a taste of Africa

This next 2 weeks i am in North Carolina at SIM's home office here in Charlotte for Missions candidate orientation. This afternoon we were invited to go to an african service at a church in town. What a blessing! How fun it was to sing praises African style! I loved the beautiful dresses, beautiful voices, and beautiful faces of all the African at the church. I am still developing my spiritual gift of rythm. Wow for some reason when they dance it's beautiful- but when I try- not so much.

Out of the mouths of children

Just this last week I have been encouraged by the solid, unwavering faith of children. Last Sunday I was talking to a little girl at my church. She was dancing and shakin her newly made tambourine (paper plate and bells- something she had just made in Sunday school). I told her she should bring in to church the next sunday for the worship service. =0) When i asked her what she learned in Sunday school she replied sweetly- " About a lady who was sick" I asked her what happened to this lady- and she promptly in her sweet tone told me Jesus healed her. Then this girl went back to dancing and playing her tambourine- out conversation was over. But her joy in Jesus - and her unshaken faith in Jesus- impacted me. At her age she didn't need someone to prove to her that Jesus was real, that the Bible was true, - she believed in with all her heart.

Another sweet blessing came that night- when a group of kids were at our house. The topic of JEsus coming back arose in the conversation- and one little boy said- I sure hope the rapture is soon. This response shocked me- because i didn't know little boys realy thought about the rapture. So I asked him why he was excited- with a smile on his face he sweetly responded- " Cause i can't wait to go to heaven." His joy for heaven and seeing Jesus lit up my heart.
Kids don't have to know all the details- they just know who is trustworthy. No wonder JEsus said to come to him with child-like faith.

Eyes fixed on Jesus!

God is so Good! I have been reminded this week to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-3. He has done so much for me!!!! At the foot of the cross- I can lay all my burdens down! I am in NE for the weekend sharing about God's call on my life to go to Africa- and driving tonight I heard this beautiful song,

At The Foot Of The Cross lyrics

Artist - Don Moen

Album - Thank You Lord

Lyrics - At The Foot Of The Cross

Verse 1:
At the foot of the cross
Where grace and suffering meet
You have shown me Your love
Through the judgment You received
And You've won my heart
And You've won my heart
Now I can

Chorus:
Trade these ashes in for beauty
And wear forgiveness like a crown
Coming to kiss the feet of mercy
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross

Verse 2:
At the foot of the cross
Where I am made complete
You have given me life
Through the death you bore for me
And You've won my heart
And You've won my heart
Now I can

(Repeat Chorus twice, then instrumental)

Bridge:
And You've won my heart
And You've won my heart
Now I can

(Repeat twice Chorus)

I lay every burden down
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross
At the foot of the cross
At the foot of the cross

Whatever might be weighing you down, know Jesus invites you to lay your burdens at the foot of His cross.

Fun Opportunities!

Last Night I got to share my heart for Africa with a group "Pathways" at Central Christian. It was such a blessing to be there. I have had a chance to meet some great friends who love Jesus and are really seeking to serve Him with their lives. One fact I shared with them about Africa was a staggering statistic about orphans. BY the year 2010 the orphan population in Nigeria alone could be between 16-18 million. How many is 18 million? Think of it this way- the orphans could populate 60 cities the size of Wichita! Here's some other points God laid on my heart to share. As Christians we are called to join in the fight for spiritual freedom. What an awesome commission we have by God- to serve Him- whatever the cost!
David Livingston said this, " If a commission by an earthly king is considered an honor, how can a commission by a heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?" It truly is an honor to serve our great God- who gave His son to redeem us from sin!
Ray Boltz wrote this great song "An Honor to Serve." I want to share the chorus with you.
"It's an honor to serve, to join in the fight- to lift up my voice and to lay down my life.
Giving glory to God, seeking none in return- it's an honor, an honor to serve."
I ended with a song by Steve Green - The Mission- speaking about our love for the Lord our God being the heartbeat of our mission.
II Corinthians 5:14 says, " For the love of Christ compels us..." I'm praying that is what is compelling you today =0)

Bigger than ME

Today while driving I heard this chorus on the radio, " Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believeYou're up to something bigger than me-Larger than life -something heavenly."
This whole thing going to Africa and all- is something so much bigger than me. Only God can pull this off. S0 today again I surrender to His plan- He's a way big God- I trust Him - with everything.

Wow - serving God is a step by step adventure!

I just want to praise the Lord for How HE has led me this far!!!