The Spider in My Curtain

I'm not a big fan of bugs, flies, bees, cockroaches.  And of course, spiders. 

Since living here in Africa, I can't tell you how many crawly and flying things I have squashed. Alot of them seem to be hybrids or some weird combo of two things. Flies here for example have bee-like qualities. And most of the insects are much bigger And they land on your face or lip or go right in your eye. WHAT?

My first real encounter with what I thought was abnormal sized "bugs" was when I lived in Haiti. The classic "banana spiders" of that part of the world- would make it hard to sleep many nights. 

That's one of the reasons why I opted for rooftop sleeping- the breeze would blow most bugs off and there were only low swooping bats to try to ignore.

I have a classic video I haven't been able to find of a mission trip team I was with in the Dominican Republic. Every night the six ladies on our team asked the three guys on our team to "get" as many of the banana spiders off the walls as possible. It was spider hunting and they literally killed 8-10 HUGE banana spiders every night.

The funny thing was, banana spiders aren't actually dangerous, they are just huge. They usually eat mosquitoes. So these multi-legged creatures were more of our friends- they were just very hard to share a room with because of their size.

Here in Ethiopia, about a month ago- I noticed what looked like big spider legs hanging over the top of my curtain. After closer examination- my fears were confirmed. It was a spider, not banana spider size- but big enough to make me nervous. I tried to ignore it for a long time, but one day it moved and then I saw it in the corner of my room...way too close to me...and I decided to take action.

I went for hairspray. Funny weapon of choice. But I figured I could freeze it. Or paralyze it. Someone suggested me adding a little fire to that hairspray...and I actually considered it...but I figured- I'd probably burn him AND ME out of my room. So...I stuck with just the hairspray. But the spider seemed undaunted. He continued to live. 

Later the same week, I went for bathroom aerosol spray....figuring that spraying it with strong lavender smelling spray- would "get it." I sprayed probably half a can on it and it's web. Figuring the next day I'd find it belly up...NOPE. It lived on. CRAZY. 

So....to my surprise what got it...was something I didn't expect. I had found a lovely blueberry muffin spelling candle in a local shop...which was shocking. I bought it, lit it and put it in my room. Not for the spider, but for me. And it had only been lit a little while when I noticed that spider dragging it's frozen back legs across my floor toward my candle. Well, I bet you can guess what happened next. I went for my flip flop and whacked it...screamed...then cheered. Then threw the spider and my flip flop away in victory. The battle was won!!! :-)

I share this story because it's funny....but also because God reminded me of some things through the whole experience about fighting battles, etc. Here is what I learned- was reminded of:

1. If You're Fighting a Battle, Make Sure It's One You Should be Fighting

Sometimes we fight against people or situations that God might have put there to help us. Sometimes we fight each other- when we really are allies. Sometimes we pick fights we shouldn't or get involved where we shouldn't. That spider in my curtain might have been my friend. Should I have wasted my time and attention on it? It grew bigger in my mind the more I paid attention to it. Isn't it that what often happens with problems we face? If you put the problem in front of your face instead of God- the problem looks huge. But if we're looking at God more than the problem- the problem stays small in compassion to the bigness and greatness and power of God! When I finally did squash that spider...it was a bit embarrassing how small it was. 

Deuteronomy 20:2-4

Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. 
 
2. If You're Fighting a Battle You Should Be Fighting- Rely on God's Weapons and Strategy- Not Your Own

God strategically has equipped us with His Spirit. And with weapons we can fight with. When I was "fighting" that spider- my weapons were weak, my strategy weak. I love reading about how David battled in the Bible. He always consulted God...do I advance or not, how do I do this? God would tell him, fight or not fight. Stand and watch me fight- or go this way and win. We need to do the same.

Exodus 14:14

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. 

 

Isaiah 54:17

no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD 

 

2 Corinthians 10:4

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds 

 

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people

3. Know Your "Enemy" and that You're In Enemy Territory

Satan likes to try to paralyze you, free you with fear or doubt or disappointment. He twists things or tries to blind you to truth- to get you where he can whack you. Don't let him. 

1 Peter 5:8

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith...

John 8:44

...he is a liar and the father of lies...

4. Watch out for Temptation

Like my blueberry muffin scented candle...the temptation of money, success, love, etc...can cause us to come out of safety....

Matthew 26:41

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 
 

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 

 

James 1:14-15

...each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

5. Know Greater Is He in You...Than Anything Else

Don't let a "spider in your curtain" make you afraid. Make sure the battle you're in is one God told you to be in...and if so....take courage. He will equip you and strategic place you for His intended purpose. You can fight the good fight...and win!

1 John 4:4

because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 

 

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race

ONWARD...

 

PRAISES

-We have finished teaching our semester, huge praise for that!

-My sister had a successful sports camp! 

PRAYER REQUESTS

-Two weeks of final exams begins today, please pray for endurance and strength for our students and staff, we wrap up here at the end of August

-Several mission teams are still traveling, getting ready to travel- pray for safety

-For my good friend and prayer partner- Mary- in Louisville, KY- for a successful surgery and good recovery

-For my family- for continued good health

-For several good brothers and sisters in Christ- who are waiting for doors to open, that God will bless these humble servants

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING!!!

On In Trust with You of our Great God-

Holly

KOJO- "False Banana"

One very interesting kind of food to try here in Ethiopia is called KOJO (pronounced Qo-cho). It's usually served at cultural restaurants and it looks like the bark of a tree. You peel off the outer layer and then put meat (kitfo) on it...which I'm told brings out the meat's flavor.

KOJO with KITFO 

Most westerners I know who have tried it have first said it smells like feet. Uhhhh- that's enough to keep me away. :-) When I did a little more research...here is what I found...

‘Kojo’ is a food typical of the south (where Injera/ Teff is hard to get) of Ethiopia made from the ‘False Banana.’ The False banana tree is just what the name describes. It looks like a banana tree only it never produces fruit. 

"False Banana Trees"

The outer layer of the tree is chopped away and the inner part is mashed. The locals mash the inner part with their bare feet. They bury the mash in the false banana leaves underground for a few years while it ferments. 

A lady making KOJO

Once the mash has fermented it is unburied and by this time it has grub larva within the middle (the locals say if there are no larva in the mash it has not fermented enough.) Again the mash is pounded by bare feet and again it is buried for some time. Finally they unearth the mixture, pound it one last time, and cook it into a flat gray chewy slightly sour mass of what is called ‘Kojo.’
 

So, if that research is true..... with all the feet references; the fermenting factor, and the larva addition makes me pretty sure I'll not try KOJO any time soon. :-)

But since living here in Ethiopia, every time someone orders "kojo"- it always gets me thinking about it being called "false banana". It appears it's something it's not. It's a fake.

I never want to be labeled as "fake." In a world overall that advertises survival of the fittest- it's very easy to become "kojo" (false/fake) and not realize it. It happened to the super religious in Jesus' day. The Pharisees and Sadducees were KOJO. They had a false sincerity and a false humility that was repulsive to Jesus. He had harsh words for them...

Matthew 23:25-28

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.  “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like white-washed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Wow. I also can't stand false sincerity and false humility. I don't think anybody can.

Thinking back over my life so far, God has had me "do" many different things and "live" in many different places. And I think there's a fine line you have to walk and watch in being obedient. When you go outside of your comfort zone and God blesses you in that- it can be easy to lose your humility. Instead of walking in God's confidence and in humility, some of your own pride or cockiness can rise up and when that happens, you can be stinky and people can smell that arrogance, that false humility, from a mile away. Ugh.

Thankfully, God has a way of humbling people back- though painful. Paul ran the risk of getting over confident- because his ministry was backed with incredible impact. So, a weakness of some kind was there that God wouldn't relieve. Paul ended up realizing- he needed it, even though he didn't like it.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I remember the times I've started to lean into being KOJO (false/fake) and how God thankfully called my game through the hard words of others and got me back in line. During one of my first extended times in Haiti an example comes to mind. I had been in Haiti several months and was beginning to adjust to the heat, sickness and inconsistencies. I had learned to master the plastic on my roof bed- so I wouldn't get soaked during rain storms. I was making it- not only surviving- but was starting to actually enjoy it and thrive. I had hit a groove. And some pride crept in. One day our mission's generator broke down- which meant- no water, no power. It was a MAJOR problem. I remembering strolling over, maybe even striding over like a proud peacock, to where many of our Haitian workers were trying to find a solution. In my mind, I'm pretty sure I thought: AMATEURS. :-) I said, MOVE ASIDE, I've got this. I had everyone leave the generator room and I went to get my Bible. I think all the Haitian workers at this point were chuckling thinking- what does this sun-burnt blanc in her faded skirt and braided hair think she knows that we don't? :-) I came back and told them- this is no problem for God. I had recently read about how Jericho was marched around seven times and the walls fell. Surely this was God preparing me for this moment. So, can you guess what I did? Yep. I went there. I marched around that generator seven times proclaiming God's blessing and power to start it. So funny- now that I think about it. Well, you can guess what happened. With all the faith I had in me, and I really thought I had at least a mustard seed, I pushed that start button fully convinced it would turn on. And when I did- nothing happened. The Haitian workers who were watching my little sermon display, etc, burst out laughing. Let's just say, I was humiliated that day. And really mad at God. Could He have started that generator when I pushed the "on" button? Absolutely. Was I acting a bit KOJO though? Yep. God called it and stopped it. Lesson learned. Ouch. God humbles the proud and lifts up those bowed down.

Matthew 23:12
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Proverbs 11:2

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 16:18-19
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

Proverbs 29:23

Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor
 

James 4:10

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up 
 

Psalm 25:9
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

I never want the students here to think KOJO of me.  May my life and example be true and humble.

I think what's interesting about KOJO is also the affect it can have on others. Someone's  false humility in leadership or false sincerity can be devastating. Especially if they're fellow believers. I think God has been showing me through time that KOJO has a very bad effect you have to watch out for. Those who show false humility, false sincerity- can cause a deep bitterness to grow in you as you're affected. God says watch out for that, don't let that happen.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Hebrews 12:14-15

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 
 

Matthew 5:22-24

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.  “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Luke 17:3-4

So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

May God help us!

Are you KOJO? False banana? A fake leader, A fake follower? It's important to check. How can you know?

 I believe there are a few ways:

1. Get in the Word
   

God's Word is the actual breath of God and can penetrate to your core. Conviction can come from reading, hearing, and inputting the living Word of God.

Hebrews 4:12- For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing the soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

2. Ask Your Family, Co-Workers, Close Friends
   

If they truly care about you, they will be honest. Am I'm showing false humility? KOJO?

Proverbs 27:6- Wounds from a friend can be trusted.

3. Check Your Words and Actions

Are you words really humble words out of a sincere heart? Your actions- really out of humility? Do they match each other?

Proverbs 16:2- All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. 
 

Psalm 15:1-3- Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others

4. See How People Respond to You
   

When you come into a room- do people move away? Do people avoid you? If so- it could be because of stinky "kojo." People liked to be around Jesus. The religious liked to hear him, though they wanted to kill him. And the sinners liked to be around him. What kind of people like to be around you?

Mark 10:42-43- Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant

If you're feeling like you are KOJO, I have good news for you. God has mercy. God has grace. God can make you new!

If you have bitterness from someone's else' KOJO, don't let it take root in you. God can help you forgive and move on. If you haven't, you need to. I'm speaking to myself here as well.

May we live well and live genuine...true trees rooted downward, bearing fruit upward- Isaiah 37:31...thank you Inn Keepers Fellowship in Kenya- for teaching me this scripture! 

And may our lives leave a lasting impact wherever God has us!!!

Praying NO KOJO or bitterness from KOJO for you, as you pray that for me. 

Prayer Requests for this Time (Many of These Are Repeats)

-Pray for our remaining weeks of this semester, that God will give endurance- especially with the rainy season kicking in

-Pray for the new "open mic" time- it's been great so far.

-Pray for wisdom in building relationships

-Pray for good brothers and sisters in Christ globally- who are still seeking God's next best step for them, that God will open up the doors for them- it's a critical time.

-Pray for my Dad's back and neck, that there will be complete healing, also for my family overall, that God will keep us healthy

-Pray for my sister-Noel- is helping with a sports camp in Libus (Czech Republic) this week- July 9-13, that camp is wrapping up and has gone great. Also, pray for Noel and her Czech co-worker Petra- they have their English Family Camp from July 15-21 and a team serving with them from CA-, pray that goes great as well.

-Pray for short-term teams launching globally and those serving in various communities around the world- that God's purpose and kingdom will advance

-Pray that KOJO can't be said of any of us, and if it can- may we get right with God and others and move forward!

Blessing from Ethiopia,

Holly

Moving Haystacks

The other day I saw a sight that I've become familiar with but one that always makes me chuckle. It's what looks like haystacks moving by themselves down the street. But at closer look you can see donkeys underneath carrying the huge haystacks. They're moving at such a quick pace- it's almost comical. I swear one winked at me the other day and smiled- sensing I found humor in it all.

The roads here are not easy to walk down. And now with rainy season kicking in, it's chilly, windy, and torrential rain can soak you to your core and make you lose your balance. There are all kinds of things flowing over the roads. There are uneven paths and unseen holes that can be treacherous. No wonder cattle sometimes just stand in the middle of road- looking lost. Maybe they know that's the safest place to stand. And if you have a load on your back that is heavy- you're eventually going to slip.

Lately in my teaching here, the way has seemed slippery and the load I'm carrying way too big. Trying to teach and grade- is so much work. Many students also seem to have caught spring fever or summer break fever (though it's winter here- rainy season). That makes it hard. Then the topics I've been teaching I honestly can't remember ever learning the rules for. What in the world is a participle? What is a modal verb? What is the present perfect tense? Why do you say "a European" instead of "an European?" I have no clue. 

I've told God in recent days- the load feels too heavy. And you know what I heard him say? Holly- English is secondary to testimony. He directed me to these verses:

Psalm 145: 3-12

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds. All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

So, Holly, tell this next generation about my glory. You may not remember the mechanics of English- but I've been teaching you for years the mechanics of ME. Through years of roads traveled- I have taught you ME, I have shown you ME. Tell those stories. English is your platform- but it's not your message. It's not what will be remembered about you. So in obedience- that very day- I initiated an "open mic" time in my class- time set aside in each class for open discussion- shared stories, open- ended questions. I've shared some of my favorite "God moving in my life stories" so far. Tears have stung my eyes as I talked and remembered. Students clapped and applauded the power, the humor, and the details that God hit in crazy ways. Through the week- the huge load of English books and papers that I have been carrying around- has become less heavy...more like a light stack of hay. Praise God for a light and easy load!  As we walk and talk and live where God has placed us, may we share Him and testify.

Why does God have you where you are for this season? How does the load you're carrying feel?

If your way feels slippery or your load heavy- maybe God wants to remind you as well that it's Him you're there to represent. And the load can be light, the burden easy. 

Matthew 11:29-30

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

 

But what's the key?

You might say- I'm jobless, homeless, hopeless. I'm lonely. I'm poor. I'm rich, but poor.

I'm discouraged, insecure. I don't know what is next. 

Whatever season or situation- God is bigger. And He's sovereign. He hasn't promised an easy road. But He has promised He will go with you. You can trust that if you're passing through it, you can make it and you can trust Him in it. He can lighten your load and give you the joy and the perspective you need to keeping moving on. 

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified..., for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you...

I think of the disciples. They weren't experts in theology or math or law. Most days they didn't understand anything that was happening. They were simple fishermen. But the world took notice when they began to testify. They told about who they knew and what they had seen. Their passion was backed with power that couldn't be denied. 

 
Acts 4:13

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 

 

The One who strategically places us in the first world rush or the third world madness and every place in between- can train your hands for battle and give you victory. He can enable you to stand on the heights. He can open doors and shut doors. He can make your legs steady and your voice and witness firm. Your light can shine. In weakness, He's strong. He can give you peace, security, joy, confidence- when the odds are stacked against you. He can help you see what others can't, that His hand is at work and victory is actually yours.

2 Kings 6:15-17

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Psalm 18: 32-34

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

 

Psalm 18:36

You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way. 

 

What makes the road slippery, the load too heavy?

For me I think it's looking too much at the load and not at the One who can lighten the load. Or trying to figure it out on my own or go it on my own. All that leads to stress, worry, fear. We have an enemy who likes to attack ones that have fallen and are by themselves. We must stick together, pray together, and keep our eyes focused on our Great God.

These verses have continued to challenge and encourage me:

Psalm 48:14

For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end...

 

Psalm 16:11

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Matthew 6:25-33

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well....

Matthew 17:20

... if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you 

 

2 Corinthian 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 
 
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

This month of July, as many celebrate freedom...others still sit in chains and darkness waiting to be free.  May God give us courage, perspective, and endurance to be where He's placed us and represent Him well.

If your load is heavy, or your way slippery or unclear, remember He promises a light load and will help you. Call on others to help you pray. And continue to trust our Great God. He's got you! And God can take your pain and stress and change it into a light load and a glowing testimony that you can share with others!  

Onward with you in trust...

Prayer Requests

-Pray for our six weeks remaining of this semester, that God will give endurance- especially with the rainy season kicking in

-Pray for the new "open mic" time.

-Pray for wisdom in building relationships

-Pray for good brothers and sisters in Christ globally- who are seeking God's next best step for them, that God will open up the doors for them- this is still a request

-Pray for my Dad's back and neck, that there will be complete healing, also for my family overall, that God will keep us healthy

-Pray for my sister-Noel- who will be helping with a sports camp in Libus (Czech Republic) next week- July 9-13, please pray for good weather and for new contacts in the community- also for the team coming from PA coming to help; also Noel and her Czech co-worker Petra have their English Family Camp from July 15-21 with a team coming from CA, pray that goes great as well.

-Pray for those experiencing extreme heat and storms in the USA- may God protect

-Pray for short-term teams launching globally and those serving in various communities around the world- that God's purpose and kingdom will advance

-Pray for a light load and great joy!

THANK YOU for praying with me and being with me on the journey here in Ethiopia! Also- I'm so grateful that many of your testimonies have inspired me when my load has gotten heavy or the way slippery!  Each of you are a blessing!

Happy 4^th of July and summer time and school break time for most. May God bless you and keep you and your families.

Blessings and Prayer from Ethiopia- Holly