and facilitate groups where the Gospel is shared and believers are discipled. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our prayer is that my physical return (with
the gift of my husband!) will serve to confirm to these beautiful people they
are not forgotten. Moreover, they are deeply loved and prized…not just by us,
but also by our Heavenly Father! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By
the grace of God, through the support of people like you, our trip and all the
expenses are completely covered from the 8 months of support raising I did
while on staff with Empower Sudan! Our heart is to fully honor the intent of
the donors, and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to do so! In addition
to any trip expenses, however, we are praying for and trust the Lord will also provide
an additional $3,000 to help offset the income lost from not seeing any
counseling clients for 2 weeks. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In light
of this specific need, any support given will <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not</b> be tax deductible. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are forever
grateful for your support in prayer and ask also to please pray and consider if
you are to graciously make a financial investment in this work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We
would be honored and greatly appreciative of your financial support.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Checks
can be written out to us personally and mailed to:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lincoln
& Jessica Wiseman<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1328
Ridgecrest Dr.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Midlothian,
TX<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>76065<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are unable
to help us financially, please know</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">we completely understand and would be
just as grateful for your support in prayer!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gratefully,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> Lincoln & Jessica</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the
idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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Thessalonians 5:14<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-63375975243679168602012-05-12T23:50:00.001-05:002012-05-12T23:52:10.799-05:00Into the UnknownThursday June 23rd, 2011<br />
<br />
It’s here. My four months are over and I can’t seem to believe it. Not so subtle reminders are everywhere. My bags are packed, someone else is living in my room, a phone call was made to check on a departing flight, and so far I have cried more than I haven’t cried. <br />
<br />
I trend to retreat into myself when it comes time for goodbye’s and because of my full awareness of this fact I told myself I was going to be intentional to fully live in the goodbyes of today. I didn’t want to miss out on the beautiful pain that goes along with saying goodbye to my loves. It, too…the pain…is such a gift. I’ve come to learn that one of the measuring sticks of giving my heart away is the pain that comes when I leave it behind. How much less joy would I encounter if I was too afraid to feel the pain?<br />
<br />
I woke up and just laid there under my mosquito net. Who knows when I will open my eyes again to see the blanket of white covering over me? I wanted to drink it in as tears fell down my cheek. My feet touched the floor and I got ready just like every other day, only it didn’t feel like any other day. There was an added joy of satisfaction mingled with a daunting ball of emotion stuck in my throat. <br />
<br />
I heard the horn outside. Oh, no! I HAD to say goodbye to the kiddos. Mercy, Wani, and Mike have been my three little amigos. Then were about to head off to school and I ran out there and asked Kaya to stop so I could say goodbye. Oh, my heart could barely stand it. I hugged my sweet babies and kissed their cheeks. I’m not sure they really knew that when they got home I’d be gone. Every fiber of my being knew fully well. Lord, please comfort them when they realize their gelatot buddy is gone. Thank you for gifting them with Rebecca. You have provided and I can’t thank you enough for that. <br />
<br />
The team and I ate breakfast together and I couldn’t help but smile as I ate the grease soaked chapatti and yummy eggs just as I had so many times before in the past 4 months. In mere hours my diet will drastically change. <br />
<br />
Calls were made to check on our MAF flight and we simply hung around the compound enjoying each other’s company and double checking we had everything packed and ready. Pictures were taken, sweet words were exchanged, and we were getting ready to head out. Then, we were told our flight was coming in later than we thought. Yes, I am still in South Sudan, and yes being late is perfectly on time. I am reminded at how much the Lord has worked on me as I am able to laugh and enjoy that truth for what it is. Even more so, I thanked the Lord for giving me more time. More time. Others may have been disappointed and I was resting in more time. <br />
<br />
We decided to head up to the Seed Effect office with our extra time so some could use the Internet and we could possibly walk around Wudu market one last time. Praise You, Father. I was so thankful yet so fearful, too. I might break down. Actually, there was a good chance. I thought I had said all of my goodbye’s yesterday. I have to remind myself again of the beauty in the pain. <br />
<br />
We ended up hanging out at the office for just a bit and then we all walked over to Wudu market. Scovia joined us, which simply blessed my heart. I could never express to her with my words the God send she was (is), so one last walk along the dirt road, hand in hand, will do…my sweet Sudanese sister given specifically to me for my time in Sudan. We walked around, I got to say goodbye one last time to a few of the Seed Effect Clients, and we headed back to the Seed effect office. Again, I found my eyes trying to permanently impress my sights into my mind, my nose memorizing the familiar smells, and my ears fine tuning to the specific sounds of this land. <br />
<br />
Once getting back I saw Thomas walking up. Lord, thank you for the gift of Thomas. I was afraid I may not see him again. With each minute drawing nearer to my departure my tears were that much closer. I was able to have such a sweet conversation with Thomas, thanking him for selflessly serving me each and every time, serving his people, and ultimately serving Jesus. I managed to get out my heart’s longing to see him flourishing in the Lord, trusting Jesus in every way, in all things, at all times. Thomas was such a dear friend to me and simply made me laugh every time I was around him. In a place where so many things can go misunderstood, our language of laughter was medicine to my soul. We laughed often and we laughed hard. It hurts just thinking about how much I will miss his sweet smile and sarcastic nature. <br />
<br />
Since we had some more time, the team and I ended up heading back over to Kaya’s for lunch. Boy was this entertaining. Apparently my dear friend Ami had put on a new nausea patch on in preparation for the flight. She also had taken some Dramamine orally in addition to this…and had not eaten. Are you picturing it? She was loopy. She was beyond loopy. She was entertaining to say the least.<br />
<br />
Once lunch was over we all loaded up and headed towards the air strip to wait on the MAF flight. It began raining and all of my emotions flooded over me. As if I wasn’t fully aware of all the turmoil going on inside of me, my body was shouting it loud and clear in the form of a stomach ache. It’s amazing how our bodies speak to us in this way. <br />
<br />
When we pulled up I was so excited to see the UN vehicle parked on the side of the road. My Pakistani friend was doing his duty on the air strip—intentionally to see us off. I was so thankful to get a chance to say goodbye to him one last time. Kaya soon drove up as well with Scovia. As everyone chit chatted about this or that I found myself feeling as if I were in a dream. Is this real? Am I about to leave what feels like home right now for the only home I knew prior to coming here? Of course the questions of, “What if I never see these people again?” and “Will I ever be back?” float in my mind and I’m doing everything I can to praise Jesus. I praise you Lord for allowing me to be here. Thank you for sharing this part of You with me. I am honored. I am humbled. I am so very grateful. I have been given a tremendous responsibility that will now forever be with me. I cherish it. I will honor You with it. Oh, Lord allow me to continue to see everything from your eyes, trusting you each step of the way. <br />
<br />
I’m snapped back into reality with the familiar sound of my name coming from the lips of Kaya. “Jesseeca, are you going to cry?” I grin at him, knowing he knows the answer to his question. “Without a doubt.” I smile as tears well up. <br />
<br />
My heart sinks as I hear the sound of the small plane engine flying above. It’s go time. Everyone scurries off the bus and we head across the road as the plane touches down. It was a frenzy. We’ are quickly informed that we have no time to waste. There was a storm coming in and if we didn’t get off the group in 5 minutes more or less we would have to wait it out which could mean a flight leaving tomorrow. Everything was happening so fast. Inside it was as if I was trying to grasp at air. I couldn’t quite get a hold. It was all going through my fingers. <br />
<br />
I hugged Scovia. I shook my Pakistani friend’s hand, thanking him for his friendship and letting him know I will faithfully pray for him. The pilot yells at us to hurry. I walked up to Kaya, tears steadily falling from my eyes and couldn’t have managed to get anything out even if I had time. I wrapped my arms around him and hugged that sweet man as I have hugged my Daddy so many times. This was it. <br />
<br />
I walked onto that little propeller plane, sat down, and buckled in. I watched all that entailed my 4 month journey get smaller and smaller as we flew into the clouds. <br />
<br />
I was coming home, but it wasn’t the same me that left. I am changed. If ever I knew my journey wasn’t finished, it was now. So, just as I flew into Sudan with the unknown before me I was flying out of Sudan with the unknown beckoning my name yet again.<br />
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-77380602442928633242012-03-31T20:43:00.000-05:002012-03-31T20:43:02.488-05:00He Knew the Reward was BetterWednesday June 22nd, 2011<br />
<br />
I was graced with the opportunity to spend some quality time on the church compound and at the Seed Effect offices today. I was hoping this would be the case since it was quite literally my last chance. I know myself well enough to know that quality time is one of the ways that I function, so being in no rush, feeling no pressure, and simply ‘being around’ today was simply what I needed. Plus, I knew it would be an extremely emotional day for me and sometimes it’s best to allow myself to process all that is going on in this way. <br />
So, this morning I headed up to the Seed Effect offices and was able to spend some really sweet time with Scovia. She, as did everyone else, had to get some work done so I made sure to not get in the way. Looking back, I’m grateful it was simply a normal day like every other day in that sense. I was able to kind of sit back and observe. I was watching and soaking in all that God allowed me to be a part of for the past 4 months. How truly blessed am I! <br />
I ended up heading over to the Water Harvest Compound to see what Norma and the rest of the crew were up to over there. I found them, also, hard at work. I wasn’t sure if I’d get the chance to see them again so I made sure to thank Norma for everything; for being such a source of life to me. Goodness, the huge ball in my throat was getting harder and harder to swallow. Norma began expressing her love for me and crying and the levy was let loose. I just love her so much. It’s as if the 4 months were flying through my head and it was someone else’s memories I was watching. In front of me was this beautiful example of a Christ exalting, sacrifice anything for the sake of the Gospel woman, and she was MY friend. She was shedding tears on my behalf out of sheer excitement for what the Lord has in store for my future and in my sweet relationship with Him. How did I get here? How is it I have been given so many good, good gifts? I cried expressing my complete lack of knowledge as to what the future holds. I have no idea, yet know He does. I know it with every fiber of my being. She cried with me. She knows even better than I do what that is like. Her own life is marked by walking completely by faith and not by sight…never having known she would be now living and serving in the capacity she is in South Sudan. It was yet another beautiful reminder from my God that as much as I felt today that Norma “gets” me, He KNOWS me in full. Oh, what a comforting Truth. Norma and I went back to her tukol and talked more and she prayed for and over me. It was so special and one of those times I will carry with me, constantly reminding me of His goodness. <br />
<br />
I said my goodbyes to Barbara and then went in the office to say goodbye to Grant. Grant truly is one of those guys that loves people just so well. He has been a tremendous friend to me, challenging me when I needed to be challenged. Because the Lord uses him so very much I’m sure he isn’t even aware of many of the times God used him to challenge me. I’m so thankful for his friendship during these past 4 months. It’s so hard making these friendships knowing the reality that they simply won’t be the same once leaving. The bitter comes with the sweet. The sweet makes the bitter bearable. <br />
I headed back over to the Seed Effect office for lunch. It’s amazing how the mundane becomes amazingly special when it’s come down to the end. By this time my tears couldn’t hide themselves anymore. My mind’s eye was clicking the camera trying to take in EVERYTHING. How do I imprint it all into my heart, never to forget? It’s already been done. It’s as if it’s woven into the very fiber of my being. Even more so, it’s as if the longer I live the more Jesus allows me to see what has already been created in me for Him. It’s just a matter of me awakening to it. It’s a beautifully odd thing at times. Lunch was had and I couldn’t help but smile knowing how different lunch would be for me so very soon. <br />
After lunch I headed over to where Stephanie stays and was so happy to find that she would have some time to spend with me. Sweet Stephanie. Oh, how I wish I could have spent so much more time with her. Just when I feel like I’m getting to know her more it’s time to go. We headed over to the Water Harvest Compound and sat out on Norma’s porch and just talked and talked. It was one of those live giving, soul moving conversations with a sister. What a gift being able to share life with others is. What a privilege! After a couple hours we prayed for each other and back over to the Seed Effect office I went.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNk3m4mC-ZNARRFfMD7rhBly8PcZKkFOVQmc1rJ-vd5GJiUVieGad3fgqsmCCky4OGlzeqwZmXZST0Mp6bUv1S1Hc1RbXZiDM2f6tdAJJyhh7IvzCXm7GsRhJi75OwpRCbs-1hezD1vsC/s1600/ATP_2067.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" dea="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNk3m4mC-ZNARRFfMD7rhBly8PcZKkFOVQmc1rJ-vd5GJiUVieGad3fgqsmCCky4OGlzeqwZmXZST0Mp6bUv1S1Hc1RbXZiDM2f6tdAJJyhh7IvzCXm7GsRhJi75OwpRCbs-1hezD1vsC/s320/ATP_2067.JPG" width="320" /></a>Stephanie</div><br />
It was just about closing time. I don’t want this to end, Father. How do I do this? How do I say goodbye? Oh, Jesus, these people are my friends…my family. My heart wanted to burst. Scovia asked me to come into the office. I could see she was on the verge of tears. The Seed Effect staff gathered all around me and began sharing their heart to me one by one. I was a bawling mess…a bawling mess of humble pie. Tears were shared all around. All I could do was stand there and take it all in..in its entirety. I then choked something out to them in return trying to find words that did any amount of justice. Then they asked to pray for and over me. Blessings upon blessings. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyKRdovw6LsVF2R8oIDvSGerFM1e3_GlvIRdYzkNB5ou5C60SmjPA_njMn28fuijL8SYHQm49RBa9Rq5yCKCK7dcpTR7NYMmGewjRcUF5Uy8lHsdVAMbqAbmj46lxRJAqh1vrfWw0eZld/s1600/ATP_3757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyKRdovw6LsVF2R8oIDvSGerFM1e3_GlvIRdYzkNB5ou5C60SmjPA_njMn28fuijL8SYHQm49RBa9Rq5yCKCK7dcpTR7NYMmGewjRcUF5Uy8lHsdVAMbqAbmj46lxRJAqh1vrfWw0eZld/s320/ATP_3757.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I walked out of the Seed Effect office and then the gate, walking down the dirt road towards the church. Oh, Father thank you for knowing what my heart can handle even if I don’t. This feeling of sheer sadness of leaving yet excited for going home is almost too much to bear. Thank you. Thank you for knowing. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">How did you do it? How did you walk on this earth with those you love so much and leave via the means of death?? You knew what was to come. You knew the need…my need. You knew the reward was far greater than the feelings of leaving. Oh, Jesus please help me to choose to see as you see. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I had about 15 minutes to sit outside the church by myself and soak it all in. Then, the rest of the team arrived as those in the Bible school were going to have an I Am Second group that night they wanted us to observe. And, Dima had a time of sharing and communion planned to see us off from their entire church. I couldn’t have planned a better way for me to close off my time there. I was able to sit there at watch church leaders and those that are actively pursuing a Bible degree to just the same DO a discipleship group. Not only that, but they were passionate about it. They got it. Hallelujah, they got it!! I sat there overwhelmed with so much joy and was reminded that my time there was finished.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">They invited my team up to take communion first as their guests and then the rest followed. All of the men sang beautifully, a Capella, and I sat there feeling the power of Spirit moving. Communion wrapped up and Dima asked if a couple of people wanted to come to the front to share anything. I knew I couldn’t. I wouldn’t be able to get 2 words out before choking up and bawling. Literally, I couldn’t. So, Jenn and Michael went up and did a great job of expressing how they felt about their time there and all the Lord accomplished. And then,….Dima turned his attention to me. How did I think he would not?? He so graciously shared his appreciation for my willingness to come to them, etc. and then asked me to say something. And, as I knew would happen, I got about 2 words in and lost it. I needed them to hear what God wanted to say via me, though so I got myself together and expressed to them the immense privilege it has been to be so welcomed and invited into their life. I know it’s not something to take light. I challenged them to continue in the ways of the Lord and to put forth the effort to seek Jesus in all things, at all times. I expressed how simply watching them live a life honoring our King despite their immense suffering is not only honorable but beautifully convicting. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, after that full day I was pretty much an emotional zombie. I tend to get quiet and become an observer when having to say goodbye’s because I’m afraid I’ll miss something. So, here I am, my last full day in Kajo Keji coming to an end. Oh, what a sweet day it has been. I kind of want to stay a little bit in denial of the fact that I leave tomorrow. That being said, heading across the ocean is just as close and despite my grief of leaving I have a seed of excitement for what’s on the other side of the ocean. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Lord, let thy will be done and not mine. It’s all a gift and for that I am beyond thankful. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-31953686480476850762012-02-01T23:03:00.001-06:002012-02-01T23:10:43.188-06:00Begging and PleadingTuesday June 21st, 2011<br />
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<br />
I was excited to head out to Longira village with Andrew and Sarah. I had heard of such amazing things throughout the week from those that had been coming out here. Last minute I found out that Thomas had decided to come as well. I was so happy to hear so knowing it meant I’d have some time with my dear friend that I hadn’t planned on having! I love Jesus for his sweet blessings. The drive out there was…fun. The truck was packed full of people (as usual) and became more packed along the way as we’d add a few here and there. Once arriving at the church spot we all piled out and realized there wasn’t anyone there yet. They were told we’d be back and to come there at that time. The plan was to go out to those who hadn’t been reached already that week and then come back together once getting the world out for discipleship time. So, as all true Africans do, we waited. :) No one showed up for a couple hours. It was such a great time with those who came along to translate. We were able to just talk and enjoy each other’s company. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBcQTuZDq9jAED2ejISd17K16ZTh5NdcmKERYiS5aBzxkcE_yXP69hTeGLWx-mjxgSfwwwE336RPS5VE6Z3piVzCnzVEbk_1psA_fj_2-g6ZfjxJZCJRlcCIEaTYFhc00834rrWorFgs0/s1600/IMG_3525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBcQTuZDq9jAED2ejISd17K16ZTh5NdcmKERYiS5aBzxkcE_yXP69hTeGLWx-mjxgSfwwwE336RPS5VE6Z3piVzCnzVEbk_1psA_fj_2-g6ZfjxJZCJRlcCIEaTYFhc00834rrWorFgs0/s320/IMG_3525.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The decision was finally made that the few of us there would all split up into small groups and go out hut to hut sharing the Gospel and inviting people to the afternoon discipleship time . With me were Thomas and Alfred. Everyone we were supposed to follow up with was not home. Eventually, we stopped at the home of the guy who was deaf and mute. <br />
<br />
We were informed that he hadn’t always been deaf and mute. He had gotten really sick a few years ago and almost died. After all was said and done, he survived, but ended up being deaf and mute. The young man’s father continued sharing that they had taken him to church hoping their prayers for healing would help and that they continue to pray for healing often. <br />
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I cannot adequately express how burdened my heart was for this young man. While his mouth said nothing, His eyes said a thousand words. <br />
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I asked if we could pray for him. I was determined. I was going to beg and plead the Lord for healing on his behalf. Begging and pleading is what I did. I know Jesus is in no way confined by a mute mouth or deaf ears and that He is more than powerful enough to speak clearly to this man so that He would make Himself known, but I wanted him to be healed. I wanted Jesus to be made known and this man’s healing to be one of those ways. <br />
<br />
Thomas and I both prayed. I looked at the man and asked him if he could hear me. Nothing. I asked him if he could try and speak. Nothing. <br />
<br />
I wasn’t done. He wasn’t done. I sat there, my knees resting on that orange dirt, my hands resting on this young man’s shoulders and I looked to Thomas and knew without saying a word he understood I wanted to keep praying. I just felt that I wasn’t to stop praying. So, we continued. <br />
<br />
I told the Lord that I knew his goodness was in no way defied by physical healing. But, I still wanted that for this man. I told Jesus that I know that in asking it doesn’t always mean it’s what will be done. But, I still wanted that for this man. I told God that I knew He could magnify Himself in any way He so choose to do so. But, I wanted it to be by healing this man. <br />
<br />
Thomas prayed. He prayed so fervently and with a conviction that humbled me. <br />
<br />
Nothing.<br />
<br />
For a third time, we prayed and begged and pleaded. <br />
It was not His will that day to heal that young man. I confessed to Jesus my desires of healing, but also proclaimed that I wanted His will above mine….regardless of what that meant. <br />
I walked away from that man and that home that day overwhelmed to tears. My heart was broken for that man…for his family…for his community. Jesus broke me to the core asking me if I truly trusted that man’s state with Him. Did I trust that Jesus could heal even if He didn’t choose to? Did I trust that His will is far greater than mine? Did I trust that He is good even if circumstances that He allows simply are not?<br />
<br />
We and spent so much time there that it was time to head back to the tree where the church was for discipleship. I was happy to find that a good number of people had gathered and were ready for teaching. They sang hymns in KuKu and a message was preached/discussed. Then was time for baby dedications! It was so sweet to see Andrew dedicate twins and their older sibling. <br />
It was all so surreal and beautiful. <br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJPZQXif9kCB_wDTYIxGzMtslC_KnGerF9Cjo9FTQTerjUmbV_ROSRYFTYY7Hc1cIKhW7la0iKoWVut2NKjeKjw-od-aN_cxJJzRCqeF_0Ap4fb3GtUIYZf-Fo3TZp34obc7LlDVDptqH/s1600/IMG_3543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJPZQXif9kCB_wDTYIxGzMtslC_KnGerF9Cjo9FTQTerjUmbV_ROSRYFTYY7Hc1cIKhW7la0iKoWVut2NKjeKjw-od-aN_cxJJzRCqeF_0Ap4fb3GtUIYZf-Fo3TZp34obc7LlDVDptqH/s320/IMG_3543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It was a bitter sweet drive home that day. I knew it was my last time out in a village. I tried to take it all in as we drove on the bumpy road. <br />
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Memories flooded me.<br />
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Faces flashed in my head. <br />
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Conversations echoed in my ears. <br />
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I trust you, Jesus.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-25314065191132845962012-02-01T22:29:00.001-06:002012-02-01T23:16:10.522-06:00The time is now.Monday June 20th, 2011<br />
<br />
<br />
So, it was decided I’d join Steve at the Bible School on Monday afternoon. He was set to teach on discipleship to the students and I was very interested in sitting in and observing. I not only wanted to observe Steve’s way of teaching, but also their responses. First thing that morning, Ami and I were dropped off at the church compound and I showed her around so she was able to take pictures of this and that. I realized as I was doing so just how much pride I took in showing her around. This place really had become home. Before we knew it, it was lunch time so Ami, Steve, and I headed over to the Seed Effect office to eat lunch with everyone there as I had done just about every single day since being in South Sudan. After lunch we headed over to the Bible School classroom.<br />
<br />
I sat there and watched as Steve reviewed and taught on discipleship to all of the students. I was encouraged. A lot of the things I had processed through myself while being there..the things that work, those that don’t..my successes and failures…a lot of that was brought into his teaching. I slowly began to feel like I was watching live in slow motion as the Lord began to prick the ears of my heart…<br />
<br />
“Nothing you do for me is in vain.”<br />
<br />
“The work you have done for me is of far greater worth than you even realize”<br />
<br />
“Remember, my timing is perfect.”<br />
<br />
I had the enormous realization that all I had been working towards was right there in front of me. <br />
<br />
It was overwhelming. <br />
<br />
Powerful.<br />
<br />
Beautiful.<br />
<br />
Encouraging. <br />
<br />
Worshipful.<br />
<br />
I had many conversations throughout the 4 months about just how to get discipleship out there in a larger realm- a larger, more effective way. I just knew the Bible students were the key, but for one reason or another it just hadn’t happened. <br />
<br />
Now, I watched and listened as the students grasped it all. They got it. Not only did they get it, they were excited about it! I had to keep myself from getting overly emotional as I sat there on the side of the room observing. Yet again, He spoke…<br />
<br />
“Soon, your time will be done here, but not the work I am doing. It will continue.”<br />
<br />
“As much as you love these people, I love them more. “<br />
<br />
“I will make myself known.” <br />
<br />
Although unplanned, Steve was asked to come back the next day. They wanted to practice facilitating the discipleship groups and come back the next day to share and confirm they understood in knowledge and application.<br />
<br />
The time was now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTd9Wobp-K7AUGKL_XOwTrIIOFl8h_sPiW642PaMhADai-d2_kp5Aw5BtctKVjx9bVsqzlGe3WjJQJR94HeHACphlhE7AWQYkhuiQIoTWOZVOC3UkRPGRXoW9Vuv7uGxYoDT_gPz_0uKmS/s1600/ATP_2581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTd9Wobp-K7AUGKL_XOwTrIIOFl8h_sPiW642PaMhADai-d2_kp5Aw5BtctKVjx9bVsqzlGe3WjJQJR94HeHACphlhE7AWQYkhuiQIoTWOZVOC3UkRPGRXoW9Vuv7uGxYoDT_gPz_0uKmS/s320/ATP_2581.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-29745043549052326372011-12-21T14:20:00.001-06:002012-02-01T23:18:47.668-06:00Joyful 27th!Sunday June 19th consisted of me going to my church for the last time. Ami came for a short time to take some pictures and then the rest of the team headed out to their church plant locations. If I had to be honest, I was happy to attend my church for the last time as I had for the majority of the 4 months…my church body and me. Please don’t get me wrong—I would have loved to have any of the team members there with me, but there was just something special about my last time being “normal”. I didn’t want a big deal made out of me leaving, and I was grateful it was a simple announcement that I would be going and they prayed for me.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sweet simplicity. <br />
<br />
I walked across the road back to the compound after church with a heavy heart of gratitude. The compound was so very quiet...as it usually was on Sunday afternoons, since the team was out still. I sat there on the step outside my room just reflecting. This was real. 4 months had actually already gone by. It felt good to just sit and allow all of the memories weigh on me. <br />
<br />
I thought I might try and take a nap, lied down, and heard voices. Half of the team got back so I went and visited with them for a bit. It wasn’t until around 5 or so that everyone else got back to the compound. They had a VERY long day. Apparently they had church, which lasted longer than usual and then hiked out to do baptisms. You could tell they were wiped. It was beautiful to hear their stories of salvation and baptism. <br />
<br />
Everyone just kind of hung around the compound and then around 730 or so the land cruiser pulled up and out came Grant, Norma, Barbara, Stephanie, and Saqib!! <br />
<br />
I smile as I type this…Jenn had arranged for a surprise birthday party for me!!! My birthday was a few days away but she wanted me to be able to celebrate it with those I love in Africa before I left. I know, she’s amazing. She is constantly blowing me away with her thoughtfulness. The truth is, I had a feeling something was up when Norma called my phone earlier that afternoon asking for Jenn and then did her best to play it off. Haha. Well, it was all clear when Grant walked over and yelled HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! before Jenn could even try and get it all together as they drove up! Haha. Those things make it just that much better!! <br />
<br />
So, that evening I celebrated my 27th birthday with my dear friends over rice and beans. They had even gotten me gifts!! Yet again, I couldn’t help but step back and remind myself that this was indeed my life. Blessings upon blessings. <br />
<br />
Oh, I can’t forget the actual surprise!! The team managed to bring over 2 boxes of angel food cake!!! Jenn knew it was my favorite type of cake…AND Norma and Barbara spent the time cooking it AND making a pineapple sauce to go over it!!! I was beside myself. It was so yummy and my African friends got to try Angel food cake for the first time!<br />
<br />
The best gift of all though was stepping back and watching what was before me. I had so many of my close friends from all over the world fellowshipping and simply enjoying the company of everything. Never in my life would I dream that 2 of my best friends would be WITH me at the end of my 4 month journey in South Sudan. Not only that, but that they would be able to love on Norma—one of their dear friends, too! I got to share my Pakistani friend with them and them with him. It was the best gift a girl could receive. <br />
<br />
I sat down that evening next to my Pakistani friend and thanked him for coming. I wanted him to know just how much I treasured his friendship and the many, many conversations we had. Above all, I wanted him to know the extent of love Jesus has for him. That’s when he looked at me and said, “Jessica, I look around and I see all of your friends and how they love you and the joy you have…I want that…I want that joy.” The Lord had allowed for such a relationship to form that I was able to say gently yet with the utmost conviction that they joy he seems comes from Jesus alone and that he, too, could have this joy. I told him, not for the first time, that what he sees goes so far beyond circumstances and that its root is in the understanding that while undeserving, Jesus died for me. That Jesus has provided a life for me that I could never get for myself. He respectfully listened as he always had, his eyes gleaming with the awe of this hope I have. He shook his head, understanding that I told him these things out of my love for him yet not fully being able to grasp them. He smiled and thanked me for sharing my heart with him and being such a good friend. <br />
<br />
The night began to come to an end as everyone was saying their goodbyes. My Pakistani friend came up to me and held up a 10,000 shilling bill in front of our faces. He then explained that in his culture when dear friends are parting for whatever reason they have a tradition they do. He then ripped the bill in half. He went on to explain that one half was his and as he put the other half in my hand, said it was mine. He said that they say whenever the next time they meet, whether on this earth or not, they will tape the two halves back together and get a meal of coffee together to catch up. He then said, “Dear friend, I wills see you again, and we will catch up.” Everything in me wanted to break down into tears, but the sheer honor of what just unfolded in front of my eyes kept me together enough to thank him, give him the firm handshake he was always so faithful to do, and wish him well. It’s now, as I type this, I find myself overwhelmed with emotion. True beauty touches the soul in a way that can’t be explained.<br />
<br />
I begged and pleaded the Lord that night, and have many times since then, that if it isn’t on this earth that I see him next, that it will be in Heaven as we are proclaiming the majesty of our King Jesus….together.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-38246620772802801512011-12-21T13:08:00.000-06:002011-12-21T13:08:10.284-06:00Wait...and watch.Wow. I am sincerely so sorry. As you can see, it has been months and months since I said I would post about my last few days in South Sudan. The past 6 months have been ….well, interesting for me. Nevertheless, here are the posts I wrote about my last week there. …very late, but still just as true!<br />
<br />
Saturday June 18th, 2011 was a day I was looking forward to. I had come to thoroughly enjoy my Leikor ladies. While I most definitely did not want to have to say goodbye, I was hopeful that this group might actually continue once I was gone. <br />
<br />
I was especially excited that Ami was getting to go with me. Not only would she be able to document this group through pictures, but she would also get to see in intimate view of what God had been allowing me to be a part of for 4 months…the sweet faces, the hesitant hearts, the gut wrenching stories, and the bounties of grace upon grace. <br />
<br />
We arrived and hardly anyone was around. It was made very clear to everyone that this would be my last week. They, in fact made it known to everyone because they wanted to make sure to be able to say goodbye. So, it wasn’t out of the ordinary to sit around and visit for a while in hopes that people would gather. As we had been doing the past few weeks in their new market, we were invited and given seats under Alia’s tarp. I asked who was going to be leading this week, as it was also made very clear that since I was leaving it would be their responsibility to carry on with someone facilitating and encouraging others to share. They had been doing a great job of this the past few weeks. Of course, one of the Abuba’s was the ring leader and the majority of the time she was the one that would step up and take the lead. <br />
<br />
Then came the discouragement. I confess, I was really discouraged. Every single person there was animate about not being the facilitator. They did not want to do it. They kept telling me I needed to do it since it was my last time and I did my best to again explain that since it was my last time I would be blessed to see that someone else was willing to do it. They were terrified and it broke my heart. It was so hard not to feel like a failure in the moment. My goal was to leave them feeling confident and excited about facilitating these discipleship groups on their own and in a way that worked best for them and here I was sitting in front of this group who had flat out made up their mind they were not going to do it. <br />
I prayed. I sat there and I prayed, asking the Lord what He wanted to happen. Of course, I could simply begin facilitating the group, but the last thing I wanted to do was enable them…not this group. They had come a pretty long way and I just wanted what was best for them even if they didn’t know what that looked like. <br />
<br />
Wait. Just be patient.<br />
<br />
Ami looked at me and didn’t have to say a word. I knew what she was asking and wondering…the exact same things I was! So, I whispered to here that we just needed to wait a bit longer…wait them out as I had tears welling up in my eyes. The reality of leaving and disappointment yet so much hope for what I know could simply be amazing was on the verge of exploding via tears. It’s amazing how sometimes we just need to be allowed the opportunity to feel uncomfortable just long enough to actually do something. <br />
<br />
Insert: life lesson #359542320<br />
<br />
We literally just sat there for a good while. And then….Abuba Tabita spoke up. She explained we needed to get started so everyone needed to listen. She began facilitating the group. I just sat there with a smile on my face. I offered a little guidance for the flow of the questions and discussions and such. Ami was also asked for her input which I knew was just a matter of time. Guests don’t get away without addressing the whole group and “sharing just a little bit”. It was beautiful and heartfelt. <br />
What I began to watch in front of me then left me speechless and overwhelmed with joy. All of a sudden I realized it’s as if I was invisible…precisely what I wanted. One of the ladies that had been there pretty much all 4 months (whose tarp we were sitting under!) but never really gave her input yet was the most outspoken and boisterous personality began to share. Sweet, beautiful Alia. Abuba Tabita began to challenge her and encourage her and it was an interaction between the two of them where I saw the wisdom of this older woman covering over the fear and hesitancy of this broken younger woman. Alia confessed she was not a believer and began to literally pour out all of the pain and wounds and questions she’s had trapped inside for years. <br />
<br />
I was watching before me active discipleship. <br />
<br />
I could just feel the weight of God asking me why I have so little faith when He has ALWAYS shown up. It may look vastly different than I plan it out in my head, but He has ALWAYS shown up. <br />
<br />
Oh, Lord. How I am reminded that I always need you. Your blessings are too many to count.<br />
<br />
Tears streamed down my face as I sat there listening to Abuba Tabita proclaim the Gospel to Alia…as she pleaded with her to see her need of a Savior…as she encouraged her to let go of all the things that are lies from Satan…and as she soothed her wounds with the salve of a loving ear willing to listen to her skepticism. Alia stated she didn’t want to be a believer. <br />
<br />
Many others sat listening. They were no less supposed to hear everything. Abuba Tabita wrapped up the discussion and asked me if I wanted to say final words. I knew this time was coming and oh, how difficult it was. I shared my love for them and did my best to get the words out to encourage them with the love of Christ. And then, Tabita said she had something she wanted to say…and so did Alia…and so did about 5 others. <br />
<br />
Even now, my heart is just so overwhelmed thinking about the words spoken. By God’s grace, He allowed me to hear of the change He brought to these women via this discipleship group…via me. Have you ever been so humbled with gratitude you think your heart might simply burst? I almost couldn’t stand it. God knew it was time for my heart to be wrapped up in the love and blessings of these women, and of Himself, to prepare me for the journey home. It’s what I needed. I was amazed at the outpouring of thanks and testimonies of change from women that literally spoke a handful of words the entire time I was there!!! He accomplished change in them that had they not been led to share with me I would have never known. I couldn’t fathom the degree of impact that was made and Jesus knew that my heart, so prone to question and lack faith, needed to have a physical reminder of His power. <br />
<br />
Ami watched it all. My sweet friend who knows my heart without me having to say a word watched the battle within me as I sat there among these women. I was just so excited that she could be there. If anything, it just confirmed that any and all accomplished these past 4 months was simply of Jesus and Jesus alone. Plus, she got to see the enormous blessing I was privileged to live in day in and day out. She got to see the struggle, too. <br />
To think…if I hadn’t waited and given into my discouragement all that would have been missed.<br />
<br />
Ami and I walked down the orange dirt road back to the compound with no words yet saying everything...<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><strong>***Update*** I was given an update from Scovia that Alia surrendered her life to the Lord just a few weeks after I returned home!! And, the Leikor market group is still meeting every Saturday afternoon to study and discuss Scripture and the change it is to have in their life!! </strong></span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-14690606588260875092011-08-10T13:21:00.000-05:002011-08-10T13:21:44.689-05:00Honored Guest<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBf_h3YsBwvkHHfuxDlHNy5K1uO8eVRMAqGiue4EJ_IHhJ67IXJWwBOlda6vLVOhyP4aofCBgC39hZOQP8oEBb1_q7URPALUTsJ7s2mMx4bP7GG-YLooAbkduyTxoWn3kWU_kSJpuUYU_y/s1600/IMG_3491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBf_h3YsBwvkHHfuxDlHNy5K1uO8eVRMAqGiue4EJ_IHhJ67IXJWwBOlda6vLVOhyP4aofCBgC39hZOQP8oEBb1_q7URPALUTsJ7s2mMx4bP7GG-YLooAbkduyTxoWn3kWU_kSJpuUYU_y/s320/IMG_3491.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, we arrived in Kiri and we were pretty noticeable upon arriving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, the fact that we showed up in the land cruiser with 5 more people than normal, 3 of which were whites, pretty much settled that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Considering they were used to Thomas and I casually pulling up on the motorbike it made sense that all eyes would be on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prior to going out to Kiri I had in mind that I would wash Abuba Poresi and Yaba’s feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t the slightest idea how it would all come about or what it would look like, but just knew God had <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">something</i> there for me to do being it was my last time and I would be saying my goodbyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we were driving out there I then began to wonder if washing their feet would be feasible, although I had no idea what not washing their feel would entail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We got out of the vehicle and I walked around and greeted a few people, introducing them to the rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I led everyone towards Abuba’s home, hoping to find her there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I did each week, I walked up to her tukols and began yelling out, “Abuuuuuba. It’s Jeska.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sweet friend came out and I heard the heartwarming sound of, “Ahh, Jess-ee-ca!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words can’t express to you they joy I was privileged to experience each Friday as Abuba Poresi greeted me with more sincerity than most people ever know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-gxXVaM-fRGbE0fBJrbknmxJfoF8lXwMAjHfbxI1UxmhfFhj3CyLMmFGjCGeHdHSlgqVOloM8iCyrXnZXhL7rz8iPjrmOEZGSvOmS_PrJD_qi9gEx-hpJeJoFlNqMIaoNRAdpu83VUfE/s1600/IMG_3447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-gxXVaM-fRGbE0fBJrbknmxJfoF8lXwMAjHfbxI1UxmhfFhj3CyLMmFGjCGeHdHSlgqVOloM8iCyrXnZXhL7rz8iPjrmOEZGSvOmS_PrJD_qi9gEx-hpJeJoFlNqMIaoNRAdpu83VUfE/s320/IMG_3447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Abuba grabbed her Bible and we all headed back out to the open market area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked Abuba if she knew where Yaba was and after asking a couple of other people I was told he was sleeping up against the tree just nearby. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I walked over and saw him there-sprawled out, his head resting on the tree root, out to the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood there for a split second just looking at Yaba, God’s beautiful creation. Oh, how privileged I was to have him in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That lasted a split second before one of the ladies yelled out, “YABA!!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s nothing like being woken up by your name being screamed out! Haha He opened his eyes, staring straight at me as I was standing over him, and a smirk came across his face as he said, “Mama.” Sometimes I found myself literally wanting to grab Yaba and cradle him in my arms, speaking in a way that he would understand, expressing the depth and width and height of the love Christ has for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was one of those moments. We did our usual sing song of him asking for money, me responding, him asking again, me smiling at him knowing that I could tell him anything and know that Jesus had allowed a bond to form that regardless, he knew I loved him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I turned around to see that a crowd had started to gather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long either before the all too familiar man who I blogged about a little while back made an appearance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember the man that was yelling at me telling me I was a thief and a liar? The one that Thomas stepped in and made the decision that I was no longer going to interact with? Yep. He was back with the same story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must admit, it was interesting to watch the rest of the gangs’ reaction to this man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me, it had become “normal”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To others, somewhat concerning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The men in the market place stepped in like last time and made sure this man kept his distance and wasn’t of any harm to anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yaba began asking me for Mugatti like he always does, and every other week I would have simply walked with him over to the 2 ladies who sell it, but I realized that I literally had no Ugandan shillings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt awful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could I not remember that I would need a mere 300 shillings to buy Yaba his mugatti for the last time?? Just then, Ami asked me if he would be happy with cookies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Would he be happy with cookies??</i> Ha. Happy is a grave understatement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a small package of cookies in her camera bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She almost didn’t bring them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were her last ones. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you, sweet Jesus. Yaba’s face lit up simply at the sound of the crinkling wrapper. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> So, with his cookies in one hand and what was left of my bottle of water in the other, Yaba was perfectly content. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I began to think that I was going to say my goodbyes’ to Yaba and Abuba, and off we’d go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason I found myself a little flustered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was stuffing down all of the emotions of leaving along with a bit of disappointment that I just didn’t have a peace about washing their feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I went to Abuba and explained that we would be leaving shortly and she asked that I speak to everyone first, simply letting them know I was going back home and encouraging them to know I will be praying for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s when I looked up. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Under the tree were about 30 people neatly seated, waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I looked to my left and Abuba was walking over with 5 blue, plastic chairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew we’d be there for a while longer. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Abuba set up the chairs in a row facing the people under the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s when it hit me that everyone had been watching us interact with Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They saw it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some were laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others were simply watching with emotionless faces. I was quickly reminded what “this” was all about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This” is what the Lord had for today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This” was about to be a very frank teaching to those gathered under the tree. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that moment I realized what it was all about-it was so clear.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gathered those with me and we made our way over to the plastic chairs, mentioning that we would all introduce ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed Yaba and asked him to sit right next to me on my left. Y’all, what I saw next is one of those moments that I will never forget and one that brought me more joy than I can express.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yaba walked over to the chair, stood there and looked up at all of the people facing us, watching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a cookie in his left hand and a water bottle in his right. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked over at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat down in the green plastic chair with his chest in the air and the biggest smirk on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was an honored guest and he knew it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so confident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It oozed off of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hilarious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat there and looked around as if to say, “That’s right, look at me, I’m special, prized, and I love it!” I do believe it was more than simply being prized by me, folks. I really do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything in my spirit felt like he “got it.” Abuba then came over and she sat on my right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of the team sat in the other chairs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They didn’t get it, but it was me. Don’t you see?<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> I</i> was the guest. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I</i> was the one who felt completely honored to be sitting between those two beautiful people. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I</i> was the one so overjoyed at the privilege. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We went one by one introducing ourselves and then the Lord gave me the words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thanked everyone for welcoming me into their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I expressed what the Lord had sent me to do and encouraged them to walk in what they learned. Then, I turned to my precious friend, Yaba, who was still sitting beside me eating his cookie and drinking his water with such pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I asked the crowd who had noticed that I had befriended Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Practically everyone raised their hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then asked them who knew <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why</i> I had befriended Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was silent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I asked them to share their guesses as to why I would want to become friends with Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A young man blurted out that I became friends with Yaba because maybe I wanted to take him home with me to America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone immediately started laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and said, “Well thank you for guessing, but no, that’s most definitely not it!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A woman raised her hand and said that I became friends with Yaba so I could earn status in Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most nodded their head as to agree that was a better reason than the first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a heavy heart I thanked her also for guessing, but that I wasn’t Yaba’s friend to receive anything back in return, and most definitely not a better status in Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, an older woman raised her hand and said quietly, “You are friends with Yaba because that’s what you are supposed to do for God.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She got it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I stated that yes that is exactly right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began explaining to the group the character of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shared with them what Christ calls us to be and to do as born again believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so very frank with them that Jesus doesn’t call us to just love those that are just like us, or are convenient, or are easy to love even, but everyone, including those like Yaba. I shared with the group their actions towards Yaba and even towards me because of befriending him. Things such as coming up to me and asking me why <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he</i> was sitting by me on the bench (rather than on the dirt as usual), running him off so he didn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bother</i> us, talking about him as if he weren’t a person, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I expressed that God sent me to love Yaba to be an example of His love and what it looks like lived out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through my tears I looked to Yaba as he sat there listening, and drew attention to the fact that he was my honored guest, always.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We, as children of God, are seated with Him in the heavenly realms! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are precious and loved, and are to treat others as such! I challenged them to not miss out on the beauty of Christ by mistaking it for nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When all was said and done, I shared the Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Abuba then took it upon herself to stand up and share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it was even possible, I feel even more in love with that beautiful old woman! She was on fire and boy did she have something to say to everyone! She reiterated what I talked about and then told them that they needed Jesus! She paced back and forth, back and forth, every now and then looking back at me with a smile on her face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was simply beautiful.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsH-CkUDy_jMEqouqiFsifAm7ZIJ3_yp-8anYMiWOZZWuR0AjHFSIrCpr454bOepSZd8bl7PmJdglY43I1i1o4sJA0CZdewkGSPrmXjCnMOB4UTWNzXhbfBgYTi6u39r08PUAUnn1goFI6/s1600/IMG_3506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsH-CkUDy_jMEqouqiFsifAm7ZIJ3_yp-8anYMiWOZZWuR0AjHFSIrCpr454bOepSZd8bl7PmJdglY43I1i1o4sJA0CZdewkGSPrmXjCnMOB4UTWNzXhbfBgYTi6u39r08PUAUnn1goFI6/s320/IMG_3506.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She closed us in prayer, and I knew God had accomplished what He desired through me in Kiri. My heart was at peace.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then, Yaba points forward and says, “My Dad.” I looked and asked him what he said because I wasn’t sure why he was saying “My Dad.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, he repeated again and pointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man he was pointing at started walking towards us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you ready for this?!! The man sitting front and center of the group in front of us was Yaba’s father!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no idea! I had just shared my heart about Yaba, what Christ accomplished, etc., etc. and his dad was right there listening! I just love Jesus for how He worked that out, because if I had known maybe I wouldn’t have been as bold. You see, from what I had been told, Yaba’s parents are the landlords of the village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This simply means they are over it and decisions made regarding to the village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was also told that they are Muslim. Him being there was no accident.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, this really tall beautiful African man walks up and introduces himself to me as Yaba’s father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yaba then tells his dad to sit down next to him and then tells me he wants a picture of them together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help but laugh as Yaba was directing everyone around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, as they were getting ready to have their picture taken by Ami, I almost lost it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yaba had some cookie/drool on his face (the norm) and his dad leaned over and took his shirt and wiped Yaba’s face so gently so he would be “ready” for the picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gentleness. Compassion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart was so full.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsv19bdz67inMGvfFoxul7zP8WUrGkgwqrgpR6BATRMbWTYOkazS-1ZMgtQo-bGypNc6C4ia425TFuIQW4fuIji0v6oJ8-pr91llJ8TcKbXs6nNc6Hb-ihCsqemrFo2F5BPeOB9DF1huA/s1600/IMG_3514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsv19bdz67inMGvfFoxul7zP8WUrGkgwqrgpR6BATRMbWTYOkazS-1ZMgtQo-bGypNc6C4ia425TFuIQW4fuIji0v6oJ8-pr91llJ8TcKbXs6nNc6Hb-ihCsqemrFo2F5BPeOB9DF1huA/s320/IMG_3514.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t have any idea why I had never met Yaba’s dad before now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know where he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know the exact dynamic of their family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I do know that God had his dad front and center this day for a reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do know that Yaba wanted a picture with his dad and was so very proud to have it taken with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The time came to actually say goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart was so full but at the same time felt like it was being ripped apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hugged Abuba and told her just how much I love and adore her and encouraged her to stay strong and continue seeking Christ, relying on His strength and power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing this sweet woman sad liked to kill me. Then, it was Yaba’s turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to him and told him how much I love him and as usual he wanted to shake my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, this time, he didn’t want to let go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything about it was just so sweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I flashed back to the very first time I met Yaba and how he grabbed my hand and held it so tight it almost hurt, not letting go as he asked me for money…and here I was today saying my goodbyes as he had the same grip on me, not wanting to let go because he knew I was leaving for good. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifZFRU0zLgMttpIaT69Spd7YDk4AwFZFLVc11l1CQWn2SB6RVzeEjEp4mCae4jW-SaUTJMyJI4_nHpkQ9YHrZE0bYmMTZ7I-x1sXvtdDHOLaIcm-xvZqnhIsEFhL5tn89dT1CZbm7uCea/s1600/IMG_3522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifZFRU0zLgMttpIaT69Spd7YDk4AwFZFLVc11l1CQWn2SB6RVzeEjEp4mCae4jW-SaUTJMyJI4_nHpkQ9YHrZE0bYmMTZ7I-x1sXvtdDHOLaIcm-xvZqnhIsEFhL5tn89dT1CZbm7uCea/s320/IMG_3522.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got my hand out of his and made myself turn away and walk to the vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could help but praise the Lord as we drove off, knowing He accomplished far more than I could ever know, humbled that He allowed me to be a part of His wondrous plan. </span></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-5187154995648460272011-07-10T19:43:00.000-05:002011-07-10T19:43:15.891-05:00Insurmountable & Undeniable<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was decided that I would head out with half of the team (Rebecca, Andrew, and Ami) to a village called Lukalili to do a church plant on Friday the 17<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, I was excited to get out there and see all the Lord had in store for this first day out in Lukalili.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, how cool of a name is Lukalili?! Go ahead, I know you want to try and say it out loud….LUKE-UH-LEE-LEE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other half of the team headed out to a different village called Longira to plant a church. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We arrived and were welcomed by dancing and singing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It never gets old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone introduced themselves and off we went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rebecca shared the Gospel to everyone there while Andrew and Ami walked around, each with an Evangecube so everyone could see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went around taking pictures at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rebecca came to the end of the story and asked if there was anyone who wanted to surrender to Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Again, she reworded and asked. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It would be so easy to be discouraged at this point…if you fell into the trap of thinking that silence meant a lack of success, failure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not even close, actually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there’s something I had learned in my time there, it was that those listening almost always have questions, but because of one reason or another (most specific to their culture) they are hesitant to speak up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They need time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They need a little pushing and prodding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They need things to be asked in a way that they understand. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They need loving patience. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I stepped in and began to ask if there were any questions and pushed a prodded a bit in a way that prior to coming I can promise you I would not have felt comfortable doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few began speaking up. Then, I noticed a man who walked up and joined the group, sitting in a chair on the end of the group of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After there were a few who were willing to speak up and ask questions, I asked if there was anyone who simply realized their need of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His hand rose.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The man I saw walk up and sit on the outskirts of the group raised his hand. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He began to explain to us that he had just walked there directly from the bar and from drinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He explained that he was drunk and just knew he was supposed to come in the direction of where we were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He found us there and expressed that he and his family needed Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Immediately, just as in the groups I was a part of, I knew God had sent this young man not only for his sake, but for the sake of everyone else who was sitting there listening and watching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt so powerfully led by the Spirit to go to over to the man personally and let him know that he was and is loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knelt down in front of him, looking into his eyes that were so evidently filled with pain and brokenness and told him 3 of the most powerful words that I have found myself privileged to say over and over to so many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus loves you. He loves <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">you</b>.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What a reminder that He indeed loves me, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am beyond humbled each time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am never in a place in my life that I don’t need to be reminded of His insurmountable and undeniable love for me. It is constant. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I spoke to Simon for a few minutes and loud enough so everyone else could hear, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, it wasn’t just for Simon that Jesus sent him there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply, the Gospel was shared again, but this time in a more personal, intimate fashion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simon confessed that he needed Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He confessed that his family situation was bad, that there was a lot of fighting, and that he knew it was because Jesus wasn’t a part of him or his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He wanted to pray to receive Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up and Rebecca, Ami, and Andrew were walking over to come pray with Simon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked Andrew if would mind being the one to lead Simon in prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was beautiful…..and everyone watched Jesus’ love conquer. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We finished up and split into two groups to go evangelizing hut to hut and inviting those we shared with to come to the afternoon discipleship time. Ami and Rebecca headed one direction with a couple translators and Andrew and I headed the other direction with Kenyi, our translator. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since I felt completely comfortable, I wanted to purposely let Andrew take the lead to “get his feet wet”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me tell you, it was just so encouraging to see someone else with the same passion I have, ministering to the people I literally adore, glorifying our sweet Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got pretty much every major cultural barrier and excuse thrown at him in regards to religion—an elderly lady sharing that she had her name on a list at her specific denomination’s church which guaranteed (as she was told) she’d have someone to bury her which meant she was going to Heaven, a middle aged woman saying that she drank alcohol so she couldn’t be a follower of Christ, another woman saying that she wanted to wait to confess Christ, sometime in the future, and then a 15 year old boy named Isaac who had never heard of Jesus before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so good for him to just be thrown in like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was also fun to see him be stretched as these people genuinely shared (a huge blessing in and of itself) the truth of where they were at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, by the way, Isaac surrendered his life to Christ right there after simply hearing what Jesus did for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I asked Him if He wanted to know Jesus, he responded with, “Yes.” as if to say, “How could I not knowing what I now know?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>….innocence of children, I tell ya….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After visiting with them it was time to head back and we finished up our day in Lukalili with a time of discipleship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply, this is a chance for everyone to get together for iron to sharpen iron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a Q&A format.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many great questions were asked. They don’t hold back and I love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was yet again a really great introduction for Rebecca and Andrew, who will be living there for a year to hear a lot of the questions that are commonly asked and issues that are often having to be worked through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>can be anything from alcoholism to sanctification to polygamy to church discipline to spiritual attacks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before heading out to Lukalili I had tried to arrange things so I would be able to go to Kiri for my last group and to say my goodbye’s that afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord is just so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It ended up that we finished in Lukalili at the exact time we would need to leave to head to Kiri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only that, but our driver and everyone else were gracious enough to go along with me so we could make it happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be on the lookout for the next post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t want to miss out on what the Lord accomplished in Kiri with Yaba and Abuba Poresi….</span></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-5371503968783010792011-07-08T17:20:00.000-05:002011-07-08T17:20:54.644-05:00He's Always Got More in Store<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before I knew it, I was lying under my mosquito net, about to fall asleep, and the reality that it would be my last night in “my” room hit me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sleep became the last thing of importance at that moment, replaced by a whirlwind of memories, prayers, and tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could it be that all that was between me and the day that seemed so far off—Jenn and Ami’s arrival (along with the rest of the team)—was a sunrise? It was so surreal. I was overwhelmed with thanksgiving at all the Lord had done in and through me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was quite literally too much for words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only tears would do. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was excited and I was mourning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was excited for all that was to come and mourning all that was soon to be the past. There is just something so beautiful in that to me…something I fear so many miss out on.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I got up the morning of June 16<sup>th</sup> and had to tell myself it was actually happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little bit of comfort that had naturally formed and what little bit of a routine (it’s bound to happen no matter where you are) I had were about to be done with! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wake up call, anyone? Along with that, I was about to have the opportunity that not very many get—sharing my love (Sudan and ALL that includes) with those I love. Blessings upon blessings.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How MAF (Missions Aviation Fellowship) works is you call their number about 9 a.m. to find out when the plane is arriving that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is usually anywhere from 11-3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping they’d get in on the front end of that window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Radler Foundation had a short term trip that week, this day being their last day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, it made sense that the plane flying in with my people would be the one the Radler team would fly out on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided I’d go ahead and hang out with them, Norma, and Grant that morning, waiting to find out the details, knowing there was no way I could accidently get left behind and miss getting to the air strip! (I may have told Kaya more than 5 times that he better not forget me</span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">) </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ETA: 10:45 a.m. That is exactly when I heard the familiar sound of the small plane flying over our heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, how much simpler life would be if flying simply consisted of waiting until you heard the plane flying over you, jumping in the vehicle, and being at the air strip 4 minutes later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I digress. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly said my goodbye’s to the Radler team and jumped into the land cruiser with Grant and Stephanie (she was also expecting a family coming in to visit).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can vividly remember jumping in, looking over at Grant, and telling him I was nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, he asked me why I was nervous in the friendly and caring way that simply defines Grant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know what I said?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think because I know everything is about to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s reality.” Oh, how much one sentence can hold.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The plane had landed and as we drove up I immediately saw my red headed friend standing on the airstrip. I mean, she didn’t exactly blend in. </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I remember Steph saying she couldn’t tell which one’s were going to be Ami and Jenn and I quickly informed her she’d know…they’d be the ones running towards me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure enough, it took 1.3 seconds for that to be the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could barely get out of the vehicle before Jenn and I were hugging mess of tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right after her, Ami. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I made my way around and hugged everyone’s necks…and…it was weird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was amazing…and weird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, having two worlds collide is just odd…surreal…like a dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have I gotten my point across? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself just staring at everybody and am pretty sure I kept saying out loud, “You’re here.” as if to keep reminding myself they were in fact there.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We ended up going up to the church compound since Andrew ended up on the flight that was coming in about 20 minutes later (the one the Radler team was flying out on) and I was able to show everyone around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I need to tell you yet again that it was excitingly weird? We headed over to the Water Harvest Compound where everyone ended up meeting the Radler team right before the headed off and Ami and Jenn got to see Norma! We had a little Waxahachie Bible Church Reunion right there! I can promise you that never in Norma’s (or my) wildest dreams did she think that the 4 of us would be chit chatting at her home in South Sudan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love God for that! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Andrew got in and joined up with us and we all headed for the very first thing on the agenda. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve and I had kept it a secret, so I was super excited for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Insert: chimpanzees!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone was so excited and enjoyed themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, the chimps are just too precious. There are plenty of pictures and videos on my facebook if you care to see them!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, since it was Thursday I had my group in Mondikalok to go to that afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was going to be my very last one with them…emotions were on the forefront.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had hoped that maybe there might be a chance that Jenn and Ami would get to see what it was I had actually been doing while there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right away that was the case as Steve gave the go ahead for Jenn, Ami, and Andrew to head out with me to Mondikalok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so excited to share that with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jenn got to ride out there on the motorbike with Scovia and we 3 headed out in the big van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to find out Scovia was set to do an education seminar that day also, so when we arrived there were way more people there than usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wasn’t exactly sure what the Lord had in mind because I had planned on washing the group members’ feet while sharing the story of Jesus washing His disciple’s feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are usually like 6-10 people that come to the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were easily 20-25 people there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Scovia asked me what I wanted to do, I stood there with a wash basin in one hand and soap in another literally asking God (silently), “Okay, what’s in store this time, God? There are so many more people… am I really to wash every one’s feet??” Ami walked over to me in that same moment and says to me, “Jess, we can all help you wash feet…you don’t have to do it all…we can help.” </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can’t even type that without tears welling up. Do you see how loving of a God I serve? Not only that, but a God who knows all…and it’s all in His timing, in His way..and it’s FAR better than what I could ever conjure up in this head of mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sent them to join me in that moment, in serving those people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sent that many people for a reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t just a coincidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It never is. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What occurred next was stunningly beautiful.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No one had the slightest clue what was going on…but it didn’t take long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked Andrew if he minded being the first one to start washing feet…beginning with a specific man first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To no surprise, Andrew lovingly and willingly accepted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He bent down on his knees at the feet of Wani, washbasin beside his feet and I gently asked Wani to please take off his shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could have heard a pin drop and all eyes were on Wani. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let me explain why I purposely asked Andrew to wash Wani’s feet first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of it was intentional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wani is a man who was at the very first group meeting in Mondikalok and barely spoke 2 words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said just enough for me to be clear that he was not born again and not ashamed of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came to almost all of the meetings, but was also the ring leader of the group of men who decided to inform me that what I was doing was a waste of their time. He always came with a bad attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would sit with his arms crossed, only talking really if it were to say something controversial or with the intention of instigating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, he kept coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept welcoming him, going above and beyond to be as friendly as I could to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was watching and I knew it. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, as soon as I saw Wani sitting on the end of the bench beside a number of other men, I just had this immediate confirmation in my Spirit that he was to be the first one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only that, but Andrew was to be the one to start the washing-a man washing the feet of men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think I have to say that there is Biblical significance to that (wait, I just said it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just that, but a white man washing the feet of a hard hearted, Sudanese man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like I said, I couldn’t have dreamed it up. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He looked at me like I was crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect. All of the men sitting beside Wani began to laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, Wani hesitantly slips off his sandals and Andrew begins washing his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began telling the story of Jesus washing His disciple’s feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew continued on to Simon, who was also very open about not being born again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God knew those two would sit by each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On and on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ami began washing the feet of the women and I continued to share as Jesus gave me the words-His Words. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw Jesus before me as Ami gently poured the water over their feet, washing away the dirt, and drying their feet with her skirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jenn did the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a number of people had their feet washed I could help but laugh at the beauty of what I saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No longer were they hesitant, but the women were forming a line in excited anticipation of having their feet washed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More people came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They got their feet washed. I then put my knees to the dirt and did my last physical act of Love for those in Mondikalok as I washed the last few dirty feet, drying them also with my skirt, speaking blessings over them. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The main group members expressed their gratitude to us and to me for the past 4 months, I walked over to both Wani and Simon, looked them in the eyes, and told them I was going home and anticipating the day I get the news they have finally surrendered their lives to Christ, I encouraged Moses (the very first and youngest person to actually lead a group) to continue strong in His walk, we said our goodbyes and we began walking back to the van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ami, Jenn, and Andrew were walking in front of me and then I hear my name being called out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I turn around and see Moses running towards me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know if I could handle it, about to fully let lose all of the emotions inside of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He simply wanted to know how he would ever be in touch with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sweet Moses, I think he got more than he bargained for. Haha I told him how, and continued to the bus, overwhelmed yet again with the mixture of joy while also feeling like a piece of my heart was ripped out to be left behind. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I turned the corner to see Ami, Jenn, and Andrew talking with a man that I could instantly tell was drunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help but start laughing, y’all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought, “Welcome to Sudan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Welcome to what my life has been the past 4 months!!—excitingly unpredictable!” I joined their little group discussion to find out that they were all trying to figure out what in the world he was talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I’m laughing as I type this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I ask him his name and he says, “My name is Alleluia Amen!” My response? “You’re name is Alleluia Amen?!” “Yep.” I mean, the only appropriate response to that is, “Well, praise the Lord!!” haha. I think you may have had to be there for that to be as funny as it is to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to find out that’s what he had been trying to tell them but none of them could tell that’s what he was saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long story short, we ended up talking to him for a while and he became fully aware of the fact that He needed Jesus to save him from his sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He surrendered his life to Christ right there in the middle of the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so thankful Jesus sent him to us, especially for Ami, Jenn, and Andrew to see the beauty and simplicity of the Gospel in action. It never gets old…ever. Oh, and right before we are leaving I decided to ask him again what his name is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter. We went through this whole long drawn out ordeal of trying to figure out his name and he just decides to finally tell us, “My name is Peter.” Of course it is! </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, God accomplished all He intended to in Mondikalok for the day and we headed back to Kaya’s compound to share of His goodness with the rest of the team. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had already decided that I was going to move out of my room so Rebecca could get moved in her first night there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was personally so blessed to have the chance to get settled into my “own space” while also having the comfort of the short term team there with me, so my conflicting desires of wanting to stay in there as long as I could only to try and be in denial that I was leaving, were easily overcome when it came down to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do I have to tell you it was hard? Didn’t think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I procrastinated until I couldn’t anymore and packed up my room, moving everything into the large room with Jenn, Ami, and Sarah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moving has always been such a hard thing for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so very sentimental when it comes to stuff like that, but I praise God I am because He is then able to swoop in and remind me that there will soon be a day where I will finally be Home for good. There will be nothing bitter about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, how I long for that day! I took my time, thanked God for all He allowed to be accomplished in that blessing of a room, and gave Rebecca the key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, of course, not before having my little cry session in which David Kaya comes in and successfully tells me that it was not time to cry yet. I just love him and his uncomfortable with crying self. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I found myself lying under a mosquito net that night that was literally 3 inches from my face, in a much different room full of 5 beds, two of which had 2 of my best friends sleeping in them, all of my things spread out everywhere, fully aware that my transition back home had already began…</span></span></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-53288803023789616292011-07-05T10:44:00.000-05:002011-07-05T10:44:49.964-05:00What a week can hold...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where has the time gone? As usual, I intended to write this post a lot sooner, but let me tell you, jet lag had other intentions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I fully expected, I didn’t have the time to sit down and write out what my last week in Kajo Keji looked like while there with the team and then once I got home I was literally useless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was simply exhausted and have had no motivation to do much of anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I’ve been told it typically takes a day per each hour of time difference to recover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sudan is 8 hours difference from Dallas, and I’m actually feeling pretty good today, so I’m more or less on schedule!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More about my transition later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, I want to fill you in on the last week or so of my time in South Sudan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will likely do a number of posts simply because I have so much to share. I’ll start with the day the team arrived soon....stay tuned! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-17929270977519477642011-06-15T03:41:00.000-05:002011-06-15T03:41:51.787-05:00One Stone at a Time<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SPMn7ce3aOEaC8G6tEAqaEJClLEr5d1Q3eG8vEC5E0YiXbcKoXJOBhhyphenhyphenTUfSZTWst7YGq7HKI4t-VXa4wyKnhyphenhyphen510NQ8vCcj_2G0cbi0Iz9s0UbTOAU1aMO_NgYrua7ttGAZrOLMXMXn/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SPMn7ce3aOEaC8G6tEAqaEJClLEr5d1Q3eG8vEC5E0YiXbcKoXJOBhhyphenhyphenTUfSZTWst7YGq7HKI4t-VXa4wyKnhyphenhyphen510NQ8vCcj_2G0cbi0Iz9s0UbTOAU1aMO_NgYrua7ttGAZrOLMXMXn/s320/IMG_0848.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But each one should be careful how he builds.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Corinthians 3:5-10</span></i></div></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I took this picture the second or third week I was here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a picture of the foundation of the building that will soon be finished showers and toilets that is right beside my room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself completely intrigued by the process starting from the ground up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked out one evening to see what progress had been made that day and saw this and for some reason found it to be just beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sitting here, over 3 months later, I know why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to make a very clear point to me, and has brought me back to this picture, and more importantly, the message of this picture time and time again during these past 4 months.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I am a big ‘ol boulder.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a country that has the history such as South Sudan, there is much, much work to do…on so many levels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve found myself day in and day out going about the work God prepared the way for so long ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many days I struggled with the tediousness of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others, I was absolutely blown away by the unexpectedness of it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of the days, I was being used as a boulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One stone at a time His Kingdom is being revealed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One stone at a time His Kingdom is growing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One stone at a time lies of Satan are being extinguished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One stone at a time the Holy Spirit is being welcomed. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>To Him be all the glory, forever</em>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Can you believe it? Jenn, Ami, and the rest of the team are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in route</i> as I type this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so surreal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve got butterflies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time tomorrow, Lord willing, I will have welcomed them to my home here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am just so overwhelmed with just how sweet Jesus is to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t have to allow me the privilege of coming here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He for SURE didn’t have to allow me the privilege and enormous blessing of having two of my closest friends joining me for the last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would consider Him no less good if Jenn and Ami weren’t coming, but it just goes to prove that He knows how to woo me. He loves me so!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s bitter sweet, for sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those are just words though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can’t really explain what’s going on in this heart of mine. I have so many loves in so many places, with one physical body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is life here, and makes me that much more excited to reach my real Home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing will be bitter. Only the sweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Come, Lord Jesus, come.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please pray for this next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be finishing up with my groups. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be so sweet and so hard. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I plan to wash their feet as one last way of serving them and being Jesus to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There a whole blog post on why I am choosing to do so; maybe the next one. I just know God has much in store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to see all the Lord accomplishes in and through everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Late night chats, star gazing, PJ praying time, and I’m sure many tears are in the VERY near future!! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Oh, and I’m not sure if I’ll get one more update in before heading home, so if not, I’ll see you on the other side! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">LOVE!</span></div></span></i>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-69071302047139723622011-06-10T08:53:00.000-05:002011-06-10T08:53:07.790-05:00Hearing with the Heart<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We hopped on the bike, challenging the rain, and off we went…headed in the direction of Mondikalok as Thursdays here entail. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About half way there, the rain found us. So, as many others chose to do as well, we stopped and waited under a tree that was easily a thousand years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 10 minutes went by and we decided to continue on our journey, trusting the rain was finished for the time being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m so grateful we didn’t turn back.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Upon arriving, we greeted all those we came across and made our way to the shop we always go to first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were quickly informed that no one from the group was around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we visited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, as God is always so faithful to do, He sent a woman who looked to be in her 60’s our way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew upon seeing her that the interaction was going to be interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To no surprise, she immediately walks straight up to me and tells me to give her money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She grabs a package of biscuits, as if I had already told her I would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I could even respond, Scovia tells her that if she has the money she’ll buy them for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did, and the Abuba got her biscuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That wasn’t enough for her, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She them came to me and told me she wanted 10,000 shillings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is when the 2 men we were sitting there visiting with stepped up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They began talking to her and Scovia began telling me what they were saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was pleasantly surprised to hear that they were explaining to her that she should be thankful for what was graciously given to her already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, she wasn’t satisfied and was asking for more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were telling her that by asking for more she was saying that what she was given wasn’t enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was listening, knowing God could very well be setting the stage for me to step in at any moment and turn the focus on my sweet Jesus. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The time soon came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the midst of this woman saying so many things that were out in left field and telling me like 5 different names when I asked her, shoving something in her mouth and spitting <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I found out <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it was some fresh tobacco mixed with ashes…so gross), she began saying that Jesus followers are happy<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. It was go time</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I attempted to ask her who Jesus was to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She then began singing a popular hymn sang here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She really was pretty funny and seemed so random.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel pretty comfortable in saying that it wasn’t just Kiden (what I was told her name was) I was speaking to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Confusion isn’t of God. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She wouldn’t respond to anything I said to her, but just kept asking for money and taking my arm and putting it next to hers, comparing our skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just kept looking at her, specifically her eyes, and couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with the Truth that Jesus loves this woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves her fully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted nothing else but to love her the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The men began telling her she needed to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was now beginning to annoy them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat there praying that she wouldn’t leave until Jesus was finished with what He wanted accomplished…regardless of what that looked like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scovia asked me what I wanted to do since none of the group members were there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I told her we could just visit for a bit more and then head back to the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right then another old woman walks under the awning of the store where we are all sitting. She was beautifully tall, wearing a bright African printed dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was using her hands and Scovia leaned over and informed me that she was deaf.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course she was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled as I watched her talk to the men with the same noise for each word as she used her hands to convey what she was saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t help but be amazed at the fact that we as humans always seem to find a way to communicate…and here, without the gift of sign language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s signs alright, but ones that they have just had to figure out over time and adapt to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, it wasn’t but a minute or two before the woman who was deaf picked up on what was going on with Kiden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then, a moment in which I could not hold back my laughter happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The deaf woman turns to Kiden (as she is continually putting her hand out and asking for money from me) and motions with her hands, “What is wrong with you? Do you not have ears to hear? She has told you already she doesn’t have money to give you!!!” It was perfectly understandable and beautifully done so quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself in awe.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The deaf was asking the one with hearing if she had ears to hear.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Powerful. I was trying to drink it in. It was another one of those moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the moments where time seems to stand still and Jesus is so tangible and real. The truth of the situation was that Kiden had physical ears to hear alright, but the deaf woman pointed out that she simply wasn’t listening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, the deaf woman heard it loud and clear. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scovia and I got up after that and decided to walk back to the motorbike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took 3 steps, Kiden took 3 steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was my shadow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t leaving my side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The deaf woman was close behind her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Followers. The physically deaf and the spiritually deaf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped at another shop to greet one of the Mama’s and so there we had all of us standing there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The deaf abuba decides to take her opportunity to now gently ask me for money for what she signaled to be for food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Y’all, it became comical at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is when Kiden looks at her like she’s crazy for now asking me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This whole time the deaf abuba would jump back any time Kiden would touch her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was very clear she didn’t want Kiden touching her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It broke my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was clear that Kiden had a reputation in the village of being “crazy”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much so that her touching people caused a reaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, we’re standing there and Kiden leans into the deaf abuba and she shakes her finger at her telling her to stop touching her and then realized that Kiden has a package of biscuits and signs out for Kiden to share with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does Kiden do? She graciously says okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I proceed to open the package for them and the split it in half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next thing I know I’m signing to convey something that I knew was something Jesus wanted to say to this deaf abuba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had to be of Jesus, because the message got across the first time loud and clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her, “You don’t want her to touch you…but you are okay with her sharing her food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is that okay?” She smiled and put her hand up and crossed her two fingers telling me that she and Kiden were now one and she was okay with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless, I got my point across. Rather, Jesus got His point across. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scovia and I continue on and as we’re walking by a number of men who are working on bikes and such they say something to Scovia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turns to me and tells me that they asked her if we could teach them something from the Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wanted to learn about Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next thing I know there are people gathering under the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can one turn away from people <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wanting</i> to learn about Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just couldn’t justify saying no.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up walks a boy who closely resembles Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was more clarity to this boy, but walked like him, talked like him, looked like him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wobbled his way over and sat under the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The deaf woman sits next to us on the bench.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kiden sits on the outskirt of the group of people as she was told to by the men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Men, women, and children, about 20 in number, sat there, waiting to learn about Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I sat there for a few seconds just looking around, looking at the faces before me, asking the Lord to show me what it is He wants to say to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I just feel like I am transferred back in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I think God clears everything out of my mind and shows me how He saw things, how He sees things. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Self-righteousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sinners. Humility. True repentance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Pharisee and the Tax Collector, again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke 18:9-14. Go. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We finished and one of the men spoke up and thanked me for sharing Truth with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then introduced himself as the chief of the village and a born again believer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wow. I get to do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I get to do this.</i> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everyone dispersed after praying and Scovia and I finished our 3 minute walk of a journey to the motorbike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kiden followed close behind, of course. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We drove off…with me praying that many are that much closer to knowing Jesus than prior to us coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that God will give them ears to hear and eyes to see….spiritually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that the chief of that village will be purposeful to encourage the Word of God to be shared there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray so many things…but mostly that Jesus will be truly known for who He is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-63504252515835482222011-06-06T03:37:00.001-05:002011-06-06T03:44:05.011-05:00Jesus is not like going to Juba.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Time is closing in and my time here is soon to be finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s an interesting thing, doing the day in and day out life here while knowing in the back of my mind (okay, some days it’s in the forefront of my mind) that in two and a half weeks life will be drastically different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would think that it’d make sense to say that things will return back to “normal”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve long known that there is no such thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will return alright, but I will never go back to what I was like prior to leaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things will, yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Circumstances, maybe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me, no. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I praise God for that beautiful truth. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Things have been a bit slower as far as the groups go since getting back from R&R.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 of the groups actually met while I was gone, which I thank God for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s always a moment when I find myself wanting to be disappointed that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more</i> didn’t “happen”, but right there along with that temptation is the Truth that ONE of these groups successfully meeting-without me-is something to sing to Jesus about!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The week I got back it was like I had been gone for a year and people were just thrilled to see me again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty sweet, I’d admit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just had to laugh though…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first day I went to Wudu market after getting back Scovia and I were just walking down the road…hand in hand..chit chatting about life and God and simply enjoying each other’s company(reminder: totally culturally acceptable) and not one or two, but three people either came up to me or yelled out my name as I was walking and expressed just how much they missed me and the group meeting with me! I would greet them and then they’d walk off and I looked to Scovia and asked, “Who was THAT?!” haha…she and I just both laughed, because 2 out of the 3 we both hadn’t the slightest clue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other person was someone who hadn’t come to the group in months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, there are so many things you can take away from this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did it feel good to be missed? Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I think it was really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i> they missed? Nope. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know</i> them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think they missed what it is that I carry around with me…Jesus…rather, things of Jesus. They missed it while it was gone, but aren’t willing to take advantage of it while it is literally at their fingertips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In their homes. At their workplaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In their churches. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many people in Jesus’ time wanted to see Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They loved it when He was in their town performing miracles and sharing Truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, how many of them dug through roofs to get to Him? How many people worked their way through the crowd just for the chance to grasp the edge of His garment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many were willing to leave the comfort of their lives for a life of reckless abandonment for Him? I think you know the answer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I just can’t help but feel (in a very small way) what Jesus felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They so often wanted what benefited them, but not the Person who was able to give it so freely. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m done with wanting what Jesus can give me and totally missing what it is I really need: Him. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s another insight into what a day so often looks like for me: I had my group this past Wednesday in Wudu and one of the member’s sister was in town so she joined us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was very outspoken (a breath of fresh air) and did such a great job of encouraging everyone else to share as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything she had to say was completely Biblical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself Amen-ing a lot! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The scripture we were discussing was the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Go ahead and give it a read if you need a refresher).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we were talking about the character that Jesus seeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We discussed judgments and what it is Jesus wants us to offer to Him. We also talked about our hearts and motives and how we could know the law perfectly, but relying on it for salvation isn’t what the Gospel is about, etc. Let me remind you, this lady that was visiting didn’t say anything I wouldn’t have said, or wasn’t already thinking. We get finished with the group, everyone is saying their goodbyes and Scovia is talking with this lady as I’m standing there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tells Scovia that she is SDA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I’ve heard pretty much all of the abbreviations for the denominations here, but hadn’t heard of this one until now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, they are talking and I’m just standing there thinking...”S..D…A…what is that? SDA…?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scovia leans over and whispers “Seventh Day Adventist”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ahhh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmm…and then as the lady is walking off she decides to conclude everything by saying, “Yeah…faith is like going to Juba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can go through Yei…you can go here..or there…but all the roads lead to Juba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s exactly what faith in Jesus is like.” And walks off….leaving Scovia and I standing there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like I was hit in the face with a brick and I was like, “Wait. What?!!” and she had already walked off and I just stood there dumbfounded and looked at Scovia and said, “No. That’s wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the OPPOSITE of what it’s like to have faith in Jesus!!!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scovia and I literally just stood there letting it sink in, totally not expecting that, and both just started laughing out of sheer surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you see it?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This lady was a living example of the Scripture we studied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had all of the “right” things to say. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She dressed the part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, she didn’t get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I don’t know the denomination through and through, I do know that Seventh Day Adventists follow the law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How appropriate. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So many people here seem to know Jesus on the surface. But, that’s where it stops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know of Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know about some of the things He does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know what they have been told they are supposed to look like and act like and say and do to be a Christian. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They don’t know <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus</i> and it is painstakingly heartbreaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This in no way detracts from the fact that there is Bible believing, Jesus proclaiming, Gospel living, born again believers here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are. I give all glory to God for His saving grace on the lives of those He has called.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some have come to know Jesus through these groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some who were already born again have grown in their relationships and have been challenged. Some choose to reject the Truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You know, I can’t wait to get to Heaven and find out what God has done, even with me being here, that I can’t see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to see what He chooses to do in the future with all of the seeds that have been planted now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It brings me so much encouragement to know that nothing I’ve done while being here has been done in vain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Has it been hard? Goodness yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Has it been worth more than I can express? Yes, eternally so. </span></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-20847875140114135962011-05-29T10:14:00.000-05:002011-05-29T10:14:34.761-05:00Come, find rest in Me.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, Tuesday came and it was time for me to leave for Uganda for my week long r&r.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sad to head off once getting to know the team from Fort Worth, but I was excited for a little get away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell you what, I got just a TINY taste of what it’s going to be like to say goodbye to those around here and I didn’t like it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to say goodbye to all of Kaya’s girls since they were going to be heading back to school when I was gone. Boy is it going to be hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, I knew that, but when the time actually comes…Lord, give me the strength!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I actually ended up traveling with a different team from Alabama that had been working out in the bush doing medical outreach and education. They were headed on their way home with a stop at Murchison Falls for 2 nights first. Murchison Falls is a large game park where you can go on a safari and boat rides down the Nile river and see the falls, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On our drive in we did the safari and I am ecstatic to inform you that I got to see 2 lions on that first safari!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The third time must be a charm because I’ve been to MF twice before and had yet to see any type of cat! I was shaking I was so excited!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That evening we got back and ate dinner and then were heading back to our rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I’m about to tell you is something that I would be willing to bet most can’t say they’ve experienced! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Are you ready for this? So, two of the ladies I was with were walking about 10 feet in front of me and one of the staff members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the staff member and I are in conversation he says, “Avoid the Hippos.” He might as well have said, “The stars are out” because it just didn’t stick out and had me wondering why in the world he was randomly inserting that into our conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, then a half second later he says a bit more firmly, “Excuse me, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">avoid</i> the hippos.” So, this time I look up, as it is literally pitch black outside and we are walking by the light of a tiny flashlight and literally about 10 feet in front of the two ladies are 2 HUGE HIPPOS grazing on the walking path—the path they are just bee bopping along on as they chit chatted looking at the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, then I’m like, “HEY! Y’all…STOP!” without yelling as not to freak out the hippos that they were about to WALK IN TO! They stop and look up and I tell you what, I’m laughing right now as I type this replaying it all in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They gasped and did a complete 180 and high tailed it in the opposite direction towards the staff member and I, as we had already moved ourselves away from the ginormous, same color as the night, hippos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not help myself, I started dying laughing while also realizing how stinkin’ bad that situation could have been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The staff guy was like, “I was trying to tell you to avoid the hippos, they are VERY dangerous.” Right. Thanks for that bud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to wait a minute for them to move on their lovely way, and then we went on to our rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to my room, still laughing but I’d be lying if I told you my heart wasn’t racing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I realize something. I still needed to take a shower…which required me walking across the way to the community showers. Man. But, first things first. I called my best friend, Jenn and explained to her in my fast talking excited way that, “There are hippos RIGHT OUTSIDE MY DOOR!” What does she respond with? “Are you TRYING TO KILL <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ME</i>? THOSE THINGS KILL!” hahaha. Its moment like these I find myself thinking for the millionth time how funny of a sitcom Jenn and my life would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I finish sharing the hilarious excitement with her and decide I need to brave it to the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I get this thought. What if I open up my door and they are standing right there on my porch?!! I would pee in my pants right there. I’ll admit it; I had a bit of fear going on at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, they are known for the highest amount of killings here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No big deal, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So if you can picture it, I’m like sloooowwwwly opening my door and peeking my head out to make sure I’m not face to face with hungry hungry hippo, and thankfully they were nowhere to be seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Step one accomplished: making it to the porch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Step two: walking across the way to the showers (which so happens to be right where they were to begin with in addition to a lot more ground to cover). I tell you what, my heart was racing, I was praying, and I had my head lamp flashlight thing skimming the perimeter, my eyes as big as they could get as I was trying to actually see my surrounding is the pitch black.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made it to the shower safe and sound. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I also made it back to my room afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figured they had their share of fun and headed on back towards the river….until I was lying in bed and all of a sudden heard the most wonderful noise (couldn’t be more sarcastic) right outside my window: ruminating. The hippo was ripping up the grass and chewing it’s cud as loud as you can imagine (does that apply to just cows?) right outside my window. I was so tempted to take a picture of the thing, but good ‘ol common sense came into play and figured I didn’t want to make Mr. Hippo angry considering they are known for charging their enemy when angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you like that common sense mom and dad? </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help but lay their thanking the Lord for my life and the fun, exciting, somewhat scary things He allows me to experience. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, the next day the rest of the group minus one decided to go on a boat ride down the Nile and hike up to the falls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wanted to rest and relax, so I opted out. Jeff, one of the men from the Alabama team, wasn’t feeling too good so he stayed behind as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up having hours’ worth of conversation that was just so good. It was another one of those living giving conversations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God really used the conversation with Jeff to challenge me and got me thinking and praying about a number of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, it was just NEAT getting to hear about all of the things he has done and is doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s a medical doctor with a specialty in tropical medicine, an anthropologist who is the head of a department at a university, has studied the Dinka tribe and spent many, many years working in Africa. Oh, and he’s a novelist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s not everything, either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can imagine the wealth of information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, he loves Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed my time talking with him. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We headed out early on Thursday to go on a sunrise safari on our way out of the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among tons of other beautiful animals I got to not only see another lion(ess), but her 2 adorable cubs, too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were beautiful. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then we all got picked up by Mawa, e3’s head driver (aka Sudanese Chuck Norris) and headed to Entebbe airport to drop off the team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, back to Kampala it was for me! To make a long story short, I ended up having to stay at a different hotel that I had planned or made reservation at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a bit past 11 p.m. once I arrived there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been traveling since 6:30 that morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the door to my room, looked around, and started bawling. It’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, being tired, the weight of trusting God with doing “this thing” solo, and the sheer gratitude for what seemed like a 5 star hotel at this point simply hit me like a load of bricks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As hard as it was to admit, I needed the break and I was just so thankful for God’s provision. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I stayed the night in Kampala and had Ronnie come pick me up in the morning to head to Jinga, Uganda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ronnie is a driver that was recommended to me by Norma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s used him and his boss for the past 4 years or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyways, I got to share the Gospel with Ronnie on the 2 and a half hour drive to Jinga.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please be praying for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m actually pretty confident salvation has occurred, but the messiness of religion so easily messes with the simplicity of the Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he wanted to take time to “think about it”. I got to learn about Ronnie’s “story”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am continually humbled. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I stayed at Mto Moyoni in Jinga.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a Christian retreat center right on the Nile River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mto Moyoni actually means, “Heart of the River” in Swahili.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me tell you, it was sheer bliss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t say that lightly, either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stayed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus really drew me close to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to spend some special time just basking in His presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so nice not feeling like I was asking of Him and expecting of him (not that those in and of themselves are bad), but simply spending time with Him for Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know what I mean? I got to swing in a hammock under the shade of a beautiful tree overlooking the glistening waters of the Nile River while listening to all of the noises of the African animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to read and pray and take naps. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to take lots of pictures. I got to eat wonderful food that had me savoring every bite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to shower…and with warm water! I listened. I listened. I listened. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was wonderful. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ronnie came and picked me back up on Monday morning and come to find out, he and my good friend David, who is going to school in Kampala are mutual friends! This world really is just so small! I had been trying to get a hold of David with no success, and God took care of it all! I became friends with David (and his fiancée Jenna) my first trip to Uganda in 2008.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then for New Years of 2009 David and Jenna came to visit in Texas (David’s first time in the US) and stayed with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, it’d been 2 years or so since we’d seen each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, when we got back into Kampala we went and picked David up and headed to the hotel I was going to stay at that last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to spend a good 4 hours catching up and hanging out with David!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just so thankful Jesus blessed me in this way. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I said my goodbyes to David and Ronnie and then I hung out at the guesthouse, got on the internet for the first time in about 2 weeks, and uploaded tons of pictures from the week. (Check out my Facebook if you want to see them!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I met up with Kaya on Tuesday morning and off we headed back on our journey to Kajo Keji.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think once all was said and done we ended up leaving Kampala at 9:30 a.m. and we pulled into Kaya’s compound about 7 p.m. that evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a loooong journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I knew I was back in Sudan when I promptly began hearing the high pitch voices of little ones yelling, “Gelatot! Gelatot!” as we drove by on the dusty roads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was reminded yet again, that I am a country girl at heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just felt right getting back to Kajo Keji after having a dose of Kampala and all of its city craziness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really is amazingly crazy. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, that’s my R&R. I’ve taken many, many things away from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too many to type out, really…and more that I’m still praying through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing I can tell you though is that the truth of matter is that I can enjoy something such as this by myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I know God wanted me to Himself this particular trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That being said, it is simply <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more</i> enjoyable for me to share things like this with someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Traveling and exploring and experiencing are simply more enjoyable for me when I’m not alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the truth. There’s a season for everything, though, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-90233830556406768052011-05-26T01:40:00.000-05:002011-05-26T01:40:13.449-05:00Life Under the Sun<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m so sorry for the 3 week lapse in time with no update!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had every intention of updating before heading off for my week of R&R in Uganda but the internet ended up not working at all for about a week prior to going and then it was time to head off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, actually being able to be “unplugged” while in Uganda was simply nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know; I’m living in Sudan, Africa and I went on an R&R where it was good to be “unplugged”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ironic, isn’t it? That being said, can I just tell you what an enormous blessing it is to have internet access here? </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, as you can imagine, the past 3 weeks have been full of …well, life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We went and had our first “official” group meeting in Kangapo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scovia went around mobilizing people as I sat and visited with those already gathered. Come to find out she went into a business to talk to people not knowing it was a bar. Perfect. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many came and joined us, beer breath and all. Tons of stories were told and listened to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all seemed very excited to have the group up and going. Then, the next week I went back with Thomas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was quite a bit different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of the ladies were around. So, we planted ourselves right there under the tree amongst the drunk men. We had a variety of drunkenness…mild, moderate, and beyond reasonable drunk. I attempted to get the group going, but it simply wasn’t happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ended up sitting and chatting with them all as they spouted questions left and right. Some made sense, some didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some were about Scripture, some weren’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My motives for coming to Sudan were questions as I was yelled at for not having Bibles to give them one moment while the next breath I was told how grateful they were I was willing to leave my home to come and visit with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did I do? I laughed. Okay, and maybe held my head in my hands at one point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All in all, it was fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just having Thomas look at me like I’m crazy as I’m doing my best to manage this group of men as he’s translating what seems to be random bits here and there is hilarious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise you, it really is fun—frustratingly fun at times, but fun no less! </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I left knowing none of it was in vein.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I decided enough was enough for that evening they all seemed extremely happy that I was willing to even sit with them and be frank with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a pretty bold person, but talking to a bunch of drunken Sudanese men takes it to a whole new level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s Godly boldness, but a boldness that you can’t just get away with in any ‘ol situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is beauty in Truth…and freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It feels so good to simply and freely speak Truth knowing God will do with it what He chooses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few that had been there who weren’t drunk told me it might not be a good idea to come the following week seeing that it was a holiday and there was no question everyone would be ridiculously drunk since they will have ALL day to drink and celebrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told them I would still be there; ready to share the Word and we’d see what God had in store. Well, the next Monday I wasn’t able to get to Kangapo because of a number of circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think God knew? Mmmhmm. So, that’s where Kangapo left off…</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most all of the other groups met as usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One person came to the 1 o’clock group in Wudu 3 weeks ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I praise God for giving her the courage to come, when no one else did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She finally opened up towards the end about some personal problems and her fear in surrendering to the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really think it was a breakthrough for her to be able to share. Thank you, Jesus. It’s all a process of God softening the soil and the seeds being planted. The second group went well, as usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked Monica to lead the following week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed it would be the first group to be self-led.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, long story short it wasn’t so. I showed up was told this and that, was lied to, and no one came. Sigh. God continued telling me to press on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe when I get back from R&R?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My time in Mondikalok 3 weeks ago was hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was a really, really hard day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A number of the men who had been coming decided to inform Scovia, who informed me, that they wanted to completely cancel the group and that it was a waste of their time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk about a blow to the gut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that it’s not a waste of time, but having them think so was pretty disappointing and frustrating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It ended up in a huge group discussion at the end with people saying it wasn’t a waste, others saying it was, them discussing why we even meet, excuses, on and on and on. They went back and forth amongst themselves for a while and I sat there watching, half way pleased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was seeing certain people take up for the fact that they WANT to meet and learn each week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conflict brings about resolution…if done right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet again, God opened a door and told me to be bold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, calling people on their crud (excuses) is hard, especially in another culture where I am constantly trying to be aware of being sensitive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In it all though, once I was able to think over things later on that evening, I found myself really thanking God for it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were all open with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I like what they had to say? Nope, not really at all. But, they were actually frank with me, and that is something I cannot take for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often I know I am being told what a person thinks I want to hear and it can be so deflating because then it seems that they are lying and communication gets all messed up. I say to Scovia all of the time, “I just wish they would tell me the TRUTH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish they felt comfortable sharing how they really feel and what they really think.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, it happened and quite honesty that’s HUGE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">….and guess what?! The next week…..<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">THE FIRST SUDANESE FACILIATIED DISCIPLESHIP GROUP HAPPENED IN MONDIKALOK</b>!! I can’t capitalize and bold those words enough to express to you my sheer joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, it could have never happened, and I could have gone home and never seen that and God would still be pleased and so much would have still been accomplished but oh, how sweet it is for my Jesus to allow me to see a little bit of the fruit of my labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had asked at the end of all the chaos the week prior if one of the youngest guys there named Moses would be willing to commit to lead the next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the ladies simply weren’t willing to follow through, I thought I’d go a different route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He agreed and it was beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so nervous, his hands and voice shaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked him through it, and he did great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To see how well the group responded to him was beautiful, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He needed constant encouragement and reassurance in and through the entire meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help but have an overwhelming compassion for him as I held his hand through it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a glimpse at how Jesus must see his children who might be shaking through something yet still willing to obey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a pure joy in watching Moses step out in faith and do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He facilitated a group completely out of the realm of his culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He led a group of people that were ranging from 15-45 years older than him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He led a group on the Word of God knowing he just came to know his Savior about a month ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God did it! Moses agreed to lead it again the following week…</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The group in Leikor is goin’ and goin’ good! </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look back and have to smile knowing that Leikor was one of my first experiences with hoping to get the groups up and running and how amazingly discouraged I was in the beginning..because of this group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, God has brought together a consistent bunch of people who look forward to meeting each week and are ready and waiting on me! I handed over the group for the following week to 2 ladies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet again, I was praying, praying…and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WOOOHOOO!! THE SECOND SUDANESE FACILIATED GROUP OCCURRED IN LEIKOR!! It was WONDERFUL! </b>I didn’t have to even do much assisting, really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, this sweet mama KNEW the format, and she knew it well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She even did just so great and listening and reflecting when the other group members offered their thoughts and opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was able to direct the conversation when something was said that didn’t really apply. Yet again, you are just going to have to take my word at how truly joyful I was to watch it all before me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took ownership and I couldn’t have asked for more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked the other abuba (gma) to be the one to lead the next week when I was gone and she joyfully said she would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell that once she saw her friend do it she was more confident that she could, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was my prayer. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mere didn’t met for one reason or another…communication and rain. What can you do? I’m praying things are well with Phoebe as it’s hard to get a hold of her now that she’s moved to Wudu and doesn’t have any way for us to get a hold of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh, you can be praying for Kiri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s never been one group that’s been consistent this whole time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abuba Peresi and Yaba are pretty much it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BUT, the week before I left I went and it was just Abuba there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It went well and I got to visit with her and listen to her share some of her struggles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also prayed with and for her as she was telling me she was facing some spiritual attacks while she was sleeping at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, Johnson showed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you remember Johnson? He’s one of the Bible School Students who’s from Kiri and did a church plant around the area of Kiri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to talk to him for a bit about him possibly overseeing and really getting the discipleship up and going with a consistent group of people and having the church he’s working in to oversee it. This really is the key—getting the churches to take ownership of these discipleship groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, you can be praying for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I so badly want these people to be invested in and in turn see that growing in their relationships with Christ is worth it! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On a different note, would you mind praying for my ears? As silly as that sounds it’d be much appreciated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They started giving me problems about 3 weeks ago and sweet Norma flushed them out for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I mentioned, as ridiculous as it sounds I have abnormally small ear canals and an abnormal amount of wax production.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How’s that for making a gal feel feminine? Haha…It’s something I’ve dealt with for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyways, they felt tons better after Norma helped me out, but with all of my congestion I was having they were still aching a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, then they got all clogged up again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I say clogged up what I mean is that I literally go deaf in the ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can barely hear out of it to the point that someone was talking to me on my left side and because that was the ear giving me troubles I didn’t even know! It’s extremely annoying to say the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I flushed them out again myself and then they felt better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, while I was in Uganda they got bad again…mainly my left one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I flushed it again last night when I got home so I can hear again, but it’s pretty sore inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, a few of us got the chance to go over and visit with our new friend at his compound (the one I mentioned in the last few posts) Guess what his question was right before we left? He wanted to know if we could all meet together on a weekly basis and go over a chapter each time starting with the book of John! Boyyyy, I tell you what this was another moment where I maintained composure on the outside but on the inside I was having a hallelujah party!!! </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Of course, we said we’d love to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, how wide does God have to open the door, ya know? He flung that baby WIDE open! So, the upcoming Sunday he headed over to the Water Harvest compound and guess what? What he meant of the first chapter of John was the BOOK of John!! Haha…we had a 4 or so hour conversation that was simply beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was life giving. Do you know what I mean? The type of conversation that you walk away from feeling like life had been added to you? Oh, I pray you get to experience that if you haven’t already! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, every Sunday afternoon we will be meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you think about it you can keep that in your prayers! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Saturday before last a short term team arrived from Fort Worth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thank God for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the 3 days I got to hang around them before I headed off to Uganda I laughed more than I had in quite a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They really were a funny, loving, and caring bunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to hear one of the men preach that Sunday, which was a blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little things from home can mean a lot, ya know? …hearing a sermon in my own language first and expressed in thoughts that are how I think really is a blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You really do learn not to take anything for granted. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and praise the Lord, MANY from my church got baptized the Sunday before last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was beautiful and a huge celebration since it was the first baptisms from my church.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That Sunday evening I invited my friend over to my compound to visit with me and the team from Fort Worth since Grant and Norma were both in Uganda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As expected, it was so great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another 4 hour or so conversation occurred and Truth, Truth, and more Truth was shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He read through the whole book of Luke this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can imagine the truck loads of goodness that we talked about! </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I do believe there will be a time where Jesus is seen for who He truly is!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had the privilege of going out with the Fort Worth team the Monday before heading to Uganda to the village they were to plant a church in since I wasn’t supposed to have my group until 4 that afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never been so far out in the bush y’all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was SO neat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kaya literally was driving out in the bush just going wherever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no road, not even a path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just drove over the tall grass and twigs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This church was being planted by a church that was planted one year ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get that? How awesome is that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to share the Gospel with the kiddos and many of them expressed wanting to know Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All glory to Him. We then started walking…going from hut to hut sharing the Gospel and inviting them to the new church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A husband and wife both surrendered their lives to Christ after hearing the Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you would, please join me in praying for them as they both learn what it looks like to live a life serving Jesus and loving each other as He loves. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I really had to be purposeful in taking things to the Lord the 2 weeks before my R&R.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that I don’t need to all of the time, but let’s just say I was vastly aware of myself and all of my human glory. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were times I struggled with compassion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggled with patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggled with seeing the bigger picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggled with feeling appreciated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggled with seeing outside of myself and focusing on the bigger picture. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to take the time to communicate effectively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to understand that what I was hearing wasn’t necessarily what was intended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted things to be simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to see results. I wanted to simply feel understood. I wanted things to go my way. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of many, many things He was showing me was just how utterly against my nature it is to be wholeheartedly dependent on God and God alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many times my flesh just ached for something to make me feel like I was in control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can deal with being dependent on me, ya know?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At home I can choose where I go, when, to do what, what I eat, when I eat it, and on and on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, I literally have NO control of any of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am dependent on others for rides, for food, for instruction, and for goodness sake language! My own words are dependent on others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank God He is loving and patient and gracious with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is so faithful to show me Himself in it all and gently remind me to snap out of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows when I need gentle whispers and when I need something to be blatantly obvious to me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He always draws me back to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always. </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Look for an update on my R&R soon…</span></span></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-12599895676463125532011-05-03T03:36:00.003-05:002011-05-03T07:09:08.615-05:00Gracious Uncertainty<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri;">***Update: I just got finished having my ear flushed out by Norma. Oh, the joy of being able to hear again! :) It was full out entertainment for the guys...good stuff. :) I'm going back tomorrow to finish up the other ear. I'm just so thankful God gave her to me while being here! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Monday, everyone! </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> (okay, so I started this on Monday)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, here’s the scoop on this past week:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got ready as I usually do on Monday and was picked up a bit later than normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t think much of it and up to the office we went on the lovely motorbike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed not everyone was up at the office and thought that was odd, but yet again didn’t think a whole lot about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I’m just doing my thing, hoping maybe a few might show up for the vocational school IA2 group knowing it wasn’t likely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had their “graduation” the week before (which didn’t click to me and I wasn’t informed of until I was sitting at the graduation this meant everyone was going to be on Holiday), so I was hopeful but didn’t put too much stock in it. Sure enough, no one showed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think this group is finished for the time being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a little disappointing that it simply came to an abrupt stop, but you know, I don’t control things, only respond to them! </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things were really slow around the office and I began to wonder what was going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I noticed a familiar face walking up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was an extremely friendly man who I met the week prior while visit Norma and the guys on the water harvest compound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a UN police officer here to train the local police.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was extremely personable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among Norma, Grant, John, and I we all discussed so many things, including family, international work, and our purpose for serving in Sudan (bingo). </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, he walks up and says he was driving by and saw me sitting there at SE and remembered me telling him I was working with SE, so he thought he’d drop in and say hello.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, he came specifically to wish me a happy Easter! I welcomed him and the next thing I know we are in some wonderful conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fast forward just about 3 hours, and the Gospel has been shared, many, many questions have been answered, more questions have come up, a Bible had been given, and a truly beautiful conversation had occurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 2 hours in two solid, God fearing men joined in the conversation as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their POWERFUL testimonies, convictions, and ability to relate with my new friend had me sitting there feeling like I was truly a part of something movie worthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Angelina Jolie has got NOTHING on the power of my God! </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My new friend mentioned being invited to the water harvest compound for a gathering that evening and asked if I was going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t gotten word of it, but he insisted I should go! Haha…so, he picked me up at 7:20 and we headed over to water harvest to hang out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The drilling crew had returned from being out in the field for almost a month so they had a celebration dinner/hangout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just a fun night of fellowship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so glad that my friend was able to join (and invited me!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was able to see a bunch of people simply love on each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray the joy and love he witnessed begins to come together with the Truths of the loving God he’s being told of! Oh, and sweet Stephanie and Ester had baked a mango crisp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PLEASE be praying</b> for this wonderful opportunity the Lord has placed in my (and the Water Harvest folks) laps! Ultimately for salvation!!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got another call telling me not to come because of a funeral on Tuesday and then I found myself at Wednesday and walking to Wudu market for the 2 groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time Kenyi Simon headed to the market with me to help me with translating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was very intentional at making sure I walked through the market place, making stops at the clients stores that I knew would help me gather everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want a repeat of 2 no show groups, if I could have helped it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find one of the members comfortably lounging in front of his storefront and asked him if he was going to join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tells me he’s busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I forced myself not to laugh but managed, “The group is right now…right now you’re busy?” with a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oooook. But, he told me he would most definitely be able to go around and tell the other people that the group was about to meet. Great. Beggars can’t be choosers, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, off we headed to the bar (I just love saying that! Ha).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We waited, and waited….no one came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the members from the 3 o’clock group came about 2:30 to make sure we were still meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was comforting, ha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also said she was going to go talk to this certain man to see what was up with the other’s not coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She came back and reported that she found him sitting in the same place I found him and he told her that he had told us everyone else was gone, so no one would be coming. Right. That would be a lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know there’s no point in getting frustrated, but if truth be told, I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, if you don’t want to come just say you don’t want to come!!! It won’t hurt my feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really, really, really have to lay all of that over to the Lord constantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a straight forward person, it really gets under my skin sometimes when time and time again I’m faced with people who simply do all they can to skirt around an issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a WONDERFUL opportunity to practice the patience I so often prayer for! </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, long story short, the members for the second group leisurely showed up and we got started about 3:45. Group went well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one person I had planned on asking to lead next week (the very first attempt in transitioning over the groups…) didn’t show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not God’s timing yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we finished Kenyi and I talked about all that had just taken place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I simply asked him if he thought there was anything I could be doing/not doing that would help these groups more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shared a few things that simply aren’t feasible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I’ve yet again come to the conclusion that I will continue to prayerfully do what I can and (joyfully) trust the Lord in and for all things! Once I vent, get my frustrations heard, then it is MUCH easier to get back to the mindset that I know God so wants me to be in….it’s all about Him, for Him, and in His ways. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mondikalok and Mere were in store for Thursday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was excited to see all the Lord had in store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was waiting by myself in the back of the restaurant where we meet, a man came up to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came to tell me he was hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unless Jesus specifically impresses on my heart to give money, I don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I told him that if he was truly hungry I would pay for his lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good sign he was legitimately hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I paid the worker at the restaurant for his meal and I went back to the seating area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He followed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat down and had this concerned look on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t speak English too well and I think he had a hard time understanding even more of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just began praying that the Lord would allow our communication to go through…on both ends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what I understood he was telling me that when he is given money he knows he has to pay it back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was asking me when he owed it back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart just broke right then and there and I was SO excited that Jesus was giving me this opportunity to explain what a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">gracious gift</i> is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Simplicity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that about Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I did for this man was simply an example of what Christ is offering to him as well<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A free gift</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see how Jesus always sets everything up and all we have to do is obey in the opportunity? I love it. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Group went really well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This man joined us, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Towards the end some really great questions were asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does it<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> look</i> like to be a REAL Christian? What if you backslide?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does that look like? Can you fall out of God’s graces? Praise God that His Word has all of the answers! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">HUGE PRAYER REQUEST</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">: Mondikalok is where I have started the transition from me leading to the Sudanese leading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal was to begin this transition starting in May, so I’m right on target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been intentionally paying attention to those in each group that have showcased their leadership capabilities. In Mondikalok there are 2 women that have pretty much been at each group meeting and are usually pretty willing to speak up and share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So after the group and Education Seminar I asked them if they would stay a bit longer so I could talk to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, I didn’t really know how this would go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did know, however, that there was a possibility they’d flat out say no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then again, it was likely too that they’d consider it a huge privilege to be asked by me and would oblige even if they didn’t want to. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I asked the first younger lady what she thought and she looked down and said, “But I don’t know how to read”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Immediately Scovia pointed out that I, myself, when I’m leading don’t read the scripture!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there is someone with a Bari bible at the group meeting (which there is usually at least one person) I always have them read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gets them to interact and it also boosts their confidence in participating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I encouraged her and told her that to be a leader in this group she would be facilitating, encouraging, and that her not being able to read could be used for the Lord, too! She smiled and said that she would be willing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was beginning to see that the Lord juuuust may have some really neat, powerful things in store for these transitions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, then I turned to the other lady, an older woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s so funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time she comes up to me and just starts talking to me in KuKu, as if I understand her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tells Scovia she wants me to learn KuKu, so she is going to KEEP talking to me in KuKu! I love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s funny though, because when I told her I was going to just keep talking to her in English for the same reason, she laughed and shied away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of this to say, she’s extremely personable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I asked her if I could count on her to help lead this next week and she said she wanted to but she has problems with her memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thinking that she just talking about not feeling competent to remember certain scriptures, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope, come to find out that she was in an accident and legitimately has problems with her memory sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, when we are weak He is strong right?! That is exactly what I was thinking as she was telling me this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just smiled at her and told her that it was even more of a reason for God to reveal Himself!! She sat there thinking for a moment and then told me that she wasn’t supposed to live the accident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God spared her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If God spared her and He put in on my heart to ask her to help lead, then she would trust that He wants her to say yes to me knowing He has a plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, my heart, these are the types of things that make me flat out rejoice!!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, much prayer for this huge step in why God sent me here would be appreciated! </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Time and transportation didn’t allow for me to go to Mere again this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so hoping to see Phoebe to see how she and her son are doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray the Lord allows me to see her this week. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh, Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we had our IA2 group with the SE Staff on Friday and then a 2 hour staff meeting directly (well, after taking tea of course) afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots and lots of sitting and talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was ready to head out to the field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scovia had a Edu. Seminar so one of the young men from the Bible School was grabbed to head out to Jalimo and Kiri with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a new adventure each time I head out with a new translator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we get to Jalimo and it’s basically empty in the market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had a really hard time in Jalimo so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve only actually been able to “meet” with a group from there once and that one meeting including the members literally asking me if we could stop midway because they had other things to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t meet the Friday before since it was Good Friday so I literally hadn’t a clue what to expect and was doing my best not to be pessimistic knowing that God very could well have it in His plans to spur people to come and participate! Well, He didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people I was told to go to for help in mobilizing others weren’t around…at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did get someone to go grab one of the ladies from her home nearby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We waited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She came after about 45 minutes and told me she’d go get others to come also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She left and never came back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried asking others that were around to come join us and they said they were busy or simply weren’t interested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first I was just fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m in Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waiting is as normal as breathing here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, then after an hour and a half I was frustrated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thomas could tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a bit frustrated as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I simply just didn’t know what to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean you can’t exactly have a group without people!!! I struggled to think that it might be a complete wash if I went and left without even meeting with people!! But at the same time I couldn’t FORCE them to come! These are the times that I go back and forth in my mind, praying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the meantime, while waiting, I attempted to throw stones up in the tree to get Mangos down….unsuccessfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have the power to throw but not quite the aim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I provided a good 10 minutes of entertainment for the 10 people in the market. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thomas and I also discovered a tree full of bats!! (pics of facebook).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so neat/creepy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, after almost 2 hours , I decided to make the call to head out and venture to Kiri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one was coming. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We got to Kiri and I let me tell you, it was simply funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The roles seemed to reverse and while Thomas was trying to encourage me while in Jalimo, I was the one encouraging and challenging him in Kiri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thomas was learning what exactly things look like and watching, not having experienced these groups out in the villages where I have been going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First things first: find Abuba Poresi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found her and she set out to mobilize the others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This market place was empty, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Odd, I tell you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I’m going around greeting the few that are there, noticing that Yaba is nowhere around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, a VERY drunk man comes up to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was apparent the task of simply standing up was almost too much for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He began shouting things to me, one of which was his name- John along with 4 other names that I couldn’t quite pick up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also started yelling at me to speak English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last time I had checked, that’s all I knew how to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyways, so his personal space boundaries, as usual with these men, were let’s say…nonexistent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to reassure Thomas a number of times that I was just fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t uncomfortable, and that I was quite use to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bless this man’s heart; he simply was just too far gone for anything to really make sense with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was extremely encouraged though to see the men from this village step up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would walk somewhere and there John would be literally right behind me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d laugh and smile and joke with him and he’d walk off and then the next thing I know he was RIGHT THERE again literally YELLING at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I asked Thomas what in the world he was yelling about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason he seemed to be angry with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The men that were around took notice and came and took John by the hand gently (!!) and led him away as he was yelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thomas then decided to inform me that John began saying that I had done something and owed him something and that I was a thief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thomas was no longer laughing with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just kept laughing, though because really…it’s all the alcohol. I asked one of the men about Yaba and he told me he was at home and he could go get him if I would like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I told him yes, please.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few minutes go by and up walks Yaba with his sweet smile and says, “Mommy.” It had been 3 weeks since I’d seen him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, as usual, I went with Yaba and we got him his mugatti and headed over to the restaurant to buy him a tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guess what?! A woman comes up to me and greets me and tells me she is Yaba’s mom!!! I was so excited to meet her! I’m really, really, really praying that now that she has met me she might possibly come back next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suppose she wanted to meet the person who was requesting for her son to come to the market place!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, see if you can picture the following: </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am standing there greeting Yaba’s mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yaba is sitting on the bench with his mugatti in one hand and figuring out how to hold his tea, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John finds his way back to me and I turn and BAM he’s right there next me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m squatting down at Yaba’s level trying to talk to him about where he wants to sit to eat, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John is mimicking me exactly, y’all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same stance, same tone, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just looked at him and started laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I literally had an echo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thomas is standing there watching it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, then John starts saying Lord knows what to Yaba and Yaba looks so confused so I’m asking Thomas to tell me what is being said, John is going on and on…Yaba manages to say, “What?” I’m looking at Thomas, trying to inch away from John as he is practically in my lap and Thomas has this look on his face like, “what in the world is going on?!!” I stand up and turn to my right and literally am FACE TO FACE with another man who’s breath liked to knock me over and he mutters, “What can you give me?!!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I busted out laughing, y’all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was smack dab in the center of an African comedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John sees this man talking to me and Lord, have mercy he tries to make him back up and it was all just so crazy. Thomas steps in and says, “Jessica! This is CRAZY! We need to get out of this…it’s too much!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And grabs me and pulls me away into the open market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was simply laughing at it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bless Yaba’s heart, he’s sitting there looking at those men like they were nuts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John gets really upset and starts yelling at the top of his lungs again at me that I’m a thief to which the men come back and led him off for good this time. Thomas was halfheartedly laughing simply because he was baffled with it all and was looking at me like<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> I</i> was crazy because I was still smiling and telling him it’s OKAY. ..let him say what he wants to say. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, Thomas and I sit down and he looks at me and asks how in the world I could still think that was funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved being able to share with him that it was funny and didn’t “effect” me because it simply wasn’t true!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are told that insults will come upon us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plain and simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because they are said doesn’t mean they are true!! I mean, look at Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is said about me doesn’t matter…it’s what people learn about Jesus that does! All 3 of those men need Jesus and if I’m the way He wants that to happen then so be it! Plus, people are always watching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The few people there in the market place were watching how I responded to these men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted them to see Jesus even in that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of that calmed down and we waiting around a bit longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I decided we should go ahead and just start with the few people that just so happened to be sitting together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean if they don’t come to you, you go to them, right?!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The group went amazingly well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It ended up being me and Thomas, Yaba (who just sits there quietly eating his bread) and another man and woman. Both the man and woman claimed to be born again and had some really great things to add and discuss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came to an end, John made one last appearance, Yaba didn’t want me to leave as usual, I reassured him I’d be back, and off we went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unpredictable and so fun! </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I woke up Saturday not feeling so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every now and then I’ll have issues with my ears where they’ll get all clogged up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s annoying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I woke up on Saturday and literally couldn’t hear out of my left ear and had tons of pressure on both of them which gives me a headache and my equilibrium is all off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, you can be praying about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I write this both ears are still pretty clogged up and every now and then I feel just a little dizzy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, it’s just frustrating when you can’t hear well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I went to Leikor market on Saturday and it was wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scovia showed up early to the compound when usually I walk there myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to find out, they called asking us to come early because they didn’t want to miss group and would need to leave to head to Jalimo for their market supplies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That warmed my heart!!! </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Why, yes I will come EARLY!! Haha…</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leikor is now the second group I’ve began the transition over to being led by the Sudanese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked 2 of the Abubas (grandmothers) in this market to lead next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It started raining right as I was asking them so I don’t think the communication was quiet as efficient as I would have liked it to be, but I plan on going back and trying to make sure they understood and are fully willing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, please be praying for this as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one REALLY has potential to be completely self-sustaining pretty quickly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m excited to see what God does… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to church Sunday morning and was humbled and challenged beyond measure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pastor Kenneth was off serving somewhere so Pastor Tolbert preached in his spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This man has such a genuine joy and love for the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met Pastor Tolbert the very first week I was here with the team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He helped the team with translation and such.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost a month ago we got horrible news that Pastor Tolbert’s son had been hit by a bus and was killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Death is everywhere here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pastor Tolbert wanted to share his testimony to the congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went on to explain that he went home to visit family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was headed on his way back and got a call about his 18 year old son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His son was riding on his bike and a speeding bus (they are huge) came by and hit his son making a connection on the side of his head and his hip area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The impact sent his son flying into the bush, he was killed instantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went so far as to include the detail that his son’s hair was still attached to the corner of the bus where it had hit him when he arrived on the scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tolbert shared that he was silent for 15 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that he didn’t know what to think or do but knew he needed to get God’s mind about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then headed back home to find that a huge crowd had gathered and had the driver of the bus held there and were all shouting and saying what should be done to him, so much so that the police had to control the crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tolbert shared that the driver came to him and kneeled before him and asked him what he was going to do and Tolbert told him that it was not his job to make anything happen to him for his son’s death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told the man that it is in God’s control to give and take life and that he trusts God’s timing for such a thing and that if the government decided to make him pay, so be it, but that the government’s decision had nothing to do with him..that he forgave him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat there in my chair among these Sudanese people, tears streaming down my face, in awe of the beauty of Tolbert’s ability to obey in his suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was simply beautifully convicting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was honest in sharing that it didn’t take away the pain he feels from the loss of his son, and that he misses him, and that his family still cries a lot about it, but he trusts his God is in control. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Powerful.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How many of us can say that? I mean, could you say that your God is mighty when you find out that after you’ve chosen to disobey and marry a second wife and have contracted HIV and then your first wife leaves you as a result and you are living with the consequences of ALL of that? Can you say God is in control when you are raped at the age of 15 and find yourself pregnant as a result? Can you trust God when you are widowed in our early 20’s with children?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you still sing praises to God when both of your parents are kidnapped by the LRA and murdered before you? Can you say all is well with your soul when your adult children are drunks and frequently come to your home simply to beat you over and over again? Can you trust Jesus when you have chronic sickness, forcing you to depend on others to survive?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you have faith in the Lord when your wife births four children, all not living long enough to see their first birthday? Can you know that God is with you when you find yourself barren and shunned by your husband as a result?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I could go on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a never ending list of suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It almost seems that living here is suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God speaks so often in His word about suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would take so long to put down all that my heart is stirred on about this…</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the midst of suffering I am seeing the purest form of joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many can give an emphatic, “Yes!” to all of the questions above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tolbert is an example of that. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truly suffering purges us of ourselves. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maybe I’ll touch on this some other time…</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, Sunday afternoon I did a bunch of nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God did provide a sweet time of “hanging out” with Rita.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rita is 15 and is Kaya’s niece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had noticed that she had started to come around me more the past few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also noticed that she seemed to watch me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s now become comfortable just coming to my room and sitting herself down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone on the compound is just as much a part of the ministry set before me and I am reminded of that as I had a 15 year old girl plopping herself down talking to me about her school, boys, and being bored with no friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>15 year old girls are 15 year old girls no matter where you go. </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, each morning part of my routine is to read the daily devotion for that day from Oswald Chambers’ “My Utmost for His Highest” and to then try and allow the Truth to soak in. I don’t know that there is one that doesn’t sit heavy with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday’s was just so good and I wanted to share it. (especially looking back and seeing all that Friday held!!)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s titled “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Graciousness of Uncertainty</b>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hooked already. It went on to say: </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Naturally, we are inclined to be so mathematical and calculating that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We imagine that we have to reach some end, but that is not the nature of spiritual life. The nature of spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty; consequently we do not make our nests anywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Common sense says—“Well, supposing I were in that condition…” We cannot suppose ourselves in any condition we have never been in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life: gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is generally said with a sigh of sadness; it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Immediately we abandon to God, and do the duty that lies nearest, He packs our life with surprises all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we become advocates of a creed, something dies; we do not believe God, we only believe our beliefs about Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus said, “Except ye…become as little children.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spiritual life is the life of a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not uncertain of God, but uncertain of what He is going to do next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we are only certain of our beliefs, we get dignified and severe and have the ban of finality about our views; but when we are rightly related to God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty, and expectancy.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Believe also in Me,” said Jesus, not—“Believe certain things about Me.” Leave the whole thing to Him, it is gloriously uncertain how He will come in, but He will come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remain loyal to Him.”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I pray my life is marked by Gracious Uncertainty! (I’m pretty sure that if/when it comes time to change my blog name this will be it!) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh, one last thing…I woke up with a sore throat this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please pray it’s nothing and will simply go away! Tinate Parek!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I pray you are loving and suffering well. </span></span></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-39424202807869835702011-04-27T13:02:00.004-05:002011-04-27T13:14:27.719-05:00My Everything<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m literally sitting here, my computer in front of me, the wind gracefully brushing my face as the temperatures are simply beautiful today, ADELE singing in my earphones, wondering how exactly these buttons beneath my fingers need to be pushed and in what order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s see….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ll start here:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I’ve had a few people ask if I’m “okay” because my tone in my blogs of recent…sometimes it’s hard to see that for myself because well, I’m living it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then again, I’m living it so I am experiencing it firsthand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do realize that most often when I share on here a lot of it is the day to day living. (Dad, that just made me think of your album ‘day to day giving’…random, I know). While I’m an open book (you’d have to be crazy not to realize that by now), I do see how I share a lot of the facts relating to other people and the events that are going on here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s tangible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is hard is putting to words what’s going on not around me, but IN me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a processor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it takes LOTS of processing for me to know up from down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, I feel crazy along the way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That is what has been going on the past 2 weeks or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot has been going on within me and some days trying to process it was just too much so I was sitting in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some good, some bad. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, yes, I am okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, I’m doing wonderfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have some hard days…some really hard days (way more wonderful days in comparison), but even so, none of the circumstances<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from day to day change my state of being enormously blessed, privileged, and swimming in God’s grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, I’m drowning.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m drowning in God’s grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, as I mentioned, so much has been on my heart and mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On your mark, get set, here I go….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Desires.</span></span></b></div><h4 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As believers in Jesus Christ we learn that our first desire should be God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He should be the heart of anything and everything we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em>want</em></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is we all have a problem desiring God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We often choose things that are far less than what we are offered through Christ, completely ignoring the joy we have right before us- a joy that is freely ours. We chose the slum when paradise is right around the corner. </span></span></span></h4><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where am I going with this? Well, insert women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Insert me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Genesis 3:16 teaches that such misplaced desires are core to the struggles women in particular will face. Eve was created in the image of God to be a strong helper to Adam. But Adam and Eve sinned, resulting in the curse. The curse is bleak for men. Their work to provide is wearisome toil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The curse is bleak for women. Childbirth will be painful, the man will rule over her, and yet, she still desires him.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><h4 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’ve read that the word for desire in Genesis 3:16 is strong, more like a craving or addiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a single, almost 27 year old gal myself, I get this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That longing is there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boy is it there. At times, if I were to be completely honest, that longing has at times defined how I thought about myself, how I fixed my hair, how I dressed, where I hung out, and who I hung out with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has influenced how I have interacted with and treated my guy friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></h4><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I praise God that He has decided, in His sovereign grace, to protect me from much in my life, especially in this arena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has seemed to always remind me, when I find myself living out what I mentioned above, that I wanted (am wanting) something that they simply couldn’t give.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Genesis 3:16 predicts, I was (am) desiring “him” (him being THE guy) and looking to “him” to meet my needs in my heart that only God is supposed to meet…only God CAN meet. </span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You may be reading this thinking, “Wait. So, you are telling me, Jess, that you are in Sudan, Africa, serving the Lord, sharing the Gospel, loving on many people, outside of your culture, filled with an ENORMOUS amount of joy while doing all of the above, and you are STILL struggling with THIS?!” My answer is um, yes and amen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many ways, I feel as if it’s intensified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, I am doing what I am passionate about with people whom I dearly love. When you are away from the things that often distract and you are made raw, everything seems intensified. I feel like a cliché phrase like “you can take the girl out of her country, but can’t take….should fit in here somewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprise, I’m human. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The personal Bible study I’ve been doing while here is called “Preparing to be the Bride of Christ-A call to Holiness” It has been just SO GOOD and challenging and encouraging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really do think that a lot of the weight I’ve been feeling (that’s the best way I know how to describe it sometimes) is simply Satan trying his hardest to take what I’m learning about my relationship with Christ and tweaking it by the distraction of my fleshly desire for a husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’m a fan of blogs, and will check in on a few of my favorites every now and then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came across this one and man, it is exactly what I needed to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.challies.com/quotes/your-desires?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+challies%2FXhEt+%28Challies+Dot+Com%29"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">CLICK HERE!</span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will likely challenge you, too. I can always use the reminder that I have someone after my joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have someone after my relationship with Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have someone lurking, just waiting for the opportunity to deceive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I go in and out of seasons with this, but here lately God has been working on my heart on this issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think being outside of my “comfort zone” and literally not having any of the typical distractions somehow made it so much easier to cling to the comfort of my heart’s desire—a helpmate, a partner in ministry, a God fearing, Truth proclaiming, like-minded husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, don’t get me wrong, my desire for a husband is in no way wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fully believe it is placed there by God, and for God. Allowing that desire to replace what God has for me is, it leading me to be discontent, and distracting me in what He has for me right NOW is. </span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Honesty.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’ve been listening to Matt Chandler’s sermon series on Habakkuk the past week or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man, so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matt chandler talks about just how stinking honest Habakkuk is with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just shares it like it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a straight shooter most of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t typically like to beat around bushes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I was being honest with God the past few weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really, what I was doing was going through the motions and suppressing all of the above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, I know what I should want, what I should be doing, what I should take to the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would share with Him the bare minimum and off to the next thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, share this bit, and off to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, Matt chandler (rather God via MC) shook me of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was reminded that when you “suffer silently” all of your energy will go into subduing, hiding, and/or overcoming your sin and you end up forgetting completely about the cross. You become issue driven versus cross driven. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here I was listening to this the day before Easter. It stung. My sweet Savior died for my sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He died for it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In no way do I want to dwell (intentionally or not) in the nastiness I was feeling as a result of not being able to “shake” the fact that I knew I was gravitating towards not being content. Okay, not being content period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either you are or you aren’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was gently reminded that I AM GOING TO FALL SHORT. And, without the cross being the center of everything, I will try to muster up more strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My own strength. </span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus died for me while I was at my worst. </span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Chandler talked about a very popular song that says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.” How does sin lose its power? By mustering up strength on our own? No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sin loses its power by marveling at the gift of mercy and grace and looking AT Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus becomes more lovely and attractive than the sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sin loses its power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, the wonderful truth that god DELIGHTS in showing mercy to those who don’t deserve it. </span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God is my portion. </span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He has lavished his grace on me so that I am equipped to do every good work he has for me. He loves me unconditionally. I have free access to Him where I can boldly bring my needs and receive grace and mercy. I have a longing, and he alone is able to satisfy it. God is the gospel, and the good news of all I have in union with him dwarfs any good news and affirmation I'm hoping to get from a man.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/my-journey-to-gospel-centered-womanhood-part-2/ad_link" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype><shape alt="Description: 1px_trans" href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/my-journey-to-gospel-centered-womanhood-part-2/ad_link" id="Picture_x0020_28" o:button="t" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 0.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 0.75pt;" target="_blank" type="#_x0000_t75"><imagedata o:title="1px_trans" src="file:///C:\Users\JESSRP~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.png"></imagedata></shape></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><shape alt="Description: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DGBlog/~4/1F24SoM52C8" id="Picture_x0020_27" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 0.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 0.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"><imagedata o:title="1F24SoM52C8" src="file:///C:\Users\JESSRP~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image002.gif"></imagedata></shape></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Content and Joyous.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When fully resting in the truths above, I can genuinely say that I am joyous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a joy that comes from none other than sweet Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is joy? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Joy is the result of a life marked by a complete trust, faith, rest, hope, and comfort in who God says that He is, and who He declares us to be in Him</i>. Joy isn't defined by circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul says it wonderfully in Philippians 4: 11-13, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">whatever the circumstances</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many, myself included, fail to realize that this very popular verse is talking about doing everything <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with contentment</i> through Him who gives us strength. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s possible! Thank you, Jesus. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, (letting out a deep breath) here’s some specific updates from this past week or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday’s group with the vocational school just didn’t “click” as it usually does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I literally told them in a very casual way that I felt like I was talking to myself, to which they laughed and said “no, no…we are here!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They simply didn’t want to talk for some reason!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, on Tuesday Scovia and I headed out to Kinyiba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were supposed to accomplish doing both the education seminar and the IA2 group this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, we get there and literally maybe 3 or 4 clients are there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone want to take a lucky guess where everyone was?!! ……You get 10 points if you guessed a funeral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, long story short, we ended up not doing the education seminar because you um, kind of need clients to do it, but I told Scovia there was no reason why we shouldn’t still do the IA2 group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is for anyone, and we had already driven 45 minutes out there, so the show must go on! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I am oh, so glad we did!! The group started off with Mr. Peter introducing himself to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a little man that used every bit of his body as he spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was funny, too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, again, this precious man was extremely drunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was who God sent for our group this day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is going to sound odd, but I tell you what, I am so serious when I tell you that the groups where the Lord chooses to send the one drunken person to them turn out so beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is honesty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is openness. There is humor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is interaction. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of the fact that their inhibitions are gone, they talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They encourage everyone else to talk, unashamedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I absolutely love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter was no different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to find out he had gone to a Bible school. He knew a good bit of the Word and he was in the place where he wanted to share it!! Haha…we discussed the call of Matthew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter got everyone to talk and interact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Towards the end when we discussed how we were all going to be changed from what we read and talked about that day Peter was the first one to speak up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to be very clear that he struggled with sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shared that he knew he needed to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shared that his struggles were with drinking, smoking, and womanizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was confessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beautiful thing is that he didn’t have to put the words out there for us to know that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious, but he personally needed to confess it out loud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People snickered out of awkwardness, because really, how often do we find ourselves (anywhere in the world) openly confessing our sin struggles?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thanked Peter for being so honest and open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then turned to the group and told them they ALL needed to share where they struggled so they could change! I was sitting there quietly beaming, allowing God to do His thing via Peter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one else did quite to the extent as Peter, but one older man confessed he needed to recommit his life to Jesus, that he had been lazy about it, another woman shared that she needed to read the Word more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see….one person opens up and its fuel to the wonderful fire of growth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter continued at one point saying he wanted to be DONE with drinking and that he was going to tell all of his drunken friends about this group so they too could be free!! He went so far to say that he was going to tell anyone, even the ones that had defecated on themselves!!! Everyone laughed, and I simply smiled and told him that Christ’s freedom was just as much for his friends as for anyone else!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never in my life did I think the mental picture that Peter drew for me would bring me so much joy!! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was reminded yet again that He came for us while we were at our worst. Our absolute worst.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We finished up, I prayed specifically for Peter to be set free from his alcoholism, smoking, and womanizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, God, how I pray and hope Peter can be a mighty took for the Kingdom!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Man, Wednesday was a day of UP and DOWN emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thomas, a guy around my age, who went through the Bible school here, came with me to translate since Scovia had to head off to another village for an education seminar. The first group in wudu almost had me pulling at my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not exxaturing at ALL when I tell you that I would ask a question and NO ONE would saying anything, much less even make eye contact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I’d rephrase it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I’d trying and saying something light hearted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I decided maybe actually reading out of the Bible itself was intimidating so I storied the scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I flat out asked what I could to do make them more comfortable in sharing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NOTHING. Ahhh!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got satisfaction out of the fact that not even Thomas could really get them to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the longest hour ever. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to mention that the bar that we are meeting at is like a Sauna.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, your energy is literally zapped out of you upon entering the place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the second group comes and it was a much needed breathe of fresh air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hardly talk at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s wonderful! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> AND, major <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">prayer request</b>: Celina, a SE client and one of the group members who is Muslim came excited to share something with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is really thinking and praying about surrendering her life to Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She explained that she was praying and found herself praying in the name of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also shared that all of her children are born again and she has watched them and wants a Bible, wants to start going to church, and is really thinking about following Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked to fly out of my chair to hug her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> So, please be praying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was given a Bible and I pray soon and very soon she becomes my sister in Christ</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Drew headed home Thursday afternoon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a bit sad for me to see him go simply because the company is always nice! I fully expected that though, so it wasn’t a shocker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was such a blessing having him around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Physically having someone here who was likeminded that I didn’t have to change the way I say or think about things when I was talking was blissful! Haha He was such an encouragement. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mondikalok called Wednesday saying not to come on Thursday because of a funeral. At first I was frustrated, but with the help of Drew, realized how HUGE that was. I mean, they respected me enough to save me the time of driving out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all about persective. I didn’t meet in Mere either because of transportation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, Thursday was a non-eventful day as far as the groups were concerned and that led me to being off for Good Friday. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All of what I spilled out above hit its peak on Friday, really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to a good Friday church service at 10 and then headed over to the water harvest compound to hang out with the everyone (Grant, John, Stephen and Ester, Stephen’s girlfriend, who was visiting from Italy!) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ended up hanging out there all day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was MUCH needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggled with feeling like a burden and an inconvenience at one point (not because of anyone or anything really…goes back to all that I was dealing with personally) and Grant was a loving brother in Christ to remind me that it simply wasn’t the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hung out, ate together, played Nerts (it had been WAY too long!!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just such a refreshing and fun day for me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That evening a sunset/night service had been planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It got dark and we headed out to the field where John had worked on making a beautiful cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dark clouds had rolled in and the lightening was in full force.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find myself continually saying here ,”Now THIS is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen!” I’ve never seen lightening like this before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was literally out of this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We began and I found myself standing among 30 or so African men and women singing praises loudly to our creator and Savior of the world!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wind had picked up, the lightening was flashing above me and I could hardly stand from the weight of the power of my God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t explain it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was extraordinary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John shared a powerful message from his heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat there, tears gently rolling down my cheeks at the beauty of what we were celebrating….his power over death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His power over my damnation to Hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His power to set me FREE! As John was finishing up the floodgates opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first it was a drizzle, then a normal rain, and as we were given nails to go and lay at the foot of the cross, symbolizing all we needed to lay at His feet, the DOWNPOUR came upon us! It was so awesome! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few minutes Grant and I decided t was time to get out of dodge!! We ran back to the compound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were both drenched by the time we got into the vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made a stop to pick up 2 people that were staying at Kaya’s compound too, and by the time all of that was accomplished Grant looked like he had simply taken a shower with his clothes on, 5 times over. It was hilarious. We both decided we felt like we were on a rescue mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we got back to the compound, I got in my room, shut the door, and found myself just standing in the middle of my room sopping wet, in awe of my God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday included all of the stuff in the beginning being all processed and worked out between the Lord and I and Sunday was EASTER!!! I had a great day just spending time here at the compound enjoying just “being”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some very sad news was given on Sunday as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David’s wife, Gloria found out that her younger brother had died from appendicitis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please be praying for comfort for their family during this hard time. .. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-9391796929457811942011-04-19T02:46:00.000-05:002011-04-19T02:46:24.733-05:00You coming is proof...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday turned out to be a day of catching up on “life back home”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My gals in the vocational school are taking exams and come to find out they all went home early when finished with their exams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going home early=no group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a little bummed because I enjoy our time, and hoped they would understand the whole “we meet EVERY Monday at noon” thing by now, but was fully grateful to get some time to catch up with my sister and a couple good friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I headed out to Kinyiba on Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been praying for and wondering if Esther would make an appearance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t, but just about everyone else did! I was SO ENCOURAGED to find out that one of the men that came last week had called Scovia (she didn’t go with me this time because of schedule conflicts with an education seminar)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as Kaya (SE Kaya not David Kaya) and I were on our way out there asking where we were! We were about 15 minutes late (which is actually early here ha) and they were calling asking where we were!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were awaiting our arrival, chairs set up and everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell you, this speaks volumes and is water to my soul considering I feel most days I am fighting a losing battle with consistency and commitment to the groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were about 20 or so people that showed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7 or 8 of them were men!! This is something else that brought me so much joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the groups MIGHT have 1 male in them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, this village seems to have men that are stronger in their faith, or at least willing to show up for an opportunity to grow in their walk with the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our discussion went really well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have some awesome questions regarding the Scripture we covered.</span></div><h6 style="background: white;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I was so very hopeful for the “newly” 2 new groups in Wudu market in the new meeting place (the bar). </span></h6><h6 style="background: white;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></h6><h6 style="background: white;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is the status I put up on my facebook for Wednesday-it about sums it up:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Well, I successfully dwnloaded a min and a half video in 1 1/2 hrs, I successfully *attempted* to teach my translator for the day how to play bejeweled on my ipod as we successfully waited for over 2 hours for someone, anyone to show up for 2 groups scheduled for today, and I'm pretty sure I have successfully sweat more today than I ever have in a sauna. Success: all about perspective. TIA.</span></h6><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mondikalok and Mere were in store for Thursday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Y’all, I had such a genuine joy for what the Lord choose to do in Mondikalok on Thursday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It started out with me having a bit of a pity party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to Mondikalok and Scovia went to go park the bike and “mobilize”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was asked to sit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I sat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was sitting, I was thinking about how sometimes I get tired of sitting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waiting. Sitting. Waiting. My desire for comfort rears its head every now and then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wanted people to actual DO what they say they are going to DO! My flesh just wanted to scream “It’s not that hard to remember that the group meets the SAME day at the SAME time EVERY week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not that hard to follow though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not that hard to live up to your word.” I’m tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just had to pray to the Lord while sitting there, telling Him that I’m just tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m giving all that I can, and I’m tired, Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see a very tall, lanky, not completely clothed man walking towards me and I was tired just thinking about how yet again I knew I was going to be asked for something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t it a beauty that God never gets tired of us asking things of Him? I mean, think about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, come to find out he doesn’t even say a word, just walks up, stares at me, and rubs his fingers together cleverly asking for money without saying a word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help but let out a little laugh and tell him I don’t have money to give him, but he is more than welcome to join the group that was about to meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t interested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like that he was on his way again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I confessed to God that I just wanted to be invisible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep, it’s true. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to disappear…just for a little bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I give and give and give and the honest to goodness truth is I wanted to be invisible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is gathered after 25 minutes or so, and we begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even with being tired and wanting to be invisible, I push on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s not an option not to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know what I am here to do, and I know God’s grace is sufficient, so I push on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He always shows up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He always reminds me. He always provides. He always encourages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just have to push through all the junk and weariness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, as he always does, I was quickly encouraged to see 2 of the 3 men from last week show up!! Specifically Simon, who openly was rejecting the Gospel when I shared it with him last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came this week along with another guy who literally said 2 words last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s not a believer, either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we’re going through the Scripture and things are going pretty well and I’m telling you what seems out of NOWHERE a man BURST through the 5 foot door leading to the little area we were meeting at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I were in front of you right now I would be showing you what it looked like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s as if Jesus shoved him through the door and he landed in a place he was completely unaware of! He was talking VERY loud as he burst in, turns, sees all of us just starting at him, and immediately takes of his hat and says, “oh, so sorry. You’re meeting!” Scovia and I both laughed a little and she told him he was more than welcome to join us! So, he sits down and joins us! Thus began the many, many, many questions of Wani.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a bit inebriated, he slurred a bit of his speech, but I tell you what, it’s as if he found himself in a place that he could ask the MILLION questions he seemed to have stored up in that mind of his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beautiful thing is he was willing to bring up and ask all the questions regarding the Scripture that the other group members were not! Yet again, this one was for the benefit all of the rest! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to find out that Wani is a Jehovah’s Witness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SO MANY non-truths saturated Wani’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finished up the group and had to tell Wani it was then we could finish answering all the questions he had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sad thing is he had no ears to hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was as if he was literally deaf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would ask a solid question, Scovia or I would answer, and before we could even finish he was asking the exact same question again!!! This went on for a good 30 minutes or so (through our lunch). It got to a point that Scovia and I just sat back, looked at each other, and started laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was wearing us out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell you what, I feel like I’m living in literal Bible times some days here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I was sitting and talking to a Pharisee, who knew the law and just couldn’t see past it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scovia literally stopped at one point and simply and gently asked him, “Do you love Jesus?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t answer the question but began saying something else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stopped him and asked again, “Do you love JESUS?” She asked a third time. (Bible story anyone??</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">) It didn’t click. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just goes to show that unless the eyes and ears are opened by the Lord, you just can’t force someone to understand. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really do hope that all the Truth that was shared with him will sprout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also pray he comes back next week. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The whole ride from Mondikalok to Mere Scovia just laughed about it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See? God always encourages me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I start sharing His truth and His love, and I forget about ME!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s never about me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh, I forgot to mention, on the drive out to Mondikalok Scovia shared with me that she ran in to Phoebe the other day in the market and Phoebe shared with her that she had decided she was leaving her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart sank upon hearing this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked Scovia if she felt that was a good decision and we were talking about it and all of a sudden we look and there is Phoebe walking up the road! (NEVER a coincidence!) So, we stopped and chatted for a second and she said it would only be her today, as the other group members left to go to a funeral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew God wanted us to have some solid time with Phoebe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was softened to a point where she was seeking the advice, comfort, and truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we get there and meet up with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, ends up a new man decided to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he had heard people talking about a group that met to study the Word and decided this week he wanted to come to learn what it was about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is not a believer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find myself surprised, even now, when I hear how all of these non-believers simply want to come to learn the Word! It’s odd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God draws them to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most surrender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s all there is to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyways, so we go through a powerful Scripture and in complete opposition to Wani in Mandikalok this man LISTENED and seemed to soak in all the answers to the questions He had about Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t surrender his life, but he definitely seemed to be effected by all that he learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got deep in the Word and talked about so many things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Religion is bunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s annoying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It distracts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I consider it such a huge privilege to be the vessel to say those exact things to these beautiful people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, I don’t exactly say bunk, but pretty close to it! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> So, Phoebe asked after we were finished if Scovia and I could stay because she wanted to talk to us separately. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shared her desperation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shared that she in fact has begun already moving back to her parents. She shared that she is just tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shared that she has no help with her oldest son who has epilepsy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shared how her husband doesn’t love her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart broke as I sat there watching this astoundingly beautiful young lady desperately seeking what Christ can only offer her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was heartbroken for her, but KNEW it was a place she needed to be at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After listening to her, I pulled my chair up close to her and through my tears I told her how sorry I was that she was hurting so bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both sat there and cried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I affirmed her in the fact that she is precious to the Lord, she is beautiful, she is WORTHY, she is special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reminded her, as I’ve been telling her for weeks, that Jesus is the only one that can give her what she is seeking…even in her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How often do we seek things from humans that they simply can’t offer us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is the Love she needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shared more about her son, and the circumstances of the other wife of her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew then we were to pray for her son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was waiting for the opportunity and the Lord didn’t wait long to bring it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next thing I knew Phoebe was getting up and left to go get her 4 year old son who has what they have been told is epilepsy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m fully convinced it’s completely spiritual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a lot that has happened in Phoebe’s marriage and the marriage of her husband with the other wife that seems to have invited Satan to have a hay day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her 4 year old son was the center of a lot of drama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she was gone Scovia and I prayed for what the Lord was about to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She came back with this sweet boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was terrified of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am pretty scary. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> We talked some more to Phoebe and she shared that she was ready to surrender he life to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was exactly what Scovia and I had JUST PRAYED FOR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We prayed that this would be Phoebe’s day to become a child of the King.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We prayed that she would be broken enough to know her need of a Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We prayed that through our pleading on behalf of her son for healing, that God would confirm to her that he is in fact, our Mighty Healer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We prayed with her as she confessed that she needed Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She prayed that she couldn’t do it on her own, she needed Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She asked for forgiveness and committed to do her best to live a life pleasing Him from this point on. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My joy was just too much to contain, tears streaming down my face. He is just so faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, so faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, then we prayed specifically for her son as she held him in her lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We prayed the blood of Christ over his little body, rebuking ANY power that was causing him to seize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do believe he was healed that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing to physically show for it, but I believe it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really have no doubt when we go to Mere this week Phoebe will be able to tell us that he has not had even one seizure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a powerful few hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think Phoebe is still planning on moving to her parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please be praying for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much growth is yet to happen with my sweet friend. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Group in Leikor on Saturday went well. There’s a pretty consistent group of women that are there, which is a blessing! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m challenging them a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can handle it. I told them that, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Okay, so this is what I’m REALLY excited to share about!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember what I wrote about a few posts back about getting the flat tire and ending up in Kangapo?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met with a bunch of drunks and a man named James who has been sober for 7 years and I talked to him about starting a group there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was also the village of a man named Simon who had surrendered his life to the Lord a while back, said he was going to stop drinking, and wanted me to come to his village for a group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we told James we could come visit him again to talk to him about what it would look like to equip him to begin a group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, Scovia and I decided that we could go to Kagapo on Saturday afternoon after meeting with the Leikor group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was looking forward to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pull up and there are a group of men laying and sitting around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We passed by one man I recognized from the last time and he turned around and came back to where we were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were so excited we were there to visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to find out James wasn’t there so we visited for a bit with the men that were sitting around there for a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I asked about Simon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the men, Friday, said he would take us to his home, it wasn’t very far at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, he and Joseph (the man that came back after seeing us show up) led the way through the grass to his place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was praying as we were on our way that Simon would be home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been a month since I had told him I would come to visit him in his village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walk up and THERE WAS SIMON!! He had a HUGE SMILE on his face upon seeing me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people here are huge on welcoming guests, so next thing I knew there were chairs brought out and I was asked to sit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we got to sit and visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked Simon how he was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guess what?! He’s been sober since the day he surrendered his life to the Lord a month ago!! His wife came and introduced herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simon was especially burdened for his family the day I talked to him, and shared that he wanted his whole family to know Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I invited her to sit with us, and she began sharing her side of the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shared from her perspective what life was like when Simon was drinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shared that he began saying he was doing to Wudu to church, but she didn’t believe him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t believe that he was actually going to pray, but probably to get alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that she couldn’t deny that she saw a change in him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said she noticed that he was gentler, he didn’t argue, he was humble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said that by us coming it proved to her that he did in fact tell the truth about going to church on Sundays and that it must be Jesus that has changed him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She herself wasn’t born again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The men, Friday and Joseph, were sitting with us listening, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I was supposed to visit Simon, but I didn’t know THIS is what God had in mind! How neat!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we visited, at cassava and mangos, laughed, and thoroughly had a great time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere in there Joseph decided I was supposed to marry him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to get a picture of Simon and his wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joseph decided he wanted in on the picture as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can see these pictures on my facebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we finished up with Simon at his home and headed back to the main market area where the other men were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sat back down with them as they were waiting for us to get back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, pretty much the Gospel was shared with a number of men, including a young man named Albert, a teacher named Bennett, along with Friday and Joseph, and probably 4 or 5 other men, young and old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We explained what the IA2 group was, it’s purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were all REALLY excited to have that for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They shared some of their stories, welcoming anything that would help them to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This whole “thing” with Kangapo is simply beautiful to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is undeniably God-ordained. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, we were getting ready to head out after spending a number of hours there and Friday said that he was going to come to church in Wudu with Simon in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I encouraged him to in fact do so!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joseph said he would, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I left Kangapo so filled with joy, I was bubbling! I loved every single minute of it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday was a wonderfully relaxing day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I go to the church right across the street from me, so I didn’t know if Friday and Joseph actually came with Simon or not to First Baptist in Wudu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I get to the office first thing on Monday and Scovia comes up to me with a huge smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Simon brought his wife to church with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She surrendered her life to the Lord!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday came to church with Simon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He surrendered his life to the Lord!!!! Joseph didn’t come, but there is most definitely still time! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I literally jumped up and down out of excitement upon hearing this!!!!! I love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just love it! Friday expressed wanting Scovia and I to come visit his family next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a done deal; I will be visiting with Friday and his family next visit! I’m telling you…if I have anything to do with it, this whole village will be surrendered to Christ….one family at a time! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This past week has been a week of ups and downs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so grateful for both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In it all Jesus continues to show Himself not only faithful, but so gentle and loving. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just love Him so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have loved Jesus for a long time now, but I really do find myself completely smitten with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is only Him that would/could sweep me off my feet, take me to Africa, and continue His steadfast pursuit of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He never stops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is constantly seeking after my heart, my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To know that I am fully embraced in the arms of my Redeemer is beyond words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There truly is no sweeter name than the name of Jesus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-67168158732217628852011-04-12T05:02:00.000-05:002011-04-12T05:02:26.254-05:00He came to set us FREE!!<span style="font-size: 10pt;">So, after getting back from Bible Study on Saturday late afternoon, I pulled up a chair and sat with all of those here at the compound that were just enjoying spending time “hanging out” in the shade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t understand 98% of what is being said, but it’s fun to try and figure it out by all of the context clues! So, after a few minutes Nicholas joins us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Allow me introduce Nicholas Butti to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met Nicholas about 2 or so weeks ago as he came and stood in the doorway of my room one morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a bit hard to understand, but I quickly realized he was asking me for money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The alcohol on his breath lingered as he spoke to me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He settled for me saying I wasn’t going to give him money and explained he was a construction worker that was going to start working on the project right next to my room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also shared that he was a soldier from Uganda. I knew I’d be seeing much of Nicholas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, each morning and evening I made sure to greet Nicholas and ask how he was doing and just about each of those times Nicholas has something to ask me for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it wasn’t money, it was medicine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it wasn’t medicine, it was a new work uniform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it wasn’t a new work uniform, it was a Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, we were getting somewhere. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> There was more than a few times Nicholas had heard me explaining what I was here to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew I was all about Jesus. I don’t know that there was one time I talked with Nicholas that I didn’t smell the alcohol on his breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was apparent what he spent all of his money on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried sharing with the other construction workers, especially the lead one named Volo, and he wasn’t having it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t want to go there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After praying, I felt that I needed to back off a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter, who is so extremely gracious, spends a lot of time with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both agreed that it was probably best for him to really minister to them through building a relationship and communicating with them in a way that they wouldn’t make them want to close off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I kept on loving them by letting them know they were important to me through greeting them and chit chatting when I could. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greetings here are HUGE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />
So, I’m sitting there with about 6 or 7 others and Nicholas walks up. He pulls up a chair next to me and asks me for medicine for his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, as I have many times before, I explain that his head is hurting because of the alcohol he drinks in addition to being in the sun all day without drinking water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pretty much have a repeat button when it comes to this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, then I could tell that everyone else was giving him a hard time in KuKu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to find out he was saying he wants to marry Alice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sweet, Godly Alice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t know what he had coming when he asked what I thought about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed and said, “No, absolutely not.” I’m pretty sure I heard an amen or two. Haha…I went on to express that Alice was a Godly woman, God’s prized jewel and that she deserved nothing but the best, God’s standard for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty sure someone said something about his drinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I confirmed that his drinking was not only not in her best interest, but his either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, then all of a sudden it seemed to turn into a “let’s bash Nicholas” session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know for a fact everyone else did not expect the way the conversation took a turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just felt this overwhelming feeling that God was about to make much of Himself, and yet again, I was to push through what was likely about to be a tough situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, someone mentions that Nicholas is useless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was all I needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate that word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything about it is against the redeeming power of the Jesus I serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I very clearly spoke up that we are no different from Nicholas, but for the grace of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pointed to each of them, including myself emphasizing that we ALL of things in our life that we struggle with, that Nicholas’ struggle was just easier seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each time God reminds me of this truth I have a flash back to the precious birth mom’s I worked with as an adoption case worker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many times did I express this truth to them as they sat in front of me, their pregnant bellies there for all to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s often the sins that others can’t see that are more dangerous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">I had everyone’s attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, then I turn to talk specifically to Nicholas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew everyone was listening, even if they didn’t want it to be noticeable that they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Past the man consumed with alcohol is a person with so much pain in need of the ONE thing that can fill the void he tries to satisfy with the drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat there talking to him about how he has the choice to walk away, but that is his choice alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked about God’s ability to change him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked Nicholas if he knew what Jesus did for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, today was the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sitting there looking in his eyes as he was trying to process it all and I just really felt that there were so many things he’d seen and done as a soldier that he was so desperately trying to get away from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, isn’t that what we all do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pick your drug of choice…alcohol, drugs, relationships, food, attention, etc. etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could go on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We use them to numb us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, add the circumstances of a life lived where they have had to survive for decades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not live, but survive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, once you’ve got that, go one step further by adding the dynamic of being a solider and all that includes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who’s to say I wouldn’t be doing exactly what Nicholas is doing with his life if I weren’t in his shoes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">I told him so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him I could not possibly imagine the things he’s seen and done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understood he was in pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him I didn’t blame him for wanting to get away from that pain, but he was only causing more pain with the alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus has been waiting for him to give ALL his pain to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One tear….two….</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Brokenness is honestly one of the most beautiful things to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hurts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s absolutely necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s freeing. It’s healing.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">I was explaining to Nicholas an example of what Christ wants us to do in calling out to Him for forgiveness and healing and ultimately salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I literally put my hands out and said, “He is just waiting for us to call out saying, “ Jesus I NEED you!”” Nicholas lifted his hands out and repeated exactly that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at him and smiled and asked him if he wanted to receive Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said yes! As if to say, “Um, that’s what I was just doing before you interrupted me!” haha So, I said, “Amen, let’s pray.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Immediately everyone who was still sitting around who had been all talking amongst themselves immediately stopped talking and everyone bowed their heads!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to chuckle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">So, I led Nicholas in a prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He received Jesus as his Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He received Him as his Healer. He asked Jesus to help him stop drinking so that he could follow Him fully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have Bibles to hand out (but boy do I wish I did), but I did remember that I had some wonderful scripture cards that my friend Rachel made for me while here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to my room and grabbed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the one that had scripture referring to Christ’s power and being led by the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave it to Nicholas so he could have some Truth with him at all times, as a reminder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told Nicholas that now it was time to learn to walk with the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him who he was going to share his decision with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he was going to testify in church on Sunday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me he would go to church with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I told him what time to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finished up and someone mumbled that he wasn’t going to change, that he was going to come back drunk like he always is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Insert: Righteous anger. I’ll just leave it at that. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">So, I made sure Nicholas looked at me, knowing he heard them, and told him to prove them wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PROVE THEM WRONG!!! It’s Jesus you serve, no one else.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Oh, how I prayed that evening that Nicholas would be sober in the morning when he came for church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drew had a good point that he just prayed he showed up at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just show up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So often that’s what Jesus asks of us. Show up and He is the one to change us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">So, I woke up the next morning, got ready, and Drew and I were eating breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look up and walking up is Nicholas! THANK YOU, JESUS!! Unfortunately I could smell the alcohol on his breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, he came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we walked to church and he stayed for the whole service (despite seeing him get up and tell Peter he wanted to leave).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As custom at church, he stood and introduced himself as a first time guest. I was proud of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The message was really good for him to hear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">So, please, please be praying for Nicholas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How wonderful would it be for him to set FREE from his addiction and be used as a LIGHT to the construction crew and everyone else around the compound?!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-82695436550088290072011-04-11T08:43:00.001-05:002011-04-12T02:14:08.776-05:00Sometimes all you need is a flat tire...<span style="font-size: 10pt;">So, this past Monday was the IA2 group with the SE Vocational School students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This group is “clicking”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really is so refreshing to have this group dynamic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Establishing and actually seeing these groups in full effect is hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took me a little while before I could admit this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it’s the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am having a WAY easier time figuring out what doesn’t work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realize how easy it is to overlook the significance in that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That, my friends, is success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, things have been VERY successful!!! Haha… God gave me a way to facilitate this specific group that is working just so great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stay all together (like 20-25 of us) for the review of their commitments from the prior week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen that when I am taken out of the picture, things run MUCH better and actually seem to have more of an impact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is exactly how it is supposed to be! So, I ask them to pick someone from their small group they met with the time before and state what that person said they committed to and the person they said they would share with and then ask that person if they obeyed in doing so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They seem to have a lot of fun with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gives them a way to “pick” on each other, so it makes it less scary. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we do that until at least half of the group has shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know what I love? They are honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they didn’t obey, they say they didn’t obey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I challenge them. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Now that I think of it I’m not sure I’ve had someone share 2 weeks in a row that they didn’t follow through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, then we begin with the story in scripture for that day all together as the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am always overjoyed with the depth of some of the questions and observations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even more than that, the simplicity and sincerity of the childlike faith is always just so humbling to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, when we get to the part where we are to discuss how they are going to be changed and who they are going to share with, they split up into 4 or 5 smaller groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They get at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walk around just smiling at listening to them process through all we just talked about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This simply works for this specific group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, on Monday we discussed a passage of Scripture that talked about Christ’s sufferings leading up to the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also studied a different scripture that talked about when Jesus had been resurrected and showed himself to Peter and then the disciples and then 500 others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man, it was such a good discussion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the groups were meeting and I sat in on one of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had a few questions for me, so we sat there and talked while we waited for everyone else to finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had some really solid questions for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked about the saving grace of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked about how there is not one reason why we should wait to surrender to God. That’s when quiet Victoria spoke up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t even remember exactly what she said, but it led me to ask her if she was waiting to surrender to Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said that she loved God with all of her heart, but she was waiting for the right time to completely surrender her life to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, I looked at her and said, “What? What are you waiting for??”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shyly smiled, looking down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “I don’t know, the Bible says He will come like a thief in the night.” “EXACTLY!”, I emphasized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up at me and with the sweetest look on her face said, “I want to now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m ready.” So, we prayed and Victoria made the decision to FULLY surrender her life to Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finished praying and I literally let out a loud “WOOOHOOO!!!” She laughed. I’m pretty sure I embarrassed her. Haha. Everyone looked and laughed at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, when the joy comes, I just can’t contain it sometimes!! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we have yet another sister in Christ! I just love how Christ softens heats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His Truth saves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Tuesday morning Drew arrived! He works with Seed Effect, and is here to look at the operations and lots of other things related to the ministry. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’ll be here for 2 weeks. It’s been good to have a friendly face around here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We headed up to the office and then that afternoon I headed out to a new village with Scovia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We introduced the IA2 groups to the loan members the other day at the office so, as always, there was no telling what the Lord had in store for Kinyiba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">It ended up being about 15 or so men and women sitting around by the time we started, and the group went really well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As usual for the first meeting, we all shared and talked about “our stories”. There were some hard things shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were finishing up and I looked over to see a woman staggering down the road talking to herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you who have been reading along, can you guess what comes next?? …..Yep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stops in her tracks, turns towards us, and stumbles her way over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She asks what we are doing so I told her and before I could even finish she plops herself down in the middle of the circle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tells me her name is Esther.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is sitting around watching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is going in and out of making any sense, but manages to tell me that she is a born again believer, goes to a Baptist church there, and has a women’s Bible Study at her house every 3<sup>rd</sup> Friday of the month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tells me that she tries and will live as she should but always finds herself going back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scovia actually told me that the words she used were “she’s like a pig always going back to the trash and slop”. She compared herself to a pig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her I would like to pray for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>her and she swung her head up, looking at me with eyes that were so full of hurt, and simply asked, “why would you want to pray for ME?!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I paused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How exactly should I respond? I found the words, “Because I love you, Esther” coming out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To which she asks, “Why would you love ME?!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I tell her that I have been loved in a way that I can’t help but share that love with others, and that love comes from Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looks at me and says, “I know you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty sure it was Jesus she was referring to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It truly was Him conveying His love to her via me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just felt she needed to hear that she was loved. I began praying for her, and in the middle of my prayer I hear her start weeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I imagine some in part from the alcohol, but I do believe she was breaking down at the weight of Christ’s love for her…the reminder that she is not forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sweet, Esther.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finished up with praying for the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">I am convinced of something; something that seems to be confirmed over and over for me here recently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not just about the individual person, whoever they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could be Esther, or Yaba, or Nicholas (I’ll share about him in a minute) and yes, God does/plans to do a mighty thing with them individually, but it’s often more about all of the “others” watching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each time God draws a drunk to a group, or gives me direction to go specifically pay attention to another, there are people watching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are watching Jesus’ love for this “outcast”, the “useless” person, the “crippled”, the one that “distracts”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me loving them is often me loving the others by showing them Jesus through my actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They look at me like I’m crazy. They just don’t get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, Jesus knows that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants them to SEE him lived out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am constantly reminded of this truth as I find myself in the situation where it is completely awkward, and “not easy.” Jesus is seen not only in words, but often more so in actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, how I pray that people see Him through my actions to love the unlovable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">So, we head out of Kinyia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It ended up being about at 45 minute drive on the motorbike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s pretty long on those things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed though especially since I hadn’t been out there before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s always fun getting to “explore”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> So, we get about 2/3 of the way home and I noticed that the back tire (um, aka where I was sitting) seemed to be sliding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first I thought it was just the road since we were driving on quite a bit of sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, it did it again and Scovia asked if there was something wrong with the tire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a feeling what it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hopped off and sure enough…completely flat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awesome. There are so many “little” things that were HUGE “God things”!! Ready???</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">We were simply 20 feet or so away from a mechanic who fixes bikes. God allowed it to happen right there in the town versus 5 minutes prior when we would have literally been in the jungle with no one around. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It started raining 5 minutes after getting there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would have been out in the boonies, in the pouring rain, pushing a motorbike. I just love Jesus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scovia drove it to him, and I quickly realize what the Lord has brought us upon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guess??......drunks. A circle of men were sitting there under the tree just a drinking and it was apparent had been for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, thanks God for setting up the group for me before getting there!! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Immediately I have one of them asking me for money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course. They pull out chairs for us and we join them in their circle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was one man, James, who was not drunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was very sweet and quickly I found out he was born again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I start conversing with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James is helping translate (which I loved because he willing did so without me even asking).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scovia and I just exchanged glances every now and then knowing we both were saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew I was saying, “Told you I belong with the drunks!” haha So, then Scovia asks where exactly we were..what the town was called. Kangapo. Immediately Scovia and I looked at each other, our mouths open, in awe of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s the back story. A number of weeks ago I shared about Simon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s the one who surrendered his life to Christ at church and I talked to about recovering from alcoholism and wanted me to come to his village….Kangapo….to talk about starting a group with the alcoholics. Because of the weather and transportation I wasn’t able to go out when I said I would, and things are just so busy it hasn’t happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had JUST prayed bout it the night before, knowing I didn’t want to just forget about Simon or his village’s need, especially since the Lord allowed our path’s to cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, there we were in Kangapo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God took care of it. I mean, just too cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to find out that Simon’s home was literally right behind us, but he wasn’t home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">So, the next thing I know the men are talking about me and how I should stay there with them in their village. Right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I joke around (you don’t know what a God-send humor is when it comes to interacting in situations when it would otherwise be totally uncomfortable) with them about how I was perfectly happy to stay there with them while the bike was getting fixed! Then, the next thing I know two of the guys are going back and forth about why I would be a better match for them. Lord, have mercy!! It went from, “I have nicer clothes” to, “But I speak English better”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My oh my….it provided a great opportunity to share Christ’s love and that Christ doesn’t look at things on the outside, but the heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was VERY clear that I was not marriage material for either of them. (of course, in a joking, yet firm way </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">So, Jesus’ love was shared in the best way possible for the circumstances with these guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was actually a lot of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it started raining really hard (to which God displayed a HUGE rainbow) so we moved under the covering of a store vs. sitting under the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There, it was just Scovia and I along with James.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to find out his story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a recovered alcoholic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7 years sober and counting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet again, a God thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I talked to him in depth about not only IA2 groups but also Rapha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has everything that would be needed to start it up there in his (and Simon’s) village!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our tire was repaired and we drove off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Scovia and I were in completely awe of our God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">So, please be praying for this; for God to open up the time to go back out to Kangapo in the midst of the schedule of other groups so I can “train” James on leading a group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want him to be fully confident in his ability to do the Lord’s work there in his village, and do it well!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">So, Wednesday brought a conversation I didn’t expect to have!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to Wudu for our group meeting (which was decided to turn into two now). Guess where the group members asked if it could be held…..a BAR! They were really hesitant to even ask if it could be there and my response…that’s PERFECT! I was pumped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, as Scovia, Drew, and I are walking to the market area I wanted to make a stop at a group of men I’ve asked to come before, who haven’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There we met Johnson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s in the seminary here on the church compound! He said he’d come join us for the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was music to my ears and wonderful in so many ways! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we get there and sit for a while (as usual) and I’m chatting with Johnson, getting to know him a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to find out, Johnson is from Kiri!! Kiri is where Yaba is!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I’m asking him a million questions and man, was I educated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to find out, Yaba is actually 21 years old!!!!! Y’all, I would have NEVER guessed this!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AND his parents are “landlords” of the village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From my understanding this means they kind of “run things”. Anyways, it was confirmed there’s a ton of evil stuff involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slowly but surely things are being unraveled…</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Johnston might join us on Thursdays in Kiri. That’s going to be a huge blessing if so!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Thursday went well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shared with a totally new group in Mondikalok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Gospel was shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One guy specifically was extremely hardened to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m praying God will use the Truth shared to break him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went out to Mede afterwards to meet with my sweet ladies. As always, it was a great group. There was lots and lots of sharing…leading one step closer to Phoebe surrendering to the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to leave and surprise, surprise the bike had a flat tire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same tire that was “fixed” 2 days before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may have caught a ride back to the office with someone driving by the Scovia knew (don’t freak out dad).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just never know what’s next here! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Let’s just say that Friday was tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hit some serious resistance and it was tough. I came to the realization that I’m a little “grouped-out”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">(Um, someone’s phone just went off and literally said, “Excuse me boss, someone has sent you a text message.” Awesome.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">It’s hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s tiring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can be draining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of that, yet I still love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, the truth is I’m a bit grouped-out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you do something day in and day out, most of the time the EXACT same thing, just with different people…it’ll wear on ya.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt good just to admit that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s really 99% of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lay it out there, and then God proves He’s faithful to provide what I need. He provides the rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He provides the strength. He provides the joy. He provides the perseverance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He provides the desire to push on so many can come to know Him and grow in their relationships with Him. He provides it ALL. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">So, I saw Yaba on Friday. I went and grabbed him and we walked to go buy some bread. He was so excited. I just love seeing the smile on his face. I am also reminded that providing him the earthly needs is only the path to providing him what he needs spiritually. Not many were interseted in joining the group today. I knew today I was going to "take it a step further" with Yaba. He was going to be my personal friend. Others were going to see this. So, after a lady chased him away from me when I was buying bread and I tried telling her I ASKED him to stand right by me, we went to find a place to sit for the group. (Yes, sometimes I struggle with what I just typed...and then I'm reminded that they need to SEE Jesus in my words and actions...to keep on keepin' on) So, I sit on a small bench, only big enough for 3. I tell Yaba to come sit right next to me...on the bench. This is NOT what Yaba does. He's always sitting on the ground while everyone else is sitting on a bench or a grass mat. He looks at me almost as if to say, "You want me to do WHAT?" haha. So, he sits and almost immediately a man comes up and says ,"WHY is he sitting there?" So, I gently said, "because I asked him to. I invited him". So, then I get, "But why is HE sitting there." I smiled. I looked at Yaba, listening, and said, "HE is sitting here because he is my friend and I invited him to come join us just like everyone else." He was dumbfounded. He just shook his head and walked off. I consider this a HUGE success!! :) They noticed. YES! So, group pretty much consited of Abuba Peresi (the sweet old lady), Yaba, and a random man that I have never seen before. Oh, and the random lady who walked up, asked why I was there, found out, and walked off. More resistance lately. Anyways, so Yaba sat by me the entire time. It was wonderful. He just sat there and ate his bread, occasionally touching my arm or grabbing my hand, wanting my attention. When it was time to go, he didn't want me to as usual. I reassured him i'd see him next week. The love I have for Yaba truly is one that could only come from God....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">I just love how God loves me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday’s group at Leikor went SO GOOD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a number of women that really expressed their growth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was one specific older woman who specifically wanted me to know how great it was that I was coming to them with the Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told me that she was so thankful that I allowed them to give their input and thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was so thankful I didn’t come just to tell them what the Word said, but to allow them to work through it themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said how great it was that they could have a chance to go out and be changed and them come back and share about their lives and how they changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, all of the things I plead the Lord about/for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew I needed encouraging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He provided it in a beautiful way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything she said is exactly what I hope is accomplished through these IA2 groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exactly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet again, He knew. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">We went through Ruth Chapter 1 at the Women’s Bible Study from my church later that afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very small showing, but went really well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just love the book of Ruth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">I’ll have to share more about Saturday evening and Sunday on the next blog…I want to at least get this up for you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">LOVE!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jess</span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-11796450256177802482011-04-03T13:51:00.001-05:002011-04-03T13:52:37.317-05:00A biscuit never tasted so sweet!<div style="tab-stops: 72.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This past week was so FULL!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sitting here looking back and wow, how simply marvelous is our God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am humbled beyond words that I get to be a part of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m literally sitting here just shaking my head in awe of His plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots to share…</span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I’ll start with today and then rewind through to the beginning of the week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I got to church this morning and looked around to see if I recognized any of the people I had specifically asked to come, or told me they would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t see anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping to see John again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, all of a sudden as the pastor was making announcements I hear this voice talking over him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look back and sure enough, there’s John. He’s just talking, and you can tell people are snickering a little bit because he just started talking over the pastor!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, Pastor Kenneth focuses on him and I pick up on the fact that he’s speaking a different language than KuKu even, so they had to get someone who spoke Swahili to translate what he was saying into KuKu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was totally out of the loop! All I know is that he was very passionate in what he was saying and a few times he would say, “sister” and point to me, everyone would look at me, and he would continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What in the world?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, he wraps up and the Pastor says, “Praise the Lord.” everyone claps and I’m thinking he was sharing his testimony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, then he stood back up and just randomly started talking again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did this like 5 times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could tell there was something going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were politely ignoring him now, as best as they could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, John…I’m pretty sure he had slipped and was under the influence of alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What better place for him to be? So, then, he talks up again and the Pastor focuses on him and asks him to stand up so he could be heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He starts again in the midst of talking he’s saying, “sister this and sister that…” and pointing to me!! So, now, I’m wondering if I want to know what’s going on!! Then, I look over at him and he’s starting at me, he points to me, I feel the need to wave at him, so I do, and he waves back, and walks out of the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Haha…I’m telling you, I had no idea what was going on!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything in me wanted to stand up and be like, “Umm could someone PLEASE tell me what is going on?!” I didn’t. I figured I’d patiently wait until church was over and THEN I would say exactly that! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Well, come to find out, he was sharing his testimony of why he was there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was telling them that it was because of Peter and I that he had come, and why he will continue to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was then talking to them about how his eye sight was getting worse and how he wanted goggles (glasses), etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I was told he was talking about some random things off and on, and then at the end part he was talking to ME! He was telling me that he was leaving because he had to go do something with his animals, but he would be back for prayers (church) this evening and that he wanted me to know that he WOULD be back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, when I waved, I was acknowledging just that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no idea! That’s why after I waved, he left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was finished. I’m telling you, you just never know what is in store moment by moment! I’m waiting to see what the Lord has in store with John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thinking there’s more in store…we shall see! Oh, how I desire freedom for this man.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The message was so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pastor Kenneth taught on Joseph and Potipher’s wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then at the end of the service….<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">11 children surrendered their lives to Christ!!!! </b>That is HUGE considering it’s a tiny church!! I was so excited!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Here’s something that should be eye opening to you…Pastor Kenneth discussed the church’s offerings for last month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep in mind today marks the 7<sup>th</sup> week this church has existed. Last month’s giving totaled 43,200 shillings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s just over 20 bucks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twenty dollars for the month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is a lot here, and nothing in the US. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every bit of that was given sacrificially.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I praise the Father for the continual reminder that it’s not how much that’s given but the condition in which the heart is that gives it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">So, before I get into the specifics, I want to share something that the Lord brought to my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost every single discipleship group I met with this past week came to their own conclusion that what they learned was that they are to put God first in everything!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is HUGE! That is the purpose! Really, I had wondered how the title of these groups (I Am Second) would transfer into this culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am happily surprised that it actually clicks extremely well!! They seem to be getting it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is revealing His truths, only something He can do!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">On Monday I was supposed to meet with a group, but they all went home before I even got there, so it was a free Monday! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve learned that God seems to always know when I do and don’t need rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I’ve finally given up and have allowed myself to just BE. I know, deep. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> I’m way too stubborn for my own good sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank God for his loving patience with me. Scovia came to tell me that the group wasn’t meeting and she and Kaya and I ended up sitting and talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I already knew my beliefs scripturally on the topic of men who take more than one wife and being born again; participating in church, etc., but I hadn’t picked the brain of Kaya yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the opportunity arose and I am oh, so glad for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so grateful for solid, Biblical, no-nonsense, anti-culture, Godly Truth, and those who are not afraid to proclaim it boldly. Man, it just pumps me up! God knew that conversation was in preparation for the near future…. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Tuesday at noon was the IA2 group with the vocational students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was excited to meet to see how successful the accountability was going to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, last week there were 8 gals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week there were over 20 people. Ahh! So, it was hard, because there were 3 girls from last week there and everyone else were either new to the group or had just been to the introduction of it. (2 out of the 3 girls said they did actually do what they said they would!) Can you hear flexibility written all over it?!! Each group meeting is pretty much like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we go over the scripture passage for this meeting, and the interaction and participation was great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to the part where we were to discuss how they were individual going to be changed from what they learned and what we had discussed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of a sudden, I knew I was to try something new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no way we had time nor would everyone be willing to share one by one. So, I had them break into groups of 4 or 5 and discuss with each other how they were going to be changed..something specific. Once we got the translations all figured out, they grouped together and they all started talking!! I was like a giddy school girl trying to contain myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord, you are going to make this work!! ..and potentially better than ever!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One group even asked if they could use my Bible so they could read over the passage again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could they use my Bible…OF COURSE!!! I practically threw it at her!! Lol Do you know what I stood there and saw?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was watching before me, specific leaders emerge among this large group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In each small group there was one person that was taking the lead and guiding the discussion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was beautiful to watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like God was giving me a preview to what could happen! I was potentially seeing 5 different groups starting in front of me! Now, they could have very well been discussing what they ate for dinner the night before and I wouldn’t have a clue, but I really don’t think this was the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, after a little while I had someone from each group share how they were going to be changed and then they got back together and discussed who they would share the story with and then a few shared with the entire group. I really was so excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could tell that by me not being the center of the discussion, they were interacting so much more free with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a breath of fresh air. So, we shall see what this looks like when we meet tomorrow (Monday) for follow up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My prayer is that the peer accountability will prove beneficial and that obedience is achieved! The less I’m needed the better it is!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Wednesday I didn’t have anything for some reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This day of rest was simply wonderful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Thursday Scovia and I headed out to Mondikalok. This is the one village I didn’t physically go out to myself with Scovia to introduce the IA2 groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She went out there herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I was excited to see all the Lord had in store, showing my face to them for the first time after hearing about me and what I was coming to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scovia dropped me off at the market and then went to park the motorbike somewhere else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I’m asked to go sit in a chair under one of the awnings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I do and I’m just watching the people, as usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then pretty far a way I notice two young men walking in my direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were holding hands, swinging their arms, and in conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is common here, but they caught my eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They weren’t exactly walking steadily, and I just knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m telling you, it’s somewhat comical at times, but I just knew they were going to end up stopping at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure enough, right to me and more drunk than anyone I’ve seen so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell that one of the men had been drinking and possibly doing other things for a little while simply by the scars and sores on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your physical appearance tells part of your story when it comes to drugs and alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was talking English to me, but you wouldn’t have known it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And one of them was determined to make sure I understood what he was saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was praying so hard that the Lord would allow me to understand him so I could actually respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t help that the things I did understand just didn’t make sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was just so drunk. So, here I have one drunken guy trying to translate for the other guy who was even more drunk than the first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure my face looked pitiful as I was trying SO HARD to make out what they were saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did a lot of nodding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thinking, “Okay, where is Scovia?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need some back up here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to find out, what he was trying to say to me was that if I was here to share the Gospel of Jesus then he wanted me to go with him to his wife and share with her, because she and his family need to hear about Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really?! THAT is what he was saying!?! Then, the other guy decides to tell us that he is 4 days old in his faith..that he surrendered to Christ 4 days ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I had Scovia tell them that they are in the perfect place and the perfect time and that I will be having a group meeting in a few minutes and I wanted then to come!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the first guy says he’s going to go get his family and will be there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Y’all…he walked off, went left..turned around, went right…they were just so drunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to find out Scovia tells me that the first guy is her relative and he has been a drunk for a while now and that they both don’t know Jesus but every time someone comes to share the Gospel they say they want their family to hear or that they have already surrendered to Christ because they know that’s what we want to hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed they would find their way to the church where I had the meeting, but they didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that they will one day TRULY surrender their lives to Christ and TRULY want their family to know the saving power of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we walk around for a bit mobilizing, telling people where and when to meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re walking down the street, going and saying hi on one side, then across the road to say hello to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the boda drivers tries to purposely mess me up in my KuKu greeting and I corrected him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should have seen the laughter. Scovia shows me around where her family lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Modikalok is the village she is from and where her some of her family still lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She showed me their land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, we get back to the church to start the group and there are 5 people there waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 women and 1 man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect. Group went so well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell you what…it is absolutely beautiful to see the solid, born again believers encouraging and out right challenging those in the group who confess they have not trusted Jesus yet for one reason or another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me to sit back and watch it literally brings me a joy that is unspeakable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boy, do these people have stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are humbling to say the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m excited to see all the Lord decides to accomplish in Mondikalok. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">So, from Mondikalok we headed to Mere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that I don’t look forward to the other groups, but I always look forward to my time with the ladies in Mere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are 3 that have come consistently and all have captured my heart. Only one of them is born again. They genuinely want to be there and are usually waiting for us when we arrive, having set up the seating in the unfinished building we meet in. It’s all so simple and I just love it. So, Thursday it was just Cizerina and Phoebe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was such a sweet, sweet time. Phoebe was the young lady who said she didn’t want to share her story last time because she might break down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I think it’s safe to say that a breakthrough happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God REALLY worked on her heart this past week and boy did she open up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She spilled out everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a second wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember the conversation I had on Monday?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God had prepared me for Phoebe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is way too much to type out regarding all that we talked about, but let’s just say she has been told a lot of NON-truths regarding her worth and value, her ability to worship God, and how God sees her by those who claim to be followers of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Righteous anger juuuust about bubbled over in me as I watched this beautiful young lady with her head hanging low sharing all of the things she believes about herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has been told for so long that she is weak that she fully believes it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My anger towards the lies she has been told for so long burned within me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God provided a beautiful time of Truth to be poured out over her and I pray (and fully expect) God to use His word as a salve to heal the wounds that have been caused by those who are following not Jesus Christ, but religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has a lot of fears and insecurities that are holding her back from freely falling into the arms of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please pray for Phoebe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think it will be long before she chooses the freedom Christ is offering her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Seed Effect staff IA2 group was on Friday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are able to go deep and it’s challenging not only to others, but to me too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a joy to sit back and watch the Lord reveal His truth; often in ways that are different than I have learned before! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I met with a new group from Wudu market on Friday was well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the group that includes Monica, the lady that came purposely to apologize for not showing when she said she would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were ready and waiting for us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really felt that this group was ready to jump into the Word, so we dove in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a lot of good interaction and insight given!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to the part of how they will be changed and I’m telling you, this one lady almost didn’t let me finish my sentence before she shared how she wanted to be changed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It put a smile to my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then someone else shared and she had something else!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, again…a third thing! I thought, man, God is really convicting this lady!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then as she’s speaking about the 3<sup>rd</sup> thing she mentions that she is Muslim. Yeah, I’d be lying if I wasn’t taken a bit back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, praise God, she’s in the right place!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please be praying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Now, to Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We headed out to Kiri on Friday afternoon, where Yaba is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is so much I could share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t even know where to start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been praying for the Lord to speak to me, to show me what exactly He desires of me when it comes to Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found a peace at buying Yaba some food while I was there at the market place each week and asking him to be a part of the discipleship group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew this could possibly “ruffle some feathers” simply because he can be “distracting” and because from what little I’ve seen he seemed to usually be diverted away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told Scovia as we were walking around upon arriving I wanted Yaba to be in the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said I don’t know where he is but I need to buy him bread and tell him to come join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, we look, and he was sitting right there about 4 feet in front of us, just sitting on the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, Scovia calls him and he looks up and sees me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to laugh because immediately he reaches his hand out and says, “Give. Me. Money.” This time though, I smiled and bent down beside him and said hi to him and actually focused on HIM, not AT Him like everyone seemed to do before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was going back and forth in my head, asking God to, “Please show me what to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please show me.” So, Scovia tells me maybe I should just give him money and that way he can buy what he wants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t have a peace about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the mean time she is talking to one of the store owners and come to find out she was asking about Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He does have parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They lived around there somewhere, both a mom and dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, he leaves the home in the morning and comes to the market place and just stays there all day until dark when he goes home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ask him his name and he is talking but Lord knows I can’t understand and I knew when I asked his name he DID NOT say Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I’m thinking what in the world am I dealing with?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I ask Scovia to ask him, and that’s when he tells her Rabin (I think that’s it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to find out Yaba is just a generic name for what they call “little boys”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s from a Muslim home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He actually speaks English pretty well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just that sometimes when he talks he trails off or literally spit will get in the way and it’s like he’s just sputtering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, he’ll talk so quiet I just can’t hear what he is saying and then he’ll just stare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, he’s FAR more interactional than I first thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very high functioning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him how old he was and he said 5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was quickly reminded that still, there’s something not completely developed correctly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s definitely not 5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s probably more like 12 or 13 if I had to guess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I bought him some mugatti (sweet bread) and asked him to come sit with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard mumblings almost immediately upon interacting with him and thought, “Here we go, Lord…show me your will.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what I was told the people in the market place take care of him during the day, some giving him money to buy food and tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This brought me so much joy yet, while it seems his physical needs are being met, his greater need…spiritual still burdened me severely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So before I know it there are around 20 people sitting around me, one being Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew immediately this was going to be interesting with so many people, most having not a clue why I was there, but wanting to find out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were just people that were in the market place at that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Scovia is translating or speaking and I’m waiting for translation, I’m praying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yaba sat there on the ground eating his bread, seemingly content.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, about mid-way through he stands up and his back is towards the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scovia continues speaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Immediately, before I could even think really I heard myself yell in my head, “No, Lord!! I want him to stay!!! Please, Jesus, don’t let him leave.” He stands there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scovia is still talking to the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I think what I hear is, “Call on Yaba.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I’m like, “Umm, is that just me or what? God? Is that you?” Again, “Call on Yaba.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I’m thinking, “Okay, what is this going to be like?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is this going to do to the group dynamic?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are people going to say?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I just felt in my heart that I was being told that it would likely make everyone talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would likely be really awkward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would likely end up with people thinking it was not a good idea to encourage him to talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I felt even stronger I was to call on Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The question we were discussing was from regarding the specific scripture we were talking about, what did it teach us about God? So, he’s standing there and there was a pause and before I even knew what was going on I heard my voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yaba!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of those moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know for a fact I didn’t not willingly say his name, y’all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turns around with those eyes of his and looks at me, drool literally flinging as he turned around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then found myself saying to Yaba, “You have been listening?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walks in front of Scovia and me to the point where we are leaning a bit back because he’s so close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nods yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “So, from what you have heard then, Yaba, what do you think it teaches us about God?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hear the snickers from the rest of the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not even snickers, outright talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart is pumping so fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sits down directly in front of us and looks up at me and says, “God is good.” Lord, help it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My soul. I smiled at him and looked in those eyes of his and assured him that yes, God is indeed good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People laughed, I think almost in amazement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he started saying something else, completely unrelated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t tell, so I’m asking Scovia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell she was hesitant. He asks her name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tells him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she says to me, “Okay, we should continue, he’s going to be a distraction.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every emotion that could washed over me. Every single one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was happening just like I was told. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I politely said, “he’s not a distraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m okay with him doing just this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him purposely”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “you don’t have to worry about him leaving, he’ll stay here”. I said softly, “God told me to ask him.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s keep going.” So, I swallowed the huge knot in my throat and simply said, “Okay, go for it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She starts talking and he is saying something else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s right at our feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stops; people are saying things to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things that I can only assume, but my spirit just felt like it was like they were telling him to be quiet, to stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said again to Scovia, “He’s not disrupting, he’s a part of this group like everyone, it’s okay.” She looks at me and with her sweet spirit says, “I don’t think you understand what I’m saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The group will lose interest if we keep talking to him and don’t keep with the program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can talk to him after we are finished, okay?” I had so much built up in me it was crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything in my Spirit cried, “He IS the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a part of this just like every other person here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They need to see this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus would have talked to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus would have called on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus TOLD ME to! They need to see Jesus’ love for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He can talk. He has an opinion and God can speak to him just the same as He can speak to any one of us!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just looked at her, took a deep breath, knowing that all I was to do was obey what I was told by God and I had, and said, “okay, you continue please”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know her heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wants Yaba to know Jesus as much as I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are truly one in Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, at the moment it’s like there was a block.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t stand it. It was like I could feel the weight of world against me. She continued and Yaba was quiet the rest of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help but ask if I was wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I hear you wrong, God? No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I said would happen, happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a mess on the inside and struggling to keep it together on the outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we finish the group and everyone disperses and Yaba looks up and me and says, “Mommy” and motions for me to come to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MOMMY! I’m only human, y’all. I almost lost it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I come to him and he says something to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, ha...he asks for money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I motioned the sack of bread and said, “Ohhh Yaba, I bought you bread; I’m not giving you money.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just stares at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell him I’m glad he was with us today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stand up and he’s holding my hand just as hard as he does every single time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I help him stand up and he’s mumbling something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I tell him I am leaving and I will see him next week on Friday just like today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People around are laughing and commenting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wouldn’t let go of my hand so I’m smiling and pullllling my hand away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, I’m walking away with Scovia and she says she wants to buy something really quick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, Yaba is soon by my side again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grabs my hand and says, “Sit with me.” And he’s trying to pull me over to a bench.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I go with him and sit down next to him on the bench and I stare in his eyes again and say, “Okay, so you want to talk to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell me what you have to say, friend.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulls out money from his pocket and grabs my hand and sticks in in my palm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at him puzzled and said, “Yaba, this is your money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not for me.” I thought he was trying to pay me back for the bread!!!! I almost died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then, he says, “biscuits.” So, I look at him and ask if he wants to buy biscuits (cookies).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just keeps saying, “Go. Biscuits.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew he couldn’t be hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ate SO MUCH of the bread pieces I got him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was watching him and it’s like he was forcing himself to keep eating them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, then a man comes up and he’s saying something to Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made sure to tell him Yaba wasn’t bothering me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was talking with him purposely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, he talks to Yaba in KuKu and Yaba wanted him to go buy him some biscuits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, then someone says something about how he just ate, etc. and the man lovingly, but also somewhat laughing comes up to him and tells him to save his money and puts his money back in Yaba’s pocket for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yaba starts crying!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just wanted some biscuits!! It kind of took me off guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was agreeing with the man! I looked specifically to see and he had tears in his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the man comes back and he takes his money back out of his pocket and says, “Ok, Yaba. I’ll get you biscuits.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys are all laughing, just because the whole ordeal, mainly because I was sitting there in the midst of it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the guy comes back and hands him the cookies in their wrapper and Yaba hands them to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I opened them for him and handed them back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He takes two of the cookies and takes my hand and puts them in my palm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t even type this without crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just looked at him and said, “You wanted me to have these biscuits didn’t you? Please, you have them. “He looks at me and says, “No. For you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t eat them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got them for me, to give me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was his gift to ME. So, I ate them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thanked him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart was simply overwhelmed. Those were the most precious cookies I’ve ever been given. Then it was time to go and he grabbed my hand and kept saying, “Sit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reassured him I’d be back in one week on Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every Friday. We walked off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had so many thoughts and emotions going on in my body it’s like they all cancelled each other out so I felt almost numb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was quiet the ride back, looking at God’s beauty wondering what in the world God was doing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m CONSTANTLY being reminded that what I am to do is obey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just keep obeying. There are mountains right here where I stay. The main road rides alongside them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reminded me that not only CAN He move mountains, but He DOES move mountains and He WILL move mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just have to trust. Wait. Obey. Watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I do believe this isn’t the end of this story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God fully intends to be made known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am anxiously awaiting this unveiling!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please keep praying. </span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-64220533325474798182011-04-01T01:41:00.001-05:002011-04-01T01:53:19.320-05:00Yaba<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQV1j-_TWq63WxNWPQ3WwqxRoL7rnCZauBgVuizZHATtbVzdHpPb10TBICaK16Br2gZ-aHE738liXXv_cGDxCJn9um7Ehhd61kvjfqsMjQxRO37yno8tLpo6c1PiLUJuGh6gk3SearSia/s1600/IMG_0938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQV1j-_TWq63WxNWPQ3WwqxRoL7rnCZauBgVuizZHATtbVzdHpPb10TBICaK16Br2gZ-aHE738liXXv_cGDxCJn9um7Ehhd61kvjfqsMjQxRO37yno8tLpo6c1PiLUJuGh6gk3SearSia/s320/IMG_0938.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is Yaba. :) I'm am going out to his village today to meet with the group. I have discussed what is on my heart regarding Yaba with a few that I trust and God really has given me some insight and direction. I will share more with you once I meet today, so you can be praying more specifically. Please pray for our meeting today, it has potential to be the beginning of a mountain moved. I trust it will be so!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguknoBhRDHNQldw3ZlSR3g8aEBNvta4TnFU40GNeKKxoW_Si5fNEquMMi-YuCYI55SWOq4nKiY2GFnRojZZa6SWhs9hC19FKj50XygxnHLDpeFMKF5RSLgNUpDd2eaPiqiZBr2sS6GuPaB/s1600/IMG_0939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguknoBhRDHNQldw3ZlSR3g8aEBNvta4TnFU40GNeKKxoW_Si5fNEquMMi-YuCYI55SWOq4nKiY2GFnRojZZa6SWhs9hC19FKj50XygxnHLDpeFMKF5RSLgNUpDd2eaPiqiZBr2sS6GuPaB/s320/IMG_0939.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482731498519894634.post-57474412804137174182011-03-31T03:10:00.001-05:002011-03-31T13:57:59.011-05:00Coke Tops in the MudI've never been much of a writer. Really, it's true. I know, you couldn't tell by the mass amounts of blogging, eh? What I HAVE always been much on is talking. :) Ahh that you can agree on! I enjoy people. I enjoy interacting. I enjoy watching them. All of that and more!<br />
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If you add all of the above together with the fact that I'm half way around the world from those that I usually share all of the lovely and not so lovely thoughts of mine with (verbally), you get me becoming the writer...who writes a lot. <br />
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Please know that I do understand if you are not able to "keep up" with my blogs. It in no way will stop me from keepin' on keepin' on with whatever the Lord allows to flow out these fingers of mine. That being said, I do love knowing that you are able to share in my life with me via words on a screen. It brings me so much joy to share my life with others. I love your responses, comments, and encouragement. It feeds my soul. So, if you feel led, keep 'em coming. :)<br />
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I’ve honestly been putting off writing up this blog, not because I don’t have things to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord knows that is not the case, but because as long as it takes you to read these, it takes me longer to write them up! I’m usually putting them together over a few days and then I have to sit down and take the time to put it all together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days, I just don’t want to spend the energy doing so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After living it, to write it out is almost to live it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days that’s draining. But, it never ceases to amaze me that when I finally do sit down, out flows what you read.<br />
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So, here I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sitting and the words are flowing. I have a few specific things I want to share with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, the IA2 discipleship groups are underway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some groups have met once, some twice now, and a few are just getting up off the ground. I’m honestly here, there, and everywhere when it comes to these groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day I’ll be in the clouds, overjoyed with excitement about how a group went, and some days I’m struggling to maintain a positive attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other days, I experience one right after another!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s life, isn’t it? Regardless of how I feel, God is moving. He is accomplishing much!<br />
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Scovia and I sat down (at her request!!) to “schedule” out the groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think she was beginning to realize how chaotic things were…as I was getting used to it all. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, each village now has their “set” day and I have my “set” schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll just go ahead and admit that even if I know it’s not likely that it will actually follow this plan each week it brings me great joy to have sat down and been intentional about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s to hoping April’s calendar looks far less crazy than this months! (see picture on facebook) <br />
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So, before I get to the specific things I want to mention here’s a rolling list of random mentions:<br />
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I had my first “spill”, but not really, while riding on the motorbike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Damage: scuffed toenail polish on my big toe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pretty awful, eh? <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> I literally praised God for seeing one of the cats being fed some fish the other night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am picking up the language a *bit* more and had someone actually say a few sentences to me the other day and understood it!! (This does NOT mean I can speak that much) My scrapbook with personal letters and pictures, the notes written to me at my going away party, and my cards with scripture on them from both Jenn and Rach are God sends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Literally. This past Saturday was another HARD day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, those hard days…they turn into bright, new mornings. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> I got to enjoy the blessing of taking the Lord’s Supper (their first time) at a new church plant right across the road from me on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wani walked in my room today, sat down on the floor next to me, and stared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, he picked up a beetle like bug, picked it apart, threw it randomly everywhere, and walked out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help but love every second of it. Boys. I had my fingernail polish out to repaint my toes and in walked Angel. She got her tiny 4 year old nails painted and giggled the whole time. Girls. There is a random person that keeps calling my Sudanese cell phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stinks for them when they realize they’ve got a white girl on the other end who doesn’t understand a lick of what they are saying…even if it is English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David Kaya has made the list of funniest people I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The women here need so much love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The feel of the cool air first thing in the morning riding to the office on the motorbike is bliss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lying awake at night under the mosquito net fanning myself is not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not like one bit that some assume because I have white skin that equates to me being able to give them money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess me being white also means I have extra washing soap?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The drunken man who showed up on my door step seemed to think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Funny thing is, I did! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> God knew. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laughter heals, so does crying. I do both often here.<br />
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KuKu stories, anyone?<br />
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Friday night I was headed back across the road to the compound after talking with Mary and I hear my name called out by Peter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, instead I detoured to headed over to the church that’s right there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and William and a few other boys were ‘leveling the church grounds’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hung out with them a bit and played with the kiddos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was getting dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Friday and Saturday nights the disco clubs (dancing and drinking places) BLARE their music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not exaggerating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fall asleep and it’s as if I have a stereo booming in my room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, it’s getting dark and I was about to head home and we all look and there is this tiny man stumbling and dancing his way down the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all start laughing and tell me he is drunk and is dancing to the music. He mumbles something and they tell me he’s saying he likes the song that’s on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, the song stops and changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stops, stands there, looks so disappointed, turns to us and starts talking. I’m told he’s saying he’s upset because they stopped playing his song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They start talking to him and I’m thinking, here we go (yet again I hear the all familiar voice saying…be prepared in and out of season..at all times…yes, even when you rather be on your way home)…He starts walking towards us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was such a sweet older man, John. He brings up Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shares that he has a hard time seeing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shares that he is going to stop drinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He says he is a believer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just listen and keep encouraging him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked if I could pray for him right then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I pray for his sight, I pray for the ability to give up drinking, I pray for God’s provision in His life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got done and he said he was going to come to church on Sunday and stop drinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to know if he would see me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I told him, yes, I would go to this church and expect to see him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was skeptical, y’all. Many say this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I truly had hoped and prayed he would follow though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to church a little late (imagine that!) on Sunday and as you know which church you sneak in and find a seat, not really paying attention to those around you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked in and we were praying so I was praying and asking the Lord to please bring John, please lead him to church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I open my eyes and he was sitting right in front of me!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I squeezed his shoulder and he gave me the sweetest smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He meant it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to find out after church that William had seen him on Saturday evening and John made sure to tell him that he hadn’t drank at all that day and was still coming on Sunday!!! He was fully sober on Sunday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please pray for John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please pray that through God’s grace he will continue to be sober and continue to seek the Lord!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just can’t get the picture out of my head of him dancing down the road, literally stopping in his tracks, turning the other direction, and walking towards us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see it?? Do you see the spiritual significance of that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repentance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, I pray that is truly manifested in his life each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray it’s manifested in my life each day!! <br />
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So, do you ever find out about something the Lord has accomplished totally out of your scope of sight and then you are reminded that 1. Where was your faith? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2. God is simply amazing! That was the case for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was informed yesterday of something that is just huge, y’all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ahh! I’m just so excited about it. So remember the other day I shared with you about the first really hard day I had? I was struggling so bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, that day, in the mix of the scheduling I ended up meeting with 3 people later than planned, but the meeting went well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God opened up doors for some serious Truth to be shared regarding one of the man’s struggles with feeling guilty and not good enough to turn back to God after marrying a second wife knowing it wasn’t God’s will. WELL, there was another man there in the building that wasn’t a part of the group, but listened to everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turns out his story is almost exactly the same of the man who shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took all of the truth and scripture shared and applied it to his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then went back to his village, talked to a few people about how hard it is having to travel so far to a church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, they decided to start their own!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a pastor there who has left a certain denomination and they elected him to be their pastor and about 4 or 5 of them have started a Baptist church! THIS IS HUGE!! There I was struggling, just being there but not “fully” there, if you know what I mean, and God was accomplishing far greater things that I could have ever imagined!! Truly, it is not me accomplishing anything, but Him alone!! David reminded me the other night that our job is to preach the Word..share the truth…EVERYTHING else is God’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am to open my mouth and from that God does miracles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MIRACLES. <br />
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I was also humbled beyond words yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That same day, with that same group…there was potential for TONS of people to show up from Wudu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, like I just said, 3 did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 of those TONS were the women I had personally met with in their shop. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mentioned this in a previous blog as well. Monica was one of the ladies. Anyways, they didn’t come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so hoping to see them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, she comes into the office yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sits down with Scovia and me and in the most sincere way possible apologizes for not coming. She shared how she was not going to make excuses, that she had to go to a place far away and knew she wouldn’t make it back with the bad weather (it rained hard all that morning).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said that she communicated to the other ladies to go on without her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said when she got back and realized that NONE of them had come she felt so bad and it pained her to know they had given their word and not come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kept apologizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost broke down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so humbled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been frustrated people didn’t come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And here, in front of me, I have this woman who God was using to remind me that THIS IS LIFE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things happen….and that people, even here, CAN feel bad for not following through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want her to feel bad, of course, and I told her I forgave her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no need to keep apologizing, that I understood and thanked her for being honest and taking her time to come to apologize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It encouraged me more than she will ever know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think God knew that I needed the confirmation that there were people who intended to follow through with their word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are people that genuinely feel bad for not doing so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed to hear it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is it is hard pouring out and being told time and time again that they will come, and then don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just love how God knows when and how I need things….all so I can continue on in doing His work. <br />
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I went out to Kiri market on Friday as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were to have our very first group meeting! After sitting for an hour waiting for people to show, we had our meeting and it went really well!! The group meeting though isn’t specifically what I want to share about today though…I want to tell you about Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My very first time out to Kiri I met Yaba, although I didn’t know his name then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may or may not have mentioned him. It wasn’t hard to notice him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had finished up and were standing around our motorbike saying bye to people and I saw him amongst the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, the next thing I know he came up to me, grabbed my hand, and started saying something to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hard to understand him; not because of the language but because his speech isn’t well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell that Yaba had special needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, as he kept squeezing my hand harder, and harder, I picked up that he was telling me to give him money! He was very set on this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were other boys laughing in the background and I just kept saying, “I don’t have money. Please let go.” He was insistent on both asking for money and ensuring I wasn’t going anywhere by his grip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ya know, my first instinct was to be a little anxious, simply because I had no idea what was about to happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know if he was violent, and by the grip he had on my hand and wrist, I wondered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, looking into his face, I knew there was nothing to be scared of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I pulled my hand away and said so sorry, and got on the bike and off we went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked Scovia about him, and she said he always asks for money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t know much else about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed for him, and couldn’t seem to get him out of my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we go back to Kiri this past Friday and upon pulling up there’s Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we were waiting for people to show up I found myself watching Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know that he had noticed me, or he would have been over by my side right then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s almost as if he wasn’t a part of everything, but watching, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was in his own world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel my heart breaking right there, watching him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was filthy, drool pouring out of his mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had sweat pants on, the bottom of them covering over his feet so he stepped on his pants when he walked, pulling them down; so he would have to pull them up in the midst of his gate, sometimes after they had already fallen past his rear. I watched him wonder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched it all, asking the Lord what His will was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I have a role in Yaba’s life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few people for the group showed up and came over and he noticed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came walking over and immediately they started telling him to go, in their own language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kept coming and they got a switch and literally ran him off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ran, the only way he knew how, making a very loud crying/screaming noise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost couldn’t stand it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord, is that a reaction? Is he really that upset? You created him, you know him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know what he is and isn’t capable of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord, I want Him to know you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is this going to happen? Is it even what you want of me? So, for a little while he stayed at a distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, as someone was sharing their story, he made his way around a different way to where I knew he was about to be right behind me. One of the ladies noticed, and the same happened again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one else made much of it at all, but I’m telling you, it was hard on me. He was literally run off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, please don’t get from this that I think what they are doing is necessarily wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is their culture. That is something that I just have to accept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, there was more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was just something else tugging at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yaba came for the third time, and I saw him coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I whispered to the lady that he could stay and sit and listen if he would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe he was supposed to hear what we were talking about! Maybe that’s how God wanted to reach him! So, he came and she motioned for him to sit…and he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat there quietly for the rest of the time on the muddy ground about 6 feet or so from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My translator was sharing his story and it was all in KuKu so I was able to just pray for Yaba as I was watching him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He played in the mud, digging up the coke tops with his fingers that had been mushed into the mud…one…by….one…He looked up and me and we just stared at each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no idea what he can or can’t understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no idea if he took anything away from what he heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I do believe that with Jesus anything is possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I hope that he took away far greater than I could ever imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finished and everyone got up to say goodbye and such.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took the groups picture and then I asked the lady next to me what his name was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t even know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I ask the other lady and that’s why she told me his name was Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked her where he lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told me he sleeps wherever he can, he has no home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I ask well, who takes care of him??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does he eat? He eats whatever he can find. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all clicked. He wants money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants money for food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So he can survive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a mess just sitting here typing this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His grip on my hand wasn’t one meant to harm, but of desperation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all he knows to do, beg. Survive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw him making his way towards me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was obvious the group members were trying to prevent him from coming straight up to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kept saying something over and over. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were walking to leave, and I stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked my translator what he was saying to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, he listened and said, “He wants his picture taken, too.” So, I told him that I could do!! I couldn’t give me a copy, as most ask, but I could take it and show him. I asked if that would be wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, my translator said sure!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I hold up my camera and I’m telling you the biggest smile came across Yaba’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Huge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It blessed me so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was SO EXCITED to have his picture taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took two and showed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was giddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was what he wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t do a whole lot, but I CAN take his picture. <br />
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The ride home I had so many things floating through my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many scriptures.<br />
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James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">orphans and widows in their distress</b> and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”<br />
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Proverbs 19:17 “He who is kind to the poor <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">lends to the Lord</b>, and he will reward him for what he has done.”<br />
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Proverbs 31:20 “She <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">opens her arms</b> to the poor and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">extends her hands</b> to the needy.”<br />
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Psalm 139: 13-16 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I praise you because I am <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">fearfully and wonderfully made</b>; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” <br />
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I got back and shared this with Scovia and she looked at me and said, “Jessica, he is a true beggar. He has nothing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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I find comfort in the Truth of God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rest in His promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the only way I can truly be at peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus loves Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For all I know, Yaba may know that Jesus loves him! Will you please join me in prayer for him? Pray also for me, that I will be open to obeying WHATEVER Jesus tells me to do regarding Yaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will go back to Kiri every Friday, so I have no doubt I will also see Yaba every Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, for the grace to hear and then do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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Also, a couple other prayer requests: Blessing, a sweet young lady in the vocational school group has Typhoid, Jacqueline, another young lady in the same group had to go to the doctor because of chest pains, and Ayama, one of the young boys here at the compound stayed home yesterday from school because he was having bad headaches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he has malaria. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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Thank you for standing with me.<br />
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JessJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02096163371653989527noreply@blogger.com0