As I gear up for leaving for Africa (Dec 2nd!) I have so much to give God the praise for! I have that nervous excitement of the unknown. It's hard to believe that I leave in just over a month and a few weeks. So much to do before then but I know God will help me get it all taken care of. I want to share some of the praises with you :)
God's Timing: I give praise that God is setting me up for a WIN by putting GLA (Global Leadership Academy in Swaziland with Children's Cup http://www.childrenscup.org/ ) in my path. GLA is going to give me the African ministry experience and hands-on training like no other. For 10 months I will be partnered with an African ministry student, serving and learning side-by-side. I am very excited about getting to know all the GLA leaders and all of the interns as I know they will become like a family to me. I will gain all the ministry and leadership skills I will need before transitioning into Zimbabwe. God is GOOD!! I'm ready for the adventure! I'm seeking God and believing I will do the absolute best I can.
I get to spend Christmas with the Zimbabwe kids and my Celebration Zimbabwe family!: I'm SO looking forward to being in Zimbabwe during the Christmas and New Years holidays. I will have the opportunity to help with the Kids Christmas parties; I can't think of a better way to celebrate Christmas! The children will get an experience of a lifetime! They will get to have fun, play games, worship, eat goodies, and learn the story of JESUS! And most of all the kids will have HOPE. I also can't wait to see all of my Celebration Zimbabwe family, it's been too long!
I have the wonderful opportunity to travel to Uganda in January to help with a Kidz Ministry Equipping Conference: I'm VERY excited about this opportunity to help train Children's Workers in Kampala and give them the tools they need to have a dynamic and effective children's ministry. http://www.kidzatheart.org/
God has blessed me with an AMAZING support team and a wonderful sending agency! I truly know that I would not be able to step into my calling without the help of the people God has placed in my life. My financial supporters and prayer partners are the true heroes and I don't take them for granted. They are the hands giving and I am the feet going. With only $500 more in monthly support to raise, I'm in awe of God's blessings. And I'm also very blessed to have World Outreach http://www.worldoutreach.org/ as my sending agency that manages all my support money coming in, I couldn't do it without you guys!!!
My car is paid off! And my parents are buying it before I leave :) : This is going to bring in some extra cash to go towards my upfront expenses.
I have an incredible travel agent, Pam Kindsfater, of My Mission Travel! http://www.mymissiontravel.com/ Pam, I seriously couldn't do it without you! Thank you for getting me the best deals, researching all the different baggage rules, and going over and beyond for me! With so many different travels in just a period of 2 months (Zimbabwe, Uganda, Swaziland) you are a SUPERSTAR!
I get to celebrate with my friends, family, mentors, and support team before I go! Save the date: Saturday November 19th, 5-7 pm at Celebration Midtown Annex. Food and drinks will be provided. Hope to see you there!!!!!!!!!!!
Wondering how YOU can help?
-Prayer for time-management as I gear up to leave; that I can get everything done I need to. Moving country is a big task! lol
-Give. I need to be at 100% goal before I go. Monthly partners are especially needed. Donate Online at http://www.worldoutreach.org/ Just click Donate and Select my Name. (USA International Cards accepted) OR Mail checks to World Outreach Ministries, P.O. Box B, Marietta, GA 30061 (designate for Routzahn, Fund Code #91) Also needed, Walmart and Target gift cards.
-Prayer for airfare expenses to Uganda. We have researched and an inter-Africa flight from Zimbabwe to Uganda is almost as much as traveling from the USA. The lowest we have seen is $1200. Pray for airfare to go down quickly or for the extra finances to come in so I can purchase and go.
-Prayer for me as I leave my friends and family and walk into the unknown. Pray calmness and peace over me.
-SPREAD THE WORD! Do tell your friends and family how they can be part of this ministry to the children in Africa :)
Love u all! Shannon