roomin' with rach

16 February 2009

We Be Cruisin'

Part of my family (missed you bro and sis) and our best friends went on a cruise to the Southern Caribbean for one last hoorah before I head to South Africa.

Here are my top 5:

1. Meeting Zelda

She was our waitress at dinner each night and "just happened" to be from South Africa :)

I was able to get her contact information and hope to see her on the other side of the Atlantic!

2. Experiencing different cultures

We had many opportunities to meet people, from the cruise waitstaff to our taxi drivers on the islands. We were able to speak with them and learn about their lives and culture. I pray we showed Christ's love through our speech and actions.

Meet Mustin from St Lucia.

3. Snorkeling in Tortolla

We got to see many colorful fish and even a sea turtle. We had a guide named Taz who showed us the way into this cave. I was pretty scared which was proven by my scream of terror when out of no where D swam in the cave behind me. Taz thought it was pretty funny and said we were his favorite.

4. Cosol Tours in St. Lucia

We got to see the Piton mountains (which means Twin Peaks in Creole), a waterfall, botanical gardens, volcano, banana plantation, as well as enjoy a boat ride to a secluded beach and a spread of local foods.

5. And of course, spending time with loved ones!

Thank you guys for coming and making this so special and memorable.

14 February 2009

It's Official

YES! I'm headed to South Africa at the end of June :)

And a Happy 33rd Anniversary Mom & Dad

You have always been there for me through the good times and especially the bad. Thanks for always supporting and praying for me. I thank God daily for giving me such loving parents.

It is because you have raised me up to fear the Lord through your example that I am now headed to South Africa. Thank you.

I'll miss you!

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

30 January 2009

Interview

Here's my top 5:

1. Making new friends from all over the States

2. Meeting and speaking with our regional leaders

3. Hearing stories of how God brought people there

4. Getting in trouble for playing Nerts at 10 o'clock

5. Meal time :)

I am both excited and nervous as I wait to find out if I am accepted (Feb. 12)! Whether I am or not, I am thankful for the opportunity to go to this conference.

Many are the plans in the mind of the man but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

10 January 2009

The Beginning...

In 2002, I had the opportunity to go to Zimbabwe with my youth group. This was an eye opening experience that changed my life. God placed a love of Africa in my heart. I have had the desire to go back ever since this trip...

...which happened in June 2008. I got to be a part of our first children's ministry international trip taken by 5th and 6th graders (with their parents of course) to South Africa. God really used this trip to affirm my love for the people. I hope to go back in June 2009 to serve for 2 years. Please keep me in your prayers as I wait to see if this is the Lord's will for my life.

Here are a few pictures of the adventures had:

We had a lot of Backyard Bible Clubs. This picture best illustrates how awesome the kids were. They were always willing to jump in to lead songs, games, crafts or assist with the Bible story.

We went to an after school program where we served a meal to children who have been orphaned or infected by AIDS. After serving food, we had a Backyard Bible Club with the children. I have to say this was the highlight of the trip for me! I fell in love with these children.

We went to a Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve where we got to see not only rhinos and lions but spring bok, ostrich, warthog, zebra, wild dog, cheetah and many more. After the safari, we had the opportunity to play with lion cubs. It was fun until the lion attached my cousin and drew blood.

On our last day we went to a market to shop. Well... I ran out of money so I decided to trade my new balances for two giraffe sculptures for my mom and I. Talk about a good deal!

09 January 2009

Videos

Please partner with the Soweto Evangelism Team in prayer for the people of Soweto. This video is a virtual prayer walk to show you different sides of our ministry and how you can pray specifically.

Pray for Soweto from Rachel Jensen on Vimeo.

What does freedom mean to you?

Freedom Day, South Africa from Rachel Jensen on Vimeo.

I would love to carry my future children this way! Who needs an expensive baby carrier when you can buy a two dollar towel??

African Baby Sling from Rachel Jensen on Vimeo.

Please pray for the children who are attending Sunday Schools at local churches. Pray for the Sunday School teachers as they train these children in the way they should go.

Sunday School from Rachel Jensen on Vimeo.

Praise God for Tebogo and her decision to follow Christ!

Tebogo's Prayer from Rachel Jensen on Vimeo.

Baptism

Blog Roll

About Me

I hope to keep family and friends updated on life across the Atlantic ocean. I'm currently living in Joburg, South Africa working with children and young women. We are currently doing Girls Clubs with Grade 7 girls in Soweto. We teach them what it means to be a woman based on the Bible. Please pray for these girls and the hardships they face daily. Pray for us as we disciple and mentor young women in the church. Pray that Soweto would be transformed by Christ!

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