Confession

I have a confession to make. I am a missionary who owns 71 ½ pairs of socks – 35 black, 32 ½ white, 3 tan, and 1 funky striped pair for sleeping. Inventorying them is part of my therapy, quantifying the problem. Some are new; some are old; some are holy, dingy and stretched out; one is missing its mate (why am I saving it???); and somehow they all came with me to South Africa. I put half in my drawers, and half in zip-loc bags for later – whenever that is…

When I moved here, I patted myself on the back thinking I did so well in sacrificing all my “stuff”. Selling things super-cheap. Giving a lot away. Traveling light. Trusting in God’s provision.

Looking at this pile I realize that I struggle with a scarcity mentality, rationalizing about what I “need”. I want to be a good steward by hanging on to what is necessary and practical, but according to my own definition.

When I moved here, the Lord did miraculous things – taking care of my house, raising financial support, providing me with a vehicle during an economic nosedive. I was just teaching at Hand in Hand that as we trust God and he proves faithful, our faith grows stronger and we’re able to trust him with bigger, riskier things. Yet strangely I fall short in the small day-to-day things. As if God can’t meet my need for new socks when these wear out. Or as if he doesn’t care about the little things and someone has to…

Ouch.


So I confess that I’m falling short of trusting God 100%, but I’m working on it. I’m now down to 40 pairs of socks. (I like even numbers…) And I know God isn’t done with me yet. Eish!

Beauty for Ashes

Has anyone ever told you you are beautiful? And did you actually believe it? So often we feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, unworthy of such a compliment. The moment of flattery quickly dissipates as counter-arguments creep into our minds.

Yesterday I attended a women’s conference at Show-Tell Bible church in Qwa Qwa. The theme for the day was Inner and Outer Beauty. The conference was an extra special treat because my roommate June gave the first message and my colleague Amanda interpreted for her. They were a dynamic duo!

They taught how in Bible times people wore ashes when they were in mourning. It was an outward sign of their inward turmoil and grief. Mourning is natural, and an important part of healing and moving forward. But it’s also something that can keep us from feeling loved, beautiful, or worthy of either. The enemy would prefer we remain in mourning, stuck, paralyzed, “processing”, wallowing…

Isaiah 61 tells us that the Lord wants to be right there with us - binding up broken hearts, freeing us from whatever is holding us back, releasing us from darkness, comforting us, even avenging on our behalf. Do you need any of these things? I know I do…

The Lord also wants us to end our mourning, and give up our ashes for the crown of beauty he wants to bestow upon us. Since we put the ashes on, I feel like we have to take them off for God to do his thing. We need to allow him to work and trust that he is. Only then will we be considered oaks of righteousness, displaying his splendor, able to rebuild, restore and renew whatever has been devastated.

Has something been devastated in your life? Whatever it is, God wants to trade you beauty for ashes. Sounds like a pretty good trade to me…

1 - The Call

Missionaries are called into the mission field in unique ways – I’ve haven’t heard the same story twice. For some it’s a dramatic event, but for most it’s just a journey of steps fueled by a desire to obey God and a heart to help others. So here’s a little about my journey and my heart:

I was raised in a Christian home. I’ve believed the Gospel and was assured of my salvation as long as I can remember. But somewhere along the way I missed the part about having a personal relationship with Christ and living for Him on a daily basis. My faith guaranteed that I would go to heaven when I died, but it didn’t really impact how I was to live, if that makes sense.

It was during my adult years, when circumstances in life through me for a loop, that I started looking for answers, meaning, and purpose in life. After several unsuccessful attempts, I ended up back at church. Hmmm, what would things have been like had I pursued God with the same energy and determination that it took to search everywhere else? I guess that’s a whole other story…

When I plugged back into a church the Lord opened my eyes and softened my heart. Then in 2002, I stepped out on my first mission trip. I’ll admit - I was scared. I didn’t feel “Christian enough”. I didn’t think God could use me to help others. And my persistent prayer was that I wouldn’t be called on to pray out loud. Can anyone relate? Fortunately, my excitement outweighed my fears and I went to Ecuador.

...to be continued…

2 - On Foreign Soil

When I decided to step over my hesitations and board a plane to Ecuador for my first missions trip, the Lord knocked my socks off!

While on foreign soil He showed me so much: First, that He loved me just the way I was, but didn’t want to leave me that way. He stretched me and surrounded me with an amazing team of people to help me learn and grow. I’m always in awe of how the Lord builds mission teams with the perfect mix of strengths, weaknesses, personalities and gifts to share. Second, He showed that not only could He use me, but that He wanted to use me as well. That was so shocking to me because, like I said, I felt like a pretty wimpy Christian. Third, He revealed His heart for the nations, the suffering and the poor. I’ve often been asked

If God is all-powerful, why are so many people poor and hungry?
If God is loving and compassionate, why do people suffer with diseases and disabilities?
If God is merciful, why are we losing an entire generation to HIV/AIDS?

These are tough questions that have even tougher answers… You see, WE are His answers. The Lord demonstrates His power, love, compassion, and mercy when He sends us out as the hands and feet of Christ. God chooses us and uses us when we choose to step out and follow him. And when we do, the blessings are incredible!!

On that first mission trip, the Lord also gave me a glimpse into His unique purpose for my life. From that point on I felt called to serve others around the world, and it was that calling or passion that fueled my hunger for the Lord and for spiritual growth. I knew that someday I’d be a full-time missionary, and set out to prepare and pray for the Lord’s timing.

...to be continued…

3 - Yikes, What was I thinking?

As I mentioned in my previous blogs, it was during my first mission trip that the Lord filled me with a passion for missions and a calling to serve others around the world. I wanted to be a full-time missionary someday, but I didn’t yet know the Lord’s timing. Over the next few years, I remained active in missions, leading short-term trips to South Africa, Malawi and Palestine. It was during those trips that I met Thrive Africa and was deeply moved by their vision and their heart to change South Africa by training up Godly leaders.

Meanwhile, I continued working full-time in the Automotive Industry. Looking back I can see how the Lord used my career to develop me as a leader, strengthen my faith, and prepare me for His future calling. I also continued to pray that dangerous prayer – “Lord, send me.”

After years of dreaming, praying, and wondering about full-time missions the Lord closed one door and opened another. I was laid off. What? That wasn’t the way things were supposed to “go down”. That wasn’t at all what I had planned. I was shocked, angry, sad, a bit embarrassed – all mixed together. But I was also intrigued, cautiously optimistic, even hopeful and excited about whatever was to come next. And I knew that I was getting the Lord’s answer about the timing, just not in the way I had expected.

Did you ever pray for something, get it, and then go “Yikes, what was I thinking?” That’s what happened next, doubts and fears came crashing in …but what about fundraising, but what about selling my house in a tanking economy, but what about moving overseas alone, but what about leaving my family…but, but, but…

That’s when the Lord reassured me that this is what I had been praying so fervently for, what had been on my heart for so long because He Himself put it there, and that He loved me and would take care of the details if I’d just trust Him. So I took a deep breath, a couple a small steps, and then a giant leap halfway across the world.

...to be continued…

4 - A Big Change

In some ways making the change from the corporate world into full-time missions was easy. One reason is that there are many similarities. Like any organization, we have a vision, a mission, objectives and goals. We plan our work, steward our finances, develop ourselves as leaders, and strive to lead by example. We value integrity, excellence, and teamwork – core values common to successful organizations. In these ways, I felt right at home. It also helps to love the work you’re doing and to feel like you can really make a difference in the world.

The big change also came with its challenges. One such challenge was financial. Moving from a steady paycheck to having to depend on the charitable contributions of others was a big step. It was scary for me. I hadn’t realized how much I valued my independence until God “forced” me to depend on Him and others. But the blessings are greater, the rewards are sweeter, and my faith is so much stronger as a result.

For me personally, another challenge has been the reaction I get from people. Many think that this is a great, noble thing I’m doing – whether they attribute it to me, or to God where the glory really belongs – they think it’s admirable to dedicate my life to helping those in need. But then there are others who view it differently – that I’m throwing away a masters level education, a career that took 20 years to build, a much needed retirement package, my very future. I’ll admit, in my weaker moments I wonder the same thing. Thankfully, that’s when the Lord reassures me that he will take care of my every need. And again, my faith grows so much stronger as a result.

It’s hard to express how wonderful it is to do what you feel called to and created for by the Lord Himself. Awesome, blessing, rewarding, amazing… My words seem so cliché and trite, but they’re true nonetheless.

...to be continued…

5 - Ring a Bell?

What began with a small step of faith was met by a huge revelation from God, and it’s been an amazing journey ever since!

During my first mission trip the Lord revealed His purpose for my life, giving me His heart to help others. From there, the Lord guided my steps as I prepared, provided for my needs, and strengthened me when doubts crept in. I’ve now been with Thrive Africa for more than a year, and it has been a joy serving here in South Africa!

So, do any of my experiences ring a bell? If you are wondering about stepping out, serving on a missions trip, making a big career change, or even becoming a full-time missionary, here are just some of the things I learned along the way…

First, make your relationship with God your top priority. Study the Bible, reflect, pray and listen to God. We need to hear from God in order to do His will. We need to love what He loves, hate what He hates, and exchange our worldly perspective for an eternal one.

Second, begin with small steps as a way to learn and discern God’s direction for your life. I did this through short-term mission trips, volunteering through work and church, and taking classes - but it will look different for everyone. Keeping seeking answers until you get them.

Third, trust God in all things. If God calls you, He will equip you and meet your every need. That doesn’t mean everything will come easily, but it will come together. Each time I trusted God with one of my “…buts” He showed up big-time strengthening my faith and further confirming His will for me.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28, NIV

The Scarlet Thread

Imagine a beautiful quilt, each square depicting a scene from your life - joys and tears, triumphs and tragedies, successes and failures…What would your quilt look like?

I just read The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers. What a wonderful book! It’s the story of 2 women who lived centuries apart, but had so much in common. Both were uprooted from their homes; both journeyed through painful struggles that left them doubting, questioning and even rejecting God; and both returned to God after realizing His presence, provision, and unconditional love through every situation.

A tattered journal, an heirloom quilt, and a shared heart for God knitted these two women together.

I couldn’t help but think how my spiritual journey paralleled theirs. I’m no stranger to putting things in my life before God – career, marriage, other goals. I’m no stranger to the pain of infidelity or divorce. And I’m no stranger to the lure of independence, thinking I need to handle everything on my own, feeling alone in my struggles.

Fortunately, like these two women, I also came to realize that God was with me through it all. He cried when I cried, He lifted me when I stumbled, and He welcomed me with open arms when I returned and recommitted my life to Him. Whether I knew it or not, He was the scarlet thread woven in and through each quilted scene. And He still is – there are so many more squares to be sewn.

What common thread runs through the scenes of your life? What (or who) do you rely on to hold everything together? What does your quilt look like?

Interdependence

I knew this goofy picture would get your attention! When people ask how my visit to Michigan is going, I usually say something like “Great. It’s been fun to see family and friends.” Which is so true! But this doesn’t even begin to express what it has been like.

I’ve also been humbled, overwhelmed, and blessed by the outpouring of love and support.

I’ve been intimidated and even a little embarrassed about being in the “spotlight” as I’ve shared my testimony and heart for South Africa.

And I’ve had to trade my once-valued independence for God’s design of interdependence as I’ve relied on partners in various ways – everything from prayers and encouragement to accommodations and a vehicle here to additional finances so that I can stay working in South Africa.

Through this whirl of emotions the Lord just keeps reminding me of how blessed I am to do the work I love, for people I love, with people I love (those in South Africa and partners in the US). What a joy this past year has been!

So I guess this is just a huge THANK YOU to everyone who is helping to make all this possible! May the Lord bless you as you have blessed me.

Why Are We Here?

"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16 MSG)

This past weekend our Thrive Africa family headed to Durban for a staff retreat. It was a wonderful! A time to have fun together, chill at the beach, worship and pray, and set our sights on an amazing new year of ministry. We’re so excited for what the Lord has in store. Please pray with us as we challenge ourselves to first be who God called us to be, and then do what he has called us to do.

This year’s theme is Live the Light and it's all about living as Salt and Light in the world. Salt seasons and preserves, and is also comprised of elements we all need to survive. Light shines into dark places and illuminates our paths. As individuals and as a ministry, we are called to be God’s Salt and Light. Please pray with us that we live out this calling – that we do so humbly, courageously, and brightly for the world to see.

Praise Report - Thank You

You may know that a huge prayer request has been for the Lord to provide me with a vehicle. Praise God for His answer to my prayers and for His provision!

-Provision through praying friends and family.
-Provision through generous financial supporters.
-Provision through the savings that made-up the difference.
-Provision in that one of our missionaries who returned to the US offered me a well-maintained vehicle for a good price.

I’m so thankful for all these things!!

So here I am with my new-to-me bakkie (pronounced “buckey” aka truck). I love that is has an extended cab for passengers, and can haul things around the mission base. It already came in handy as we moved our houses around over the holiday break, and I know it will be useful if we need extra vehicles when hosting mission teams. I’m also getting used to the diesel engine and manual transmission. Learning to drive a manual has been an interesting experience, especially given that we drive on the opposite side and that there are a lot of hills around here. You should see our new driveway!

So thank you for your prayers and support. I’m grateful that the Lord used you to bless me and our ministry in this way!!

The Greatest Christmas Present of All

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas - I sure did! I must admit, however, it was a bit strange for me being so far from home. I missed family and friends. I missed the awesome Christmas service at Kensington. I even missed the Christmas shopping chaos and cold, snowy weather. But while I have been feeling a bit homesick lately, I’m also so incredibly thankful to celebrate with my new South African family. Christ is the greatest gift this world will ever know. And Christ is the reason we are all here together.

Folks have asked how we celebrate Christmas in South Africa. It’s not really all that different than back home, except that it’s summer. When I was shopping at Game (like a small Wal-Mart) they were playing Christmas songs including “Let It Snow”. No chance of that here. Stores have “decked their halls” but just on a much smaller scale than I’m used to.

On Christmas morning we all met for breakfast and a white elephant gift exchange. I got a crocodile raft for my next day at the dam (lake). Very cool! We even had a fireplace for Santa to come down thanks to Katie’s creativity. Later that afternoon, we gathered again for a braai (bbq). Abram opened with a Christmas teaching from Luke and a prayer of thanksgiving. Then we celebrated with way too much food and way too many desserts – just like at home. The day was topped off by two Skype calls home to see my family which did wonders for my homesickness.

So all in all, I’m thankful for old traditions and for new ones, but most importantly for the reason behind both – my Savior Jesus Christ, the greatest Christmas present of all.

On Top of the World

I’m movin’ on up…up the mountain that is. The past few days have been a whirlwind as several of us have changed housing to make room for our changing Thrive Africa family. June and I have moved up the mountain a little ways to Arendskop Chalet. While this means we’ll now have to drive a few minutes to get to our main housing and offices, the chalet is really nice and the views are spectacular!

We’re so thankful for the mission base and ministry staff who helped us move. Especially Dave and Abram who were real troopers!! And you should have seen the giant farm tractor pulling the giant flatbed trailer up the steep, winding road – then backing it in the last part of the way. The driver did an amazing job!!

I’ve included some pictures of the drive, the house and the views in the slideshow on the left. One of the best features is a huge wrap-around porch overlooking the mountains and the wide-open fields. It’s a great place for morning devotions and coffee, reading a book, or catching some hot South African rays.

So for the past few days, I’ve enjoyed cleaning, decorating, arranging and re-arranging our new home. I pray you have a blessed Christmas and New Year!

Beautiful Contrasts

Lesotho is a beautiful country full of many exciting contrasts. And we have the 1000+ pictures to prove it! Over Thanksgiving break, June, Amanda and I headed to Lesotho for a 4-day adventure.

As we crossed the border and traveled towards Maseru we saw the contrasts of modern homes and traditional Basotho huts, modern businesses and rolling hills of farmland and pasture.

We experienced simple but modern conveniences, and also visited a weaving shop where the ladies make beautiful mohair yarn and tapestries by hand. We were amazed to learn that the large ones take 2-3 months to complete.

We stayed near where the current king, King Netsie, lives, and also hiked to the top of Thaba Bosiu to see the original home of King Moshoeshoe and the current site of the royal graves.

We saw rugged, rocky mountains contrasted with lush greenery and crystal clear waters as we drove the winding mountain roads to Mohale Dam, and the next day to Semonkong and the Maletsuyane Falls.

And best of all, we met warm, friendly people who are proud of their culture, history, and traditions, and happy to share them with us. What a wonderful trip! Enjoy the pictures!

New Habits

I’ve started jogging...it’s a miracle! Yesterday, June and I ran 7K and hiked 4K - just over 7 miles. While I used to run cross-country and track in high school, it was more years ago than I’d like to publicize. So for me, 7 miles was another miracle!!

This craziness started when June, who was a nurse back in the US, started teaching our Thrive Africa staff about the spiritual and physical aspects of Temple Maintenance. “My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in me, whom I have received from God. I am not my own, I was bought at a price, therefore I honor God with my body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

Together we learned about nutrition and exercise and committed to an 8-week fitness challenge that included daily meditation on the verse above, healthy food choices, strengthening exercises, and walking or running. The goal was that in 8 weeks our healthy choices would become habits. Whether we were interested in shedding a few pounds, increasing our strength, having more energy, or all of the above, it has been fun to encourage each other along the way. Our gate supervisor must think it’s pretty funny to see all of us running laps around the mission base and waving to him each time we go by!

Home Away from Home

In keeping with my “What it’s Like to Live and Work Here” theme, I thought I’d share about where I live. The Thrive Africa mission base used to be a game reserve, and is nestled into 2500 acres along a beautiful mountain range. The mountains are Mooihoek (7470 feet above sea level), Mount Everest (6620 feet) and Eagle’s Head (7020 feet). The base is about 6000 feet above sea level. When people think of Africa they think of hot, desert-like conditions. Not Southern Africa.

The staff and interns live in chalets around the base. As an example, I live in a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom chalet with 3 other girls. Our chalet includes a full kitchen, living room and nice porch with a Braai (BBQ pit) out back. There are various other buildings we use for offices, church and our main reception area. The buildings are much simpler and more rustic than at home, but quite nice.

What I love about this place is the beautiful scenery and animals all around. With the changes in sun, clouds, and seasons the landscape always looks different and always amazing. I never tire of just walking, hiking or jogging and admiring the beauty everywhere. (Well, I do get tired of the jogging, but not the looking).

The base is also home to more than 700 animals included Zebra, Wildebeest, Springbok, Blesbok, Deer, Rock Rabbits, Ostrich and Horses. The other day an Ostrich tried to follow me inside my house and when I shut the door she ran to our window to get a good look inside. It was so funny! I tried to take a picture, but it didn’t really turn out.

I’ve included some pictures so you could get a feel for what it’s like living on the mission base. Hope you find them interesting!

My Role at Thrive Africa

Through our busy outreach season I’ve been sharing about the mighty ways the Lord works in and through mission teams. We were blessed to have teams with us February through August this year and we’ve seen so many lives changed as a result. Now I’d like to share more about my role here at Thrive Africa.

As Outreach Director, I’m responsible for the planning and execution of our Outreach season. This includes working with mission team leaders to plan their trips, managing our overall Outreach schedule, and helping to arrange for accommodations, transportation and free day activities. I also plan for the team’s ministry in the villages and local hospitals, and work with our interpreters including scheduling, training, and coaching. Then when teams arrive, I provide cultural and ministry training and assist them however needed.

Our goal is to serve our teams with excellence, ensuring each trip is an enjoyable and life-changing experience. It’s a great job! And I’m thankful to use my business experience to do something I’m so passionate about.

I’ve also begun working with Abram Moloi, our Thrive Africa pastor, in building relationships with our local pastors and managing our Hand in Hand pastoral development program. Christian leadership development is also something I’m passionate about, so it’s a joy to pour into our local churches helping them to grow and reach others for Christ.

That’s what I do. Thank you so much for the prayers and financial support that allows me to live and work in South Africa. You are a critical part of God’s work here.

Back Safe and Sound

Greetings from South Africa! My friend June and I made it back safe and sound. Praise God! Thank you so much for the prayers and support that enabled me to return. It’s such a privilege to be able to serve here in South Africa.

When we first arrived we spent a couple of days in Johannesburg to shop for supplies that we can only get in the city. A few staff members met us as well. Trips into the city have to be well planned because our base is 3 hours away, yet still flexible because of what we affectionately call “South Africa time”. I spent the weekend settling into my new room and catching up with friends, and then kicked off my new role as Outreach Coordinator on Monday.

It has been a whirlwind over the past 2 weeks between leasing and moving out of my house, spending time with family and friends, packing and storing all my stuff, traveling, etc. Whew! So it’s great to be settling into this next chapter of my life.

Praise Reports:
- For the support of my family who helped so much with the move and for giving me a place to stay during the transition.
- For prayer and financial partners who helped me to return. (I’m currently at 60% of my financial goal).
- For the significant impact that Thrive Africa is having among the Basotho people as they carry out their God-gifted mission.
- That we (you and I) are invited to serve alongside them.

Prayer Requests:
- That I adjust quickly to my new home and role as Outreach Coordinator.
- For the additional financial support needed to remain in South Africa.
- For the busy Internship and Outreach season that ramps-up in mid-June.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. Please let me know if you have any prayer requests that I can lift up. And please keep in touch – I’d love to hear from you. jillmariemarshall@yahoo.com

Blessings, Jill

South Africa Teambuilding

It’s been a month since returning from my 2 month visit to Thrive Africa in South Africa. Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragements - they have been such a blessing to me. The trip was amazing and now I’m sure that this is where the Lord is calling me next.

Our mission at Thrive Africa is to equip young people, to strengthen the local church, and ultimately to change the course of South Africa currently plagued by poverty and HIV/AIDs. My goal is to return to South Africa by the end of May (May 26th God-willing) in order to serve as Outreach Coordinator, hosting mission teams and mobilizing volunteers to help in the local villages.

In order to do so, I need partners to join in prayer and financial support. Please prayerfully consider partnering with me.

Prayer Partners.
I ask that you pray with me for a smooth transition to South Africa, for wisdom and impact in my new job, and for the full financial support needed to remain in South Africa long-term. And if you’d like to be included in monthly prayer requests and praise reports, please let me know.

Financial Partnership – One-time and Monthly Support.
As a missionary, I am responsible for raising my own financial support. It will take $3000 in initial, one-time costs to move to South Africa and then $1500 per month to stay long-term. My monthly budget includes expenses for household, personal and ministry-related items, as well as a portion towards yearly travel expenses. As an example, 5 people giving $100, 10 people giving $50, and 20 people giving $25 each month would allow me live and work among the Basotho people.

Checks should be made payable to Covenant Global Evangelism with my name in the memo line and mailed to Covenant Global Evangelism, PO Box 367, Eaton, Ohio, 45320. CGE is my US-based ministry partner handling charitable contributions, and will provide you with both tax receipts and year-end statements.

Advocates.
Another way you can help is by sharing what the Lord is doing in South Africa with your family, friends, and churches. And if folks want to learn more about Thrive Africa, missions in general, or about potentially visiting us on a short-term trip, I’d love to help any way I can.

I know that economic times are tough here in the US, but I also know that God is moving both here and around the world. By trusting Him and living openhandedly, we will be blessed while changing lives for the better. Thanks so much for your consideration, and for your encouragement and support!

Greetings from Michigan

Greetings from Michigan. Hi there. I arrived back in the US on Sunday afternoon and must admit – it feels a bit strange. On the one hand, so I’m excited to be home to see family and friends, and to plug back into church and school. On the other hand, I miss South Africa and my mind is whirling with all the things I need to do to go back. I’m so grateful that the Lord is giving me this opportunity, calling me into full-time missions which has been on my heart for many years now.

So let me back up just a bit. After my first mission trip in 2002 I was “hooked”. I felt the Lord had given me a glimpse into his purpose for me - a calling for which he had been preparing me through my education, work, and even life experiences. That may sound strange, but I knew I wanted to be involved in overseas missions someday, somehow – I just had no idea of the timing. When I was laid off from Ford I felt that the Lord had closed one door but opened another. My prayers regarding the timing had been answered. And so I embarked on a 2 month adventure with Thrive Africa to experience being a full-time missionary and to seek the Lord’s confirmation about making a “career change.” The trip was amazing! I had been to Thrive Africa several times before and it was “love at first sight”. The people. The land. The vision and their commitment to excellence. So I was grateful to have an opportunity to serve behind the scenes in their Outreach Department. Long story short – I felt the Lord’s confirmation that this is the right place to be for the next several years and who knows afterwards. Pretty cool, huh?

What’s next? There is so much to do to return – I’m excited, a bit overwhelmed, and trusting God for all the details. Visa and travel arrangements. Setting up a support account. Fundraising to cover monthly expenses. Selling or renting my house. Handling all my personal affairs, finances, etc. And most importantly, like I said, trusting God each step of the way.

Thank you. So thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement. Your partnership has been instrumental in bringing hope to people in need, and also in turning my personal dream into a reality. I am grateful for that. And I would so much appreciate your continued prayers.
- That my house would sell or rent quickly despite this difficult economy
- That all the details would be handled quickly and smoothly
- That I remain humble, obedient, and strong in my faith
- For the financial and prayer support needed to serve in South Africa

I also humbly ask that you pray about your continued role in this calling. Perhaps the Lord is calling you to be part of the prayer team, to give financially, to support one of Thrive Africa’s programs or projects, or to serve on a mission team… God has a plan and purpose for each of us. God Bless.