Hi Friends!
This blog is all about my previous experiences in South Africa, and this November, I am going back!
In August 2011 I left
the United States to serve as a missionary in a land I had never been to: South
Africa. I’d always dreamed of working at a children’s home abroad, and this was
my opportunity. While I was there, the greatest lesson I learned was in giving
as Jesus gave. I was a stranger to the locals, but they showed me hospitality,
friendship, and the opportunity to go deeper with God. I came back in December
2011 and since then have tried to reflect an attitude of giving as Jesus gave.
Also upon returning to the States, I was unsure if God would lead me to go
abroad again. After more thought and prayer, I have continued to have the
desire and leading to go abroad, specifically to South Africa to serve through
Oceans of Mercy.
So on November 21st,
2012 I will make my way back to South Africa to serve again. I will be working with
the same children’s home, Jehovah Jireh Haven (JJ). I plan to serve at the
school I helped start when I was there previously, as well as at the preschool
some of the younger children from JJ attend. I am excited for the opportunity
to continue to build the relationships I have with the children of JJ as well
as the local South Africans. I will be returning on December 1st,
2012.
I would like to invite
you to support me as you feel lead. Most importantly, I need prayer. I am a
firm believer that prayer changes the outcome of all situations. Specifically,
I would like prayer for myself to have a flexible, loving, and sensitive heart.
I would also like prayer for those I will come in contact with. I desire for
God to use me as He sees fit during this time to meet the needs of those around
me. Secondly, I need financial support. Your donations are tax deductible. A
check can be written to Oceans of Mercy with my name in the memo line
and sent to Oceans of Mercy at P.O. Box 860143 Shawnee, KS 66286-0143.
Below is a picture of
some of the children from Jehovah Jireh Haven getting ready to sing at a
Christmas party. A local news station put on the party for the children last
year.
Thank you for taking time
to read this letter. If you have any questions or would like to hear more about
my upcoming trip please feel free to email me at eda989@mail.missouri.edu. You can also read more on this blog to see more about my experiences last year or visit oceansofmercy.com to learn more about Oceans. Thank you for being a part of my life!
Blessings,
Erica Alexander
