For those of you who haven't heard about my summer plans, begin reading here:
God has provided another wonderful opportunity for me to return to South Africa this Summer 2010! I caught the "bug" for South Africa in 2004 when I first visited, and after returning twice since then, I don't know if I'll ever recover! When I last returned in October 2009, I realized a need I had missed before - the need for discipleship among the people. There is a great need both to evangelize AND disciple the people of South Africa how to live as a believer in Jesus Christ. Without understanding what Christ commands are and why it is important to follow them, people are living hopeless lives that many times end in despair. After I returned to the States, I began to pray that God would provide a way for people in South Africa, specifically the Zulu (who I've worked with the most and have a heart for) to learn the Bible and live by the Bible. In November I learned about TWR, formerly known as Trans World Radio - an international Christian radio ministry located all around the world that provides programming on knowing Christ and growing in Christ...and they have a regional office in Johannesburg.
You know where this is going...=) After a process of seeking out the ministry and filling out paperwork for internship opportunities, I was offered a position as the Wholistic Health Intern for the Summer (actually, their Winter) 2010. (Continue reading!)
For those of you who know about my internship in South Africa, begin reading here:
In a matter of one month God has provided all of the money needed for the internship with TWR, and I am STOKED! I am now counting down the days until I go; about one month exactly (well, a little more, but I'm "rounding"). I'm not exactly clear on everything my internship requires, but here's a brief description: write programming on life-threatening illnesses, work on the human trafficking program content, provide some health workshops in primary schools, and help with needs analysis, research, and monitoring and evaluation . I cannot wait to arrive in South Africa, a country I absolutely LOVE, and bring hope to people in Jesus' name. I will also be able to connect with friends I made during my time in SA in 2008, which I am VERY MUCH looking forward to. Please pray for me as I go - that I will be able to write the programming with passion and in a way that people will listen, that I am able to invest in people's lives individually, and that I will know if TWR is a ministry I would like to work with full-time after I graduate.
I will be updating this blog while I am gone, so I'm posting this to let you know where to look for updates. I will attach it to Facebook and send it via email as well. Thanks for your support and prayers! For the South Africans reading this blog, can't wait to see you and hug your neck! My prayer for the Zulu is that one day they will be able to claim the rest of Psalm 33: "We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name"
