Friday, September 11, 2015

AN ETHIOPIAN NEW YEAR PRAYER ... Make Me Brave

I just watched the last sunrise of a year here in Ethiopia a few hours ago.  It was beautiful and hinted of great promises for a new year.

 
Today is the last calendar day of Ethiopia’s 2007. Tomorrow, 2008 begins.

I like the calendar that Ethiopia follows because it makes me younger. J

The end of one year and the beginning of another always brings the opportunity to reflect and to look ahead.

Looking back at my 2007 year here in Ethiopia, I feel very grateful for God with me. Even through falls and hard climbs, God has proven time and again that His hand is in mine and He will go with me through it all. He wants first place in my heart and in my focus. For only then can I be most effective and healthy in everything else.

There seems to constantly be a battle within or around me- reminding me of the falls vs the victories as I continue here. It’s probably my enemy (the enemy of us all) whispering the same words- you’ll fall again, Holly. You won’t recover. You can’t do that great feat or that one for God. You can’t make it to the top again.

But then I hear God’s louder voice saying- just look back Holly. You’ve gotten up every time. With me, you can rise. You can have victory.  I’m so grateful for God’s louder voice!

My sister Noel, a hero of mine in life and faith, has been praying hard for me as I have started a new teaching semester here. One of her favorite songs that she shared with me is:  “You Make Me Brave” by Amanda Cook. Noel always texts me before my classes and says: “God will make you brave.”

And God does!!!

Here are my new classes at the Evangelical Theology College…

My Intro to Missions Class

My Intro to Youth Ministry Class

My Communication Class
Whatever comes in this next year here in Ethiopia, I pray for courage. That God will be my strength in weakness. That I will live better and stronger for Him and that my life will count for the kingdom in a big way. That God will make me brave!

Please pray these things for me and that I can keep these verses in mind…

Philippians 1:6
Be confident of this, He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 12:10
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

Isaiah 40:28-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Zechariah 4:6
Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord

Hebrews 10:39
We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.

Happy New Year Ethiopia, 2008! (tomorrow- September 12, 2015)!
I’m humbled and grateful for the privilege to be part of you!!!

Prayer Requests
-For the new year, 2008, here in Ethiopia- that it will be my best year yet for God

-For my Bible college classes- that God will be give me wisdom and discernment in teaching three nights a week.

-For Hope College, which will be begin in the coming weeks, that I can manage the day time teaching and that God will give me great opportunities in my classes and outside of my classes to share God’s love.

-For my sister Noel- helping out our Missions Program at Ginghamsburg Church, while also getting ready for a longer trip back into South Sudan in October- that God will give her courage, health, and continued opportunities to serve and share her experiences and wisdom

-For my parents- that God will continue to bless them as they bless others. They’re the best!

Thanks again so much for your prayers!  Blessed Fall Season to Everyone!

(Go Wayne Warriors and Ohio State Buckeyes) J