Quickie Update!

We officially have only nine days left to minister on the campus of Wits. My apologies for the late post, the team has been making some adjustments to certain areas, Internet time being one of them. So I hope to provide more thorough and consistent updates for the remainder of the trip.

Like I said there are only nine days left on campus and then we are at the Winter Camp and on our excursions into the wild.

God has been good and continues to be good to His children. He has prepared the way before us and good works for us to walk into. Though the doors of Jubes were once closed off to us He has opened them to His children, Praise God!  

There have been roughly ten people profess Christ since the CCP has been here so lets pray that the seeds would fall to good level soil.

Right now if you could please be praying for recruitment to the Camp and to other events that the CCP put together. It’s difficult to get time with students because they are in exams. A difference between American students and SA students, when they say they need to study they actually mean it and they study literally all day. So a lot of them are stressed, even the student leaders are hard to get around too.

There are a group of girls we’ve been hanging out with and the Lord has given us favor with them.

Please Pray For:

Thandi

Rouda

Sposh

Snazo

Nkule

Amou

Just to name a few…

Thank you for your patience with me and please feel free to ask specific questions so that I can know how better to update you and keep you posted!

Love you all dear friends and miss you like crazy, can’t wait to catch up and see you face to face!

All my love in Him who loved us first!

Kayra!

"I Believe, Help My Unbelief!"

Hello Beloved Friends!!

I am so sorry it has been entirely too long since I have updated my blog. It’s been difficult to jump into the swing of things especially concerning any kind of schedule or routine. Needless to say I made it to SA!!!!

Where to begin…rather than catch you up on everything I have seen, felt, heard, smelled, experienced over the past two weeks, allow me to share what is going on in the now and the present.

Physically: I am battling a cold that took our leader, Wally, by force and left him down for the count for at least three days. It is nothing to worry about, just a minor cough and some head congestion is all I have to complain about, but if you could please pray for my health, it would be less than fun to have to sit out for a few days due to a silly cold. Also because of this untimely sickness I am surprisingly homesick. If I were home Dad would be making me some of his homemade chicken noodle soup while letting me watch my TV shows or chick-flicks on his big TV in the living room while Mom attended to every ache and pain and discomfort I may have. I have been so spoiled in the past so I suppose one small cold away from home shouldn’t be a huge deal. Miss you Mom and Dad!

Head: I feel like my mind has been a million places. Perhaps that is why I am easily tired through out the day because I genuinely feel like I am using my brain in ways I never have had to. I am thinking all the time. “How can I use my time better right now?” “What is a good question to ask?” “What is the most strategic way of doing this right now?” There seems to be a constant stream of questions going on in my head it is so exhausting!

Heart: I think my heart decided to take a trip to 6 Flags or something because it definitely has been on a rollercoaster since arriving. God has been teaching me so much and revealing a lot of sin yet has been ever faithful to point me to the cross. As a CCP we are studying the Gospel of Mark and reading C.J. Mahaney’s Humility and it has been a lethal combination. One of the biggest things I feel like God has been teaching me is how I have little faith. Do I really believe God cares about the little things in my life? Can he really use me here? Will he save men and women? These are just a few of the many questions I toy with in my head but never voice. But as I mention before God has been faithful to truly show up and rock me in so many new ways.

For example; Last Monday some of us thought it would be a great idea to take a run through our neighborhood. I knew it was going to be more difficult for many reasons, such as the higher altitude that we are not used to, also our guest house is called the Tower Lodge meaning it is the highest point in the neighborhood! As if that wasn’t going to make it hard enough I didn’t bring my good running shoes that are special to me in that they help with my shin splints. After running for about 15 minutes and walking a few I was in some serious pain. We heading back to the house where I tried to stretch it out as best I could. Then I went up to the house to get some water, when I went to come back down the stairs I could barely walk I was hurting so bad. My legs where in so much pain I couldn’t believe such a short run could do that to me. Somehow I made it up in my bed (top bunk) and just lay there complaining and whining in my heart for a good twenty minutes. While I waited for the shower I started getting in the Word and our passage for the day was titled “Jesus Heals a Paralytic”. And that led into the sweetest, most precious time of personal worship, study and prayer that I have had in a long time! I was taken to other places in the scripture and the Lord was revealing to me truly how little my faith is. After reading the passage in Mark I made the observation that Jesus healed him after he saw his faith displayed. Then I was taken to parts all over the gospels about men and women being healed or blessed because Jesus saw their faith. The woman believed all she must do is touch Jesus’ garment and she was healed, a father of a demon-possessed son cried out to Jesus, “I believe, help my unbelief!” There are so many other places that example like these can be found. I realized in my own life that I had somehow adopted a sort of “lottery mentality”. When confronted with an opportunity to have faith and trust something to God I would find myself whispering in my mind, “that would never happen to me”, or “that's too petty for God to really care about”. Of course these are lies and we know the truth that God does indeed care. Towards the end of this time I found myself in a place where I was praying that God would take the pain away from my legs but ultimately that his will would be done and that I would glorify and worship him no matter what the outcome because I know that whatever that might be it would be because he loves me. In attempt to make a long story short, by the time I started getting ready for the day my legs were no longer in pain. Glory be to God!

Hands: Ministry has been more difficult than I expected. So there is your proof I did have expectations after all. I don’t know what they were but my expectations have caused me to be driven to the cross daily and it is good. Students are friendly and welcoming but we have had some unforeseen curveballs with one of the dorms. Please be praying that God would open doors in the Jubes res, literally. This is the dorm I have been laboring in with my ministry partner Cara. Due to some broken rules over the past year with the students the security has cracked down a lot and we are limited in ways that have not been an issue before. What God has given us are a couple very faithful student leaders with COJ that have been so encouraging and helpful, and I am so thankful for them. We also have been partnering with some student leaders in a evangelistic bible study and there have been many interesting conversations sparked by these and hopefully we can continue t follow up with these first year students.

Sorry this was such a long post hopefully since they will be more regularly updated it won’t have to be this long again. Also it is hard for me to remember anything I may be leaving out or some information that you may like to know so please feel free to leave a comment or a question how I can better inform or update you. A lot of times it helps me to have specific questions in mind and that way you are actually getting to know what you actually want to know. J

Prayer requests:

Mine and the team’s health.

Security at Jubes.

Recruitment for events like HD, Camps, etc

Continual comfort in God’s word and time with Him.

have updated my blog
Thank you beloved friends for your patience and prayers. Miss you all so much and can't wait to fill you in even more about what God has been doing in me and hopefully through me as well.
Love and Peace family!
Kayra
PS my updates may be coming at you video blog style sometimes....good idea or no??

Testing! Testing!

You Follow Me!

Well friends in less than a month I will be boarding a plane to cross the Big Blue and will be stepping on foreign soil for the first time in my life. A lot has been going on since I last posted, not so much in big life events but my heart and mind have been reeling.

Most recently we had our final meeting and retreat with the team this past weekend. All of us swarmed to Terre Haute for the occasion and stayed, of course, at the classy Days Inn. It was a lot of fun getting to hang out with the team and spend some time casting vision and dreaming together about what God may do in and through our lives this summer.

One of my personal highlights of the weekend was when we went to the church Saturday night and listened to a visiting missionary couple. They are on furlough from their mission work in Egypt and took time out of their schedule to speak to a group made up of predominately college students. It was so refreshing and eye opening to hear them talk about their lives and what being overseas has looked like for them. They were so real and raw and honest with the "ugly side of missions". Something I believe is necessary for me to hear because often times I find myself romanticizing missions, thinking that it is a great heroic adventure filled with terrifying yet exciting events.

But what happens when the excitement wears off? That was the challenge put at me through these speakers and that is the main thought that has stuck with me since. I say with my mouth that I'm ready to give my life away on foreign land and leave a life of convenience and comfort behind me, but am I? Is that really the cry of my heart, the fire in my bones? Or is it a lofty idea that sounds good to impress those around me or a nice thought to put in a support update?

I'm reminded of a couple verses at the very end of the book of John. Jesus is getting ready to leave his disciples and return to the Father and these are the last few words to Peter. He had just finished giving more instruction to Peter and even told him how he was going to die. Peter seeing John coming up to Jesus and himself said to Jesus "Lord, what about this man? Jesus said to Peter, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!" How often I am tempted to look from the left and to the right. I take my eyes off the joy that is set before me and take in my surroundings and look to those around me. I compare everything about me to everything I see in them. Just like Peter when things sound like they are going to be hard or scary or uncomfortable I look around and see someone else or something else and I say to the Lord, "What about them God?" Or, "why do I have to go alone, they get to go together but you're sending me by myself. " It is easy to say these things don't bother me but how deeply rooted sin is and how easy the heart is deceived. And the Lord says back to me, "What is it to you Kayla? This is between me and you. I didn't call you and them to follow me, I called you to follow me. Now follow me!"
Of course I will follow Him after all, I was lost without Him.

This isn't meant to paint a bleak picture, nor is it specifically pertaining to this summer. These are just some thoughts that I've been chewing around for a bit. God has so dearly blessed me with an awesome team whom I love already, and He has provided for me in more ways than I could ever imagine. But I know there will be tough times ahead and I pray that they come. I pray that God would bless me with such a glorious opportunity to share in His sufferings. Who knows what that would look like for me and my walk but God is faithful and He promises to be with me unto the end of the earth and all I have to do is follow Him.

My Brothers and Sisters in Arms

Here is a picture of the beautiful people I will be spending my summer with on the battlefield. (Minus 2)

Certainly every CCP team is super pumped about their teammates but I am pretty sure, without any bias, that my team is the best CCP team ever!

When I say these are my brothers and sisters I am completely genuine in that sentiment. These are the young men and women I grew up in the faith with. The students I met and "Transformed" with on our first OP. Some of us learned what it looked like to labor on a college campus to see it impacted for the Kingdom of God. Together we saw how the Gospel could "Redefine" our lives in Christ on our second OP, our Servant Leader summer.

And now as a team, as a unit, as a family we are learning how to raise support for a much bigger adventure. Bigger than the road trip to Orlando or the that awful scavenger hunt at City Walk. Together we are crossing the Big Blue to another continent, to a foreign land.

I get goosebumps just thinking about it!!!

Please be praying for my team. It is imperative that we raise our support not just on the individual level. God has done amazing things in providing what He has already and I can't wait to see how He will further be sustaining this team on many more levels beyond finances.

I know this was a quick update but I just wanted to share this simple grace that God has bestowed upon me. Another family to love and cherish in this life and for all eternity.

Grace and Peace Beloved!

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

Well friends the reality of my trip is starting to sink in deeper. You may be wondering why now and all of a sudden. Could it be that in approximately nine weeks the CCP team will be boarding a plane to leave the country, for many it will be the first time? Could it be the excitement of another team meeting this coming weekend where we get to dream big together and bond as a team?

Or could it be the incandescent joy I have recently experienced via the Lord raising up my personal support after 3 months of letter and phone calls and meetings, and almost 5 weeks ahead of schedule!! (Psalm 89:1 “I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.)

As you know in order to participate in the Cross Cultural Project we personally have to raise $5500. That is $121,000 as a team! It is a long process that is humbling and sanctifying for many reasons. With this process come fears and anxieties I have not really experienced in my walk with God before.It tests the trust that I claim to put in the Lord.

When asked what my biggest fear is in raising support my answer was basic but toxic all the same; “What if God doesn’t raise my support because He doesn’t want me to go to South Africa” Of course I know the answers and the truth but I found that it was a truth that I did not really cling to nor held it close to my heart.

 I would like to say that I battled these fears as a mature Christian would; that is by digging in His word for comfort, or by writing my thoughts out to God until my hand cramped, or by spending hours on my knees pleading with God for the peace which surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7). There were so many things I could have done or actively pursued God during this trying season.

But I did not…at least not to the extent I could have or wished to now looking back. Though there are many things I could have done differently I would not go back and change one thing. Because there is no doubt in my mind that God is sovereign over it. It was a part of His plan, before the foundations of the world were set (Eph 1:4), for me to fumble my way through the process of raising support. He saw it best that I would be far more humbled this way rather if I had done all I “could”.

Oh how sweet it is now resting in the simple grace of knowing I could have done “better” yet also knowing ultimately it has nothing to do with what I do or don’t do. It’s God’s money and if he wants to raise it He will in His timing, not mine, and whatever the way he chooses is His best for me.

Now I am very excited to be able to help out my team with the extra support God decides to send my way. So please labor in prayer that I would be faithful; Faithful to the process, faithful to my team and the commitment to our goal, faithful to seeking out my Father who loved me first (1 Jn 4:19).

My Story

There was a religious man named Paul. He was what you would call a “Hebrew of Hebrews”.  Everyone knew who he was and what he stood for. He was advancing in Judaism beyond many of his own age among his people; so extremely zealous he was for the traditions of his fathers. He loved the law that the Hebrew people were under and when a man came preaching a different message he hated him and sought to destroy everything he stood for.

I was a religious girl and my name is Kayla. I was what you would call the perfect little goodytoshoe Christian girl who had it all together all the time. Everyone knew who I was and what I stood for. My peers knew not to ask me to parties because I would say no, boys didn’t ask me out because they knew I took dating seriously. I loved living my life bound by the rules that a “good girl” lives by: don’t drink, don’t cuss, don’t flirt around with guys, do well in school, talk about Jesus when it makes you look good, pray before meals, etc)

Paul started out on a journey to a place called Damascus. There he had an encounter with Jesus Christ. He appeared to Paul blinding him and speaking to him. Paul came to realize through this divine encounter that all of which he had been living for, all these laws and rituals he had been living under were for nothing.

You see Paul had a heart problem. Because he was still a sinful person all those “good things” he had done were from a bad heart. When he did “good things” he did it so he would receive respect, boost his reputation, and give him the praise.  He finally saw that all of those good deeds were as if he were taking filthy rags to a Holy and Perfect God and thinking it was enough to please him.

He saw for the first time truly how far he was from God and that there was no way to be reconciled with him unless there was one who could live the perfect life Paul could not.

I started out on a journey to a place called college. There I continued to live my “perfect life” and sought friends who thought the same way I did. I met these young women who also called themselves Christians and we became very good friends. As time went on I began to notice some differences between them and myself. For one they not only read their bibles but they actually studied them, everyday they sat down with their bibles and personally studied it on their own. I only picked up and looked at my bible when I wanted to feel good or write a verse for someone so I would look good. Another thing that was different was that since I was the “good” girl I didn’t associate myself with the “bad” people. People who partied and slept around and had foul language. I judged them and didn’t want to expose myself to their sinful lives. Yet these new friends had friends that were like that and they loved them, they prayed for them and tried to tell them about Jesus. That’s another thing I noticed was different these new friends talked about Jesus all the time and at first it kind of made me mad, after all I didn’t want to talk about Jesus all the time…but why didn’t I? After all I called myself a Christian and so did they but why was there such a huge gap between us?

Over time I came to realize that I was like Paul. I too was zealous for the rules I lived by and thought that they made me right with God. I had a heart problem just like Paul. Because I was still a sinful person all those “good things” I had done were from a bad heart. When I did “good things” I did it so I would receive respect, boost my reputation, and give myself the praise.  I finally saw that all of those good deeds were as if I were taking filthy rags to a Holy and Perfect God and thinking it was enough to please him.

I saw for the first time truly how far I was from God and that there was no way to be reconciled with him unless there was one who could live the perfect life I could not. And it is here that Paul and I both saw the gospel for the first time. For the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. That God made him who knew no sin to be sin so that we would be made right with God. God shows his love in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

We had to see that we could not be made right with God on our own and we had to trust in Christ’s act on the cross, that he had taken on our sins and died for them. He took on our dirtiness so that when God looked at us he see his Son on a cross and sees us clothed in Christ’s righteousness, not our own.

Once Paul saw the gospel truth he deserted his life of living for the Hebrew law and the very belief he sought to destroy he ended up being martyred for. He died because he preached this message to everyone all to God’s glory and praise, not his own.

Once I saw the gospel truth I deserted the life of the “perfect little Christian girl”. I began to love to read God’s word and study it on my own. Knowing that there is literally no difference between me and those “bad people” I once despised I love them all dearly and pray for them that they too would not live their lives captive to their masters, whatever that may be. I do love to talk about Jesus because he is the one who changed my life and the only reason I now preach this message to everyone all to God’s glory and praise, and not my own.