December Newsletter

Herewith the latest experiences from a training base in Pretoria, where community is grown, and disciples are made...

Ladies of the World

We had a few ladies meetings throughout the REACH training, so naturally we had to end off with a final gathering. We spent the afternoon enjoying tapas and affirming one another. It really meant the world to me.

Hearing special memories, and laughing at all the funny situations, I realized how much love had grown between us, not only as a community but as a family.

Saying goodbye was truly a heartache I was not expecting. I will forever cherish the moments I got to share with each of the ladies.

and the award goes to...

Within the final week of REACH, we had a great farewell dinner, complete with talent show, spit braai, and award ceremony.

Opening up the talent show, I had the great honour of performing a mime act with one of my closest friends. 2 mimes. 1 bank heist. 1 epic backtrack. What could go wrong?

Everyone loved seeing us have as much fun as we did. Next, I ran to wash off the white makeup, preparing to sing a classic with one of my favourite roommates. Dancing queen. Eat your heart out, ABBA.

The dinner was amazing. I spent time laughing over moments from the show. Then came the awards. It was more a celebration to affirm everyone.

I expected something along the lines of best seamstress (I had been fixing everyone's clothes the past 4 months). Or the Mom-award (have you heard me yelling SEATBELTS! whenever we get into a car?). I never could have expected to be awarded "truly talented". After years of feeling that my talents and gifts are sub-par, I was blown over by this. This affirmation given to me within 4 months of knowing me. It encouraged me to stop underestimating what God can do with my meagre talents, and just give my all to Him. All for His glory.

Graduation

How had we reached the end? Only yesterday it felt like I was wrestling with my vacuum-packed clothes, trying to not disturb my sleeping roommates.

And then I blinked, and graduation was upon us. I was asked to perform an original song, one I had finished writing while at REACH. Okay, Lord. I will leave my insecurities in Your hand. I sang it unashamedly. Full band and all. And experienced the freedom of no stage fright. My focus remained on God. I officially graduated my REACH training. And I know what my next step is...

Next Steps

Last month, I was preparing to video call with OM Poland.

I can now say that it was a success and they are anxiously awaiting my arrival. I have the small thing of needing to grow my support network, as the international budget is larger than what I currently have. I trust that God will provide the right partners who will be a part of this next journey, and look forward to continuing the adventure with my exisiting partners. The end of December was spent in PE with my friends and family, making a few more precious memories.

Whilst I work through the support-raising process, I have agreed to join the OM South Africa REACH team as a staff member for the next intake. This will also help me gain experience from a different perspective and the logistics of working as a staff member as opposed to a participant.

I am super excited to work and get to know the next group of disciples. As we know the process: disciples making disciples.

I trust that God will enable me to join the OM Poland team by middle 2024, where I will be working with a Ukrainian artist in doing classes, bringing an artistic element to English classes with some kids, and also working with diverse groups of people, among whom will be refugees.

Prayer Points

● As I prepare to settle into the role of a staff member, please pray for guidance and discernment in working with this new group of people.

● Please pray for unity amongst us staff, as we cone from different cultural backgrounds and work on one base.

● That I will have positive meetings with possible partners in my support raising.

● That I will fall in step with God's timeline in my preparation with joining OM Poland.