Internet time here is quite difficult to come by so again I apologize for the delay for those following. These past couple of weeks have been very challenging and exhausting as we use these last couple of weeks to share the gospel of God's grace and getting students connected to the body here in SA. We have been going hard and have seen God doing work, and spark the interest in many more students to go to the Winter Camp. 8 guys through Darrius and I are coming to the camp, plus we are still awaiting replies for several guys. Praying that God would bring them, save them, and create a desire to worship and labor for King Jesus!
As of now, we have only two days left on campus. How fast the time has gone. Today, we had the privilege to serve a mercy ministry by cooking a meal for the street kids in JoBurg and playing soccer with them. We have seen these guys on several different occasions, and have been able to buy them meals, give them clothes and share the gospel with them, and today was extra special to get them away from the streets and see that they are NOT just beggars, but people with souls. It created more compassion in my heart for the poor and most definitely the lost. Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did for me." Matt. 25:40. They rarely are cared for, and live a life that I may never relate to, so we just wanted them to feel loved, and tell them that God loves them more than they can imagine!
So this is my last post! I will not have time again while here in SA. We have many things planned for this next week and a half: Lion Park, the Winter Camp, a Safari and the packing up and heading home! I cannot wait to share about the experience in a little more detail once back. Until then, please continue praying for people to come to the camp, for salvations, and a movement to sweep across SA that drifts up to the northern regions of Africa, into the unreached places throughout the world. Pray for the Nations! God is on a global mission (Matt. 24:14) and His faithfulness will be made known!
Grace and Peace. Much love!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Indescribable Weeks
Hey hey hey!!!
Sorry for the delay in updating. I have not had the opportunity until now. It has been amazing these last couple of weeks. Many, many things have happened, and honestly, I do not even know where to begin...
So last week my ministry partner, Darrius, and I were trusting God to blow our minds with His faithfulness! We asked expectantly that God would save 2 men. To make a long, encouraging story somewhat short, God is faithful! On Monday, we went on to campus with a fire to share the gospel, and we met a Med student named Steve Mashada. By the end of the conversation Steve had left ready to ask God for a new life! The next day, Tuesday, Darrius and I were sharing with another guy, Dineo, and while we were talking with him, Steve came to us with a Gospel-challenging video he had watched after our conversation Monday, and that video had hit the heart of Dineo. Again, by the end of the conversation with Dineo, he was ready to receive Christ! It was incredible to see how God changed one guy, and immediately used him to help reach another guy. A few other stories that have encouraged my MP, Darrius, and I, is seeing God continually stirring in the hearts of men. We are helping host a Winter Camp on July 5-7th, that students can come have a good time, fellowship, and hear the gospel further! This camp is a prime opportunity for students to evaluate their lives. Already, many guys have committed to come! We're really excited to see God penetrate deeply in these student's hearts, trusting the Lord to move greatly.
Here are some specific prayer requests:
1. That God would allow Darrius and I enjoy God more and to rely on His strength as we go out this coming week! 2. Pray that 4 men will be saved this week. 3. Also, that Obama, Bandile, Spa, Dineo, Kgomotos, Sacumzi, Scotty, Aubrey, Titus, Kage, Lindo, and Wade would come to our Winter Camp.
This is all to the glory of God!
Grace and Peace.
Sorry for the delay in updating. I have not had the opportunity until now. It has been amazing these last couple of weeks. Many, many things have happened, and honestly, I do not even know where to begin...
So last week my ministry partner, Darrius, and I were trusting God to blow our minds with His faithfulness! We asked expectantly that God would save 2 men. To make a long, encouraging story somewhat short, God is faithful! On Monday, we went on to campus with a fire to share the gospel, and we met a Med student named Steve Mashada. By the end of the conversation Steve had left ready to ask God for a new life! The next day, Tuesday, Darrius and I were sharing with another guy, Dineo, and while we were talking with him, Steve came to us with a Gospel-challenging video he had watched after our conversation Monday, and that video had hit the heart of Dineo. Again, by the end of the conversation with Dineo, he was ready to receive Christ! It was incredible to see how God changed one guy, and immediately used him to help reach another guy. A few other stories that have encouraged my MP, Darrius, and I, is seeing God continually stirring in the hearts of men. We are helping host a Winter Camp on July 5-7th, that students can come have a good time, fellowship, and hear the gospel further! This camp is a prime opportunity for students to evaluate their lives. Already, many guys have committed to come! We're really excited to see God penetrate deeply in these student's hearts, trusting the Lord to move greatly.
Here are some specific prayer requests:
1. That God would allow Darrius and I enjoy God more and to rely on His strength as we go out this coming week! 2. Pray that 4 men will be saved this week. 3. Also, that Obama, Bandile, Spa, Dineo, Kgomotos, Sacumzi, Scotty, Aubrey, Titus, Kage, Lindo, and Wade would come to our Winter Camp.
This is all to the glory of God!
Grace and Peace.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
The Lord is Gracious
"The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." - Psalm 145:8
Continuing to serve and labor here in South Africa has been awesome to see more of the great God and King! Our training sessions have been so rich with truth which has strongly encouraged me to give my life away to the people here. As I believe the gospel and experience God's grace further, it fires me up to GO!!! The fact that Jesus Christ humbled himself, even though He was God in the flesh; died for me, the worst of sinners; and resurrected, declaring victory over both sin and death; Jesus has already granted me more than I deserve and could ever imagine! It frees me up completely and to view laboring as truly a privilege, allowing me to walk away from campus worshiping God for who He is regardless of the ministry impact.
I've been experiencing God's grace on others and faithfulness to His people. Seeing God answer specific prayer requests has greatly increased my faith! Many guys have shown interest in God after sharing the gospel with them, and seem to begin seeing their need for Him. Please join in praying that these seeds that have been planted in these men will fall on good soil (as Mark 4:20 says), and that they may be saved by the blood of Christ. Please pray that the gospel would penetrate the hearts of these men this week: Sizwe, Bandile, Kage, Sakumsi, Dineo, Obama and Dominic. These men have all heard the good news about Christ and have reacted in a way that they think this message is important to their lives. Pray their eyes not only see but perceive, their ears not only hear but understand, and they should turn and be forgiven!
To the glory of God!
Love!
Continuing to serve and labor here in South Africa has been awesome to see more of the great God and King! Our training sessions have been so rich with truth which has strongly encouraged me to give my life away to the people here. As I believe the gospel and experience God's grace further, it fires me up to GO!!! The fact that Jesus Christ humbled himself, even though He was God in the flesh; died for me, the worst of sinners; and resurrected, declaring victory over both sin and death; Jesus has already granted me more than I deserve and could ever imagine! It frees me up completely and to view laboring as truly a privilege, allowing me to walk away from campus worshiping God for who He is regardless of the ministry impact.
I've been experiencing God's grace on others and faithfulness to His people. Seeing God answer specific prayer requests has greatly increased my faith! Many guys have shown interest in God after sharing the gospel with them, and seem to begin seeing their need for Him. Please join in praying that these seeds that have been planted in these men will fall on good soil (as Mark 4:20 says), and that they may be saved by the blood of Christ. Please pray that the gospel would penetrate the hearts of these men this week: Sizwe, Bandile, Kage, Sakumsi, Dineo, Obama and Dominic. These men have all heard the good news about Christ and have reacted in a way that they think this message is important to their lives. Pray their eyes not only see but perceive, their ears not only hear but understand, and they should turn and be forgiven!
To the glory of God!
Love!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Gone Fishin'
It's been a couple weeks in now, and we're getting more familiar with the culture and people daily. We had the opportunity to visit the Apartheid Museum which was very educational in understanding more of the historical background of SA. It is wild to look at the history through a gospel-lens knowing that God's hand was all around that era, and seeing where He has brought the country to on this present day, which is a very key place in light of the kingdom expansion. What a privilege to be used as a part of that, completely God's work I must say.
The majority of our time has been spent on the campus at Wits. There is where we get to invest in the relationships with individuals and partake in the work of the gospel. Coming alongside the students and engaging them where they are, we join them accordingly. Most of the guys love to play soccer, so for our hang time we play too. In the midst of building genuine friendships during the hangout time, we informally minister to these students. Thus far, we have made many, many contacts. Over the course of our stay we will increasingly engage more deeply in those who show the most interest in Jesus, praying that God would raise them up as laborers for His glory. The guys in the body here are hosting a bible study and our job is to tell guys about it, and the past couple weeks there have been around 40 new guys coming! Awesome to see what God is stirring up!!!
Learning so much more about ministry and loving it, and an increase of desire to give my lifetime in full to this. Not sure exactly what that looks like at this time, but I will trust in the Lord when He says, "Seek first my kingdom and my righteousness and all things will be given to you." The cost is great, but the reward is greater!
I do have some prayer requests:
Our team has been sick the past week. Fortunately, I have not been and in hope to stay that way. Please pray for good health for the team, that we can maximize our time on campus. Please join me in praying that this week there will be salvations for the kingdom sake, and that the body here in South Africa would be strengthened and encouraged to live radical lives for King Jesus!
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." - Matt. 4:19
Much love!
The majority of our time has been spent on the campus at Wits. There is where we get to invest in the relationships with individuals and partake in the work of the gospel. Coming alongside the students and engaging them where they are, we join them accordingly. Most of the guys love to play soccer, so for our hang time we play too. In the midst of building genuine friendships during the hangout time, we informally minister to these students. Thus far, we have made many, many contacts. Over the course of our stay we will increasingly engage more deeply in those who show the most interest in Jesus, praying that God would raise them up as laborers for His glory. The guys in the body here are hosting a bible study and our job is to tell guys about it, and the past couple weeks there have been around 40 new guys coming! Awesome to see what God is stirring up!!!
Learning so much more about ministry and loving it, and an increase of desire to give my lifetime in full to this. Not sure exactly what that looks like at this time, but I will trust in the Lord when He says, "Seek first my kingdom and my righteousness and all things will be given to you." The cost is great, but the reward is greater!
I do have some prayer requests:
Our team has been sick the past week. Fortunately, I have not been and in hope to stay that way. Please pray for good health for the team, that we can maximize our time on campus. Please join me in praying that this week there will be salvations for the kingdom sake, and that the body here in South Africa would be strengthened and encouraged to live radical lives for King Jesus!
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." - Matt. 4:19
Much love!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Down and Out
This summer our theme is "Down and Out." As the gospel saturates deep into our hearts, it will naturally result it to go out into the world. From the overflow of the love that we recieve from God, the people may be impacted out of an overflow of that abundance of steadfast love (Psalm 136). We attend church for the first time today and the teaching is amazing! Neal Gooch is a very godly man, very wise in truth and understand of the grace of God, and he is passionate about spreading the great news about Christ to the nations, especially here in SA. We also had the privilege to spend the day with him and his family, recieving extended knowledge about Jesus and ministry. Man, was it refreshing!!!
The culture here is vastly different than home. By God's grace, I have been able to adapt rather quickly and enjoy the process along the way. Yesterday we had the opportunity to go to the championship soccer match of one of the local teams, and the game was something I have never experienced and may never experience again in this life. The majority of the locals are at the game or outside in the streets, showing the people's passion for the sport. Their team Won so the crowd was ecstactic and rushed the field. So, to get a true taste of culture, we joined them! The celebration really created two perspectives in my heart: First, compassion for the people seeing that their god is soccer. Second, it gave me a glimpse of the celebration that entering into the kingdom of heaven will be like, for eternity! Heres a pic with me and some guys on the field:
Our first social event, or Braai (Huge BBQ), was fun and God used it for his good. We met and connected many individuals, who live on campus, to the people in the ministry here and one another. Many gospel conversations occured there, and a profession of faith as well!! Praise God! We expect many members of the body were encouraged and others pushed closer to Jesus. Please join us in praying that God would create an authentic desire in them to Him more and become lifelong laborers for His kingdom. This is only the beginning so stay tuned to hear more of God's plan!
Love!
The culture here is vastly different than home. By God's grace, I have been able to adapt rather quickly and enjoy the process along the way. Yesterday we had the opportunity to go to the championship soccer match of one of the local teams, and the game was something I have never experienced and may never experience again in this life. The majority of the locals are at the game or outside in the streets, showing the people's passion for the sport. Their team Won so the crowd was ecstactic and rushed the field. So, to get a true taste of culture, we joined them! The celebration really created two perspectives in my heart: First, compassion for the people seeing that their god is soccer. Second, it gave me a glimpse of the celebration that entering into the kingdom of heaven will be like, for eternity! Heres a pic with me and some guys on the field:
Our first social event, or Braai (Huge BBQ), was fun and God used it for his good. We met and connected many individuals, who live on campus, to the people in the ministry here and one another. Many gospel conversations occured there, and a profession of faith as well!! Praise God! We expect many members of the body were encouraged and others pushed closer to Jesus. Please join us in praying that God would create an authentic desire in them to Him more and become lifelong laborers for His kingdom. This is only the beginning so stay tuned to hear more of God's plan!
Love!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
In the Motherland!!!
We've made it here safely to South Africa! It is absolutely beautiful here. The location we are staying is undeserved. There is an awesome view of the city, heavily guarded, and the place is unexplicably great. It makes me feel like I'm on the Real World. The people we have met are amazingly genuine and a trip to be around. We took a tour of this city of JoBurg today, and are about to go visit Wits campus. I literally have two minutes at this time so I will update very soon...
Love!
Love!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
God is Funny!
Okay, so I didn't plan on posting anything else until I arrived in South Africa, but cannot help myself with this story...
It's about 2 o'clock in the afternoon and I'm meeting with the Lord back in my home town. As I'm sitting in Panera Bread, there is a mother with her three kids, accompanied by the grandparents, sitting at the table next to me. I overhear the conversation at that table, and what caught my attention was the words "Africa" and "Bible" so I began listening.
The little boy told this story:
"I boarded the plane to Africa by myself. When I got to my seat, I met the person next to me and we started talking. 'Why are you going to Africa?' I asked. The other boy responded, 'I want to go on a Safari! What about you?' 'Well, I am going to Africa to give people bibles and tell them about God!'" (The little boy made up his story.)
This is a true story! What a coincidence...or divine humor rather.
It's about 2 o'clock in the afternoon and I'm meeting with the Lord back in my home town. As I'm sitting in Panera Bread, there is a mother with her three kids, accompanied by the grandparents, sitting at the table next to me. I overhear the conversation at that table, and what caught my attention was the words "Africa" and "Bible" so I began listening.
The little boy told this story:
"I boarded the plane to Africa by myself. When I got to my seat, I met the person next to me and we started talking. 'Why are you going to Africa?' I asked. The other boy responded, 'I want to go on a Safari! What about you?' 'Well, I am going to Africa to give people bibles and tell them about God!'" (The little boy made up his story.)
This is a true story! What a coincidence...or divine humor rather.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
My First Post
Yo!
First off, I want to give a shout out to my sister Abby Leiter for helping set this blog up. Thought it's about time I post something. It's April 19th and less than one month til we leave for South Africa!!! Getting more excited daily to get to spend the summer with some amazing people. Absolutely cannot wait to see what God has in store for our team. All I know, it's completely by his grace which allows me to experience such a journey, and I pray that out of an overflow of my heart that Christ Jesus will shine to the folks there!
I will update as often as I can when I'm across the world. Until then, search out the love of the Lord!
Grace and Peace.
First off, I want to give a shout out to my sister Abby Leiter for helping set this blog up. Thought it's about time I post something. It's April 19th and less than one month til we leave for South Africa!!! Getting more excited daily to get to spend the summer with some amazing people. Absolutely cannot wait to see what God has in store for our team. All I know, it's completely by his grace which allows me to experience such a journey, and I pray that out of an overflow of my heart that Christ Jesus will shine to the folks there!
I will update as often as I can when I'm across the world. Until then, search out the love of the Lord!
Grace and Peace.
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