Grow. Be made new.

I imagine that spring is arriving and being welcomed with smiles on your side of world. May the passing winter and gradual signs of warmth and plant life and greenness reflect the beauty of our God. He is on a mission to create new life in us, too. I hope this season brings you happiness in the real, true, and lasting life that has been made possible to you through Jesus.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 

While I’m certainly not experiencing the same signs of spring in Cote d’Ivoire, I can say that my March has been marked by growth. I’ve crossed the 6-month mark and I can say that I’m beginning to love being here. The frustrations of language learning and culture stress are lessening, and I can see many authentic relationships forming. My Ivorian family is incredible; praise God for placing me with them. Having five sisters around my age is one of the sweetest gifts. They are hilarious, servant-hearted, studious, friendly, helpful, and caring. Each one of them shares faith in Jesus. It’s a huge grace to learn more about Him through their lives.

I’m finding that, now that I’m more comfortable living within the context of an Ivorian family within Niakara, God is restoring my vision for being here. So much of my time is spent learning and receiving that sometimes I wonder what difference I’m making here. But I have to remember that walking with Jesus in this context brings His light to those around me. In my small city of Niakara, very few people know Jesus and there is a lot of spiritual darkness. I really think that the next 6 months there will have a strong focus on discipling teenage girls. Last week, my teammate Lina and I led our monthly Bible study with 15 girls at church. And, through my involvement in a sports class at the high school and weekly visits to a hair salon, I’ve met many other teenage girls who have yet to know the hope of Christ.

Please pray specifically for my friendships with Odile and Awa, two girls who give themselves to man after man and search for happiness in empty pleasures. They are both interested in my life and are open to friendship. Odile is in the same sports class at school and Awa works at the hair salon with my sister. Pray that they might come to know Jesus, the One who can satisfy their hunger and thirst.

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Jesus (Matthew 28:11-30)