Life in Africa

As I am adjusting to life in Africa the simple things in life that we take for granted seem to keep humbling me. On the seventh full day in Africa Friday the 22nd I needed to do some laundry. I asked where I could do this and was shown to the wash area. This was simply a double sink and there was not a way to stop the drains up. I washed my clothes and hung them up to dry, and I hope that tomorrow will be a sunny hot day so they will all dry. Today was the first day that it has not rained on us. On a better note our group was blessed to meet another group of Christians staying in the resort. They are from all over the states, England, and one girl from South Africa. They are so much fun to hang out with and learn about different cultures.
I am ready to start the journey in Uganda, but I have enjoyed my time here in South Africa.

The Beginning

Sorry for the delay on posting updates. I have not had the ability to be on the internet. I will try my best to update as often as I can.

My first impression of South Africa is hard to really explain. As we entered the airport and smelled the air and saw the people, I had an over whelmed feeling of joy and completeness. I had arrived and now my journey would begin. The first six days of training I learned a lot and put it into practice. I was able to go into the streets of a community called “Deep Sloot” and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We shared in a way that is different from any way I’ve ever heard. They called it Creation to Christ and it gives a general start to finish idea of the bible. My first time sharing with people this way was divinely orchestrated and the Lord used me as his mouth piece. I shared and many questions were asked and I was not aware of so many issues in the culture from ancestry worship and how they will believe in Jesus and yet still pray to ancestors. Another day we went out to a place called Lion Park and, yes it’s named this because there is a park with lions and other animal. I was smiling as we passed by and I saw the animals, but that changed quickly as we entered the community. The homes here were in bad shape they were mostly made out of tin flashing. They had rocks on the roof holding it down and when it rains they all leak. This was my sixth day in South Africa and it had rained every day when we entered this community. Our reason for being in this community was to pray for these people and share Christ if the opportunity came. As we walked around praying we met a man named Zacchaeus and he told us he was looking for a job. The unemployment rate in South Africa is 25%, and most of the poor are in this percentile. As we talked with this man we asked him if he knew Jesus and if he had repented. He said “Yes I know Jesus, but I have not repented.” So we told him the story that bears his name Zacchaeus and I pray the Lord will work in him. He wants to know more and this encouraged me greatly. Please pray for him and another man we met named Noah. I know so funny to find two men who want to learn more about Jesus who have biblical names. As my eyes have been shown the reality of life in Africa I weep and my heart is broken for the nations. “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15. I pray you will go to the world and proclaim the gospel to all people. The gospel is not to be kept, but is to be shared with every man, women, and child.

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us. That your way may be known on the earth, your saving power among all the nations.” Psalm 67:1-2.

Let the Journey Begin

Hmmmmm... Well I am sitting in the airport waiting. All the loose ends are tied up and all the good byes have been said. This moment in time seems bitter sweet. I am excited to go serve the Lord in Africa, and yet I will miss serving those at Williamstown Baptist Church. My good friend Darrell Morgan drove me to the airport along with my friends Ali, Amber, and Courtney. The time of goodbye at the security gate was difficult and I struggled to hold in the emotion. Each one of them mean so much to me and my life. I wanna thank you for sending me off with love. The long journey to my end destination will take around 24 hrs in total. (not counting layovers and stop offs).

"Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." Isaiah 6:8

Jesus said "Go..." Matthew 28:19

Good Bye

Its 10 pm on Monday night three days until I fly out to Uganda, Africa. I just finished eating poppy seed chicken for dinner and then went to the boys basketball game at Williamstown High school. They lost to Henry County with a last minute shot. While at the game I saw many students and many other friends from the community. As I sit here and reflect on the people of Williamstown and my time spent here and the things Ive learned here. I can only say I have been WOWed by it all. A body of believers who are loving and encouraging to such a young minister. I had so many firsts in the two years I have been there. I preached my first sermon, taught my first Sunday School class, worked with youth for the first time, preformed my first Wedding, administered my first Lords Supper, and for the first time realized how blessed I am to be part of a Godly body of believers.

The reality that I am leaving for Africa is starting to settle in, and I am excited to go, yet sad to leave the people who have so greatly impacted my life. Those who have impacted it the most have been the youth in our church. I was impacted in a powerful way this past Sunday night. Before we finished our time together the youth gathered around me and they prayed for me. Now for youth to pray aloud randomly is not something they really like to do. Reality is most people feel uncomfortable doing this, but I saw courageous young students step out and pour over me prayers that brought tears to my eyes. Hearing the growth and maturity in their prayers blessed me. I will greatly miss each and every student. I know the Lord will teach me and grow me during my time in Africa. Even as I know this to be true I will long to return to you Williamstown.

Leaving on a Jet plane

I leave in one week for my life changing adventure in Uganda, Africa. The feeling and worries all still are hard to describe. I know I am leaving and yet it has yet to sink in. I will miss so many people and miss the comforts of home, but I will not miss the snow that is for sure. I will truly miss the youth group they have become my family here in Kentucky. When ever times get tough they teach me so much and point me back to Jesus. How is it that a youth leader is being taught by the students. They are truly a blessing to me. I will miss Williamstown Baptist church they have become so dear to my heart. My prayers for this trip is to learn and grow closer to the Lord and be able to bring back a renewed spirit and guide people to the throne of grace. I hope to be able to keep everyone updated on my journey and come home to share a passion for missions. I have a large passion as it is and feel that our community in Williamstown will be in the future doing mission trips. I feel that we should be reaching out locally and abroad and we can do this with a people group who reside in our community and abroad. This people group is the Hispanic people group. Well please be in prayer for me and also for my team. As well be in prayer for Williamstown Baptist Church and how we can fulfill the great commission. Talk to you soon.