I'm in Africa

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I'm in Africa! Things started out rough, but I know God is with me. Jeffreys Bay isn't what I had anticipated. I expected to see many wild animals, tribal people, and take showers in the nearest body of water. Instead, I live in a house with several other girls, live in town, and take showers like in America. The only animals I see are dogs that are with their owners. The ocean looks amazing, but I haven't spent much time on the beach because the temperature is usually around 60 degrees, but it is still winter here.

Jeffreys Bay does have its differences. A few of us were stopped at a cross walk and traffic stopped just so we could cross to the other side. The speed limit appears to just a suggested speed because everyone drives so fast! I walked in the community (the poorest parts of town) and saw such need for hope. It brought my life into perspective. These people have nothing, and yet they smiled and said hello as I passed each person. I am so excited and humbled when I think God chose me to have this opportunity to minister to these wonderful people. Thank you God for this opportunity!

I Believe

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I believe in the power of listening to God! My entire life I thought I could control my own plans and hope everything would turn out as it should. Yes, I consulted God in prayer, but I never took the time to stop, wait, and listen to what God's plan for me might be. Sometimes my plans for myself would work, but I consistently found myself disappointed in myself and how my plans didn't work. Now I know what went wrong. My faith has grown tremendously in just the few months I've been preparing for my trip to Africa. I have learned that only through listening to God I can do His will for me.

While going through the process of deciding to go on the South Africa trip, I read the Listening Prayer AIM had posted in a blog. The prayer gave instructions on how to prepare to hear God. I decided to give this advice a chance. I had become so frustrated and overwhelmed with trying to decide if I should go on the trip, I came to the conclusion I shouldn't go. Giving God a chance and leaving my selfishness behind was the smartest thing I have done. The first time I tried listening for God, I believe He showed me His plans through scripture. Matthew 20:23 came so randomly, and it wasn't a scripture that I was extremely familiar with so I knew it came from God. I read the scripture and wondered how this could apply to me, but I continued to read. I read until I reached verses 26-28 which said, "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many". No more controlling my life, after reading those scriptures I knew I had to give my life to Him 100 percent.

The second time I heard God, it was similar to the first. I was stressed about raising the finances required to on the South Africa trip. This time Philippians 4:16 was revealed to me. Once again I had to read ahead, but was amazed when I read verse 19. It says, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus". Since reading that verse I have a peace that has taken over me. I know that if it is His will for me to go on my trip He will provide.

Those two verses renewed my faith in God. I know no matter the outcome in a situation, it is in God's plan and with time he will reveal His plan. I know God's plan is perfect, and if I just wait on Him I will be able to fulfill that plan!

Erin Bowers - First Year Missionary

I'm in Africa

I Believe