Dear friends and South Africa ministry partners,
It's been a long time since I've written you an update. There's been lots of challenging and wonderful things going on in South Africa, but sometimes it's just really hard to put it all into words.
After my visit to the USA in December 2013/January 2014, I entered into an exciting time in our church-plant as we dove into Rick Warren's 40 Days of Purpose study (8 weeks). Needless to say, the Spirit moved and our church will never be the same. We were able to watch people learn and grow and take ownership of their walk with the Lord. Our Ministry teams evaluated the function and fruitfulness of each age-group ministry and many changes have been set in motion. I pray we continue to move in the Spirit's leading and direction in order to be relevant and effective in our reaching Capricorn for Christ.
During this time, our church became Constituted with the Baptist Union in South Africa. Our church-plant is now rooted and functioning under new accountability and structure! It's been nice to cut those apron strings from our past and allow our local leaders to lead boldly and more in a direction that they want/need to lead for our particular setting. God is raising up leaders, but this process is long and hard. Pray for our congregation and leaders during these early stages of growth!
With that said, I'm excited to tell you that I've been given open doors in Capricorn that I never thought possible. I've been consulting another growing church in Capricorn on Children's Ministry & Leadership Development, I've been asked to join the teaching staff at the Primary School (more on this to come), and I've seen relationships outside of the church grow and mature and lead to amazing conversations for the Gospel! God is leading me deeper into this needy-community. He's taking me way out of my comfort zone and shedding light deeper into the darkness.
I've had some rough roads in South Africa but have persevered knowing this is my calling right now and God is continuing to bless and help me be effective. However, my Guidance Team (from Shades Mountain Baptist Church) asked me to come to the USA for a break (Sabbatical/Furlough) for a few months. Most missionaries come back for Stateside Assignment after 3-4 years on the field. I'm happy to report I've made it 4, 1/2 years and see this journey as one that's continuing to grow. Before I add new ministry opportunities in Capricorn, I'm home in the USA to refresh, re-evaluate and renew. I'm currently in Birmingham, Alabama resting and studying. I'll attend a conference or two, be in Bible Study and take some classes that will benefit my next adventure in ministry on the field!
I can't wait to share in detail what the Spirit is doing. Stay tuned as I'm able to reveal more about what I'm learning and how you can be a part of the Gospel being spread in Capricorn in very creative ways!
Thanks for your continued support! I'm honored to have you on this journey.
No comments:
Post a Comment