Ministry Update
A big blog for a big update! Here is a quick recap since my last blog in November! RECAP S-Squad finished our long year on the field late November; w...
A big blog for a big update! Here is a quick recap since my last blog in November!
RECAP
S-Squad finished our long year on the field late November; we all returned home just before Thanksgiving, and I enjoyed a quick six weeks at home resting and preparing for my second trip with the World Race! This past spring, I spent four months in South Africa and Eswatini. My first expedition year was really challenging. We had a tough time physically, and relationally as a squad. I carried a lot of fear into squad leading in January. I remember both the week of squad leader training, and training camp being flooded by fear. Even on the plane to Johannesburg, right up until we arrived at our ministry. But as soon as we landed, and we met our new hosts, it was gone.
Our squad partnered with Impact Africa, an incredible organization that blessed us, and poured into our group in countless ways. My spring squad was seven girls, and I was the only squad leader for the group. Naturally, the time is so marked by the Lord's partnership at every step. Even the first week I carried such a conviction for my team, and cried out to the Lord because I wasn’t sure how to approach the blindspot, how to shepherd the girls back into alignment with the Lord’s heart for them. Then at every turn a staff member or intern at Impact was addressing it without me having to say a single word. The Lord so tangibly showed me week one that I was in no way alone. That though He definitely wanted me squad leading, He didn't really need me. But He blessed me by utilizing me. The whole spring was blessing after blessing. The Lord pouring His heart out for me day after day. Isn't that so true of Him? What a crazy blessing. I get a front row seat to His kingdom work. Yet I so easily forget. I so easily forget how endlessly He pours out HIs affections for me. Aren’t His plans always better?
Our ministry in South Africa was daily evangelism in the informal settlements around Johannesburg. After 6 weeks and a small debrief, we moved to Eswatini, where our ministry shifted into days at a care point in Mafutseni, close to our home in Manzini. We cared for, loved on, taught, fed, and discipled children from the community, many who were orphans, or abandoned by their parents. After a beautiful season with my semester I Squad, I returned home for about four weeks.
NOW
This summer I was at the Adventures in Missions base, in a new program called LDV (Leadership Development Training). I was among 17 young adults (plus a few tuning in online) attending class and digging into community for six weeks this summer with the intention to either Squad Lead or Field Mentor this fall! I will be field mentoring a three-month semester squad, heading back to South Africa, Eswatini, and Rwanda from August to November. Then after another short few weeks back home, I will be Field Mentoring another squad from January to May.
HOME & BEYOND
One of the hardest parts of reentry has been my relationships back home. It is hard to articulate why and what exactly I am doing. My life right now does not look like the traditional American young adult’s vision for college, marriage, career, and retirement. Additionally, it’s hard to explain both how incredible this past year and a half has been, and how crushing. Often social media depicts the sweetest moments, and neglects the heartbreak. Even the quick conversations I get to have in person are not enough to really portray where I am at. The hardest conversations end in ‘Well, I am so glad you are doing this while you are young’, or ‘Wow, I could never do that’, or a similar response. Truthfully though, those responses come from the people who are enabling this work. My close friends and church family members who are both financially and relationally supporting me. I think of Paul’s writing in Philippians 4, when he praises the church for their part in his ministry. It’s the same today. Though I am physically on the field, it is not just my reward to reap. When you back home are praying for me, interceding for my team, when you receive me with open arms and encouragement when I come home, when you financially give as I go out time and time again, you gain part in the inheritance of the kingdom’s work. The salvations are yours to celebrate, the freedom is yours to celebrate, the daily victories, they are all yours to celebrate. And as Paul writes, they are all credited to your account. I go, but you make it possible.
So while we are here, I do want to take the opportunity to communicate some logistical needs. For the next year, I am so blessed to be fully funded by AIM when it comes to the trip’s basic expense. But for costs such as travel to and from home, gear replacements, food, and other daily expenses, I am still in need of financial support. As I move into a long-term vision, I am looking for monthly supporters. I would be so blessed if you would prayerfully consider partnering with me in God’s work in this season. Click the link below to support!
