There is Always Enough

Religion. Relationship. Romance.

Well, I'm over halfway through my time here and am sad that this is my first time to post an update; honestly I could type pages about each day because so much happens! I've learned Internet isn't the most accessible thing here- I mean let's get real there are sounds of rejoicing resounding throughout the camp when we get running water. Yeah, my concept of luxurious changed pretty rapidly. Anyway, hold on to yer britches because I've got heaps (the word "heaps" is lovingly contributed by my Australian mates) to cover, plus who knows when I will get Internet again! 

So just to run through a typical day here real quick we have class from around 8-1:30 and then eat a scrumptious lunch of rice and beans. We usually have a night activity as well, whether that be another class or a house family night (I live with 7 other beautiful girls) to just go deeper in relationships with one another... Every weekend there are three groups that go out to various people groups within the country, proclaiming the good news to the bush bush of Africa! How cool it is to get continually poured into here and also be pouring out and sowing into something with astounding Kingdom impact. Jesus has used these outreaches to make blind eyes see, deaf ears hear, lame feet walk, and most importantly stir affections for Him, resulting in a multitude of salvations (my guess would be several hundred so far!)

Because I have been here for quite a while without being able to update there are so many things that have happened it would be hard to cover, so I think I'll just transition more into what God is doing in my feeble little heart, with the hopes that someone out there can relate! (I also want to attach a disclaimer that everything I say is completely out of love and respect so please read this with an attitude of honor). Most people will understand what I mean when I say growing up in the church can be both a positive and negative thing. I am so thankful for my parents instilling within me a heart for Jesus. Growing up, the church did a very good job of making the distinction between religion and relationship. It is very clear (James 2:19) that simply knowing of Jesus will not suffice, you must know Him as a friend, hence the relationship. However, the counter to this is that while the church teaches relationship well it does not necessarily teach romance. It's not that I was taught unbiblically or incorrectly, I just think that I personally didn't grasp the gravity of a romance with my Savior. Seriously, friends, Jesus doesn't want to just know you... He wants to lavish His love on you! His unchanging, inerrant, overwhelming, powerful, inexpressible , brilliant, better-than-any-fairytail, perfect love on you. There is nothing you could ever do to make Him love you any less! But you know what else? There is nothing you could do to make Him love you any more! His love is unchanging. What does change, though, is our saying "yes" to His love. The more we yield our hearts to Him, the more He can romance us! Our only job is learning how to receive. This all goes to say that this is primarily what my adventure here has been about: learning to say "yes." Previously my response would be that I do not deserve more of His love, or any for that matter! And while we all know Romans 3:23, we must keep in mind this beautiful truth: God stands outside of time. So at any given instant, God is capable of seeing us as perfected in Heaven. Our limited human minds think, " I am sinful and undeserving." But He sees us and says "You are perfect, and I love you. In fact, I died so that I could love you forever. Come away with me, my Bride!" I don't know about y'all, but I refuse to refuse His love anymore!

I seriously could write for hours about the things that the Holy Spirit has shown and revealed to me, but I will truncate it down to this:

It may not be easy all the time, but it is very, very simple. Love Jesus with every ounce of your being, every cell of your body, every breath you manage to breathe. Rest and abide in His perfect love, for it casts out any fear you could ever entertain (1 John 4:18). I am His daughter and do not have to strive for His love. Why strive for something I already have? Slow down in this busy world... there is a reason Jesus spent 30 years in intimacy and 3 years in ministry, just sayin! 

I love you all dearly, and want to thank each of you for your overwhelming support! I  can promise that what you have sown into has been beyond any expectation I had coming in- which is insane because I thought I was hitting in the major leagues with my expectations- and has had a lifelong impact on my perception of ministry! I cannot wait to share, and hope I have a chance to sit and talk with anyone who wants to hear more!