She is... Brave

Isaiah 43:18b-19 “Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (NIV)

I am always awestruck by how God uses the Body of Christ, His church, not only to reach out to those who do not yet know Him, but to also minister to others within the Body. A dozen wonderful women from Queensland, Australia, travelled to Ukarumpa to bless us with a women’s retreat on the theme, “She is Brave”. Now, I certainly don’t feel brave most days, and must daily rely on the Lord’s strength to be serving here, but I was intrigued and am so glad I attended. The worship and teaching were uplifting and solid, and their message was one of great encouragement, but also of action. I was convicted of new steps I could take to step bravely forward, and we discussed useful “arrows” we could put in our “quivers” that would help us to pursue bravery as a lifestyle, even as Christ is molding us into humble servants. As I celebrate my 46th birthday this month, I marvel at how God is still patiently, gently molding me and sanding off the rough edges, even as He is calling me to continue to step up and out of my comfort zone to serve Him. I praise God for a time of spiritual refreshment and refilling, as I prepare for a new term at UIS and the stress of packing and preparing to return to the U.S. for furlough in December. Thank you for being an active part of the Body of Christ, as prayer warriors on our behalf to encourage us and carry us though- we appreciate you! -Kathy