New Photos Posted

Hi all,

I've just updated the photo section on my website. My next newsletter will be going out soon. If you currently don't receive them, please sign up on the home page of my website.

http://www.laurainmissions.com

Blessings,
Laura

My friend, Todd Mitchell

I think one of the hardest sacrifices as a missionary is being so far apart from friends and family, especially during hard times. It's times like these that remind you just how far from home you truly are.

On Tuesday, a friend of mine passed away. Todd has always been on my list of the cool people I've met. It's not just because he's one of the best drummers I've ever met, but also because of his character. I haven't seen Todd and his family since I left for the missions field, but would sometimes randomly get an email from him checking to make sure I'm still doing okay. You see I first met Todd, his wife Paula, and their boys when I was in college. I had just started playing clarinet on the worship team, and Todd was one of the drummers. It was awesome getting to know him and the team, especially since it was my first time ever being a part of a church , much less on the worship team. Todd and Jason used to tease me a lot about hiding behind my music stand. When our new worship pastor, Mike, came to our church, my role as instrumental turned to vocal. I battled with confidence to sing and there was Todd, encouraging me every step of the way. I still hear his encouraging words everytime I lead worship with our teams here in Africa. They continue to encourage me daily.

Then came the day I told him and Paula that I was going to move to africa and be a full time ministry. I was nervous telling my friends because I was getting mixed reactions from different people in my life. Todd and Paula were so excited about the change God was making in my life. Their friendship means so much to me. Even though Todd is no longer on earth with us, he is where we all long to be... in the physical presence of our Lord. I have to agree with my friends that I bet Jesus is getting some sweet drum set lessons. ;-)

Some Food for Thought...

So my co-leader, Stephen, and I were having a discussion awhile back. Here in Africa, you'll find many beliefs. Many of the people in the rural villages turn to witch doctors for any ind of ailment. When you ask them about what they believe, they will say that they are Christians, but instead of turning first to God for healing, they turn to the witch doctor. It's easy for us to tell them not to turn to their traditional beliefs, but let's look at it from a different perspective. How is it any different then when we first turn to medicines instead of God? How many times do we get headaches and automatically take some pain reliever for it? I can't count the number of times I have. More of us do it then we'd like to admit. It's not very different then those who turn to witch doctors. Yes, the traditional medical practices can actually be more harmful then the ailment, but let's continue to focus on our faith. God is more then capable of healing us, my friends! He's a better healer then any type of medicine or doctor. So this challenge is for you and for me, next time you're feeling any pain or illness, turn first to God. Jesus promises in John 14 that anything we ask in His name, He will do it. When have you ever known God to break a promise? I haven't.

6 days of wow!

What do you get when you have 6 days of ministry in rural villages? Amazing ministry! God is awesome!! :) All I can really do is sit here, grin, and try to take it all in. We met men and women who are hungry for the word of God, 10 people gave their lives to Christ, demons were cast out, one boy's blind eye was healed, many were healed from back, leg, and head pains... so much as happened that I cannot even type about it all.
I want to encourage you as you read about the miracles that God is doing here in Africa. You have the same opportunities to witness those in your life also, without having to travel thousands of miles to do so. What is preventing you from laying hands on the sick? God promises that if we lay our hands on the sick, they will be healed! Do not doubt, trust in God and take that step of faith. God will honor it, I promise! :)

My New Neighbors

So the kingdom that I live in is called the Mukuni Kingdom. The chief is a great friend of Overland, and even gave us the land that we've built our base on. So Chief Mukuni has a lodge near his village, not too far from us. When I was driving down the road with my team, we saw the latest additions to his lodge. He has brought in two lions, which take daily walks down the road. No, this isn't a joke. They are training the lions to be used to people and cars so that tourists can come and walk with the lions. I don't know about you, but I think I'll stay in the car! ;-)

Meet you at the cross...

I was so prepared to write to you all about the awesome minstry we've been doing here in Africa, but as I started listening to my ipod, a song came on and suddenly tears came rolling down my face. I just want to share this moment with all of you.

"Oh Lord You’ve searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail You
I know You love me

Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me

At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There’s no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now

You go before me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
I know You love me

You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done

And when the earth fades
Falls from my eyes
And You stand before me
I know You love me
I know You love me"
~Hillsong

When was the last time you bowed your knee at the cross? When was the last time you searched God? His word? Realized how much He loves you? Been aware of His presence? Jesus gave it all for you! He left His place with the Father so that you can be restored as a new creation! Jesus is equal with God, humbled Himself, became man, and a servant of all. Try to grasp that one! How amazing is that?! I urge you with all that I have to bow your knee at the cross, spend time in His presence. Feel His love... know His love. I guarantee that you will never be the same.

New Photos Posted!

I've updated the photo section of my website with some photos from this year. I'll be updating every so often with more photos so you all can see what we're up to here in Zambia. Please check it out: www.laurainmissions.com.