NEWSLETTER
newsletter archive
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
September 2006
Greetings from South Africa:
I never imagined that I would experience Africa in the way that I have in the past two months. I have been blessed to visit and experience life in Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa. My most recent adventure was a trip to Zambia, with the Zakariasen family.
Last month, Kevin Zakariasen was asked to be the speaker at a teen camp in Choma, Zambia. He accepted the offer, and decided to bring the whole family along, including myself and Amy (a girl who was here in South Africa for the summer). In the early morning hours of August 17th, all eleven of us loaded into the family van and headed for Zambia, via Botswana. We drove for approximately 20 hours over a two-day period, and finally pulled into Choma, Zambia on the evening of August 18th.
The highlight of the drive was definitely our stop at Victoria Falls. It was a breathtaking sight, and one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. What an awesome God we have, to give us something so incredible for our eyes to behold. After seeing a sight such as Victoria Falls, you cannot help but be filled with awe toward our great and wonderful God.
While in Zambia, Amy & I had the privilege of ministering as camp counselors. This was a very challenging task, but God used it to do a powerful work in my life. The biggest challenge of the week was trying to be a counselor and friend to teenagers who did not know English. I truly desired to get to know the campers spiritual needs, but found it very difficult and frustrating, since very few knew English. Despite the hardships, God used the week for His glory.
The first day we were in Zambia, I was reading Psalm 73:25 – “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” At that moment, I realized that I did not have my priorities straight – I was not allowing God to be first place in my life; I was being consumed with homesickness for my family, friends, and home. After reading this verse, I immediately knew that some things needed to change in my life. From that point on, I purposed that I would focus on desiring God more than anyone/anything else. However, this is not an easy task, nor is it a one-time decision; it is a continual decision to put God first in everything I do. I would appreciate your prayers, as I continue to work on making God my all in all.
Well, God’s work in my life did not stop after that first day. Throughout the week, God began to give me an incredible, increasing desire for His Word. I found myself looking forward to the breaks in the camp schedule, so I could go back to my room and read my Bible. In the midst of a difficult week, I found peace, joy, and comfort in the Word of God. I am so thankful for God’s written Word – it truly helped me through the week, and helps me each and every day. I ask you to pray that this passion and desire for God’s Word would not soon fade away, but would continue to grow.
We had a safe trip home from Zambia and are now back in South Africa, trying to get settled into a daily routine. We dropped Amy off at the airport on August 28th, so now it is just me and the Zakariasen family. We have been doing some “spring cleaning” this week. We have also been getting things ready for the kids to start up school again, after having three weeks off. On September 2nd, I will be leaving to spend six days with David & Erin deBruyn in Johannesburg. Beyond that, I really do not have any extraordinary plans on the horizon. Life should slow down a little bit and that is okay with me. I am really looking forward to helping the kids with their schoolwork, teaching piano lessons, and simply working around the house.
I praise God for the many things He has allowed me to experience over the past two months. My time in Africa has already exceeded my expectations. God has given me many opportunities that I never even dreamed of, bringing to my mind Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think…” So often, we have a picture in our mind of something that would be incredibly awesome, and God chooses to bless us “far more abundantly” by surpassing those dreams. What an awesome God we serve!
Thank you all for your prayers and notes of encouragement, as I have been participating in many different areas of ministry. God has been stretching me and shaping me into the person He wants me to be. Though I still have a long way to go, I continue to allow myself to be clay in His hands. Again, thank you all for you support and encouragement. God has truly used you to be a blessing in my life.
Serving the Lord in South Africa,
Krista Smith
P.S. For current updates and pictures, please visit my website: www.journeytoafrica.org
Sign-up to receive it via email.
|
|
|
|
