To all our friends and supporters, man it is hot here. Calling for 104 every day until the rains get here. For the rain to come it has to get hot. You have to take the heat to get the rain. Praying for that rain to get here soon. Not only is it hot but the sun is so intense. It takes the energy out of you quickly when you are out and about in it. Enough of my whining about being hot.
Yesterday I had the privilege to teach 49 teachers at Believer's Destiny Academy about children's leadership. It was such a joy to have that many teachers willing to learn under a tent which was 110 degrees for 2 hours. I was able to share the core of our ministry and why they should work to be part of it. They have the ability to reach 40% of the population in Botswana about Jesus Christ who mostly ignored in churches, children. This work should be done with passion, the right attitude, with a team and with honor.
The teachers were engaged, asking questions and wanted more of what we have to provide and willing to come every week for 2 hours in the heat or not to learn. They want to take this teaching to their churches they attend and build their children's ministry. God has shown me the opportunities are out there. We must continue to pray for discernment and His direction as they become apparent to us.
The owner of the school has a vision of running children bible schools on Saturdays at 4 villages where she operates schools for 2 hours. She wants leaders trained to do this work starting the new school year. Tonya, the boys and I ran one of the bible schools for her on Saturday last week. 78 children were there without any advertising or pushing it throughout the village. Just word of mouth. Teaching them they are a child of the King, made in His image and His friend was so much fun. They were excited to hear this and joyful repeating this message to me. They were children who do not attend her school, so this is truly an out reach for the owner. I see God confirming her vision and joyful we can be part of training leaders to help this work.
Pray for the remaining training sessions we have with them. Pray for the energy it takes to pour out to this number of people. Pray for the leaders to connect to the vision to reach the unreached children who do not know God and His son Jesus. Pray for our boys as the final month of school for the year is here and their preparation to be home in the states for the holidays. Pray for my Suburban to get back on the road again before we head home. Pray for my son Hunter who will be leaving Botswana to finish high school in the US to prepare for university.
Thank you for all your support, love and prayers.
Scott Shipes
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
Praising God for all he is doing through your family's obedience to HIM! Thanking Him for those 49 teachers passionate enough about Christ to withstand the severe heat to learn better how to reach God's precious children. Praying for the owner of the school as she answers God's call in faith, to hold Bible schools in addition to all she is doing. Knowing that those He calls he equips and provides for! Praying an extra measure of his strength and mercy for you and Tanya as you reach that point of physical exhaustion with these high temperatures. Praying protection from the evil one as you go forth and share Jesus with so many. "Your help is in the name of the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 124:8
ReplyDelete