But all the above you may already know if you followed along with my adventures in Namibia. What I really want to share now is from my time with Nova in August...

If you are in ministry, as a pastor, missionary, or really any role where your desire is to help and influence people, you often wonder if you're ever actually making a difference. I often feel like my contribution to the world is a fraction of a drop in the ocean when I look around at all the needs around me. I spent 18 months in Namibia. Did I make a lasting impact? In the nation? No. In a city? No. In a community? Doubtful. In the lives of a few... or even one? Maybe. I certainly hope! And it wasn't until I took this return trip to Namibia that God revealed to me some of the seeds I did plant in fertile ground.

My friend Myra and Bruce picked me up from the airport when I arrived in Namibia. Their family was so dear to me during my time there. Myra knew Nova through my introduction. When I left, I asked her to check on her from time to time. I knew Myra was busy with her own ministries in Namibia, so I didn't expect her to spend as much time with Nova as I had. I was simply glad that others knew Nova and were around to visit her occasionally. One of the most difficult parts of leaving the mission field is wondering how our precious friends are going to continue on. They face so many challenges day to day. Will they stay strong in the faith? Will they go back to their old habits? It had been difficult to leave Nova and her family with all the unknowns ahead. And in the year and a half since I had left Namibia, I didn't know what to expect about how she had been doing.

On the ride from the airport, Myra began sharing about how God had been working in Nova's life. Several months after I left, Nova gave her life fully to the Lord. Myra was meeting with her weekly and they would study the Bible together. Nova began making some tough decisions in her life as she became serious about living for the Lord, including breaking off relationships that were holding her back, and standing up within her own family for Biblical values. With the help of a mentor in the church and another lady in her community, she started a weekly Bible study that is still going on today. She also recently began teaching Sunday School. I sat in the back of the car with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. I hadn't known what to expect coming back. Hearing these things was such a blessing to my heart! We went by Vintage that afternoon and Nova and I had a tearful reunion. It would have been special regardless, but after just hearing all that God had been doing in her life and how she had been so faithful and obedient, I was extra emotional... praising the Lord for His goodness! Myra didn't share all the details, as she wanted Nova to tell me more in person how God had changed her and is using her. What a blessed time we had catching up throughout the week and hearing how God had been moving the past 18 months! And Baby Matthew... well, he's not much of a baby anymore! He's a sassy toddler and as adorable as always!

My return to Namibia was a blessing in so many ways. But my time with Nova takes the cake! There is nothing more validating in ministry than seeing fruit from a seed you planted... especially a seed you aren't sure if it really took root to begin with. I am all the more aware that it is God who does the growing, but what  blessing to be used if even in the smallest way! (1 Cor 3:6-9) And I am so thankful for Myra, and Pam, and others who came alongside precious Nova and did the watering. Indeed, we are laborers together, sowing seeds, watering them, and trusting God for the harvest!