Joy is a Choice

My team and I have been in Zambia for just over one week! We arrived last Sunday afternoon and are living in the city of Livingstone. Our hosts for this month are three godly men named Ken, Roderick, and Bright who run the organization named Africa 4 Jesus. A4J is focused on reaching the community of Livingstone and specifically geared towards the youth (ages 18-35) of the city. Throughout this week we had the opportunity to spend time in the community just walking the streets, seeing the city, and speaking to whomever the Holy Spirit leads. One of my teammates, Marisa, and I specifically connected with a lady in our community named Betty and we have had the opportunity to just grow a relationship with her and her 8 month old daughter. On Thursday this past week my team ran a children’s ministry similar to a vacation bible school where we invited children from the community, played games, had a Bible story about the good Samaritan, and gave out snacks. We had 50 children ranging from ages 2 to 13 and it was a great day! On Friday my team had the opportunity to go on an African safari by boat and by jeep. It was amazing to see God’s creation and to experience being only 10 feet away from crocodiles, elephants, and lions! On Saturday our organization partnered with several local churches and we came together for a youth rally. It was a blessing to have people our age come together from different countries and cultures, worship together, encourage each other with testimonies and scripture, and hearing a local pastor preach on our identity in Christ.

This week God has been teaching me the importance of having joy in everything. As most of you know, my older brother Jonathan committed suicide 6 and half years ago. Since then I have personally struggled with depression, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts. Through God’s grace and never-failing love, He has begun a restoration in my spirit from these things in the past year. However, I still struggle with symptoms of bipolar depression. This week God has been speaking and showing me how to have joy in the face of depression through His word, ministry, and my team. In James 1:2-3 It says:

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

God has continuously put this passage on my mind this week and especially the word “count” or “consider.” These words are important because they show that joy is a choice. God has shown me that every day, we must choose Him and in choosing Him, we choose joy. With the effects of depression some days I have no desire to do anything, or to even exist. But in choosing Him and and asking Him to give me joy, God has shown me that depression can be beaten through joy.

Through this passage and my testimony, God has given me a passion for young adults and high schoolers who are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts. One of my prayers before going on this trip was that God would show me what His plans are for my life. I believe that He has called me to minister, encourage, and to disciple people who are struggling back home in the States. I am excited to see how God uses me at my university and community back home!

This week we will be ministering in a nearby village and will be learning what it is like to live immersed in the Zambian culture. Please pray for my team and hosts as we continue to do God’s work in this beautiful country!

Soli Deo Gloria