This month, our ministry mostly looks like street evangelism. Sometimes we go down to the port and we talk to the truck drivers who stop there. Sometimes we go to a nearby neighborhood and either go door to door or talk to whoever is outside on the streets.
Starting the conversation is always the hardest/most awkward part for me. After asking their name, I usually start with telling them who I am and explaining why I’m even in Côte d’Ivoire, which is my gateway to talking about Jesus.
I’ve actually only gone out for ministry twice this past week but I have already talked to a countless number of people and most of the conversations have been very fruitful. Almost everyone is very willing to talk about God and many people also have a lot of questions.
We have these conversations in groups, so sometimes I get to answer questions. Sometimes my teammates do and I either intercede or get lost in my own thoughts (it happens to the best of us…) Sometimes our translator answers the questions and me and my teammates sit there having no idea what is being said, but praying it’s going well.
We’ve had some great conversations that have led to people accepting Jesus as their savior which is incredible!
We’ve also had some interesting conversations that have led me to think more about what I believe and why.
And we’ve had heartbreaking conversations where people seem so close and yet so far from the Truth and the freedom of Christ.
I’m writing this blog because I want to invite my community back home into the ministry I’m doing here in Africa. The best way I know how to do that is to ask you all to pray.
Pray that I will rejoice when someone chooses the gift of salvation.
Pray that I will be bold in sharing my faith and bold in starting up a conversation that may begin awkwardly.
Pray that hearts and minds would be open to the Truth.
Pray that lies will be untangled.
Pray that I will have wisdom to answer the hard questions that get asked as well as wisdom to navigate the cultural ties that I don’t fully understand.
Pray that I will have patience when the conversation seems to be going in circles.
Pray that I will not grow weary.
Pray that Holy Spirit will intercede.
Pray for God’s will to be done here in Côte d’Ivoire.
Blessings,
~Kaci
P.S. I’m going to be really vulnerable real quick: I’m in month 6th of the race and it’s not easy. I miss home even more than I thought I could and I’m struggling. I feel like I’ve been away from home for forever. It’s easy to forget why I started this journey to begin with and it’s hard to see the end. But I wanted to say thank you to every one who has continuously supported me. It helps me to remember that I have people at home who love me deeply, who are reading my blogs and watching for updates, and most importantly who are praying for me on this journey. So one more prayer request: please pray that my strength will be renewed, I’ll regain sight of why I’m on this journey, and that I’ll be fully present every step of this race. Thanks again, I love you all!
Hi baby girl,
I’m praying for you daily. Thanks for letting me know what I can pray for specifically. Know that your church family is praying for you too. My table at Bible Study, our bunco group, our pastors. I love you & I know you will finish strong!
You are always in my prayers Kaci! Praying you are safe. Praying you are enjoying this amazing journey. Praying you are growing in your faith and confidence. I love seeing you gain wisdom and a beautiful insight in your experiences. Remember, you are planting seeds for God. You will not always see the plant grow and mature. Just like your life, it is a process. You are growing and you are making a difference! I love you so much and I’m so proud of you!
I’m praying for you Kaci Lou! I’m so proud of you. Thanks for including me in your ministry. I love reading your updates and praying for you and your heart and your work! Keep fighting the good fight.
Hi Kacie, I’m part your your mom’s bible study and let me tell you, I am so blessed by your blog. Your faithfulness is inspiring. You have a huge heart and I am so encouraged that there are young people like you hard at work for the cause of Christ. I’m praying for you. Stay strong, and safe and rest in Gods goodness and his plan for you.
Kaci, you just don’t know but you’re an inspiration to a lot of people, including myself!!
I admire you for going on this journey and I know God will bless you for it. Look for His
blessings. I also admire you for your honesty!! That’s a big deal to me because a lot of
people think they have to hide their true feelings. You give people the courage to believe
in themselves. I love you! Always praying for you! Just Gramma
Hi PEA
Wow! You’ve been busy! Honey, God has you on this journey for His specific purpose. Sometimes we don’t know why HE does what but it’s always for His glory. He chose YOU for His plan. What an amazing testimony that will be. You are that person that is there for the right reason at just the right time. Even if you don’t think they hear HIS truth or understand the language they will remember your face and passion for the Lord. Let God do the rest PEA. I wish I could give ya a great big hug and I miss you so much. For now, I’ll have to be content with an air ((HUG)). You are so so very special Kaci. I know you’ve got this!! Rather, Gods got it for you. We continue to pray and we will pray even harder. We LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH.
Hello my friend, fellow family member and fellow nut.
I have been on lock down now for 7 days due to my knee surgery. I most likely will not be playing family soccer any more. On the up side I am also on the Keto diet which I have lost 27 pounds.
I am driving the family nuts being here 24/7 and not being able to really do anything. I will tell you what my wife says.Be still, be patient. Take the time to rest and trust in God.
As you very well know I’m not someone who likes to sit around and do nothing however I am trusting in God’s plan and doing my best to listen to my wife. It has been a long while since we’ve seen and we trust that you are doing God’s work and we, my whole family, pray for you to strengthen you. We pray to be there in spirit hopefully to inspire you on as you are inspiring us.
May God bless and strengthen you.
Hi Kaci,
I’ve been reading your blogs and love seeing all of the amazing pictures you upload to Instagram. The work you are doing is beyond incredible and it is so wonderful to hear how you are sharing God’s love with the world. I will be praying for you and the continued work you do with your team throughout the rest of your trip and beyond. I look forward to hearing more about all you have done and will also be praying for continued strength and faith to get you through the tough times of missing home.
Philippians 4:13
<3
You are one of my favorite people EVER, Kaci!! Thank you for your perspective!