In less than one month, our long awaited journey, will be underway. We still have an enourmous task of prepartion ahead of us. In fact, I recently sat down and realized how much work their is still to be done. I ask that you please keep myself and our group in your thoughts and prayers as we "round the home stretch."
In our preparation, members of the group have began a Bible study that meets every Sunday before the morning services. I haven't been able to attend all of them, however, the one that I could make, was quite significant for me. We studied the meaning of John 17 and the importance of Unity. It was a great session, but it wasn't until later in the morning that God really spoke to me. Pastor Dale (New Covenant Pastor) had a good portion of his sermon focus on the the same verse, John 17. It was a total "God Moment," because it was completly un-planned!
Some may call this a coincidence, but I think of it as God speaking to directly to me and the others in the group. It was such a moving moment, that it sent chills up my back all morning long. We also took communion at New Covenant on Sunday morning. It was great to spend time in prayer as a church, and also to dip the bread in the wine. It has a completely different meaning for me, than it did even 6 months ago. It represents so much of what I beleive in, that I see the blood (wine) stained flesh(bread) of Jesus on the cross. He truly did die for our sins.
I encourage everyone to read John 17. It taught me 3 things: How Unity among believers and non-believers can exist, how to protect myself from evil, and how infathomable eternal life truly is. The verses are significant because many of the words come straight from the "Lords Prayer." This is often an every-day prayer that families say before dinner. Have you truly ever thought of the meaning behind those words??? Sit down and examine this. Really break it apart and see the relevance behind EACH word:
The Lords Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Our group has been encouraged to fast before and during our trip. This doesn't mean to neccesarily give up all food. It does mean, however, to give up something significant to you, and to fill it with complete and utter dependence on God. I have considered giving up coffee. For you who know me well, this is going to be quite difficult for me. I realize how much of a "crutch" its become, especially since I work the 2 a.m. shift at the T.V. station. Encouragment is always welcome!
I will be in touch soon, and more frequently as the trip approaches. Remember, I am making one more video documentary before we leave. In the meantime, here is a list of prayer requests for our group. Thank you and God Bless!
That God would protect us from the evil one. Pray especially for spiritual, emotional and physical health of everyone involved in this mission.
Please include the NC team, our hosts Kallie and Charmain of the El Shaddai Ministry, Vasco and Busisiwe of the Manzini church and Pastor Guambe of Mozambique.
That God would sanctify us in truth so that we would be holy as He is holy.
That God would perfect us in unity. Pray for unity of God’s people.
Especially unity for our team and for the people we will be working with.
That we bring glory and honor to God in all we do and say. That we would reflect the light of God to everyone we come in contact with.
That God would continue to help us accomplish the work He has prepare in advance for us to do.
Pray that all preparations that need to be made will be made according to His will.
That God would continue to help us keep His word out of obedience and love for Him.
Thank God for everything He has given us through Jesus.
