The Journey To Africa and Beyond

The Journey Continues

2011-05-09T05:57:00.000-07:00

It has almost been a year since I left Uganda. The sounds and smells of the city I lived in are fading away. But a part of me holds on to it all. I dream about the corner market where I would see my friend Tom and talk with him about the premier league soccer. I dream about Richard my friend who made rolex's(its food) for me. I then dream about my good friend Khan down at the Arua soccer shop, where he would buy me an ice cold coke. These memories are dear to my heart and I know my time in Uganda has impacted my life deeper than I ever realized. I also never realized what kind of impact I would have on the area. I met some men who were a mix of Muslim and Christian there connection to one another was their profession. They were motorbike taxi drivers and they were my main mode of transportation while there. These men ask me to teach them about Christ and I began meeting with them. Since I have left another man has begun to meet with them and the word I have received is that it is going really well. I had no idea that my small attempt to share Christ would keep going long after I left. The Lord blesses us with being able to partner with others to advance the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Just a few weeks ago two of the people I served with Jeff and Brigette got married and I was blessed to be able to partake in the service.

Since this time I have returned home to work with my family and do life in Flint, MI. I am still in college and working toward finishing in the Lords timing.

"Rise, Peter, Kill and Eat"

2011-02-18T06:42:00.000-08:00

The vision of Peter in Acts 10 shows Peter that what is unclean is now clean. During my lecture today we began discussing this passage and many other ones as well. My mind began to wander a bit while we discussed this. A homeless man walked into Starbucks and sat very near me. The smell of dirt,and body odor filled the room and suffocated me. I felt anger or dislike toward this man coming to this clean good smelling establishment. I was quickly convicted by Gods word in Peters vision. This thought of Peter wouldnt go be with the Gentiles (the unclean people, due to what they eat) because it would make him unclean. This smelly homeless man was the gentiles and I am the Jew. I felt I would become unclean being around him. A woman was kind to this man and gave him a breakfast sandwich and a coffee. She saw a man in need and filled it. All the while I sat judging this man, and the Lords conviction is humbling. So I ask what in your life is "unclean?"

Foxes have holes and birds have nests

2011-02-17T06:32:00.000-08:00

In Matthew 8:20 Jesus tells a man who wants to follow Him " Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the son of man has nowhere to lay his head."

In my life I sometimes have to embrace these words that my savior said. Many years ago I told Christ "I wanna serve you and proclaim your name to the nations." Following Him is hard and there is a cost to a life that surrenders all to Jesus. Not saying I am great or better than the rest I fail all the time. In the past several years I struggle to have a place to call home. I have moved so many times and seem to never have a stable place to call home. Knowing this place will be where I live for a long period of time. Following Jesus has a cost, and having no where to lay my head seems very real to me. I know the cost has so many more things than just no where to live, but at the present time I have no where to live. I have some places to stay for just a short while, but no place of refuge, a place of comfort, a home, a place of love. I long for the day where I can one afford to have a home that is my sanctuary, my refuge and two to have someone to say I love you every day. I am loved, but there are days I struggle to feel loved. I "walk by faith, not by sight." I am Trusting in the Lord and know he has a purpose for his Glory. May we all way the cost of following the Savior of the world. Praise be to Jesus.

1 AM

2010-12-09T22:18:00.000-08:00

I sit here in my room at 1 A.M. not able to sleep, and yet I felt a need to share my thoughts with, well anyone who might read this. I feel life has been one grand adventure with great times and difficult ones as well. Serving Christ is difficult mainly due to me failing to serve Him. I feel most the time I desire the Lord, but from time to time I feel I desire to worship myself. I become my own object of affection. I know that this is sin and I desire the Lord to be first in my life. I feel a war raging between my spirit and my flesh. I can hear the words of Derek Webb in his song "wedding Dress" ringing in my head. He says "I am a whore I do confess I put you on just like a wedding dress and run down the isle." Christ is our groom and when we sin its as if we are sleeping around with others, but we still throw the dress on and run to marry Him. Why would Christ wanna marry us? Why would God love people who turn from him? I believe He loves us deeper than we can understand and this love goes deeper than our failings. Like a father to a son, I know I don't have kids of my own, but I do have a younger brother who is 3. The love I have for him goes so deep that when he disobeys I still love him. If human love is like this then God's love is deeper, more intimate, and everlasting. I trust in Christ's work on the cross for my salvation and know only in him can I find any hope or joy. May I run the race with endurance and fix my eyes on Christ. Wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace. May we be a generation who prays to the Lord.

2010-06-02T08:42:00.000-07:00

The End is Near

2010-05-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

As this trip to Arua, Uganda comes to an end there are many things I will miss and things I wont. I know the Lord has his reasons for everything and I have grown in my faith a great deal. I sit here wondering could I have done more, or have I been faithful to the call on my life. I know we can always question our ministry and wonder if we are being faithful to the Lord. At this point in my ministry I havent had any conversions, and I havent had anyone seem really interested in the Gospel. So in the worldly view I am unsuccessful, but in the Lords view I am faithful. I rest in that truth and feel I have planted many seeds into peoples lives here in Arua. Like I said there are some things I will miss like the students, the muslim men, the children, and the team I serve with. Things I wont miss cold showers, power outages, poor internet, bad food, and cultural clashes. I look forward to chicken nuggets, ice in my drinks, wearing shorts in public, and most of all seeing my family and friends.

Prayer Needed

2010-04-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

I need your help and anyone you know whos a believer. I met a young man named Hasan he is a muslim and I have started talking with him and I need prayer warriors for me and for his salvation. I have never in my life felt a stronger call or feeling or whatever ya wanna call it to invest time and energy into a person. I have shared Christ with him several times and we have a good friendship. The time is short and the Lord can do miracles and I pray for this man to know the Lord Jesus Christ. Please be my warriors as I know I am heading into a battle I cannot win in my own strength. I need the Lords army and his power. I love and care for this man deeply and I desire to rejoice over one lost sheep brought back into the fold. Thanks

Fun in Africa

2010-04-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back when it was late and the night sky was showing off Gods beautiful creation. My fellow hands on partners and myself decided to have some good old fashion fun. While looking up into the sky we began to spin as fast as we could and then run. We never seemed to run straight or even stay on our feet. With ministry and serious tasks at hand we seem to forget to have fun just simple fun. As we star gazed and spun round and round the guard on duty started laughing very hard. He found our silliness to be very funny and odd at the same time. The small excitement was a dear moment in our team. The time is moving and the days are getting short. Love life and the simple pleasures of it. Praise the Lord for His wondrous creation.

The cost

2010-04-18T01:18:00.000-07:00

When we think about our faith in Christ and what it means to follow Him. I feel we do not fully understand the cost to follow Christ. Are we willing to die for Him? As he died for us. Will we go to the ends of the earth to share His name? I ask these question because just this past week a good friend of mine who was serving in Mozambique died sharing his faith. He loved life and inspired all who knew him. He was 21 years old and was on fire for the Lord. He drove two hours out to the beaches of Mozambique to share Christ with the beach bums as he called them. Nothing would stop him from preaching the Word. Are we willing to pay the ultimate price to share Christ like my friend Jeremiah?
"To live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

Preach the Word

2010-04-07T00:37:00.000-07:00

The deeper I go in relationships here the more I realize this world is lost. Not just Uganda, or the continent of Africa, but the whole world. Being a christian has become so cultural and we have lost the true meaning behind the word. I just read a great quote the other day that said "sitting in an oven doesnt make you a biscuit and sitting in church doesnt make you a christian," and I cannot express this truth enough. Its great if you have attended church, but if you believe you will be saved and enter heaven on this basis sorry to say it but you wont get in. I have been told by so many people well Ive been baptized, yet again sorry no dice on entering by this qualification. The reality of the world is we want the easy way out. I am reminded of the rich young ruler who kept all the laws and rules and asked how do I enter the kingdom of heaven and Christ told him SELL EVERYTHING and FOLLOW ME. This man walked away sad because he wanted to keep his things. So what can we do to enter heaven? Go to church, be baptized, donate money, all great things, but first we must confess that we are sinners in need of a savior and FOLLOW HIM. Are you serving the King of Kings? Are you sacrificing your life for the kingdom of the Lord most High? He sacrificed His life for you. I say all this due to the urgency of life and remember tomorrow may not be here. Share Christ with all and everyone you can. Sacrifice your comfort and GO PREACH THE WORD.

2010-03-30T02:00:00.000-07:00

I realized that all this time I have been updating and sharing thoughts of my time here in Arua I have never fully shared what I do each week so this may help out with praying and just understanding what I am doing.

Monday- Student Ministry meeting to go over the past weeks ministry. Also prep day to learn the story I will be teaching and I generally use the rest of the day to do general street evangelism around town.

Tuesday- Team meeting for the whole team. Then I go to Crain Secondary school to teach the story for the week, and after telling the story we discuss it. Right now we are on the fall of man Gen 3.

Wednesday- Most the day is spent in town meeting with guys I have met and trying to share Christ more with them. Their names are: Francis, Khan, Robert, also a group of Muslim men who cook and sell goat meat about 6 of them. Then I have childrens bible study and we are working our way from creation to Christ we are now on Jesus and the centurion.

Thursday- I go to a vocational school in the morning and teach the stories and then I have Mandela secondary school where we have three guys who come to story group. They are the best and most engaged guys over all. Their names are: Andrew, Godwin, and Grishum.

Friday- This is our day off and I normally still make it a point to go to town and talk with people and see what happens. From time to time I will go to White Castle and go swimming and relax. Its a nice hotel resort with good food and a nice relaxing feel to it.

Saturday- I go to Ushindi Secondary school and teach the stories. This one is way out and takes about an hour to drive to it.

Sunday- Go to Church. I try to go with a national friend and spend time with them so I can have lunch with them and discuss the sermon. Most the sermons are way wrong and off point from the text, so this is a struggle to overcome bad teaching.

This is about how my week looks and after writing it out seems very simple yet walking 45 min to town and back and just the slowness of life here seems to wear on the energy. Our terms for school's end in April so I only have a few more weeks to teach stories and pray I can meet students during the holiday break. Thanks and God bless for all the prayers and thoughts.

Walking around

2010-03-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

Another great day in Arua all starts with just walking around town. I started around 9:30 and headed into town while on my way I decided to talk some pictures of the local golf course. While doing this a woman stopped me to inform me that one must have permission to take a picture. I asked her must I ask the trees for permission. She then said oh no it is good we live in a free country, but people and their houses you still must ask. So I asked if I could take her picture and she agreed. I continued on my way to town and stopped here and there and chatted with a few friends. After all this I was figuring I had just one more stop to make and yet I was wrong. As I was walking a homeless man stopped me and asked me for money and when I informed him I did not have any money for him he became upset. It is sad but if you give money to one then you will be known as the guy who gives money and many people will ask. My day continued on and a man yelled to me “Hey Chuck Norris,” and so I stopped and discussed Chuck Norris and Jesus with the man. I then moved on but only a few steps and a group of muslim men stopped me to buy some goat meat. I stopped and tried the meat for a free sample it was pretty good. I kept on moving until I reached my actual destination and sat around with my friend Khan discussing Jesus and soccer. The time had now reached noon and so I headed to home, but on my way the muslim men stopped me again and so I sat with them and ate lunch. They asked me if I was muslim and I said “no I am a born again believer of Jesus Christ.” This caused the men to become upset and irritated with me. I asked them what did they believe and all they would say is” allah is the only god.” They then offered me marunge this is a local drug the men chew it is also called kat (it is similar to cocaine). I am not sure of the true spelling, but I knew it was not a good thing to take. After leaving these men I was heading home, but yet again I was stopped by a young man who asked what I was doing so I said heading home and he asked me to buy something from him. So I bought some Obama gum from the guy. So funny all the Obama stuff that is sold here. I finally made it to the bota guys (they are men who drive motorcycles for taxi), and I was going to be heading home and the men desired to talk some as well. So I shared Jesus with them and asked if they were believers. They responded with we are Christian, but not born again believers. Anyone who is not muslim is Christian, but this does not mean they believe in Jesus as their savior. After some time talking with them I went home and I was worn out ready for a nap. The day was good and encouraging, but the goat meat I think has caused me to be a bit ill again. Such is life in Africa.

Life and Death

2010-03-21T01:39:00.001-07:00

Life in Arua is not all easy and fun. Day after day I am told of a death in the local grocers family, or a death of the man you meet in the market, or the death of .... The list goes on and on and on, and I am troubled and heart broken. I feel like my feelings toward death are becoming hardened. I want to have compassion and give comfort, but to the nationals it seems like this is just part of life. It is so sad and causes one to have more urgency in sharing Christ with the people. May we never forget that life is fragile and short. Share Christ at all times.

My comfort

2010-03-13T00:59:00.000-08:00

The longer I am in Uganda the deeper the love of the Father has become. I feel as if this trip of coming to evangelize the Lugbara people is turning into something different. I came to share the love of Jesus and to share the hope we have in Him. I am teaching and leading and evangelizing to the people of this area. So why do I have an overwhelming feeling that God is growing my faith and renewing the passion inside me. It is as if we have our idea of what we are going to do. “I am going to save the world and tell everyone of Jesus.” We then arrive settle in and begin to see that God is doing a work in you that is great than the work you are doing. I praise the Father for teaching me the value of His word. I miss the comforts of America, but I see the overwhelming worth of sacrificing my comforts to share the love and Hope we have in Christ. May we never forget to Go make disciples of all nations. This includes America. Go share the Hope and Love of Christ today with someone.

2010-03-05T05:32:00.000-08:00

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I read this in the morning during my quiet time. I really feel that this passage can help us rest in the love of our Father. To know there is nothing that can take his love away shows his surpassing care for us. O how deep the fathers love for us. At times I feel words cannot express how deep his love truly is for us. Nothing can compare to the ultimate sacrifice shown in the work of Christ. May we give the due honor and glory to the one who paid the price for our sin. Father God I thank you for the love you have shown us and to know nothing can separate us from your love.

Life in Arua

2010-03-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

Life in Arua has been an adjustment from life in America. I have been in Africa now for over seven weeks, and I have about 85 days left. The preparation time for the ministry has been long and at times has caused me to be frustrated. I am now happy that we have started the ministry, and now we can pour our time and energy into the people of Arua. Jeff my partner and I have a vocational school that we started today. We were able to share our testimonies with the men who attend there. We also presented the Gospel by comparing it to a cultural example. To be married the man and his family must meet with the girl’s family and agree on a bride price. With this cultural custom in place we used that example to show how God desires a relationship with us. He desired it so much that he sent Christ as the bride price to buy us. The men really connected with the example and one of them asked a question in regard to the bible. His question was why would God ask Hosea to marry Gomer. Why would God ask a holy man to marry a prostitute who always cheated on Him? We shared that God used Hosea’s life to show how Israel was to God. They always cheated on Him and He always was faithful to forgive them and take them back. This is the redemption story that we have through Christ. It was a great way to end our time with the men and I look forward to meeting with them again next week. Please pray for them. My life in Arua is starting to be great if I am able to share my faith with more people.

Great Fellowship

2010-02-27T08:39:00.000-08:00

A small taste of home happens from time to time. Today we started out going to the slaughter house to buy pig. We bought two slabs of ribs and a shoulder. This put a large smile on my face because we do not eat meat all that often. Once we returned home I had the privilege of cutting the skin and fat away from the meat. After all this was finished we put them on the grill. Once this was done it was sit and wait for it to cook. It was great to just hang out and talk with my team all 19 of us. Once it was ready we sat down and piled on the meat and started the eating fest. We also had deviled eggs and potato salad. I ate three helpings of meat and gained back some of the weight I have lost. Once I finished Pam the long term missionary's wife brought out ICE CREAM yea that's no typo. I was in heaven it was so good and I have missed it so much. MMMMMMMM. After all the eating and resting and talking we played a game of volley ball to finish the night off. It was a great day of fellowship and fun. I am looking forward to tomorrow for church and soccer later in the afternoon. Be praying for ministry in the schools and for the relationships I have started with a man named Francis. The Lord is a mighty one to save.

Where's Waldo

2010-02-21T10:30:00.000-08:00

I have a question to ask where’s Waldo? As a child I use to love getting a where’s Waldo book and I would spend hours looking for this man in a white and red striped shirt. He would be in many different cultures and places around the world. Today as I sat in church I felt like I was Waldo. I was not wearing a white and red striped shirt, but a green polo. I went to Central Catholic Church and I was the only Mundo (that is the local term for White person) , and the church was filled to over capacity. I had half a seat, but thankful to the catholic stand, sit, kneel I did not have to sit long. The service was around one hour and twenty minutes. You may be asking why I went to a catholic church, well I met a man named Francis at the post office. We had met up on Saturday for what he called “lazy time,” and this was a great time to hang out learn about culture. Francis invited me to join him for church, so I agreed and went with him this morning.
After church had finished I was not sure what would happen. As we were walking out of church my friend grabbed my hand (this is a cultural thing that men do who are friends). He then asked me if I had any plans for the rest of the day. I did not so he gave me a tour of Arua by foot. This was an exciting day for me. We spent several hours walking around meeting all sorts of people and then we went to meet some of his friends. I found out quickly that this place was an herbal healer place that was operated by a Muslim man. Just the day before my partner and I prayed at the mosque that is located across the street for an opening to share Jesus with Muslims. The Lord opened the door and I was able to discuss religion with the man. I am planning on returning to have more discussions with him. Over all my day was wonderful. Making relationships is the key to sharing Jesus with the people of Arua. They are a relational culture and it takes time to grow and share Jesus in a deep meaningful way. They will accept Jesus along with any other God if you do not take the time to invest and teach them Jesus is the only way. Be praying for my friend Francis and his Muslim friend.

One month in Africa

2010-02-14T06:32:00.001-08:00

So it has been a month since I first step foot in Africa. Today was the first real day I felt I was in Africa. I went to church with one of my roommates Evan. He rides his bike to church every Sunday it is 22 miles of hard riding. Up and down his and mixed with extreme heat it can wear a person out. I struggled to keep up and even finish the journey back from church. The church is located in a place called Agia. The small village sits a the foot of a good sized mountain. Some people may call it a large hill, but I am from Michigan and so I say its a mountain. We arrived and chatted with the pastor and did a small bible study with him on John 6. After this was finished we were taken into his home and given tea and sweet potato. The strange thing was that everyone left us to have tea all alone. They feel this is honoring us by doing it this way. Once we were finished we then went to the church which sits under two mango trees no building for them. I felt this was so indigenous and reproducible I loved it. The pastor preached on the passage we had just discussed earlier. We sang and introduced ourselves and fellowshiped with one another it was true community. You would think we were done at this point but not in Africa. We taught bible stories to the people the one they are learning right now is the fall of man. We also had a drama to go along with it. We had fun with the kids doing this. Once church was finished they now insisted to feed us lunch. It would be rude to decline so we once again went inside all alone to eat. We had beans, rice, Goat meat, Goat liver, posho, and inya. To eat you use your hands no fork or spoon to use. At first I was not sure if I would like it, but it was not to bad the beans and rice were great, and Goat was not terrible. The posho and inya had no flavor at all. After we finished eating we then headed home on our 11 mile bike ride back. This is the part where I almost died, but I have made it home safe. The country side of Africa is a true beauty of God and how great His creation is. Now I have seen Africa.

Car Repair

2010-02-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

SO when I signed up to serve overseas I had a job description and such. Little did I know that many other jobs would need filled. Today I changed a car battery and also the cable that connects to it. The terminal was broken and so, we changed it. After this was complete we then changed the oil in the truck. I felt at home while doing all this it gave me so much comfort to be useful for once. Other news from Africa we have met with several schools to discuss the presentation of true love waits. While at one of the schools my partner and myself have volunteered to help coach soccer. I do not know much about the game, but meeting school boys and talking with them is the idea. We want to make relationships and invest into them. We are praying for the ability to share our stories with them and learn about their stories. May the Lord use us in a mighty way to shine His light on these boys.

The 20th day

2010-02-03T01:33:00.000-08:00

As I have now been in Africa for 20 days I still feel like I have just arrived. We are finishing up our training for True Love Waits today and will be teaching a children’s bible study this afternoon. I have become restless with waiting to start the ministry, but the school year just begun this week. As I am still adjusting to living in Africa many things have been difficult. The simple things we take for granted are very evident to me now. Just to name a few things: we have no fridge so food must all be non perishable or we must buy it daily. Taking a shower is normally cold water and there is no real water pressure. Sleeping at night can be a challenge the power here is turned off at midnight and turned back on at six a.m., so it becomes very warm inside the house. I am also in a room with no power outlet so I cannot have a fan. I am becoming use to this, but these small things are just some of the small stuff we never think about.
As far as I am doing here I would be lying if I said all was well. I have had many struggles and difficulties while here. They have caused me to be discouraged and even have a sense of failure. I have even had times when I felt like coming home would be better, but the Lord is faithful, I called on Him and all my worries all my doubts were taken away. In life we all make mistakes and struggle to follow the Lord, and as I am here that does not change. Satan hates when we follow after the Lord and these doubts and struggles are just his way to stop what the Lord is doing. I rejoice in the Lord and I am thankful for his healing hand in all situations. He is the king of kings the mighty God, and his “grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 This comforts me greatly to know in my weakness his power is perfected. If we trust in the Lord and turn to him he is just and graceful to forgive us and restore us back to him. Hold on to that and seek the Lord daily.

The red moon

2010-02-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

The other night as I took a walk down the road I gazed at the moon and it was dark red. The cool of the night and the view took me to a place that allowed me to feel at home on a warm summer night. I was thankful for this small piece of comfort. As my eyes are continually opened and shown the reality of life. I experienced my first Sunday in Uganda and we attended Awindri Baptist Church. The church was a mud brick building and we started at 9:30 and ended at 12. The service consisted of a bible study, prayer requests and testimonies, introductions of visitors, worship (one song in English and the rest in alure), preaching, and closing prayers in a circle. So much of the service was influenced by the west mostly the Anglican church. They had baptist hymnals so funny. The English song was their way of including the mondus (means white people). The sermon was translated from alure into African English. Over all the day was wonderful and I was able to praise the Lord. More to come keep praying for the team, the people of Arua, and for me. Thanks

Life in Africa

2010-01-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

As I am adjusting to life in Africa the simple things in life that we take for granted seem to keep humbling me. On the seventh full day in Africa Friday the 22nd I needed to do some laundry. I asked where I could do this and was shown to the wash area. This was simply a double sink and there was not a way to stop the drains up. I washed my clothes and hung them up to dry, and I hope that tomorrow will be a sunny hot day so they will all dry. Today was the first day that it has not rained on us. On a better note our group was blessed to meet another group of Christians staying in the resort. They are from all over the states, England, and one girl from South Africa. They are so much fun to hang out with and learn about different cultures.
I am ready to start the journey in Uganda, but I have enjoyed my time here in South Africa.

The Beginning

2010-01-27T10:48:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay on posting updates. I have not had the ability to be on the internet. I will try my best to update as often as I can.

My first impression of South Africa is hard to really explain. As we entered the airport and smelled the air and saw the people, I had an over whelmed feeling of joy and completeness. I had arrived and now my journey would begin. The first six days of training I learned a lot and put it into practice. I was able to go into the streets of a community called “Deep Sloot” and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We shared in a way that is different from any way I’ve ever heard. They called it Creation to Christ and it gives a general start to finish idea of the bible. My first time sharing with people this way was divinely orchestrated and the Lord used me as his mouth piece. I shared and many questions were asked and I was not aware of so many issues in the culture from ancestry worship and how they will believe in Jesus and yet still pray to ancestors. Another day we went out to a place called Lion Park and, yes it’s named this because there is a park with lions and other animal. I was smiling as we passed by and I saw the animals, but that changed quickly as we entered the community. The homes here were in bad shape they were mostly made out of tin flashing. They had rocks on the roof holding it down and when it rains they all leak. This was my sixth day in South Africa and it had rained every day when we entered this community. Our reason for being in this community was to pray for these people and share Christ if the opportunity came. As we walked around praying we met a man named Zacchaeus and he told us he was looking for a job. The unemployment rate in South Africa is 25%, and most of the poor are in this percentile. As we talked with this man we asked him if he knew Jesus and if he had repented. He said “Yes I know Jesus, but I have not repented.” So we told him the story that bears his name Zacchaeus and I pray the Lord will work in him. He wants to know more and this encouraged me greatly. Please pray for him and another man we met named Noah. I know so funny to find two men who want to learn more about Jesus who have biblical names. As my eyes have been shown the reality of life in Africa I weep and my heart is broken for the nations. “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15. I pray you will go to the world and proclaim the gospel to all people. The gospel is not to be kept, but is to be shared with every man, women, and child.

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us. That your way may be known on the earth, your saving power among all the nations.” Psalm 67:1-2.

Let the Journey Begin

2010-01-14T09:57:00.000-08:00

Hmmmmm... Well I am sitting in the airport waiting. All the loose ends are tied up and all the good byes have been said. This moment in time seems bitter sweet. I am excited to go serve the Lord in Africa, and yet I will miss serving those at Williamstown Baptist Church. My good friend Darrell Morgan drove me to the airport along with my friends Ali, Amber, and Courtney. The time of goodbye at the security gate was difficult and I struggled to hold in the emotion. Each one of them mean so much to me and my life. I wanna thank you for sending me off with love. The long journey to my end destination will take around 24 hrs in total. (not counting layovers and stop offs).

"Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." Isaiah 6:8

Jesus said "Go..." Matthew 28:19

Good Bye

2010-01-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

Its 10 pm on Monday night three days until I fly out to Uganda, Africa. I just finished eating poppy seed chicken for dinner and then went to the boys basketball game at Williamstown High school. They lost to Henry County with a last minute shot. While at the game I saw many students and many other friends from the community. As I sit here and reflect on the people of Williamstown and my time spent here and the things Ive learned here. I can only say I have been WOWed by it all. A body of believers who are loving and encouraging to such a young minister. I had so many firsts in the two years I have been there. I preached my first sermon, taught my first Sunday School class, worked with youth for the first time, preformed my first Wedding, administered my first Lords Supper, and for the first time realized how blessed I am to be part of a Godly body of believers.

The reality that I am leaving for Africa is starting to settle in, and I am excited to go, yet sad to leave the people who have so greatly impacted my life. Those who have impacted it the most have been the youth in our church. I was impacted in a powerful way this past Sunday night. Before we finished our time together the youth gathered around me and they prayed for me. Now for youth to pray aloud randomly is not something they really like to do. Reality is most people feel uncomfortable doing this, but I saw courageous young students step out and pour over me prayers that brought tears to my eyes. Hearing the growth and maturity in their prayers blessed me. I will greatly miss each and every student. I know the Lord will teach me and grow me during my time in Africa. Even as I know this to be true I will long to return to you Williamstown.

Leaving on a Jet plane

2010-01-07T07:03:00.000-08:00

I leave in one week for my life changing adventure in Uganda, Africa. The feeling and worries all still are hard to describe. I know I am leaving and yet it has yet to sink in. I will miss so many people and miss the comforts of home, but I will not miss the snow that is for sure. I will truly miss the youth group they have become my family here in Kentucky. When ever times get tough they teach me so much and point me back to Jesus. How is it that a youth leader is being taught by the students. They are truly a blessing to me. I will miss Williamstown Baptist church they have become so dear to my heart. My prayers for this trip is to learn and grow closer to the Lord and be able to bring back a renewed spirit and guide people to the throne of grace. I hope to be able to keep everyone updated on my journey and come home to share a passion for missions. I have a large passion as it is and feel that our community in Williamstown will be in the future doing mission trips. I feel that we should be reaching out locally and abroad and we can do this with a people group who reside in our community and abroad. This people group is the Hispanic people group. Well please be in prayer for me and also for my team. As well be in prayer for Williamstown Baptist Church and how we can fulfill the great commission. Talk to you soon.

Faith

2009-12-25T17:32:00.000-08:00

As all the details of the trip have come together and the Lord has provided abundantly I still sit here and go "what about when I get back Lord." Where will I live and where will I work. I feel I want to finish school up and trying to afford an apartment and paying for school I always seem to come up short on that. So why do I not have the faith to know that the Lord will provide what I need when I return. How do I so quickly forget how the Lord takes care of me and provides what I need. Any thoughts on this?

23 Days and the rest of my life

2009-12-22T08:08:00.001-08:00

In 23 days I leave for South Africa and take one more step forward in my life. The feeling of leaving America and living in a foreign country for the next 5 months has not really set in. I know I will have difficulties and struggles, but it does not seem real. How can one prepare for a trip like this? I read Gods Word and pray and keep moving forward in my walk, but I do not feel a person can truly be ready for what is about to happen.
This journey reminds me of Jesus and Peter in Matthew 14:28-33. Jesus is walking on the water and Peter calls out to the Jesus and says if its you Lord command me to come. In the end of this story Peter has little faith that Jesus has the power for him to walk on water. I want my journey to be different, I have heard the Lord call me to get out of the boat and trust him. I want to have the faith to know he will walk through the fire with me and carry me. If I try doing this in my power I will fail in every way, and I pray for the faith to keep walking on the water through the power of Jesus.

I have so many thoughts about who will I be when I return home? Will I be the same person? Will I have changed? I am scared and excited to see who I become and what this trip will do to shape me and my out look in life. When I am long gone from this place will my life show that I served the Most High God? Will His light shine through me? I pray it does.

Be in prayer for me and the team I will be serving with.

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

Update on Africa

2009-11-20T08:56:00.000-08:00

As the date draws closer to my departure there has been so much more to do and worry about. The Lord has provided for me in abundence for my trip and once again I am reminded to trust in the Lord.

1. fill out application for Hands-On
2. Wait long time
3. Get accepted
4. wait more time
5. find out who is on my team
6. raise money for trip
7. get super excited and wait some more
8. Get flight plan
9. wait to leave on January 14th
10. most of all Pray

The Love of the Father

2009-11-16T08:23:00.000-08:00

As my trip to Uganda Africa comes closer and all the details are being worked out by our Father. I began to think about who I will be serving over there and what I will be teaching and what kind of impact I may have. I watched a short video on youtube of a mission team that went to the same city in Uganda as I will be. I saw the faces of the children and saw the city. I fell in love at first sight of the children, their smile, and my heart was also broken into pieces seeing the sheer poverty they live in. How can you love people you have never met?

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11

The love of our Father compels us to share His name to the ends of the earth. Many have gone before and many will go after. The truth we need to rest in is found in Zephaniah 3:17. Many of us have never read this passage but we sing a song about it a lot : Mighty to save. Our Father is a mighty one who saves. If we share with this mind set we allow God to work in us and those we share His name with. May we keep to the great commission and go to make disciples of all nations. The Word of God keeps showing the importance of sharing our faith so others may hear the Word as well. I pray as I prepare for this adventure I can be bold and share without fear my faith to those who God has placed in my life.

I need Jesus

2009-09-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

As I prepair for all that is ahead of me, Africa, school, work, a family. I feel like I keep running into speed bumps, ditches, holes, craters, and the list goes on. I say it and sing it and preach it that all we need in Jesus. Do I believe it? Do I take hold of it? Do I run with it? NO most definitely NO. I wanna believe it I wanna say all I need is Jesus, but the reality is I feel I need Jesus and things to be easy. I need life to be sweeter filled with victories no failures. I thought when I believed in Jesus everything would be EASY. News flash it only gets harder. Harder to serve him, obey him, learn from him, and just be willing to say YES LORD.

I am not sure why at this moment in time I am struggling with all this. I know the right answers I am the bible college student. We have all the books that say what is right and what is wrong. I can tell all the theology just the right way, but when I have questions people seem to think I am less spiritual. People seem to think you've changed. No I am still me I just have questions and no answers. I wonder why one person is held to a different standard than others. Are we all not following the same GOD? (I am aware my thoughts are kinda here and there sorry.)

Is it less spiritual to wear flip flops or dress shoes? Shirt and tie or Polo? Jeans or dress pants? I think Jesus would say show me your heart not your shoes. Why have we made Church so religious? Why do we say your not Godly if you don't do X,Y,Z? There are believers in China who huddle around one small light bulb wearing dirty clothes reading one bible and they are worshiping the Lord. Worshiping him knowing at any moment the could be caught and killed for this. We get all to caught up in how we do Church and not in why we do Church. Now don't hear me saying Church is bad. When we worship our Lord with our hearts it is pure joy. I wanna be there in that place where all I need is Jesus and the rest is written by HIM.

I have not one clue if any of this makes sense or if anyone will read this. I use this space to let go of difficulties and ideas and just be free in who I am and what I believe. You may agree or disagree and that is fine. You are on a journey same as me and we never get it right. I am trying my best to serve the Lord how I feel led. May Jesus Christ direct my path and yours to the foot of the cross. I NEED JESUS

AFRICA

2009-08-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

So I have finally gotten the official email letting me know I have been approved to go to Africa for a semester. I will receive 12 credits for college and will gain a lot of hands on experience. I am so excited to go but with so much to do before I go I pray it all works out. The cost for the trip is 2900 dollars and as many people know college students do not have an overflow of extra money. With needing shots and other small things that I am even not yet aware of I think the trip will cost closer to 4,000 dollars. Several people have already told me they would help and I know Gods people will step up to help as well. I am looking for any ideas to help fund raise. I am willing to work, I am willing to do whatever God has planned to make this all happen. I know it will test my faith and I am glad to see it strengthened. Several other things that come to mind is when I return I want to live in Williamstown once again I love this place. I wont have anywhere to stay or even a job. I pray God will open a place and a job for me. If you know of a place or have a place or a room or anything I am flexible. If you could be praying for me and praying how you can be involved in advancing the Kingdom of God in Africa.

Why are we running?

2009-08-06T07:00:00.001-07:00

Over the past month I have been trying to run regularly, and with the weather it has been difficult. It seems to me when you have several weeks of good weather it is easy to get in a routine, but as soon as the weather gets rainy for a week its easily ruined. As I was thinking about this I thought back to an old journal entry I had. I asked the question "where am I running to." I know my desire is to run to the Lord, but how am I doing this? At times I hardly feel like reading my bible and I struggle with understanding it. I want to serve my Lord and be a faithful servant. My spiritual desire does not always line up with what I do. Just like running I get into a good routine and I see God move in mighty ways and watch him use me and others in ways only He can do. Then there is the rainy times were all I can do is pray for the sun to come out. I feel like God is far away and unattainable. I know in the rainy days of life God uses them to teach us and I wanna learn.
As I sit here listening to music a song by Rush of Fools came on and its called "Can't Get Away." The song talks about we can't get away because we keep running into God. WOW God intersects in our life's whether we want to or not. As a young minister I have many difficulties and struggles. I wanna do what is right and honoring to God and at times I do not have the answers. Who will listen and help? Who will guide? How will I know what is right? I feel like I am running at full speed and the goal is so far away I cannot tell if I am running in the right direction. Serving the Lord seemed so much easier 5 years ago when He save my hell bound soul. Life was slower and the struggles seemed smaller. Lord give me strength and courage to run the race with endurance.

Who will go?

2009-07-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

This past week I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Youth Camp. While at camp I received a phone call from the International Mission Board. I have been waiting on this call for over a month. Strange thing was I had no reception on the campus, so for my phone to get this call was God ordained. This call was about my application to work overseas for a semester. I had applied to go to the Philippine Islands, but due to no other people wanting to go there I was faced with a decision. I could keep that job in hopes for a partner, but I could also end up not going at all. The decision I had to make was should I go ahead and change my choice of job or not. After several days of prayer and hearing God speak I decided to change jobs. I am still waiting for the confirmation letter, but with it I will be heading to Uganda, Africa. The hard part now begins I must raise money to go and there are several other logistical things to figure out. I know God has great plans for all our lives we must be faithful and follow him all in.

Preaching

2009-06-28T04:43:00.000-07:00

As I sit in my pastor's office getting ready to preach before the church I have a feeling of inadequacy. I have been a believer for just over 4 years. I have grown in my understanding of the bible and about my savior. I still feel who am I to preach to anyone, I am a sinner worse than any. I need the power of God to speak through me. With out Him I am nothing, but a sinful man with sinful actions and desires. I pray the Lord would humble me and break me of my sinful ways and sinful desires. I need Him more than ever. Christ must increase and I must decrease. Show me the way Lord help sustain me and make me a powerful tool for your Kingdom.

Yearning

2009-06-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

What do I yearn for? is it the Lord? Marriage? Wealth? comfort? It seems all to often I catch my self seeking after the things of this world. I try to keep up with the Jones' and always fall short. Last night as I watched the T.V. with my wonderful rabbit ears that were covered in aluminum foil. The reception went in and out and I caught myself desiring cable. Why? I know myself all to well and I would waste more time sitting watching T.V. I would be distracted more than I am already. The smallest things in life that we have we take for granted. Basic medicine, clean water, and so much more. How can I ever be so self centered as to want more. I don't need more stuff I need more Jesus. I need to yearn for him, seek him, give him praises. I feel that being connected to everything has blinded me from thirsting for the Lord. I am on facebook, myspace,twitter, blogspot, and I have a cell phone and T.V. How have I convinced myself that I need these things, or even want these things. I want to serve my God, but my flesh pulls me away from the things of the Lord. I want to divorce my flesh it deceives me and leads me into temptation. I want to be led to the foot of the cross, to the road less traveled, to the way, the truth, and the life of Jesus.

I want to yearn for Gods Word. I want to have a passion for His Word. I know the right answers to how to live and what I should do, but I have not always done that. I feel like a disobedient child. Like Adam and Eve hiding from God in the Garden. I know he sees me and my sin. I am thankful for the forgiveness of sins, but I never want to abuse His grace. May we all draw near to the throne of Grace and may our lives be ones that are holy and honoring to the Lord. Let us help one another in this journey. Push forward, never give up, and rest in His power, and his spirit. Lord I long to see you and thirst for you. May you satisfy my soul.

Another Journey

2009-05-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

As we set out on the journey of life we encounter many obstacles and road blocks. How we over come or go around them shapes who we are and what we become. This time of the year is always a transition time from school to summer. For some it will just be another summer and for others it is the end of a large chapter and the beginning of the next. Their journey to college, work, or military has many roads. Where will I go, what will I do, how will I make it.

I can remember just three years ago I had these same thoughts and questions. I was not sure how it was going to work out or how I would ever make it without a miracle. The real miracle was I was going. Before I get to that we have to go back almost tens years to when I graduated. It was June of 2000 and I had joined the Marine Corps. I was to leave the day after graduation, but graduation never happened. It never happened due to a bomb threat on the venue of the graduation. So I would be heading away without walking with my class. To be honest I was happy I did not have to sit through a graduation with some 600 plus students. Looking back on it I wish I had been able to go.

I headed out said all my good byes and was on a plane for San Diego, CA. I arrived with some small delays along the way, but I had made it. The next thirteen weeks would be tough and it was going to make me a United States Marine. "The few the proud the Marines." That was going to be me all buff and tough with my M-16. Little did I know that my next chapter was about to have a big dead end. Just one week into basic training after I had been yelled at alot, shot in the butt with every needle available, and had received my rifle I got some bad news. On the seventh night the drill instructors inspected each recruit to make sure they were injury free. They looked at my feet and saw that they were red and blistered and sent me to the doctor first thing in the morning. I was told that I had problems with my feet and was heading home, but not before they got manual labor for a week. So I had made it two weeks and now I was going home. My dream of a military carer had gone up in smoke. What would I do now?

Once I came home I spent the next several years going from job to job. Trying night school for a few semesters and just feeling like school was not for me. I felt like there was no purpose for my life. All I did was work, eat, and sleep, and I had no friends they all went away to college. I became depressed and that led to drinking. What a great idea drink to cure depression, wow I was a bright one. I finally had a thought "If there is no purpose then why live." I decided to first go to church with my family and see if this God thing was real. If it was real then there was a purpose for me. The next year I kept going to church and was enjoying it. I had people to talk with. Nick and Chris invested alot into my life. They were the young adult/ youth leaders. They left after a year and I was back to whats going on I had no one again.

My journey kept taking turns and I felt like I was getting motion sickness. I left my church in search of another one where I could learn and grow. By this time I had two friends from high school I spent time with. I am so thankful for them and their love they showed me. My journey landed me at Westside Baptist Church where I meet some amazing people who would alter my journey. I came to true faith while at Westside and was led to my first overseas mission trip.

This chapter of my journey I would call my great commission year. In the winter of 2005 I decided to look at bible colleges and found my current school Boyce College. This decision came from a conversation I had with a dear friend. I had mentioned that I felt God telling me to go to college for ministry and his advice was "if God gave you a dream put some legs on it and get going." In the spring of 2006 I visited the college with my friends Jason Young and Darrell Morgan. Darrell had recently become an associate pastor in Williamstown, KY. This college just so happened to be in KY as well, and it was only a little over an hour away from him. After seeing the college I knew this was where I wanted to go to college. Before coming to college I went overseas again this time I spent 6 weeks and worked with a missionary. He taught me a ton about missions and what it meant to be a missionary.

My journey kept taking me places I had never thought were possible. I went to college and I am still there. I work with youth, preach and so much more. I never would have believed all this would have happened ten years ago when I graduated. My journey looks so much different than I had thought, but I would not change it for anything. The next chapter in my journey is to head overseas again this time for 4 months. I am still waiting on my acceptance letter for the program. So as I have reflected on my journey I encourage others to look back at theirs. For those young students know this that where ever your journey takes you God will be with you and His guidance will help you to be a faithful servant for His kingdom. Our journeys are a testament to the power of Gods saving work. If he can take a depressed kid with no confidence on the edge of suicide. He can use anyone of us for His great purpose.

Psalms 25:4 "Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths."

Hands on

2009-05-15T03:04:00.001-07:00

I recently started my application process for Hand-on. Hands-on is a program where college students can go over seas for a semester and earn 12 college credits. The cost is 2,900 dollars for most jobs and that is a lot cheaper than paying full price for 12 credits.

This is an opportunity of a life time, but it doesn't come without some problems. Several things that come to mind are; how will I save the money for it. I will have to leave my job, but on the bright side my boss said she would rehire me. The biggest problem I see is where will I store my belongings and when I return where would I live until I am able to save enough money up to once again pay for a place to stay. I know that God in all His wisdom knows the answers to these questions, but that doesn't mean I have not thought about them.

The good things I see that can come from this are so many. I will gain hands on experience and challenge myself in cross-cultural ministry's. I feel called to go to Africa already full time, so this will give me an eye opening view of what life might be like for me. I am excited and scared. Praise God for his challenges to "Go make disciples." I also see this as a way to help my church in doing missions in the future.

If you could be in prayer for me, and what the Lord would have me do. I would be much appreciated. I would like to be praying for you, so if you have any requests please let me know.

On Mission

2009-05-11T08:19:00.001-07:00

The church and the mission of God. There are many different areas that the church needs to be on mission. How does the church balance doing both local and foreign missions? I've heard both sides "we need to work with in our own community," and "we need to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth." Both are true and both should be done. The church has a duty to spreading the Gospel to "Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth." We need to always be on mission no matter where we are at. When we are out to eat at Cracker Barrel or on vacation in Gatlinburg, or where ever you may be. Sharing the Gospel is a call that all Christians have.

I feel the church I am currently a member of is spreading the Gospel to the people they are around and those they come in contact with. But the area I feel a passion for and a need to work on is our foreign mission. We have discussed doing a mission trip, but we continue to talk. A good friend of mine once said "if you have a dream put some legs on it and get going." I have a dream and desire for others to catch that dream to share the Gospel to people around the world. My great desire is to have people of all ages and backgrounds to go or help others to go. There are several steps to take to start the process.

1.Be in prayer for where the Lord can use us.
2.Asses our gifts and talents to see how we can be used.

These two steps help to begin the process and from there the planning will begin.

Be on mission with God.

Poverty

2009-05-03T05:51:00.001-07:00

“I know poverty because poverty was there before I was born and it has become part of life like the blood through my veins. Poverty is not going empty for a single day and getting something to eat the next day. Poverty is going empty with no hope for the future. Poverty is getting nobody to feel your pain and poverty is when your dreams go in vain because nobody is there to help you. Poverty is watching your mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters die in pain and in sorrow just because they couldn't get something to eat. Poverty is hearing your grandmothers and grandfathers cry out to death to come take them because they are tired of this world. Poverty is watching your own children and grandchildren die in your arms but there is nothing you can do. Poverty is watching your children and grandchildren share tears in their deepest sleep. Poverty is suffering from HIV/AIDS and dying a shameful death but nobody seems to care". " Poverty is when you hide your face and wish nobody could see you just because you feel less than a human being. Poverty is when you dream of bread and fish you never see in the day light. Poverty is when people accuse you and prosecute you for no fault of yours but who is there to say some for you? Poverty is when the hopes of your fathers and grandfathers just vanish within a blink of an eye. I know poverty and I know poverty just like I know my father's name. Poverty never sleeps. Poverty works all day and night. Poverty never takes a holiday" http://cozay.com/

Can you hear me

2009-05-01T06:49:00.000-07:00

What keeps us from hearing God? Can you hear him or is life to noisy. Our lives are so filled with stuff that we miss God throughout our day. I wanna pray to God more, but in reality there are other things to do. Like this blog. I wanna read His word more, but reality is there is always another book to read. I wanna hear God, but I do not make it a priority. Hearing God takes a slowing down of our lives. Are we willing to slow down?

America is on high speed all the time non stop go, go, go. We have drive-thru's for faster service, and we are always connected to the world via. cell phones, computers, and so much more. This high speed life has caused us to be disconnected to one another. Why have we become a non-social society where we no longer care about human interaction. We would rather go through the self check out lane at Wal-Mart, and we try to avoid people as we pass by them by staring at the floor. What happened? I feel this disconnect of human interaction has caused us to be disconnect from God. Technology has severed our closeness with the Father. We read of the fist century church with amazement of how they heard God. They spent time meditating on His word and they prayed with one another. Read Acts 4:23-31.

A few years ago I went on a prayer retreat with my friend Darrell and the first day was touchier for us we did not know what to do or to talk about. We had just spent several hours in a car with one another so the small talk was done. We went to a monastery, so no TV to entertain us. We sat around looking at one another not sure what to do. The second day of the retreat we spent 5 hours with the Lord in silence and by the end of that day we could sit, read, and we talked about our day with the Lord. We did it without the restlessness that we had when we first arrived. The retreat ended on the third day and we felt another day would have been really productive. We had begun to hear God and feel His Spirit move in us. I tell this story one to remind myself to slow down and hear God whisper. Two so maybe you will slow down and draw near the saviour.

What is stopping you from hearing from the Lord. What can you let go of to slow your life down. A word of caution, when the Lord speaks he does not call us to safety, but to be a barbarian for His kingdom. For a more on being a Barbarian read "Barbarian way" By Erwin McManus.

Will I go

2009-04-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

Since I started this blog (yesterday) I have been really thinking what I should say. Do I really have anything worth saying or am I like every other blog that writes for their own amusement? I pray this will encourage others and in some way keep a record of my journey to Africa. So I and others can see how God is moving in our lives.

This journey started several years ago as I referred to in my last post. Since that dream was given to me it has been three years. I feel as if I will never reach Africa at the pace I am going in school. If I look at what God is doing in my life I can not help, but notice his hand at work though. Just one semester after starting school at Boyce (the bible college I attend) I started going to Williamstown Baptist Church. I started spending time with the youth group and I began to fall in love with youth. Next to missions in Africa it has become a second passion of mine. Working with them has challenged me and also inspired me. Seeing God use this time to stretch me and grow me for his purpose in his kingdom is worth it. So all is not in vain. What I am learning right now will help me to minister to others and help them grow to know God more.

The tension with being in the United States and desiring to go to Africa is a difficult balance for me. I know to be able to go it will take first getting out of debt, paying off student loans is the main area I have. Luckily I wasn't dumb for too long and I only accumulated a small amount. I say smallm, this is compared to many other students I know. So will I go. I have a desire to go and a passion for the place, but it will have to be on God's time.

Afirca

2009-04-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

I love Africa and the many different people who inhabit the continent. I would like to go and share the Gospel with them. I am not really sure where in Africa and to which people group, but God will show me. I started falling in love with Africa right after I read the book “Dispatches from the edge” by Anderson Cooper. He is a reporter on CNN, and his show is Anderson Cooper 360. His book had all his adventures compiled in it and at the age of just 17 or was it 18. I am not real sure, I have not read it in some time, but any ways he talked about his time in Africa. They way he wrote made me feel as if I was standing right next to him along the journey. Since that summer of 2006 I’ve loved Africa and I’ve wanted to go.
The rich traditions and the heritage that is rooted within the continent of Africa is inspiring. Maybe I am just some dorky guy who loves different culture’s. I want to sit down and talk with the elderly people both at home and overseas. I want to learn from them about their life and the things that happened during it. There would be nothing better than to sit around a camp fire with a chief of a tribe in Africa and talk about his people. Where they came from and how they became who they are today. I would love to be taught how to hunt and build a hut. I watched a movie (Faith like Potatoes) the other day and they built a mud hut and I would love to learn how to do that. So I love Africa and I want to go.