“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break… Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.”
— Luke 5:1–11
This is the scripture our team is carrying with us into Zimbabwe.
Putting our nets out into deep water. It's a call to move away from the comfortable and the familiar, to go further than feels natural, and to trust that God will meet us there.
In just a few days, we head out for the Young Life Africa Summer Staff Expedition — and I could not be more encouraged or expectant. For the last several months, this incredible team of college students has been meeting, fundraising, and preparing both spiritually and physically. We have linked arms with the local staff on the ground, praying over the kids in their ministries and the campers we will have the privilege to serve.
These students are choosing to spend their summer serving, saying “yes” when it would be so easy to say “no.” I am incredibly inspired by their willingness and expectant for what God is going to do through them.
We will post updates here every couple of days as service allows, so please follow along!
More than anything, would you pray with us?
- Travel & Presence: Pray for safe travels, open hearts, and a faithful presence.
- The Local Mission: Pray for the local YL staff and the kids they serve every single day.
- Our Team: Pray that we would boldly push out into the deep water and trust God with the rest.
We'll see you from Zimbabwe!
— Hadley Carmichael, Trip Leader & YL Expeditions Coordinator.
