NEWSLETTER
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February 2007
Greetings from South Africa:
God is good – all the time! All the time – God is good! A phrase so simple, yet it is spoken so eloquently. I am reminded of an African pastor preaching those words during a church service in June 2006. At that moment, I never realized the impact those words would have on my day-to-day outlook. God really has blessed me, far beyond what I deserve. Truly, I do not deserve any of God’s blessings, yet He chooses to bless me on an everyday basis. I could go on for hours listing the many blessings that God has bestowed upon me. However, I will just share some of my most recent blessings from God…
As many of you know, I recently returned from spending four weeks at home in Minnesota. Being able to spend the holidays with my family was a tremendous blessing. It was so great to see my family and many of my friends, after being away for six months. My time at home was so refreshing, and I feel that God really renewed me for my final four months in South Africa. Not only that, but I love winter, so it was a treat to be able to participate in some of the great Minnesota winter activities – shoveling the driveway, scraping ice off the cars, and even doing some ice skating and sledding. It was also a blessing for me to be able to minister in my home church, Prior Lake Baptist, while I was home. God really blessed my entire trip, and I am so thankful that He provided a way for me to be home for Christmas.
I returned to South Africa on January 19th, and was welcomed by the open arms of a very excited Zakariasen family. It is such a blessing to be back here, living and working with them. Although, I must admit that the first few days back were very difficult, as we had no telephone service when I returned. It was hard to go from being face-to-face with my family, to having no communication with them. However, God was faithful, and through those days, I was reminded that God’s grace is always sufficient, and He truly is all that I need.
Since my return to South Africa, we have welcomed another addition to the Zakariasen family – Anna. Anna will be ministering with us for three weeks, before heading to Capetown to pursue additional ministry opportunities. It has been wonderful to get to know Anna’s heart for God and for missions; she has been a tremendous blessing and encouragement to me. While she has been here, we have been able to experience some fun African adventures together. A few days ago, we enjoyed shopping at an African market, followed by a delicious dinner at Carnivores. At Carnivores, we were able to enjoy fifteen different meats, including some unique and exotic ones, of which I would say that zebra was definitely my favorite. The other meats that we were able to try included: crocodile, ostrich, kudu, impala, lamb, chicken liver, venison (antelope & warthog), and many more.
It has been wonderful to be back in South Africa, and to continue participation in some of my previous ministries. I have very much enjoyed being part of a ladies Bible study, through Central Baptist Church (our morning church). As well, I praise the Lord for allowing me to be an assistant teacher in the Grade 1 Sunday School class, alongside Sarah Zakariasen, at Central Baptist Church. And, Kopano Baptist Church (our evening church) continues to be a blessing, as we seek to glorify and worship God through music, testimonies, and the preaching of His Word. God knew that my hearts desire was to be involved, and I am so thankful for the many ways He has provided for me to do so.
Recently, we had our first Kopano Baptist Church youth activity, with approximately 20 teen-agers in attendance. I was able to put together a scavenger hunt for the activity, and I found that to be a very enjoyable task. I have always enjoyed working with teen-agers and planning youth activities, so it was extra special for me to be able to participate in the activity in this way. Currently, we are making preparations for our first Kopano Baptist Church baptismal service, at a nearby river. It is very exciting to see the growth in our church. However, we are even more excited as we see the amazing work that God is doing among so many people.
With anticipation, I am looking forward to what God will do, during my last few months in South Africa. As I think about everything that God has done in my life, since my arrival in June 2006, I stand in awe and amazement that He has allowed me this incredible opportunity, and that He has chosen to use me here in South Africa. This is something that I would have never dreamed or imagined or, a few years ago, even wanted for my life. Yet, God, in His sovereign plan, saw fit to lead me to a place where I could minister and, in the process, learn more about Him and grow in my relationship with Him. As I have said before, I am a work in progress. However, my continual desire is that I will allow myself to be clay in the hands of my Potter, my Creator – my great and awesome God.
Serving the Lord in South Africa,
Krista Smith
P.S. For current updates and pictures, please visit my website: www.journeytoafrica.org
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