Bitter sweet goodbye

All I can do is cry holy.

I absolutely LOVE Africa.
This blog will never be able to contain the amount of growth that I have experienced in Burkina or the excitement that I feel about Ghana. But I am also beginning to miss home and all of the BIG hearts and smiles that Louisiana brings. Lots of mixed emotions. I rest in knowing that neither is my eternal home.

We have been working with a church here called Grace Baptist Church. As a gift for their helping us during our stay here, we decided to paint the inside of their church for them before we left. They chose a nice shade of blue for the top portion and a tan color for the bottom. Here's some pictures from today's work:

Tomorrow is my last day in Burkina Faso. As for Jamila and Habiba.. I purchased a Bible in French to give to Jamila tomorrow. I hope that she will read it, and Habiba will listen since she is illiterate. They have each been exposed to the Gospel, but say they are not ready to commit 100 percent yet. I am begging God that He not let them rest comfortably until their salvation is dealt with. Sometimes we are called to bring in the harvest, but more often we are called to be faithful in planting seeds. The seed has been planted and watered. Lord, bring the harvest!

Thursday I head to Ghana to finish out my stay here. I'm excited about Ghana for several reasons:

• checking out the hospital! (and possibly helping with some surgeries!)
• bucket baths and hut floor sleeping!
• ... i hear there's great termite eating in Ghana!
• speaking some English! (they speak Ghanaian English)
• cooler weather

Sometimes I feel so tired that I think if I give away any more of myself I may actually be empty. And then I remember, it is only in giving away the love given to me by the Father that I am ever actually full. And so I keep going because of love. Because holding her hand and saying 'I love you' actually can change the world for a little girl. Because maybe through my hands she can get just a glimpse of a fraction of the love her Maker has for her. There is nothing better.

When I am weak, He is strong. Hold me, Lord, lift me. Be strong in my life.

Please continue to pray. I believe that prayer moves mountains and mends hearts. Look around you. Mountains are being moved and hearts are being mended. YOU are a part of that! Please pray that our team would continue to live and love recklessly, freely, extravagantly. Knowing God, knowing humanity, and recklessly trying to to bridge the gap in the small way that we can until this world can conform to the norms of the Kingdom of God. On EARTH as it is in Heaven.

.. keeping my eyes on the cross... and pressing on!

pressing on

"I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." -Acts 20:24

Here are a few of the emotions that I have seen and experienced the past few days:



Last night we slept at the missionary's home. I fell asleep to the sound of geckos churping at one another.. And this morning I woke up to the most AWFUL noise I have ever heard in my entire life! A screaming noise somewhere between a pig and a duck! When we went outside, we found this...

PEACOCKS! ON THE ROOF!! Seriously!? ..only in Africa..

So here's something exciting: Each week they air 2 hours of a talk show in English on the radio for people who want to learn to speak English.. The radio station workers heard that we were from the States and asked us to come so that they can hear "real English"! We were able to talk on air for 2 hours- and all of Burkina Faso could hear! Come on, that's cool! Here's a picture from inside the station:

This evening I was able to visit Jamila and her grandmother and even enjoy dinner at their home. We were not able to have much conversation, but I know the Lord is dealing with her heart. Please continue to pray for each of them as I spend my last 3 days in Burkina before heading to Ghana.

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." -Colossians 2:2

I love Africa church. The African people have taught me how to praise. Not just pray to God, but really truly praise and worship Him. To just stand, not asking or even thanking Him, just stand and praise His mighty name. My Lord above all, My King, My Living God. Emanuel, The Great I Am, My Saving Grace, The Alpha and Omega. Beautiful, Wonderful, Powerful. Awesome, Strong, Eternal. My Savior, My Redeemer, My Protector. My Provider, My Protector, My Prince of Peace. My Strength and My Shield and My Song. My Friend and My Father. My Creator, and the Creator of the whole Universe. My Lord. So every day I teach people about Jesus. And every day, I know that they are teaching me more. I challenge you today to claim your God, and proclaim back to Him who He is in your life. And after you have done that for about an hour and are just completely overwhelmed with His Grace and Awesome-ness, when you feel like you could just float away on this in-love-with-my-Lord high, well then, welcome to Africa.because

"worthy is He to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing." -Revelation 5:12

... one more thing: I love rocking these kiddos to sleep! :)
Mama- can I keep one?! .. please?

all things are possible

I tried to upload some videos, but the internet here is crazy slow, so it wouldn't let me. Instead, enjoy some pictures from the past few days!

This two kiddos are twins.. they were dropped off with me to take care of for the day! Trust me, this smile did not stay on my face all day!
Pastor Andre (5th from the right in the picture below) was driving to town one night to look for a second job- working at the church, making $2 a day, is not enough money to support his family. While he was on his way in town, he wrecked his bike! The bicycle broke and he ended up with an injured chin and had to go to the hospital. All 6 of us pitched in and purchased him this new bike! He told us it was a dream come true! Many of the village people told us that he was telling them it was a miracle!
Note to self: give more!

"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Matthew 19:26

TRUTH

When I visit one of the kid's family, it's hard. These people don't have a Bible. Even if I got one for them, they still wouldn't be able to read it. Yet they are still human. They still can't do it on their own. They are still in need a savior. And I'm still called to speak Truth to them.
Upon arriving at a home, I share a story from the Word and allow some time for them to think about it. Then comes life application and question time. I've gotten a lot of questions about truth lately: Absolute truth. Relative truth. Sources of truth. Is it possible for there to be more than one truth? If there is only one truth, is it possible for that truth to have more than one origin?

John 8:32 "Then you will know the TRUTH and the TRUTH will set you free."
John 14:6 "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life..."

Jesus is truth. Jesus is freedom. Jesus is life.

Today's story for the children at the Centre was about the Israelites being held captive in Egypt. You know the story... God uses Moses to bring His freedom to the people. God uses ordinary people, from start to finish. He's not looking for extravagent, talents, intelligence, or perfection. He's looking for a willing heart.
Today I had to opportunity to take this story one step further with some women. I shared with them about the Passover and how the death angel didn't enter any houses that had blood over the doorframe. The cool part is that the death angel didn't even open the door. He didn't look inside to see if it was a mess, he didn't check to see if there were idols inside, he didn't stop to question. He just saw the blood and that was enough. This reminds me of Christ's blood being shed for us. The blood of Jesus is enough to cover all of me. Sometimes the inside is gross, but Jesus' blood is all that is seen! Praise Him!



I have been begging God for an open door to share the Gospel with Jamila and her grandmother. And I can honestly say that once again I have been revealed God's faithfulness! Looking back on today, I sit in awe of my Creator! Today I let one of the girls use the French Bible while I used the English one. Together we read through some scriptures. Afterwards, she asked me if I could come to her house. One the way there, I saw Habiba (Jamila's grandmother) at the well again. I stopped to say hello and she took my Bible right out of my hand! She opened it to Deuteronomy and began to read out loud! After a little giggling, I encouraged Jamila to share with her some of the scriptures she has learned so far. Jamila opened it to John 3:16 and began reading! Habiba was very interested and inquizitive. Over the next 45 minutes, I proceeded to share the Gospel with her and answered some of her questions. She said she needed to think about it all and invited me to visit her again tomorrow so that we can discuss some more! She is having a difficult time grasping the concept of grace (who doesn't at some point or another?!) and is very caught up in "good works". By the time our conversation had ended, it was dark outside and there was no time to visit the other girl's home. For some reason, I was at peace about this, knowing that God's plan for the evening had taken place. Thank you, God, for not working on my agenda!

God doesn't always promise success. He just calls us to be obedient.

Children's Ministry at the Centre

I've spent the past week at the "centre" in the non-zoned area of Ouaga. It is an outreach of Grace Baptist Church. Each day they cook A TON of food and feed it to whatever kids show up! Every day this week there's been over 400 kids! For some of the children, this is the only meal of the day that they receive... I guess the hardest part for me is when the pot runs out, and 50 or so children are turned away without anything to eat...

Before each meal, we act out a different story of the Bible and share about God's love with the children. This week we are going to share the gospel with them! After they eat, we play games and hang out with them until dinner (Picture this: organized games, 400 kids.. that don't speak English... AHHHH!) The purpose of our doing that is in hopes of them inviting us to their home in the evenings so that we can meet their family and hopefully build a relationship and share the Good News with them! So far I have had the opportunity to meet at least one family each day! Praise the Lord for His faithfulness! Here are some pictures of the past week!

Maybe this will help you get an idea of just what 400 kids looks like!
The kids leave their bowls on the ground to mark their spot in line.This little girl, Jamila, has completely stolen my heart!
Nothing like the food in Africa! Top left: To (pronounced "toe".. yes.. I ate something called toe!), Top right: bango, Bottom left: ... something with fish in it... i have no idea?!, bottom right: lentils and rice! YUMMY!This is my friend Lydi!Rochelle and I always have fun times pumping our own water at the well! What a workout!!
One more thing: I just wanted to send a big HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to my daddy! I love you! :)

Focusing on the unseen!

For those of you who went to Malawi last summer, I have some exciting news! On Tuesday we went to lunch at a cafe and I delighted in some orange fanta! Oh yes! C'est formidable!

John Paul and Will have arrived so our team is now complete! We have been learning some songs in Moore (pronounced "more-ray") and one song we taught the kids today has a promise that I cling to. It goes like this:

"Ya sida wennam be. wennam be ne tond."
"It is true that God is. He is with us."

He is I AM. He is with me. I am learning to let that be enough. Because He is more than enough. His compassions are new each morning. That is my strength and He is my portion.

One of my favorite exeperiences so far has been this: On Wednesday we attended the weekly prayer meeting at Grace Baptist Church. Keeping in mind that in the village they speak Moore, in the city: French, and we speak English, you can imagine how interesting it was having the sermon translated so many times! After the prayer requests had been given, everyone in attendance prayed out loud. At the same time. WOW! Did you get that?! 15 people, 3 languages, 1 request, 1 God. The SAME God. Over all. I will admit: I spent a few minutes just sitting in silence... in awe of our Creator. What a beautiful sound to hear the cry of His people!

This is Jamila.

Jamila is from Ghana. After her father died she had to move to Ouaga with her grandmother. Jamila's family is extreme Muslim. Something cool about Jamila: she speaks fluent English! What a blessing! When I asked her about her life, this was her response: "Life is not good. I do not like it here." Since then, I have had the opportunity to spend a few days with her and have many productive, encouraging conversations. This evening I met her grandmother and was invited to visit her home in a few days. Please pray as plan to share the gospel with her!

This is Jamila's grandmother, who is also fluent in English!

Finally here!

Greetings from West Africa!

I am here now, being eaten alive by mosquitoes, speaking a language that is almost foreign to me, and soaking up God's goodness! Bissa hospitality is wonderful! I will admit I was nervous upon arriving. I was apprehensive on the drive here, being truly alone in a land where I know no one, but the bright sun and smiling faces of the people took away some doubts. God continuously reminds me "Daughter, do not be afraid; this is where i have called you."

I was overwhelmed with the sudden knowledge that though i am so far away. I have come to realize that we are one people, one world, serving one God.

There is a love greater than anyone can imagine that fills me up. And unlike anything else in the world, as i give it away it doesn't ever run out but only multiplies. and THIS, this is Jesus.

Today we expanded our French vocabulary and learned scripture and songs in Moore. We also had many fun experiences practicing our language with the nationals at the local bakery. Please pray for us as we continue to learn and prepare for our ministry here in Ouaga. Please pray also for Willis and John Paul, who have had 2 unexpected overnight layovers and will not arrive until tomorrow.

Today I was reminded of this: God is faithful to those He calls!

We are here. God is here. It's a first step. We're going for it.

...And I'm off!

Thanks for following along on the journey! I'm truly excited about what God has already begun doing! I will try to update as much as possible (hopefully at least once a week!) and post some pictures when possible!

Some things that I'm looking forward to:
-Practicing speaking some French
-Being submerged in a culture of physical poverty, yet genuine happiness
-Drinking some coca-cola made from real sugar, not corn syrup!
-Getting to hold another sweet, coffee-bean colored kid with a big, BIG smile! :)
-Just sweating and studying God's word- (the abundant life!)

-Experiencing healthcare in a third world country

-Planting and watering seeds!

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Here's a general preview of my schedule:

June 14th (11:40 a.m.)- Fly out of Alexandria
June 15th (7:45 p.m.)- Arrive in Burkina Faso
June 15th-June 30th- Ministry in Ouagadougou. I'll be working with the children's program of Grace Baptist Church. Everyday they feed and minister to a lot of sweet kids in the nonzoned area of Ouaga. I'll be singing songs with them in Moore (the most spoken local language) as well as some in French. We'll also be playing games with them and visiting with their families when I bring them home in the afternoons!
July 1- July 16th: Nalerigu, Ghana (and the surrounding villages) with the missionaries of the Baptist Medical Centre. I'll be working with the youth, discipiling them and teaching evangelism!
July 18th (9:00 p.m.)- arrive back in Alexandria, Louisiana!

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Basic Information: Ouagadougou is a third world city of over 1 million people. Villages in southeastern Burkina and northern Ghana are inhabited by subsistence farmers of millet and peanuts. Over 50% of the Bissa people practice Islam. Less than 2% are evangelical Christians. All religions are greatly influenced by African Animism.

While in Burkina I'll be staying in the zoned area of Ouaga and commute daily to the ministry site. In Ghana, I'll be living with a Bissa family that has youth in their courtyards. I’ll be working on some discipleship with these youth and going out with them door to door to do prayer walking and evangelism. Regardless of location, I'm praying for open doors to share the gospel!

The Shafto family has graciously allowed 6 summer missionsaries to come to their area! (Willis, Benjamin, Garrett, John Paul, Rochelle, and myself!) We will not be staying together, but our paths will hopefully cross very frequently.

Please PRAY:

• For the Bissa people. God will prepare the hearts of the poeple I encounter. Relationships. Encouragement for the believers. The church will be bold and obedient in reaching out. Lost will be open to hearing about Jesus and accept Him as Lord.
• That we will be able to proclaim the gospel in a clear and culturally sensitive manner and lead Bissa Christians to spiritual maturity, helping them to discover and employ their spiritual gifts
• For me. Boldness. Humility. Flexibility. Language and cultural barriers. Protection from lonliness (those of you who know me well, know that I'm an extrovert!)
• Mostly: God will glorify Himself through this!

"The harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore PRAY..." (Matthew 9:37,38)

This is a huge step of faith for me. I'm learning to trust. With my life. The kind of trust that makes fears go away. I'm learning to be completely dependent, and lean not on my own understanding. I'm praying for the PEACE of Christ that transcends understanding. I'm praying for joy. The unchanging, unending joy that comes from knowing that our Savior is seated on His throne.

...God's vision is so much bigger than mine.

Trusting in His STRONG love...

Writing to you in anticipation, uncertainity, and excitement... and off I go!

Should I tell them?

But I listened when You said to go
And I set out in spite of my fears
About truth mixed with my imperfection
And the question of what to say when I got here
And now that I'm here
Should I tell them that
You are the one who has made me
And saved me and set up a home there inside
Should I tell them that I am a perfect example
Of all You can do with a life.
What should I say to them?
What if I'm failing them?
What should i tell the tonight?
Now don't get me wrong
I'm thankful to be here
With this song to sing and a spotlight on me,
But lately I'm wondering if you are mistaken,
If you're seeing all of me there is to see.
Cause on every face I detect
The same questions I've posed to you
Like do you speak through the imperfect
Are we too dirty for your light to get through?
I want your light to get through.
What should I tell them when
They're thirsty Lord
My cup is empty Lord
Come and lead me here in this place
Cuz I'm unashamed, but I'm unprepared
And I'm just plain afraid...

Shaun Groves: Should I Tell Them

Relentless

"I had a college professor who said, "All around you, people will be tiptoeing through life, just to arrive at death safely. But dear children, do not tiptoe. Run, hop, skip, or dance, just don't tiptoe."- Shane Claiborne's "Irresistible Revolution"

Matthew 10:28... do not fear things that can destroy the body but rather fear things that can destroy the soul. Sometimes I feel as though my soul is suffocating in the safety of America and all of it's numbness, complacency... comfort. Scary. Todd, our BCM director tells us this: "RISK is a way of life for a believer- it is expected"... I want to be relentless...

I'm loving Christy Nockels' new cd "Life Light Up"!!! Check it out!