I’m going to South Africa!
For years I’ve dreamt about visiting anywhere in Africa…and since our involvement with AIM, those desires have grown even stronger! I’ve heard so many stories of the places, the ministries, the people, the children…stories of healing, deliverance and salvation! In the past months, we’ve made friends with several AIM missionaries from those communities as they have passed through Gainesville, GA and I want to experience it all myself!
We were excited when we heard there was a possibility that Don could go to South Africa for part of The Awaking*. During a discussion about the possible upcoming trip…I expressed my interest out loud…in the form of a prayer. “God…I’d love to go, but can’t see taking the funds out of our account for a trip where I do not have a specific purpose assigned. So, I’m only asking once…and if I’m to go….provide the funds needed. I know God, it’s a selfish prayer.” The very next day…I’m in the office with our stack of prayer letters to my right. I had just added the sentence at the bottom about South Africa and had printed them all. Thinking I’d take a break, I opened my email to find an email and receipt from a dear friend and her husband. The email read…“After prayer and God blessing us, we felt it important for (you) Connie to join with Don on his trip to Africa. We believe that God thinks it is important as well. So, we have donated what we believe was the amount needed to make that happen. We certainly hope you will be able to use this donation for that purpose and to learn and grow together with God and one another as you serve Him.” I was shocked! How did they know I had wanted to go? In tears I called to thank them and ask how they knew I had wanted to go. Apparently I had mentioned the possibility about Don going a while back…and that if the means were available, I would like to join him. It continues to amaze me that God would give us our hearts desire! We are so blessed to “do life” in this manner! Thank you all for your friendship, prayers and support!
*The Awaking….is a conference for all the AIM Africa Staff, First Year Missionaries and Real Life individuals. This time is used for discipleship and equipping. I look forward to sharing more after our trip…which is around the last week of November!
How very exciting not only that you can go on this trip together, but that you have friends in the Lord who know your heart’s desire and have the generous means to be part of His plan for you! Wow!
Connie…so excited for you and Don!
I’m excited for you also, Connie, and look forward to hearing [reading here] of your trip!!
God does truly give us “good things”. Praise the Lord for this blessing and have a BLAST!
Wow…I just sent you an e-mail, but had to respond to your story…it gave me teary eyes and goosebumps! He is SO good. I will be praying as you prepare, and as you minister ! I look forward to hearing about it when you come back!