New Happenings!

Alright, so it's been a while since I've last posted. However, God is still moving, in pretty big ways actually! He is amazing me and sort of wowing me. A while back I was confused at where God wanted me next,confused at how this internship would be paid for and just generally confused when I looked at life. But now, God has given me this intense peace over pretty much everything! Oh my God is so good!

First item: this summer! South Africa is calling my name and I can't wait to get back in Jo'berg, be reunited with some and meet the many new people coming! My fundraiser that I hosted at my church on March 5th is now in the past. The leftover soup and cupcakes are gone and almost all the bread is gone now. But I'm guessing you might be wondering how that day helped me out financially. Well, it's actually kind of funny. That fundraiser brought in $666. Funny number, yes, coincidence, I don't think so.

Maybe it's just me over thinking it but bear with me for a moment. The number 666 is the mark of the beast, demonic, bad, not a good sign at all! But yet that number with a dollar sign in front of it brought me that much closer to Africa, brought the Gospel that much closer to the people living in shacks in Diepsloot and Kya Sands. Maybe that was just Gods way of saying "Hey, you are mine! Satan can intervene all he wants, he can try to mess with you, he can try to put doubts about doubts in your head. But in the end, you are mine. My name reigns high above his, always! I am you Father, you are my daughter. You are mine and I will never let you go!" So yeah that was a thought that was spurred on by one of my close friends. Satan will try to attack, try to get in and destroy every plan God has in place, but he falls, crumbles at the name of Jesus Christ! Our God is a great, mighty, powerful, amazing God!

Next item of peace: the future! When I think of this I feel like I change plans a lot, and I guess I do, but I feel confident in them! As many of you already know, when I graduated high school I had the plan set in place to get a culinary degree and then transfer to get a business degree and then go on to own my own bakery and coffee shop. Well then I went to Africa. That, my friends, changed everything! So I was still planning on SAU and now I was kinda mostly sure of going for my BA in global studies. However, the thought of having piles of student loans freaked me out! I hated the idea! I knew that most missions organizations will not accept you into full time ministry if you were in debt, so in going to SAU it would push back when I could move overseas. So I've been praying over things, a lot! I've felt such confusion that there were days that driving to work became stressful and confusing. But God took it all away! Right now I'm feeling led to something and the more I think of it, the more excited I get! So, here it is! I am thinking/planning (hopefully!) going to YWAM (Youth With A Missions) in Rwanda. This involves a six month missions school, in Rwanda, and a three month 'cultural experience' in a neighboring African country. Then after those 9 months, I could then begin the process of becoming a full time missionary, in Rwanda with YWAM! This is SO exciting to me!

So, my friends, I ask that you pray with me! Here's the list! =)
1. Final South Africa preparations
2. Discernment to know exactly what God has for me next.
3. Patience as I wait to see what His plan is.
4. Growth - That God would just continue to speak to me and reveal things about Himself to me.

Oh man! It's crazy to think that in less than three months I'll be in South Africa and in just over a year I could be living in Rwanda! Oh man, my God is good! Thank you so much for your prayers! Prayer is an amazing tool! However, this amazing tool can also be used as a cop out. I myself am guilty of this! If a friend is struggling with something, what do I say to them instead of offering practical physical help? "Oh I'll pray for you!" Prayer is often used as the easy way out, or the safe option. But prayer is a legit tool, guys! Through prayer and faith God promises us power! Power to move mountains, to heal the sick, to cast out demons!!!! Pray isn't just a general statement that ends in amen, it's approaching the King of Kings! It's talking to our Daddy! It's talking to our Savior on someone else's behalf! So, I ask you for your prayers! Not as a the easy option out but as a brother or sister speaking to their Father on their siblings behalf!

Thank you so much! I could never say that enough! I love you guys! God is good, don't forget this!

~Joanna~