One week away from South Africa.

Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not become weary in doing food, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believes.

In one week we will be leaving for South Africa.  The excitement has been pretty high around our house for the past week; I can only imagine what this week will bring. We all feel ready for this, with the details falling into place and the last minute plans coming to life, we wait in eager expectation.

The rough plan is to fly into Johannesburg, drive to YWAM Drakensburg in Winterton, be there for about 2 weeks before we head to an orphanage right outside Durbin. We will be spending the majority of our time at the orphanage. Around the first week in January we will be heading to the YWAM base in Durbin and spending the remainder of our time there. We will be headed back to California around January 18^th and have a week a debrief time here.  Time is flying!

Meanwhile back in California at the present moment….

Last weekend a few of us has the joy of visiting the home of one of our teammates.  Alisi is apart of a Fiji family from Sacramento. Her family was throwing her a fundraising dinner. It was an honor to become apart of her family and her Church so quickly.

We were also able to explore Sacramento a little bit.  It was a very enjoyable time and we came back to base with a whole bunch of oranges from the tree in their front yard.  So FUN!

Teaching has been good the past few weeks.  Our training in the gifts of the Spirit was great and powerful.

When Jesus left this earth to go back to heaven, He left us a helper so that we would never be alone. As a follower of Jesus Christ we have the full power of the Holy Spirit living within us. 

John 14:26,27 But the counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you I do not give to you as the world gives Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing, He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it.

As a result of us walking in the Holy Spirit, our lives should be reflecting the life of Christ.  We should be portraying the fruits of the Spirit as well as the power of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working but the same God works all of them in all men.

The Holy Spirit in our lives is made known in many different ways. Always working, the Holy Spirit is a constant source of growth in our lives. Teaching us, molding us, and building us up for the kingdom of God. 

The Holy Spirit is always a gentleman, not a bully!

Hope that today finds you in a great place with you friend Jesus! If your not sure what I’m talking about, let me know, I would love to explain this more to you.

THIS ONE THING I WANT YOU TO KNOW, JESUS LOVES YOU WITH ALL THE LOVE OF THE FATHER! HE CREATED YOU AND HE DESIRES TO HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU!

Thank you everyone who has been partnering with me through prayer and finances! I believe that God loves and rewards those who give in love and joy!

Love you people!

Jodi