RITA
"God has been my shepherd, faithful and always by me. In every season He has walked with me, guiding, providing, and never once has He let me go".
Psalm 23 1-4 'The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul'.
"At the age of 9, I received His gift as my Savior. I hadn't heard about God in my family home, but when my Mother become sick, I was sent to stay with my Aunt and Uncle. They were beautiful Christian people living on a farm and this is where I first realised there is a God. I'm ever grateful Jesus came into my life and showed His presence in many ways and too many times for it to be coincidental.
"In my teens I got an idea in my mind I should list how many things I did for the Lord, daily, weekly and monthly. I got to about 9 things counting up prayer group, home group, children's work and other activities. The Sunday morning after I compiled this list, the Pastor asked us all 'is there room in your life to add one more thing for the Lord'? As I bowed my head in prayer a strange thought came into my mind 'I want you to go to the Philippines'. I didn't even know in those days, where the Philippines was, so I realised the thought was not my own.
"I was sure I must have dreamt this idea up and sought confirmation over and over from God. I asked Him to give me a word, and He gave me a word. I asked for confirmations from 2 different people, and He gave them. How could I possibly travel to the Philippines and what did God want me to go there for? I said to the Lord, I don't want to go there, I would rather go to Hawaii where at least people speak English.
"I was on my own with 6 children and although I now had an amicable relationship with their father, I was reliant on him for money and help at our family home. I was terrified at the thought of going overseas, but as I prayed and sought the Lord, I clearly saw His favour upon me as He worked out all the details. I had to commit every obstacle to Him and trust Him.
"Four of my children were older, so I decided I would take the 2 at intermediate school (year 7 and with me. God opened up hearts and finances. One man sold some calves and gave me the money. My estranged husband gave me a sum of money. A family studying at the Bible college needed a house to live in and agreed to rent my place for 3-6 months. God provided in every way and confirmed to me I was to take the two teens with me.
"I researched and made application to D.T.S (Discipleship Training College) was accepted, and one year later the 3 of us flew to the Philippines. It was a journey of faith and prayer. God made a way for me to go.
"While I studied during the day, my son and daughter joined in Youth with a Mission (YWAM) and went on tours all over the country. They were well looked after and immersed in God's word.
"Outside of study hours, I was able to pray for the sick and the elderly. Visit the hospitals believing in laying on hands and healing. I absorbed a lot from the many overseas visitors and teachers. The people were lovely to be with and I learnt so many valuable lessons.
"I was there in obedience and didn't know at the time why God called me to this study and where this was to take me, but I was willing.
"After 4 months we all returned to our home and once again God provided funds for us to re-establish ourselves. I felt because I had never received training for anything, the study provided this, giving me a great depth of knowledge, understanding of His heart and a new confidence to witness and pray for others. The Lord laid a foundation for our family: sure, steadfast and full of grace. Throughout the journey, His goodness was evident. A living testimony that could not be denied".
Psalm 23:6 "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever".