The Journey with God ...

Sometimes in life, when you've been in the same place for some time, it's easy to forget where you've come from and the things you've passed through.  It's also easy to forget what's around you now and all there is to enjoy.  And it can also be hard to get up above the busyness and stress of the day to see the way ahead. Often what's around you pulls you down so you can feel unable to breathe let alone smile.

The past six weeks or so, I had the opportunity to travel to Kenya twice.  Both trips gave me a huge lift up above the road I had been on to let me look around.  It was needed more than I realized and it brought me great AWE.

The first trip to Kenya was with one of my best sisters from Ethiopia, Hidi (Heldana).  I mainly went to Kenya on this trip to support her singing and a new ministry she is starting. Hidi and I were able to reflect together about the journey behind us in Ethiopia. We've seen many seasons together. Ones that made us laugh and smile, others full of much pain and struggle. Overall, we remembered and celebrated the goodness of God through it all! He has been a faithful Father and never let us go!

Hidi

Hidi also scheduled me in different places to do ministry while in Nairobi.  She told me she wanted to stretch me.  I didn't think I had energy left after the busy summer, but I felt God use me and I was reminded that the message of Jesus is a global one. We are to stand on every stage at every opportunity, as He opens that up for us and to testify.  I was so encouraged that those in Nairobi wanted to hear what we had to say and testify about.  What an honor!

We gave a teaching for youth at Hebret Ethiopian Church in Nairobi. Hidi also was part of their worship program.  What a blessing to meet this church!

Sunday youth program

Later in the week- a youth leader team from a big church interviewed us about youth ministry overall and about making disciples at the college level.  It was such a great time of experience sharing.

I was also honored to be interviewed on a Kenyan podcast about discipleship. 

Pastor Kevin, Kenyan Podcaster 

A highlight of the week was also to get to visit Life in Abundance International, the organization that first took me into Ethiopia over ten years ago.  To see how God has blessed Life in Abundance was deeply moving.  

Loved seeing Jay and hearing about LIA and how it's grown

Another highlight from the week was getting to see CeCe Winans in concert.  To hear so many people worshipping under the open sky felt like a glimpse of heaven.  It was deeply moving.

The next week, Hidi was given a huge opportunity to take the stage of a major gospel music festival. She did so with courage and with little preparation.  God used her in a big way!  Praise God for the way He opens things up.  God loves surprises and this was huge for Hidi and her career!  I'm so thankful to be part of Hidi's story and testimony!  I will share more in coming blogs about her new ministry.

Hidi and I also did a game drive, "safari." That was also a big highlight. More on that below...

I traveled to the US for a few weeks, and it was great to see my family.  I thank God for the few weeks of rest.  I was stateside when the Charlie Kirk assassination happened. That was so shocking.

I was reminded that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. And we need to be willing to stand up for our faith and to speak truth in love.  There are definitely turning points in life when God will remind you of this in a big way. There are times when we get off course or go down wrong roads. God can use our time alone with Him or even storms or tragedies to make us realize we need to turn.  Thankfully, He helps us at those times!  I'm praying for the US and that a turning point really will happen for Jesus! In dark times, His light still shines.  God is over every part of our journey!

Before heading back to Ethiopia, I returned to Kenya for the Global Missions Conference hosted by Life in Abundance International.  This trip also had a strong impact on me of lifting me up above the roads I've been running on to look around.  I heard and gained so much from the time.  There were timely and relevant trainings given on how to mobilize the next generation for Jesus!  The challenge was to use "what is in your hand."  So much great content was given about digital media and about youth. God blessed the conference so much. I literally saw LIA staff who I hadn't seen in over ten years.  What a family reunion!  I was also able to see them celebrate LIA's 30 year anniversary. Praise God for this impactful ministry!  

Some of the LIA staff, country directors 

 some of Ethiopia's best influencers

I was also impacted to attend many weekly programs of a local church (Renewal Church).  What a blessing to be part of the Body of Christ globally and to see small groups and hear authentic worship. This was so inspiring!

mid-week prayer program- Renewal Church- Nairobi

I was also able to return to the podcast I had been interviewed on a few weeks before.  I was so inspired to see Kevin (the Kenyan podcaster) and Yonas (an Ethiopian podcaster and a friend from my home church in Addis) - share their stories.   They are both using various platforms to reach youth and people for Jesus.  Praise God for their courage and dedication!

Kevin and Yonas interviewing each other

You can listen to Kevin interviewing Yonas' here:   

https://youtu.be/d2L3x4TdWfo?si=6tmGroSJuFUBHonE

Then I actually did one more "game drive" while in Nairobi.  It's the only capital city in the world with a game park in the middle of it :-)

When I was on the first game drive a few weeks before with Hidi, I felt giddy, like a kid.  I stood almost frozen in place with a smile on my face, looking out with awe the whole time for the three hour game drive.  I had been on a game drive over ten years before in Kenya, but I had forgotten how much it impacted me.

I felt the wind, saw the open spaces, and remembered the bigness of God and my smallness. Both the first time and the second time refreshed me so much.  God reminded me of just the joy of Him and being in all that He has made. His creativity and humor also made me marvel.  I laughed at the bigness of an alligator lounging on the shore and the hugeness of rhinos. The rhino in my opinion has to be a cousin of a dinosaur.  I chuckled at the hilarious "clothes" of ostriches and how a male approaches a female. The girl is plain and brown in color. The guy has pink legs and looks like he has a black suit on. To win the female, the male ostrich actually dances for the female and she either accepts him or rejects him. Too funny.  I also whistled long at the roar and stately walk of a lion coming down a path. WHAT?  Again, a smile could not be taken from my face.   I felt joy on the journey, both times.  I kept looking around with eagerness and expectation of God showing off.  Which I think we often forget to do in our day to day lives.  God loves to surprise and delight us. We often just don't take time to look for Him and how He's moving.

I believe God wants us to get with Him often so He can lift us up above the storms we are in or in the heat or pain of what we may experiencing to remind us of the overall journey. Where we've come from, where we are heading, and Him with us in the present.  There is joy to be found in each moment. Each breath. We don't go alone.  He also wants us looking around with expectation at what He might do or could do in our lives.  He is always at work, even if we don't see it!!!

Nature declares the glory of the Lord (Psalm 19:1)

I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation (Psalm 5:3)

You will hear a voice behind you saying, this is the way, walk in it ... (Isaiah 30:21)

He can do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine ...  (Ephesians 3:20)

I've been reflecting on my return back into Ethiopia for a new school year about how the journey with God is truly a gift.  There is always more to see and experience with Him.  

May we remember the journey we are on with gladness and enjoy God with us!

Landing back in Addis ... the journey continues...

Please keep me in prayer here and I will do the same for you!

May we remember the journey with God is a gift!  May we live with purpose and intentionality!  May we not miss opportunities to know Him deeper and share Him!

Praises

-Congratulations to Daniel Bachman, my long-time friend in Louisville, KY. I was able to see his wedding while in the US.

-Happy Bday to Abu- 26 years old!  

Happy Birthday to Abu, 26 years old, mid Sept

-Happy Birthday in late October to my amazing Mom- Rosie, and to my sister- Noel!  I love these ladies and the great Jim Garrett (my handsome Dad) so much!  

My beautiful Mom watching my home church in Addis, ACLA 

Prayer Requests

-Please pray for EvaSUE- as we continue planning for the new school year ahead

-Pray for EvaSUE new staff who are in training for the next three weeks.

-Pray for the new year, 2018, in Ethiopia, that young people will be mobilized to reach their campuses for Jesus and that the kingdom of God will advance here and beyond, that Jesus will be shared and disciples made

-If you'd like to make a one-time donation to the work here or join my monthly support team, you can through this link:

 https://www.globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/holly-garrett                 

Thank you and Blessings!

A Song To Sing and A Story To Tell ...

God has given us a song to sing, a story to tell, as we follow Him. Through valleys, in storms, in deserts, and dark nights, He sings over us, and He can give us the ability to praise Him no matter what our circumstances are.  He remains our Good Shepherd, our Faithful Father. We can stand on His promises and on His Word.  

Is there a song in you of worship for Him? Are you telling His story?  Your testimony?  This is what are able to do and are called to do as we follow Him!

At EvaSUE, our biggest and final school year event happened August 4th through the 8th. It was our National Leadership Summit (NLS), with over 1000 student leaders from all over the country attending. Our hosting location could only hold 700, so two other sleeping locations were also prepared.  On the night of check-in, a huge storm blew through the town, knocking down power lines and flooding roads. The rest of the week, we had to do our programs by a generator and most of the main compound had limited water and power and the network was also almost completely down.  In weakness though, God showed Himself strong. He helped us. He kept us safe. He encouraged as we were challenged to SEEK GOD.  I was amazed at all the singing and worshipping that could be heard! There was joy and peace and hope felt in God's presence together.  I believe everyone was encouraged and full of joy.  Praise God for an amazing week!

some of my Art team, they did another amazing gallery!

Day One of my Youth Culture Seminar

Mass Sport

Following the NLS, we went into a three-day EvaSUE staff retreat. Our over 100 EvaSUE staff traveled to another location for a time of rest, celebration, and fellowship.  Again, there was much singing!  God gave us joy and made our hearts glad.  What a privilege it is to follow Jesus and to make Him known among the nations!  I'm so thankful for my humble teammates and their examples of following Jesus!

Before the NLS, I got a hard health hit of what felt like Covid.  The months preceding that had also been a huge struggle with water and power issues on my compound, which are still there.  Thankfully, though tired now, I have a song in my heart. I'm so grateful to God for seeing me and us through another school year.  He gives us a song to sing, a story of Him at work in our lives to tell.  He remains good and faithful!

As schools start back soon for many, I pray that for us all, as the people of God, we stay close to our Good Shepherd. This song has encouraged me:    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P47xY8sUh0&list=RD5P47xY8sUh0&start_radio=1     

He leads us and stays with us on the journey! 

May we hear Him singing over us. And may we sing His praises and declare His name as we move on!

May we share the story of His great love to the ends of the earth!

Prayer Requests

I will travel to Kenya August 23-31 with Hidi, my sister in Christ here.  She will be singing in different places and I will speaking for youth and churches there. We praise God for this opportunity to do ministry together. She is also working to start an NGO called Alabaster Jar.  Praise God for my sister and the song God has given her to sing about the hope we have in Jesus!  I will share more about this in the time ahead.

I will travel to the US in early September for three weeks. I hope to see many of you then as I spend some time with my family and reload on supplies.  

If you'd like to help with my plane ticket and supplies, or to give for my return back here, you can give through this link:  https://www.globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/holly-garrett

Please keep EvaSUE staff in prayer as we take some rest and start a new year, in mid-September.  May God unify and anoint our work so we advance God's Kingdom here by serving students!

Please also keep a "Vision Trip" of students and EvaSUE staff in prayer. This three-week mission trip begins next week and the team will be serving in two areas.

God Bless You All as the fall season approaches!

Thank you for your continued partnership and prayers!

Holly 

DO YOU TRUST ME?

God will often ask, “Do you trust me?”

I’ve learned through many years of trying to walk with God here in Ethiopia and in other places, that trusting God is key, but is challenging.  God’s way is usually not comfortable or easy or quick.  He works in His own way and in His own time.  Instead of stilling a storm, He may use that storm to actually answer a prayer. He might not heal a sickness or disease; He might not lift suffering. It can make no sense.  He might not bring reconciliation to a relationship or heal a broken body or mind.  Can He do these things? Yes. But sometimes, He seems still, even silent.  He might not bring the relationship you’ve been praying for, and He might allow solitude to continue years past when you thought it should be done.  He might keep prison doors locked. What are you doing God… we may ask.  Satan jumps in during all these times and whispers lies. He might say …” God doesn’t hear you. God doesn’t care. God has forgotten you. You won’t get breakthrough. You won’t get freedom. You’re done.”  He will tell you to rely on NO ONE but yourself. He will cause you to panic and make unwise moves.  Satan is a liar! God’s timing is not our own and even the outcome He brings might not be what we want.  But can God be trusted?  He can!  Just looking back at my own journey, I’ve seen God ask me to trust Him, then have reflected on my reactions and His actions. Many times, I’ve not waited on Him, I’ve not trusted Him. I leaned into Satan’s lies and became discouraged.  BUT, I’ve also seen God give me big grace during those times and teach me more about Him, thankfully. Other times, and I hope these times increase, I have trusted God, I haven’t moved, and I’ve waited and when I have done that, I have seen God move in big, unexplainable and unbelievable ways! He worked in a way I didn’t expect, and the impact was beyond what I could imagine! God deserves our trust!

This past month, we hosted our second largest summer event for EvaSUE, our National Mission Summit. A lot of things seemed to go wrong right before it.  Our lodging and location fell through, several staff had challenging family issues, there was an overall feeling from my side and from others of not feeling ready.  Yet, I heard God whispering throughout the weeks preceding this event saying… “Do you trust me?” 

Well, God pulled together an amazing week for us!  As only God is able to do, He speaks and leads when we are at the end of us.  Despite huge logistical challenges, close to 500 students and over 100 staff had an unforgettable and inspiring week of training!  God Himself backed us up and His Spirit I believe ignited a fire that will continue to burn in the time ahead.  God is able to move and work even when it doesn’t look possible for anything to happen!!! He is able!! We thank God for all He did at our National Mission Summit (NMS)!

The art team I led did an amazing gallery. I was so blessed to lead this team of talented graduates who creatively and passionately shared the overall theme and message of the week (from the book of Psalms- TO SEEK GOD- return, walk righteously, and trust).  There was also a strong challenge to GO to the ends of the earth with the good news of Jesus!

There was a “walk” –we created that took you through unreached people groups with a strong challenge to move to reach the unreached- those not just in the nations, but also those on campuses and in the students’ dorms.  The cross was there for students to make a commitment.

We also put up a huge mission gallery wall of our very own students doing mission all over the country this past school year.  This was also deeply encouraging for everyone to see.  God calls all of us to be mobilized and missional as we follow Jesus!

In one side of the main hall- we had a “Be Still” corner.  One student at a time would “be still” in that corner and spend one to two minutes inside- looking at and being reminded of God’s promises on the windows that were in front of them.  The few times I went inside myself, I grew calm and hopeful and encouraged. Why don’t we do this often during the day? What a difference this makes!

  

A prayer room was also created- where students could go and pray and be still before God. This room was also very challenging and moving. Many students were inside often during the week- crying out to God and humbling themselves before Him. 

I did a seminar on Youth Culture.  I shared new research I had received about the current youth generation. The new information says young people today are increasingly lonely and are struggling with mental health.  Many want safety more than anything else and they are open to spiritual conversation but are increasingly skeptical of institutionalized religion.  We need good strategy and compassion to go to where they are. Students in my seminars were largely learning about themselves and their own campuses and I was deeply moved to see their responses.  They were ready and committed and emboldened to be an advocate for youth and to reach them!  Praise God for youth reaching youth and even youth helping their local churches to reach and keep the youth engaged!

Praise God again for all He did and all He is able to do when we trust Him!

As God’s people, we MUST learn to trust Him. Whatever way He chooses to work and whatever results, He is God.  He knows what He’s doing.  He has a bigger purpose and plan at work than we realize.  When you think it’s over, it’s not. When you think nothing is going on or things are falling apart, it’s not.  God is at work!

What is God asking you to trust Him with today, in this season of life?

Release it all to Him and trust Him!  Watch what He is able to do!

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you- Psalm 56:3

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him, my heart trusts and I am helped – Psalm28:7

Blessed is the One who trusts in the Lord- Psalm 40:4

Let’s trust our God!

Prayer Requests

Please keep our final big summer national event coming up in early August in prayer. Our National Leadership Summit will be double the size of the National Mission Summit. We need to trust God again to lead us and help us. We still do not have a new hosting site.

Please pray for the water-power at my compound.  It’s been largely off for months now, and it’s extremely stretching for me and all of us.

Thank you so much for the support and prayers. God is doing so much through your partnership!

If you'd like to make a one-time donation for the work here, you can do so through this link:

https://www.globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/holly-garrett

Blessed summer season to you all as it continues!