November
Hello Community,
I ran into a friend the other day, a fellow missionary on the field in Kenya. They jokingly, with a hint of honesty, said they wait to write their updates on “good” days so that their supporters don’t become worried about their mental health. Then, turning to a more serious note, they remarked, “It’s just hard when there aren’t that many good days in a month.”
I have had these seasons while living in Kenya. I also know the immense shame and heaviness these times carry with them. I am so grateful not to be in this season at the moment, but I share this to remind you that prayer is needed for all those you support on the field. Not only is financial support so helpful, but prayer and encouragement are equally, if not more, needed. I am also reminded in these moments why I am called here to support those on the field who are serving with everything they have but also need heart care themselves.
Ministry Update
Ministry has taken an upswing, and I am just along for the ride. I have begun driving out to Rift Valley Academy once a week to support missionary teachers and dorm parents. My days are packed with 5+ people a day when I am there. There is a profound need in the missions community for counsellors who know Christ and are committed to this work. For each new person I see, one of the first questions is, “But how long will you be here?” People are fearful that if they begin the deep heart healing, this person will leave.
When I am not counselling, I am also working with our church staff to grow emotional and social awareness. We have been working to develop language around understanding our emotions, how to take responsibility for our feelings and how to check our thoughts. It has been so neat to see the full circle as the things personally and professionally the Lord has taught me over the past few years are exactly what people are hungry to hear.
I ran into a parent at a BBQ I attended the other day at my old school. They asked me, “How is this new adventure you are on?” As I considered it, my honest answer was, “I truly LOVE what I do!” How beautiful it is to be a disciple of Jesus, knowing his leading and seeking after the building of his kingdom.
Financial Update:
The Lord is still providing, but there is also more need forming. I am finding it more challenging to spread out the money I have as more expenses come in. My phone broke this month, and I had to buy a new one. As well, driving out to RVA has become more expensive as gas prices are high. The possibility of me going twice a week has come up, but I am still determining if I can afford it now. If you are someone who has been considering partnering with me monthly, please reach out if you would like more information. I would love to connect and share more about how you can impact here.
Or, if you would like, you can sign up with the giving information below:
Crossworld Canada
https://crossworld.ca/give/support-a-disciple-maker
Project #: 45329
Praises:
The Lord is growing my capacity and knowledge of the counselling profession. It is challenging and rewarding to be in such a privileged position to support people through such challenges and trauma.
I have a new friend (Ian), pictured below. He is living on our compound, and he often comes over to eat our apples and sing songs about Jesus. He speaks little English but calls me “Aunty B” and loves to dance with me.
My dad is coming next week, and I am turning 30! Lots of big things are happening this month! I am thankful for his willingness to travel across the world. I am also grateful for these 30 years God has had me on this earth and how he has carried me through the ups + downs.
Prayers:
My main prayer for the past while has been for my dad. As he comes, pray for good flights and safety over his body. The last time he came, he contracted a nasty stomach virus that stayed in his body for months. Please pray for protection and energy over his body while he is here. And, of course, we would enjoy our time together.
As I see more clients, insecurity seeps into my heart. Some clients I am seeing are 20+ years older than me. The amount of trauma and burden these people carry is indescribable, and all I want to do is take some from them. While my empathy for them is high, sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by the task before us. Questions such as, “Am I fit for this?” or “What if I can’t help them,” sneak up in my mind. Though I actively seek support and encouragement for this process, I also ask for your prayers as I walk this new season well.
Pray for blessing, protection and wisdom over each piece of ministry I am in. Though the sheer amount can feel like a mountainous task, our Father is much bigger. Pray I will continue to seek his guidance and presence over the to-do list.
