Today is good Friday. Does anything else really matter? As I poured over the word this morning I heard the whisper of God's guidance tell me to anticipate my victories...to claim them in the name of Jesus. I read on to find that a battle requires preparation, ample ammunition and intensive training. My trip to Malawi is in many ways a battle. It is amazing to me how people have reacted to my plans to go. Those whom I expected to be encouraging were not. From those whom I expected nothing, I was suddenly receiving unexpected support. So many asked why would I want to go somewhere with no running water or electricity, others expressed fears and concerns about my safety. The best I can do to explain is that I have a distinct peace about this trip...I have from the start...that's just a gift from the Lord that I am not planning to give back. Although there is still so much preparing to do, I am excited about digging in my heels and getting started. One of the biggest tasks I need to address is fine tuning my testimony. I have told my testimony numerous times, but never in this Malawian culture with completely different social ques. Never before would I be sharing my story with an interpreter by my side. Never before  would I fumble for the few words that I  had managed to memorize in a foreign language. Never before in a country so different from mine. What I do know is that my part in all of this is to be a vessel set apart for whatever use my Father in heaven has in mind. I cannot prepare in any better way than by sitting at the feet of my Lord, focused on his word and determined to carry out his good and pleasing will.  Praise is the voice of faith and so I choose to praise you and most of all to trust you Lord.

"The song of praise is made of the very fabric of things hoped for. It becomes evidence of unseen things. It is the raw material in my hands from which I fashion your victories.' - Frances J. Roberts