Dearest Family and Friends,
Warmest greetings to you all from cold and snowy Ladysmith, Wisconsin! Thank you so much for your prayers as I traveled to Costa Rica for two weeks last month. I was flying stand by, but was so blessed to make all of my flights and even to fly first class for the majority of those flights! Wow, God is so good and really knows how to bless my heart.
The conference was a really great time of hearing more of what Youth With A Mission is all about, networking with old and new friends, praying for the nations, and developing vision for future ministries to further God’s kingdom. I was really praying for God to speak to me there and He did. Many things were confirmed to me about where God is calling me and about the things that He has been showing me in my life lately. One of my favorite parts of the conference was the gym-sized world map that was laid on the floor. There were hundreds of us there from different nations and together we proclaimed the world again for Christ. We also had some powerful times of intercession for the nations that we feel called to, so as you can imagine I spent most of that time over Kenya and East Africa. God really moved so many hearts and encouraged individuals to do their part to complete the great commission that Christ called us all to. After the conference, I spent the second week of my visit with my good friends that led my DTS in Costa Rica, an American family serving there. During my stay with them God continued to minister to me in awesome ways. It was rainy and cool from the tropical storms moving through during Costa Rica’s winter. And God literally shook me up as I experienced my first earthquake one night. In summary, I was so refreshed by God from this trip.
This past Thursday Douglas, my fiancé from Kenya, went for an interview to get a U.S. visa from the embassy in Kenya and they refused him. Thank-you so much for your prayers during this time. Although Douglas didn’t get the visa, we know God is doing something we don’t see or understand. Our hope continues to be in Him and we are still seeking Him to show us what He has for us now. We know that God will bring us together again and we are praying for Him to show us what to do next. There are several options before us, so we are just seeking the LORD to guide us to the right one. So please don’t stop praying, we still need your precious support!
Thank-you all so much for your love, support, and prayers that you continue to offer on my behalf and now on the behalf of Douglas as well. The LORD has done amazing things in me this year that have further equipped me to make Him known. I know that if it weren’t for your support, I wouldn’t be the same. There is so much to be thankful for especially as we celebrate and remember the humble birth of our LORD Jesus Christ. So rejoice in the LORD always and find your hope in Him. Merry Christmas to you all and may your days always be filled with the joy of the LORD!
Love,
Becky <><
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Update Time Again!
TimeFinal Greetings From Uganda!
Hello once again everyone! Only one lecture left and then final exams in my School of Biblical Studies and then this coming Saturday is our graduation. The nine months have flown by as I initially was told they would. There have been many challenging and victorious times, but I can only attest that its by the grace of God that I am where I am today! As the school comes to a close life is very busy: finishing assignments, reviewing for exams, cleaning up, mentally preparing to say good-bye to people, and also preparing to move onto the next step. It has really been a gift from God to have been part of this school of digging into the word of God with seven other amazing people of God from three other nations! Soon after graduation I will be traveling back to Kenya as I have been planning to stay for about a month. I will be traveling to different parts of Kenya to visit some friends and also serving at the YWAM base in Athi River as they host a large team from Holland. Kenya has become my "home-away-from home" so I look forward to my time there. Then in the end of July I am arranging to fly home again! I truly look forward to that so much and hope to see most of you while I am back to share more stories, pictures, and experiences. Thank-you so much for your love, support, and prayers that mean so much to me. For nine months I have been covered by God's protection and provision and for that I say "praise God" and thanks for standing with me! May God bless you and continue to call you closer to His heart!
Love,
Becky <><
Hello once again everyone! Only one lecture left and then final exams in my School of Biblical Studies and then this coming Saturday is our graduation. The nine months have flown by as I initially was told they would. There have been many challenging and victorious times, but I can only attest that its by the grace of God that I am where I am today! As the school comes to a close life is very busy: finishing assignments, reviewing for exams, cleaning up, mentally preparing to say good-bye to people, and also preparing to move onto the next step. It has really been a gift from God to have been part of this school of digging into the word of God with seven other amazing people of God from three other nations! Soon after graduation I will be traveling back to Kenya as I have been planning to stay for about a month. I will be traveling to different parts of Kenya to visit some friends and also serving at the YWAM base in Athi River as they host a large team from Holland. Kenya has become my "home-away-from home" so I look forward to my time there. Then in the end of July I am arranging to fly home again! I truly look forward to that so much and hope to see most of you while I am back to share more stories, pictures, and experiences. Thank-you so much for your love, support, and prayers that mean so much to me. For nine months I have been covered by God's protection and provision and for that I say "praise God" and thanks for standing with me! May God bless you and continue to call you closer to His heart!
Love,
Becky <><
Friday, May 2, 2008
Delayed Update...
Hello Everyone!
Firstly I want to apologize for the delay since my last update. But your prayers, love, and support since I last sent a prayer request have really been felt on my end and I cannot thank-you enough. I am doing so much better these days and again can only praise God for His hand that has been mightily upon me.
Towards the end of March I had the opportunity to travel to another region of Uganda called Masaka to visit the home of another student in my school. His name is Valence; he's a pastor, father or eight children ranging from 1 to 19 years of age, husband, and man after God's heart. He invited myself and another student to come to his home to pray with his family and do some ministry over a weekend. So we left on a Friday afternoon and arrived there late that night. We were warmly welcomed and very well taken care of. The next day we did a bit of our assignment, then went on a hike to see Valence's land. After walking through his fields (some filled with bananas and maize), we visited some homes to pray with various people that Valence knew. Some were friends, others relatives, Muslims, Christians, all sorts of people. Finishing the day's ministry, we climbed a small hill and prayed over the community where Valence hopes to come back and begin ministry with his family. After a meal of matoke (Uganda's famous banana), g-nut or peanut sauce, and other Ugandan specialties the entire family gathered together in the sitting room. The older children who attend boarding school came home to meet us so we were honored to be with everyone! Valence, his wife, and children make many sacrifices as he studies with us in the School of Biblical Studies, one of which is financial. School fees are a great obstacle that most families face and the issue also affects this family. So together we sang some worship songs by the light of a kerosene lantern. And then we went into a time of prayer for Valence's family. It was a very powerful time and I was so blessed to have been able to be there to stand with them in prayer that evening. The next morning we all prepared ourselves for church a few kilometers away. Every one in the family was dressed very "smart" (as Africans say) or looking good. I took pictures of the family inside the home and then outside as well. Then we walked to the church which met in a boarding school classroom. I shared a teaching on the inductive bible study at the beginning of the service. Then I took all the children and youth outside for Sunday school. I taught them a drama that they acted out and we had a really good time. Before we knew it the weekend was over and it was time to head back home. I was so refreshed to get away from where I study and was honored to be welcomed by such a wonderful family as Valence's. God moved in their lives for sure, but to my surprise in my life as well.
Good Friday was the last day of the second quarter of SBS and because of God's grace we all finished! It was a victorious day to hand in the final assignment and to know that we had a week break ahead. Well that week break flew by so fast and before we knew it we were back in class again for the third quarter.
After our first week back I had the opportunity to go with the church that I attend for prison ministry. I had never gone before, but felt pressed in my heart to go. On the way there I was telling God that if He wanted to use me I was His and placed the time into His hands. The prison was nothing like what we have at home. It was just a few buildings with a fence around the outside. Almost immediately after stepping into the complex I felt that I should share what I had just learned and God had spoke in my life from the book of Jonah. So I was given the audience of the prisoners and was just led by the Spirit. God really took control and challenged many hearts. One heart was especially touched, Fred, and He received his salvation that day! It was an amazing experience and an example of how God is working His word into my life.
A month of the last quarter of SBS is gone and we're quickly moving forward to finish the O.T. by the last week of June. We have already covered many of the smaller prophets, Isaiah, and this week Jeremiah. To be honest we are all very tired physically, mentally, and even at times spiritually. But God has brought us to this place for a purpose and will bring it to completion in each of us. The work is much and overwhelming at times, but personally I am just astounded at God's grace working in me when I hand in each of the assignments. I can't explain how I'm able to continue doing the work that is required of us in this school by anything other than God. And the way that God has protected me and kept me safe and healthy...wow! There was one time a few weeks ago that I was sick for a week or so with what was probably a stomach bug, but even then I had no trouble keeping up with the work and overcame it! I've also been running well lately. Its hard to explain what God has been doing in me since I first came in September, but maybe I can illustrate it through my running. When I first arrived, on one of the first runs, we began to run up the hill that is near the base and after just a few minutes I gave up. For the first three months I tried to run, but was defeated by the pain in my legs. Over Christmas break I experienced a new strength and desire to run while in Kenya. Then I came back ready to hit the roads again. My legs were no longer hurting and I was going further than I had before. One day I felt especially strong and made it up that hill as my running partner never expected I would. One day last week I felt strong when we got to the location where we normally turn back at and decided to keep going. So we continued on and on...it was my farthest run yet, around 8 km. There is a 10km race coming up towards the end of May in Jinja that I'm hoping to take part in. I've never run a race before, but I know I can do it and am ready for the challenge. Life here has so many challenges and at times I really cry out to God because He's all I have. But I'm running the good race, growing in strength, endurance, courage, confidence, faith, perseverance...the list can go on and on. I'm trusting in God each day to be my everything and He has proved so faithful as He always comes through. Two more months of SBS to go and then I will complete this round and move onto the next. Following my graduation from the lecture phase of SBS around June 28th I plan to travel back to Kenya for a few weeks to visit and hope to help out at the base in Athi River a bit. Then towards mid to late July I'm planning to come home!!! I can't wait to come home and catch up with everyone. I should be around for a few months, but then I'm still planning to come back to East Africa in the fall to do the outreach phase of my school from the YWAM base in Arusha, Tanzania.
So that is the long and rather detailed update on my life and how the LORD has been so good to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your love, support, prayers, letters, packages, notes, e-mails, and recipes on how to be encouraged by God's truth (of the latter: let those who took part understand and smile). I love you and thank God so much for your involvement in my life! Be blessed!
Walking With Him,
Becky <><
Firstly I want to apologize for the delay since my last update. But your prayers, love, and support since I last sent a prayer request have really been felt on my end and I cannot thank-you enough. I am doing so much better these days and again can only praise God for His hand that has been mightily upon me.
Towards the end of March I had the opportunity to travel to another region of Uganda called Masaka to visit the home of another student in my school. His name is Valence; he's a pastor, father or eight children ranging from 1 to 19 years of age, husband, and man after God's heart. He invited myself and another student to come to his home to pray with his family and do some ministry over a weekend. So we left on a Friday afternoon and arrived there late that night. We were warmly welcomed and very well taken care of. The next day we did a bit of our assignment, then went on a hike to see Valence's land. After walking through his fields (some filled with bananas and maize), we visited some homes to pray with various people that Valence knew. Some were friends, others relatives, Muslims, Christians, all sorts of people. Finishing the day's ministry, we climbed a small hill and prayed over the community where Valence hopes to come back and begin ministry with his family. After a meal of matoke (Uganda's famous banana), g-nut or peanut sauce, and other Ugandan specialties the entire family gathered together in the sitting room. The older children who attend boarding school came home to meet us so we were honored to be with everyone! Valence, his wife, and children make many sacrifices as he studies with us in the School of Biblical Studies, one of which is financial. School fees are a great obstacle that most families face and the issue also affects this family. So together we sang some worship songs by the light of a kerosene lantern. And then we went into a time of prayer for Valence's family. It was a very powerful time and I was so blessed to have been able to be there to stand with them in prayer that evening. The next morning we all prepared ourselves for church a few kilometers away. Every one in the family was dressed very "smart" (as Africans say) or looking good. I took pictures of the family inside the home and then outside as well. Then we walked to the church which met in a boarding school classroom. I shared a teaching on the inductive bible study at the beginning of the service. Then I took all the children and youth outside for Sunday school. I taught them a drama that they acted out and we had a really good time. Before we knew it the weekend was over and it was time to head back home. I was so refreshed to get away from where I study and was honored to be welcomed by such a wonderful family as Valence's. God moved in their lives for sure, but to my surprise in my life as well.
Good Friday was the last day of the second quarter of SBS and because of God's grace we all finished! It was a victorious day to hand in the final assignment and to know that we had a week break ahead. Well that week break flew by so fast and before we knew it we were back in class again for the third quarter.
After our first week back I had the opportunity to go with the church that I attend for prison ministry. I had never gone before, but felt pressed in my heart to go. On the way there I was telling God that if He wanted to use me I was His and placed the time into His hands. The prison was nothing like what we have at home. It was just a few buildings with a fence around the outside. Almost immediately after stepping into the complex I felt that I should share what I had just learned and God had spoke in my life from the book of Jonah. So I was given the audience of the prisoners and was just led by the Spirit. God really took control and challenged many hearts. One heart was especially touched, Fred, and He received his salvation that day! It was an amazing experience and an example of how God is working His word into my life.
A month of the last quarter of SBS is gone and we're quickly moving forward to finish the O.T. by the last week of June. We have already covered many of the smaller prophets, Isaiah, and this week Jeremiah. To be honest we are all very tired physically, mentally, and even at times spiritually. But God has brought us to this place for a purpose and will bring it to completion in each of us. The work is much and overwhelming at times, but personally I am just astounded at God's grace working in me when I hand in each of the assignments. I can't explain how I'm able to continue doing the work that is required of us in this school by anything other than God. And the way that God has protected me and kept me safe and healthy...wow! There was one time a few weeks ago that I was sick for a week or so with what was probably a stomach bug, but even then I had no trouble keeping up with the work and overcame it! I've also been running well lately. Its hard to explain what God has been doing in me since I first came in September, but maybe I can illustrate it through my running. When I first arrived, on one of the first runs, we began to run up the hill that is near the base and after just a few minutes I gave up. For the first three months I tried to run, but was defeated by the pain in my legs. Over Christmas break I experienced a new strength and desire to run while in Kenya. Then I came back ready to hit the roads again. My legs were no longer hurting and I was going further than I had before. One day I felt especially strong and made it up that hill as my running partner never expected I would. One day last week I felt strong when we got to the location where we normally turn back at and decided to keep going. So we continued on and on...it was my farthest run yet, around 8 km. There is a 10km race coming up towards the end of May in Jinja that I'm hoping to take part in. I've never run a race before, but I know I can do it and am ready for the challenge. Life here has so many challenges and at times I really cry out to God because He's all I have. But I'm running the good race, growing in strength, endurance, courage, confidence, faith, perseverance...the list can go on and on. I'm trusting in God each day to be my everything and He has proved so faithful as He always comes through. Two more months of SBS to go and then I will complete this round and move onto the next. Following my graduation from the lecture phase of SBS around June 28th I plan to travel back to Kenya for a few weeks to visit and hope to help out at the base in Athi River a bit. Then towards mid to late July I'm planning to come home!!! I can't wait to come home and catch up with everyone. I should be around for a few months, but then I'm still planning to come back to East Africa in the fall to do the outreach phase of my school from the YWAM base in Arusha, Tanzania.
So that is the long and rather detailed update on my life and how the LORD has been so good to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your love, support, prayers, letters, packages, notes, e-mails, and recipes on how to be encouraged by God's truth (of the latter: let those who took part understand and smile). I love you and thank God so much for your involvement in my life! Be blessed!
Walking With Him,
Becky <><
Monday, March 10, 2008
Prayer Request...
Greetings again to all of you! As I've mentioned before this school that I'm in seriously is spiritual warfare. Since my last update and revival of the heart from God I've been under spiritual attack. Its encouraging in some ways to know that I am a threat to the enemy, but hard to continue to fight...although I choose to do so everyday. I've been feeling extremely discouraged, homesick, depressed, and other things that are not of God. I have been learning from the Word about how God fought for His people and I know that He is fighting for me. I request that you prayer warriors would join with me, I really need you to stand with me! I praise God in advance for bringing me through victoriously in Him. I have so much to be thankful for and in those things are my supporters like you. Thank-you and God bless you so much!
Love In Him,
Becky
Love In Him,
Becky
Thursday, February 28, 2008
I'm Never Alone...
Hello Everyone! Its update from Becky time again! I have numerous testimonies of what the LORD has been doing in my life lately, but I will try to narrow it down to a few!
Mango Flies...
About a week and a half ago for the first time I realized I had "mosquitoes bites." These were strange because I really haven't gotten many bites and they were all over my body. A day or so later I realized they weren't mosquito bites when small white larvae came out...I have mango fly larvae living in my skin! It was really strange and foreign to me at first. But as my amazing room-mate helped me to rupture the boils that formed we began extracting the larvae. I have also been taking antibiotics to prevent infection, applying Vaseline over the boils to suffocate the larvae, and with much prayer I'm almost completely healed! It was quite the experience and I have learned many valuable lessons. One of which is that when I leave my clothes outside to dry, ironing them before wearing them again is NOT an option. Mango flies are common here and they embed themselves in clothing and then move into skin if they aren't killed by ironing. God has really showed me also His peace and faithfulness to bring me through all circumstances. Mango flies are common in equatorial Africa and now I can say that I've had my experience with them...hopefully the last time!
Lost Packages...
In December while I was still in Kenya, my parents sent me a package with my malaria medications, digestive aids, other meds, and of course goodies. It usually takes 4 or 5 weeks for a package to come, but after 8 weeks we really began to worry as the package had not come. It was especially urgent that I get it because I had run out of my malaria meds and went one month without taking them. My dad had the post office in the U.S. tracking the package and they didn't know where it was. So last week I contacted the post office in the capital city of Kampala. I have them the tracking number and they told me they had the package for the last month in customs!!! Grrr!!! Then they told me that I would have to come to Kampala, go through customs, pay taxes, and then I could get my package! On Monday I was ready to make a special trip to Kampala to retrieve my package, but before I made final arrangements to travel I called and they told me that I didn't need to come. They were releasing the package from customs to come to the regular post office in Jinja, no taxes required, and I could get it in a few days! A breakthrough like that can only be explained by God's divine intervention. As of today I still don't have the package because the man who takes packages from Kampala to Jinja is sick, but I'm hoping by tomorrow to have finally have the package. In the meantime I've found some malaria medications; some other American students who recently came to the base who are taking the same meds that have been generous to give me a supply until mine comes. So I'm learning patience, persistence in prayer, experiencing God's breakthrough, and I can say He has been so surprisingly faithful to take care of me.
Revival of the Heart...
Last week I had a bit of a breakdown before God. I was feeling so tired of being luke-warm and feeling like I was missing out on something greater from God. That afternoon we were supposed to be doing work duties, but I confess I ran away to be with God. I wept before Him and just poured my heart out at His feet. I had been feeling so homesick and wondering how I was going to make it through my school until June. I can't say that afterward I was miraculously healed or overflowing with joy, but I knew that God had at least heard my cries and knew my heart.
Saturday night a friend of mine really challenged me with some simple words that have left me stirring for change. He told me to not leave this place, YWAM Hopeland-where I'm living and studying, the same. At the time I was finishing up my assignment for the book of Deuteronomy and was really feeling impacted by the legacy that Moses led for the LORD. God came for me that night and woke me up from a slumber that I've been in for some time now. There are many ideas and dreams that God has put in my heart since I came to Uganda and honestly I have little or nothing with them. But things are changing...a new passion to made an impact for God's kingdom where I am, desire to be in God's presence, obedient to His call, and living out my potential each day are becoming more real in my heart. My perspective on life is being transformed each day. The LORD is teaching me to be faithful with each day that is before me. I've come to see how impossible it is to live worrying about the future and how things are going to happen. There is no guarantee that I will live to see tomorrow, but this moment that I am alive I can and am choosing to truly live! I'm still working to find a balance between life and SBS, but at least now I'm able to realize that God has more for me than my studies. He is opening my eyes to see what He is doing all around me and has been gracious enough to invite me again to be apart of it all! I'm investing in relationships more, praying for people when I feel led to, getting involved in a ministry to Northern Uganda, and choosing to be in passionate pursuit of what God is calling me to do and who He's making me to be. Being here in this place is challenging: I'm far from home, language, food, culture, communication, teaching-learning styles, bugs :), and much more are so different. But God is transforming me and equipping me for far greater things in the future! I'm so thankful that He has chosen to stir me up again to be actively living for Him. And I recognize that a great part of what I am experiencing of God is because of your prayers and support. Thank-you is not enough. I appreciate all of your love and support, that allows me to see God as the source of my revival, joy, my protector, sustainer, dream giver, fortress...my everything!
In the future...
I know that I said I'm learning how to live in the day rather than too far in the future, but its good to also have vision and dream with God for the future. I would like to share the direction that I feel God leading me for the near future. (Nothing is set in stone, but these are just ideas and dreams!) My school ends in late-June and afterwards I would like to return to Kenya for a short visit before returning home. I'm hoping to be back home, in beautiful and exciting Wisconsin, sometime in early July. While I am home I would like to raise more long term support, share what God has been doing, visit, see my family, and relax. But God has really placed the desire to do the outreach phase of my school called the Titus project in Arusha, Tanzania in October of this year. This organized outreach is geared specifically for SBS. The first few weeks they teach the students how to teach the Bible to others and then they send them out to do just that in leadership conferences, seminars, teach in SBSs, and much more. The outreach phase/Titus project is three months long. After finishing that I am considering the possibility of staffing an SBS somewhere. (It isn't an easy school to be part of but if everyone who goes through the school as a student doesn't stay around to pour into the program as staff...how will it continue?) These are just some ideas for the near future. God knows exactly where He wants me to be and I trust that He will bring me there as the time comes. But overall I feel a calling to invest in East Africa. The hearts of the people are for God, but I see a need for education in the true doctrine or Word of God to successfully mobilize Africans. Yes I said mobilize...I know God has called missionaries from Africa to places like the U.S. to extend the kingdom of God and God is making the way for it to happen. I feel like I can invest in the education of sound doctrine and studying the WORD in the East African church and so help to equip missionaries to go. African people are on fire for God and once they are armed and ready...look out world they are bringing the Good News! So this is part of the vision God has been implanting in my heart these past months and I'm so pleased to be able to share them with you. Please continue to partner in prayer with me as these plans and visions come into being. The LORD puts desires and dreams in our hearts to be actively involved in His kingdom and brings them to pass when we seek Him with all that we have. So I encourage you too to seek God and find what He is calling you to do, where do you fit in the great scheme of His mighty plans? I can't say I know exactly where I fit, but as I seek God He is showing me more and using me as I offer my life to Him. Many blessings to you and feel free to contact me if you are interested in knowing more.
Much Love In Christ,
Becky <><
Mango Flies...
About a week and a half ago for the first time I realized I had "mosquitoes bites." These were strange because I really haven't gotten many bites and they were all over my body. A day or so later I realized they weren't mosquito bites when small white larvae came out...I have mango fly larvae living in my skin! It was really strange and foreign to me at first. But as my amazing room-mate helped me to rupture the boils that formed we began extracting the larvae. I have also been taking antibiotics to prevent infection, applying Vaseline over the boils to suffocate the larvae, and with much prayer I'm almost completely healed! It was quite the experience and I have learned many valuable lessons. One of which is that when I leave my clothes outside to dry, ironing them before wearing them again is NOT an option. Mango flies are common here and they embed themselves in clothing and then move into skin if they aren't killed by ironing. God has really showed me also His peace and faithfulness to bring me through all circumstances. Mango flies are common in equatorial Africa and now I can say that I've had my experience with them...hopefully the last time!
Lost Packages...
In December while I was still in Kenya, my parents sent me a package with my malaria medications, digestive aids, other meds, and of course goodies. It usually takes 4 or 5 weeks for a package to come, but after 8 weeks we really began to worry as the package had not come. It was especially urgent that I get it because I had run out of my malaria meds and went one month without taking them. My dad had the post office in the U.S. tracking the package and they didn't know where it was. So last week I contacted the post office in the capital city of Kampala. I have them the tracking number and they told me they had the package for the last month in customs!!! Grrr!!! Then they told me that I would have to come to Kampala, go through customs, pay taxes, and then I could get my package! On Monday I was ready to make a special trip to Kampala to retrieve my package, but before I made final arrangements to travel I called and they told me that I didn't need to come. They were releasing the package from customs to come to the regular post office in Jinja, no taxes required, and I could get it in a few days! A breakthrough like that can only be explained by God's divine intervention. As of today I still don't have the package because the man who takes packages from Kampala to Jinja is sick, but I'm hoping by tomorrow to have finally have the package. In the meantime I've found some malaria medications; some other American students who recently came to the base who are taking the same meds that have been generous to give me a supply until mine comes. So I'm learning patience, persistence in prayer, experiencing God's breakthrough, and I can say He has been so surprisingly faithful to take care of me.
Revival of the Heart...
Last week I had a bit of a breakdown before God. I was feeling so tired of being luke-warm and feeling like I was missing out on something greater from God. That afternoon we were supposed to be doing work duties, but I confess I ran away to be with God. I wept before Him and just poured my heart out at His feet. I had been feeling so homesick and wondering how I was going to make it through my school until June. I can't say that afterward I was miraculously healed or overflowing with joy, but I knew that God had at least heard my cries and knew my heart.
Saturday night a friend of mine really challenged me with some simple words that have left me stirring for change. He told me to not leave this place, YWAM Hopeland-where I'm living and studying, the same. At the time I was finishing up my assignment for the book of Deuteronomy and was really feeling impacted by the legacy that Moses led for the LORD. God came for me that night and woke me up from a slumber that I've been in for some time now. There are many ideas and dreams that God has put in my heart since I came to Uganda and honestly I have little or nothing with them. But things are changing...a new passion to made an impact for God's kingdom where I am, desire to be in God's presence, obedient to His call, and living out my potential each day are becoming more real in my heart. My perspective on life is being transformed each day. The LORD is teaching me to be faithful with each day that is before me. I've come to see how impossible it is to live worrying about the future and how things are going to happen. There is no guarantee that I will live to see tomorrow, but this moment that I am alive I can and am choosing to truly live! I'm still working to find a balance between life and SBS, but at least now I'm able to realize that God has more for me than my studies. He is opening my eyes to see what He is doing all around me and has been gracious enough to invite me again to be apart of it all! I'm investing in relationships more, praying for people when I feel led to, getting involved in a ministry to Northern Uganda, and choosing to be in passionate pursuit of what God is calling me to do and who He's making me to be. Being here in this place is challenging: I'm far from home, language, food, culture, communication, teaching-learning styles, bugs :), and much more are so different. But God is transforming me and equipping me for far greater things in the future! I'm so thankful that He has chosen to stir me up again to be actively living for Him. And I recognize that a great part of what I am experiencing of God is because of your prayers and support. Thank-you is not enough. I appreciate all of your love and support, that allows me to see God as the source of my revival, joy, my protector, sustainer, dream giver, fortress...my everything!
In the future...
I know that I said I'm learning how to live in the day rather than too far in the future, but its good to also have vision and dream with God for the future. I would like to share the direction that I feel God leading me for the near future. (Nothing is set in stone, but these are just ideas and dreams!) My school ends in late-June and afterwards I would like to return to Kenya for a short visit before returning home. I'm hoping to be back home, in beautiful and exciting Wisconsin, sometime in early July. While I am home I would like to raise more long term support, share what God has been doing, visit, see my family, and relax. But God has really placed the desire to do the outreach phase of my school called the Titus project in Arusha, Tanzania in October of this year. This organized outreach is geared specifically for SBS. The first few weeks they teach the students how to teach the Bible to others and then they send them out to do just that in leadership conferences, seminars, teach in SBSs, and much more. The outreach phase/Titus project is three months long. After finishing that I am considering the possibility of staffing an SBS somewhere. (It isn't an easy school to be part of but if everyone who goes through the school as a student doesn't stay around to pour into the program as staff...how will it continue?) These are just some ideas for the near future. God knows exactly where He wants me to be and I trust that He will bring me there as the time comes. But overall I feel a calling to invest in East Africa. The hearts of the people are for God, but I see a need for education in the true doctrine or Word of God to successfully mobilize Africans. Yes I said mobilize...I know God has called missionaries from Africa to places like the U.S. to extend the kingdom of God and God is making the way for it to happen. I feel like I can invest in the education of sound doctrine and studying the WORD in the East African church and so help to equip missionaries to go. African people are on fire for God and once they are armed and ready...look out world they are bringing the Good News! So this is part of the vision God has been implanting in my heart these past months and I'm so pleased to be able to share them with you. Please continue to partner in prayer with me as these plans and visions come into being. The LORD puts desires and dreams in our hearts to be actively involved in His kingdom and brings them to pass when we seek Him with all that we have. So I encourage you too to seek God and find what He is calling you to do, where do you fit in the great scheme of His mighty plans? I can't say I know exactly where I fit, but as I seek God He is showing me more and using me as I offer my life to Him. Many blessings to you and feel free to contact me if you are interested in knowing more.
Much Love In Christ,
Becky <><
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Quick Update...
Quick Update:
I just wanted to send a brief update to you to let you know how things are going for me here in Uganda. Today I finished my assignment for the book of Exodus, so we are rolling already into the Old Testament. I have been pleasently surprised at how much I am enjoying the Old Testament and at all that God is teaching me through it. A few weeks ago we had our oral exam to summarize the New Testament. Let me just say I didn't get an "A", but I did the best I could and know that I didn't miss God! This quarter has really gone by quickly, our next break is for one week in the end of March. The school finishes towards the end of June and its approaching faster than I know.
This past week has been a challenge as something in my back has been out of place. At home I would just go to the chiroprator and get it taken care of, but here in Africa its different. So I've been praying and can already feel God restoring it back to normal. After my back is healed I plan to begin directing pilates for anyone who is interested here on the base. A new discipleship training school of over 35 students just began last week and there is also an Addictive Behavior Counciling school of at least 25 people taking place. People have already shown an interest and I'm really excited to get that started! I don't have a lot of free time, but I want to give back with the time I do have and this is an oppurtunity to do so.
As a neighbor to Kenya here in Uganda, we continue to intercede and pray for the Kenya. Although the violence doesn't cross our borders into Uganda, the economic and spiritual effects are felt.
My sincere thanks again for your support, especially your prayers. If I could only describe the divine protection and encouragement that surrounds me each day, you would better understand my gratitude. God bless you and take care!
In Christ,
Becky
I just wanted to send a brief update to you to let you know how things are going for me here in Uganda. Today I finished my assignment for the book of Exodus, so we are rolling already into the Old Testament. I have been pleasently surprised at how much I am enjoying the Old Testament and at all that God is teaching me through it. A few weeks ago we had our oral exam to summarize the New Testament. Let me just say I didn't get an "A", but I did the best I could and know that I didn't miss God! This quarter has really gone by quickly, our next break is for one week in the end of March. The school finishes towards the end of June and its approaching faster than I know.
This past week has been a challenge as something in my back has been out of place. At home I would just go to the chiroprator and get it taken care of, but here in Africa its different. So I've been praying and can already feel God restoring it back to normal. After my back is healed I plan to begin directing pilates for anyone who is interested here on the base. A new discipleship training school of over 35 students just began last week and there is also an Addictive Behavior Counciling school of at least 25 people taking place. People have already shown an interest and I'm really excited to get that started! I don't have a lot of free time, but I want to give back with the time I do have and this is an oppurtunity to do so.
As a neighbor to Kenya here in Uganda, we continue to intercede and pray for the Kenya. Although the violence doesn't cross our borders into Uganda, the economic and spiritual effects are felt.
My sincere thanks again for your support, especially your prayers. If I could only describe the divine protection and encouragement that surrounds me each day, you would better understand my gratitude. God bless you and take care!
In Christ,
Becky
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Back in U
ganda!Greetings From Uganda Once Again!
Sorry for the delay in writing this update. I know that many of you have been fervently praying for me. Throughout the weeks that I spent in Kenya I was completely safe at the YWAM base I was staying at. Not yesterday, but the previous Sunday I took a bus back to Uganda from Nairobi. A Kenyan friend of mine made the over twelve hour trip with me to ensure my safety. On the trip I was able to see some of the effects of the recent conflicts such as displaced persons gathered in open lots, burned cars, looted shops, and burned buildings. But God’s protection was around us the whole way and late that night we finally arrived back at the YWAM base here in Uganda. I was so thrilled to be back that once walking through the gates of the compound I found myself almost running! I had come two weeks late for classes that began for the second quarter of the school. I delayed returning to class the first few days as I was driven out of my room by ants, rested, and relaxed. But by Wednesday I was back in class. I missed five or six books during the time I was away and I am still trying my best to catch up. It is very challenging though because as I try to work on past books, the class moves on to new books. There are less than two weeks left now before we have finished the New Testament, have our oral exam, and dive into the Old Testament.
Things have been quite different for me since I returned from my extended holiday in Kenya. First off as of last week, I am an aunt for the very first time to a beautiful baby girl Reese Marie. This makes for difficult days like today when I can’t stop thinking about the idea of being home to be with the new baby and parents. I also feel that God is doing something new in me. This quarter of my School of Biblical Studies is different that the last. Last quarter I spent so much time on my studies and turned down so many opportunities to develop relationships with others, have fun, relax, or even do ministry. I realize that my studies are important of course, but I really feel God calling me to find a balance between studies and life. In spite of how long six months appears to be at times, especially when I’m homesick, it will go by quickly. And before I know it, these nine months of the lecture phase will be over. I don’t want to complete these months and only have good grades and head knowledge to show for it. I am coming to realize the importance of also making time for relationships with others, with God, and even a little ministry. If I don’t, it is hard for me to apply what the Word is teaching me and application is the most important part of my studies. So this is my goal and challenge for these next months. It won’t be easy finding a balance, but I am really going to try hard. Just the thought of having more of a life along with the studies brings more joy and hope to my heart.
Thank-you so much for your continued prayers and support. The safety and security I experienced while in Kenya was surely done by the power of prayer. Please continue to pray for desire for me to continue on in this school and to press on through the hard times...especially missing home! God’s blessings to you all!
-Please continue to pray for Kenya as the turmoil continues in the nation. Thank-you!
Sorry for the delay in writing this update. I know that many of you have been fervently praying for me. Throughout the weeks that I spent in Kenya I was completely safe at the YWAM base I was staying at. Not yesterday, but the previous Sunday I took a bus back to Uganda from Nairobi. A Kenyan friend of mine made the over twelve hour trip with me to ensure my safety. On the trip I was able to see some of the effects of the recent conflicts such as displaced persons gathered in open lots, burned cars, looted shops, and burned buildings. But God’s protection was around us the whole way and late that night we finally arrived back at the YWAM base here in Uganda. I was so thrilled to be back that once walking through the gates of the compound I found myself almost running! I had come two weeks late for classes that began for the second quarter of the school. I delayed returning to class the first few days as I was driven out of my room by ants, rested, and relaxed. But by Wednesday I was back in class. I missed five or six books during the time I was away and I am still trying my best to catch up. It is very challenging though because as I try to work on past books, the class moves on to new books. There are less than two weeks left now before we have finished the New Testament, have our oral exam, and dive into the Old Testament.
Things have been quite different for me since I returned from my extended holiday in Kenya. First off as of last week, I am an aunt for the very first time to a beautiful baby girl Reese Marie. This makes for difficult days like today when I can’t stop thinking about the idea of being home to be with the new baby and parents. I also feel that God is doing something new in me. This quarter of my School of Biblical Studies is different that the last. Last quarter I spent so much time on my studies and turned down so many opportunities to develop relationships with others, have fun, relax, or even do ministry. I realize that my studies are important of course, but I really feel God calling me to find a balance between studies and life. In spite of how long six months appears to be at times, especially when I’m homesick, it will go by quickly. And before I know it, these nine months of the lecture phase will be over. I don’t want to complete these months and only have good grades and head knowledge to show for it. I am coming to realize the importance of also making time for relationships with others, with God, and even a little ministry. If I don’t, it is hard for me to apply what the Word is teaching me and application is the most important part of my studies. So this is my goal and challenge for these next months. It won’t be easy finding a balance, but I am really going to try hard. Just the thought of having more of a life along with the studies brings more joy and hope to my heart.
Thank-you so much for your continued prayers and support. The safety and security I experienced while in Kenya was surely done by the power of prayer. Please continue to pray for desire for me to continue on in this school and to press on through the hard times...especially missing home! God’s blessings to you all!
-Please continue to pray for Kenya as the turmoil continues in the nation. Thank-you!
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