Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Relationships

Once again I feel like there is so much we could write in here and not enough time to do it! We have had some amazing opportunities in the last couple of weeks and some huge blessings from the Lord! Nicole and I have been praying that God would allow us to form some solid relationships. I think we talked earlier in the blog about the struggle with forming genuine relationships here. It has definitely taken some time, but I think it has finally happened! Relationships seem to be popping up all over the place.
I mentioned before that I was leading a small devotion time for the volunteers. That mainly consisted of me doing a scripture lesson and then opening it up for discussion where Nicole and I would talk and the volunteers would sit and stare at us. I was thrilled when I got a head nod or a, “yes, yes” from someone. Well, imagine my surprise when one of the teenage boys that we have been working with, Ernest, opened up about his life! It was incredible! All of the sudden we actually had a discussion going! I was thrilled! We had a great talk about what it looks like to glorify the Lord with your life and how we are to look different to the world. Since that miraculous day, we have had a few more discussions at devotions. It is mainly the teenage boys that are willing to share. Ernest has continued to share struggles in his life with Nicole and me. He is such an amazing boy and we think that he truly understands the gospel. He has shared with us that he has seen his older brothers make several foolish mistakes in their lives and he doesn’t want to follow in their footsteps. This is a hard thing to take on because so much of this culture is based on tradition and family. To step outside of the cultural norm and follow the Lord instead of your family is huge. We are praying hard for him and would appreciate your prayer support as well.
Nicole has also had some great breakthroughs. She has been leading the “story time” for the older children at project. They have been able to discuss some really tough issues like what the Bible says about sex and finding your identity in Christ. Some of the teenagers have actually thanked her for talking about this stuff with them. They said that no one in their lives wants to talk about this with them and they have so many questions. We have been so encouraged by their eagerness to learn and all of the questions they’ve had. It’s incredible! The teenage girls that wanted nothing to do with us at the beginning are now asking to hang-out with us. Nicole has already spent one afternoon with them making jewelry while I was tutoring one of the volunteers. I’m so sad to be leaving now. I feel like we are just getting started. I am very thankful that Nicole still has time here with the children. I really feel like God is working in their hearts and I’m excited to see how these relationships develop.
On top of all the breakthroughs with project, we have met some really neat people around town. Just last week we had dinner with a local Namibian couple who are starting a church with the Bushmen. It has been rare that we meet locals that are on fire for the Lord. Marcus and Fula are definitely on fire and doing their best to follow God’s call and spread His truth. I wish I had time to write more about them, they are an amazing couple! We have also formed friendships with some women in town who are interested in learning about the Bible. Nicole is hoping to start up a Bible study with them soon. There seem to be so many opportunities for friendship and mentorship popping up. The Lord has been faithful to answer our prayers. It seems like there are many people in Rundu who are hungry to know the truth. Incredible!
On a sad note…I can’t believe that my time in Namibia is up. I remember people telling me that these three months would go fast. I don’t think I believed them, but they were right. My time has flown by and although I can’t wait to be home to see family and friends, I’m so sad to leave everyone here. I wish I could fly my loved ones to Rundu and keep building relationships with my new friends. Goodbyes are so hard and not something I like to do. I know that the remainder of Nicole’s time here will be well spent. I can’t think of anyone better to stay here and continue sharing Christ’s love and truth. I will be back home praying and anxiously awaiting updates just like you all reading this! Please continue to pray that God would grow these relationships and that the friendships would point them to Christ. Also, please be in prayer for my journey home and Nicole’s transition here. Love you all and I’m excited to see you in less than two weeks!