I have really exciting news. And I really wish I could tell
everyone individually, but that might take a while.
Last week I took some time to seriously pray and fast about
my future and I am happy to say that I heard very clearly from the Lord. I feel
completely confident that there is a very significant reason why I came to South Africa, and specifically Lighthouse Church.
It’s been revealed to me that the next chapter of my life
will be taking place in Port Elizabeth,
South Africa.
I’m not sure how long I’ll stay, but the Lord has definitely led me here
indefinitely. Firehouse is in desperate need of female leaders. Right now they
have a good number of male leaders, but the only female leader is a 19 year old
who is simultaneously taking college courses. I see how much commitment and
energy it’s going to take and I am totally scared, but so willing.
When I speak it out, it seems so crazy, but SO EXCITING! I
keep thinking how I’ve been waiting for this moment for the past six years. I
finally have a mission field! The Lord has finally revealed His heart to me.
There are so many details to be worked out like where I’ll live, if I’m
supposed to find a job, if I’ll have a car, I’ll need a renewed visa, and just
the fact that I’m moving my life from America to South Africa. Wow. As of right
now, I’m planning on coming back to California
for about 5 weeks in May before settling in permanently here in June.
I just had a random flashback of my life one year ago. It
looked quite different. Though I loved my life and loved where the Lord had me,
I can see that I was never fully content. I was very much enjoying my freedom
as a single person, and was very active in the dating scene. Those things were
never bad in and of themselves, just so different from where I am now.
So, please pray for me and this huge life changing decision
that I’ve made. I’ve had nothing but complete support on this side. Everyone at
the church here has had the same response to my staying, “Leah, you are a
perfect fit here!” or “this just makes sense!” and my teammates are ecstatic
for me and wish to live vicariously through me. The youth are thrilled that I’m
staying, and Donna, the girl I’ve been mentoring, cried when I told her. My
parents are completely supportive as always. They are truly amazing people who are
100% behind me in all my crazy adventures. Praise God for them. The
confirmation and peace of this decision has really been overwhelming.
Thanks for your love and prayers.
Love binds us together.
