“Out of Africa”–Friends, Gifts and Joy
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On January 23, 2016, I showed up in Johannesburg, South Africa with a vision from the Lord (at least I sure hoped it was!), two suitcases, a place to stay for two months, and not a single friend in a city of 10 million. Wow!! Am I crazy or what??
I had no idea what kind of ride this would be, but looking back now, two years later, the Lord has surprised and amazed me…
He brought me here with a picture–a picture of light emanating from South Africa into the rest of Africa, changing the foundations.
As I have walked with Him in the midst of this picture, I have watched Him change hearts here in South Africa through the Journeys of Generosity (JOG)–an experiential encounter with God’s generosity toward us over a weekend of stories, small group discussion, Biblical readings and times alone with the Spirit of God. People have encountered the Father’s love and generosity in a way that is transformational. It’s amazing to watch. JOGs are being done in other parts of Africa now, with South Africans leading the charge! Light–His light emanating from South Africa into the rest of Africa.
Part of the “light” picture that I felt like He gave me was that there was going to be a strong movement of business people (and even specifically men) who are FULLY surrendered to the Lord and will take His kingdom through business into Africa in transformational ways. I have seen some of this start to happen as well, and I continue to pray for this “band of brothers” that the Lord will raise them up in POWER to change foundations of culture through business.
In the midst of the joy of watching Jesus at work in the big picture of this country and continent, there have also been gifts–incredible gifts from my Father. I have a community of friends that I love, pray with, laugh with, and even invite myself over to dinner at their home(s). I have a beautiful place to live that faces a garden and feeds my soul every single day. I found a wonderful hairdresser (Girls, you know what a miracle that is!! :-). I have opportunities to go on safari and WORSHIP (Honestly, I don’t know that there is a greater worship experience for me than watching the majesty and intricacy of His creation as seen on a safari drive. He’s magnificent, our Creator God). I have experienced the body of Christ in different cultures and expressions every Sunday. I had a visit from my family to share my world here with them. Joy…gifts…friends…Jesus….
All in all, in my two year “review” this month, I am celebrating…GREAT is Your faithfulness, O God, my Father….
His “Songbird”….
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I LOVE to sing, not because I am good at it, but because the Lord constantly seems to be giving me a song…
Growing up at home, we only listened to Christian radio (A shout out for Evie, Amy Grant, Steve Green, Larnell Harris, and Sandy Patti! 😀) and classical music. Friends laugh at my limited music repertoire including only two genres–except for Barry Mantalo’s “Feelings” and “You write the songs that make the young girls cry.” Those were on the 8 track demo that came with our stations wagon. I secretly listened to it while Mom and Dad were gone. 😂”
I laugh, but I am actually grateful. The Lord speaks to me in song–in prayer times, in the morning, in the middle of a conversation. There’s a lot of music He has put in to draw from and very little “interference” music. I even found out a couple years ago, that my middle name “Linnette” means “songbird.”
In the last few years, I have seen Him speak to people in transformational ways through song. Last year on several occasions I sang something He brought to mind, and someone cried, another received a picture, or a sense of God’s love.
It’s not like I have a great voice. I don’t. There’s nothing to take credit for. It’s HIM!
Right before Christmas, I was at my church and a woman I have never met before from our prophetic team (people trained and tested by mature believers who have the gift of prophecy) gave me a “word.”
She said she saw me with a guitar, asking me if I sang. She continued by saying that she sensed that I was called not just to sing but to change atmospheres. 😳 WOW!!! Jesus has the power to change hearts/atmospheres, and He can do it through His songs!!
Shortly after that, I felt prompted to try out for our church worship team–for the first time in my life. Last Sunday was my first Sunday. What an incredible joy it was to look out over His body and sing–sing because He has called me to, because He wants to change atmospheres.
Our team in unity felt called to “sing” in the first service for healing. My friend with cancer and pain was at that service. She texted me Monday afternoon to say she had her first night of no pain on Sunday night, and it has continued.
That’s just one example, but praise Jesus that He has the power to change things–ANYTHING. Nothing is impossible with Him. He is my Father…The KING!
“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name…”,
Russians and Intimate Relationships…
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What in the world Russians have to do with intimate relationships? Well, not much, except that they have them! 😀
I enjoy passing along resources that have inspired or impacted me. These two books are recent reads, and they did both!
Red Notice is a book of business intrigue, unbelievable corruption and amazing perseverance, and not only that, it reads like a first class novel, but it’s all TRUE! Higly recommend it!
Scary Close challenges treasured paradigms of relationships and self-protection. His style may be a stretch for some at first, but it is well worth persevering! Don’s vulnerability inspires others to take a closer look at the things that may hinder the type of relationship(s) we so desire. If you are a couple, you might want to consider reading it together as it is worth discussing.
Pete and Deb Ochs
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This next month is FULL of events.
I have been asked to serve over this next year as a “mentor” in an “Accelerator” program for non-profit and for-profit promising entrepreneurs. Our first event is happening next week.
Early February, we are hosting a week with Pete and Deb Ochs—an amazing business couple from Wichita, KS. God has both humbled and used this couple to build his kingdom in unique ways, including starting a successful business in a maximum security prison in the US while also discipling and investing in the inmate employees. You can see their story here.
While here, Pete and Deb will be intersecting with the South African business community in many different venues/settings around personal humility and living His kingdom in business settings. We will also be facilitating two Journeys of Generosity during that week.
The Lord recently reminded me that the next month has NOTHING to do with events but everything to do with Breakthroughs.
South Africa has been at a point of crisis, and other countries in Africa are as well. There is such a profound need for the children of the King and citizens of His kingdom to rise up in this country and continent, and bring His kingdom in Africa as it is in heaven.
I ask you to pray with me for—TRANSFORMATIONAL BREAKTHROUGHS!!