Derek and Shea in SA

can’t believe its been a month

Well, it's been a month since I updated this thing. I always say I'm going to do better about blogging, and then it keeps getting pushed off because of how busy we are.

No excuses though.

A lot has happened in this last month of us starting at the Training Center.

We have begun doing the 7 Journeys Bible study with the students. Most of you know how impactful that study was for you in your life, and we are seeing some of the same results here as well. It has been crazy to see the difference of moving the desks away and putting their chairs in a circle so they can talk face to face. We sit and read together for 20-30 minutes and then talk about what the scripture means in their own life and how they can practically apply it. This has also opened up the door for them to learn how they can connect with God when they leave the school.

We've heard the students say things like "This is what Jesus did with his disciples..." and "I think this is something I could do in my village..."

The other day we really started getting below the surface in their lives. They started sharing stories of how their families will make them choose between family and Christ. They can either participate in animal sacrifice, ancestral worship, and everything that goes along with that OR they can choose Christ. If they choose Christ, then they will be written off from the family.

It's in these moments that I think "I have no clue what I'm doing..."  "Why did God pick ME to be here?"

The truth of the matter is that I don't have all of the answers. But I am there to listen and encourage. I am there to just be there and share in their struggle.

Most of our students have left for home because of Easter break. Please pray for them as most of them are going into difficult situations. Situations that would bring most of us to our knees. Pray for their strength and commitment.