Rachel's Reflections

Stressful Support Two weeks ago I thought I had $25/month of support left, then I received a phone call that a church could only do half of what they had hoped to give a month. That left me with $287/month left to raise in eleven days. I stressed... then I prayed. God's Provision! Little by little the Lord began providing in unexpected ways: my best friend in South Africa, an email from a couple, a text from a relative, a phone call from church friends. New monthly support and increases in what some were already giving. Through all that I reached 100% and received financial clearance on Thursday afternoon! :) Praise God!!! Stressful Visa Friday morning (yesterday) I received a phone call from the embassy of Mozambique. They had received my visa application (documents, payment, and passport) but said I was missing a document and were sending everything back. Talk about stress!  How to acquire this document in time to re-submit (my amazing Dad thought of a good solutio

Today held a few surprises for me! Both ups and downs...with steady faith. Yesterday I thought I had $115 of monthly support left to raise. This afternoon I received three unexpected pledges totaling $90 of monthly support. Leaving me with what I thought was $25/monthly left to be cleared for departure. This evening I received a phone call from a church with monthly support pending at a certain amount which is now pending at half of that. Now, in God's sovereignty, I have $287/month left before AIM will clear me to leave. I'm counting down to December 13 when I need to have 100% financial support in order to be cleared to depart January 8.  Knowing God is faithful, especially after watching how He has provided for me up to this point, I'm preparing to leave in 37 days. 37 Days! Wow, I can't believe I'm already that close to leaving. Soon I'll be settled in Pemba, Mozambique and getting to know the Mwani people! Praise God!

I walked into the conference last Friday only knowing one person; I left the conference saying goodbye to part of my new "family." I walked into the home Sunday evening with my only friend in the group; I was convinced to stay the night by my new, little friends who wouldn't let me leave. T hough a tiring, 18 hour trip last weekend, I loved visiting old friends, meeting new ones, and gaining fresh wisdom from a conference I attended: Community Who wants to feel left out or be overlooked? Not me. Oh the desire to belong to a group of people and be identified with them! I have felt this longing over the years, including last weekend, and it connected with my main take-away from the conference: A diverse team  (young/old, singles/couples/families, male/female)  can meet the needs of people because " people  respond better to someone their age and gender ." AIM group at the conference Hospitality Listen in on this story I heard: " How man

It's a fun illustration, but it's also reality. It's why we lift one another up in prayer; we don't always know what the other person may be going through.  It's returning the blessing we've received, or passing it on to others. Many of you know I am asking people to pray Colossians 1:9-11 for me, especially once I move to Mozambique and start building relationships with the Mwani people. But when verse 9 came up in my devotions this morning I realized it's an important two-way street. How can I ask people to pray fervently for me if I'm not praying adequately for others?  I am seeking to grow more and more in the area of prayer, my weakest area in the spiritual disciplines. "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding..." Colossians 1:9   Prayer is what unites us as the body of Christ and draws

You have 5 minutes... Go! "Wow, you cut your finger tips on a table saw? ... And you went right back the next day and kept working?! Why? ... Hmm, because you really like building things as a carpenter. That's fascinating. You know that reminds me of a story..." Switch! "Your daughter-in-law had to send her two kids away to be taken care of by other people while she had surgery? That must have been hard for her. Can I share a story with you about a similar situation?" ... Switch Again! "You've been really busy lately? Do you feel tired, worn out, or maybe wishing someone else could help you with your tasks? I know a story that might help..." That speed storying round was a fun way for 20+ people to close off a long Simply the Story workshop. It showed us how to connect what we had learned to everyday conversations with those around us. A way to bring spiritual truths into ordinary situations. Speed storying, though, wa

This weekend I have the privilege of participating in the missions conference at my grandma's church. Along with teaching the kid's Sunday School hour tomorrow morning and then sharing in the evening service, I was able to share my heart with a group of ladies today, including many prayer warriors. These ladies  wanted to know specific, personal prayer requests they could be praying. One of the things I was able to share was from this week: I had been discouraged on Tuesday about my monthly support, not knowing how I would get to 100% by December 13, AIM's financial clearance date for me. My friend exhorted me to spend extra time in God's Word and prayer which I was able to do Wednesday and Thursday. I could feel God changing my attitude and focusing me in a better direction.  Support raising is not dependent on my efforts.  If I try in my own strength I will fail, but if I depend on Him and look to Him to provide, He will - in His time and in His way. And He is

Praise God for allowing my teammate, Lauren, and I to spend the weekend together in a cross-cultural setting in a major city in preparation for working together in Mozambique! She and I will be sharing a home among the Mwani people in Pemba so spending the weekend with her was a tangible reminder of my imminent departure January 8. We had a variety of experiences and learned so much that we, unfortunately, forgot to take a good picture of the two of us together. (some treats Lauren and I tried in one of the shops in the area) My favorite time from the weekend was sitting in a home Friday afternoon getting to know a lady and 6 of her 8 children. Her English was limited and she did not know us prior to our visit and yet she strove to make us feel welcome and comfortable in her home. (the restaurant where we ate lunch Saturday, trying new foods we've never tried before) We experienced feeling like outsiders, observed many different cultures, and had severa

Given Last Sunday a young lady walked into church and did not seem to know anyone so I walked over to talk with her and make her feel welcome.  She had walked over from a nearby college where she is surrounded by non-believers who often do not understand her morals and choices. My mom invited her over to our house for the afternoon. We fellowshipped around delicious food, Dutch Blitz, Settlers of Catan, and making butterfinger bars because she loves to bake.  As I drove her back to her college she thanked me again, but this time saying  "... you're so different from the students I'm around every day." She said this with emotion and yearning. It echoed in my mind as I drove home. Sometimes I take for granted the fellowship I have at my church but it  was a joy to extend that fellowship to her last week. Received Monday night I was sharing my missions presentation with a small, home group arranged by a friend of mine. But I was not expecting to sing Akekho Ofan

The Harambee was great fun last Sunday afternoon.  Kezia's and mine display tables... hot climate vs. cold climate A fun competition for the kids, if the boys raised a certain amount they could pie Kezia, if the girls raised a certain amount I got pied... we both got pied in the face... Kezia and I sharing our missions info and prayer requests A HUGE thank you for everyone who came and gave so generously towards our individual outgoing expenses. Thank you also to the missions committee and other volunteers who helped plan and prepare for such a great afternoon. I am now over 60% of both monthly and outgoing needs, getting me that much closer to my goal of being able to leave January 8 .  And that much closer to reaching the Mwani people with the Gospel.

Tomorrow, my home church is hosting an exciting Harambee (harahm-bay) FUN-draiser for myself, and another young lady, Kezia, both heading into full-time mission work. Kezia will be going up to the Hudson Bay area of Canada to a First Nations tribe where there are very few Christians. The missions committee had fun decorating the building today to look like the respective locations with maps, images, and facts as well as pictures of the specific set-up items we will both need to buy upon arrival that people can specifically donate towards. (a sneak peak of part of my section) There will be a flavorful lunch provided and a few specialty items to taste  from each of the two regions. Kids and the young-at-heart can play games and all are invited to learn what life is like in those two areas. (a sneak peak of part of Kezia's section) I'm so thankful to be a part of this church family and am extra thankful for how supportive they are as I prepare to move to Mozambique. 

What is it like to be Mwani?  How do they live?  What defines them?  Feel what it is like to live with the Mwani, put yourself in their shoes, see through their eyes. As they say "a picture is worth 1,000 words" so glimpse into the life of the Mwani people with this short video: Mwani video I'm getting ready to send out my next newsletter. If you would like to receive these and are not currently on the list you can message me and I will add you or you can sign-up here through this link:  Newsletter sign-up

God has blessed me with many valuable friendships over the years. Some through Child Evangelism Fellowship , others through Word of Life, and of course the usual places like church, neighbors, family friends, etc. Unfortunately I'm not always great at staying in touch with everyone so it's a special treat when I get to spend time with friends I have not seen in years. Last weekend I was able to see a friend I met in January of 2013 through CEF. When I knew her years ago she was single, last weekend I met her husband and two precious kids. Niko (7 months) fell asleep in my arms and Milo (2 years) kept asking me to read books to her. My friend and I were able to spend time together, share life updates, and re-live memories from years ago. We were also able to see two other friends from 2013 and I know we were both encouraged by the little reunion. On Thursday I was able to see another friend from Word of Life who I had not seen in three years. Though our time was short, we

There are people searching Who don't know what they're searching for There are people waiting Who don't know what they're  waiting for There are people without hope Who don't know that hope is within reach These are the Mwani people. They think god is distant, disconnected, and indifferent to them. But the One, True God is not distant, disconnected, or indifferent to their needs. He is reaching out to them He offers them hope through Jesus death, burial, and resurrection He promises Eternal Life to each one who will believe in Him "How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?... "  (Romans 10:14) Most Mwani people have never heard That they can have a relationship with their Creator My team's vision is to change that Will you join? Pray for the Mwani people

Last week I hit a wall. It hurt, I felt stunned, stopped dead in my tracks. I didn't know how to proceed. The hardest part was the wall was invisible. How do you go around a wall you can't see!?  This wall was in my mind, regarding " partnership development " ( what some call "support raising") . While it's an incredible privilege and form of ministry it's also difficult and challenging; and, as I discovered last week, easy to lose focus. I cried out to God to get me past the wall, to help me see what the problem was, and how to move forward. The answer? My spiritual health and prayer life (or rather lack thereof). My relationship with God had been at bare minimum: not much quality time spent with Him or specific prayer time for what I was doing. I had been striving in my own strength and draining myself dry. The LORD answered my cry this week. He drew me back to Himself, into time with Him and into prayer. On Wednesday, after an unexpected bl

Three blonde kids sat around me on the floor that evening. They leaned against me as we watched the short video about the people I will be living among in northern Mozambique. Question after question came at me about the people and why I was going and what would I be doing. One still haunts me: " You mean they don't obey Jesus? !" he asked incredulously.  He asked with such innocence and surprise. His tone stated the importance of obeying Jesus, the Son of God. He could not imagine why they would live in disobedience to Jesus.  "No," I replied, "they do not obey Jesus, they do not even know who Jesus really is or what He has done for them. That is why I am going, to tell them about Jesus." He and his sisters were satisfied. They had asked their questions, they understood why I would be moving to Africa. They accepted why they will not see me again for almost five years. They gave me big hugs before they went to go get ready for bed e

On Monday I had the privilege of participating in a very special occasion called a mentor walk . This particular mentor walk was for Cassandra Brandenburg, a young lady in my church I've disicipled, who recently turned 16.  Month's in advance Cassandra's mother secretly informed eight of us, who had an impact in Cassie's life, of this surprise event. On the long-anticipated day we gathered, a few of us participating in a mentor walk for the first time and others who knew what they were doing. We staked ourselves out along the planned-on boardwalk and sat waiting until Cassandra would arrive.  Each of us had been asked to prepare a piece of wisdom we wanted to pass on to her. To go with that piece of wisdom we each had an image or picture on a charm so Cassie could keep it as a reminder of that special day and the wisdom passed on to her.  I looked up from my position on the boardwalk and spotted Cassie coming towards me. She broke down crying when she saw me and g

(Following is a story from this time last year during my Cross-Cultural Internship with Word of Life) I sat dumbfounded as I read the email explaining the mystery that had baffled me for more than a week. " This is a donation from the man you sat next to on the plane. That was his description to us !" Three weeks prior to receiving that email I'd had a conversation about lowering my salary because of low funds. Shortly after that conversation a donation appeared in my account from a man I did not know. I asked around trying to figure out who he was so I could thank him. I asked my mom. She has always explained who people are that give to me because they used to support my parents as missionaries in Kenya. She had no idea who this person was. Maybe it was someone from the recent missions trip group that had come to help with a few projects? Nope. Then I received the email: "... the man you sat next to on the plane ..." " The man on the plane ?!?&

Last night concluded almost two weeks of helping at Child Evangelism Fellowship 's  Christian Youth in Action training (CEF's CYIA training) . I used to go all the time but have been out of state/country the last few years. It was a bit strange being back again (in a different/new location for me) and not know very many students, but it was great to see some familiar faces and be able to help out as possible. I only have space to mention a few of the people I interacted with but there are many others I wish I could share about. Aubrey Three years ago (my last time at CYIA) Aubrey was a student in my study group; this year she was student staff and my roommate. It was a privilege to see her again, spend time with her, and notice the change/growth God has done in her life these last three years. Ruth Three years ago I helped coordinate the summer ministry for the Northwest Chapter of CEF of Michigan. That summer Ruth was one of the teen teachers I worked with. She i

My phone was buzzing...  I answered the video call and my heart leaped for joy  as I saw  two girls dear to my heart smiling and waving and saying hi and how much they love and miss me. It was Elizabeth and Refilwe from South Africa. I have not seen them since I shared those Precious Last Moments with them last November in South Africa (see post from November 18, 2017). But thanks to a friend in South Africa who was allowing these girls to use her phone to call me I could answer and tell them how much I love and miss them too. I had poured my heart and energy into Elizabeth and Refilwe every Thursday afternoon. I had watched God change them from being uncertain of their salvation to knowing they were saved and have a personal relationship with the Creator. I watched their love for God grow, especially in desiring to read His Word. God gave me a special gift in being able to talk to them briefly this week. They are doing well, they continue to attend ministry every Thursday after

Glocal There is a  glocalization  happening in our world that is shaking things up. This "shuffling of peoples is exposing Muslims to Christianity" by bringing Muslims into contact with Christian communities and bringing Christians into contact with Muslim communities. God has placed almost all Christians into one of those two positions.  I attended the Legacy conference in Dearborn to learn more about reaching Muslims with the Gospel in preparation for going to Mozambique in January. The concept of Glocal ("reflecting or characterized by both local and global considerations," Oxford Dictionaries) was brought up and it affects all of us. Engage Christians who come in contact with Muslims (or people of other religious backgrounds) can look for ways to engage with them such as: Showing Hospitality (especially involving food) Fellowshiping Helping them learn English Caring for their needs Visiting them in their homes Bringing them to church Prayin

Sharing the Vision People living in a thick veil of spiritual darkness The Vision: to bring the light of God to them It is incredible how God has aligned numerous aspects of my life - my experiences, interests, and passions, so perfectly with the goals, details, and values of the ministry team I will be joining in northern Mozambique with Africa Inland Mission . I am blown away by how perfectly some of the details match, it's like God made me for this assignment or this assignment for me. "What are these?" you ask. Language and teammate connections to hint a couple. My desire is to personally share the specific details with as many of you as possible before publishing them in a newsletter or on social media. I am discovering that sharing with individuals allows for more interaction, a heart-to-heart connection, freedom to ask questions, and I can more naturally share the passion, vision, and burden God has laid on my heart.  Several individuals and couples have give

Mom on mission : Every morning we would sit and listen as she read a passage from the Bible, answer the questions she asked us about it, and then after she prayed she would read from another book. It was almost always a story about a missionary reaching out to people with the Gospel. Stories like Amy Carmichael, Hudson Taylor, Brother Andrew, Peace Child, and Bruchko. Those stories inspired and challenged me.  God used my mom to instill in me a love and a desire for missions, a dream that some day I would become a full-time missionary somewhere in the world. Now I am seeing that dream become a reality as I prepare to go as a full-time missionary to northern Mozambique with Africa Inland Mission. Thank you, Mom, for being faithful to teach me to love God and desire to be on mission for Him. Language Cafe : After asking her what her favorite Bible story was and being able to share how that story fit into God's great Redemption story she asked me what my favorite Bible story was

Mozambique Africa Inland Mission (AIM) has appointed me as a full-time missionary to northern Mozambique! AIM was excited to learn about my Portuguese and asked me to pray about going to northern Mozambique where they are starting a new team. I am ecstatic about this opportunity to return to a familiar country, closer to my friends, and continue to use my hard-earned Portuguese. I was given three other options to pray about but it has been very clear that God is leading me to Mozambique. Fast Facts: January 2019 Departure Going with another young, single lady from the U.S. I will need to learn another local, tribal language as well as brush up on my Portuguese I will be living near the city of Pemba Distance from the capitol city Maputo in the south to Pemba in the north is the equivalent distance from Cadillac, Michigan to Miami, Florida 10 Identified Unreached People Groups live in northern Mozambique Flying Colors I was nervous.  The AIM lead

Soak in the Gospel to Spread the Gospel   Why would thousands of people spend 6+ hours on a Friday night soaking in a pastor's talk about the Gospel? Because of a compassionate, burning desire to share that Gospel with the lost.  Secret Church #18, with David Platt, was hosted in Nashville, Tennessee. I was able to attend a simulcast of it at Grace Bible Church in Grandville, Michigan with a friend and the others who attended. It went late into  the night with powerful truths about the Gospel in relation to cults and counterfeit Gospels as well as special prayer times for Malaysia. A few points that stood out to me: Our goal is not to win an argument with contempt (or persuasion). Our goal is to care for a friend with compassion (and the power of Christ). The essence of sin : Man substitutes himself for God. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be.  The essence of salvation : God substitutes Himself for man. God sacrifices Himself f

Shock and discomfort swept over me as I stepped inside.  Doubts ran through my mind: " What am I doing here ?" " I don't know anyone ." " I don't belong, I don't fit in ." Announcements were made in another language and translated into English for those of us who needed it. I felt overwhelmed and intimidated.  As I opened up and began talking with a few people I relaxed and was able to enjoy the evening.  Delicious Middle Eastern food was served in a lively, friendly atmosphere. Tonight was the grand opening of the West Michigan Friendship Center. A place for refugees and immigrants to find resources, make friends, enjoy community, and make the adjustment to living in a new culture alongside others doing the same. Later in the evening I mentioned to a new acquaintance my initial fear, discomfort, and overwhelming reaction upon entering the place. She responded that is how most all refugees and immigrants feel upon entering a new cult

" Are you going to try the Arabic coffee ?" my Arab friend asked me Thursday night at the language cafe's monthly potluck where I volunteer. "Well, I don't usually drink coffee... but maybe I'll try a little bit for you," I responded. I started pouring and was shocked to see orange liquid in my cup. "Why is it orange?!" I asked her. "Oh, it's not orange, it's golden... This is because the coffee beans are not roasted long." Interesting, I thought as I sipped on the liquid, thankful it didn't have the bitter taste of other coffee. As we continued talking she explained that it is  polite to only fill a guest's cup half full so it can be refilled during their stay which shows attentiveness to their needs. After asking her what she had learned of Easter the previous weekend, she expressed interest in reading the Bible and I was able to show her the Arabic translations offered on the YouVersion Bible app for phones. I

I have been accepted by Africa Inland Mission as a full-time missionary ! 😄 Emotions of excitement and anticipation swirl around my mind when I think about this and all the possibilities it contains. I thank God for leading me to this point and all the people who encouraged, walked with me, and helped make it possible.  Africa Inland Mission has presented four assignment/location options for me to pray through and decide on. Each of them has a particular focus on Unreached People Groups (UPG's are less than 2% Christian). They are all good options but one has especially piqued my interest. I will be hearing back from AIM this next week with more details about this particular opportunity. Will you pray with me about where God would have me serve as a full-time missionary? The Unreached Many Unreached Peoples are within reach, in cities and universities, around you and I. Several churches have outreaches to them, like the English Cafe I have been volunteering at her

Connect Week: 16 Candidates assembled in the room that first morning not knowing what to expect. Was anyone prepared to receive a 60+ item checklist? Or to run around an office building taking crazy pictures? Or to hear a heart-wretching story of a mother watch her little girl cling desperately to her grandma before saying goodbye and boarding the airplane? Or to unlock a secret about time? (curious? see below) Connect week was an unforgettable experience. I connected with AIM staff and the other 15 candidates, made new friends as well as connected with old, family friends. The week was packed with information, each night I got back to my room and tried to process everything I had learned that day. Practical, useful, eye-opening, and more for missionary and non-missionary alike. Did Africa Inland Mission accept me as a full-time missionary? Find out in next weeks blog or subsribe to receive my bi-monthly e-newlsetter to get the insider scoop. (comment, message, or email me to sub

The wait is finally over!  Tomorrow morning I leave for Peachtree, Georgia for a week where Africa Inland Mission has their headquarters. There I will find out the long awaited and anxiously anticipated answer: will they accept me as a full-time missionary ? Connect week , March 4-10, is a heavily loaded week of training. Who is AIM ? What do they do? How do they do it? What areas do they work in? What opportunities of service are there?  How do AIM missionaries raise support?  What does it look like to minister in the African context? AIM staff will strive to answer these questions as they connect with those of us invited for this special week. While waiting for Connect week to arrive I have been able to plug back into my local church, spend quality time with family and friends, and I have been working as a waitress at a restaurant near home. I thank God for allowing me this time to invest in the people I was away from during my internship with Word of Life Please pray: G