Italy/USA-May 29-July 26

God reaffirmed me and my work this summer. Again and again God assured me that I’m in the right place and doing what He has called me to do. I’ve been going through the book of Acts and I saw a pattern. First the apostles/disciples stepped out in faith to do God’s work. This was followed by rejection and persecution. I cannot judge my work for Him based on whether I’m accepted and affirmed by others.

Acts 13:1-3-Paul and Barnabus had been called to the work but not commissioned. God calls us but the church sends us. This prompted me to ask Pastor Tom (VCC) for prayer and send me out this year.

Acts 13:38-39-Paul is laying out the Gospel to the church at Antioch. I saw for the first time the second part of the Gospel. In the USA we preach forgiveness of sins so one can go to heaven. That is only one part of the Good News. The second is: Act 13:39-and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. (ESV)

Acts 13:13-Paul and Barnabus were reviled, contradicted, persecuted, driven out of the city, mistreated, attempt to kill them, stoned and dragged out of the city in Antioch, Lystra, and Iconium. Despite this Paul and Barnabus decided to go back to those cities to strengthen and encourage the disciples. God calls me back to Kigali even though it is difficult and at times painful. I have not suffered what Paul and Barnabus suffered.

One of the complaints I had last year was that I had no friends, no one to hang with or share my life with. This summer God affirmed that I had friends, I had a home base in California. Over and over people in OC and the desert reached out to me in support, prayer, encouragement and love. I stayed with Luke and Mandy (who picked me up and took me to LAX and picked me up and dropped me in the desert and filled half of my wish list), I was embraced by the family at Calvary Life Fellowship. I also stayed with Laurel, my Mom and Jacque Stehle (for a month). I made new friends (Jan and David in Taco Bell), Betsy and Lina from Crossview Bible Church. I met with the Warners from EVFree and Mark and Dayna Blair from BICF. I got to see the ladies from Laurel’s book club, Joyce Wheeler, Jim (Mom’s boyfriend). I spent ½ a day with Paul who took me to lunch and to his ex-wife’s house to play with the animals and horses. I also spent time with both of my nephews and their families and was encouraged by their walk and service to the Lord. It seemed everyone wanted to see me, spend time with me, pray for me, buy me stuff and bless me somehow. I hardly had time to do anything else! God was saying is His way “Janet, you have friends. Lots of people love you and care about you and your ministry.”