Written January 19, 2009
Dear Faithful Friends,
…I’m sure all of us have had those experiences in our life where we are working on writing a document and then suddenly it is lost…causing us, in a bit of frustration, to go back to the drawing board and write again. That is just what has happened to me. Sadly, my laptop computer and external hard drive (which are rarely together) where stolen from my car trunk this past week. Despite the gut wrenching shock, there was a peace in knowing that they are only material objects…but the real loss was in saying goodbye to all my videos and photos that were taken in Africa and around the world the past six months. As many of you know I am a real photo person! Thankfully, I have been uploading the majority of my photos on the Costco website …so I do have some of my pictures floating in cyberspace. My heart proclaims that God is faithful and I totally trust for his provision ahead. During the last few weeks home, I have been able to teach about my African adventures with four different groups of children, opening up their eyes to new countries and cultures. It was these stolen photos and videos that were shared and I now know that many of those images are still alive in their little minds…and that fills me with immense JOY and victory! Needless to say, I am returning to Cape Town in just under one week (on January 24th) and will have many more opportunities to capture the beauty and life there on film.
Before I head back to Cape Town, South Africa I wanted to share with you one of the key truths that Jesus has been teaching me these past six months...“My significance is not found in what I do, but in who I am.” I flew to SA knowing that I was called there and knowing that God had a purpose in me going…but as is often the case, his purposes looked different that my assumed plans. I had assumed that the Lord would ‘open a door’ immediately upon my arrival, specifically in the arena of working with children as that is what I had been doing in Tacoma…but I quickly learned that that wasn’t the case and that I needed to be obedient to his leading and not my own. I wasn’t given a role, position or title…my days were varied, and I soon came to see that I couldn’t rely on doing things to make me feel significant, for Jesus had me in a season of BEING…being with him, others and also myself. What came with this was also obedience. Obedience to that still small voice that helped direct my days.
One Saturday I went to help out at a kid’s event at my new church. Once I got there I could quickly see that the team running the ministry and the many volunteers did not need a lot of hands on help that particular day. It was then that I plopped myself down in the dirt and let a small child sit in my lap while we participated in singing and listening to a message. I felt rather uncomfortable in the dirt…I was the only adult sitting with the children, while the other big people all had jobs to do. I looked up front and remembered that not too long ago I was the one ‘running the show’…giving the talk, leading the songs, being the disciplinary and overseeing the time. I was humbled on that floor with a child in my arms and reminded in my spirit that sitting there, observing and being present was significant to the Lord. I cannot fully comprehend how I was used that afternoon, or how the child on my lap was touched by my touch, but I do know that my God is big enough to use me in the simplest of ways. I am learning that being Bryna Brown…being the woman that the Lord created me to be, not only brings me joy, but also brings love & joy to the many people around me.
A few highlights from the varied ministry opportunities I had in Cape Town:
- Spent countless days and hours at The Warehouse (www.warehouse.org.za), an incredible ministry that bridges the gap between the church and the poor. The many staff members became family to me and I was blessed by the many days that were spent praying and encouraging those faithful workers. The Warehouse also expanded its walls to a neighboring warehouse and I had the privilege of helping with that strategic move...using my organizational gifts!
- In October I had the opportunity to join a friend’s church as a youth leader on a canoeing trip down the Orange River. It was an eye opening experience for me to camp for a week with 28 teenagers…but the highlight was sharing my testimony around the camp fire one night.
- I soon became a tour guide and hostess to countless Americans and other internationals that found their way to Cape Town like me. At first I was a bit resistant to hang out with Americans… “Lord you brought me to Africa and I want to be with Africans”…but what I learned is that being a hostess, wherever the country…is a gift from the Lord and fills me with great joy!
What I’m returning to:
- Dozens and dozens of relationships. Jesus has blessed me with so many friends from all walks of life. I’m excited to go deeper with them!
- My family at The Warehouse…looking forward to learning more about Jesus as I serve the poor alongside them.
- My church, Khanysia…located in the Guguletu township. It’s a diverse church…full of life and very special people of all ages. I’m excited to return and sit in the dirt with more children…giving hugs and being open to how the Lord might use me.
- In February I will be joining my former church in the UK, Christchurch Fulham…on a ministry trip they are doing in Cape Town. I am thrilled to partner with them and strengthen those dear relationships.
Jesus continually provides for all my needs, according to his glorious riches! Thank you all so much for your prayers the last few months…for safety, health and financial provision…and especially for many words of encouragement. I am trusting the Lord for this next season ahead! My entire return flight has been provided for through air miles (yeah!) and I have even been given a car to use for 3 months once I’m back in Cape Town…however, would you please pray with me as I believe the Lord for finances to cover living costs (rent, petrol and food)…Thank you! I will be returning to the States in early June, just in time for a family vacation and my 30th birthday! I will also continue to write and share with you the many adventures and lessons the Lord gives me along the way on my blog, http://brynabrown.blogspot.com.
Love and blessings to each of you in this new year…thanks for walking this road with me!
Bryna
SA Address:
7 Queenbess Rd.
Landsdowne, 7780
Cape Town, South Africa
Cell- +27-72-978-2123
