POWERFULbeyondMEASURE

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves: “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?” “Actually, who are you NOT to be??” We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

1yearAGO

1 year ago, one year ago, one year ago…..this week I am pondering about those ten days when I left the States for a short mission trip to Cape Town South Africa last year in late April. I remember how afraid I was for I knew that God was heavily on my heart and I was about to decide to move here and do what God wants me to do. I was confronted with sheer fear and anxiety for that new step and new season of my life would be sooo different. I was blessed here last year and I gave my full heart to Jesus knowing that wherever HE sends me that would be the place where I would go (see my past posts from that time last year)(and this one).... This morning, God reminded me of HIS work in me during that last year. The moment I set my foot on American soul again after being in South Africa I knew with no shadow of a doubt that that is where I would go next. God gave me such a big assurance that I could help but smile all the time. I felt a new confidence arise in me and I know that was the work of my Jehovah Jireh (Genesis 22:14), my Jehovah Rohi (Isaiah 44:28). Yes He is my provider and HE is the Lord my Shepherd, the One who protects me, provides for me and who is present with me. Now, one year later, I am actually living in Cape Town, South Africa and I know that this is where I am supposed to be. 1 year later I have another testimony to point to my Jesus for HE is freeing me from fear and anxiety and HE helps me to risk and walk with HIM! Every day anew!!!!!

FAITHikePOTATOES

Lifestyle relationship! That is what fascinates me at the moment. It is all about relationship and being real and authentic. It is all about WALKING THE TALK and about a faith that shows reality. This is part of my work right now in my Junior High small group of girls that I am leading. Likewise it is a big theme for our church here at the moment. This last Saturday evening I put in a DVD in my laptop and have not been the same since. I watched a South African movie that blew my mind and touched my heart so much! I know…those who know me well also know that I am a pretty emotional individual (grin) but still, this movie is such a gem. It is called: Faith Like Potatoes (2006) (www.faithlikepotatoes.com) It’s the true story of an African (Zambian) farmer with Scottish heritage who encounters God and changes lives. Go ahead and look for it in your Blockbuster video shops…ask or find it as a DVD on the internet. It is worth every cent and every minute you watch. There are a lot of good movies out. However only a few really reach that deep and leave an everlasting touch of Jesus on our hearts. This is one of them. I blogged about good books on here like REDEEMING LOVE by Francine Rivers or THE ATONEMENT CHILD. It is awesome to see what good stuff is about apart from so much fluff and entertainment. Faith Like Potatoes: Angus Buchan, a Zambian farmer of Scottish heritage leaves his farm in the midst of political unrest and racially charged land and reclaims and travels south with his family to stat a better life in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. With nothing more than a caravan on a patch of land, and help from a Zulu called Simeon, the Buchan family struggle to settle in this new country. Faced with ever mounting challenges, hardships and personal turmoil, Angus quickly spirals down into life consumed by anger, fear and destruction. It is a true story of this farmer who, like his potatoes, grows his faith, unseen until the harvest!!! May our faith be like that one of a potato: real and unseen until it is time for the harvest!!!

LIFEhere

Long time no see  It is my 6th week here in South Africa and I am getting settled more and more. So many things run through my mind every day. I check on the building every once in a while to see how far the builders are and I cannot wait to see the new church building finished. In the meantime we are having a fast with the entire congregation to fast for breakthrough in our lives but also to fast for breakthrough for the building. We need the money for having the roof put on. In all this we are through the half of the fast time already (16days all in all). During this time, we meet every Wednesday night to praise together and sing joyful songs to breakthrough heaven and praise our God Almighty. I am fasting from the internet which is not that easy for me. See, I am not able to fast food because of the medication that I take. It is an interesting time and a time for me to press into the Lord, to read in HIS word more and to concentrate on HIS truth. Likewise, it is a time where I battle emotions of loneliness and the feeling of being overwhelmed day in and day out. I go to the beach a lot and chase waves….as well as take the time to praise God despite of all I am feeling right now. My life has changed drastically in the last year. From Oregon to Germany to Cape Town and I can feel all those changes. I am not too fond about changes; I have to say though that in a life of faith CHANGE is the very constant thing apart from Christ of course. The season changed here about a week or two ago. Now it is fall and the only thing that is different is that the nice breeze increased and that it is colder in the evening. I am so thankful of staying at a place close to the beach where I can profit from the weather as much as possible. In this time a lot so happening at the same time. Coastlands Community Church is in need of a lot and it is hard to see that and wait on God and wait on how HE will provide and meet the needs here. I am helping out in youth ministry right now where I take on a teen group for girls (ages 13/14). See this church focuses a lot on families with children. This means that we have the children there without a certain message for them. Right now we concentrate on bridge building (relationship) to connect with the youth. The goal is to point them to Jesus. My group consists of 3 girls. I am glad to be able to pour into their hearts and lives. Restoration and Healing…..the shape of this church will be clearer from month to month and I am here to be God’s hands extended to this church and this community and to find how to bring HIS tools of healing and restoration here.