GROWTH – Swazi Week 2

Hey everyone:)

Im so grateful to have people to share this experience with, even back in the States.

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭

What a blessing it is to have people who are eager to hear all about what the Lord is doing, even here in Swazi!

A NEW SEASON

This week, I learned that it’s ok to be in a new season.

As each day went on, I found it hard to walk in joy and was in a state of dullness. Every morning, my team and I played with the preschoolers at our care point. For as long as I can remember, I’ve thrived with kids age 3-7ish. That age range is always who I’ve connected with and felt energized by. Right before I left for the race, however, I found myself really burnt out. I expected my spark to come back when I stepped foot in Swazi, as I knew I’d be surrounded by a hundred kids, but, it didn’t. I walked this week feeling a lack of zeal and so disappointed at that. I hadn’t been connecting with the littles as I used to. That was so hard to walk through, and I continually asked the Lord why I didn’t feel joy as I played with the tiny people.

I sat with the Lord after ministry, and He reminded me that it’s a new season, and that’s ok. He told me that I still get to love those kids well, just in a new way.

I’ve really connected with the older kids (10-12 year olds, mostly). I get to sit with them and chat and color and hear about their lives and connect with them in a whole new way.

It’s ok not to be in the last season. It’s ok to embrace what the Lord is doing here and now. It’s OK to connect with new people.

I’m so encouraged that I get to love these kids differently than I used to, and I’m learning what that looks like here:)

STRONGHOLDS

At home in the states, I walked in the knowledge of the spiritual forces around me. Here, however, that hasn’t been on the forefront of my mind. That is, until I began to recognize the reason behind the actions I’ve seen. I talked to my leader the other day, and we realized the spiritual strongholds around our care point, and even this country. The boys in Manzini are experiencing some of the same things we are in Nsoko, but we also see unique issues at each team’s care point.

This isnt something to be afraid of, it’s something to be aware of. Because my team and I are now aware of what’s around us, we’re able to cover ourselves in protection-the Blood of Jesus and the armor of God (Ephesians 6). We also have the opportunity now to walk in the authority that Jesus won for us. We get to declare protection over our care point and the kids there, and also claim victory over our base. No force of evil has the right to touch our Holy ground.

I was talking to one of my squad mates last night, and it’s absolutely incredible and so inspiring to see the way he is learning to walk in authority and obedience. My squad is growing so much in the knowledge of the Lord and His fullness, and it’s SO cool to see!! Praise God!!

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭20‬ ‭

The enemy attacks and tries to harm us, but the Lord always uses it for our good and His glory! And now-my squad is so much more aware of the authority we hold!

SO MANY PRAYERS ANSWERED

Each day, I ask the Lord for a new word to look out for-a word to walk in, to receive, and to see around me. He’s answering prayers left and right and teaching me that He does desire to answer our little asks. He cares about the little things we care about and wants to give us the desires of our hearts☺️

This week, I received a fresh indwelling of the Holy Spirit-more of the gifts He desires to give me poured out into my life, and opened eyes to see the spiritual side of things here.

The Lord also brought healing and restoration to my relationship with my best friend, and is growing us immensely toward Himself.

I asked the Lord to pour me out like oil-to shatter the glass so the oil would pour out as an offering. I wanted to be completely rid of myself and have all of my being poured out. I stood before the Lord during a night of worship in the field, and felt the brokenness of the glass. I felt like a shell and unworthy to look up. But then He showed me that He doesn’t look at the broken glass-the broken vessel-He just sees the surrendered offering, and He thinks it’s beautiful.

He showed me a dove as I asked for a shooting star. He reminded me that the dove was a sign of hope. It was a messenger. It went out and saw how the Lord had fulfilled His promise and defeated evil. It came back exclaiming God’s goodness. I get to be innocent as a dove.

Fly high, free bird:)

God is SO GOOD.

Through the morning devos, crazy moments at ministry, quiet moments spent drawing, prayer night, team times, worship in the field, our first church in Swazi, chatting with my best friend, learning more of my new families stories, and singing as we cook, the Lord is so good. We get to see different characteristics He possesses in all of it, and I am so grateful. Thank you King Jesus, my Lord and Savior🙌

I’m honored to experience all of this and share it with all of you-for the glory of the Lord!

Go in peace…

Love,

Rissa:)