I ask for many prayers

Hey Everyone,

Today was a beautiful day that the Lord has made, but some unexpected events happened that turned my world upside down. First, I got a call from my dad telling me that my step-mom Cindy had to go to the emergency room for immediate surgery because her appendix burst. She had been feeling sick the past couple days and they had no idea why. A little in shock, that Cindy was about to have surgery, I walked to my car after having dinner with my mom and Gregg and my car had been broken into. Since, I was visiting home this weekend before I leave for my trip next week, I had a lot of valuables in my car.
They managed to take my gps, laptop, camera, five finger running shoes, all my rock climbing equipment, my northface luggage bag that I take on missions with me, all my clothes (many of the clothes I wear on the missions field), my glasses, my pocket knife, my school books, and the list could go on.

My first reaction, I went numb and was in disbelief that items that I use everyday was just taken away from me so quickly. I lost my breath and just began to cry because I was so overwhelmed with the shock. I kept thinking of the wonderful conversation I had with my pops (gregg) and my mom in the restaurant about all the Lord is doing in my life and what amazing things He is doing with Imani, His ministry that He has provided me the vision for and to think that while I was passionately sharing my love for the Lord and talking about the trip I am about to take back to Mombasa next week, that Satan was right outside standing along with the individual(s) who took my possessions.

I felt disgusted and felt violated. That was MY stuff, not theirs. In the midst of my mental breakdown, I began to pray for strength and wisdom. Throughout tonight, I have been reminded to count my blessings. First good thing is that I had my purse, ID, debit/credit cards and passport all on me. They did not take anything of that. They did not take donations I had in my back seat for the mission trip coming up. They did not take my nalgene, lunch box and box of oatmeal :) and they did not take my vehicle. They took a lot, but I am not physically hurt, and I am okay. I have a family that loves me and friends who care for me as well.

I share this with you because I ask for prayer. The Lord is doing amazing things in not only my life, but the ministries I work with as well. Satan is not happy, he sees good and he tries to rip that from me, but he will not. Yes, I hurt, but my heart aches for the individual(s) who do not know Christ, my heart aches for our society that thinks it is okay to take what is not theirs, and my heart aches for individuals who turn to worldly possessions to fill their so called "void" in life.

I ask that you first please pray for Cindy and her surgery and that the recovery goes well. Then I ask you to pray for whoever decided to take everything from my vehicle. I ask that we pray for their health, family, and guidance that they will find Christ. I pray that they open my bag and find my mission shirt that shares scripture and has a heart where Africa is. I pray that they find the Imani Tumaini Upendo brochures in my school bag and read about our ministry and that sparks a fire in their heart to want to do better and no more about Christ. Of course, I pray that things are returned, but if I see nothing again, I pray that wherever these "worldy" possessions land, that they help someone. Maybe someone who needs clothes, a bag to travel with, or even all my toiletries.

I also ask that you pray for me. There is a lot going on with my "to do" list for the mission trip and now that this has occurred, I have another list of things added on top of that. I pray that I stay focused on the Lord and keep standing strong in my blessings and to not let Satan get me upset. I pray that I listen to the Lord and do his will, and in this terrible instance, I pray that the Lord is glorified and His name reigns.

Again, thank you for all of your support and thank you for many prayers.

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they prolong your life many years and bring peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and humankind. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
-Proverbs 3:1-6

In Him,

Jenny Jenkins
Founder/Missions Coordinator of Imani Tumaini Upendo
www.imani-africa.com