In a couple weeks from now I should be on my way to Kenya for orientation! These past few days I have been cleaning out my room. It has been a tiring process sorting through all my old books, papers, photos, clothes, etc. Many forgotten memories come back to the forefront of my mind as I look at each I item I had put away into my closet or file cabinet years ago. One fascinating aspect of the whole process is how it has enabled me to look back over the past ten years of my life and to see how I have grown as Jesus has faithfully led me up to this point. I tend to get discouraged when I try to observe spiritual growth in my life from day to day, but when I look at the past three, five, or ten years I am reminded that growth is a process and not an instantaneous observable change. Recently I was encouraged by Philippians 1:6 which reads, "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus." There will probably be circumstances I face in the future that I am not yet perfectly prepared for or mature enough to handle, but because our God is faithful I am at peace knowing that He prepares us for each step ahead.
This season of preparation has truly been a good one with many meaningful memories being made. I have been thoroughly enjoying these final moments (for possibly the next few years) with friends and family who offer me their support and encouragement. Several weeks ago, a commissioning service was held for me by the Sudanese congregation. I did my best to preach in Juba Arabic and after I shared, a couple of the church leaders came up to pray for me and offer words of encouragement in English. I was then given an Arabic/English Bible and a large sum of money to go toward my mission. I often feel that I have been more blessed by the Sudanese church than I have been a blessing to them. In the same way, the outpouring of love, support, and encouragement I experience from my sending church, Emmanuel Fellowship has equally blessed me. I believe these experiences allow us a little glimpse of what heaven is like.
Across the ocean, the nation of Sudan needs our prayers. July 9th is to be the day which South Sudan officially gains independence, yet little has been resolved regarding the border areas in dispute. Though not likely affecting the safety of AIM missionaries, violence continues to plague these areas lying on the North/South border. In Eastern Equatoria State, my plans to work with the Boya people still remain unchanged. I have been corresponding with Clement, a Christian Boya man who works with Laarim language (language of the Boya people) translation. I look forward to meeting with Clement in South Sudan. I am hoping to make a few visits with him to the Boya community before permanently relocating there. Also, I am still praying that the Lord would raise up another missionary that I would work alongside to reach this people group.
-An end to the violence plaguing the border between North and South Sudan
-For the Boya people to be ready to receive the Gospel
-For strength and the ability to focus during my preparation for Africa and ministry. I have three 8 hour days of motorcycle lessons next week and 3 week orientation in Kenya once I arrive to Africa.
-Also, Praise the Lord that my monthly pledge support target has been reached!
