Oh goodness, so much has been happening since my last post even though it's only been six days. But six days is a long time here because our days are packed full of good stuff. My memory is scattered so I'm trying to summarize the days as best as I can, but forgive my lack of detail on some things.
Thursday we spent the morning at the guest house doing devotional and worship. Then in the afternoon we went sharing downtown. That's really all I remember.
Friday morning was spent sharing downtown. I went with Chase and Caleb, my translator. We spoke with a few different people and it was an interesting day. One person we talked with was a follow-up from a couple days before. Caleb was so thankful to see him because our first conversation hadn't been the most encouraging, and the fact that he showed up just brought him joy. We had a good talk with him and then afterward we had a really interesting chat with a DVD vendor. It was hard because he would not really listen to what he had to say unless the Bible we used stated that Mary was above God, which it obviously doesn't. Caleb and him talked for a long time in Amharic and then we said goodbye, giving him a KGP (Knowing God Personally) booklet to read over. While he smiled at us and ripped it up as he walked down the street, we are not discouraged for we did our part in trying to share the Gospel with him. This is one of the biggest things I've been learning: it is not our responsibility to change their hearts but the share the Gospel with them. They may accept then, or they may accept later, but either way the seed is planted and the Holy Spirit will water and grow it in the Lord's timing, not mine.
In the afternoon we got to go experience the market. It was SO. MUCH. FUN. The colors were fantastic and we met a couple locals who helped us chat with the vendors and also helped us negotiate so we weren't getting (too) swindled. We also had them convince a donkey-cart driver to let us get on to take pictures. We quickly drew a crowd of about 50. Kind of insane. I loved the colors of the market and getting to experience the way the people live and interact. Can't wait to share pictures from this day.
Saturday we planned to go to Gondor but because of sickness we changed plans and went to the Monastaries. We went by boat on Lake Tana and went to two different islands. It was cool to see the history but I've never been big into stuff like that.
The afternoon we spent resting because many of us were sick and/or tired. Chase, Jessica, and I stacked our hammocks on the front porch and read and napped. It was awesome.
Sunday we started the day playing soccer with the locals. Then we had the opportunity to go to the local Protestant church that many of the Great Commission staff attend. Though we couldn't understand what they were saying, it was amazing to see the passion the people had and it was very clear that truth was being spoken. Dires, who's on the national staff, also translated the sermon for us onto notes and we passed them during the sermon.
In the afternoon we went sharing. I was with Luke and we had Caleb and David translating for us. We met with two men we had met in the market on Friday. I had another opportunity to trust in God's greater plan because the guy that Caleb and I talked to told us that we upset him and then promptly ordered a beer. Being with Caleb every day has been such a blessing. He is so compassionate and feels so upset when people don't accept, but it gives me the opportunity to encourage him, which also encourages me. I reminded him that the Gospel is offensive and that we were sharing truth. It is not up to us if he accepts, isn't sure, or gets upset. In the evening we shared what had happened during sharing.
Yesterday we went and saw a town called Gondor, one of the few tourist-y things that we have done. Had the best meal that I've had since we've been here and after lunch we went and saw the castle ruins. The ruins were so much fun-we chose not to have a tour guide so we went around taking goofy pictures and climbing until they told us to stop climbing. But we still had so much fun. In the evening we spent time focusing on Psalm 51 and then singing songs.
Today we spent all day doing ministry and it was a great day. In the morning I was with Luke and Caleb was our translator, then in the afternoon we also had David join us as a second trasnlator. We go to talk to eight or nine people, and were able to share the Gospel with all of them. Of those 8/9 we have 4 follow-ups on Thursday to allow them time to think, pray, and develop questions that, Lord-willing, we will be able to answer on Thursday. But it was a great opportunity, yet again, to continue to grow in my ability to share and to continue to trust in what the Lord is doing and how He's using me.
A few of my favorite things here have been playing soccer with locals Thursday, Sunday, and this morning before breakfast and ministry. They are all so nice and it's fun to be able to get out and run around.
Another favorite thing is the translators. Most of them are 16-18, and it is so incredible to see them share their faith (whether or not we can understand them) and be able to encourage them and develop friendships with them. I have been with Caleb every single day and I absolutely adore the kid. I'll post pictures later.
K, so we have to go. But that's the update. I'll try not to wait so long next time because (1) I forget things and (2) the posts get crazy long.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
First Day of Ministry
After getting dinner in town last night we all went back to the guest house and shared stories from the prayer walk. It was cool to hear the stories of the other group and hear how quickly some prayers are answered. One cool story is that Audra, Chase, Jessica, and Keith were trying to find Taylor and Amanda, who had wandered off. Audra and Chase went one way and Jessica and Keith another. While split, Audra and Chase were praying that people would approach and ask spiritual questions. Audra, our leader who was on this trip last year, said that happened often because the Ethiopians tend to assume that white people here are missionaries. While Audra and Chase were praying, Jessica and Keith were approached by a man who asked them if they read the Bible and if they could read it with him. They were able to get his contact info and hopefully will get the chance to meet with him soon. And that's just one story. Though our intention yesterday afternoon wasn't explicitly sharing, it still happened. It's hard to have "off time" because being white is so weird and draws so much attention.
One other cool story is that at dinner last night, the electricity went out at the restaurant (it's rainy season, and it's also been stormy rain which I love). Some of our guys had pocket flashlights so we put those on our table and then were putting soda bottles on top to make the lights fun colors. A man at another table gave one of our guys a note that said that our creativity and joy brought light to the place, along with his name and phone number. The Lord is already at work here, doing more than we could ever hope to do on our own.
Today was our first time going out with our translators and getting to talk to people. I was paired with two others from our team, Dustyn and Breana, and our translator was a 16-year old boy, Caleb. It is so incredible to get to share with the translators because, even though many of them are young, they are so passionate and sometimes will just run with talking to the person. It truly illustrates how when people are being saved it is not by our own doing.
Acts 17:22-31
One other cool story is that at dinner last night, the electricity went out at the restaurant (it's rainy season, and it's also been stormy rain which I love). Some of our guys had pocket flashlights so we put those on our table and then were putting soda bottles on top to make the lights fun colors. A man at another table gave one of our guys a note that said that our creativity and joy brought light to the place, along with his name and phone number. The Lord is already at work here, doing more than we could ever hope to do on our own.
Today was our first time going out with our translators and getting to talk to people. I was paired with two others from our team, Dustyn and Breana, and our translator was a 16-year old boy, Caleb. It is so incredible to get to share with the translators because, even though many of them are young, they are so passionate and sometimes will just run with talking to the person. It truly illustrates how when people are being saved it is not by our own doing.
Acts 17:22-31
7/11/2011
We made it to Bahar Dar last night. Our flight was delayed about two hours, but everyone keeps joking about "Ethiopian time" which basically means it's unreliable and prone to being late. But we were able to play cards and just hang out at the airport while we waited so it was perfectly fine. The 45 minute flight from Addis Ababa to Bahar Dar was nothing compared to our previous two flights.
The guest house we're staying in is surprisingly nice. Really, the only thing that's missing is heated water for showers. But we have a toilet and electricity so we can charge things. One interesting thing is that you don't flush toilet paper here, but throw it in the trash can kept by the toilet. And there's not always TP. But that's why we're thankful for pocket packs of tissue.
We'll be here until the 22 and then we fly back to Addis, I believe, to help with a conference or something. But while we're here our days will consist of quiet time, breakfast, worship, group Bible study, lunch, and then going out in the city to meet with and share with people. We did a prayer walk today around the city and it's nuts how people will come up and start talking or walking with us. We had three cute little boys walk with us the whole hour we were walking. Then we'll usually go out for dinner and then back to our guest house to hang out until the next morning.
Seems like meeting people should be easy. I guess we spend the first couple days meeting people and then start making appointments to sit and talk with them because talking on the street attracts a crowd.
The guest house we're staying in is surprisingly nice. Really, the only thing that's missing is heated water for showers. But we have a toilet and electricity so we can charge things. One interesting thing is that you don't flush toilet paper here, but throw it in the trash can kept by the toilet. And there's not always TP. But that's why we're thankful for pocket packs of tissue.
We'll be here until the 22 and then we fly back to Addis, I believe, to help with a conference or something. But while we're here our days will consist of quiet time, breakfast, worship, group Bible study, lunch, and then going out in the city to meet with and share with people. We did a prayer walk today around the city and it's nuts how people will come up and start talking or walking with us. We had three cute little boys walk with us the whole hour we were walking. Then we'll usually go out for dinner and then back to our guest house to hang out until the next morning.
Seems like meeting people should be easy. I guess we spend the first couple days meeting people and then start making appointments to sit and talk with them because talking on the street attracts a crowd.
Friday, July 8, 2011
In Ethiopia
I am writing this from our hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia! Thankfully this hotel has wi-fi so I'm writing this on my phone in my room. How cool!
Currently we are in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. We had an evening and a mornin of training with Crusade staff in Dallas before heading to the airport, heading for Frankfurt. The time was well spent in preparing our hearts for the trips and getting to share how the Lord had called us and shown us His call to be on this team.
The flight to Frankfurt was just over nine hours and I barely slept (as in less than thirty minutes). But I did get to see a beautiful sunrise over the ocean and snap a few photos from my window seat. Had a bit of a layover in Frankfurt, spent playing cards and practicing German. Then we flew a bit over six hours to where we are now.
We'll be here through Sunday at latest before heading to our final, and main, destination.
We got in fairly late tonight si the city was pretty dark and we couldn't scope that much out. But one of the first things I noticed in stepping off the plain is the distinct smell the air has here. It's partially of burning but is mixed with other things depending on what you're passing, but most often it's some good-smelling food. Just had a late dinner in the hotel and are about to hit the hay for some much-needed rest.
Please pray for my team and I, that we would be growing together and deepening our relationships with one another and the Lord. Pray for servant hearts; that we would joyfully do that which the national staff that works here full-time asks us to do to enhance and bolster their mission and ministry instead of having our own agendas. and finally please pray for boldness and wisdom, that we would be bold with our words but use them in an encouraging and loving way, instead of attacking and accusing those with different beliefs and each other if something goes wrong.
I'll update as I can but won't guarantee the frequency. I'm so thankful to be here and looking forward to being here setting in. Can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us and the people we get the blessing of meeting.
Currently we are in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. We had an evening and a mornin of training with Crusade staff in Dallas before heading to the airport, heading for Frankfurt. The time was well spent in preparing our hearts for the trips and getting to share how the Lord had called us and shown us His call to be on this team.
The flight to Frankfurt was just over nine hours and I barely slept (as in less than thirty minutes). But I did get to see a beautiful sunrise over the ocean and snap a few photos from my window seat. Had a bit of a layover in Frankfurt, spent playing cards and practicing German. Then we flew a bit over six hours to where we are now.
We'll be here through Sunday at latest before heading to our final, and main, destination.
We got in fairly late tonight si the city was pretty dark and we couldn't scope that much out. But one of the first things I noticed in stepping off the plain is the distinct smell the air has here. It's partially of burning but is mixed with other things depending on what you're passing, but most often it's some good-smelling food. Just had a late dinner in the hotel and are about to hit the hay for some much-needed rest.
Please pray for my team and I, that we would be growing together and deepening our relationships with one another and the Lord. Pray for servant hearts; that we would joyfully do that which the national staff that works here full-time asks us to do to enhance and bolster their mission and ministry instead of having our own agendas. and finally please pray for boldness and wisdom, that we would be bold with our words but use them in an encouraging and loving way, instead of attacking and accusing those with different beliefs and each other if something goes wrong.
I'll update as I can but won't guarantee the frequency. I'm so thankful to be here and looking forward to being here setting in. Can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us and the people we get the blessing of meeting.
Friday, June 17, 2011
18
18 days. That is how long I have until we leave. This fact is surprising (how did summer get here so quickly and where is it going?) and exciting. I haven't spent too much time getting excited because I've been so busy with other things. I left school the week before finals to go raft the Grand Canyon for 16 days with my sister and some of her friends
and currently I'm doing my two weeks of active training with my Army National Guard unit. We haven't been doing anything too intense, typically we play concerts in small Kansas towns. We played in Auguast, KS the other night which was fun because we lived in Augusta when I was 3-7. My parents came down and brought many of their old friends to the concert and I got to chat with them after the concert. I remembered about half of them, but it was still fun to get to reconnect. I love small towns and hope that I might get to live in a small southern town when I finally grow up (which, let's be real, may never actually happen).
I'm still a few hundred dollars behind my final support goal, but I'm not worried because I've already seen the Lord do some AMAZING things in regard to support. First and foremost getting support from friends and family of my friends, aka strangers. These sweet people have provided around $500 of my support, as well as sent back sweet notes of encouragement and prayer.
Well, that's all for my brief update. We head to Dallas July 6 for a quick briefing and then fly out July 7!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Humbly, Lovingly, Willingly, Knowingly
I mean, as of today I need $975. The Lord has just been so faithful and I can't even begin the comprehend how much He's blessed me. Yet His blessing covers more this oh-so tangible way.
At church on Maundy Thursday, our pastor talked about some of the different ways Jesus loves us: knowingly, willingly, humbly, lovingly. I wish I had saved the bulletin from this service so I could pair the scripture with the different adjective for his love. The one that stuck the most, however, was the willingly.
Mark 14: 41-43
And he came the third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand."
And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and scribes and the elders.
While I'm fairly certain this isn't the same passage Bill read, it illustrates well to me the willingness of Jesus to offer himself up. He knew that his pursuers were approaching in the garden; yet instead of fleeing he offered himself up willingly. Even one of his disciples, Simon Peter, lops off the ear of one of those arresting Jesus. Jesus, however, heals the ear and goes willingly with his captors, saying, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?" (John 18: 11)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Acts 20:34-35
About three weeks ago I had sent out my 100th support letter. It's been amazing to see the way God has been providing. I wrote the first thank-you letters today since probably two weeks ago. I haven't really been making time for it SLASH I only had one thank you card left and needed to get more. Amazing that the Lord had already blessed me with getting to write 23 thank-yous. Today I reached 30; the best part is seeing the people that God uses to provide. I've gotten support from complete strangers, people I'd met only once, new friends, people I had the pleasure of going on project with last summer, those I worked with last summer, my friends' parents, family friends, family, and on and on. I just love that He's pulling all sorts of strings to provide for this trip.
I was looking on the project website today, and realized that I'm currently a month ahead of support goals! What a big relief and a blessing; just wanted to share that quick update.
Currently there are six states I have yet to send a letter to:
- Delaware
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- South Carolina
I'm thinking if by the time I get back from the Grand Canyon I haven't gotten addresses I'm going to send random people letters.
Acts 20: 34-35 has been my sign-off verse for thank yous, especially for those who have partnered with me in the past; just a reminder of faithfulness and providence.
You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
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