My apologies for doing my final blog post so late, but I feel like that’s been the story of my blogging throughout most of the summer, haha. I know that in engaging in ministry, I have a purpose in what I am supposed to be doing as I serve. I love so much that while God, “so loved the world”, He also loves me, Grace. There were so many funny, trying, sobering, and encouraging moments that God allowed me to be apart of, that meant so much to me in my own journey, and walk with the Lord. What an awesome God we serve, that He would line up His ministry in that way! But here goes the thank you list…
From the moment that I got to training, I realized that this group of Harvesters was a special – and man, have I been encouraged getting to know you guys, and hearing testimony of your ministry. Thank you, Missionaries, for making training an incredible time! Every single one of you was so encouraging, and it was an honour getting to serve alongside you all this summer! Glory! 🙂
I would also like to thank all of the kids. Thank you to the kids that made me feel like the best story teller ever, to the kids that didn’t seem to care, and everybody in between! Every person that I had the privilege of meeting was amazing. So thank you!
Hostesses…. you were all phenomenal. I had the privilege and honour of rejoicing with, praying with, crying with, and serving with you all. Every single one of you I appreciate so much! My heart is so full after this summer knowing that God has raised up a people that desire to see His kingdom come in the lives of the unsaved. There were moments when I honestly had to ride on the faith of you as the hosts when my own was wavering. Thank you all! Without you, this ministry would not be possible (and, it doesn’t hurt that you did such a swell job! 🙂 )
My CG. I had the awesome privilege of getting to meet you (albeit briefly) before training began. I just wanted to formerly say thank you. My words can barely express my gratitude for your committed to intercede on behalf of myself, and this ministry. I know that I have taken for granted your commitment to pray for me over the years, but I truly am so grateful for you! Thank you so much! 🙂
Mrs. D, I am so grateful for the encouragement that you have been to me over the years. I remember on the night that we received our itineraries, my heart was so filled with fear, and disappointment. As I looked at the club schedule I had been given, it felt like the impossible task that I was being thrown into blind. Thank you for the encouragement words that you shared with me that night, and over these past years!
Mr. D…. haha. Our relationship has very much evolved over the years. I remember my very first summer, I was this shy, PK, who had never engaged in active ministry before, and man have things changed! On a side note, you are the only person I know that doesn’t even try to not laugh at my issues with vehicles, haha. But, in all sincerity, you have been such an encouragement to me over these years, and you have definitely had a greater faith in me than I have had in myself at times. I remember that shortly after I first met you (even though I wasn’t from Bible Quizzing, haha), I felt so welcomed – like the blonde child I am, haha. Thank you for the encouragement you’ve been to me, and also for the faithfulness that you have had to this ministry. I always say that if every single church, and ministry had Mr. D in charge, than our world would be dramatically changed for Jesus. On behalf of this Chang, thank you.
And finally, to the One who deserves all of the praise, to God. I could completely make a blog post by itself about my gratefulness, and gratitude to Him. He was awesome. To be honest, this was the hardest summer that I have ever taught, but I saw more than ever His grace being all the more sufficient in my weaknesses. I know that I got a better perspective and understanding in Paul choosing to boast in His weaknesses – because it is so humbling, and so amazing being able to experience how incredibly mighty He is in those moments. I remember there was one afternoon I was at home, eating lunch in between clubs, and I felt so distraught that all I could do was cry – I felt too inadequate, and insufficient for the task that was at hand that day. But that afternoon, I had the awesome privilege of leading a child to Christ. I am beyond grateful that He is good, when I am not.
I have to thank God for going before this ministry! What a joy it is knowing that the Lord of the Harvest sent me out, and He is the one that will seal, and complete the work in the hearts of these children, through the Holy Spirit. I am not dissatisfied with the fact that I don’t have “bigger” stories to share with you from this summer because the reality is that in everything situation that I may see as small, there was a big God at work, and that is awesome, and worth sharing! I know that I leave this summer so encouraged by the truth that He is going to finish the work that He began!
Lord willing, until next time!
Hallelujah, what a Saviour!
Grace Sichangwa
Hi! My name is Grace, and this is my 6th summer teaching 5 day clubs. I feel so humbled, and honored to be involved with this ministry again this year. I'm excited to see how God not only transforms the lives of those that I meet, but the work that He will do within myself. Prayer Requests: 1. For my heart - that it would be so focused on Jesus. 2. For discipline - that I would take the time for daily prayer, and devotion. 3. For His voice - that His voice would be clear to me, as I minister.