What Happened on My Trip to Zimbabwe?

I'm back from Zimbabwe. But for about two weeks since I was down and out with a miserable cold, which made thinking past the end of my nose quite difficult. I've had plenty written, but I've felt this pressure that I've placed on myself. I really didn't know how to express to you WHAT I experienced - in a nutshell - and to do it justice. So "it's" all been ruminating in my head and on computer screen, which I hope has been a good thing.

How The Journey Began
It all started with a casual, "thrown out there" invitation from our visiting friend Ruth to Felicity and me. Something like, "Hey, you can come to Zimbabwe and paint a mural on a prison wall." And we said something like, "Okay." And then - it happened! (There were a few other details involved and prayers, but that's pretty much it.)

So we bought our tickets and then our paintbrushes at the building supply store, packed our bags, and we were off! Zimbabwe is two hops away by plane, and I believed flying the preferable choice considering this country had an "air of adventure" to us and an "air of danger" to our computer and camera equipment.

Who
Felicity and I visited Ruth and Julie Hagen, lovely (as my British traveling companion Felicity says), funny, and energetic sisters from Scotland and the job creation program Gogo Olive, and we had hopes of painting that mural, filming, serving our friends, and being open to anything that came our way. ("Came our way" included watching India Premiere League Cricket, which I can now attest to understanding and actually enjoying.)

Gogo Olive Knitting Workshop
Photo Credit: Felicity Davies

Gogo Olive
Hoping to bless our friends by making a video for their ministry, we filmed, photographed, and interviewed the ladies at Gogo Olive - Felicity, being the photographer/videographer-amazingness, and I, the question asker/interviewer. I think we really just jumped in with both feet and not knowing what we were doing, but hey, it worked out great! I found out that I really love interviewing people. It was amazing to chat with the ladies and hear their stories of life, finding God, and how Gogo Olive has helped them. And I so was humbled to share a devotion with them about being created with value in the image of God and that Felicity and I could pray for them.  

WATCH the Gogo Olive video below, or on the Vimeo website click here: http://vimeo.com/user24100193/gogoolive

GoGo Olive - Knits in Zimbabwe for you
Film Credit: City Davies via Vimeo

Julie Hagen began Gogo Olive by accident, she told me, as she taught ladies how to knit African animals. Somehow, this idea caught on, and these animals are sold around the world today! Seriously, Julie is SO creative. Gogo Olive now employs approximately sixty ladies who are able to provide income for their families. In a country with high unemployment this is such a blessing. As we spoke with the ladies, Chido shared,

"It was very difficult because my husband was not working at that time and difficult in finding rent because it’s very expensive here in Zimbabwe so my mother used to help me with that. And right now it’s easy because I can do the rents myself and I can buy my own things."

Money just to pay for basic needs

And Joyline,

"I like them [my children] to be teachers, doctors, head masters..."

Dreaming that her children have greater opportunities and better lives

I'm interviewing Thulani
Photo Credit: Felicity Davies

Prison - To Be Continued...

Gogo Olive also reaches out to women in prison, who can earn income by knitting and are able to continue with Gogo Olive once their prison term is completed. But I'm being too lengthy in this post... I think I'll devote another post to tell you about my time in prison! 

                                                                                                 

I am so thankful for my time in Zimbabwe and am so blessed by Ruth, Julie, the ladies at Gogo Olive and the prison, and the friends we made and who welcomed us into their homes and lives.

I praise God for how He is moving in hearts and lives in Zimbabwe,

And I believe God is truly using Julie and Ruth! 

Two Scottish young women with their hearts planted in Zimbabwe.

A land and people whom I imagined broken.

But what I encountered was love, perseverance, hope, and joy.

People who love their neighbors.

People who persevere through difficult times.

People who find hope behind prison walls.

People who live joy because they know the author of joy. 

And may they find faith that at every sunset there is a sunrise in the morning.

Sunset over Mountains of Zimbabwe

In Joyline's words, 

"I need prayer to let Gogo Olive be in Zimbabwe

for a long time in order for us widows to get something

to help our children because as widows life is hard.

...keep on praying for Julie and Ruth

because they did a very great, great thing to us.

They didn’t expect it…but because of God’s grace to us

they gave us a job to help us."

Please continue to pray for the people

and country of Zimbabwe.

                                                                                                

And if you'd like to learn more about Gogo Olive,
the amazing knitting ladies, and the animals they knit,
please visit their website at http://www.gogo-olive.com/

Countdown Zimbabwe! By the Time You Read This I May be Flying... Or Arrived!

Honestly, it's been a whirlwind this week preparing for my Zimbabwe trip! From doing normal things to jobs around the house to preparing and packing, my heart is both racing and I can hardly believe that I am going!

Zimbabwe, where I am going
Photo Credit: Gogo Olive via Gogo Olive on Facebook

I haven't been on outreach - a missions trip - since 2009 in Thailand/Cambodia... Because really, I don't count living here in South Africa as outreach. It finally feels like "home" here - most days. I "own" it [South Africa] more. Cape Town, South Africa is being added to my list of "homes," places that have a piece of my heart - always.

But what would I want to tell you - this late at night - and too anticipatory of tomorrow to sleep? ...Even though I have to get up before anything sane should even be moving.

You see, I have this list of countries I want to go to, and the list just keeps growing. I don't know if it's God or if it's just me, but I get excited to experience new people, places, and cultures! I love history; I love learning about people. And I love seeing people through God's eyes. Really, I am in awe God's great love for people - for people in Zimbabwe - and my heart is interceding for what God might have in store for me, my outreach buddy Felicity, and for the people of Zimbabwe - together.

So, if I could ask you one thing,

could you lift up prayers with me?

- That the love of God would be displayed, that God would be moving, that there would be more of Him and less of me, that He would be glorified, and His Kingdom be known as the beautiful thing WE - American, British, South African, and Zimbabwean... - belong to, which is near His heart, in His throne room, and WITH Him!

Thank you so much! And please, drop me a line if so inclined!

I'd love to hear from you but unsure of my internet use while in Zim.

I will definitely be sharing A LOT when I get back!

Much love & God bless,

Shannon

And here's a few links I wanted to share!

• Who I'm partnering with in Zimbabwe: Gogo Olive
• What I'm listening to & inspired by lately Housefires, especially the song "Come to the River" for Free Download here: https://noisetrade.com/housefires/housefires
• http://shannonmintz.blogspot.com/p/how-to-give.html

I'm Zimbabwe Bound! Opportunity from May 23 to June 5

I am so excited to let you know about the upcoming opportunity I have to go to South Africa's (and my) neighbor to the northeast, the country of Zimbabwe, for two weeks! 

A friend and I are invited there by a friend's ministry Gogo Olive, which is a job creation program to help women who are unemployed. Through knitting products women are able have hope for their future and their families' futures. The "vision is to enable Zimbabwean women to journey into the fullness of life for which God created them." From small beginnings in 2008, they now have about 60 knitters. Isn't it amazing how God is providing a means of life for them in a country in hard circumstances, and they are invited to grow in their relationship with Him?!

Lovely Poster Design Credit to my Zim ministry buddy Felicity Davies

Our hearts are really to serve and bless the local people, specifically the women at Gogo Olive, but also to bless the ministry workers. Places like Zimbabwe have their challenges, which you can Google or read about here:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/zi.htm.

Some of the prospective things we hope to do are:

• Paint a beautiful mural on a prison wall where some of the knitting ladies live.
• Listen to and love others with the love of Christ in us. Sometimes spending time with someone and listening to their stories shows the greatest care and affirms their great value.
• Encourage the ladies through devotions and any other teaching opportunities.
• Pray for people. Be expectant that God will move.
• Share their stories with you, and communicate what God is doing in Zimbabwe!

...But as with any missions trip planning, we are flexible to unexpected changes. :)
 
I am just so amazed and humbled to partner with God in South Africa and for this beautiful chance to experience His heartbeat and His great love for the people of Zimbabwe! A huge part of my heart is that these ladies discover their Identity in God and are Empowered to live out His plan for them!

I would be so thankful if you could pray with us?

• Safe and protected travels and time there: luggage arriving, nothing stolen, no sickness (need to take Malaria meds - ugh!), and prison safety.
• For the people we meet, the knitting ladies, and the ministry workers - that they would find peace and rest and His great love and comfort.
• Opportunities to serve and bless.
• God would give us words to speak and His love and compassion.
• Finances.
• If you have any prayers for us, I would be so blessed and love to hear them! Please e-mail me.

God is calling LIFE out of dry ground. He is using His servants around the globe - everywhere - in your corner and in mine! He desires ALL Hearts to know Him. He so personally cares about EACH Person on this earth, in every community, county, country, continent... He pursues with LOVE and with LIFE. His Life transforms lives and communities and nations.

If you'd like to partner with me in this endeavor, go to http://shannonmintz.blogspot.com/p/how-to-give.html. I am making purchases that are above my normal living expenses, such as flights/travel, visas, coffee and stuff to bring to my ministry friends (it's more expensive there), paint brushes, etc. for ministry purposes, and miscellaneous trip needs.

Thank you for listening, praying, and your heart for the nations!

Love and God bless,
 
Shannon Mintz
Visit their website: Gogo Olive

This Little Girl, The Cross, and To Abide

When I was a little girl, I loved God first in my life (although this didn't make me very good or the perfect child). I know this because I wrote it in my diary, ahem, journal. But what I wrote probably looked more like this,

#1 I love God.

#2 I love my family.

#3 I love                  .   (Name omitted to protect the individual.)

 I was so moved by His death and resurrection, paying the penalty for my sins, and displaying His love and care for me. His death fulfilled thousands of years of prophecy - and demonstrated His desire for relationship, broken by sin, now restored so I could BE With Him. 

Rising moon over Cape Town from Lion's Head mountain hike.

Isn't that amazing that the God of the universe desires relationship with us? That is close, beside, near, WITH.

God loves me that much. 

God loves you that much.

He desires me to know Him and He to know me.

But today why do I have to remind myself of that little girl? I can try to figure things out, check off my "to do lists," keep busy, try to accomplish - of my own effort. 

But He whispers,

“Just Be With Me.”

"ABIDE."

                            

 

You asked me to strip away the “doing,” the “to do lists,” and to reveal my nakedness. Who I am. What You really see. I think it’s ugly. But You, You never have. You see beauty You’ve created and fashioned with care and intention and devotion. It’s difficult to sit still. To not try, to stop achieving and learning and giving and interacting. To JUST BE. Still. Just, breathe.

But really the stillness doesn’t just reveal me. It reveals my insecurities. The lies I’ve chosen to fashion into what I think and feel and believe. And to be honest, these form to make up something that I believed for so long was “me.” These compress and impose and pound – pummeling my mind with questions and squeezing my heart with regret. I am destroyed, charred in bitter and dark remains.

Is this all that I am? Empty? Breathless?

As a lay in waste, I sense a greater Form surrounds me. I can hardly look – my eyes are trapped in scales. But Radiance pervades. So different yet so familiar. And my gaze lifts as Greatness and Grace beckons. I see a reflection - if it’s a mirror it’s not. It’s so similar to me yet it’s not. Clean. Whole. Good.

I don’t hear but I hear... The words “Abide” wrap themselves through my body, my DNA, my atoms. I cannot “do” anything to seek audience with this King. I am “to be” – just To Be WITH Him.

You transform me, showing me that destruction was clothing me. And that it was not – IT IS NOT ME. I do not work to become clean. But You make me clean. As I sit in your presence. 

I am still.

To Be.

To Abide.

                                                                                  

"As the Father has loved Me, so I loved you. Abide in My Love."

~ John 15:9 ~

May you reflect on Jesus' Gift of Grace FOR YOU through His death and resurrection. And may you NOT DO more but allow yourself To Be. WITH. To Abide.

Learning about My Superhero Personality and Yours’ too, and Praying for Others – It’s a Gigantor of a Post – But Hopefully Amusing, Informative, and Thoughtful

I've been thinking about birthdays lately as I’ve entered my birthday month of October. I really love October, don't you? Maybe I am biased, but in the States one can be surrounded by a beautiful autumn - there is something brilliant about the fall-colored leaves cascading into blankets with crisp mornings and the warm glow of sunshine transforming the ice-glazed grasses (but I really don’t like getting my shoes - and feet - wet on those mornings).

Here in South Africa October brings on a different season – ocean side – the rain clouds are lessening, and the days are becoming warmer, brighter, and longer (although the winds pick up and can chill you to the bone). The air holds promise. Well, really, it holds the promise of summer - my favorite time of year. But I digress…

As I've been thinking about my birthday (and in denial about my age, past the 3 decade mark - and that's all the hint you get) I've also been reading about my personality. I LOVE personality tests! I love figuring out who people are and what makes them tick. And I'd say I love figuring myself out - but some days I just don't "get" ME.

 

Photo Credit: Superman image via article http://16mbti.blogspot.com/2013/07/superhero-mbti_8.html?m=1

I read more on the Myers-Briggs Personality Types recently, but this one was more awesome because it compared each personality to a superhero as in the Comic book kind (or if you watch movies). I love this because I’ve seen how those superheroes’ personalities worked in their “movie circumstances.” For years I’ve thought I was an ISFJ, Introvert-Sensing-Feeling-Judging – think Superman (which is pretty cool). Not to be boxed in, but this time I tested as an INFJ, Introvert-Intuitive-Feeling-Judging, as in Jean Grey from X-Men (or Beast – it’s a toss up between self-destructive fury or really furry). If you want to read more about superhero personalities – yours or mine – go to http://16mbti.blogspot.com/2013/07/superhero-mbti_8.html?m=1. There is a link to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator at the bottom of the article, or go to it here at http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp (or take a similar test at http://www.teamtechnology.co.uk/tt/t-articl/mb-simpl.htm). I would love to learn about your personality (according to the article “INFJ’s want to understand other people’s motivations”) so comment on my blog or shoot me an e-mail, but again don’t box yourself in – we all have multi-superhero-personality disorder! Just kidding, we are each multi-faceted, unique, specially and significantly created individuals.

On the personality note, I've met some of these really awesome, multi-faceted, and unique individuals – with a variety of personalities. This past year in South Africa I've been blessed to make beautiful friends - some different and some more similar to me (many times my close friends are quite the opposite of me in personality – go figure – with a few overlapping interests). I've been astounded by the staff I have the opportunity to work with in ministry. 

These people are international. These people are national. And local. 

From various backgrounds.

All amazingly different and gorgeously unique.

Introverted and Extroverted. Joyful Ones. Prayer Warriors. Encouragers. Compassion. Passion. Preachers. Teachers. Leaders and Learners.

Jesus Followers. God Glorifiers.

And as we reach for the heavens here on earth, the Holy Spirit in us and working through us – God WITH us –

There are hardships we face.

They take on different forms:

- Disease.

- Death.

- Discouragement.

- Defeat.

- Lack of food, housing… 

- Even the worry of "Will the resources come so that I can feed my family, or even me… tonight? Tomorrow?"

- "Will I have a job next week? Or in a month?"

And I am not just saying these things because they just occurred to me. But… but I come face to face with these Faces. (If we stop for a second and dare to un-guard our hearts, can't we all see the Faces?)

What I want to say is this – Four Things:

1. I am THANKFUL for TOGETHERNESS. That we can all work together. Minister together. Meet together. That it doesn't matter the country, continent, ethnicity, social background we come from, or the variety of personalities - and although there is sin in the world and there is the guarantee we will bump heads, God created people to BE and DO together.

2. I am THANKFUL for MY PERSONALITY. I have fits of not understanding myself and my character which is continually in the process of needed transforming, but I am reminded how much I love small groups and one-on-one time with people (and small doses of large crowds!). Being there WITH them. Listening. Learning Deeply Who They Are. Empathizing. And Interceding. (And laughing - yes, the privileged few get to meet my goofy side.)

3. I am THANKFUL for the UNIQUENESS of EACH PERSON and the VARIANCES of PERSONALITY. We are glaringly different. We have our garbage and struggles. And Yet, God did not dis-choose us because of this (we have to deal with it and journey through it). I may be struggling right now. You may be struggling. But God has specially created each person with a unique personality and wonderful talents. To care for the earth – His whole Creation and People. And to glorify Him through this.

4. And finally - not last or least - but essentially, please pray. Yes, I may have mountain-highs and valley-lows, and I am so thankful for your prayers for me. But right now I ask you to PRAY FOR THOSE AROUND ME who I minister with, who I minister to, even those who I don't know (because God can call a stranger to pray for the stranger). I see grief. I see talents. I see people needing Strength. Needing Peace. Needing - not the wind or the storm - but the gentle whisper… The still, small voice. The arms to hold and comfort. The door to open. The finances to pour. The worries and fear to be replaced by courage. And God's reality - God WITH us - to be truly known.

                                                                                                                                               

What personality are you?

Can this be helpful in understanding more of yourself and your journey?

Can this be helpful in understanding more of others?

Thanks for reading and for your comments and prayers.

Blessings,

Shannon

(For further reading, see Gen. 1, 1 Kings 19, Isaiah 7-8, Matt.1, Eph. 2-4)

On Remembering and Thanking - On Visiting WITH YOU in the States (With Pictures!)

Hello, States!
Hello, family and friends! 
Long time, no see! 

A year and a half goes by quickly and slow as snails (and all at the same time!) –
“I miss you,” says me!
Recapping my visit and trek across 9 States -  
Ah, even these nearby memories hold my wistful gaze.

Delighting in "squish" faces with my "growing in front of me," "baby no more," beautiful niece. 
Basking in flowers and sunshine. 
Mountain views. 
Glass lakes.
Cascading waterfalls.

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Horse, ride, hike and bike.

Aching legs - not used to rides!

Plane (neck ache), train, auto, and BUS -

36 hours (yes, on the bus) –

"Go big or go home!"

 

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Interesting people - and stories - from all walks of life (!!!)

And all over the globe - China, England, India, Spain…

Good conversation – that’s a delight.

Lost bag (ahem, bus line I shall not name). 

Then found again.

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Generosity to the utmost - again and again.

Clothes to borrow.

Beds to sleep.

Cars to drive.

Drivers to drive me.

Coffee and dinners – Mexican food –
Ah, in South Africa none’s been in sight!
Sharing and caring.
Laughter and jokes abound.
I think I’m stress free!

- The chiropractors help.
And vitamins – restocking my bags galore.
“Being healthy, eating healthy” is my motto.
But my body doesn’t agree.  

“Is it whooping cough?”
Nope.
“But you’re Really, Very sick.”
“Take these drugs”
and 3 weeks of feeling very yuck.

And nearing the end,
It’s been constant, “quick” hellos
And “let-me-NOT-think-about-the-goodbyes” 
For two months time.
“Man, I hate this emotional ride.”

I still see your Faces – 
Ah, I’ve been poor at capturing the digital kind. 
But my heart –
It’s surrounded by love and friendship,
Generosity and encouragement – 
The “crosses oceans” kind.

Family. 
Family. 
Friends who are family.
Strangers who become friends.
God knows I need them.
God knows I need Him.

He provides exactly what I need. 
“Please take care of my family, friends,
All I’ve left behind.
You know I need them.
You know they need You.” 

I don’t know how to end this message
But for what’s been my heart’s next prayer.
I can always be occupied by “do,” “what’s next,”
Even “work on” and “grow.”
But right now I see JESUS. 

To worship, glorify and thank Him. 
Because He, HE IS IT. 
Nothing else.
No more.

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”

~ Isaiah 6:3 ~

                                                                                                                                                            

 As I am back in South Africa about a month now, I reflect. 

I am so thankful to God for WHO HE IS - for everything.

I am so grateful to you, my friends and family, for your encouragement, caring, praying, generosity, time, and love while I was visiting the States. 

No words describe how God has used you (and still is!). 

I realize again how important Connection, Community, and Being Surrounded and Supported is - even from afar. 

Thank you for being a vehicle of blessing.

With Love. 

Shannon

                                                                                                                                                              

I'd love to hear from you.

What are you thankful for?
What is the Lord bringing to reflection for you during this season?