Thank you so much for your prayer support; it is cherished. I have been in South Africa almost a month; during this month I have learned how to drive a stick shift car (on the opposite side of the road), settled into my apartment, and made many new friends. However, the biggest thing that has happened since being here is being able to witness God working in miraculous ways in my own heart and in the hearts of the youth that I am working with at Lyndhurst Baptist Church. I have been expanded, stretched, broken, and grown by seeing the needs here and how God wants to work through those He created; it is very humbling. I was in Johannesburg last year for 2 months and worked with Lyndhurst Baptist; God has been faithful! He has raised up leaders among the youth. However, one of the prayer requests that we are lifting up to God is for Godly South African men to step up to help in youth. This past Friday we had over 50 youth in attendance (only 7 were females); the leadership included the interim youth leader (a 23 yr old female) and myself. We had about 20 come up for prayer and to make decisions; it was very powerful. However, these youth need to see an example of a Godly South African male who can model for them a Christian example. Most are suffering with abuse, addictions, anger, broken families and lives, to mention only a few. Please pray that they would turn to God to heal them and not to temporary things that the world has to offer. This Saturday some of the youth will be attending a conference called Passion in Johannesburg. Please pray that their hearts will be open to hear what God has to say and that their lives will be lights for God in this city because of the changes that will take place.
I do have one personal request for prayer. I found out Monday morning that my two roommates college roommates at UGA and close friends were in a car accident on Saturday. One of the girls (Miley Duvall) was killed instantly and the other (Hannah Redd) was life flighted to a hospital. Please pray for the families, for Hannah's recovery, and for me as I try to grieve so far away. I know God has put people around me to support me here, and He is my strength even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death!
I am very grateful for your prayers and love you all!
Serving with you in South Africa,
Sarah-Michelle Maddox
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4 comments:
I am praying for male leaders for the youth, the conference on Saturday, and for just plain you because I love you. I'll send you a facebook msg about the service yesterday.
Be encouraged! You are my favorite ever! It makes me smile to know you're doing what you're doing. :)
For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
Colossians 2:5
Sarah,
Hi! I work in your mom's office.
You met me when you visited the other week. Well it seems like just the other week. I was sitting in the second cubicle from Connie's office. I will be praying for your work in Africa and also for you and those families who have experienced this tragic loss. Also, I will be praying for the South African men that God will call for their leadership.
May God Bless you as you witness and share God's word.
Cindy
Liftin you up, lady -
Much love,
Sarah
Hey friend! I am excited to read your blog. What an interesting month it has been so far! I am now in FPO training and am absolutely loving it. I hate to hear about your old roommate. I actually heard about that on Sunday at my parent's church in Clayton. You will be in my prayers!
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