Saturday, November 21, 2015

These are dark days.

Zodwa's grave was covered with a tree so that if the rains come, the dirt is not washed away.
This blog will be very short because I really didn't want to write at all.

These are dark days.

Lowlights from this week:
·      Dealing with a human trafficking case that has broken my soul and taken me/many of us to the darkest place of human cruelty and evil.
·      2-day old baby was born perfectly healthy (9+ lbs and HIV negative) and the family went to the hospital to kill the baby rather than taking him home. We pray that he will be safe for the weekend and come to us next week.
·      Personal betrayal at the deepest level.
·      Leaving the house at 4AM today to attend our sweet Zodwa’s funeral and burial, then having to speak at the grave site to her husband, 5-year old son and family who is mourning her loss. We miss our daughter, our sister and our friend.


What I know for sure:
·      Jesus is alive and securely on the throne.
·      All of these things are designed to draw us closer to Him.
·      We are to give thanks in all things, and so we try.

Please pray for Ian and me, for our family and for all those serving with Heart for Africa in Swaziland. The enemy is here to kill and destroy, that's it. So we must claim victory, but that is so hard some days/weeks/months.

These are dark days, globally.  Let us join together in unity, not division because this is too hard, without unity in the body of Christ, and without His grace.

Live from Swaziland … today I want to quit.  Jesus please give me strength, and restored hope.

Janine

12 comments:

  1. Janine, we do not know one another but I "met" you through Sharla Miller the first time I purchased her jewelry more than 3 (?) yrs ago. And I have followed your blog and become an Angel ever since. I pray over you and Project Caanan now, for protection from the enemy and strength to persevere, for joy in the morning and beauty from ashes. Do not doubt in the dark what you know to be true in the light. I love this promise from 1 Peter 5:10 "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace...will himself RESTORE, CONFIRM, STRENGTHEN, and ESTABLISH you." May you find hope in those words today. Blessings.

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    1. Thank you LuAnn. I do know your name and am thankful for your support. This is such a powerful scripture. Thank you for sharing them. Janine

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  2. Thanks for being so transparent. There are so many days that I have wanted to give up. We are all human!! Praying for you!!

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  3. Hey Janine, go on vacation. Rest. Regroup. Relax. Just do it.

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    1. We have a team arriving tomorrow, but we will get a break at Christmas. Then a few days on the beach in Durban with Spencer and Chloe. can't wait!

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  4. You are right - the enemy seeks to destroy. He will hit you hard and at some tender points. We encourage you to remember who is FOR you. God will overcome. You know what you need to do. Take it to Him- He loves, blesses, provides and protects. Praying in Ontario.

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    1. Thanks Sandy, I really appreciate your words and your prayers. xo

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  5. Janine, there is nothing in this world that can take all this pain and hurt and make things better. Only Jesus. And the promise that He will return and He will set the record straight and He will have mercy but He will also bring justice. Hang in there guys. The Lord..El Roi, who does indeed see, will work all things together for the good to those who believe and continue to trust in Him. In this world we will have tribulation, and it is getting ugly, but Jesus is coming and He's coming soon. We are praying for you here in Alberta.

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    1. Amen sister. Can't wait for His arrival! Thanks for the kind words of encouragement.

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  6. Praying sister. We're united with you in faith and prayer. Hoping to come someday and join you in the work with our hands as well

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  7. Janine, we've never met. I know of you through the many La Croix people who have traveled to Project Canaan. I truly thought I would be one of them...but God has other plans for me. Your posting has weighed heavy with me since I read it yesterday as the level of personal sadness revealed a transparency that I know was difficult to share. I've prayed for you ever since. Psalm 55 was brought to mind as the writer speaks to the anguish felt regarding situations that blindside us as we could never have anticipated a relationship with a brother or sister torn asunder. “His words, which were music to my ears, turned to daggers in my heart. Pile your troubles on GOD ’s shoulders— he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin...And I trust in You." I will continue to lift you up and pray for a balm for your spirit in both your ministry and personally.

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