Sunday, June 28, 2009

pressing on

"I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." -Acts 20:24

Here are a few of the emotions that I have seen and experienced the past few days:



Last night we slept at the missionary's home. I fell asleep to the sound of geckos churping at one another.. And this morning I woke up to the most AWFUL noise I have ever heard in my entire life! A screaming noise somewhere between a pig and a duck! When we went outside, we found this...
PEACOCKS! ON THE ROOF!! Seriously!? ..only in Africa..

So here's something exciting: Each week they air 2 hours of a talk show in English on the radio for people who want to learn to speak English.. The radio station workers heard that we were from the States and asked us to come so that they can hear "real English"! We were able to talk on air for 2 hours- and all of Burkina Faso could hear! Come on, that's cool! Here's a picture from inside the station:

This evening I was able to visit Jamila and her grandmother and even enjoy dinner at their home. We were not able to have much conversation, but I know the Lord is dealing with her heart. Please continue to pray for each of them as I spend my last 3 days in Burkina before heading to Ghana.

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." -Colossians 2:2

I love Africa church. The African people have taught me how to praise. Not just pray to God, but really truly praise and worship Him. To just stand, not asking or even thanking Him, just stand and praise His mighty name. My Lord above all, My King, My Living God. Emanuel, The Great I Am, My Saving Grace, The Alpha and Omega. Beautiful, Wonderful, Powerful. Awesome, Strong, Eternal. My Savior, My Redeemer, My Protector. My Provider, My Protector, My Prince of Peace. My Strength and My Shield and My Song. My Friend and My Father. My Creator, and the Creator of the whole Universe. My Lord. So every day I teach people about Jesus. And every day, I know that they are teaching me more. I challenge you today to claim your God, and proclaim back to Him who He is in your life. And after you have done that for about an hour and are just completely overwhelmed with His Grace and Awesome-ness, when you feel like you could just float away on this in-love-with-my-Lord high, well then, welcome to Africa.because
"worthy is He to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing." -Revelation 5:12

... one more thing: I love rocking these kiddos to sleep! :)
Mama- can I keep one?! .. please?

8 comments:

  1. Kase, you look great! The kids are so beautiful and that last picture absolutely melted my heart! When you were talking about getting to be on the radio I think I could actually hear your voice say, "Come on, that's cool!" It is so ovewrwhelmingly evident that you are where you are supposed to be! Good thing you didn't listen to me and stay home! ;) I love you so much and am praying for you my little chipmonk!!

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  2. WOW!!! what an amazing thing to be able to praise the Lord in that way! i think it is an experience we all long for...that feeling of true praise! thank you so much for sharing your heart & life there with us!

    oh, when i was little we had 2 pet peacocks that lived on our roof! haha! just thought that would be a fun fact for you to hear! and yes, the sound they make is unlike any other!

    continuing to pray for you! ;)

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  3. Hi Kasey,

    I'm so proud of you. Keep up the work of spreading the Gospel. May you continue to walk and not grow weary. Stay strong. Keep heart, for it is by God's mercy you have this ministry. Praying for you.

    Beau

    PS- don't forget to show the children how to do the hip-pop. (Especially in honor of the late Michael Jackson. In case you didn't know it, he died. Sad. I know. So did Billy Mays, the OxyClean infomercial guy).

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  4. Peacocks on the roof are almost as cool as goats on the roof.

    I love hearing what God is showing you! I'm so jealous, but so excited that you'll get to come back here and help all of us better understand how to praise Him like that!

    As for Jamila and her grandmother, just remember that "NOTHING can hinder the Lord from saving!" And rejoice in the fact that God chose you to use in their lives!

    I love you Ms. Kessler! And your beautiful heart for Jesus!

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  5. It's so amazing to hear about the great things you are doing/learning in Africa. :) And I think you should DEFINITELY keep one of those beautiful children. hehe. :)

    much love to you

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  6. Oh Kasey, this tops the things you have asked to bring home during your life. Remember my rule - whatever you bring home, YOU have to take care of. Love and miss ya baby girl. Mom

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  7. so i just got back from cleveland and i have really enjoyed reading the three blogs that i missed! i am so glad that God has blessed your trip so much! and i'm praying that the rest of your trip will be just as amazingly blessed!

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