Hey everyone. I am currently in an internet cafe on De Gama street in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa. I live in Africa... how crazy!!! It's hard for me to believe that.

 

So, for this update, I really want to be real, to be serious about this. Why did I come on this missions trip? What was my real, and true reasoning in going half way across the world to be here, in this place so foreign to me. I got many crazy looks when I told people that I was taking this adventure. And to be honest, it is kind of crazy. I'll admit that. And what's even crazier is that I know in my heart that I did not come for the right reasons. I came to South Africa out of my own selfish ambition. I came to South Africa because I wanted to get a different perspective on things, to see how the other part of the world lives, to help other people. Yes, all of that sounds well and good. Part of me would tell you that I came here for Jesus, but I can tell you right now that I didn't understand what that meant at the time.

The only reason I should be here is to share the gospel. What? Yes, to share the gospel. To share God's unending and perfect love with people that don't experience it each and every day. This is the only thing that saves people. And as our group was reading over and studying the book of James this past week, I realized that many people have supported me because I am going to help people in other parts of the world. And there is nothing wrong with this, but at the same time, I let them support me knowing this. I was too ashamed to say the only reason I am going is to share the gospel. As if it wasn't enough. It's more than enough. To be honest, what glory is there in lifting other people up? The work that I do here is for the glory of God, not for the glory of people. The love of Christ is the only thing that can transform lives. This is the truth.

 

The Lord has been showing me the truth. And I am making a conscious decision to walk in it. I walk in knowing that Christ has redeemed me by bringing me here, even if my whole being wasn't here for the right reasons. I walk in knowing that Christ can make the impossible possible. I walk in knowing that in what seems like a hopeless situation (as we see here on a daily basis) is really an opportunity for a beautiful transformation. I chose to walk in truth. And I thank God for planting this in my heart. 

 

 On a different note, the need here is obvious. I won't sugar coat it. People are living on nothing, babies are starving, abuse is rampant, and the cry needs to be answered. For all those who are reading this, I know that you are blessed, in the same way that God has blessed me materialistically. So I ask you, please donate. The ministries that all of us are involved in need materials. They need food, they need supplies, blankets, diapers, clothing, anything. Anything that you can send will be used!! So please, the excess money donated into my account will go to those in need. Even better, send stuff!! People can be blessed and experience the love of Christ by your donations!! If God is calling you, please answer!! 

 

 I apologize if this entry was really intense, but it is the truth. And speaking of truth, here is my TRUE address:

Adventures in Missions

Alene Brunkhurst

PO Box 921

Jeffreys Bay, South Africa 6330

 

 

In Christ,

Alene!!