WHY.
As many read my blogs or hear my story you may be wondering why. Why am I in africa. Why do I continue to stay out here having mono/ misdiagnosed the malaria, and arthritis. Why did I quit my teaching job to become a missionary?
My answer is simple. When Jesus called me to go and make disciples of all nations in matt. 28.
I couldn’t help but answer, “Here I am send me”
My life before was searching for all forms of comfort. Chance and vulnerability was to risky, so I steered clear. The Lord knew this about me. My life before took no actual reliance and trust in Father, but in case I ever needed to I knew he was there. I was the Martha, then the Lord called me to be Mary.
I do this because I know He has created me for this work.
I do this because as I go deeper and deeper into the heart of Abba I find rest and peace.
I do this because as I let go of my agenda and life, and take on His, I find life that is truly life.
Just like the rich young ruler who went to the Lord and asked how he could inherit eternal life in Mark 10: 17-22 and it says, “ Jesus, looking at him, loved him” so he asked him to give up what his heart held onto so dearly.
Jesus looked at me lovingly, and asked me to do the same.
I do this because He called, and I answered.
WHAT.
Many of you know I am missionary in Africa, but don’t quite know what we do as the Pais Project. Below I will try to briefly explain what we do.
- There are 29 of us from 7 different nations
- They are split up into 7 different teams partnering with 7 different churches
- Each teams visits 4-5 schools each week in their neighborhood
- At the schools they teach lessons such as “Seeking First God’s Kingdom” and “Reaping and Sowing”
- We also run clubs on Saturday afternoon that teach how to study God’s word, and how to use your gifts to serve the community
- Each team member also 3 students they mentor one on one
- Our main goal is to empower the young christians to be leaders and “missionaries” to their community, integrate new Christians into our churches, and establish clubs and bible studies that will carry on after we leave
- To find out more or read more stories go to www.paisproject.com
My job in all this.... I am the Training Director over all 7 teams. My main role is to prepare and equip all the apprentices. I run 4 main conferences throughout the year teaching and training them in: lesson planning and presentation, mentoring, school relationships, and their own personal bible study. I am truly passionate about mentoring as I know this is a key component to seeing change, and developing not just good people but passionate leaders for the Lord.
HOW.
How have we done so far?
- Our teams are working in 43 different schools
- We are mentoring 57 students on an individual basis
- Every team is running clubs on Friday or Saturday with at least 30 kids coming each week
- There have been 20 students integrated into their local church
Along with that I have seen.
- A student that I mentored last year come to Christ this year!
- Through your support I have been able to sponsor a Ghanaian apprentice to pay for her college application to become a doctor
- Students rise up to lead devotional groups and teach
- Apprentices who were afraid to pray in front of one person, preach entire lessons and lead prayer sessions for hours
Friends & Family.
Thank you for all that you have done to bring this vision to pass. Please continue to pray for health, as my body continues to get better and better. I hope you are inspired by my journey to go when Father calls. He may not call you to Africa. He very well may call you to your backyard. I urge you to take hold of every opportunity you have to speak of His glorious work. His adventure is far worth any comfort you may be holding onto.
Remember our call.
“Go therefore and make disciples of ALL the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. teaching them to observe ALL that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
He has never left me or forsaken me, and there is no sweeter embrace in time of need then His.
We serve such a GOOD God.
Jessica
