Courtney's Story
Courtney Bland
Copperfield Church, TX
"I've always been a firm believer that testimonies never end and this short term mission trip was a prime example of that. From day 1, hearts began to soften and barriers of pride, materialistic 'things', selfishness and any distraction began to crumble. The minute I stepped off the bus and onto the dirt of our first squatter camp, my heart broke. Humility overwhelmed me and the Lord began moving in ways indescribable. When fatigue and self-seeking emotions attempted to creep in, God's powerful provision stepped in and overcame all individual battles. It was no coincident that the Lord had me in 1 and 2 Timothy all week during my quiet time. Verses and stories flowed from my lips as I had no control over what I "thought" I knew. Our Creator used our team as pure vessels. One incident in particular embedded itself in my heart that I will truly never forget. Walking up upon Grace, as she diligently washed her clothes, I felt a peace about approaching this sweet lady. She was receptive as we entered surface conversation that dug deeper in time. Curiosity turned into question and questions into answers. She was desperate for truth and I was humbled to reveal that our mighty Savior loves unconditionally and is the authentic definition of truth! She wanted quickly to pray the prayer of salvation so that she could be freed from the sinful life she had been living and enter into a committed relationship with her personal Lord and Savior. After we were able to share that moment, God gave me constant opportunities to disciple her and give her scripture to turn to when she feels like she's hit rock bottom. She was so eager to underline and pencil in side notes next to these verses and we went through the Gospel of John. She committed to attending her local church and participating in weekly Bible studies. She said as I was leaving her house, "I want to know God's word so that I can tell the people...". Is God good or what! When I was hopeless for words, God used that as an opportunity for me to take refuge in Him. He revealed to me that it's in our states of hopelessness that we can truly be authentically open to obedience. To God be the Glory!"
*Impact Africa. Johannesburg, South Africa. 2011. www.impactafrica.org.*
