A Year of Discovery - My History in South Africa Part II

To read the first part of this two part series on "My History in South Africa," please click here: My Beginnings in South Africa - History Part I
 
After careful consideration and prayer, I stepped forward with courage to face my fears and to discover and pursue my passions and new ministries. Here are some of the things I've been involved in during 2014.

 

I remembered that I love to mentor and disciple people in life and missions - for people to understand their intimate value in God, to pursue deeper relationship with the Lord, and to be empowered to living fully for His Kingdom. I've been able to step out in mentoring these future missionaries and world changers. 

I helped to implement Creative Communications at YWAM Muizenberg, as it’s a new thing. I believe God desires to use communications (writing, photography, art, film) through the internet and social media to demonstrate how God is moving in South Africa. It’s also a significant way people can come to know Jesus and to celebrate and love people in my community. I love that people can be valued and empowered through communications!

I started the YWAM Muizenberg blog, where our missionaries write about how God is moving in South Africa!

Justice Doll educates and empowers people to fight human trafficking and global injustices. It's also a job creation program for vulnerable women. I built relationships with the women and supported their director through intercession and helped her with vision and to write communications.

“Awake” is a YWAM ministry a day a week to the community, which is open for anyone to come, the homeless, nonbelievers, and even Christians.  We listen, pray, share Jesus, and love on them. It’s amazing how God draws and touches lives!

Praying & sharing Jesus.
Photo Credit: Bethesda House Staff

I had the opportunity to go with a friend to Zimbabwe to paint a mural on a prison wall, interview and film the ladies at the ministry/job creation program Gogo Olive, share from God’s Word, pray for people, bless, and serve however we could. I would love MORE Opportunities to GO to the Nations to love and bring the transforming message of Jesus. I don’t know exactly what that looks like, but it is on my heart for the future.

Working with the ladies at Gogo Olive in Zimbabwe.
Photo Credit: Felicity Davies

I am so thankful for the opportunity this year to receive more training in Biblical worldview, how the Bible is applicable to all areas of today's society, in communications, and in spiritual leadership. It has been an amazing growing experience, and I hope to continue to apply what I've learned in my life! 

I praise God for His hand and guidance this year! He has been so gentle and loving and yet so powerful and healing and bringing freedom in my life. Here's to MORE of Him and His Kingdom revealed in 2015!

*If you'd like to learn more about Youth With A Mission Muizenberg, you can check out their website here: http://ywammuizenberg.org/

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)

When ANTS in the Sugar Tops Off Your Morning...

You know when you get up and things just start feeling "off"?

Photo Credit: HAC Staff

And then...

And then...

And then you're really, really late, and it's beyond your control... (Ahem, yep, I'm talking about myself here, and yes, there WERE ants in the sugar - lots of them!!!)

It's like that children's book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day!

What do you do?!

Sometimes ya just gotta realize that the day will keep on coming,

And ya gotta just keep on going (with a few, "Oh, my!" "Really?!" and a few exclamation points thrown in!).

And maybe the enemy has something out for ya too - he has it easy with your taxed and overwhelmed attitude.

But then your friend starts praying,

You check your "-tude" in the mirror (cuz it's an ugly face staring back at you),

And the sun begins to shine (literally, this is happening as I speak, err write - cold, dreary rain has turned into sunshine peeking in the doorway).

                                                                                                                                                          

So really, how do you respond when your day turns upside down? 

How do you turn (you or your day) right side up again?

When WORRY Has A Choke Hold

When one part of your life becomes difficult, does it affect the other areas of your life? And negatively at that?

Well, I have been learning - very painfully - is that when I stress about one thing, I let it ooze into the rest of my life! I admit that I am not the faith-filled, little missionary with even the mustard seed kind of faith.

And this - my lack of faith, my stress, anxiety, and worry - is really ugly.

Photo Credit: HAC Staff

Lately, my ministry, my co-workers, friends, and housemates could practically visualize this "burden" upon my shoulders. I hate this - that my "worry" gets in the way of connecting with my students, co-workers, friends, and housemates. Ugh.

And "the burden" is not "the problem," but "the burden" is "the worry" I choose to carry.

It has to do with that "new home" (a.k.a. apartment) I just moved into. I learned new information upon arrival that makes it advisable to leave (no, it's not the housemates. I love them and will be taking them with me).

One reason to leave is the lack of security, and this affects my feeling of safety. There was a burglary here a few months back - a common occurrence here. At night I wake up to various noises and wonder if its someone breaking the windows and entering the next room - really, I do.

Ironically, I'm reading a book now that addresses some of this topic. The author Lisa McKay says, "I'd eventually learned that when you don't feel entirely safe, it's hard to feel at home, regardless of how you define it."

So we are looking to move - SOON - to another "new home."

I know that my circumstances in life will not always change, and if they do, that will only be a temporary solution to my worry - and not really "fix" what I need to address in MY OWN SELF. I still need to learn to give my cares over to God MORE SOMEHOW and have MORE FAITH SOMEHOW. Do you know how to do this? Because I do try and pray and "focus on God" but...?

It raises the question, "Do I really trust God?" With believing God for provision, moving to a foreign country, asking Him to help me give and love others - with all of this, why am I still not trusting Him to care for me?

I read in Matthew 6 where it says "do not be anxious" how many times?!?!

"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" (Matthew 6:30 ESV)

"O YOU of little faith," I bleakly chide myself.

I Am Convicted.

I Acknowledge. GOD. KNOWS. as verses 31-32 continue.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
~ Matthew 6:33-34 ~

And So I Seek... (Honestly, isn't seeking hard to define, to understand - in my muddled, partial, human, faulty and reliant - because "I can't do it myself" efforts?)

I realize how much this is a battle. Spiritually (not to leave out mentally and emotionally). I desire to change - to grow in my faith, as a person, free of worry, and in trusting God. I desire to put worry aside so that I can focus on what really matters and love the people around me.

And this post is so hard for me to share with you and to write for myself and acknowledge - these ugly parts of me. That I still need to be transformed. And that I ask for your prayers. Because I realize that I cannot walk this alone. It is tough over here, as in the PLACE and in the HEART - as I am sure it is over there where you live too.

And I Will "Therefore Do Not Be Anxious..." and "Therefore Be..." to another day when I have the benefit retrospect to give me more perspective. (And I postpone worry this evening to wrap myself in a good book from which the included quote came.)

                                                                                                                                                         

Would you consider sharing your story - about worry and/or faith here? Where are you at? What do you find helpful or harmful?

 I would love to learn from you and to pray with you.

Life Skills - More than For Work & For Life But also For the Heart

My first two weeks of the Life Skills Course in the South African township of Philippi is complete, and now I have a chance to reflect and rest (kindof) before classes start up again! We have 28 young adult students learning in an experiential and reflective environment. During the first week they learned everything from trust, acceptance, self-esteem, forgiveness, how our qualities and values affect how we problem solve, how to work together in a business, managing people and activities, and time management. They are eager learners ready to change their lives! I am so excited and blessed to be part of their journey. 

Students participating in a class exercise
All Photos Here Credit: HAC Staff

 Where? Hope Africa's concentration is in the township of Philippi, about a 20-30 minute drive away from where I live (near Cape Town). This is an area with many townships, numbering from hundreds of thousands to possibly a million or more people. It's hard to find a specific number.

Who? Philippi's majority are from the Xhosa tribe, and so are most of our students - some of whom have moved in from across the country in the Eastern Cape (I am located in the Western Cape) and live with relatives or a parent(s) in order "to find better life," as many of my students have expressed with hopefulness. 

A student's story may consist of a broken family, a tin home with a leaky roof, teenage pregnancy, finding it hard to concentrate, even in elementary through high school, because of hunger - and lack of finances even to buy food - just many difficult circumstances... But others' stories may include loving dads, close relationships with their mothers, although many families live in small homes - laughter and love, hope beyond their circumstances, joy and peace found in God... 

These 28 students have taken a step towards HOPE. They have names difficult to pronounce for my foreign tongue, like "Vukuzenzele" (Vue - kue - zenn - zae - lae) - actually that's not a name that I know of, but each name sounds similar to that and like it has a hundred syllables. Some names include clicking sounds - something I am not experienced with. Hopefully, I'll be learning some Xhosa language soon!

When? Monday through Friday my team and I car pool to our classroom in Philippi. The computer training and Bible overview sessions begin soon.

Why? Classes go Deep. Interactive. Reflective. Because the deep stuff like our trust issues or our relationships and communication at home affect who we are and how we interact whether in our personal life or in our workplace environment.

How? To identify trust issues and learn to trust, we worked in groups. For example, a person had to lie on the ground as the group worked together to lift the person above their heads and return them safely to the ground again. Yes, I was the largest person in my group of small-sized girls - I practically held my breath the whole time, and my gymnastics training came in handy. And no, not for the dismount from above their heads (just kidding) but for holding my body tight and straight as a board!

Step 1: Get a good grip. Step 2: Lift.

Step 3: Don't drop! (and don't look down!)

My group and I lifting, lifting, lifting (and hopefully not dropping)!

On Monday the topic was communication. They were asked to reflect and discuss, "what is communication?," "hindrances to effective communication," and "how do we effectively communicate?" for each person and within a team (such as a business). This then led the class to look at communication at home/within their families and to identify and discuss how to work on/maintain communication in relationships. It was an emotional day as students addressed difficult relationships, such as with their fathers, and how the process of forgiveness is healthy for their hearts personally, even if the relationship cannot be resolved.

How can I pray? Yes please - please pray!

• For my students  - to share the deeper stuff and to take in all they can learn.
• For my team - to learn all we can and for God to give us wisdom in how to guide our students.
• For a family on my team - their little 16 month old boy has been having severe health issues (including emergency trips), especially in his lungs.
• For a great roommate and apartment to come available SOON!

Thank you so much for your lives, love, prayers, and support. I love the little messages I've received from you - I carry you in my heart (that little ocean really does make you seem so far away). 

                                                             Blessings. Shannon

Life's Little & Larger Blessings - The Sweet & Sour - But It's a Pretty Sweet Start!

When I get to fly I get a little excited. I love to travel. and fly. and watch people in airports. and be anonymous. and the mystery, the intrigue of strangers.

Travel is Seasoned - Both Sweet and Sour. 

The sour can make the blessings sweeter, and both contribute to make memorable stories. (Note: If this post sounds in any way corny or dorky, it is. I am a dork. Embrace it.) Sour comes saying goodbyes to family and friends. Sweet goes hellos to South Africa's friends and experiences. Sour comes my heavy luggage. Sweet is that its makes weight, and I don't have to pay fees for my checked bags (and I get a workout)! My airplane seat reading light doesn't work - but my sweet neighbor likes to read a lot and shares hers with me. Sadly, that same seat is broken and won't recline for my 10 hour overnight flight to South Africa - but I SO appreciate a bed right now. Airplane food usually bites the dust, but I am so hungry I rave about the pasta. Sweet that I make all my flights (including my luggage) when I sometimes wait less than 10 minutes or another time run through Frankfurt airport to get there late and still make it!  Thank you, Lord, through the sweet and sour!

Unusual snow in Hamburg, Germany - the Rooftops (my fav pic).

Sweet Conversations. 

The older English gentleman sitting next to me on my LONG flight from Chicago to London was the grandfatherly type in the best sort of way. We chattered on about history and family history - he's researching his ancestry. Not only do I enjoy history which I studied at university, but I would love to research more of my family history someday - I wrote a paper on my Italian side at uni (as the British say university).

Sweet Stops.
Along with South Africa, one of my greatest prayers these past 2 years was to visit a dear friend (from YWAM Montana) in Germany. It so worked out I could take a longer layover for the same ticket price! As I was escaping from winter U.S.A. to warmer - summer - weather in South Africa, I found myself in one of the greatest cold fronts in Europe. Hamburg was at its coldest in years - "the event" was to venture out of the uncommonly frozen lake and slide around in our boots! I have a new appreciation for our personal cars in rural Montana as Hamburg transportation meant freezing walks to the bus, train, and subway stops! But blessings abounded including European history, international flava', encouragement, prayers, and the bond of friendship.

On my German stop for a coffee to warm up - it's bitterly cold out!

Sweet Starts.

And I'm off to a running start! Although a bit tired (from that stiff seat and left over jet lag), I was reunited with my friends, mentors, and founders of Hope Africa Collective. In my first full day "in country," the team and I set out for the township of Philippi, pronounced "Phill - i (short i sound) - ppe." I cleaned the office closet - normal stuff happens here too - and 30 students registered for the Life Skills course out of over 90 applicants! The team and I will be participating in the classes, building relationships, and learning how to teach these classes for the future! We have two dedicated, veteran teachers leading us. As the students learn job skills and both Christians and non-Christians join these courses, I love that under the surface they are learning Bible based values and being challenged personally. It is the hope for transformation to be from the heart (internal) to the external (living) and from individual to the community. I think that one of our leaders said it best that it is "presenting skills for them to live life to the fullest." (Note: Pics in South Africa coming soon.)

Sweet Prayers.

Classes begin Monday, February 13th! Please pray:

• For all of our 30 students to show up Monday morning - open and willing to learn.
• Prepare their hearts and minds.
• Our teachers and team - to be sensitive to how God is working in the classroom.
• Team bonding.
• Peace and rest in the midst of 2 busy months - new classes, learning, training... (not to stress and increased capacity and memory).
• Setting up the computer skills classroom - internet, electricity, computers, etc.
• Housing for me - affordable and the right fit for place and roommate. Help me to "know."
• Settling in - (cell phone - done today!) furnishings, food, and down the road - a car... And time to get things done.
• Friendships.
• Time with God. Renewal.

Hopefully, you are able to identify all the Sweet Praises I included in this post! Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support! Maybe I am in the first days of blissful, surreal beginnings, but I think that's okay. Reflecting on the good and the bad, the little and the larger blessings today is highlighting how truly great our God is! and I guess He's pretty sweet too.

____________________________________________________________________

Let me know: What is God highlighting in your life as Sweet and Sour lately, this week, today? How can you be thankful for the sweet and the sour? 


You are in my thoughts and prayers. I'd love to hear from you! 

Blessings, 

                     Shannon

Praises & Prayers - Leavin' on a Jet Plane Tomorrow - Ack!

Dear Friends and Family,

I've had a lot to do to before leaving for South Africa (2011 taxes anyone?) tomorrow and big financial miracles to hope for! You know, it's amazing what I remembered at the last minute that I needed to do. But I have been so encouraged by you, my friends, as I prepare for this journey and epic change in my life. Thank you so much for your prayers and lovely e-mails. I love hearing from you. So let's start with the Praises and Thanking God for what He has done!

Praises:

• His Provision! Thank you so much for being part of His provision. I am on my way to monthly financial stability in South Africa and getting a car. More Miracles, Lord!
• Sharing with Glendive Alliance Church was such a blessing! Thank you for adopting me in every time.
• My bags may be too full for my flights back (now a prayer - that they are NOT overweight!). :)
• Times with friends and family in the States - fellowship, food, fun, favorite memories...
• Seeing my sister and her husband's newborn girl! This is my first niece, and I am so grateful.
• Encouragement to my Heart, and God teaching me Hard but Worthy things about Him and about Me.
• Even in the face of difficulties, He knows His plans for me!
• God is Good!

And if you could please continue to Pray:

• For a few more people to be led to partner with me in monthly support.
• For continued donations for a car.
• For safe travels to South Africa: safe roads to the airport, flights on time, and no lost bags!
• For God to draw the people to the classes (starting with Life Skills, Computer Skills, and Biblical Training), For the teachers to be well-equipped and lead with wisdom and discernment, and For the students Hearts and Minds to be open to the Lord and learning.
• For my missions team - to be led by God and to work together in unity.
• For passion and discernment - in  my words and building new friendships with the African people.

Thank you so much for your encouragement and prayers!

In His Power and Name,

Shannon Mintz

"Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen."
 
~ Philippians 4:14-20 ~

Here is what I am involved in this year in South Africa, celebrating 20 years of my Bible School!

I am privileged to be a student in the 20th year of the School of Biblical Studies here at YWAM Muizenberg, South Africa, and so we are celebrating in a variety of practical and life-giving ways!

Here are some of the things we are believing to take part in:

• Reaching out through our staff and students in teaching and training to 20 different locations!
• Spending 20 hours of prayer for the spread of Bible teaching in Africa and beyond.
• Helping assist 20 different people in doing their SBS/BCC* around the world this year. 

*School of Biblical Studies/Bible Core Course

I hope to be filling you in this year as we, as a school staff and students, have opportunities to serve the local communities and to support Bible teaching and Bible teachers in Africa to know God and make Him known!

Please lift these things up in your prayers: the African people and my Bible school and I as we study God's Word, He reveals Himself to us, and we are transformed and able to give to others what God has given to us!

...And Here I Go!!! South Africa!!!

Me on a rock bridge in the Badlands of Montana.

I don't even know where to start... because so much has happened in my "transition" from YWAM Montana to South Africa. So I'll try to summarize my usual long windedness - for your benefit.

Here are some points of God's Blessing and Continued Prayer.

#1) God's Provision. Thank you so much for your generous blessings on my journey. I was able to buy things needed for South Africa, renew my passport, purchase plane tickets and a South African visa, and pay for my 1st term of tuition for School of Biblical Studies! I am truly astounded by how God works through you and beyond my little faith.

Please pray for continued provision, especially monthly donations. Consistent giving helps me to be able to plan for how I will pay my expenses and so that I can pay these. I have 2 more terms of tuition due January 1 and April 1 plus personal expenses.

If you would like more information on how to give, please go to http://shannonmintz.blogspot.com/p/how-to-give.html

#2) Blessed time with friends and family. Time flew by as my time was limited and we all were very busy this summer, so I am sad I was not able to see all of you. But I was truly blessed my old and new friends. Thank you for your hospitality and fellowship, coffee and chats, laughter and yes, even some good tears.

Please pray for a few good friendships to develop easily. And a great roommate!  I am starting new in South Africa - it's a good thing to have a few good people around. :)

#3) Safe Travels. God kept me safe through many States, many miles, and sometimes even 12 + hours in the car - alone! And wonderful friends to stay with along the way. The highlight of driving is always North Yellowstone National Park below Bozeman, MT! It's mountains and streams are breathtaking and will get any hikers blood running.

Please pray for continued ease and safety in traveling.

#4) YWAM School of Biblical Studies. Please pray for my studies, transitioning smoothly into the culture, and outreach opportunities. I will be starting the School of Biblical Studies in Muizenberg, South Africa on September 27th. This training will enable me to teach God's Word to Africans with little or no Bible training. I am looking forward to being immersed in God's Word, hearing more of God's heart, building friendships with my co-students from around the world, and connecting with my South African neighbors in the surrounding community through life, study, and outreach!

Thank you every one of you for your friendship, prayers, encouragement, and support!  If you don't know it already, God uses you to help me walk forward in faith when I am weak and hold my head up as you see Who God has created me to be. I only hope to touch people as God has used you to touch my life - to love, to be kind, to be a friend, to be a support SO that others can learn how to be the same - touched by the kindness of God that leads to repentance (Rom. 2:4). And that they may be moved to touch others.

Bless you.

Shannon Mintz

School of Dance Studies Starts!

Dear friends,

Youth With A Mission Montana's School of Dance Studies began Monday! I am excited, nervous, and anticipatory all at the same time, but God has given me a lot of peace for staffing this school. I am getting little glimpses of who the students are and their hunger to learn, and I will get to know them well during the course of this school, as God unravels the layers to who they are to be in Him.

One of my favorite parts of equipping missionaries through Y.W.A.M. schools is hearing their hearts for the nations and the visions they have to bring glory to God! One of our students from India could not come to the School of Dance in 2008-09 because he did not have the funds, but he is here now, blessed with a scholarship. He believes that music and dance are successful ways to today's youth and dreams to open a dance schools in his native land and further in Asia. He sees School of Dance as furthering his training in order to witness for Christ through this area of the Arts.

*If you could remember my students in your prayers, especially for unity, as they are representing many nations, and a eager desire to learn through the hard work. They are from India, Singapore, the U.S.A., Netherlands Antilles, Norway, Germany, Finland, New Zealand, and Rwanda.

Thank you friends for your care and investment in my life. I am truly grateful and couldn't do this without God using you. Bless you.

Prayer in January 2008

This won't be a pretty song of eloquent praise to You because today I went from peaceful calm to disgust at my own humanity—my own rejection of You when I need You the most and know You will never forsake me—I choose to believe a lie in the midst of knowing the truth and seeing Your truth and power displayed in my life again and again. I seek forgiveness from this awful place. You are holy. You are worthy. You are truth and choose to act justly and righteously. I thank You, thank You for who You are—never changing all the time. You are a beautiful symphony, all instruments and melodies in Your hymn of praise. Glorify. Gratitude. Strength in my life. I simply say, “I give up control because You are the writer of the greatest song of my life! Not my own—but Yours!” Holy. Worthy. Nothing I imagined, but everything I’ve dreamed. Abandoned—upon the cross.

(Written during YWAM Community Meeting)