Corina's African Adventure

November Newsletter!
My African Adventure..

This is my attempt to tell you the story of how I fell in love with people I've never met. These are people who live oceans away and in another continent...But where do I begin? I guess I'll start with Jesus. I love them because He loves me. Less than a year ago the Lord really began to challenge my life and the way I approached my future. I planned on going to a four year college to study Early Childhood Education and become a teacher, notice I am the one who planned that. I figured I would go to college, meet a man, get married, have kids... and live the normal American life. Too bad that's not what God had planned. It started in a small Bible study group where we studied what Christianity is made up of... and our conclusion is death. Christ calls us to die to ourselves daily, to take up our crosses, to forsake everything and give everything up that holds us back, and to follow Him. As an American, I am spoiled rotten. I have all of my needs and wants in the palm of my hand. Yet thousands upon thousands of people die daily because they are starving or sick. I love them because He loves me. Love is not just a word or emotion.. it's a force. The love of Christ compels me to go. Yes, I am called to this life, but more than that I'm commanded. So, on January 16th I will be hopping onto a plane with my one way ticket. This means I'm moving to South Africa, starting college at Cape Town Baptist Seminary in the beginning of Febuaury, living with a gracious family who has opened their home to me, ministering to different people in different places and situations, and not returning home to visit for at least 11-15 months. I'm heading into the unexpected in a new land with new people for who knows how long. I know that God is going to do amazing things. Please, I'm begging you... come with me on this adventure. :)

The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you." Genesis 12:1

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8

Praises:
As of November 17th, I officially graduated from high school 7 months earlier than normal! School was getting stressful, so praise God that I am done. Woo hoo!
In August I met Pastor Greg Matthei at revival at Harmony Grove. We spoke a little and then met the next day to talk about future mission trips. My father, my youth pastor and I all stayed in communication with Pastor Greg. After just a few months of e-mailing back and forth, this man and his family opened their home to me. I will be living with them while I am in South Africa. Praise God that yet another family has demonstrated Christ's love to me through adoption. I am overwhelmed and blessed by this family! Praise God for them.
Just one week after finsihing school I received my acceptance letter from Cape Town Baptist Seminary in South Africa! Is that not exciting?! The seminary is a four year school where I will receive a bachelors degree in Missions.
Praise the Lord for my family and their support. They keep me going!

Prayers:
Going to school in South Africa is not a simple process. I am required to apply for a study permit, which took me over a month to complete. I sent all the paper work out on the 23rd of November. Please pray for all the processing details, that everything goes through smoothly and doesn't delay my acceptance to study in South Africa.
Pray that I spend adquate time to allow God to prepare me for this move. This is going to be an emotional transition and I need to be soaked in God's word!
As I move to another continent, I am in need of support prayerfully and financially. Ask God to send specific people into my life that will commit to praying for me and encouraging me.
Right before Christmas I will be flying to Florida to visit family. Please pray for safe travels and a peaceful visit.
Most importantly, pray that hearts would be prepared in Africa. His goal and my mission is to bring Jesus to every person I come in contact with. Pray that people would be receptive and I would walk in obedience.

I need YOU!
The reason I'm sending out monthly newsletters in the first place is so that YOU can be aware of what is going on in South Africa. It is so very important to me to know that you are praying for me and care about what is happening in South Africa. That's why I am asking you to commit to me. Firstly, I am desperate for your prayers. I realize that prayers and encouragement from my brother's and sister's in Christ is what will get me through. I depend on it! I can't stress enough how much your prayers mean to me.

Secondly, if you feel led I am asking for your financial support also. As of now I am in need of 10 monthly supporters who can commit to giving 25 dollars a month to support my schooling, ministry, and living expenses. Please consider this prayerfully. God is in control and He is our provider. I am learning more and more to trust Him no matter what, and I know He will provide for all my needs. If God impresses upon you to become a monthly supporter, please reply to this e-mail or contact me. I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.


Upcoming dates to remember:
January 1: Radio Interview on 107.7 FM! @ 5:30 p.m.
January 8: Going away party @ HGBC.
January 10: Pancake dinner fundraiser @ McDonalds!

If you have any questions, comments, or would like more information feel free to reply to this e-mail. I would love to talk to you!

With love,
Corina Spinazzola
Isaiah 43:1-4