I will bring praise!

Hello everyone!!
Its been a long time since I have been on here…I know Amy has told how busy we are and kept you all updated but I finally have time to share what God has been doing in my life! Wow…I don’t even know where to start…I think I first want to start with a song that God has put on my heart…Its by the group, Hillsong so I encourage you all to find it online and listen to it…I pray it speaks to your hearts as well! Here are the words…
“Desert Song” --Hillsong
This is my prayer in the Desert This is my prayer in the harvest
When all that’s within me feels dry When favor and providence flow
This is my prayer in my hunger and need I know I’m filled to be emptied again
My God is the God who provides The seed I’ve received I will sow
This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith provided of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame
I will bring praise, I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I’ll stand
All my life, In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
This song has impacted my heart greatly. Before I came to Zambia this time I felt dry and the battles were great many times getting ready for this trip…I have had such an amazing time though and its been a blessing to meet so many new people and unify together to serve God…even though I am tired, God has renewed my heart and mind…this songs theme talks about prayer and God has opened all of our eyes to the power and NEED of prayer at every moment of the day…we have stopped many times during the day to come together and pray…whether with people in the kitchen or others…this place has been bathed in prayer and I know God wants us to carry this back with us to our homes and ministries! No matter what I will bring praise to my Lord and Savior…what a powerful song!
This time has been very different than the first time I came with Encounter. When I came with them, we were gone most of the time in school’s singing…this time I have spent a lot of time in the kitchen as most of you know. I have missed being out with the people too but it has been awesome being the prayer warriors and serving people in whatever way we can! The times I have gone out though, I have made some sweet friendships with people I plan to keep in touch with…
Ok so It was adventure first of all getting here and it felt like we were never going make it….but we did, safe and sound! I got sick the first night and then wasn’t feeling good most of the next day…God was good though and gave me the strength to accomplish what I needed too. Sunday was somewhat relaxing and it was nice to rest a little before the crazy week started…
Every day has had different challenges but I wouldn’t trade any of them…they have bonded this team closer together and many prayers have been answered as I know Amy told you! Tuesday I went to the clinic for the afternoon to help with whatever they needed…the smells were a bit overwhelming at first but once I started helping the doctors I forgot about them…I don’t really like going to the doctor in the first place so going into that clinic to help was a step of faith…I loved it though and I even pulled a tooth…God gave me the strength and I was'nt that nervous or grossed out…I was amazed that I had pulled something out of someone’s body and helped them with a pain that had been hurting for a long time!
I also have seen some friends that I had made before and been able to re-connect with them…The people here are amazing! I am humbled when I hear what they have been through and yet have so much joy in the Lord…!
Also, I don’t know how many of you I told that there is an African Encounter team as a result of when our team came in 2005! I have been able to see them and are supposed to be singing with them before we leave…its so awesome to come back 3 years later and see how God has been using the Encounter team here in Zambia…wow!
So much more has happened that I cant even describe to you right now…but God has been working mightily and we are so grateful for all the prayers of our families and friends!!! We could not do this without everyone working together in the name of Jesus and for His mission!
So…thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! I praise God for all of you and am praying for you….
we3
For His glory,
valerie