Through the tornados of life, literally and figuratively, God is with us. And our Thrive Africa family is experiencing this right now… Our Director, Amy Riep has expressed this so powerfully and beautifully that I wanted to share it just as she did…"I’m thankful that God doesn’t sugar coat things for us. He tells us in His Word that living by faith and following His direction will be tough (see James 1:2). He uses words like trials, tribulations, and persecution. So I don’t know why I still get surprised by hardships or momentarily discouraged by circumstances. Like I did yesterday. In the late afternoon hours our mission base was hit by a tornado and several cabins were destroyed. When I stood looking at what is pictured above, I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. I felt angry that Thrive has faced so many challenges in the last 18 months and I was battle-weary.
But then I heard that still small voice inside me say, turn around. I did, and arching over my head was the most spectacular double rainbow I’ve ever seen- literally spanning the borders of our ministry home. My heart was immediately assured: We can look at His promises rather than the wreckage, and press on. My heart was also full of thanks that no one was hurt and that the damage was minimal compared to the destruction that could have happened.
After grounding myself in what I know to be true about God, I went back to our Thrive community covenant to help steer my emotional response, which reads in part: “We live from the heart. Without passion, what we do means nothing… We laugh in the face of hardship and we press on in spite of opposition. We are enthusiastic about the task that God has placed before us. We maintain a positive attitude regardless of the condition or situation.”
Our ministry will not be hindered because of the damage. The remaining cabins provide enough housing for our upcoming mission teams and ministry guests. We will press on, trusting in God’s provision to restore what’s been lost and to provide with abundance for every financial need Thrive has.
Today we are standing on Romans 5:3-5 which reads, “We also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
Thank you for praying for us and standing with us!"
- Amy Riep, Director, Thrive Africa
Indeed, thank you for standing with us.
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