South Africa, Here I Come!

Decision Time

The last few months have been a little crazy to say the least. Between packing up to leave, online classes, ministry, church events and spending the little amount of precious time we had left with dear friends, we also had to think about and pray through where to go next. This decision was a weighty one for sure. How could we chose a different country to spend the last year of our internship after our hearts were already captured by the place we chose in the beginning, the place that stole our hearts over a year ago… But God consistently brought me back to what He did in my life through our time in South Korea. We were never prepared for that change. We had no idea it was coming. We knew practically nothing about South Korea, we just knew that that was where God was taking us. Through our time there, God showed me how the unexpected can become one of the biggest blessings of all. I look back on that time with thankfulness that even through all the heartache and change, God had a perfect plan. He never ceased to prove his faithfulness. 

As we talked through different options, prayed, and sought counsel, our desire was that we would put all selfish motives aside and trust God with wherever He was leading us. After looking into several different English speaking countries (so that we would not have to learn another language halfway through our internship), speaking with different missionaries and WOL leaders, talking it over with Heather, my ministry partner, and seeking God’s direction, we finally landed on South Africa!

The Back Story

What most of you don’t know is that before I even went to Thailand or knew of the need there, I had been considering South Africa for my internship. Though I didn’t know much about it, I loved the idea of the ministries I could be a part of there and was really interested in serving there. Obviously, God had a different plan for me at that time when he led me to Thailand. I don’t doubt for a second that that’s where He wanted me for that time and I am so thankful for the time I had both there and in South Korea. However, I also don’t think that it is a coincidence that I will be headed to the place that originally sparked my interest to serve for the next year. It’s amazing how God works things out that way. Though this has been another unexpected bump in the road, I know that God will prove Himself faithful yet again just like He did when he led us to Korea. He never makes mistakes. 

Ministry in South Africa

I am so excited that God has given us the privilege of being a part of so many different kinds of ministries in these two years of this internship. Each place has given us different and unique ministry opportunities and I am so thankful for each one. While in South Africa, we will have the opportunity to be a part of lots of different ministries! Word of Life South Africa runs a Discipleship Training Center, similar to a Bible Institute, where students receive Bible training, ministry experience, and personal discipleship. Heather and I will be living with the students and will have the awesome opportunity to help disciple them and minister alongside them! In addition, we will be ministering to youth and kids through Bible clubs, outreaches, and camps. Most of these ministries are different from the ministries we’ve been a part of so far. I can’t wait to be a part of these student’s lives and influence them for Christ. With so much to do and such a small staff, the missionaries there really look forward to having some extra hands and we are so excited to be a part of their team.

About South Africa

Here are some facts about South Africa. It has a population of about 54 million. About 16% of the population claims to be Christian while about 8% are Catholic. Many South Africans consider themselves traditionalists and are strongly influenced by ancestral spiritism and beliefs in the supernatural. Approximately 57% of the population lives in poverty and many grow up with turbulent home lives.

I can’t wait to be a part of what God is doing in South Africa and humbled that God would ever chose to use me, a wicked sinner, to be a part of His plan to take the Gospel to the farthest reaches of the earth. But that’s the beauty of the grace; the grace that has changed my life and I know will change the lives of youth in South Africa. As I mentioned before, from the beginning of this internship, it has been my prayer that God would take me where my trust is without borders...not for a second has He ceased to answer that prayer. I am constantly being challenged to trust Him no matter what my situation and no matter where he takes me. I can't wait to begin on this new journey in South Africa. Let the adventure begin!
 

Comments

  1. Chris BernerNovember 21, 2014 at 10:12 PM

    Awesome! So exciting to see what God is doing in and through your life!

    ReplyDelete

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