fun afternoon in the village!!!

Gotta love the joy in this hand washing clothes afternoon. just had to post it!!! One of the things the kids loved to ask me when i first came was- "Aunty, do you do your washing by hand or do you have machine?" Well i had to admit i was spoiled and had a washer. But in my defense its not really living in luxary cause the washer only works when the unpredictable electricity is on. And not dryer in rainy season means your clothes are on the line for 2 days to get mostly dry =0) I really had a great day in the village today. Thankful for the friends God has blessed me with and to be able to see life a little different- with a joy in the little things =0)

Lay Down My Guns Lyrics

Lay Down My Guns Lyrics: "Sanctus Real Lay Down My Guns lyrics in the We Need Each Other Album. These Lay Down My Guns lyrics are performed by Sanctus Real Well, I just need a place to lay my head Forget the chain that hangs around my neck These guns are not as heavy as the hearts" ( this song was the sound track in my mind Last Sunday afternoon.

Wow what an awesome privilege yesterday to go to a 3 hr prayer meeting with over 6 churches represented- and shouting out prayers with hundreds of people- lifting our requests to God. Kai! (Hause word for WOW) At first it was hard to concentrate on praying- cause I was just in awe once again of God's ability to hear all these requests at the same time- and not only that- answer each request according to His will!!!

This was also way different than any prayer meeting I have been to because of the style of prayer. The leader would name a topic- and start praying into the microphone and then everyone would just start praying outloud- passionately bringing their requests to the Lord. At first i was like- what in the world is going on... but then i just felt the freedom to share my requests boldly before the Lord too. WOw the prayer points were really powerful- all based on meaningful scripture passages. In a city with many years of religious tension- God did a powerful thing. God Almighty listened to many requests from broken people- covering- asking forgiveness for past retaliation, give forgiveness of enemies- praying these words- "What You have forgiven us is greater than how we have forgiven them..." There was prayer for healing- as so many people lost their lives this year- I especially remembered the 500 woman and children that lost their lives in March in a 4 village attack.

My favorite passage of the Bible that was read was Ephesians 6:10-19. I have been reminded in the last week specifically of the reality of the spiritual battle I am called to fight as a child of the most High God! My job is to Stand firm- clothed in his armor- and fight with my only offensive weapon- His Word. I love this verse. " So use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks and when it is all over You will BE standing UP!!!! Ephesians 6:13

At the end of our meeting it was announced that the Governor was present and wanted to share with us. All eyes were glued to the front of the church as he rose to the microphone. He challenged the audience in many ways. He said the Bible says to pray and watch!! He said the day we have a moment of peace we go into our houses and relax! "God is allowing this all to happen- to keep us on our knees." He encouraged us that Jesus mentioned their would be wars and rumors of wars- and that Jesus return is very near. He concluded asking prayer for the Almighty God to forgive us for our past mistakes in our state - and to pray that the Lord would do wonders here- so that people will see them and wonder- Who is this your God?"

If those present at this powerful prayer meeting would live out what they prayed.... This city could totally be transformed for the glory of God!!
Would you join and pray for this place?

I just want to close with this Psalm 46
God is our refuge and stength, a tested help in times of trouble. Let the oceans roar and foam; let the mountains tremble! There is a a river of joy flowing through the city of God above all gods. God himself is living in that city; therefore it stands unmoved despite the turmoil everywhere. And so we need not fear even if the world blows up and the mountains crumble into the sea.He will not delay his help. The nations rant and rave in anger- but when God speaks, the earth melts in submission and kingdoms totter into ruin. The Commander of the armies of heaven is here among us. He, the God of Jacob, has come to rescue us. Come see the glorious things that our God does, how he brings ruin upon the world and causes wars to end througout the earth, breaking and burning every weopon.
"Stand Silent! Know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation in the world!"
The Commander of the heavenly armies is here among us! He, the God of Jacob, has come to rescue us!

Rain!!!!!!

An Yi Ruwa Sosai!
( It rained a lot!)

Wow- yesterday God blessed Jos with a most refreshing downpour. After a good bible study meeting with all the City Ministries ladies- my friends and I were driving home and saw big storm clouds! It was awesome! Then when we got home the downpour began!!! Wow it reminded me of a good Kansas thunderstorm- complete with wind, cracks of loud thunder, and plenty of rain. I loved running outside and dancing in the rain. Why? Cause I have not enjoyed rain since Oct- because its been dry season here. The surprise of the whole thing is – no one was expecting rain till May when rainy season begins. Crazy. Loved the surprise!!! The refreshing rain reminded me of a verse- last night I looked it up. My dad’s favorite verse- Isaiah 55:10-11

“ As the rain and snow come down from heaven and stay upon the ground to water the earth, and cause the grain to grow and to produce seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry, so also is my Word, I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It shall accomplish all I want it to and prosper everywhere I send it.”

So thankful for a taste of home- 6 time zones away from home =0)

Answered Prayer

John 14:13

“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

OK so I have heard this verse many times- but I actually experienced it in a very real way- back in Nov- the week before Thanksgiving. I know old news but didn’t want to miss telling you all.

So my friend Holly and I – both living on the same compound got together to pray together one night. With the new ministry God had led us too, we really felt like poor prayer warriors- but in desperate need of His power. God did something really special during the few months she was here. Many times He brought us to our knees- asking him for wisdom and direction. One night during an intense prayer session- I remember being on my knees-and from the bottom of my heart asked God, “Father would you allow me to lead one soul to you this week?” I usually don’t pray this but at this time in my ministry here, that was my hearts cry.

A few days later, the girls ministry coordinater, Nicky, asked me if I would come with her to interview a new girl that came to our care center. When we got there we met a sweet 9 year old girl named Margerite. Nicky and I listened to her story and wrote it down. Like many of our girls she suffered from involvement in the secret cult. Nicky asked this girl if she had ever asked Jesus into her life. The girl quickly responded,No. For some reason at this time Nicky had to leave, and the other Uncles that usually pray with the new kids were no where to be found. So it was just me and the Dad and the little girl in the room. I will never forget what the dad told me. He said that he had been trying to make an appointment for Margerite to see a Pastor so she could get saved but it had just never worked out. I couldn’t believe it. The Dad told me his testimony- but he didn’t think he could share the gospel to his daughter. I asked Margerite if she knew what Jesus did for her- and shared the whole gospel with her. She listened so intently. When I was finished- I asked her if she understood. She nodded. In my mind I am thinking now what? Where is Nicky? Where is everybody else? So I looked at her and asked would you like to pray right now and ask Jesus into your life. She quickly responded, “ Yes!” Wow. I couldn’t believe it. So we got on our knees. She didn’t know what to say so I prayed and she repeated after me. What a beautiful sound to hear her sweet voice call out to Jesus.

Later that day- I remembered my prayer just a few days earlier. Wow!!!! God answered my prayer quick. I could hardly believe it!!! I have to tell you this girl is something special. Walking out she was like- Aunty whats your name? Another one of my favorite comments of hers was, Aunty- your eyes are Blue!!! She couldn’t believe it! She had never seen blue eyes before!

I was so excited about her getting saved- but wanted to check with the Aunties that take care of her to hear what Margerite said about it all. They told me that she shared that she got saved at Gidan Bege wth me.

But what really warmed my heart was later in the week- hearing her singing, ”Oh Wonderful wonderful day- when He washed my sins away.” What a Joy to think God allowed me to be with her that day!!

This girl has learned Bible verses, songs, and has told me that she doesn’t have bad dreams anymore. She was the cutest Angel Gabriel for our village Christmas play- reciting her line perfectly! One of my friends taught her how to say girlfriend so she could surprise me with one of my signature words. I loved it when she greeted with me with a “Hey Girlfriend!” with a cute Nigerian accent.

Margerite is a beautiful reminder to me that God answers prayer!!

John 14:13

“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

All the glory goes to Jesus!!!

So bad at blogging!!!

Ok so to all of you out there that read this blog- so sorry I am a loser blogger missionary. But- I am recovering from this- and will try to do better =0) Maybe I should take a survey of how many blogs a month the champion missionary blogs =0) Just being crazy. I am sorry I have been lame at taking opportunities to give you a look into my life here. Its been one crazy 8 months here in Nigeria Africa!!! I loved the comment I got from a Nigerian staff member at the care center I work at. Noticing my Nigerian dress, he was quite impressed and told me all I needed was some black paint and I would be Nigerian =0) Made me laugh.

Hey just have a random quote from a calendar my mom sent me in a package-

“ Take Time to Laugh- It is the music of the soul.”

I don’t know whether you were moved by that =0) but I will take this time to post my address so that if you too would want to send a package to one of the fastest post offices in the world ( 4 weeks time is the average) you will have the right info.

Karis Busenitz ( you probably knew that part)

SIM/ECWA

PMB 2009

Jos Plateau State Nigeria

Thanks to all who read this blog- more ahead =)

Jan 14th

First Birthday in Africa!!!! Awesome!!!

Let me tell you why! On Wed night I stayed the night in the village with the girls. I was not aware of their birthday tradition. The next morning I was going to get up and go to morning devotions. But I didn’t hear anybody get up in the morning. I didn’t even hear the girls singing in the other room. I woke up instead to a cup of water splashed in my face and 16 voice choir singing happy birthday- followed by a huge hug- well actually a 16 girl dog pile on my mattress. =0) They made me a beautiful card!!!

I also got an invitation to dinner from my really good friend- she picked me up and took me out to eat! Could we girls eat- the food was so good!!

That night my friends here at Challenge compound made an awesome meal and gave me presents. Too much fun! I also got to talk to my fam on the phone. Before I left some people thought I would have cell phone withdrawal here in Africa- on the contrary- I use my phone more here than at home. Even in the village I can get great reception and talk to my fam.

Ok so I thought the party was over, but last night I was surprised by an outdoor grill party- candles- balloons- minerals ( pop) and tons of friends. We had a regular American party- Hamburgers and hotdogs- Pringles- and cake with candles and everything. Though the food was American – there was plenty of other countries represented- Switzerland, New Zealand, Canada, Scotland, England, and Ireland.

So after everyone was plenty full – I was taken away to be distracted while everyone else prepared a surprise.

So I came back to the group to see 2 rows of chairs – with my birthday chair at the front. All with my friends suv’s lights shining as a spotlight. Then my friend came out as the announcer welcoming us to the Karis Barn fashion show- featuring the Busenitz winter wardrobe edition. I started laughing so hard. 1 after the other my friends walked the runway- with the most shocking combinations of MY wardrobe - featuring, Karis in grade school- Karis in the village- Karis on stage- Karis going home…. They all included funny inside jokes. I was laughing so hard.

My friends made the party so fun. When I got home my friend and I hung all the clothes she had stolen from my wardrobe. I am so thankful for the friends God has blessed me with here in Jos- my new home. So first birthday in Africa- Yauwa!!