We arrived in Jefferey’s Bay, South Africa about 3 weeks ago and I have truly enjoyed living here. Not only have we been given a rustic wood cabin with a view of the pond and a large field of grass, but we are also about 10 minutes from one of the most popular surf beaches. I think the Lord saved the best for last on this trip.

I am insanely grateful for all that we have been given in this season, but it does bring me more compassion for the people living with far less than what I have been blessed with. I have visited the slums of Jeffrey’s bay twice now and have felt God moving like I have never felt before. The truth is, those places are dangerous. The are full of gangs and drugs. But in the midst of it all God has taken away any fear that I would usually have. I honestly feel so much joy going there and bringing light to these people living in darkness.

I had the opportunity to talk to an ex gang member at church in the slums the other day and he shared his story with me and it honestly just made me so grateful that God can literally use anyone. He took this man and by his own goodness turned the man’s life around for his glory.

Next we met a lady named Margaret. She has cancer and is unable to take her medicine until she gets food. So she is in a very bad state physically, but it is also causing her to question her faith. She is asking a question that many of us have probably asked. “If God loves me, why would he allow this to happen?”

We were able to pray for her and encourage her then bring her some food. The state this woman is living in breaks my heart but I pray there will be more opportunities to meet with her and that God will heal her both physically and spiritually. Please keep her in your prayers as well.

My team has been working at an orphanage/childcare called 7th heaven. The kids have brought so much joy to our lives. They are a handful but are so silly and fun to be around. I think God really reveals his love through children.

Through meeting these people and many others, I have learned that worldly desires and possessions genuinely are nothing compared to the goodness and peace that the Lord offers. God truly offers an abundance more than anything of the world ever will. And the things I once held so tightly seem so much less valuable to me now.

I would encourage anyone reading this to go outside, go to the scary places, meet new people, pray continually, read scripture, be creative, and remember who your maker is. You are loved more than you know by the creator of Heaven and Earth. I believe he genuinely has so much to give when we are open to receive.

Please pray for my team, the people in the slums to know God, Margaret to heal, the kids at the orphanage to know God as a loving father, and the people already working here to be encouraged by us and to continue to work heartily for the Lord.