By: Aleisha Marina Pienaar It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. Philippians 1:20-21 Over the last few weeks, Emil and I have heard it said to us over and over again that we are very brave to be going to the Amazon Jungle. People are very aware of the dangers of the Jungle, and let me tell you, Emil and I are just as aware. Honestly, I'm so so so scared. I have no idea what to expect, and I am worried that I won't have the courage to make it through the three weeks we are there. I don't feel very brave. When I read what Paul and Timothy write in Philippians, I don't know how they managed to be so calm, and to trust Jesus so much. Making statements about how if they die, their death will glorify Christ, confounds me! I haven't reached that place of assurance just yet. But, can I share something a bit deeper with you? I'm not as afraid of the wild jungle as I am afraid of myself. I have two flaws that I know not everyone picks up on. 1. I have a very quick temper. 2. I am very impulsive. I try to keep these two things under control by being extra nice and patient to everyone around me, and by vigorously planning my days so that there is no room for silly decisions. Now, Emil and I are going to a foreign country. There is high tension about the Amazon Jungle. Not everyone agrees with our mission. The spiritual darkness is heavy over there. The lifestyle is rough. The weather is hot and muggy. There is no way to plan step-by-step how our mission will go from place to place in the jungle because time is understood differently there. The people speak a foreign language. Communication is going to take a lot of effort. Not to mention jet lag... I have no idea how Emil and I will react to all these displacing and discomforting factors. I'm very concerned that I will let my temper get the best of me, and that I will make decisions that are dangerous, and potentially life-threatening. I am worried that I will treat Emil disrespectfully. I have many potential scenarios bouncing around in my head every day. And then I look at Paul and Timothy, and their trust in Jesus. So a little further on in Philippians, they write: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 I am trying very hard to take their advice, and to know that God is in control. I am sure he will protect us from all enemy attacks, both internal and external.
So there is a little insight into my very human brain! I hope you will be encouraged to know that I am afraid, but I am trying to trust Jesus to keep us safe. One thing we are incredibly grateful for is your prayers. We thank our Lord Jesus Christ every day for your support and friendship. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we draw closer to this mission, and for the time we are over there. On a side note, if you would like to receive our newsletters, please contact us through the "Get in Touch" tab on this website. We will happily add you to our mailing list if you would like updates in paper form. Also, we have a few simple fridge magnets that we have designed with a verse on it that we would love to send to you, free of charge, so that every time you see it, you can be reminded to pray for us. We pray for all of you as well, for our readers and followers, and our friends and family who encourage and love us every single day. You are a blessing, and we cannot thank you enough. God bless!
1 Comment
Heidi
10/16/2017 08:59:15 pm
Thanks for your honesty Aleisha 😀 You are going to be just fine! When we admit our weaknesses, God can be our strength! What helped me immensely first time in the jungle was just to let go. Enjoy the adventure like a child - by the way, there are loads of women and small kids in the jungle and they do just fine. And in fact, it is more dangerous in some parts of any city than the jungle! God has it all under control. He loves you and has trained your husband well to take good care of you. You are going to have a blast! Start getting excited! The best is yet to come xxxx love Heidi & Arnold 😀
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Emil & Aleisha PienaarWe are Missionaries who travel to the Amazon Jungle. Our home base is Dunedin, New Zealand. Our heart is to reach the unreached. Archives
October 2018
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