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
