Lindsey Cowart (LC):
Looking back over 2013, I still can’t help but be amazed at the sovereignty of God. When this year began, I had no clue how God would use me to help others and then use others to help me. Through the relationships built and connections made with others, I see God piecing together His plan for the lives of His children! As I journeyed from Georgia to Jamaica and then to live with a family in Indiana and then onto Africa to work with Kupendwa Ministries with a team especially handpicked by God was all God’s creative orchestration! Yes, there were times of confusion, doubt, and frustration and questioning what He was doing or where He was in the doing, but just in His perfect timing, He confirmed His presence along the way! Through this whole adventure, He has taught me to trust Him more and more!
Why, the scripture Ezekiel 36: 25-27, “I will sprinkle clean
water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness, and from all
your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new
spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your
flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and
cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules” became so
powerful and meaningful – especially in the two week missions trip in Africa!
Being with a team for fourteen days in a new environment and
experiencing unusual circumstances can be a bit challenging. The places we
went, the things we saw often seemed so overwhelming. We were often tired and
our guard many times dropped as our own strength wore down. Upon seeing the brokenness
and hurt all around us, I was reminded of just how weak and sinful my own heart
is. However, it is still humbling to know that in the midst of my weaknesses
and struggles, God still sees me fit to fulfill His purpose! Stepping onto the
soil of Africa which is inhabited by so many young women who share story after
story of the uncertainty of what they would eat, or how they could provide for
their families continues to wrench our hearts. During moments when there was a
loss for words, I would find myself crying out to God lifting up their
situations or begging for some words of encouragement for our team to offer!
The same scripture that reaches in and speaks of hope and light into even the
darkest part of my life is the same that we had opportunity to share with many
of the women and girls in Uganda. Knowing God’s word does not go void, I can
rest assured that every encounter was a divine appointment.
I realize that I was there to assist others even though I
had no idea how to be of much help. I only wanted to be used by God. My struggles
were nothing in comparison to the hardships these beautiful women face daily. I
was overwhelmed and really began to seek out God’s instruction for what my
mission was there. I was struck with a deep sense of guilt for not having the
grateful heart these people have. In comparison to them, I realize I have
everything. I have God, my health, food each night, and a clean place to live.
They have God and for this only were they filled with gratitude. I asked, “God
why do I have so much more to be grateful for, but I am not as grateful as
they?” Through this, I am able to see my sinfulness, wickedness, and hardened
heart. I became very sad about the person I have become and saw a great need
for change inside of my heart. My need, I realized was just as big as the
people’s need who live in the African village. It is a spiritual hunger only
God can fill. This trip to Africa has been a big stepping stone in my journey
with God. I am able to see what all God has bestowed upon my life and be
grateful, indeed. I thank God daily for showing this to me and allowing me to
continue to grow from the realization. From this trip, God has cleansed my
heart and renewed my spirit. I pray I may continue to walk uprightly with a
willingness to serve others and to continue to grow spiritually as I serve Him!
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