Wednesday, February 28, 2007

He had to remind me... - Zana

So, today was hmmmm…fascinating. Coming down off the natural high of being so successful in our work day yesterday we were under a vicious attack today. We spent the majority of our day working around the kitchen table with our laptops out and piecing together our information. As we get closer to the end product there are less jobs for our team of 9. It became a little frustrating as we came to the end of the day and realized we are far from done. Three days in the same room…hashing through tons of information with the same people can be a little taxing.

Since I had already been mentally weak when closing the day unsure of my purpose and if I should be here began to take it’s toll. I ate dinner fast and went to my room (which I found in a mess because the construction workers that had been working on the team house had left all their mess ON MY BED including a 10 gallon bucket with water and dirty rags in the middle of the floor). I became ANGRY! I immediately went to the word. Reaching out to God to calm me before I started to break stuff. As I opened my bible a copy of the Living Hope mission statement fell out. I read it over and over again. To reach others for Jesus Christ kept jumping up at me…how easily I forget. He had to remind me of the big picture. The big picture is what it’s about…everybody has different skills and He sent me and 8 other amazingly talented people to come together with our business brains and rejuvenate Living Hope with the proper tools to continue bringing hope and the good news to the third world communities in Cape Town. What an honor to be a part of such a revolution…one that may change the face of Living Hope forever. Now, after much prayer time together and recognizing that Satan is so persistent in trying to discourage us due to fear of our potential…we are ready to move forward with full force in completing our task. We are proud of our work and know it’s going to rock their world. Thank you all for continuing to pray for us. With completion approaching, we still have challenges in tying it all together.

PS. I will be sharing my story tomorrow night at the staff retreat. This particular story of my life is one that I hold very close to my heart. Please pray for me to have the strength and peace in being able to communicate it effectively to the LHCC staff so that it would impact as God intended since I strongly believe that my suffering and redemption is the reason I am here.

8 comments:

Mark Kelly Hall said...

Hey, Zana

Thanks for sharing the not-so-uplifting aspects of mission work--we always find ways to "get in the flesh" no matter how spiritually significant our activities and surroundings are...we always have that to deal with. Like they say, "wherever you go, there you are."

I've enjoyed reading about the group's experiences. I know it's tough to find time to blog, but it has its rewards, for you and for us spectators.

I've worked with the folks at Living Hope through trips with Brentwood BC and "solo" (see Nov.-Dec. posts at www.markkellyhall.blogspot.com) and I'm excited to have fellow believers from "the neighborhood" there, especially another Opry staffer (you may not remember me; I don't do much ushering lately. I wouldn't have made the connection except how many Zana's are there? : )

Your experience will not be the same as mine, of course--God's still into doing new things. But I can speak with authority to say that you'd really have to try hard NOT to be blessed on this trip.

Grace & Peace (and be careful of that African sun!)
Mark

markymark said...

ZANA! Just wanted to remind you that your community group is praying for the whole team (esp. you and Leah). You guys are so awesome, I can't wait to spend a Sunday evening hearing and seeing all the wonderful experiences you guys have had!

Anonymous said...

Zana:

We're all rooting for you here at the Opry - missing you, too! I'm inspired by your words and will keep you and your team in my prayers in the coming days.

Love ya!
Gina

Anonymous said...

Sister!!!!
I am so proud of you! So proud of the woman that God is molding you into and the growth He is bringing to you through these struggles. Just like He has throughout the last year and a half that I have been your roommate. I will be praying as you share your journey to others. I know that God will bless your vulnerabilty. 26202 is lonely without you two.

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Love you girls!
kt

Anonymous said...

Hello all you RHCC missonaries! We love you and you are on our minds always. I have marked my calendar with "South Africa Mission Trip", so I get reminders several times a day. When they pop up, I say a special prayer for all of you. Not sure of the time difference, so I may be praying while you are sleeping, but I bet the Big Guy hears all of our prayers and puts them in a special pile around His plans for you! God Bless all of you. Now...get back to work...or sleep...whichever may be the case. See you soon and I'll look forward to hearing ALL of your stories.
db

Anonymous said...

God is Faithful

We are praying for you

Anonymous said...

The Richardson's love you Z!! We are cheering you on and praying for you dailey! Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and your team. I am so encouraged. Love you and CAN'T wait to talk to you!!!
Love- Heather

Anonymous said...

Z -
Miss you guys so much! Keep up the good work.
Love,
Carly