Ministry Update

Written by  Kelsey Waters

Ettionette

   I shared in my September newsletter about my new friend Etti, who trusted Christ a few weeks ago!  There wasn't much room for detail in the letter, so I'll give some of that here--

       My teammate (and friend) Liz were sharing together on campus one day (sharing=talking with Ivoirian students about the gospel), and were a little discouraged about the lack of females in the English department (which is where we spend most of our time, because 1. they are one of the only departments in session right now, and 2. we don't speak french well enough to go elsewhere... yet!).  So, we decided to sit in with Chrissy and Nathaneal (two of our other teammates) as they were talking with some guys about Jesus.  I remember tracing some lines in the dirt as I sat there, silently praying for Nathaneal as he was walking the guys through some scripture, feeling a little bit useless. Which is silly, of course, but it's pretty impressive how quickly I stray towards an attitude of performance, believing the lie that I'm not doing enough or at least not doing enough well.  So I sighed and said to the Lord, "Even if I don't see any fruit this year, I trust that you're good and you are using me here.  Even if all I ever do is pray for my friends as they see souls won for Christ, even if I never learn the language, even if I have zero faithful disciples by the time I leave this place, it will be worth it, because you have called me."  

   Not five minutes later, a male and female student (Etti!) approached us, and asked us if we could share with them what Nathaneal and Chrissy were sharing with the other guys.  (Seriously, do you see what I mean about the openness of people here?  It's insane.)  We found a small patch of grass (but mostly dirt) a few feet away, and sat down to share the gospel track with them.  Etti was immediately engrossed in the truth about Jesus and his atonement for us on the cross, and expressed a deep desire to know God and give her life to him-- but she was hesitant, because she didn't feel she would be able to resist certain temptations.  She was basically asking: "How do you keep from sinning? Because I've tried so hard in the past and it seems impossible."  The Spirit was gracious to give us the words to speak in that moment, explaining that we are all hopelessly unable to avoid sin without His power, and even then we will never be fully sanctified this side of heaven.  We talked about the importance of confession and transparent community in seeking to walk in the light;  how Jesus wants us right now, as we are, flaws and all-- no one has messed up too much or too often to be covered by his blood.  Considering this, she said yes, she wanted to claim the gospel as true and trust Jesus as Savior and Lord of her life!  We prayed with her, and she was so elated, so full of joy, she couldn't stop smiling!

  We are planning on meeting up with her soon to begin follow-up discipleship lessons, but so far scheduling conflicts have prevented us.  Pray that we would be able to see Etti again soon!  And rejoice with me that a new Ivoirian sister in Christ has been added to the family of faith! 

  I also want to state that, even though it looks like my prayer of surrender before our conversation with Ettionette somehow "earned" that experience of getting to share with someone and see her trust Christ, I have to remember that's not how it works.  That was a pure, undeserved gift from the Lord-- just like anything good that ever comes our way.  I still want to desire a heart of surrender, free from the pressures of performance and "ministry success"-- and not because I think the mere act of "surrendering" will garner said success.  And even when we see fruit, it's not of us!  We don't have the power to change hearts or minds-- that belongs to the Lord.  Pray that I would be firmly planted in this truth.  Pray that my team would be as well.  Pray that we would serve and minister out of sheer love and gratitude that God would even choose to draw us into his mission of reaching a lost world, not out of hope for results.  :)