Encourage

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Ephesians 5:11

Do you ever just look at your to do list and think–“Lord, how is this going to all get done?” This past week we had a team coming to work with us from Restoration Hope, and next week we have a visit from 40 Azusa Pacific University students for the morning, followed by a 3 day Holiday Club.

And last weekend I got sick. Which was great, because I slept all weekend…but also meant when Tuesday rolled around and the RH team was about to show up and the office was a mess and we didn’t have enough tea (or tea cups for that matter)…I didn’t feel like I was ready at all. But, as soon as my fellow team-mates from iThemba walked in the door, they all said, “What can I do?” and before I knew it, the office turned upside-down as people mopped up the kitchen floor, cleaned the bathroom, set up chairs, and figured out how a filter coffee machine works. (I don’t drink coffee!)

I am so thankful for the team that I work with. They encourage me with their service, with their helpfulness and support, and with their kind words (as well as anonymous chocolates).

The team from Restoration Hope was also an encouragement–seeing the team members who just dove right into whatever we were doing,hearing their prayers for our team and the work that iThemba does, having one RH team member read the words of Paul from Ephesians to us (“he makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love”) and then singing “Oh Come Let us Adore Him” in Zulu and English– these are moments that encouraged me.

Who in your life can you encourage today with a word, a note, a gift, or a hug?

Please join us in praying for Holiday Club this coming week. We are expecting over 200 kids for the morning program and over 50 teenagers for the afternoon. Pray for good weather, for open hearts, for energy and enthusiasm from the leaders, and for the presence of God to be felt by all who come. Pray also for safety and protection for the children–many walk to the venue from far away.