Again this morning, we just walked through the village, talking and praying with people in an effort to bring hope and encouragement. Of course, we're working through translators, so it forces you to figure out how to share your faith in the most simple and accessible way. How great is the Word of God that it can speak truth and hope to any person regardless of their culture, language, life experience, social status, and struggles? The same God that can meet my every need and know my every thought can do the same thing for a person across the world? THAT is faith worth sharing. You would be so proud of your family and friends who are sharing their faith with hurting strangers with boldness, sincerity, and compassion - every single one of them!
We went to a support group for people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS where Jen Brossman shared her testimony for the first time, along with Sharon and Ray. It was so perfect because each of their stories shared the different ways God works in the midst of hardship. In Jen's situation, God brought healing by taking her mother to heaven. In Ray's situation, God brought complete physical healing. And in Sharon's situation, God gave her strength through her physical battle. All three of them did a wonderful job sharing their testimony, and I'm sure it was an encouragement.
This afternoon, there was another children's crusade. As missionary Mark had shared, word had spread about it - as we turned onto the road, dozens and dozens of children poured from the side streets and ran along side our van to the gates, where dozens of other children were already waiting! It was incredible!
As we prepared for the evening service at Ombili, there was a dust storm unlike anything Melissa had ever seen in Otjiwarongo! Poor Patsy was driving one of the vans for the first time and couldn't even see the road in front of her! Someone's roof had blown off and was laying in the middle of the road. We posted a couple before/after pics below. The dust storm actually took out the power as we were beginning the service. The team was incredibly flexible, and did an impromptu version of the Sin Chair drama without the music, and Maurice sang his solo a capella. Pastor Eran had to preach in the dark for a bit, but the power came on as he was talking about trusting in God :)
Tomorrow we head off to the coast (where the weather is supposed to be around 70 degrees - so refreshing!). We'll be shopping, riding 4-wheelers on desert sand dunes, and climbing the second highest sand dune in the world! I'm not sure if we'll have internet access over the weekend, but we'll definitely report back as soon as possible!
Thanks for all your words of encouragement - we're reporting your comments to the team, and they're loving it!
*Pastor Courtney and the team
13 comments:
Hi Deb!
Wow, Wow, Wow. The pictures & comments are great to follow. I love hearing about each day. What an amazing experience you all are having. Samantha & I pray for you every night when we say our night prayers. She thinks Africa is close by because she keeps asking me to drive her there.
Peace to all.
Trish
im really glad that God is keeping u safe and on the right path. so in case u didn't hear, anybody that went last year is not allowed to use the "dune gloves" u have to climb the dune just like last year with your bare hands. haha. praying for u all. enjoy ur break we all know u earned it!! love u all!
P.S. hey watch out for those warthogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Kay!
It was so good to talk to you by phone today. I'm sorry it was so chaotic on my end, but that is how it is on many occasions in the Ried house. We all miss you, and I spoke with Nick and Stevie and I shared with them that we spoke. We are all eagerly following the blog, and are very happy to hear that you are doing well. Enjoy your weekend ahead. We are busy busy busy with our preparations for going abroad. So much love your way... all the way to Africa!! xoxox, Patty
Maurice, why is it you who always get sick?? It's ridiculous...but I'm glad you're feeling better.
Anyways, it sounds like you guys are having an unforgettable time. Be encouraged in the knowledge that a whole ton of people are praying for you and that God will give you all the strength you will ever need. enjoy your break
love,
Sheena
I find myself rushing home to hurry and check in to read the latest update and look at the newest pictures. The one of you, Patsy, with the little girl holding her polaroid is just priceless! I print them all out and show them off to my friends and we are just blown away by what God is doing through the whole team! The news really helps us to focus our prayers on what the immediate needs are.
Dot, Renee called and sends her love, and Selma also. Benjamin was so thrilled to see his Grandma in the police hat that he went and put on his fireman's hat and started singing!
Hope you all get some good rest!!
Love, Judy
sooo happy to hear an update on what you all are up to in africa. So inspired by you guys-- how you love continually on those that have not experienced it. how you show hope to people that didn't have any. and how you totally surrender to what God wants you to do for Him. So, so proud.
Maurice--SHOUTOUT-Day 7!! happy one week :]
hard to believe that you have been gone for a week already-- you guys have done so much it seems. incredibly proud of you-- way to get African remedies to your throat problems... maybe they will be solved for good now. hm.... I imagine that you are getting pretty exhausted by now, as well as the rest of the team. prayers for strength & endurance-- keep it up. give all that you can while your'e there-- don't come back with any "i wish i would have...". oh... and have tons of fun on your free day!!! it sounds like so much fun... 4 wheeling over sand dunes ( amazing). climbing sand dunes ( ...hard i would guess.) and shopping (so much fun). enjoy your day off- you guys deserve it.
tons of prayers & even more love.
Missy,
I had to really comfort dad when he realized that he missed your call Wed. :-( I'm serious. He was very upset. We all miss you and are constantly checking the site for glimpses of you!
We are so glad that things are going so well. We hope you can all rest up and enjoy the next few days . We pray that you all get recharged ...
Love to all,
Gina
Hi Pastor, Kathe, Patsy and Dot - Praise God for the work you are doing in Namibia. We've been following the blog and praying everyday. The faces of the children are precious and the team looks so joyful as they perform and bring God's love to all. Thanks Pastors Eran and Courtney for your faithful updates. Enjoy the "dunes". Climb high!!
Love, Bob and Rita Leinheiser
JEN!!
WOW...we miss you in classes. okay so maybe i just miss you, oh and you are my partner in macroeconomics for the group project!! ooooo yeah!!
I am so excited for you and the team. I'm happy you were able to speak and share the gospel with many. We are praying and sending love your way. Be strong and get rest! Be encouraged team!! Love and miss you!!
Jen,
We're so excited the weekend is approaching for you guys because that means you all get to rest. That also means that when classes start on Monday we'll get to see you by the end of the week :-D!! We love you and are praying for you and I think rockem' and I check this blog several times a day. Have a great weekend everyone! America sends you their greetings :-)
moe, im so glad you're feeling better but you gotta get home for HSM3! there are at least 4 people in my small group that have never seen the movies!! I saw some backstage footage while watching the disney channel with jani and it looks SOOO good, i cant wait to see it and i'll try so hard to wait until u can see it too.
praying that the team gets to rest up on their break so that they can "get their heads in the game"! God is doing such amazing things, just reading about them on the blog is exciting!
Praise God for all you are doing. I enjoy reading your notes and seeing all the pictures. I love sharing with our friends. It seems like you guys can use the rest this weekend. God is using the team in amazing ways. Send our love to Pastor, Kathe, Dot and Patsy. Please tell Kathe tigger is fine. We miss you guys and can't wait for your return. Thankyou Pastor Erin and Courtney for all the updates. We will continue to pray for you. May God touch those under the weather. Love to all Phoebe & Roch
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