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.

Google Earth is from God! :)

This post is a bit overdue, but God has kept me busy doing amazing things. I feel this renewal in my spirit as I focus my sights on the rural villages in southern zambia. I have two teams that I am planning ministry for. One is my all womens team in June, and then my three week team in July. They're practically back to back, which means all my prep is to be done now. I am so excited that it consumes my every thought. My co-leader in training and I spent last evening searching for village on Google Earth. If the Apostle Paul saw the technology we have today to reach the unreached people of the world, he would weep with joy! I can find the very homes in the villages on Google Earth, get GPS coordinates for them, and find my way to their very door. How amazing in our God to provide these tools for us to use? It's awesome! It takes the limits off.

Quick Update

Hi all,
I'm sure you're wondering what has been keeping me away from blogging for almost a month. Tons! I traveled to Malawi for a friend's wedding and then flew to Joberg to buy a motorcycle to help with transportation for doing ministry. I'm finally back in Zambia, and have spent the whole day working on my bike (changing tires, adjusting suspension, etc). I will post photos of the wedding and of the bike as soon as I can. :)
Blessings,
Laura

Take the Plunge

I took the plunge. Literally. I bungee jumped off the Victoria Falls bridge and fell for 111 meters. Well I was pushed more then jumped but the experience calls for some reflection. How many times in our lives does God require us to take the plunge? How many times in one day? Sometimes we do it voluntarily, but sometimes we need that extra push. We don’t always know what will happen, and often it feels like there’s no rope tied around our legs to hold us. However, we know that as long as we follow God, He will guide and protect us in all situations. Hebrews 13:5 promises that Jesus will neither leave us nor forsake us. That is your bungee cord- take the plunge!

The Cold Cometh

I'm sitting here in our office on the base wrapped in my cool "Silly Boys, Trucks Are For Girls" sweatshirt (Thanks, Bethany!). It's getting cold at night here in Zambia, but nothing a nice hot cup of tea can't solve. That and fuzzy socks. :)
You may have been wondering where I've been lately, since I haven't updated. My team from the UK has come and gone, and I miss them like crazy. What an awesome group! They were totally focused on God and ready for whatever came at them. We went to the villages in the southern province of Zambia. We saw two boys healed from scoliosis (their spines straightened before our eyes!! Praise God!!!!), people accept Christ, believers encouraged by the Word, and even more people healed. God was moving in these places and in each place seeds were planted. The foundation has been laid for further work in new villages, and relationships established with village leaders who are already asking when we are returning. God is faithful and I know that as we continue to work in these areas, we will see many wonderful things unfold. :)
The team is back home now and my co-leader and I are just wrapping up final details. On Wednesday I will be traveling to Malawi for a friend's wedding, and then on to Johannesburg. In South Africa, I will be looking to purchase a motorcycle. The money was given to me by my aunt who passed away in January. Before she died, she told my mom that she wanted to help me buy a vehicle for Africa. Please pray that we find success in this shopping adventure for motorcycles, and favor with the officials when importing them into Zambia. I apologize in advance for the slow blogging, but I do not know when I will be able to be online once I start traveling. I will be checking email, so please feel free to email me. I love you all!

5 days and counting...

My first team arrives in 5 days. I am very excited! Yesterday my co-leader, Patrick, and I went with two of our local pastor friends to set up ministry. We normally call this recon, as it usually includes traveling to new areas. This trip included exactly that. We went back to visit areas we had sent teams last year, and made a plan to bring the team there to follow up on ministry with the new church that has been planted, and the new believers. We then traveled for about an hour to a new area, called Libala. We met with the headmaster of the primary school and discussed our ministry plan, finding out about the surrounding areas. He is meeting with all of the headmen, who are the village leaders, on Friday and will be notifying them of our program and the arrival of the team. It's always exciting to come out of a new area knowing that you'll soon be back with two trucks and a team ready to preach the Gospel. I cannot wait to go back. I'll remember to take some photos during the expedition and post them here for all of you to enjoy. Please pray for the safe arrival of the team, open doors for ministry, and safe travel.