On July 23rd, we all loaded up and left our home to go deeper into the bush! The purpose was to share the Gospel, give out solar powered audio Bibles and solar lights that deter predators. But God had much more in store for us!!
Upon arriving at what would be our base camp for the next few days, the team all worked to clear the land from thorns, small shrubs and debris that could poke through the tents or into a foot.
The next step was to begin setting up the tents, dig a hole for the potty, and set up the tents for the shower and bathroom.
Y’all! The enemy started his attack even WHILE we were setting up!!! The lies came like fiery arrows across a battle field. The things the devil tried to distract me with and used to try to discourage me, were piling up! There was a heaviness that was in my spirit, I could not shake. The enemy was even using the pain that my husband was in as a distraction and discouragement!
I did not sleep well at all for four nights! I couldn’t eat all of the meals, but I made sure that I had a granola bar and an apple to cover those meals. But I could tell that I wasn’t getting enough calories to cover what I was doing physically on day 3. I truly do not know how Jesus made it for 40 days with nothing! I was so hungry and I had stuff to eat and drink!!
Okay, so little sleep, hungry, hot during the day, probably slowly getting dehydrated and fighting a spiritual battle like crazy; are ya with me so far?
One morning, I chose to remain behind at camp, because I barely got any sleep and was so weak. But I prayed and journaled my heart out to God. I was gut-honest with Him. I told Him all that I didn’t understand and all that was on my mind weighing heavy on me.
The next day we were at the school for the morning. Almost the entire way back to camp, I really was not wanting to go to the Jesus film at ALL! But there was a small part that kept saying, “just go”. I ended up going, even reluctantly at first. (Just being real.) But I went.
I was able to open us up in prayer. After a few moments, I heard the Holy Spirit say “go sit with them”. It honestly took a moment after helping to pass out chai and mandazi (pastry). But I finally did. I went and sat in the gap between a young girl and an older mama. I glanced over to see a young girl moving slowly towards my direction. After a few minutes, she squeezed on my left side. She leaned over and asked me my name. Then I asked her for her name. Little did I know what was about to happen!
During the film, she leaned over and asked me many questions about what she was seeing. She asked if Jesus Christ actually lived, about his disciples, why He would go through what He did and why would religious people kill Him. God allowed me to sit and be still, so I could help talk her through what she was seeing and feeling! And three of her friends leaned in closer! Oh my mama heart just wanted to hug them all!!
I got to share with her about faith, hope and His love for her! I got to explain how we all have sin that separates us from God, BUT God had a plan! That God loved her so much that He sent his Son. That He came and chose to walk through so much pain and suffering for her and for me. God used that precious time to allow a heart-felt conversation to take place! Instantly, the heaviness in my spirit was gone!!
There were a few times that all I could do was drop my head and pray. I shed quite a few tears that evening! I lost a few hours of sleep, but it WAS most definitely worth it! Even if just for a young girl named Charity.
So God used me, even though I was reluctant, to help Charity and her friends. He encouraged me to go, even through the “I don’t want to-s”, and He used it! I am so glad that He chose to use me, despite me that day!
I am so thankful that even through being tired, full of all kinds of emotions that I wouldn’t talk about, and pretty hungry; God showed up!
Many accepted Christ as their Savior in those 5 days. Who knows just how far the ripples will go!
One thing I do know for sure is that I might be more excited for that church to be built there than the Maasai people! Haha
Can’t wait to see what God does next!