Amber Mullins First Year Missionary - Adventures In Missions

"Immeasureably More"

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ever ask or imagine..."

I have some bittersweet news. Let me first start with the "sweet" before I get to the "bitter." Before I tell you the wonderful news, I first have to say that this update is extremely over-do. But in light of all that has happened in the past weeks, I have not been able to do much celebrating. About three weeks ago, I was spending time with Marta and her family. It was good to just be with them for several hours and "catch up" on things. While I was driving her home, she points to the tavern that many of you have ceaselessly prayed for, and tells me that the tavern is closed. I continued driving and could not comprehend what she was saying. But sure enough as I drove past the doors where shut and the windows were boarded up!!!!! THE TAVERN IS CLOSED! After over a year of praying for that place, God has answered our prayers. I dropped Marta off and began back towards the house and as I drove past it for a second time I still was in shock. I could not believe that God had answered my prayers right in front of my eyes. I just feel so excited to see Him fulfill something that was placed deep in my heart. I love God! He is so good.

Even with all of this celebration, we are still not out of the woods. I visited Peela and Joel at the tavern. They told me that they had been shut down because they did not have their license. A fight broke out a few nights before and four men were stabbed with one dying. The police came and investigated and that's when the tavern was shut down. However, a few days ago I was visiting with Marta again and the doors to the tavern were opened. I know that they are not officially open again but they are trying to continue on in their business. So please keep on praying. We want the tavern to be shut down permanently.

I just want to thank all of you who have prayed and prayed for that tavern. I hope this builds your faith in Christ all the more. He has heard us and we can't stop praying now. We are on the brink of something great. So please keep praying for that "immeasurably more."

Now, I have some very sad news. Last Sunday, April 4th, three of our Port Elizabeth team members were in a car accident on their way to Jeffreys Bay. A good friend of the team was driving the car when a tire blew and caused their car to flip multiples times. All four of the kids were injured and sadly sweet Sarah Buller died later that afternoon. We had a beautiful memorial service on Wednedsay, which was her 19th birthday. This has been an incredibly difficult time as you can imagine. I am currently with my team and the PE team in Gordon's Bay (near Cape Town) being ministered to and counseled through this tough season. Our hearts are shattered by this loss. And our prayers cover the Buller family. Our teams will never be the same but we truly place all of our hope in Christ. We know that she is at His side worshipping Him and she is being honored for her tender-servant heart. We cling to the Lord during this time and know that He is STILL able to do "immeasurably more than all we could ever ask or imagine." Thanks for your prayers. Please keep praying.

HE Provides,

Amber

Crutches

Sun, 8 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I'm sitting in my room on a rainy Sunday evening. I have a few candles lit and I'm sitting on my floor watching the rain fall on the side yard (I know, it's a very "emo" moment). I was looking over the wall across to the field next to our house. There is this tree that I've looked at so often but I just realized that I have never really "seen" that tree before. I mean it's been there the whole year and half I've been here but I've never really looked at it. Actually, I have no idea what kind of tree it is. I've never seen one like it in America. Which makes me realize that I'm in AFRICA!!!!! Yes I am in Africa...but I forget that most days, more like every day. Maybe you have to live here to understand this. I'm so comfortable here and I have forgotten that I'm fulfilling a huge dream of mine. I'm fulfilling a huge part of God's plan for my life. But like that tree across the way, I don't "see" Africa anymore. It's too hard.

I named this blog "Crutches" because I always have to have some type of crutch. I can't walk here in Africa all by myself. I am completely incapable of coping without my crutch. I know many people think that my crutch should be Christ, I should never be able to walk without Him...especially in Africa. But, come on, let's be honest. Christ is far from my crutch. I like to pick a new crutch for each new season. Sometimes it's a good friend, you know the type you run to for just about everything. Sometimes it's the internet or newest season of my favorite tv show (my current favorite crutch). Or sometimes it's a guy that makes me feel significant or can be my go-to when things are hard. Sometimes it's my family. Sometimes it laughter or a large coke light (I'm addicted!!!) Sometimes it's even my hopes and dreams of the next phase in life.

When I'm still in moments like this, when I have an epiphany that I'm actually in Africa, I HATE my crutches. I love Africa. I love being a missionary. I love leading this team. But sometimes I just can't cope. I can't cope without my crutches. I can't cope with the poverty. That's the one thing in Africa I just can't get a grip on. I can't cope with the abuse and the drinking; the endless amounts of glue the street kids sniff; the men who sell corn by the bank; or the little woman from Zimbabwe who sells her beaded African animals so she can send money back to her literally starving family. I try to rest. I try to draw closer to the Lord. I hear myself telling my team that they can't shoulder the burdens of their ministries all by themselves. They have to give it over to the Lord. Those are words from my very lips. But the burdens are hard. And I've gotta dull the pain somehow, right?

Fear. That's what keeps me from letting go of my crutches and trying to walk. I am fearful of Christ not coming through for me. What if He's not enough? What if He doesn't come to my rescue quickly enough? What if He doesn't do want I need Him to do? What if He leaves me hanging?

How many stories are there in the Gospels of people having to overcome their fear and just TRUST GOD? Think about that father who wanted his son to be delivered from the demons that kept throwing his son into the fire? His response to Christ was "help my unbelief!!!!" I can't imagine what it would be like to trust God with a son or a daughter! That man must have felt threatened of losing all control. But didn't Jesus come through? Wasn't He enough? So I want to be like that. I am going to just trust that the Lord will come through for me when I place my crutches down and try to walk. One step at a time, right?

HE Provides,

Amber

Update!

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I'm so sorry that I haven't been updating my blog very much. Being a leader is a new experience so I'm still trying to learn how to use my time most effectively. I hope things are going well in America! We love hearing about the new president. Most everyone I speak to here in Africa is so excited about Obama. We had a great day of prayer and fasting on Inauguration Day for our new leader. We asked for wisdom and protection over his life. I have great hope for America, not because of Obama necessarily but because we've declared God as our great protector. And our trust lies within Christ Jesus.

Things here in Jeffreys has been wonderful. I am not just saying that either. I could not have asked for a better team of my precious girls. Aaryn, my co-leader, and I are always saying tht our team is so teachable and motivated. These ten girls (and one in America) are so ready to make an impact and be used. I am very excited about this semester. And their attitudes make my job so much more of a joy and not a job. I appreciate them so much.

Please pray for us! We are always in need of prayer! The girls are doing well in their ministries but they have very long days. So please pray for rest for them and extra amounts of energy. Also pray for wisdom for Aaryn and I as we teach, disciple, and lead this team. It takes tons of wisdom and spirit-filled decisions to make sure that we are operating in a way to bring glory to the Lord. And we are always seeking for prayers for our protection here. We've been fortunate but we want to continue to remain safe at all times. Thanks so much!!!

HE Provides,

Amber

Next Stop: Jeffreys Bay!

Sun, 4 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I leave tomorrow for South Africa! I had a wonderful time at home but it was way too short. I am extremely glad that I was able to come and be with my family and friends for Christmas. I was in need of a break and it was great to relax for a few weeks.

I am leading a wonderful team of girls with my friend Aaryn. Our first semester really focused on the training aspect of missions as we prepared our students for this semester. Our group of 38 students and 15 leaders has now be divided into three teams going to Swaziland, Port Elizabeth (SA) and Jeffreys Bay. In our outreach teams for this semester, our focus shifts more to practicing all the things we've learned from last semester. Our student will spend the majority of their time in ministry five days a week. Our hope is that they will also begin a discipling girls in the townships or the local churches. Along with discipleship and ministry, Aaryn and I will be teaching and leading these girls into deeper relationships with the Lord as well as taking care of all the team's logisics. Please pray for Aaryn and I as we are "all things to all people." :) We are in great need of your prayers.

As always, thank you for your sweet prayers and generosity. It was so great to see many of your faces while I was home. I'll see you in May!

HE Provides,

Amber

Photographs of the Awakening

Fri, 2 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kepp! She is one of the sweet girls I got to disciple.

Our group discipleship. We meet 3 times a week for 3 hours.

The AIM leaders.

This is my house visiting team. They did an incredible job this past semester.

This is the team that I am going to be leading in January in Jeffreys Bay! They are beautiful!

Myna eating at Jbay's new McDonald's!

Sweet child at Khulisa Bible Study.

Children at the Khulisa Bible study that our AIM students started.

Two of the 12 children that eat at the Khulisa feeding everyday before school .

These are the chairs that many of your helped purchase for Khulisa! Thank YOU!

HE Provides,

Amber

Anger

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Page from My Journal:

What am I suppose to do when I hear or I see the brokenness of this world? It's not a pretend story. People are physically dying. I am an American. And for that I am so blessed. I am born into wealth and endless freedom. But what about the rest of this world? What about them? What about the kids that are literally starving in Zimbabwe? And they lay in dirty hospitals waiting for medical supplies that will probably never make it there. And whose nurses work for less than $1 American dollar a day, which doesn't even cover their bus fare to travel to the hospital, while their ruler sits in luxury ruling with his iron fist. He allows this devastation to continue all for the sake of power and money. Zimbabweans are dying because of greed.

Why are we so broken? And why do I have so much? I don't know what to do with myself. I have so much and the world has so little.

Today, how many girls will be sold into the sex trade? Today, how many boys will be taken from their families to fight for a cause that only takes away from more families?

But what about Jeffreys Bay? There are hungry people here too. They need so much help. But I get so annoyed with their begging at times. I feel like they ask but what if one day they just take? I'm fearful of what they will do. Even Jbay has more than most other counties in Africa but they are still so incredibly needy. This country is raising up a generation that is created to be dependent on others. And that scares me.

So I ask again, why are we so broken? And what must I do? I'm tired of turning my face away from the problem. I refuse to turn a deaf ear. I don't want to be ignorant anymore. So I leave you with a powerful poem. I hope it deeply scares you as it has me and leads us both into a holy rage.

What is, therefore, the task of the preacher (or the church) today?

Shall I answer: "Faith, hope and love"?

That sounds beautiful.

But I would say-Courage.

No, even that is not challenging enough to be the whole truth..

Our task today isrecklessness.

For what we Christians lack is not psychology or literature,
we lack holy rage.
The recklessness that comes from the knowledge of God and humanity.
The ability to rage when justice lies prostrate on the streets...
And when the lie rages across the face of the earth -
a holy anger about things that are wrong in the world.
To rage against the ravaging of God's earth,
and the destruction of God's world.
To rage when little children must die of hunger,
when the tables of the rich are sagging with food.
To rage at the senseless killing of so many,
and against the madness of militaries.
To rage against the lie that calls the threat of death and the strategy of destruction - Peace.
To rage against complacency.
To restlessly seek that recklessness that will challenge and seek to change human history until it conforms with the norms of the Kingdom of God.
And remember the signs of the Christian Church have always been -
the Lion, the Lamb, the Dove and the Fish...
but never the chameleon.

- Kaj Munk

HE Provides,

Amber

God Provided!

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

God Provides!

I visited Khulisa feeding point on Thursday morning. I've been around the container several times but I have not been able to go and be at the feeding in the morning until this past week. I was excited to see that the kids are doing well and seem happy. The container has a gas stove, some boxes of supplies, a table, and some crazy looking curtains. It's simple, plain, and missing one necessary item. The container has no chairs. The children stand while they eat or sit on the cold dirty floor. It makes me really sad. I have known that Noma really needed chairs but we just simply didn't have the money. I told her that I would check the prices of the cheapest chairs I could find. She was excited that I was recognizing this need. She told me that she really wants to have her ladies Bible study moved to the container. And the chairs could be used for a children's program. I caught on to her excitement and visited several furniture stores. But each place I went I found that the chairs were too expensive. I couldn't justify spending money on chairs that would take away from feeding the children.

A few days ago was a historic day for Jeffreys Bay. They opened a mall!!! It's really exciting! Haha. But I went into a store there to check out opening day prices on chairs. Since the economy back in the States is struggling, the dollar is very strong in South Africa right now (I truly do not understand how I am benefiting from my own hurting economy. I should have paid more attention in economics). The dollar was the highest it's ever been since I've been here and the highest it's been in years. So I found the chairs I needed for 69 Rand (S. African currency). This means that for every chair I bought I was spending about $7.00. I was really excited. So I bought 18 of them and was grateful that the Lord had provided. I walked up to the counter and each chair rang up for only 50 Rand!!!!!! So I paid less than $5.00 for each chair! Praise God!

I took the 18 chairs to Noma and she was thrilled. She started clapping her hands and jumping up and down. She said that just this week her ladies' bible study had no place to meet anymore. They are now meeting in the container with the new chairs! I just kept telling God how thankful I was. And how much of a Provider he is!

Please pray for the bible study there and also for the bible study we are hoping to begin for the children. I'm excited to see what else is going to happen at the Khulisa!

HE Provides,

Amber

Beatin that Drum!

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I'm tired from beating the drum all week in Somerset East. We joined with three other ministries to bring the movie "Beat the Drum" to this small little town. The movie addresses the issue of AIDs in South Africa. The HIV statistics for South Africa are so scary. It is so important for people to know the truth about this pandemic that is taking the lives of South Africans at a dangerous rate.

The team did a great job ministering in the schools and community. Our teams were a mix of each ministry represented as well as a few local volunteers. I was apart of the community team that traveled to farms on the outskirts of the town as well as to a children's home and a prison. We had such a fruitful week! We saw hundreds come to know the Lord and many chose to take a stand against AIDS by abstaining until they are married. This is huge in their culture and it was sweet to watch it all happen.

We have many stories about the power of the Lord this week. One of my favorites was when we showed the film at a township hall. It was a good set up with nice wooden floors giving the movie great acoustics. All week Sarah and I had a hard time finding our place without knowing either of the languages spoken. But this particular night, I was able to communicate effectively with the 100 or so youth who attended. I simply opened my mouth and the Lord spoke through me to the kids. They understood my English and so I continued on challenging them to come together as a community and fight for hope with AIDS constantly striping hope from people. I kept on and told of how there is no place on this earth that we can escape the love of the Lord. And how Christ reaches down and pulls us from the pit. And He crowns us with his love and compassion. There is nothing we can do that will separate us from His love. Dozens professed faith in Christ that night. I couldn't even count them all because I was so focuses on this one young guy who was totally broken and moved by the Holy Spirit. It was such a powerful night.

On the farms, we saw similar things happen. Many of the farm workers have children and families but few are actually married. A strong and wonderful man of God, Duleigh, was on our team and he preached the truth of marriage and what the Bible says about it. Many men stood under the conviction heavy on their hearts. They would either marry the women that they lived with or they would leave. So often men and women don't marry because the men have to pay (usually a sheep or a large sum of money) to the woman's family for her. Because they do not have enough to hardly maintain, they are also unable to afford this. But Duleigh did not back away from the truth. Just because it's hard it doesn't mean that God doesn't demand this of His children. So lives were greatly impacted by the simple power of the truth. I'm glad to have been apart. These are only a short few stories about the week. I wanted to give a small update with a few stories. Thanks for praying for us!

HE Provides,

Amber

Beat The Drum here we come!

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

So I leave in the morning for a small little town called Somerset East until next Saturday. The aim team plus several other ministries are joining together for a program called "Beat the Drum". This will be a very powerful week so please please please pray for us! Here is some information about "Beat the Drum."

HISTORY OF BEAT THE DRUM

The horror of so many millions of souls currently under the curse of AIDS has been seen. The movie "Beat the Drum" was the catalyst for our response. A multi-faceted approach was developed that continued with a massive campaign to train young people in AIDS prevention, mobilizing people, volunteers from Africa and the US to break up into teams to go into high schools to train the learners in biblically-based AIDS prevention under a brand new project called, Beat the Drum.

Why Somerset East?
In early 2008 George and Michele Mwanza took a team to Somerset East for outreach. They spent three days prayer walking through the community. Through this prayer walk God introduced them to many influential leaders and opened their eyes to the need for change and growth within this small community. George knew that the town was ready for Beat the Drum it was just getting influential leaders on board. On Friday May 23rd six leaders went to present Beat the Drum to different representatives of schools, businesses, and churches. The response was amazing. God was so evident in that room that day. They are ready for Beat the Drum to happen tomorrow. God is telling us that it's time to move in to Summerset East and open their eyes and hearts to the ways of our Lord.

PRAYER NEEDS:
*Continued prayer is needed for the whole week of community outreach week.
*Families of the community
*Finances
*HIV/AIDS positive people in the community
*Home Visits
*For the volunteers
*Curriculum facilitation
*Lasting impact and real value
*For God's spirit to be poured out on the people attending
*Opening of their eyes to the knowledge and truth with understanding
*The Truth of the Word of God
*For the overall smooth running of our programs

MISSION
To serve the Somerset East Community by bringing primarily the message of abstinence through Beat the Drum project and giving hope through meeting felt needs in the community.

EXPECTATION
To see the movement of God
To see believers, Churches and ministries join hands in unity to serve our community

PURPOSE
To educate on HIV/AIDS
To prevent and STOP HIV/AIDS in the community

To care for our community

Thanks for your prayers over the last week. I am feeling MUCH better! Praise the Lord! I will update when I return on the 20th. Miss yall!!!

HE Provides,

Amber

Empty

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I love that God chooses to use the broken things of the earth to display His glory. Let me explain further my love for this certain part of God's character. Scripture tells us so often through parables and miraculous healings that God takes broken, unfit, and inadequate people and lets His power and love flow through them. It's as if He is making a statement about His kingdom and the way that it works. Those who "have it all together" and are "religious" are so full of their "righteousness" that they have quickly forgotten their desperate need for God's love and grace. It's those who are empty that are able to be filled and used.

I am empty. So empty actually. I've tried for weeks to "fill myself" and I've fallen so short. I have tried to do things that restore my body and my spirit, but I still come up empty. I avoid people because I feel that everyone wants to take from me. They want to take my time, my engery, my thoughts, my love, my prayers, my advice, my giftings, they just want to take. And I have nothing to give. At least that's what I thought.

Yesterday, I laid in my bed most of the day because God has allowed my body to become empty. I am sick. I've got some nasty virus that's spread to every part of my body. It's been kinda rough. I finally went to the doctor today and he basically says that I have to let it be and let my body fight it off. I kinda have to smirk and think that God really wants me to learn something here.

I was reading last night in my "Celebration of Discipline" book (must read it!) about being empty and dry. Richard Foster says "When we despair of gaining inner transformation through human powers of will and determination, we are open to a wonderful realization: inner righteousness is a gift from God to be graciously received." I think I struggle with letting go. Just letting go of trying to be righteous and trying to be filled. I want to know exactly how much is going to be asked or required of me before I start giving myself away. That's not how God works though. It's Him within me that is being poured out. And when I am empty it's obvious that anything within me is coming from Him. It's a reminder to me that I am nothing apart from God. It's like John 15 with the vine and the branches.

Although I didn't feel well at all and I felt that I had nothing in me to give, God allowed me to be used last night. It was simple and nothing huge. But He was showing me that He gives me just enough as just the right time. I was about to go to bed. I felt bad and all I wanted to do was lay in my bed and try to sleep my sickness off. There are two girls staying at our leader house who have pink eye. I just felt that I needed to check on them and pray for them before I went to bed. So I did and it was such a sweet time. And God poured into me as I poured into them. Here I thought that I had absolutely nothing...and I didn't but He gave me enough at just the right time. I'm grateful to be used. And now I'm grateful to be empty.

On another note, I want to share a little about our house visiting teams. They are rockstars! Truly they are amazing. They have been so bold and have blessed me a ton. They are still finding their place in the townships amoungst several families. Already I can tell that they will experience amazing things while they are here. A lady named Evelynn lives next door to Noma. And Noma asked us to go and pray over Evelynn because she had a stoke soon after I came home for the summer. So all of us gathered in a small bedroom around a small bed where Evelynn laid. We placed our hands on her body and prayed a blessing for her. We prayed Psalm 23 over her and sang songs around her. She laid there and looked at us. She mumbled long sentences to us, but we were unable to understand anything she was verbally saying due to her stroke. But it was obvious that she was expressing her gratitude.

I am so proud of our team for boldly going into that situation on one of their first days in ministry. Maybe it doesn't seem like a big deal to pray for a woman who had a stroke. But if you could have been there you would understand. She was lying in her bed and because she is unable to move, her bed is also used as a toilet. Some days she is placed out in the front room so she can look out the window, but most days she lays in her own waste in her bed. I can't imagine the humiliation she must experience. But the joy she had on her face was incredible! She was thrilled to have so many young people standing in her very house praying for her. It was as if we were her grandchildren coming to spend the day with her. A few days later, her family told the team that she does so much better on the days that they come and pray for her. They have visited her as much as possible since then and are beginning to build relationships with Evelynn's children and grandchildren. I'm very excited for our house visit teams!

Ways you can pray:

Against sickness on the team

Against sickness on the leadership team

For the Beat the Drum program next week in Sommerset East (more on this later)

For Evelynn and her sickness

Against bad attitudes and wrong motives

Against the spirit of loneliness

For unity

HE Provides,

Amber

41 People!

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I'm in Africa! And being a leader for 41 people has taught me many new things. I decided to make a top ten list of things I've learned while being here.

10. When going through the Johannesburg airport with 50 plus people, be prepared to lose at least half of the luggage and if you lose your passport you have to go back to Canada. (Hurry back Mel!)
9. Making 41 people be on time is cruel and unusual punishment for me.
8. Driving to "The Bush" is similar to the old computer game Oregon Trail. Who knew I would have to ford the river?
7. Feeding 41 people African food is bound to not end well.
6. Never assume that 41 North Americans know that it's cold in Africa when it's hot in America...
5. The internet caf is the number one hang out place for the team.
4. The word "busy" has a new definition for me.
3. Expect the team to never forget the day you mistakenly drove down the wrong side of the road. Opps! :)
2. I use to think that every question is a good question be asked. I do not believe this anymore and I apologize for asking so many questions in my previous life.
1. When frustrated, just simply exclaim "welcome to Africa" give a small smile then shrug your shoulders.

This is by far one of the most challenging things I have ever done. Making decisions and plans for 41 participants in a foreign country teaches you patience! It has been rough at times. But the team is really great and I see incredible amounts of growth.

Currently, 18 people are working a camp for some youth until Tuesday morning. Several other ministry teams have come together for some children's holiday program (all schools are closed this week) and house visiting teams are going strong. Each ministry has had a team there for a week now and everyone seems to really enjoy it. The team has been great about being flexible (they've been living out of their suitcase since they arrived and have had to move multiple times) and they are already beginning to dig deep in their ministry sites.

I have been very busy with the team but I have managed to see several of my families from last year. The feeding program, "Khulisa" is going very well! I was thrilled to see how well Noma is doing and the container looks amazing! She is feeding 12 children 5 mornings a week. We are hoping to purchase chairs and a table for Noma so she can have a lady's bible study there. Please pray that one of the house visiting teams will be able to start up a bible study with the children as well.

It's been very hard to be back. I feel like Jeffreys has changed in my heart. It's the same place but I just see it differently. No longer is my ministry in the township. No longer do I get to follow. No longer are my days simple and predictable. I'm adjusting and I think it will continue to be better. I've had some rough days with feeling sick and also being very tired. Please pray for our leadership team's health and rest. Also pray for protection for us. We've had some issues with our security at the house where the leaders are staying (the participants are safe at the camp base...no worries there!). Last night was the first night we've slept through the night without our alarm system going off. It was quite a sweet blessing for all of us.

Hope life is well back home! I'm thinking about yall all the time and pray that God is known as the Provider in these hard times. Thanks!

HE Provides,

Amber Mullins

41 People!

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In Transition

Sat, 6 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hey folks! I am typing this sweet blog from the lovely town of Gainesville, Georgia. Everyone keeps asking me how things are going and I laugh a little because I really don't even know where to start! I arrived on Wednesday for a five day leader training that ends on Monday where 41 students will arrive for a week of training before we head to South Africa. Leader training has been good, but also overwhelming at the same time. We have serveral sessions through out the day that preps us for life in the field as a leader. We learn all types of stuff from influencing people to what to do in emergency situations. It's been very informative and intense. I'm pretty spent by 10 pm. We've spent a good amount together as the South African leaders and it's been great to be with old friends and some great new ones. We've really been bathing this team in prayer and getting excited to see how the year unfolds.

On Monday when the participants arrive, we will begin a week long process of transition. I loved training camp last year (not because of the great lodging and the emaculate showers...haha yeah right...) because it was a wonderful way of stepping out of my old life and beginning to step into the new world of missions in Africa. I feel that this is somewhat the same experience I am going through even now. I woke up yesterday and I was just bursting with eagerness to get to Africa and see all of my friends and people that I just loved so much last year. Then today I wake up and I just want to pack up my car and head home. The whole transition part just really stinks.

I read today in Isaiah about going forth in joy and the trees of the field clapping their hands. As I was reading I kept asking the Lord to confirm in me that HE is going to walk me through the next nine months. And that I would have joy in this season, even when it's rough. Reading that passage helped me to focus on what the Lord has called me to and how he leads me and goes before me. I am grateful for his tenderness to my ever-changing emotions and feelings and also his faithfulness to reaffirm his purpose for me. I know this is what He has called me to now and I know it will be beautiful. So when the days come when I would rather be in Memphis doing my own thing instead of training camp or the townships of Jeffreys Bay, I know that God's purpose is far more worthy and life-giving than my longings at that time.

Please continue to pray for me. I am in need of energy and strength. Pray that my team would be unified. Pray for the nerves and uneasiness of the participants coming on Monday. Pray for the people of Jeffreys Bay and the ministries that we will be involved with.

Also, there are a few financial needs that I've come across. We will be participating in a program called "Beat The Drum" in October. It's a program taken into schools to address the issue of AIDs and HIV. With this program, we are able to go into schools and communities that we would never have the opportunity. We are taking a week to travel to a small town to do "Beat the Drum." This is a huge opportunity for the gospel of Christ to be made known. We are excited to be apart but we are lacking SIGNIFICANT funds. If you are interested in supporting this project then please contact me and I will give you more information. Also, I have a few teammates that are really lacking in raising support. Let me know if you would like to support a teammate! They are all wonderful people and would be so grateful. Thanks so much yall. I pray for you often and I hope you know how grateful I am for you! Much love!!!

HE Provides,

Amber

South Africa Part 2 :)

Mon, 1 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Goodness! The summer is gone and I've packed all my bags, I think I'm about ready to go back to South Africa. I am just now realizing that the time has come to return. And I feel like it's all a dream. It just seems like my previous experience in South Africa was over in a blink of an eye. I came home and I was shocked by the change I saw in my country but even more so in myself. I'm not going to lie, it was a rough transition. June is now a blur. I remember feeling very alone and sad at the state of the Church in America and even the people here. I couldn't wait to get back to South Africa.

But now, I feel like South Africa happened in another lifetime. It almost doesn't seem real. It's funny how quickly a person can adjust and carry on in life. But one thing has remained the same through it all, and that's the Lord. Seriously, He has not failed or been unfaithful to me during this season of my life. I truly feel like I am going crazy and I must be two different people and live two different lives. When I am here in America I am so comfortable and I have so much fun and life is just different. But when I am in Africa I am being stretched and challenged and I'm constantly growing. I hope to one day have the best of both worlds. I feel that God is changing my views on life and my heart for missions and so it's as if I have two lives. But I take comfort in knowing that He is patient. He is willing to walk with me as my two worlds must be one genuine life lived out before Him.

Needless to say, I had an amazing summer and met some wonderful people who I hope to carry with me for the rest of my days. It was great to spend time with my family and friends and to rest. I needed the whole summer to recuperate and prepare for this next season of life.

On Wednesday I'll head towards Gainesville, GA for a week and a half of training. I will be trained as a leader from Wednesday until Sunday. On Monday the students arrive and we will train together for a week. And then we fly far far away to South Africa on the 15th of September. I will be apart of a leadership team that will consist of several of my teammates from last year and some new friends! We will stay in beautiful Jeffreys Bay until December. My role for this time will mainly be focused on the students. I will have the amazing opportunity to disciple a handful of great girls as well as do a little teaching and anything else that comes my way. I am anxious to meet the 45 or so new students as we journey together in ministering to Jbay and growing in our faith.

In January, we will split into teams of 10-15 to serve in different locations around the southern part of Africa. I am not sure where I will be serving but hope to know in the next few weeks. I'll keep you updated as much as I can.

Please pray for me this week as I head to training. I am thrilled to see my old teammates but this transition is a little rough for me. As I mentioned before, I feel torn between two worlds and I hope training will help focus me. Pray for all of the leaders as we come together to pray for this next year and plan and just prepare. These next few weeks are very intense! And please pray for the students arriving next Monday. Thanks so much for your love and support!!!

He Provides,

Amber Mullins

oh America...so lost...

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Well after being home for about six weeks now, I've realized several things. One, I love air conditioning and eliptical machines and snow cones and fireworks and TV!!! But I've also realized some harsh realities. Here is a list of my recent epiphanies I now know about "the land of the free":

1. America is a rich, materialistic, and gluttonous country...of the free.

2."Going green" is the new cool thing to do.

3. America complains about the ever-increasing gas prices, but the rest of the world has been paying these amounts for years.

4.The American Church is really sick and hurting in these days.

5. The American Church holds to the assumption that we live in a country that is based on Christianity.

Today in church we sang "America! America! God shed His grace on thee." I usually love singing good ole patriotic songs,especially since the 4th of July is my favorite holiday (who doesn't love spelling your name in the night air with sparklers and eating homemade ice cream??), but today this song hit me all wrong. The melody and the tone of the song is very peaceful...and well patriotic. But I felt that the most appropriate way to sing this song with the current state of America would be one of despair and lament. It would be more appropriate for the Church to fall on our knees together and cry out, "America! America! God shed your grace on thee!" as a plea to our gracious Father.

There is something to be said about this country and the way that the Lord has blessed us. Yes, we had the foundation of Christ laid for the United States, but America has left her foundation and we must realize this. Many Christians feel that we must raise our voices louder to our country and leaders and declare that our country belongs to God. I understand their heart and often I also want to raise my voice as well. But our country and leaders are already shouting (for visual and auditory purposes, think about the presidential campaigns and the debates and speeches to come...pretty loud eh?) so do we shout all the louder? Maybe...but that would be a lot of noise, and frankly America already has a bad migraine.

Scripture tells us that Jesus is the King in the Kingdom of God. He reigns supremely and ultimately in this Kingdom. As Christians we are also apart of this Kingdom and we are co-heirs with Christ (woo hoo!). But Satan is the ruler of this earth. He is the "ruler of the kingdom of the air". When Jesus was casting out demons in the New Testament (Matthew 12), the Pharisees came and said he was casting out demons in the name of Beelzebub (a name for the prince of demons) and Christ, with authority says that a kingdom divided against itself could not stand (I just love our Savior Jesus. He just knows exactly what to say and when to say it. He's got skills!). No, Christ was not casting out demons in the name of another demon. But what really applies here is the divided kingdom, Satan's kingdom...our world. This kingdom will fall. Our world will fall. America will fall...one day...sadly. But Christ is not absent in this. He will come to redeem us! I feel that we should live as Christians in a fallen world, in a fallen America. We should whet the appetite of this fallen world for the Kingdom of God by living it out. In essence, by bringing the Kingdom of God to this fallen earth by our lifestyles. And living in our current kingdom, should we raise our voices louder for the "rights" that we have as Americans? Honestly, I don't know. I'm still struggling through all of it. I know that I must rage against injustice. And not to "shrink back" in our beliefs (Hebrews 10) But I do know that Paul refers to Christians as "alien and strangers" in this world. So let us live as aliens and strangers and realize that the laws of this earthly kingdom will reflect their king. Just as our lives reflect our King. We must step away from the idea of America being centered on Christ because she has left her first love. No longer are we a country who claims Christ as our Savior. We are now strangers in our home country and we must live like strangers. Do not be discouraged though! Christ is moving! He is alive and at work! Let us continue to "shine as stars in the universe" in America which has become a "crooked and depraved generation." (Phil. 2) And this 4th of July let us cry out to God that he would "grant His grace on thee."

HE Provides,

Amber

For Eternity

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

because the Lord has anointed me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor

and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,

and provide for those who grieve in Zion-

to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the Lord

for the display of his splendor."

Isaiah 61:1-3

I read this Scripture last summer before I left for Africa. I felt then that the Lord was taking me to the very places where He would loosen my lips and my chains so that I could be used to declare His good news, declare freedom for the captives, release the prisoners, and to bind up the brokenhearted. All of this is for the display of His splendor! I know that the Lord has done deep things in my heart and the effects are still surfacing.

In December, I remember laying on my face in the worship center of a church a block away from my house in South Africa. It was there that I told the Lord that I was His forever. Although I've been a Christian for well over a decade, this was different. I was not committing my heart to Him for salvation, but I was committing my life to Him alone for eternity. I said that I was His for all eternity and whatever that meant and whatever that took me I would commit my heart to His. Even now I get a little nervous thinking back on that day but I am filled with such excitement. I know that I am ruined for doing anything other than reaching out to the hurt and the lost and the broken of this world and trying to live the Kingdom of God on this earth.

Knowing this, I am returning to South Africa in September as a leader with Adventures in Missions and their First Year Missionary program. I will be apart of the "Awakening" staff which will facilitate over 40 participants for three months in Jeffreys Bay! I will help lead bible studies and home visitation ministries for the upcoming 40 participants! I also hope to continue my current ministries with the tavern and with the Khulisa Project! In January, the new participants will divide into at least three teams and head to different locations in Africa. As of right now, I am planning to continue leading until the program ends in May. I am so excited! But I need your help...again! I need prayers and financial support. I value all of my supporters so much and I am so grateful! If you want to continue your support, click to the left on the "support me" link. As always, I truly love and appreciate you! Thanks so much. Contact me if you would like some more information!

HE Provides,

Amber Mullins

The Khulisa Project

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

America! I am back in the USofA! It's wonderful be back and I hope to see each of your faces soon! Before I explain what life holds for me currently, I want to recap the last few weeks of Jeffreys Bay.

The Khulisa Project was a huge part of my last weeks in Jeffreys. It's kinda funny that such a huge project went down at the very end of my experience. The Khulisa Project is the feeding point created by Noma with some American help (thanks to everyone who gave money and prayers!). After feeding the children out of Noma's home for a few weeks, we were already outgrowing her house. As I have mentioned before, Noma really wanted to buy the container across the street. This was such a huge task for me. I had no idea how to purchase land or property or who to call or how to do anything. But it all came together and within a few weeks we had a bank account for the project, phone numbers of the container's owner, multiple withdrawals from the ATM to do, and we somehow had to give the container a face lift. It was very exciting to hand Noma the cash as she handed to the owner and signed the papers. The container is officially Noma's! And the property that it sits on is her's for the next 81 years (South Africa has some crazy leasing options!)!

This is the container before we purchased it:

And this is the container after:

We had two days to clean the container, buy the necessary supplies, and paint the container, oh....and say our goodbyes plus clean the AIM house and pack for home...no big deal right? It was super busy but it all got done and the container looks amazing! Noma was thrilled with the way it looked!

When we left, I told her that the container was her's and that she could use it however she desired, but that it was meant to bring Christ glory and a place where those in need could find help. She smiled and said thank you! This was one of her greatest dreams!

The Khulisa Project is not a fully funded project. Actually, by September all of the funds will have been exhausted. We hope to get the South African government to give a grant but that is not yet confirmed. If you would like to be more involved please click on the "Talk to Me" link to the left. There is great need for financial and material contributions. And of course your prayers are always coveted! Click on the "Check out my pics" link to the left to see more pictures of the Khulisa Project.

I have a ton to write about life after the FYM program and where God is leading me next. I will update VERY soon! Thanks everyone!

HE Provides,

Amber

The Hungry

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This blog is dedicated to my sweet friend. Noma. Many of you remember reading or hearing me speak of Noma. She is a dear friend of mine who lives in the township close to where we stay. She is a faithful follower of Christ and I have no doubt that she has and will continue to impact Jeffrey's Bay for eternity. I met Noma my first week in Jeffrey's. We visited her with a lady named Auntie Matilda who does regular house visitng ministires in her own community. Auntie Matilda wanted us to meet Noma so that we could pray for her. We walked into Noma's brick home and we found her little body sitting in a chair. Noma isn't small in stature but she is HIV positive and her body was giving up the struggle. There wasn't a 100 lbs on her nearly 6 ft frame. She was dying and her 11-year-old daughter's face proved that no one ever gets use to what this wicked disease is capable of doing.

We spent time sitting in her house as Auntie Matilda and Noma spoke (in Afrikkans) to each other. We swept her floor and then we were asked to pray for her. I honestly don't remember what I prayed for her that day but I was really touched by her gracious spirit and kind heart. It was her eyes that showed she was a fighter but her body was quickly wasting away.

Over the next few months, my ministry team and I would visit Noma weekly. We began to fight for her. At first we decided we were going to pray that Noma would be healed of her advancing AIDS (she soon discovered she had TB which means that her HIV has advanced to AIDS). Although I have great faith that the Lord can do as He so choses, I felt that God did not give me permission to pray for her AIDS to be healed. I don't always understand, but I knew what God had told me. So my ministry team and I decided would should start with small things in our prayers. Noma's feet were so swollen that she couldn't walk. So we started there and began to pray for the swelling to go down. And it did! After the swelling we prayed that she would gain weight. She was a skeleton. She was so sick (check my picture) and she was not able to keep any weight on her. At this time, it was closing in on Christmas and I left for America. I brought Noma groceries right before I left and I remember wondering if that was the last time I was going to see her. I kept up with Noma over the break through one of my team mates. I learned that Noma was in the hospital and she was very very sick. I was very worried but I had had time to prepare myself. Then I also was sick and returned later than expected to South Africa in January. I was eager to see Noma and my team informed me that she was better and back at home. We walked into her house in January and it was as if she was never sick at all. Through out the whole time we had been visiting her, she was unable to do much of anything, but when I returned a month later she was busy sewing and selling treats to the children after school. More than that, she had gained 8 kilos!!! That's almost 20 lbs! God had answered our prayers again!

Since that time, we have visited Noma every week and watched her regain her strength and her vitality. She began to return to her normal life. She attended her Biblestudies and looked after her family and continued to work at her sewing. She was pulling in some much needed money for her family. We were so thrilled. To this day, Noma has gained almost 20 kilos and her feet only swell on occasion!

This is when the story gets amazing... (if you didn't think it already was...)

Noma is a very unique and special lady. She is a warrior for her community. She has a very big heart and she is one sharp lady. Recently I told her how I really would love to see my 7th grade Bible class be more involved in her community (they are rich white kids and she lives amongst poor black people). I told her a few ideas and she quickly told me of some needs she knew of in the community. We started planning but there were several hold ups. We had to scratch our original idea of meeting the need and look at things differently. That's when she told me about her daughter Kyisa.

Kyisa came home from school one day and told Noma about some children who were hungry. They came to school everyday without getting breakfast and with no food for lunch. Noma was upset by this and gave Kyisa extra food to share with the children. Soon she learned the children's story. They came to Jeffrey's from a small country North of Jeffrey's called Lesotho. It's a very impoverished country and the kids were taken from their mother's home after a neighbor contacted the oldest brother (who is living in Jeffrey's) and told of the children's hunger. They were five children living in horrible conditions and the mother did not take care of them. There ages are 12 years all the way to 4 years of age. The brother came and brought the children here to Jeffrey's but was not able to give them all that they needed. It's sad to think that their living conditions here are so much better than before because they are some of the poorest children I have seen so far in Jeffrey's Bay. After Noma told me about these children and how she wanted to help them, I felt that I saw the big picture.

Although I know that the Lord is working in the tavern and with all those associated with it, I had hit a wall as to what to do. So many gracious people had sacrificially given me money to purchase the tavern, but Peela was not ready to sell it for a decent amount of money. Through some prayer and wise counsel, I felt that this money should be used for these hungry children. Noma and I put our heads together (for several days and hours at a time) and decided to begin feeding the children twice a week! And in addition to the five children from Lesotho, there were five others in the same situation. I got my numbers all together and started crunching them and tried to overcome my desire to run from the logistics and came up with a budget for feeding these children.

On Monday, April 14th at 7 am (it hurt to be up that early) we began feeding the hungry children. It was a little awkward at first but over the last few weeks it's grown on all of us. At first only five of the ten kids were coming because the mother of the other five children would not wake her kids up in enough time to come and eat before school. But as of our last one we had nine of the ten! They are very sweet but painfully shy, mainly due to the fact that they are just learning the language here and their English is also not very good.

They come and go between 7 am and 7:45 and eat their breakfast and take a lunch with them as they head off to school. I am still learning their names, but just last week as I was walking home from ministry, I saw a group of hands waving at me. I looked up and there were several of those kids and they were all smiling. I have to admit, it made me feel pretty good.

There are some cool things in the working for this feeding. Today I spoke with a lady who owns what I would call a trailor type of container. It actually sits directly across from Noma's house. It's used in these type of communities as a feeding station (hmm...how ironic, right?). Noma approached me about using the container to feed the children. We had hoped to use the tavern but every turn is a dead end. She told me that she really wanted to have that container to fed the kids from and she could also use it for other ministry things such as biblestudies and teaching others how to sow. I love Noma and I know her heart and I knew I should look into it. I crunched the numbers again and realized that we could possibly buy this container. With the cost of feeding the kids and the container, we would have a little less than $50 to spare. Again, I prayed about it and sought wise counsel and I hope to have purchased the container by the end of this week!

I told Noma the good news over the phone and I could tell be her voice that she was so excited. I think she may have been crying. This is her dream. This is her ministry. I feel like God placed us together because He knew that we needed one another. She had a vision, I had the means to meet that vision. I feel very alive to think back on this journey with Noma. From praying for her health to watching life enter back into her both physically and spiritually. It's quite beautiful really. This is what the body of Christ should look like. This is what discipleship is all about.

So, if you think this story is pretty amazing, then will you pray for us? Pray for Noma and all her hard work. Pray for these kids and for the ones to come. Pray that God will provide more money for the more hungry mouths that are yet to come. Pray for wisdom and insight as I try to wrap up all the loose ends. And if you think this story is really amazing and would like to be apart, please click on the "talk to me" link to the left and let me know how you would like to be apart. I'll be honest, we don't have enough money. But it will come. Let me know if you want to help.

HE Provides,

Amber

insert good title here

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hey friends! I hope life in America is going well. I'm a little sad to be missing the wonderful spring weather. It will be strange to go more than a year without a Winter or a Spring.

Things here in Jeffrey's have been crazy like always. After a week in the most amazing city ever, Cape Town, we prepared to leave for a small country called Lesotho. We were working with an orphanage in the mountains and were told we would be "roughing" it for two weeks. Although I was excited about living in the mountains for two weeks and loving on some sweet kids, I felt really strange about leaving Jeffrey's and my ministry here. Long story short, we ended up not going to Lesotho and spent a very spiritually intense week here in Jeffrey's. We did ministry in the afternoons, but every morning we had different activities. The first morning after a failed attempt to leave Jeffrey's (dumb flat tire), we headed to Cape Saint Francis. We sat on the rocks over looking a very turbulent Indian Ocean, and spent time with the Lord. I needed that morning after several weeks of being very busy and distracted. It was amazing to watch the fury of the waves crashing on the rocks and think of how powerful our God is.

The next morning we woke up and headed to do some mountain climbing! This was my favorite part of the week. We focused on reflecting on the commitments and goals we set up for our ministry at the beginning of the year. Then we took time to surrender to the Lord anything that may hinder our love and service to Him. Our only rules for the morning was that we must climb the mountain alone and had to be at the top within two hours. I was pumped and decided to head to the far left where no one was going. My climb was hard and invigoratingly. I chose to climb the rocky parts mainly and would sit down and enjoy the view every so often. I looked to the right and in the distance I could see Jeffrey's. I was overwhelmed with such gratitude for the Lord leading me here. I thought back on all the memories and things that I have learned and I was so grateful. I can't believe that I've been able to serve here for nine months. What a blessing and living giving time of my life! Soon after I reached the top of the mountain, I received a phone call saying that the owner of the mountain was telling us to get off his mountain!! I found a couple of the team mates and we made our way back to the bottom of the mountain (which was way harder than climbing up). Once at the bottom, we met our new friend Francis and he drove us around his property and invited us to come back anytime (but next time we had to call and let him know beforehand...). The mountain was a great experience.

On Wednesday we started a "Called Fast" for our whole team that would last for twenty-four hours. During this time we set up a prayer room that would have one person praying for those twenty-four hours. My prayer times were at 5 a.m. and noon. During those times, I felt the Lord just asking me to rest in Him, which is a common theme in my life while in Africa. I'm still processing all of it but I think I've forgone knowing Christ for serving Him...I'm still thinking through this...

That afternoon we headed to Algoa Frail Care Center close to Port Elizabeth. This is a private hospital for extremely disabled children. I really can't explain or describe what the experience is like. It's a wonderful place but it is emotionally really hard. Although the 150 kids are well taken care of, my heart aches at the fact they will most likely never leave that place nor will they ever be able to run or walk or swim in the ocean. The staff at Algoa are so incredible and very special people and love the children as if they were their very own. They are in need of lots of help and many of the children very rarely have guests come and visit them. We walked through three wards and just sang over the kiddos and prayed for them. It's crazy to think how special it is for us and them for us to reach out and touch them. Many of them do not talk, but they respond to us by laughing or smiling.
Those kids are precious and it's obvious that they are the very ones that have the heart of God.

In ministry this week, some really cool things happened. As of tomorrow, Monday, we are starting a feeding point in the township. Noma, my sweet friend and sister in Christ, and I have come together to fed about ten children who go to school hungry everyday. I've been praying for awhile as to how to help these kids and everything came together this last week. We will be feeding these ten kids every Monday and Wednesday until December. It may grow to many more kids and I hope it does but we are still working on the details of it all. One of our main problems was where to have this feeding point. This week we will do it at Noma's house in the township. But I spoke with Peela, the tavern owner, and we will test it out for a week making the tavern a feeding point!!!! I'm so excited to see how the Lord is moving at the tavern! How crazy is it to think that this tavern may serve the kids of this community in a wonderful way. I only hope that this will encourage Peela to see how she can have such a positive impact on her community!

Please pray for us as we begin this feeding point. It will be at 7 a.m. on Monday and Wednesday. Also pray for Peela as we hope to move it to the tavern next week. Her heart needs Christ so badly and I hope that this will be a way for her to fall in love with Him and what He is doing in Jeffrey's.

I miss everyone! I love you all and thanks for your support!

HE Provides,

Amber

I'm a bad blogger.. :(

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hello Friends! I am sorry I haven't been very faithful at updating my blog this last month. This month has been one of the craziest months I've had while in South Africa. I had the greatest experience ever two weeks ago when my mom and dad came to visit in Jeffrey's Bay! We had such a great time and I can't tell you what it meant to have my parents walking through the townships and meeting the people I see and love so much. It was perfect. I could hardly sit still when we visited my families, especially Marta's. It felt great to have so many people I love all together. My parents brought a team with them and I was able to minister along side of them all over the Jeffrey's Bay area. It was a good time and the team was super sweet and very good in all the ministries. My favorite part of the week was when we did an eye glass clinic at Ithemba. The team collected hundreds of reading glasses and were trained in eye exams. We handed out flyers to the community to tell them about the clinic, and all Saturday afternoon we fitted people for glasses and told them about Christ. My team also came and helped and performed dramas all afternoon. There were some decisions that day and even two weeks later, I have people coming up to me and telling me how much they love their new glasses! A man stood up in church last week and told his story of how he really needed glasses, but he was unable to buy them or pay for the exams. He came to Ithemba that Saturday and got a free pair of glasses! He told the whole church how great it was that God answered his prayers! It was a sweet week, but it was hard to say goodbye to my folks!

In the middle of all the excitement of my family being here, the team had a great upset. My sweet friend Raelynn has been sick a good bit this semester. The doctors and her parents advised her to go home for more medical attention. So as sad as it was, we said goodbye to Raelynn! It's very rough to see her go. Her departure left a huge hole on our team. The house is still too quiet without my buddy. Please pray for her. She has been treated and diagnosed and will get better, but now she is still not feeling very well.

Soon after my parents boarded the plane for America, I had another huge upset. My ministry partner, Cassie, decided that it was best for her to also return home. Cassie is a fighter and one of the most amazing people I have ever met, but over the last month she has been exhausting herself fighting to stay in Jeffrey's. Cassie's sweet mother died two years ago. That loss is tremendous and has had an understandable impact on Cassie. Although Cassie's passion for Jeffrey's never subsided, her heart needed to be at home and through many tears we said goodbye. Cassie's leaving is a huge deal for my team and especially me. Cassie is my "go-to" person, my friend, my ministry partner, and so many other things, but she was my sister. I care for Cassie so much and she has had such a vital role in my time in Jeffrey's. It's hard to even think about the days ahead because Cassie was so much so apart of my day-to-day life at the house but also in ministry. I miss her so much and I feel a little lost without her. I sometimes even get a little overwhelmed because I feel like I can't do anything without her. But that's silly and Cassie would kick my bum for not continuing and pushing through...even without her. Although Cassie has had such a huge impact on Jeffrey's, her leaving doesn't stop what God wants to do here. My time is quickly diminishing, but God is still at work. He still is using us here and desires to do more in me and through me. It's silly for me to even feel like I can't do anything without Cass, but in truth, I can't really do anything on my own. I just ask God to, in the very least, let me be apart of His moving in Jeffrey's. And He is!

Things with the tavern have slowed again due to Joel's impending trial. He has been accused of murder in another city. Joel is innocent, but he has to go before a judge. His trial is TODAY! So please pray that his innocence will shine like the noon day sun! I stopped by the tavern two days ago to check on Peela. She is a diabetic and had some type of episode over Easter. She was lying on the couch and said that she was very weak and needed to rest. She was thrilled to see me though and we prayed together. I really want to see Peela walk in light instead of darkness. I want her to believe and trust in Christ. Please pray!

We have seen a lot of fruit come from Goodness (the Ocean View family) and also with Beauty. Both of these women are so thirsty for the Word of God. We've had some really cool conversations recently and I can see such growth in the both of them.

I am doing well. Thank you for praying. Please continue to do so. I am coming out of a pretty dry spell spiritually. It's good to have God's forgiveness and let Him restore me. I'm a mess without Him. I've also been exhausted to a point that I've never been before or knew I could ever be. An exhaustion in every area of my life. I feel better now and I'm trying to rest more (emphasis on trying!). Last weekend, we spent Easter in Alice, South Africa. I will blog more about Alice later (it was the craziest thing we've done so far) but I really was moved by the Lord while we were there. Even though I didn't rest or sleep enough to overcome my exhaustion, I felt rest and peace. I really needed that weekend in Alice. I returned to Jeffrey's rested and ready for more ministry.

Next week I am going to Cape Town!!! I am very excited! This is my team's spring break (SA is on holiday for three weeks so most of our ministry sites are closed...so we get a break too!) and some of us are traveling to Cape Town. After Cape Town, the team will go to Lesotho (a small country surrounded by South Africa) for two weeks. This will be a challenge because we will have no running water or electricity. We are working with a church and orphanage there. I'm super excited to "rough it" and to spend some time remembering how much I really do have and how comfortable I have become. We won't shower, we'll sleep on the floor of a church, we'll eat pb&j and rice, and use the hole in the ground for our toilet! woo hoo! I'm very excited! It will be a super "mish" time! :)

One more thing, I am praying about the next phase in life for me. It's March and May is around the corner so my thoughts have been about life after FYM. I've been praying a whole lot and some opportunities have come up. Please pray for me as I seek wisdom and the Lord about what I am to do. I will keep you updated on all of this as I know more! Thanks for your prayers. I love you all and I am so grateful for you. I pray blessings over you today! LOVE YOU!

HE Provides,

Amber

Americans!

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This week I had the strangest reality check. I experienced culture shock. I know this should not be too surprising considering that I am living in Africa, but I was shocked by my own culture. American Christians came to Africa "on mission" and for the first time I saw my culture through the eyes of Africans. I watched as they came in with such passion and enthusiasm...and with their American mindset and their American God. I saw myself and the American church in these precious people. I sadly watched as they took pictures with their $1000 cameras and answered calls on their iphones and wore short shorts and tank tops into the townships with perfectly straightened hair and flawless makeup. This is my culture and I was uncomfortable and felt more like a foreigner. I stepped back and watched the two cultures clash. The children here are dirty and smell and wash themselves and their clothes every few days or sometimes even weeks. Women do not walk around in tank tops and short shorts. An iphone could feed a family of six for more than three months while also providing school books and uniforms for each. Not only would an iphone be able to pay for food and for schooling, in addition it could also pay for housing for several months with electricity included. Or maybe instead of paying for all of that, it could pay for health care at big hospitals that have ultrasounds and x-ray machines. Or perhaps it would be better for the iphone to pay to change a street kids life forever. To put food in their stomach. To give them an education. To let them have a bath and clean clothes.
As Americans have we distanced ourselves so much from the poor of the world that we can actually justify all the little gadgets we accumulate? As Americans have we forgotten that the world suffers as we live in luxury? As Americans have we forgotten that Africa doesn't need us or our money or all the great things we can do for her? Africa needs Jesus! Africa doesn't need the American Jesus, she needs Jesus her Savior! And no matter how great our intentions are, in our ignorance we often run over the poor and the broken in our efforts "to win Africa for Chirst." Africa belongs to the Lord already!!!!! Yes as Americans we have much to offer and we should give but are we really helping them when we blow in and out and leave behind us a trail of tracks and a ton of pictures to show other Americans how Africa deeply needs our help.
I am embarrassed by my culture. I love America to the core of my being, but I would be a fool to look the other way and ignore the injustice I've seen in the two clashing cultures. How did we drift so far away from the very words of Christ?

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Then He will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you have me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison, and you did not look after me.' He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'" Matthew 25:40-45.

Ministry Update:

Continue to pray for the tavern. It is currently still in business as a tavern. Peela, the owner, still wants to turn it into a store but she does not have the money to do so right now. Pray for her and for the potential store. Joel, Peela's nephew is still doing well and wants to come to church with us soon. He has a very important court date on March 21st, so please pray that his innocence will be proven.

Marta has been very busy and I have only seen her for a few minutes this week. I miss her greatly but I will update the Myna and Marta situation as soon as I know more. But they are both doing well! Praise God!

Our 7th grade bible class is also going very well. This is at a primary school for white Africans. They are sweet kids who are very much like 7th grade American students. We are challenging them on the very topic I blogged about today. Pray that it takes deep root in their hearts.

Noma is healthy and continues to grow in the Lord. She is such a servant and is always looking out for others. Right now, she is gathering her community together to raise money for some children who recently moved to South Africa and who live in constant poverty with never enough food. She's looking more like Christ everyday.

Beauty is also a lady who we see on a regular basis. We missed her this week but please keep praying for a consistent job for her that pays her well. She is struggling with the ladies she works for and often is ripped off for the amount of work she does.

Our family who lives in Ocean View grows to love us more each week. I enjoy watching them wear the clothing I brought for them and I can see their excitement when we walk into their house. This week was a great break through! We prayed for Goodness, the mom, and read the Bible together! This is a huge step! Please pray for her salvation.

My Mom and Dad arrive tomorrow morning with a team to do some mission work in the area. Pray for them and for myself. I am so excited as you may already know!!!!! Pray for a great and refreshing week for us as we get to minister together in my favorite place in the world.

Pray for my team mates Raelynn and Tiffany. Both have been sick this week. Tiff has a pretty bad cold and ear infection. Raelynn has been sick on and off the whole time we've been here. However, new tests and issues have shown that her sickness may be more serious than we thought. She may have to return to the States to have more medical attention. This would be a huge blow for our team so please pray for her and her family. I'm obsessed with both of the girls and I want them to get better soon!

Pray for me as well. I've just completed a week fast and it was so challenging! I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to doing it again soon. I've really been seeking the Lord about the next phase of my life and where I need to start heading. Pray for direction and wisdom for me and a renewed love for our God.

I love you all dearly and I miss you! Thanks for your prayers and how effective you are in your simple conversations with God. He hears you! LOVE YOU!

HE Provides,

Amber

TAVERN CLOSING!

Sun, 2 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I am so filled with joy to write this blog! God has answered our prayers! The Holy Spirit has been moving in the hearts of the tavern owner. This week, I was invited inside of their home once again. The owner then went on to tell me how much she hated the "drunks" and wants to get rid of the tavern!!! This is a huge milestone in all of our praying. Praise the Lord! After talking to her for a while, we dreamed about the future of this lady and her business. She really desires to turn the tavern into a store. I am excited to see how God has been changing her heart! She asked me for help. I told her that I wasn't sure how I could help but that I would talk to some friends about it and let her know. I spoke with my team about it and we are all pumped to see how God has heard and answered our prayers. Right now, I feel that I need to spend more time seeking the Lord and trying to do His will. I am unsure about continuing to purchase the tavern, especially if she wants to turn it into a store, or if God has something else planned. So please keep praying and thank you so much for doing so already. Pray specifically that God would show us what our next step is. Pray for clarity if the tavern is suppose to be turned into a store. And if so, pray that God would show us what part we are to have in it and also for money so she can buy merchandise for the store. I also want to tell you about Joel. He is also a partner in owning the tavern. He has become a good friend of ours and we love him so much. I feel that Joel does not know the Lord as his Savior but I am positive that God has been moving in his life. Joel is always so excited to see us and seems to be very interested in the hope that we have. He has recently turned his life around but I feel that he still is without Christ. Last week, we challenged him to stop smoking. At first we were just playing around and referring to his habit as the "black lung" but he struck a deal with us. If he stopped smoking we would take him to get ice cream. So we giggled and agreed. Well we owe Joel an ice cream after two weeks of no smoking! Yes I know this is a little silly, but I can't help but rejoice that Joel is thirsty and it's obvious in the simply silly things. I can even look at his face and see that the Spirit is at work. Please pray for Joel and his salvation.

Although the tavern has been such an exciting achievement and faith builder, my excited dwindled the next morning. I received a phone call from my dear friend Marta. Late Monday afternoon, Marta's daughter Myna, was sexually molested. My heart hurts so deeply over this filthy situation. I'm angry, hurt, sad, confused and numb. Myna is only two and half years old!!! This world is a nasty place and I could scream at the injustice and ungodliness I've seen in South Africa. After two extremely long days of hospital visits and exams, Myna and Marta are home and doing well. I was constantly on the phone with Marta during those days and tried to be as encouraging as possible. I went to see them late one night after they returned from one hospital. Myna was doing amazing. Actually, she spent most of the time we were there giggling and jumping on the bed and playing with my hair. She was happy and well even under the circumstances. Since then, I have seen and talked with Marta several times and they continue to do well. The police are investigating the situation. I have no idea if they will find out exactly what happened and who was responsible, but I find a lot of comfort in the joy I see in little Myna and the hope I see in Marta. With all of the exams and tests they did, we found out that Myna does not have HIV nor T.B. which is such a relief since Myna has been coughing a lot recently. We choose to praise the Lord for His hand of protection over Myna and the health He has continuously given to her. Please keep praying for all of us here in Jbay. I know God has given so many blessings to this place and He longs for Jbay to belong to Him. Thank you again for your love, prayer and support. I miss you!

HE Provides,

Amber

Join the Awakening: Discipleship & Missions

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Awaken to the Adventure

Disciples aren't born; they're made. It's a process that takes time, discipline, and God. In reality, it looks more like waking up than attending a class.

As part of The Awakening, you can undergo a discipleship program like no other, experiencing four months of intense training in another country to prepare you for the ministry that awaits you for the rest of the year.

Join The Awakening

Your mornings will be spent in training and your afternoons ministering in local communities, activating what you've learned. In the context of experiential learning, you will be discipled by mentors who want to see you grow deeply in your faith.

You will be part of a community of other individuals who share your passion and desire to come alive in Christ. This time will challenge and stretch you in new ways, and you will never be the same.

Become a part of The Awakening in either Latin America or Africa and discover your role in the kingdom of God.

You were made for greatness, to experience the abundant life and freedom that Jesus promised. As they awaken, current participants are saying:

I don't think that I will ever have such an opportunity to give up all of myself and all of my expectations as I do here. (Emily Tissot, Latin America)

The Bible study has... turned into a church. So, we have church at noon Tuesday-Friday under the tree in front of the market. I love watching as people just bring their stool/chair/water container... and join in the singing. We are going through the book of Galatians, and it is cool to see how freedom is effecting their hearts. (Denise Eckert, Africa)

For more on The Awakening, visit the First-Year Missionary website.

Ramblings about Home and Community

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Here are some of my recent thoughts:
Living here in South Africa is absolutely challenging. But as I have said so many times before, I am thrilled to be here. No matter how much I love being here, I long for home. My thoughts run to home often and I find myself missing the community I have had at home. Of course I have community here, but I think of many people from home and my heart wants to be there with them. I think about life after Jbay and I dream of being home with friends and family. I believe a lot of this started over Christmas break. Even at home I miss home of long ago. I think back to high school days when I had a home church, friends, and this community that I miss so much. My community at home has taken quite a hit through my college years. I feel lost at home. I feel like I simply exist. So life after Jbay, the need for community, and the loss of community at home makes me anxious about the future. I need home to be become home again. I need my community to be revived because I really do want to come home again one day. If I continue on the mission field, home must be a place where I can refuel, rest, and exist within a vibrant community.

Tavern Update!

Thanks so much to all of you who fasted and prayed last week for the tavern! I hope that you sensed God moving deeply as you prayed for us. I am so grateful! Over the last week, we have continuously met together ro pray and fast for the tavern. My team and I have heard His voice and felt the heart of GOd regarding the tavern. God has spoken how pleased He is to have His children petitioning Him. The tavern as a building is important to God but not as important as the hearts of the men who frequent the tavern. His will is for them to know Him. SO that has become our heart. We have already started some sweet friendships with the owners and pray that they will step from darkness to light through this whole process. Please continue to pray creativity over my team as we attempt to reach these men. I desire to use my life to proclaim His message of reconciliation and this applies right now with the tavern. Pray for us to open our mouths to speak His truth to the lost people in the tavern. Pray for God to do mighty, unexplainable things. Pray also for me. My Spirit has been very heavy this week, and as I write this, my body cannot keep up. I am so tired each day that it's a struggle to keep moving. I feel like I am a target of many attacks. So please pray for strength, energy, and an overwhelming sense of rest for me.

His Message of Reconciliation:

"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them, And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. " 2 Cor. 5:18-19

Praying and Fasting for the Tavern

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hey friends! Over the last few days, I have felt very strongly that God was doing something in my heart. I am coming to you in the most humbled heart I have to offer, and beg of you to pray earnestly, endlessly, and fervently for the tavern. I am asking all people to pray this week for the tavern. Pray for Joel the owner. Pray for opportunities. Pray for "immeasurably more." As a team, we feel that God is moving us in the direction of building relationships with the owners of that tavern. We feel that God has placed the tavern before us so that we might minister to this family in the process. I am begging you to fast and pray this week for me and for the tavern. We are fasting lunch and laying on our faces for this tavern and I ask the same of you. I firmly believe that this tavern will be transformed through our prayers! So please join with me for praying and fasting for this tavern! Thanks so much!

$$$

Wed, 6 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In our discipleship we are reading Shane Claiborne's book "Irresistible Revolution." I've been really challenged to live as a good steward of the earth and to dig into the words of Christ regarding money and possessions. Claiborne calls Christians to reject the lifestyle of living in excess, but instead to abide in the words of Christ and follow in His footsteps. Needless to say, we've all been wrestling with what this means for our lives. I do know that I firmly believe that the rich needs the poor and the poor needs the rich. I could write paragraphs of what I think, but it would be most effective and sufficient to allow the Word to do so.

Paul Writes:
"I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich,yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich... Our desire is not that other might be relieved while you are hard pressed but that there might be EQUALITY. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality."

Jesus Teaches:
" Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15

Jesus warns us that people will die with all their possessions..."This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:21

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:32-34

John the Baptist preaches to repent and be baptized. Then he goes on to say that if you have two tunics (coats), give one away to someone in need.

My world has been pretty rocked through this teaching. I think a lot about the rich young ruler. And the phrase that runs through my head over and over is "it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle then for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven."

I hope even this simple blog causes you to stop and think and be challenged by the Word.

Ministry Update:

Cassie and I went to the prayer session for the family who lost their brother. It was good. It was just us and a few neighbors and the family. They fed us and we looked at photos. It was sweet. We are planning a birthday party for a little girl we call "Cupcake." She is turning 5 on Saturday. We are throwing the party here at the AIM house and of course there will be plenty of cupcakes! :) The family of cupcake is all invited to come and everytime we see them they can't quit talking about it. They have their outfits already picked out (their Sunday best) and are planning what food they are going to bring. They are precious!

In Ocean View yesterday we had an incredible day of ministry. Everywhere we went, God placed people in front of us who were so hungry for the Lord. We spent some time praying off the bondage of alcohol from this one lady. When we said "Amen" we looked up and all three of the ladies were crying. After a sweet goodbye we promised to visit them again. It was so great because each person we ran into was ready to be encouraged and have the Truth of Christ proclaimed over them. We left and had such joy!

I know that I say this so much, but God is really opening so many doors every day. Today we met two new people who just want us to sit and talk to them and pray for them. Yesterday we met six new friends! The people here are hungry!!! They are thirsty!!! I feel so excited to be in the middle of all this thirst and hunger and have the very thing that satisfy! To God be the glory!

Tavern Update"

I'm so excited to say that we prayed over the tavern today and felt the freedom to walk into it! Maybe you think that is petty and small but it's a huge deal for us! We met the grandson of the owner. His name is Joel. Please pray for the heart of Joel. As of right now, he is not interested in selling the tavern (surprise surprise) but I believe God is at work bringing things together. Remember Joel in your prayers! Pray that his heart will change and he will desire to sell it. Pray for his salvation. Pray that he will become hungry and thirsty for Christ and desire to talk with us even more. Pray for me and my team, that we would have open hearts and ears. If this is not what God wants, pray that we will listen to what he really desires of us. I'll keep you updated as soon as we learn more! Thanks!!

HE Provides,

Amber

Ding Ding Round Two!

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I've made it back to Jeffrey's Bay! I arrived after some crazy happenings in multiple airports. I actually landed in London for an eight hour layover that gave me the opportunity to see the sights! It was such a wonderful day that I will never forget. I had about four hours in the city and ran around all over the place hoping to catch a glimpse of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Waterloo, and the Tower of London and everything in between. I couldn't stop smiling at my one day adventure. I did arrive a day later than planned in Jbay without any luggage. However, my luggage came the next day so all is well.

It's beautiful as always back here in South Africa. The past two days have been especially pretty. They have been the type of days that you love when you go to the beach; nice cool breeze, blue skies, and perfect waves! I love being here but it was a little bit of a shock to my system so go from snow to sand!

My second day back we headed into the townships to see all of my friends. I brought back a whole suitcase of clothes for everyone. So I got to play Santa all day giving everyone their presents. Marta and Noma looked absolutely beautiful in their new dresses. I was shocked to see how wonderful Noma looked. She has been in and out of the hospital over Christmas but she has gained 8 kilos (20 lbs!) and looks so much better! She glowed when she tried on her purple sweater my mom gave to her. Marta tried on every dress and hugged me after each one. She's so funny! The family we visit in Ocean View township also got a bag of clothing. Only the daughter and father were home but they loved their gifts!

The doors are continuing to open all around. Just yesterday Cassie and I met a new family whose husband just died this week. We ended up cleaning their house in preparation for a prayer service that evening. We were invited back to a prayer meeting tomorrow. This was such a huge deal to be invited to worship with them. All we know is to be there tomorrow at 2 wearing church clothes and bringing some food. So we are excited about our new opportunities. I feel encouraged at the growth I see in all of our relationships.

Here is a quick update on the tavern. It's coming along so slowly. I have been really tempted to get frustrated or feel defeated. There are little answers to my sea of questions. I feel a good bit of pressure and I'm tired of never having answers. So please pray for me and my heart in all of this. Continue to pray for the owner (who is a woman) and all the details. I will let you know when I know something new! Thanks for your support! Much love to each of you!

HE Provides,

Amber

I'll fly away oh Glory, I'll fly away!

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I am so excited to say that I will be heading back to South Africa on Wednesday the 23rd! I was originally returning on the 15th of January, but I've been sick over the holidays. Thank you for all of your prayers! I am so much better and I am very anxious to return to my team and my internship in Jeffrey's Bay.

I feel that I have had quite a humbling experience while I have been home. Before I left Africa, I felt that I had grown tremendously in my faith and my knowledge of the Lord. I had seen Him work in new and amazing ways. It was even a little scary to watch God jump out of the box I had placed Him in for so long (this is still a current struggle to allow God to be God outside of my pathetic box). I've experienced so many wonderful things that have altered my mindset and mentality. My whole day is committed to serving the Lord and growing closer to Him. But then I came back to America...and it just wasn't so easy or exciting. It's been so humbling to realize I have so much more growing to do. I have so much more to learn. To be honest, I do not love God here in America like I do in Africa. I love Him selfishly and I'm quick to return to my American mentality of "it's all about me." I really despise the Christian I am while living in America. I walk in such freedom and have such fruit while in Africa. Needless to say, I have much to learn this next semester in Africa. I want to love God completely, wholly, and fully no matter where I am and no matter what is going on.

Although I have struggled in seeking the Lord, I have been overjoyed at the love I have received from the dear people of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. If it had not been for each compassionate heart, generous spirit, and every tshirt purchased (haha!) I would not be in Africa. I wish that I could yell this at the top of my lungs, THANK YOU! You are impacting the world! You are changing Jeffrey's Bay and you are changing me! Thank you for believing in me! For loving me! For praying for me! For giving to me! I know that all of this is done from pure hearts that are devoted to the Lord and His workings around the globe. I have never met anyone like the sweet people of Ridgecrest! Yall will always hold a VERY special place in my heart!

I cannot express my gratitude to the folks at Germantown Baptist as well! It rocks my world that people I have never met pray for me and love me. I am shocked to have so many people ask about me or email me or give money without even knowing me! THANK YOU! I am so thankful for yall and your support and how much you mean to my family! I am so grateful and I hope to see many of you in March!!

I must also tell of some very exciting news! Below is a picture of a tavern in Jbay. It's a place where men come and drink heavily and return to their houses and beat their wives and molest their children. (let that sink in for a second). I am not exaggerating by any means. I do not want to say that every man does this, but the majority do! It's so sad and I hate that this happens. My ministry team has to walk past this tavern everyday to go on our house visits. We've had some problems with the men and began to pray for protection as we walk past. During the semester we began to pray "dangerous prayers" as my dad likes to say. We started praying that the owner would shut the doors or that the walls would fall down. Haha we prayed all types of things. We even prayed about purchasing the tavern and maybe turning it into a place for street kids to sleep since there is no orphanage in Jbay (the government thinks it looks bad...ironic eh?). We just felt so strongly that God was going to do something through us with this tavern. I love the verse from Ephesians that says that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ever ask or image! If I could title this picture it would say "immeasurably more." And I feel that God is in the middle of working out the "immeasurably more." My sweet teammate, Cassie, and I began to pray about returning home for Christmas and creating a base of people who would be committed to praying for a vision for what God wants regarding the tavern. About two weeks ago, I spoke at Ridgecrest and handed out pictures of the tavern and asked the kids to join with us in praying for this tavern. I mentioned that we believed to purchase the tavern would only cost about $2,000 dollars (this is an estimate). Afterwards, some precious people pulled me aside and told me that they would have a check for me to purchase the tavern by the next week!!!! Praise God for the body of Christ! I was shocked and excited and so many other emotions. I felt that the Lord spoke through their response. So....WE ARE BUYING THE TAVERN!!!! I am so excited to share this with each of you! Please pray for this tavern. Print this picture and stick it on your refrigerator or in your Bible to remember to pray. We need your prayers so badly! Pray that the day we walk into the tavern to buy it would be the day that the owner would wake up and decide he doesn't want it anymore. Pray for the logistics of purchasing land and buildings in South Africa. Pray that we have enough money. Pray for what the tavern should be turned into and who should partner with us in this adventure. Pray for lives to be changed and impacted for Jesus Christ in the old tavern! Pray for God to move and speak boldly to all those who are involved first hand! I will continue to update as soon as I know anything. As of today, those in South Africa are working on finding a local friend to inquire about the tavern and the owner about selling it. If you are interested in doing more please click the "talk to me" link to the left. Also to clarify, by clicking the "support me" link you will be giving money to Adventures in Missions and NOT to the tavern. I've already raised my personal support so please contact me if you are interested in partnering with me in the tavern and the children of Jeffrey's Bay.

HE Provides,

Amber

Looking back...

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hello! I definitely cannot believe that my first semester has come and gone so quickly. I have had so many opportunities and amazing experiences while I have been in South Africa. I don't even know where to begin. I suppose I will start with my team.

I get the opportunity to share this wonderful experience with nineteen other individuals. I have fifteen teammates, thirteen girls and two boys. I also have five outstanding leaders who continue to pour all they have into my teammates and myself. My teammates and leaders are from all over the US and Canada. Our team does everything together which can be extremely fun but also extremely challenging! I share a bedroom with three other girls that connects to another bedroom that sleep the other nine girls and we are share a bathroom. I have definitely learned how to live in community. It's a difficult adjustment at first, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I no longer think of these other nineteen individuals as my teammates, but my family. I get to work along side them in ministries and watch lead people to Christ. I get to experience the transformation God is doing in their hearts. Best of all, I have nineteen lifelong brothers and sisters.

In September, I spent one week in a town about an hour outside of Atlanta called Gainesville, Georgia. This week was called "training camp". All of the FYM (first year missionary) teams flew to Gainesville for a week of intense spiritual growth. Teams included: Dominican Republic, England, Mexico, Africa, India, Swaziland, South Africa, and Peru. There were about two hundred total FYM's. We slept in tents, spent one week straight outside getting bitten by mosquitos, showered with cold water out of a garden hose, and we used Porto potties. The first few days of training camp were very hot and humid, but after that it pretty rained non-stop, soaking everything in our tents. I can laugh now about it, but I remember thinking that I had gotten myself into something crazy! Even in the middle of being completely stripped of everything comfortable, I knew that I was beginning one of the greatest adventures of my life. During this week we spent time in worship through music, time alone with God, prayer, and we did a lot of team building activities. We also had three sessions a day. During these sessions we usually had speakers fly in, or our leaders taught us. The topics covered included: prayer, self leadership, expectations, what God is capable of doing, the disciple of honesty, how to grieve the losses in our life, spiritual instinct, believing in God, spiritual passion, who I am and why I am here, spiritual warfare, intercessory prayer, and culture. It was a very intense week. They broke us down from the minute we walked in, until the minute we left. Training camp was vital for me because I felt that God had to take me out of all my distractions and all the things that I cling to in order to peel back the dead layers that had built up around my heart. That saddest part is that I never even realized how spiritually dead I truly was. God was so precious to me and allowed me to experience a week of intense spiritual awakening before hitting the mission field.

Next, we had three full days of traveling. We flew from Atlanta to Frankfurt, Germany where we had a fifteen-hour layover (ask me anything about the Frankfurt airport and I probably can tell you!!). From there we took a red eye into Johannesburg, South Africa. We went to a beautiful missionary retreat called Alabanza about forty-five minutes outside of Johannesburg. My team was there along with the Johannesburg, Swaziland, and Kenya FYM teams. There were about sixty of us in all. We spent one week there, living in third world cabins and taking outside showers. Alabanza was absolutely beautiful!

The next week we traveled to the country of Swaziland. Swaziland is about the size of Rhode Island. However, it has as many people as Texas! Swaziland has the highest rate of AIDS in Africa! It's predicted that by the year 2050 Swaziland won't even exist because of the AIDS epidemic.

Witchcraft is practiced as much as Christianity is in Swaziland. Swazi's believe that they need to sell their souls to their ancestors to bring them honor and also for protection. Families sell their children's souls to witch doctors who then tie a rope around the child's tummy. It can be likened to a Christian dedication service. In many prodestant churches, parents dedicate their babies to the Lord. Of course this does not mean that the children receive salvation, but rather it is a ceremony declaring that these children have been given to the Lord and that the parents will do everything in their power to raise these children to know the Lord Jesus. But in Swaziland, these children experience so much wickedness and so many attacks from the enemy because of this dedication. The children sit in the corner and scream, run, or believe that something is attacking them. There is such a need for Truth! Many people believe in the Lord but they will also visit the witchdoctor. Swazi people must see that there is only One True God and that no other things will ever satisfy.

We spent some time with children but, while we were there we went to different ministry locations everyday. One was a squatters camp. Basically, this is a government owned piece of land that people illegally build upon. They "squat" their land. It's a very poor and violent area. We did door to door ministry there and at the end of the week we held a feast where the guys slaughtered a cow and fed the whole squarter camp! It was quite a party. The women of the church brought all the American girls inside the church to celebrate by dancing for hours! Swazi people know how to have a good time!

We also visited the sick in the hospital. This was the most heart-wrenching experience I have had since I've been in Afica. The hospital in Swaziland is the worst hospital in the world, literally. It reminded me a lot of the hospitals you see in old war movies. It is extremely understaffed and lacks the necessary supplies. Many times the patients must bring their own sheets, gauze, ointments, and food. The government doesn't provide for the hospital. It is here that I saw the disaterous affects of AIDS. A teammate and I prayed over this one girl. We read on her chart that she was my age, 22. Her breathing was so labored that I knew she would die within hours. She was unconscious and weighed approximately 75 lbs. I have never seen someone who was literally "skin and bones." I am certain that she died that very dayand she was only 22. We prayed peace and comfort over her and spoke Scripture of her. And then we left. It was a rough experience.

We travelled to go to care points. A care point is a place that AIM (Adventures In Missions) has created as a place where children can be fed and receive education. It is free for any child. Many of the children are orphans and would not receive any food or education if it was not for these carepoints. I was so moved by these orphans though. We happen to be there on their chapel day, and we sat and listened to them sing about how God is their provider and keeper. These children who are only guaranteed one meal a day, who don't have adequate clothing, and who have insufficient education, stand there and sing about how God provides! To say I was convicted, is quite an understatement!

We also had sessions in Swaziland, two a day. Our speaker was Gary Black. He is an American who has moved to Swaziland with his huge family to serve God and be a full time missionary. Our focus that week was our identity in Christ. We also attended Swazi church. It was the most beautiful experience ever. The little churches are nothing more then a small structure with six or seven wooden benches. The men sat on the right and the women and children sat on the left. There were not enough places to sit so they pulled out little carpets and we sat on the floor. I got to share an encouraging testimony and I think I will always hold that opportunity close to my heart. The services usually go on for at least three hours, but sometimes they go on for six or seven (quite different from America right?)! The people there know the meaning of church and worship and what it's really all about. Swaziland is a beautiful country that is rapidly dying because of AIDS.

After our week in Swaziland we went back for our last week at Alabanza in South Africa where we continued with ministries in the communities. At the end of the week we sad goodbye to the other teams and set out for Jeffry's Bay!

Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa has a population twelve thousand. J Bay is the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life. It's located at the very bottom of South Africa. It is directly on the Indian Ocean. In fact, I can see the ocean from my bed, out my window. J Bay is a very different town. It is separated into two halves. The main part of town is the white rich community. It is where all of the shops, restaurants, and the good part of the beach is. This area is a typical vacation spot area. It's beautiful and lively and is no doubt, a surf town. This main area is where the world wide Billabong and Quicksilver surfing competitions are held. Then there is the other half of the town which consists of the black and colored community. These communities consist of three townships: Pellsrus, Tokoyo Sexwale, and Ocean View.

While in J Bay, we have internships where we go and do ministry at various locations. Some of the different internship opportunities we had to choose from include: the Joshua Project, Jeffrey's Bay Primary School, day cares, Ithemba, churches, the clinic, and house visits. I'm spending my time doing two ministries; house visits and day cares.

I love my internship. Every morning I wake up and have no idea what the day will hold. I have three ministry partners who rotate days of visiting. There names are Cassie, Jenny and Sarah. I spend most of my time with Cassie during our house visits. We have six families we visit on a regular basis and two familes who are at the beginning stages of become more regular house visits. We also have met some ladies who run a creche (day care for childrenbut nothing like you would ever imagine) and spend a couple hours each week holding babies so they can have a little break.

I want to spend some time telling you about these families we visit. Some of them are believers where others proclaim to know God, but actually know very little. I have found a family that is like my own little African family. The mother's name is Marta and she is a strong believer. She is HIV positive but is boldly speaking out against the inconsistancies she sees in her own culture regarding AIDS. Although one in 4 South Africans has AIDS, it is very taboo to speak about the disease (so that statistic is actually much higher). Marta is not ashamed and has decided to not hide her disease like most South Africans but rather gather together a support group. She is my African mom and her family and home feels like my very own.

Noma is another woman we visit. She is also a believer but she is dying of AIDS. As of two weeks ago, I received word for Jbay that she is very sick and back in the hospital. I do not believe that her family knows the Lord. Her 11 year old daughter is so worried as she watches her mother slowly worsen. Please pray for Noma and her family.

I also visit a family that lives in Ocean View township (don't let the name fool you, it is far from your average family beach vacation). None of them are believers so we have spent months building relationships with them and gaining their trust. It is important for us to step outside the typical view of Americans. We are seen as white, rich American girls who are coming into their culture to "save them". So whatever the family is doing we do. Sometimes it's sitting in their living room watching their kids, or drinking coffee and eating cookies, or watching a movie, or slaughtering chickens!!! Yes I slaughtered some chickens one day (and I thought about Chick-fil-A the whole time!). We are hoping to speak more boldly about Christ these next few months.

I met a sweet lady named Sandra. She is a White African who I met in an internet caf. A week later we were getting coffee and talking about life. Since then she has warmly embraced us Americans and we spend a lot of time together!

In addition to my house visits, I also work with two other ministries. One is called "Hands and Feet Ministry." This ministry is based out of a church that we attend on a regular basis. This church planted a church in one of the townships and they partner together to help build floors and many other need for needy people in the township. So every Thursday I roll up my sleeves and get to work! At first I wasn't sure how much I was going to enjoy this part of ministry, but after I layed my first brick floor I was in love! I enjoy it so much! After a week of relational ministry, it is nice to have a task in front of you an see it from the beginning to the end result. It's also a great way to release any built up frustrations from the week due to living with 18 people!!! The other part of my ministry is working in those two creches. These are little lean-to shacks on the side or back of people's houses. It's quite different from American day-care with all the toys and nice facilities and many paid workers. There have been many times I have opened an old wooden door to a creche and with the only light coming from the open door can I see 20 babies lined on the floor with only two workers. This is very common. Sometimes the workers are paid but sometimes parents do not pay. The kids sometimes show up without any food for the day and without diapers. It's so sad. We like to spend out time in two different creches. One creche, the focus is to help the workers and minister by holding babies. It's very fun but it's also extremely difficult to see the kids sick or without toys. The strange thing is, most of the kids are happy even without toys. One particular creche was damaged by a very bad flood that we had. We are so excited to go back and tell them that we are going to build a new creche for them thanks to some sweet members at one of my leader's parent's church. Americans CAN and DO make a difference across the world!

I have so many stories I could tell of all the ministry and all the amazing things God is doing in my life and in Africa. But it would almost be like trying to explain everything you learned in Alegebra 1 in a simple letter! There is just to much to say. But above all the things that I have said, please know that YOU are making a difference in Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa and I am so grateful for you. I get to be the very hands of Christ in Africa and you are no doubt along side of me!

Please continue to pray for my team and myself. Prayer is essential to my time spent here. I can truly tell when people are praying for me and I am always in need of great prayer warriors! The best way to keep up with me is at this website. I beg you to visit it regularly and subscribe to it so that you are notified in case of an update.

I have reached my goal financially for my trip! PRAISE THE LORD! That was such a great experience to watch people believe in me and the work God is doing in Africa and give so freely. Thank you! You can also contact me by emailing me at : amberly777@hotmail.com and you can also write me at:

Amber Mullins

PO Box 921

Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa 6330

(FYI-we have learned by experience that those who send packages from the States are incredible people! We love getting stuff in the mail, however, we are taxed HEAVILY for our packages. Many times we pay more than the price of all the contents of the box in tax alone. So this is just a fair warning! J)

I hope this encourages you and may you smile big knowing that you are changing the world! THANK YOU!!!

HE Provides,

Amber Mullins

Somebody's Watching

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

In Jeffrey's Bay there is a very fine distinction between the White Africans and the Black and Colored people. When we go through the township to do ministry in the homes, people stare at us. They know why we are there because white people just don't come around thereever. It's a lot like the South in America. You normally don't see average white Americans walking through the ghetto just visiting people in the houses. It happens some but it's not common.

The other day, some of the girls and I were visiting Marta. Marta is my hero. She is HIV positive but she doesn't hide it like everyone else. Although she has been hurt before by her neighbors moving away from her when they found out and her friends rejecting her, she still does not hide her sickness. She is a believer and encourages me all the time. I love to encourage her as well. Her family has become my own. She has 3 boys and a girl. Her oldest son is becoming more and more involved in drugs and alcohol and this break Marta's heart and mine. We want to see him walk with God and hope he does one day. The two little boys and little Myna are wonderful. We took them to the beach last Saturday and also to get icecream and it was so much fun.

Marta is also working. She is always cleaning or cooking or who knows what else. Part of loving people here in Jbay is becoming apart of their lives and serving them. So wherever we go we look for ways to help around the house. Marta has taught me a lot. She taught me how to make bread and how to hand wash clothes like a true South African woman! J

I enjoy doing things with and for Marta. I really do. Sometimes though, you just wonder if you are making any type of impact at all. The fruit is slow in coming and some days you can't help but think you did nothing at all but wash Marta's clothes.

Yesterday, we were back over at Marta's and Jenny really felt led to visit this woman we had met the week before. She lives across the street from Marta. So we stopped in to say hello and we met her boyfriend also. Jenny began talking and praying with the woman and I talked to the man for a while. I don't think he is a Christian but he is hungry. He asked me a lot of questions about what day I worshipped and where I worshipped. He goes to church but he also goes to services of the witchdoctors. His mother is actually a witchdoctor in Jbay As we talked I just sensed that he was really hungry for the Lord. He asked to come back and visit him again so he could ask more questions and we could talk some more. When we were leaving he said the greatest thing ever. He said, "I saw you the other day across the street. You were washing clothesa white girl was washing clothes. I've never seen that before. I wanted to met you and look you are in my very house now."

I'm making an impact even when I don't think I am. Everyone is watching. Everyone is seeing something more than a white girl washing a black woman's clothes. We are screaming Christ in our simple actions. Isn't that cool?

Please needs:

Pray that as a team we can go deeper with Godwe are all so hungry for more

Pray for focus for myself

Pray for encouragement

Pray for Marta's son Xoloni (x said like a "c")

Pray for healing for Norma who has AIDS

Pray for a job for Sandra

Pray for my team as we have a few days off for Thanksgiving.

Love you all! Thank you!!!

HE Provides,

Amber