We are in our last couple weeks of being overseas! It is crazy to think that we are in the final stretch. It feels like we just got to Jeffreys Bay, but we are nearing our final days here. We have two more weeks of ministry, and we leave here on April 23. Once we get back to Georgia, we have our final debrief in Gainesville. From there, I fly home on April 29! It will be here before I know it.
House Wifin’
This week ministry looked a little different for me. Each week two girls stay back with our house mom to help with getting groceries, preparing meals, cleaning the house, making sure everything stays tidy, handling the laundry, and pretty much anything that a mom does. So it was my week this week. Not that I was desperately desiring to have kids, but I am certainly okay with not having them any time soon. 🙂 I’ve washed a whole lot of dishes and have made way too many PBJs. It has been a unique serving opportunity though, being able to serve my squad, take care of them, and love them through this avenue. But I’m looking forward to being back at Beats and Books this coming week!
Identity in Christ
Staying back with our house mom Wendy was special. She taught me lots in the kitchen, but I also got to learn other things from her as well. One day I asked her: What is something that all young adults Christians should know that we don’t know? What is something you wish you knew? Her response was simple: Your identity in Christ. Knowing who you are and whose you are. When we experience weaknesses, insecurities, and struggles, it almost always traces back to an area where we aren’t confident in who God is and who we are. Becoming confident in who God is and who God says I am is something I have been walking out in the past couple years, and the fact that this is the one thing she said shows me again how very important it is. The more we see God for who He really is, the more we see ourselves rightly as well…the way God sees us.
Testimonies
Each week we have two people share their testimony. This week was my week, so I got to share what God has done in my life with my squad on Thursday night. I was pretty anxious leading up to it; sharing in this way is always a very vulnerable experience. But it ended up being such a great opportunity to glorify God in what He has done throughout my life. Everyone was super encouraging, and it led to having a few very fruitful conversations afterward, which I loved. Sharing our testimonies has been awesome to see even better the hearts of each other, and more importantly, the heart of our gracious Father. Next week will be our last week of testimonies, as we have two more to go! It’s taken about our whole trip to get through them, but it has been neat seeing God in unique ways through each person’s story each week that we have been away.
We went to church this morning and enjoyed Resurrection Sunday with the community here! The pastor gave a brief message on the testimony of God from 1 John 5.
This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.”
1 John 5:6-8
We had a fun worship set and then heard a few testimonies as well, which was super encouraging. After the service, we all had a meal together. I got to have lamb for the first time, and it was very good!
Happy Easter to you all!
Happy Belated Resurrection Day!!!!!!!!!!!!! So glad to hear about you sharing your testimony! ;o)
Brigette,
I love that while you serve, you are always looking at what God is teaching you. When you return to the states I have know doubt that your adventure will continue. Until then, I’m asking God to keep you present in the moment to drink it all in. And I pray for those you serve to experience the love of Christ as they interact with your team.
Love you sweet friend!
Lisa