You said: "Ask, and you will receive."

Hey team!

We're in the middle of week 2 at Wits now, and God is really moving already! Last week we met lots of students, and recruited for a Braai on Friday night. We had quite a turnout - about 120 students! There was lots of food, music, dancing, and conversations. (We introduced a few students to the American delicacy of S'mores :) It was great fun, and the students loooved it! The Gospel was shared before we ate, and I think that it sparked some sweet conversations and follow-ups this week. Jacqueline and I met about 25 girls last week, and have built some solid friendships with a few of them.

We had our first Bible study in Jubes last night, and between us 4 girls laboring there, about 16 girls came. I was able to share my testimony, and we discussed who Jesus is and the claims he makes, mostly in the book of John. We read through a few major things that he says, and that Jesus says about himself, and discussed questions in small groups. Most girls knew the right answers, so it's really a matter of seeing where their hearts are at, and where they stand before God. Please pray that they would wrestle with those questions, and what the claims that Jesus makes mean for their lives.

Tonight was our first evangelistic meeting, called HD - High Definition. Matt Cazee spoke and shared his testimony, and mostly just shared the Gospel, and how it pertains to our lives. He made a point that we cannot merely aknowledge Jesus and who he is, but repent, and turn to trust believe in Him. I think it really challenged the people that came, and will be a great way to follow-up with the girls from Jubes that came.

As for me personally, everyday is a struggle to believe the Gospel - I know that's always the case, but God is revealing a lot of sin lately, and many idols in my life. We're in John 15 now, and I feel like every verse hits me right where I'm at - about what it means to abide in Him, to ask anything in His name, and learning the promise that He will do it, if we ask in His name. He is teaching me what it means everyday to abide in Him, and transforming my desires to His, so that my thinking is also transformed, and therefore my prayers will be pleasing to Him. I am also learning about the fact the God really is in control, and it is fully up to Him whether or not we get to have gospel conversations with girls, or if no girls are around and we go to the roof to pray. Just that it doesn't depend on me, and God is the one doing the work. He changes hearts, not me.

Speaking of the roof...Jacqueline and I cover the top 5 floors of Jubes and decided to go to the roof everyday before we go to hang out with girls to pray for our day. There's an incredible view of a big part of Johannesburg, and even some mountains in the distance. I know a friend that went to Jo'burg last summer and also labored in Jubes, and also went to the roof to sing praises to God, the song "You Said" by Shane and Shane. That song comes in my head every time we're up there - that God says to us "ask, and you will receive, whatever you need." The song also says in the chorus, "Ask and I'll give the nations to you, O Lord, that's the cry of my heart. distant shores and the islands will see Your light, as it rises on us." It's a testament to the sweet promise that God is so faithful, even when I'm not, and He wants to bless me, and use me to bring Him glory. This really is becoming the cry of my heart, and we ask God everyday to change the hearts of these women, and in that glorifying Himself.

Thank you all for the prayers, comments, and emails. It is such a sweet blessing to read them, and to know that I have brothers and sisters on the other side of the world interceding in prayer on our behalf.

In the One who saves,

Kasey