Oh, How He Loves Us

Hey family!

So first of all, I want to apologize for not blogging sooner - it's been an busy week and a half. God is doing a lot though! Bible studies have been going really well, especially ours in Jubes. Last week we had a lot of girls, too many to fit into 1 room, so we had about 4 small groups all together, and went through what Jesus says about what it means to be born again. A lot of girls have the right answers about it, but we're not completely sure about where they stand personally - most girls speak of emotional experiences that they had with God, and some still think its Jesus plus works, but the Gospel is still going forth and penetrating hearts. We've all been able to share our testimonies, and that really helps them see what it means to have a heart changed by God, and to hear about how our lives changed after that.

Also, we have a new sister in Christ from Jubes - her name is Grace. (hmmm very appropriate!) She prayed to receive Christ last week, and her heart was changed!! She just kept saying that she just wants to know God, and today some of us got to follow up with her, and she is experiencing new desires, and understanding things about the Word - she never knew that Jesus was a man. The Spirit revealed that to her through John 1, and she is letting the Spirit guide her to make decisions about her life! Sooo amazing - God is so faithful and good!

It's been sweet to see how God is working lately - so many girls are interested in investigating about Christ! I've even met a couple girls that I think are believers, but just need leadership. They are super hungry, and seem interested in what CO is all about. Tonight we got to share with them the vision of CO, discipleship, and multiplication, and they were really intrigued by it. Please pray for them: Ofentse and Thandi and Charmaine (Charmaine is definitely a believer - she's very encouraging). Pray that they would desire to grow to know Christ more, and seek out leadership as well.

Some of the other girls that Jacqueline and I have gotten close too also seem somewhat interested: Stephanie, Mandy, Amanda, V and Rachel. Jacq has become especially close to Stephanie, and we both have really connected with Mandy and Amanda (they're room mates). Amanda came to church with us this weekend and loved it! And I've been able to really connect with V - she was amazed when I shared my testimony with her. All of them have been to both the Bible studies so far as well. We're in the process of recruiting girls to our Winter Camp (a weekend retreat) and all 4 of them want to go, along with Ofentse, Thandi, and Charmaine. The only issue is money - it costs 250 rand each, so about $35 USD. We hope that they won't let that stop them, and that at least they could come up with half, and we can somehow figure out how to come up with the rest. Fortunately, the exchange rate is in our favor, so we can help out some girls if they need it. Please pray that they would come, and that the money would be provided for all of them, for: Stephanie, V, Amanda, Mandy, Rachel, Thandi, Ofentse, and Charmaine.

I'm still learning a ton, and struggling to experience the sweet grace of the gospel every day. But when I do, when God softens my heart, I get to taste the sweet relief of His mercy and faithfulness to me, and He helps me see a little glimpse of His glory every time. It's incredible the way I'm experiencing Him - I think this has been the most intimate season of my walk with God since He changed my life. Full-time ministry is challenging, faith-testing, and draining all at the same time. But most of all, it has been so rewarding! What a privilege it is to be here, to learn and to see God move in the hearts of these girls. I've been overwhelmed with His love, His relentless, unwavering, unconditional love for me, and for these girls. Oh, how He loves us! Please pray that God would continue to reveal and break me over my sin against Him, that He would break my heart for what breaks His, and allow me to daily experience the glory of Jesus and of the Cross.

We have exactly 7 days left on campus, and God could do huge things. I pray and hope that He would. That He would use our team, and the believers already here to take the Gospel forward. That these girls would see the severity of their sin against a perfect and holy God, that souls would be saved and hearts would be changed. A lot can happen in 7 days - our God is all-powerful! Thank you all for your faithful prayers - I am really feeling them, and I think these girls are as well. Thank you for your support, and for partnering with me in taking the Gospel of Christ to Africa.

In Him,
Kasey