"While It Was Still Dark... "

The past months have held much darkness for people around the world.

Though some places seem to be in a better place than before ... there are still so many struggling with war, soaring food prices, sickness, death and instability. 

Here in Ethiopia, we just celebrated Fasika (Easter) one week ago. I always enjoy getting to celebrate this holiday twice ... once with my USA family, then a week later when Ethiopia celebrates. I was deeply moved again when remembering the great sacrifice that Jesus made, the road He walked to die so I could live! The move He made for us all was undeserved and unimaginable! Jesus' life and death and resurrection became a bridge that we can cross through to connect with God.  We can stand in Him and with Him- with our sins paid for! I listened to songs celebrating Him.  I enjoyed a feast of celebration with the Kenna family ... as I do every year.  And my heart felt thankful...

Yet deep inside, to be real honest, I almost felt guilty in celebrating.  I felt a blanket of heaviness and sadness.  I tried to ignore it, but I couldn't shake it off. So many close to me are literally still walking through valleys ... ones of sickness, loss and death. There's been NO relief, and NO rescue. NO cure. NO miracle. 

So how can I fully celebrate, how can we fully celebrate, when the struggle and darkness remains for so many ... in the world, in the lives of those we love, and even in our own lives?

Over the past few weeks focusing on Easter, I heard someone point to a verse and it has stuck with me... ...

Early in the morning, WHILE IT WAS STILL DARK...Mary Madeline went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been rolled away... John 20:1

An observation was made that ..."while it was still dark," a miracle had happened. The stone had been rolled away and history changed forever! 

What God has been reminding me is that He can do much in darkness. We might not even realize He's at work, but He is. In the darkness ... in the bunkers and underground hide-a-ways...by or in hospital beds...by notices of eviction... in prison cells... in depression and illness...in war... in depravity... God is there and can quietly calm storms, heal diseases, raise the dead, unlock prison doors!

In literal and spiritual darkness where billions around the world still sit, God can do His greatest work! 

Sometimes God steps in and we see these miracles happen. But sometimes it seems He lets the darkness get darker.  Why?

In the dark, there are some things that God can make very visible...And these can be for our good...

1. Our Need for God (We see our Smallness) 

In the extreme darkness, things spiral out of our ability to control. We realize we don't have all the answers. We can't solve all the problems. Our weaknesses become visible. Our insecurities. Our fear. We feel the need for rescue, for help. And it causes a deep humility.  

Humble yourself before the Lord in due time that He may lift you up... James 4:10

God lifts up all who are bowed down... Psalm 145:14

I was a brute beast before you...Psalm 73:22

What a wretched man am I ... Romans 7:24

2. God's Presence (We see God's Bigness)

In the extreme darkness, we can also see God in ways we never have before. We seek Him. We call out to Him. We see His bigness. His strength. His power. His compassion. His mercy. He can surprise us and delight us and minister to us in the dark like no one can. He doesn't leave us when others do. When we go over the edge, He climbs over after us. He picks us up and carries us if we need Him to. When storms rage, He's on the boat with us. And if He doesn't calm the storm, He calms us and never lets us go! The darkest of seasons for me have been my greatest growth times with God.  God shows Himself to us in the darkest of nights. And our eyes are more open to see Him during these times

Call on me and I will answer you...Jeremiah 33:3

I lay down my life for you, I am the Good Shepherd...John 10:11

When I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear, for you are with me... Psalm 23

Though ten thousand surround you, you will not be overcome... Psalm 91

I will never you nor forsake you ... Deuteronomy 31:6

My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever...Psalm 73:26

3. His Hope ...

In the extreme darkness, God can also give us HOPE. His hope doesn't disappoint and is not dependent on circumstances. God helps us to see Him and His promises even while in the dark. And somehow, as storms still rage, He pours hope into us as we realize our lives are in His hands. We can trust Him to not leave us or fail us and to help us. Satan will try to steal your hope. He wants you to give up on God. Don't! Satan is liar! Let God fill you with everlasting hope ... 

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will mount up with wings like eagles...Isaiah 40:31

I have given you living hope... 1 Peter 1:3

4. We See Others

The amazing thing that God can also do in extreme dark, is to show us other people who are also there. And as He ministers to us, He can then use us to minister to others. We can become "wounded healers" in those dark places. As God shines His light into us and fills us with hope and joy and peace, we can take those to others to bless them and help others find their way through the dark.  

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works... Matthew 5:16

I have been sent you to loose chains of injustice... to set free those who are in prison...... Isaiah 58:6

You are ministers of reconciliation... 2 Corinthians 5:18

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves ... Matthew 10:16

You are my ambassadors... 2 Corinthians 5:20

If you're feeling overwhelmed today, be encouraged what can still happen while "it's still dark." God is still on the throne! 

Remember...

In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world .... John 16:33

Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning....Psalm 30:5

Holding onto God with you in Trust!

May we continue to trust Him in the darkness!

Praises

-My work permit and residence ID finally processed just last week. After months of struggle, God pushed those through! Praise God!

-The time getting to know EvaSUE has been so good. I'm humbled to fully engage with this team in the time ahead to "advance the kingdom of God by serving students." It's a key time for Ethiopia to disicple students to reach their campuses and the world!

-My ETC class has gone so well. I'm humbled to have had another semester of equipping current and future church leaders. This class is Cross Cultural Communication...

-I've been accepted to go under Global Outreach  International in the time ahead. I will email about this, big praise!

Prayer Requests

So many are still struggling. Please pray for healing, miracles, and hope!

For the finale of my ETC class, that God will give us a great last month.

For my continued transition to EvaSUE and to Global Outreach International and for fundraising I need to do for a  trip home in June, may God provide! (I will send an email with more details on this)

How can I pray for you?

Thank you for your prayers and partnership!!!

May we continue to trust Him even if it's still dark!

The 11th Hour ...

Many people I know feel they are at their breaking point. 

Something has to change. Something has to give. Many are tired. Tired of the same routine. Tired of the same diagnosis. Tired of the same struggle. 

And the clock continues to tick. The bill is due. The symptoms are getting worse. 

Too much time is being lost. Something must change...It’s the 11th hour....

Have you been there? Are you there now?

Many people in Ukraine might feel they are at this point. Their country is under siege. Their cities are being surrounded. Can something change? Will help come? 

Through many years of following Jesus, I’ve realized that God often waits until the 11th hour to act. 

He likes to stretch us, root us in Him, test our resolve and our faith, and do something with our character while we are waiting. 

But, at the last moment, He gets up. He opens doors. Parts seas. Makes a way. He heals. He restores sanity. He gives courage. He speaks. 

He might not do what we think He will do or move in the way we think He should…but He does move and work and often later we realize why His timing made sense and His movement before us, behind us, around us, and in us was masterful.  

I’ve found that in the 11th hour, when I’m stretched the thinnest, when my patience is lowest and fatigue is highest, is also when God calls me to do the biggest of things for Him and trust Him and He helps…because I can’t do it without Him. These 11th hours can be our greatest times of ministry to others.

Are you in the 11th hour? Do you need something to move? To change?

You might say... Holly, I'm past the 11th hour.  It's over. I missed the chance. The change didn't come. Well, I have encouragement for you too. Sometimes God even waits until AFTER the 11th hour. When midnight comes and goes...and it's very dark. The diagnosis is given and it's final. The tomb has been shut.  But what we learn from the Bible is God is not bound by time. Sometimes He moves even AFTER the 11th hour. He healed the girl already dead. He raised Lazarus from the grave! 

If you are in an 11th hour or beyond, don’t give up! God is for you and with you! He can still move. He can still act.  He hasn't let you go or forgotten you!!!!  

God promises He is working all together for our good! Do you believe this? Do you trust Him?

Your breakthrough can still come... until then- rest in the strong arms of God!

Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…Isaiah 41:10

I am with you always, even to the end… Matthew 28:20

Nothing can separate us from the love of God…Romans 8: 38-39

He is working all together for the good of those who love Him…Romans 8:28

My thoughts are not your thoughts nor are my ways your ways…Isaiah 55:8

He will not fear bad news…His heart is steadfast trusting the Lord…Psalm 112:7 

If God is for us, who can be against us?….Romans 8:31

I, the Lord, do not sleep or slumber…Psalm 121:1

Nothing is impossible with God ... Luke 1:37

May we continue to trust Him through all that comes. 

May we praise God in the 1st hour and the 11th hour. May we praise Him even when it looks over and it hasn't worked out the way we think it should.  

Why?  God is worthy of our trust. He is faithful.  And He is the Author and Finisher of our life stories! 

Let Him show you what He is able to do ... no matter what the hour shows!

Praises- Prayer Requests…

-It’s been a busy time of transition for me back in Ethiopia. I’m very grateful for life here and new work here with the EvaSUE team. Please keep this continued transition in prayer and that God will show me how I can best contribute! EvaSUE works on over 100 public and private colleges and university campuses all over Ethiopia with over 50,000 students participating. EvaSUE equips students in discipleship, missions, and leadership. They want to advance the kingdom of  God by serving students. So humbled to join their work!  

Here is their website if you want to read more about them:  https://www.evasue.net/

October EvaSUE Leadership Conference this past year

-Please pray for my work permit and residence visa as those continue to process. Last week, this process required me to travel. Despite many trips to immigration and other offices, I was told the only way to begin a new work permit was to do this step. So I traveled to Kenya and came back the next day.  I'm thankful for God's hand of protection in this.  Now I need paperwork to come quickly from Washington so my new permit and visa can be cleared.  So please again keep that in prayer.

Kenya... quick trip in and out...

-Pray for ETC- I am giving one class this semester.… Cross Cultural Communication.  This is a key class for missions and is strategic for churches today. Pray God speaks through me and that God blesses this time and these church leaders.

-Please keep my USA family in prayer. Health for them and protection, provision in life and ministry, they are greatly loved.  I’m so inspired by their continued examples of faith and perseverance. Dad and Mom (Jim and Rosie), Noel and Mike! May God bless them!

-Please keep Ethiopia in prayer in the time ahead- that peace will continue.  Things seem quiet. 

-Let us remember the people of Ukraine.  What a crazy time for them and life shattering. May the good news be shared there and hope given! Many people there feel in the 11th hour  ... as cities are being surrounded...there is fear.  For some, it's already midnight and past that.  May you give breakthrough God!  Show up big for the people there! May your gospel be shared all over this area!

-The Orthodox fasting time has started here in preparation for Easter. As many around the world fast or participate in Lent... may God speak to us as we humble ourselves and repent and remember the great sacrifice made!  May we be willing to go down any road God calls us to.

Please let me know how I can pray for you.  I appreciate each of you so much!

Blessings to each of you this spring season.

With Gratitude from Ethiopia   

EMERGING... The Page Turns... 2022

It's hard for me to believe I'm entering my 11th year of living on the continent of Africa, in the beautiful country of Ethiopia. 

That I've been given the privilege and honor to call here "home"- still amazes me and I'm so thankful!  

I can't imagine my life without the Ethiopia chapters included. 

The past years have been so full of so much...laughter, tears, joy and pain. Times of gain and loss. Tons of coffee. Sun. Blue skies. There have been stunning sunsets and sunrises, big birds flying and cattle roaming. There have been flip flops and sunglasses. Miles of walking. Loads of teaching. 

It would take too many pages to write down all the memories. My life is richer and fuller for having lived here and become rooted in this beautiful land and people.

As God often does in "missions" or when you live out of your comfort zone, God has showed me more of Himself over the past decade here.  I've seen His beauty, His creativity, His humor, His majesty, His provision, His protection, His power, His grace. Did I mention- GRACE? Yep, have needed that time and time again. He's given me comfort, wisdom, peace, courage, perspective and love. He's been a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He's been a merciful high priest. He's been my rock. He's been my song. And I'm not a singer. He's been the way maker, the promise keeper, the miracle worker. The Good Shepherd! Time and again. Time and again. Time and again.  

His arms have carried me. And He's never let me go!  I'm so thankful!

I've tried to stand on every platform He's given me here. From English Instructor to Theology Teacher to Sport Coach to Student Dean ... I've tried to represent Him well and make Him known wherever He placed me.  Why? He's worthy to be lifted up in every breath I have and every move I make.  My life is His and my story is His to write.

I've seen God and I've also seen glimpses of ME.

Mirrors seem harder to look into the older you get. Would you agree? You notice more. Is that a wrinkle? Is that a gray hair? Is that muscle sagging?  What? Has that been stuck in my teeth all day? Oh my gosh. Ha ha . 

But mirrors are also extremely beneficial when God holds one up to your life. It can actually be shocking and painful! What do you look like to others? Who are you becoming? Is God shaping you? Or is something or someone else shaping you more? 

God often does His best work in us and through in the hardest of seasons.

I remember well those times of struggle here.

For me here, it's not always been running through the hills like in the "sound of music" singing fa la la la la. There have been huge valleys here. Disappointments. Mistakes. Times I've fallen in holes I made myself. Other times I fell because I got shoved by others. I remember them all...the frustration, the anger, the disappointment, the hurt. The bad and the ugly, mixed in with all the good. It's all part of life, wherever you live. As you battle with sin and self and God and His plan and His way versus your own, there remains struggle. 

Yet in the struggle, there was and is always God. I remember in my darkest and most discouraging of times... God Himself bent low ... crawling into those dark holes and lifting me out, brushing me off.  He helped me to stand back up and gave me courage to keep going for Him and by Him and with Him! Not bitter, but better, because of the hard times passed through! 

God can lift us out of ANY hole or dark season...and He can turn ANY page to help us EMERGE better, stronger, and more like Him!

The past few years have not been easy in the world. We've crawled down in holes, sheltered in place. Covid called us to quarantine. We shut the doors. We stayed home from work and church. Put on masks.  Went into hiding.  In the darkness and solitude...some seem to have thrived. But most have not.  Life assessments have been made. And many are not where they want to be. Many faced inner demons and other new ones attacked. Fatigue. Depression. Hopelessness. Despair. Loss. Fear.

But I believe God is telling us ...wherever we are and wherever we've been and wherever we may be taking cover... that it's time to EMERGE...to come out! 

It's time to move forward and out. We need to trust God to turn the page in 2022. He is ready! Are you? Will you let Him lead you to a new place?

If you say YESSSSSSSSSSS... then let's leave the isolation. The dark. Let's shake out of the mundane and the sorrow. Let's leave behind the sin and shame and doubt and fear and reach towards God and let Him PULL us up and out and through and to a new page and new chapter!

Whenever I think about a people moving out of a dark place... I always think of when the Israelites left Egypt ...where they had been enslaved and mistreated in captivity. God shook everything around them and said...pack up...move out... it's time! Were they excited? Sure. Were they scared? Sure. But the promised land could not be reached if they didn't move out.

It's time for us to move out, to emerge, to get unstuck!

This past semester, I taught a course about missions and I reminded my students that over 5 billion people in the world claim to "not be Christian" .... of those...3.2 billion live in unreached areas ... unless a missionary goes there ..crosses into that culture...there's a good chance those people will not have the chance to be reconciled to God through hearing about Jesus. What is my part ? What is yours?

This world is not our home and we're only passing through. Let's not lose perspective. You can't take stuff with you to heaven. But you can take people. Who can you take to heaven with you?

May 2022 be the year His people EMERGE to do bigger things than they could imagine!

Don't let Satan tell you you're stuck forever!  God is calling you to move. He goes before you and will open doors as you step out!

Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations... Mark 16:15

Behold I go before you, telling you which way to go....Isaiah 30:21

Forget what is behind and strain for what is ahead... keeping your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith...Philippians 3:13

I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...Jeremiah 29:11

I am with you always, even to the end...Matthew 28:20

Let's EMERGE in 2022 to a new place as God leads us! His will be done!!!

Praises

-For safety in travel out of Ethiopia and back in, and for peace and more stability here now

-For holiday time with family

-For God's provision and protection through all 

Prayer Requests

-For my Work Permit and new Residence Visa to be processed in the coming weeks

-For changes in work and ministry- that God platforms me according to His plan and gives me courage to move out 

-For continued good health and provision

-For my USA family- for good health

-For 2022- that I emerge and move forward with courage in Jesus' name to make Him known among the nations

-For Ethiopia- for peace and wisdom

Here are some pictures..from time in the USA with my Family

Here are a few pictures from Christmas back here in Ethiopia...

Thank you for your prayers! 

Please join me in wishing my Dad, the GREAT AND AMAZING Jim Garrett- a very Happy Birthday this week, on Sunday, January 23. We are so grateful for his leadership of our family and his example of hard work and serving. We love him so much!!!!!!!

Blessings to You in 2022!

FACING GIANTS...

Have you ever faced a giant?

Here in Ethiopia... there are some pretty big things...

...the snake found recently by my door...

a large snake killed by our guards and hung on a tree ... 

...the birds I can see sitting on a nearby fence each morning or on nearby buildings... they are LARGE.. and I think could possibly pick up a small child...

..the cats lurking just outside...

Just kidding. Those are no where near me, Thank God! Ha ha

...the buildings behind our school compound seem to be growing bigger and taller - maybe they will soon swallow us all...

There are big things here for sure...

But what about a giant thing? Have you ever faced one of those?  Or maybe you're looking at one now in your life?

Maybe something has come into your life or the life of someone you love and it's big, WAY TOO BIG, and you're not sure what to do...  it's dangerous and beyond your ability to conquer or fix....

Maybe the giant just arrived. Or maybe it's been around for some time. But it's not going away and maybe it's getting stronger. And you're tired of it lingering and messing with your peace, your joy, your family, your life. 

Maybe it's a bill or debt. Maybe it's a diagnosis or illness. Maybe it's a broken relationship. Maybe it's a bad job. Maybe it's a past mistake.  

There are all kinds of giants ...

What do you do when a giant comes?

Covid 19 was a giant and is a giant no one expected. It came and surprised us. Many people laughed or disregarded it. It seemed silly and overrated or politicized ... only for many to realize later it had and can have a lethal punch. Sometimes it strikes fast- taking loved ones and friends and family and neighbors quickly. Sometimes it hits slowly and repeatedly and no medicine or treatment plan seems to help. What a weird giant.

It's still a giant walking around and it's not welcomed by anyone.  We're tired of and want it to go away for good.

Other giants are also still around us all ... 

Temptation. Sin. Fear of the past. Fear of the future. Insecurity. Doubt. Depression...

What giants have you faced? Are you facing?

How did you react to the giants that arrived?

Did you battle well? Are you battling well?  

Giants of sickness and death are so so hard. Mantles of despair and addiction and depression are so heavy. 

Satan and Sin whispers for us to give up, to give in. To go a wrong way.  To settle. To blame God.

You may feel the giant is TOO big. The debt is TOO great. The storm is TOO strong. The diagnosis is TOO overwhelming. The wait is TOO long. The temptation is TOO enticing. The way forward is TOO blocked...

What does God want us to remember and do when we face giants?  

How can we persevere and overcome them?

Can we really say to the giants in our lives... "How dare you mess with me, my family, my life, and my God?!!!"..

I've seen giants and I'm seeing giants in the lives of those I care about.

Giant problems. Giant medical issues. Giant financial stress. Giant despair. Giant depression. Giant fighting. Giant division.  

Too many giants!!!

But what I've been remembering with the help of God's Spirit and His Word is that...

WE HAVE A WAY BIGGER GOD! 

He has giant promises! We don't have to be afraid and we can fight and stand and persevere with God's help!!!!!

We can pick up a smooth small stone of faith, load our sling, and aim it in prayer at what we face... 

And God will tell us when to throw it and it will hit the mark... right in the head of the giant we face... in His time and in His way and in His plan.... and then...

The giant will fall! The walls will come down! The chains will break! The door will open! And the rescue will come!!!!!!

We can hold to these verses...

God says...The battle belongs to me... (2 Chronicles 20:15)

Stand still and see my deliverance, I will fight for you ... (Exodus 14:13)

Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.... (1 John 4:4)

No weapon formed against you shall prosper... (Isaiah 54:17)

Do not fear. When you pass through the waters I will be with you, they will not overflow you, and when you pass through the fire, you will not be burned... (Isaiah 43: 1-2)

Those with us are greater than those with them! ... (2 Kings 6:16)

May we face the giants in our lives with courage and never give up!

If you're facing a giant or more than one right now... God wants you to know and remember, He's with you! He can help you fight and win! It's not over until He says!

Praying on in trust with You!!!!

Praises/Prayer Requests

-Please pray for the giants around me and in the lives of those I care about... may we fight and win and never be afraid!  People watch how we fight and we even how we suffer.  May God give us His words, His actions, His ability to persevere!

-I praise God for the ETC class I've had this fall season so far. It's been a huge blessing to help equip and encourage these church leaders to go into all the world with the good news of Jesus! Please keep these dear brothers and sisters in prayer!

Class this past week with Abera- A Missionary- sharing His Testimony

-Please pray for me as I consider several different work and service opportunities- in the time ahead here in Ethiopia and ahead in 2022...that God will place me where He can best use me.

-I praise God for my family ! They are huge examples for me and I'm so thankful for them.  This week... is a big birthday week in our family. Please join me in wishing a Happy Birthday on Wednesday (10-27) to the amazing Rosie Garrett, my Mom.  She's a blessing to us all and we love her so much!  She's a prayer warrior  and her online devotions and her prayers and her example... there are no words for how much she inspires me and so many! Happy Birthday Mom! We love you so much!  Also a very Happy Birthday to my sister, Noel, on Friday (10-29).  Her obedience to God and years of loving God and loving people... have greatly impacted me and us all! Happy Birthday B! We will be celebrating both of these amazing ladies here in Ethiopia :-) 

My Mom and Noel (B)- Happy Birthday to these amazing ladies this week!

Also a shout out to our Dad and family leader- the amazing Jim Garrett. He's a hero of faith ...A giant for God!  No words also for how much we are blessed by him! And we can't forget- Pastor Mike Martin- Noel's husband. What an amazing giant of faith too who was added to our family. We thank God for him!

our Dad and Mom- love these two!

Mike and my Dad... heroes of faith 

-Please continue to pray good health for my family and protection , provision, as they serve and love God and people. 

-Please pray for the bad giants here of Covid, fighting, etc., that God will help us slay those and pray for those battling.  Ethiopia still needs peace and the government needs wisdom. 

What giants are you facing? How can I pray for you? Please let me know!

May we move forward in the victory God has for us!

Slay those giants in and with the power of God!