Merciful Rain

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD.

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;

Though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."

~Isaiah 1:18

This song just came on my iTunes as I was practicing sign language for my final tonight... It was just beautiful because the rain outside had just turned to snow and God just gave me such a sweet image of His love that purifies us as white as snow! How precious to think that a purely innocent child born about 2,000 years ago would grow into a blameless man to lovingly take our place on that cross that our lives, once stained and filthy, are now made clean and redeemed unto the Father! My heart can't comprehend, yet is overcome with His joy to know He calls us HIS children!





Sign language is such a gorgeous language to watch and understand - It's like seeing the Spirit tangibly moving like soothing, clear streams of water when its used during worship!  I pray you receive and enjoy His merciful rain that He so lovingly and never ceasingly flows over you, my dear brothers and sisters!

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.” 

~Isaiah 55:8-13

Molly's place and more

Hello everyone! I pray this finds you all well and blessed were ever you may be!

Things are going well here in South Africa - Most everything is really different then I expected it to be, but God has been working everything out in a far better way than I could have ever imagined! It is almost too overwhelming- in a good way, but I'm just praying that He can help me to understand and absorb everything - it hasn't even been a full week yet!! The Lord is really showing and teaching me so many new and wonderful things, though some are very heart pressing. I am just so amazed by Him and His willingness to love and teach His children!

Wednesday was kind of rough - I haven't cried so much in a while... I went to Molly's place on Wednesday and was planning on staying there in the house until Friday... Molly has at least 6o children permanently living there during the week and upwards around 85 on the weekends because their mommies spend their Friday pay checks on alcohol and get drunk over the weekends - how horribly sad! When I first got there in the morning, the only children there were the babies (about 6-7) and gradually, the older kids (the oldest is around 17, but they are mainly younger children) came home after their schooling (with 5-6 "nannies" to watch after them all and Molly of course). It was fun to play with them and get to know them, and I feel so blessed by Him to have had the opportunity to! However, they are very different from children in America because the cultures are so different - I can't quite put my finger on it, but there is just so much yuck and corruption engrained in Africa in general that it pours (not trickles) into how these kids opperate and it just becomes a vicious cycle, passing from generation to generation. Not to say that the rest of the world, especially America, is void of these faults. There is just something very different about Africa. I've heard it said that Africa is called the "Missionary Grave Yard" - let yourself get past the physical meaning and try to think about this in a spiritual and eternal sense and believe me this title for Africa makes sense completely! I can see it in the eyes of the people - hopelessness. They are so lost and controlled by centuries upon centuries of their tribal satanic rituals and ancestoral worship (among other things) that it is so difficult for most to get past everything they have made their world to be in order to see the Truth and the Light of their lives! Please, just pray and support God's work for Africa! I know and see that God is moving in this place in His own way and according to His own perfect timing - And this just makes me rejoice, but there is still a ton of work that needs to be done!

Anyway, back to Molly's place... :o) These kids were sort of undisciplined and unruly doing mainly whatever they would like because their just isn't enough people to look after them all and make sure they are doing what they should instead of hitting and kicking each other or calling each other names and so on... They would listen to Molly real well, but she wasn't there all day because she needed to take one of the little girls to get blood work done at a hospital in Port Elisabeth. It was really really difficult to see them in the conditions they were living in. They-at least 65 people- live in a cramped, 4 or 5 bedroom, small kitchen, and a tiny bathroom house that is completely and overly cluttered with old, dirty furniture and toys and cluttery things and the smell is not at all pleasant. On Monday, Rufus Luttig got some kind of rash from an insect bit after sitting in one of the chairs in the house (he has mostly recovered), so the conditions are not at all health for the children either. And the worst part about this situation to me is not only that there is so much wasted wealth in this world that can and should be available to help them (they should not have to live like that!!!), but that there is even a need for it at all. It is so heart breaking to think of how far fallen this world really is... It is amazing though how God has blessed Molly and this ministry for those kids for the past 17 years or so! He is preparing a greater way for them and it has been wonderful to hear some of what is to come for them by His glory! I broke down in tears several times because of all these things as well as other reasons and just had to pray and lift them all up to God. At one point, I had to barricade myself in the room I was to stay in to protect myself from the violent rants of a 5 year old stocky boy named Joshua (Hebrew pronunciation), who was really a very handsome little guy but very, very vicious toward everyone, including children who were younger than him. I later found out from Molly when she returned home that he is a Nigerian, who are supposedly very violent and barbaric people - this just made me feel even more horrible for this poor little boy, because he has been exposed to so much wickedness at such a young age and he hardly knows anything different. He has been deprived of what life truly needs and what it is all about - God's love!!! - until now that he is Molly. I was so overwhelmed and I couldn't imagine not being able to get away from it, even if it were only a few hours to be able to process everything and find rest/peace in Him. About mid afternoon, I decided to call Almarie to come and get me. (Before hand, Almarie kept asking me if I was sure about doing this since I had seen it only once before and gave me a cell to call her whenever for anything. I continually assured her that I would be just fine - Little did I really know what I was getting myself into...) I will go back, but not to stay there. Almarie said the best thing to do with Molly's Place is to take it in doses and I agree!

When we were leaving Jehovah Jireh, Almarie decided to take one of the babies with us who has been keeping Molly up in the night. So we (Almaire and I) took care of little 5 month old Trinity Esther at the Luttig home for the last two nights while the men (Rufus and Brian) were out hunting somewhere. ;o) Guy stuff! Trinity is so adorable and probably the happiest baby I have ever seen! Well I got to run - I will fill you in on her story a bit later. We are all going to the Luttig's ranch for the weekend and then we will be doing a week (mon-fri) of ministry in the Transkei. Please pray for us and the people we will encounter! May God do a mighty work! Got to run, but I love you all and you are all in my prayers!

Sending my love and blessings,
Sara

I'm Here in South Africa

Hello friends and family!

I have finally arrived in South Africa after two and a half days of traveling! The plane rides where exhausting, and I am so excited to sleep lying down instead of sitting up in a claustrophobic airplane seat. Besides all that, I was able to pray a lot for this trip and seek out the Lord for guidance and also just get to know Him more by seeking Him out through His wonderful Word. I also had the chance to meet new people (those sitting next to me on the plane) and hear about their lives and even share with each of them some of my own adventures with the Lord. When we (Brian- the man I travelled hear with- and I) finally arrived in Port Elisabeth, SA around noon here, we were greeted by Almarie and Rufus Luttig (the family we are staying with). They are truly such kind and loving people! I had met Rufus once before in the U.S. but I had only heard of Almarie, who is such a strong woman of faith! I look forward to getting to know them both as well as Brian so much better while I am here. We all had lunch together and then they travelled us around for several hours to show use a few of the ministries they are addimatly involved with here in SA as well as to keep us from falling asleep. ;o) Their faithfulness and desire to see these ministries flourish in the best way possible according to the Lord's will is so astounding and a blessing to see! We saw Molly's Place, which is like an orphanage/daycare, and we also visited a Bible college. It brought tears to my eyes to see 50 plus children, mainly under the age of 10 years, in such poor living and playing conditions - Their need for hope and love is so great! They were all so precious and beautiful! I look forward to helping out more over there in the next several weeks! We plan on seeing these and more ministries for a longer period of time while we are here. I will keep you all updated as best as I can and I will try to get pictures up too!

Prayer Request: I found out from Almarie and Rufus that orphanages are illegal here in SA, so places like Molly's place and the daycare type centers that the Luttigs want to build in the Transkei (poor area of SA) are constantly being monitered by social workers and government (mainly the black government) officials. The Luttigs are doing the best they can to help get these orphaned and abandoned children off the streets and into a Christian and loving environment to better their futures, but it is difficult to get the government to allow them to do so. The government has also not presented a reasonable explaination for not allowing orphanages in SA. They trust that God's will will be done and their heart really desires that children would not die (especially from HIV) without knowing Jesus. Please pray that the Lord would soften the government and that he would guide the Luttig as well as others who are helping them in this process.

I must get some rest so I can be ready to go tomorow, but I want you all to know that I love you and that you are all in my prayers! I will post again soon!

In the Lord's service,
Sara

13 days and counting...

Ha Ha - Okay I realize that I am horrible at keeping this thing updated, but I would rather not get "addicted" to it... ;o) *sigh* Last Saturday night at church, I was reminded that I was leaving to South Africa for a month in 21 days (well today, about a week later, is 13 days)! Wow, God is good! I am still baffled and humbled that God would choose me to go. He is clearly setting everything in place for me to go while all along assuring me that this is His will for a portion of my summer. (Praise Report: God has allowed about half of the finances for the trip to come in so far! Please pray that He would continue to provide for this trip as well as bless those who are able to give financial and/or prayerful support!) Lately my heart has been overflowing with all the things He has been teaching me and showing me! Even just being able to realize how God is working everything out for good by making myself step back and look at things through God's eyes has been a big one. I feel like the list of preparation for Africa keeps getting longer and the days just keep getting shorter and going by in super-sonic-hyper-speed! Yikes - sssssllllllooooooooowwwwwwww dddoooowwwwnnnnn, please?! :0)

Last week on Wednesday, I found out that I needed to get all four of my wisdom teeth extracted from my mouth before I go to South Africa. Well, I just got that procedure done this last Friday and it went pretty well. It was such an acquired experience. They put me under anesthesia (which I have never experienced before), but I was aware of what was going on the entire time, except my brain was a bit delayed in comprehending exactly what was happening. I knew that I was getting my wisdom teeth pulled out, but I couldn't control what I was doing very well. Hee hee, I remember at one point that my forehead was itching and that I was trying so hard to slip my limp hand out of the arm restraints so I could scratch my forehead, all the while telling myself that I couldn't touch my mouth because something important was being done. I remember hearing the doctor telling the nurse to hold down my hand and all I could think was "If I can't scratch my forehead, can someone else please scratch my itch?" :0} Anyway, now my face looks pretty weird, my cheeks look like squirrel cheeks, and it looks like I need to wipe my mouth because I have an odd looking bruise on the right corner of my mouth and, of course, it hurts rather annoyingly - I just want to rip out the stitches sometimes, but I let the temptation pass eventually! :o)> ... One thing done, nearly a million more to go (a slight over exaggeration, but it sure feels like its true). I'm so glad that is all over and God has allowed me to function well afterwards, while still on strange medications, so I can accomplish His will for here and now, like studying and taking my college exams, finishing up alot of papers for classes, getting needed things and packing for South Africa, etc. - all which needs to be completed in a day shy of two weeks!! *sigh* I know that everything will be completed in His perfect timing - I just keep having to remind myself of that most beautiful fact and let go of the worry and stress I allow to creep into the mixture... Please pray that God would grant me a peace and an unending trust in Him, as well as a strong perserveriance to complete the tasks that He lovingly places before me!

O, how I love Him so! I just feel so blessed to have the honor of striving to live out a close and trusting relationship with Him! He never fails me and I know He never gives me more than He can handle! I'm still learning to surrender all things and every piece of my life over to Him, but I think this lesson takes a lifetime to learn and get down completely... I'm just so thankful that He is patient and compassionate toward me, and that He uses my weakness and worthlessness to bring glory to Himself! He is so much more worthy than anything we could every give Him, but He still chooses to be sincerely loving towards us all, even when we blind our eyes so we cannot see Him and His goodness! He makes me stand in awe, and I am completely speechless and dumb-founded by His infiniteness... I am so glad that I serve a God, the One and Only true living God, that I can trust in faith and that I will never be able to fully comprehend or fathom!

I pray you all have a most wonderful Sunday and the rest of the week! I love you all and I hope you know and hold fast to the comforting fact that our God loves and cares for you more than anyone else could ever be capable of! :o)

I'm going to South Africa!!!

I am extremely excited to let you all know that I will be going to South Africa this summer for a month long mission trip. Below is a copy of my support letter that I sent out via snail-mail and e-mail:

To my dear Friends and Family,

I pray this novel finds you all well and in the center of God’s loving will! I have to say, there is just something amazing and humbling about being a missionary for the Lord in another country and meeting new people – To me it makes the world smaller and God’s kingdom and love a whole lot more enormous and unfathomable. Last summer, the Lord called me to serve Him in Uganda, Africa and assist in bringing the Gospel to the people there with a team from the high school youth group at my church! It was indescribable! God did so many wondrous things in my life as well as my teammates lives. We went there to serve, bless, and bring the Gospel to the people of Uganda and we did. However, we did not expect to learn so much and be so blessed by God through the Ugandans! I met so many children, new friends, and wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ – both old and new believers! I love Africa! I love the people and I want them to be with me in Heaven praising God for all eternity! I love that they are in need and that I know the One and Only God that can fill their needs and quench their souls! And I love that God has given me opportunities to share the Answer, Jesus Christ, with them! In a way - I guess you could say - I left my heart in Africa!

This brings me to the exciting news that God has blessed me with another opportunity to go to Africa this summer as a missionary to spread the Gospel and love of Christ! This time, I will be going to South Africa, the southern most country in Africa. This trip is kind of a loner trip meaning that someone else is not planning every moment of my time. Instead, this is a chance for me to step out in complete faith and trust in God for Him to guide me and direct me according to what He would have me to do and how He would have me spend my time. This is also an opportunity for me to get a feel for the ministries in South Africa and what it is like to be a full time missionary in a different land apart from my homeland.

My mission trip is scheduled for May 17^th through June 16^th. I will be traveling with one other person and we will meet up with a Christian family living in South Africa, the Luttig family. Rufus and Almarie Luttig and their family are natives to South Africa. They live in the Transkei area, which is the poorer part of South Africa, where they own a large gaming ranch and lodge. They run a hunting ministry where the meat from their hunting is shared with local villages along with the Gospel message. They have also worked to build a couple of orphanages for hundreds of children who have been personally affected by HIV and AIDS or their family members have died from the awful disease. These are safe havens that remove the children from the streets and help to give them hope for a future. To just give you an idea of the rapid growth of their ministries, they have built three new orphanages since the start of the year. Almarie and Rufus also assess remote areas for future orphanages and daycare-centers. The Lord has used their faithful service to Him to bring His love to the lost world, especially the children, and glory to His name, as it should be!

I am writing to ask you to prayerfully consider helping to sponsor me for this mission’s trip. God has already provided for the flight tickets, which is so reassuring that this is what God desires of me this summer. God is truly and amazingly wonderful! The cost of the rest of the trip is roughly $2,500 for travel and lodging in South Africa as well as additional needs for ministry purposes. No matter the figure, I have faith that the Lord will continue to provide for all of the needs of this trip if it is His desire for me to go. If God does call you to sponsor me, please make checks payable to Sara Dunham and mail them to me preferable before or by Wednesday May 9^th.

I would also like to ask you for your much needed prayer support as I take this leap of faith with Christ. Here are some specific prayer requests to help guide your prayers for me and for this opportunity to share the love of Christ with the people of South Africa: *Financial provisions *Traveling mercies (flights, customs, in South Africa, etc.) *Physical, spiritual, and emotional protection *Humbleness, openness, boldness, and strength to obey God’s calling in every moment and situation *Preparation of my mind, heart, and body according to God’s will *Culture awareness and sensitivity *That God would soften and prepare the hearts of those that I will encounter for the true gospel message *God’s hand to be in every preparation, organization, and delegation within this mission’s trip *For the Luttig family in South Africa that God would persistently grow in the center of their ministries and provide for all of their needs *That God would completely change the hearts and the culture of the people in South Africa *For our amazing God to be glorified above all else!

The greatest thought about your giving, whether in prayers or in financial aid, is that God will use your support to influence or completely change the hearts of people in another country for all eternity and for the glory of God! It is almost like your going with me – I wish I could take you all with me! With prayer, God can move mountains and, more importantly, He can move those hearts that are in deep need of Him! Only God can change the world and turn it around! We are just blessed to have the occasional honor of being His tools to bring about that transformation! If you would like to know more or if you have any questions, please feel free to make a comment or email me if you have my e-mail address letting me know and I will figure out a way to get my information to you. For trip updates before and during the trip, I will do my best to keep this blog updated and current as I prepare to leave and as I am in South Africa, but I have yet to find out how occupied God will have me. ;o) You can also comment on what I say and I would love to hear from everybody – I would be so grateful for some encouragement from the people I love! I pray that God would bless you and guide you all the days of your life!

Rejoicing in the love of my Jesus and the graciousness of my God,

Sara Dunham

“I own the cattle on a thousand hills.” ~God (Psalm 50:10)

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” ~Matthew 28:18-20

He is the Light at the end of my tunnel...

This week was so so crazy, but God has been extremely good to me and very patient with me, might I add! I can finally see the light at the end of that chaotic tunnel I allowed myself to get lost in and you know what He had a cookie at the end waiting for me! Well, all that craziness mostly involved school - go figure! Last Monday I hit kind of a hard, discouraging wall with one of my classes (Calculus) and I was trying to figure out what to do. Should I stick it out, drop the class, or... what? So many options were running through my mind and I really stressed myself out! In my "spare time" after classes, I rushed all over campus to check into my various options. As my mom put it I "was running around campus like a little ant who had lost its way and couldn't find that right path again." With these well spoken words, I realized how I had put my life into a closed in, dark, one way (my way) tunnel. I had completely forgotten to sincerely consult God and His will for the whole situation! I was so worried that the goals and schedules I had thought up weren't going to be met on the time line I created. My heart had forgotten that God's timing is not at all my own, but His is by far the most wonderful and the best will ever to be. It is so sad how easy it can be to lose sight of the eternal picture and be consumed with the immediate surroundings and pressures that Satan will use to make someone stumble. Funny how God can teach a person so much over something so tiny and really insignificant!

Anyway, I sought out the guidance of my wise and patient Father and I ended up dropping the class, which proved to be a huge relief! Plus my advisor gave me some wonderful, answer-to-prayer solutions to questions I had about my class requirements for my major - Elementary Education! At last the light appeared before me and I could see the goodness of the Lord's hand at work - not that It ever stops, even if we can't see it! :o) And that extra cookie I was talking about came today in three small packages of tow-headed, little boy cuteness! I am the "nanny" to three of most lovable boys I know - Zane (6), Kaz (4), and Oz (almost 2)! I haven't seen them in a week as they were out of town and I finally got to take care of them again today while their mom and dad went out on a date. It was so encouraging to see them excited to see me and tell me all about their adventures, both true and made up! *giggle* Even Ozzie came back with a bunch of new words and he repeats anything you ask him to, which makes me laugh at times because he sounds so adorable and sometimes he'll say the word over and over again until it sounds more like the word he heard me say. They make my heart melt! They truly light up my life and their mom and dad are so friendly and sweet too! Oh wow, I never knew that my heart could handle this much love towards someone - and I feel this way about all three of these precious little ones!

Oz, Kaz, and Zane! :o]