NEWSLETTER
newsletter archive
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
September 2007
Greetings from South Africa:
Have you ever had one of those moments when you think to yourself, “God, You are truly amazing! You always know exactly what I need, and exactly at the right time!” I experienced one of those moments on my recent flight back to South Africa...
After more than 20 hours, my travels were finally coming to an end. Only 2 more hours and I would reach my final destination – Johannesburg, South Africa. As the excitement and anticipation built, I found time passing more slowly than ever. So, I decided to take the opportunity to write in my journal and spend some time in God’s Word.
As I wrote in my journal, I began to reflect upon the journey ahead of me. My heart was filled with awe and amazement at the greatness of our God in leading me back to South Africa. I was so excited about what lay ahead at the other end of the flight – I was excited to, once again, be involved in the ministries God had for me in South Africa. Yet, at the same time, a few little nerves began to creep their way into my stomach... When I stepped off the airplane, my life was going to change, yet again. No doubt, there would be something greatly familiar about the “change” this time around, since I had a pretty good idea of what to expect; but, it would be change nonetheless. As I thought about the changes ahead, a comforting thought crept into my mind – “I do not know what the month will hold, but I do know that God, Who holds my hand, also holds tomorrow...” As I penned those words in my journal, I began to wonder where that truth was found in Scripture.
My mind started on to other things, as I began to read a passage in Romans. However, as I was sitting there reading, two African men across the aisle handed me a sheet of paper that read – “Pls read Essai 41 v13-19.” Curiously, I opened up to Isaiah 41:13-19 and read through the passage. The verses were encouraging – speaking of God helping us and being in control. I thought I must have looked a little nervous to the two men, so they had wanted to encourage me with some Scripture. I began to read through the passage again and, this time, verse 13 stopped me in my tracks – “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.’” Talk about goose bumps – this was the very passage I had just been thinking about and wondering where it was found in the Bible. God truly is amazing – He always knows what we need, and exactly at the right time!
Time has been flying by, since I arrived back in South Africa. When I arrived at the Zakariasen home, there was a team of 8 people from Minnesota visiting. The day that team left, a team of 5 people from Massachusetts arrived. Things were busy, as we tried to balance the busyness of school and managing the teams that were here; however, it was a very enjoyable time.
I have been back in South Africa for more than one month, now. Truly, it feels like I never left. I attribute that completely to God’s grace – He has allowed me to fit seamlessly back into the Zakariasen family and He has given me the peace and contentment to call this place home. Though naturally, I do miss my family and friends, I am so excited to be back in South Africa – this is where God wants me, and I could not be happier!
I have been working with the Zakariasen children on a day-to-day basis, helping them with their schoolwork, and that has been very enjoyable. There have been some rough days, but God has been faithful to carry me through those hard days, just as He carries me through each and every day... I have also been blessed to, once again, get involved with the Grade 1 Sunday School class at Central Baptist Church. My first Sunday back, I was greeted with a sign reading, “Welcome Home, Krista! We Love You!” In addition to Sunday School, it has been wonderful to return to the Bible study group I was previously a part of. I feel so honored to be able to be involved in the ministries of two amazing churches – Central Baptist and Kopano Baptist. God is at work among the congregations at both churches, and it is exciting to see what He is doing!
Well, this has become quite a lengthy update; but, I did want to share with you a little of what God has been doing in my life. Each and every day, I am continually reminded that we truly serve an awesome God! May you all find peace, joy, and strength in Him.
Serving 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.
|
|
|
|
