Boot-Legged TRUTH

Why re-invent the wheel? Why try to say something a different way, when someone has already nailed it on the head? I am not that creative or good with words, so I am going to boot-leg someone else's writing and post it here. Because TRUTH IS TRUTH. So here it is.....

I NEED AFRCIA MORE THAN AFRICA NEEDS ME

When I think of Africa, the following images immediately come to mind: Starvation. AIDS. Child soldiers. Genocide. Sex slaves. Orphans. From there, my thoughts naturally turn to how I can help, how I can make a difference. "I am needed there," I think. "They have so little, and I have so much." It's true, there are great tragedies playing out in Africa every day. There is often a level of suffering here that is unimaginable until you have seen it, and then it is difficult to believe. But what is even harder is reconciling the challenges that many Africans face with the joy I see in those same people. It's a joy that comes from somewhere I cannot fathom, not within the framework that has been my life to this day.

The images spilling out of my television showed circumstances that could seemingly only equal misery, and I was fooled. I bought into the lie that circumstance defines happiness. The truth is, in Africa I find hearts full of victory, indomitable spirits. In places where despair should thrive, instead I find adults dancing and singing, and children playing soccer with a ball crafted of tied up trash. Instead of payback, I find grace. Here, weekend getaways are not options to provide relief from the pains of daily life. Relationships and faith provide joy. Love is sovereign.

My new reality... I know now that my joy should have no regard for my circumstances. I'm ashamed by the lack of faith, buy at the very same moment I am excited by my new pursuit. I'm forced to redefine the meaning of having much or having little. I'm uneasy with the prospect of change and of letting go, but just the thought of freedom is liberating. I want what I have learned to trickle down from my head into my heart - I no longer want to need the "next thing" to have joy.

I'm not saying that Africa does not need our efforts. It absolutely does need our partnership. But for me, I've come to understand that I NEED AFRICA MORE THAN AFRICA NEEDS ME. Why? Because it is Africa that has taught me that possessions in my hands will never be as valuable as peace in my heart. I've learned that I don't need what I have and that I have what I need. These are just a few of this continent's many lessons. I came here to serve and yet I've found that I have so much to learn, and Africa, with all its need, has much to teach me.

Eu Te Amo

I am writing to let you know what God has been doing and, by faith, what He will continue to do in Africa. For the last year, I had the privilege to show and spread the love of Jesus to the people of Mozambique. We have seen and experienced many things---some full of joy and some full of sorrow--but all have been a part of the Lord's plan.

While in Dondo, Mozambique, I was the children's director at an Iris Ministry Children's Center (www.irismin.org). Along with amazing Mozambican leaders, we oversaw the daily needs and activities of 28 boys who have suffered the loss of one or both parents. These needs range from hygiene to schooling and everything in between. For example, I had a boy come up to me one day and with all seriousness he told me he had snakes in his poop! Trying to contain my laughter, I told him we would take care of it. We then went to go get some de-wormer. Ahhh....the joys of being a "mom" to boys!

As you can imagine, 28 boys can create quiet the demand. However, it was and is a complete honor to serve them in such a way. While providing for their physical needs are extremely important, it does not compare to the importance of their spiritual needs. I wish I could express to you the growth I have seen in these boys. I wish you could see the expressions on their faces when they finally get how much the Lord loves them. The excitement they have is contagious. Some of the boys have opened up significantly and love to share about Christ at our weekly family group. But the boys knowledge of the importance of Christ in their lives and telling others about Him, is not contained by the centers walls! I had the incredible opportunity to be invited to one of the boys’ home in the city. As we were riding a chopa (an over crowded bus!) to his house, he kept telling me he was full of shame and would not look at me. He was so humiliated for me to see where he had come from. I kept telling him that no matter what, I will always love him and his past does not dictate his future. It was hard to see him this way. But once we arrived at the collapsing mud hut with sewage water running in the front door and he saw that I was not going to run away, he began to relax. We talked with his family for over an hour. And as we were about to leave, I suggested he and I pray with his family. At first he was reluctant, but he did it. One the way home, he told me that was the first time he ever prayed in front of his family! WOW. It may seem like a small feat, but in a country that has a stronghold with witchcraft, a boy stepping up in front of his family to pray to the One True God is a very big deal.

I have many stories of redemption and breakthrough I could share about the boys. They are growing in the Lord and turning into mighty men for His glory. It is such an honor to be a part of what the Lord is doing in Dondo and throughout Mozambique. I know my work for Him is not finished in Dondo---it is not finished with the boys.

I will be returning to Mozambique on January 25, 2011 and continue serving His people in this great country. I look forward to returning home and being with the boys, missionaries, Mozambicans, and our rat killing cat-Paka!

Laying Our Yes Down at the Cross

Is God really who He says He is? This maybe a strange question. You may be thinking the heat has finally effected this girls head...she has lost her mind! But hear me out for just a moment. When people ask us, or we are standing in a church building we say that God is in control of everything. We say that He is the Almighty and worthy of praise. We say that He is sovereign, compassionate, full of grace and love. But who do we say He is with our actions? Who do we say he is when poverty, hurt, and death is beyond human understanding? When the world screams it's ugly truths at us, do we believe God is still the God we declare Him to be on Sunday mornings?

The last few weeks have been eye opening for me here in Mozambique. The Lord has shown me a lot......some things are amazing and some things make me numb with sorrow. He has lifted the spirits of the boys here at the base and they are opening up to the goodness Christ has to offer. PLEASE never underestimate the POWER of speaking WORDS OF LIFE over someone!!! But with all the joys and happy stories, comes the struggles and realities of the people here in Mozambique. Struggles that are real and hard to believe if I did not see them first hand.

But here's the deal. Despite the heart aches, the hunger, the abuse, the pain...GOD IS GOD. Despite the happiness, the redemption, the renewed hope....GOD IS GOD.

Before ever coming into this world as a man, Christ knew that pain and suffering were in His path. Being fully aware of what the future would bring, He still chose to become flesh and walk hand in hand with humans. Knowing full well that death on a cross was in his future, He still said YES. He does not ever say our lives are going to be without pain and suffering, but like Him, He expects us to lay our yes down at the cross and follow Him. Believe in Him. Trust Him. Love Him.

I pray He protects these boys from the harshness of this world. I pray He opens doors for their futures. I pray their wounds will be healed. I pray He brings prosperity to their lives. BUT, if He chooses not to, I pray we will all know that GOD IS GOD. I pray the He reveals the truth about Himself to all us, in the good times and the bad. I pray we know that He is the only One that is worthy of praise. I pray we press on because He is our prize. He is our joy. He is our hope.

Keeping It Simple

This year was my first Christmas away from everything that is familiar. No Christmas music coming from every speaker starting the day after Thanksgiving. No mall Santa's. No commercials reminding me that the "best gifts" can be bought at certain locations. No hustle and bustle of holiday sales. No making out lists of wants and must haves.

In Mozambique it is simple. Here joy does not come wrapped in paper. Happiness can't be bought in a store. The smiles were pure and the hearts are grateful for gifts that most would have considered rubbish. This Christmas we celebrated with the boys by reading the story of Christ's birth, taking communion, having a nice chicken lunch (they only get chicken twice a year....very special!), giving out gifts, and then eating a cake. The gifts consisted of pencils, small bouncing balls, notebook paper, candy, socks, a spoon, and 50-100 mets ( a little less than $2-$4). As they opened their gift, their face lit up with excitement. You would have thought we just gave them the latest gaming system, a new laptop, or a million dollars. They were so happy. They were so grateful.

The entire day was amazing. The Lord is so good. It is still hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that the our Father loves us so much that He left Heaven, became flesh, was born in a manger, and lived life on earth. He walked and lived among us because He loves us. I often wonder how He feels when He sees us try and fill our lives with so much stuff. I wonder if He is ever thinking "Man, it is so simple. Love Me. Love others."

Our Saviour has offered us the ultimate gift....eternal life with Him. Man, what an honor....what a responsibility....what a joy...what a reason to celebrate!

I am so thankful our Creator has allowed me to be in Mozambique for this time. I am so thankful He has reminded me through the faces of these kids that His love can be simple. My heart is full. This year I received the most precious of gifts....being a small part of these boys lives.

Faliz Natal!

Praising the Worthy One

Here I sit in my new living area, in my new town, in my new country. I have been in Dondo now for a little more than a week, 9 days or 216 hours or 12,960 minutes to be exact...but seriously who's counting. They said the first week would consist primarily of recovering from the ever so fun jet lag. But I got lucky, that never was a real issue. I have adjusted nicely with the time.

In this short time however, I have learned several things...

1) The food is not near as bad as people made it out to be but the spiders are much bigger. Praise the Lord for Shoprite and flip flops (they make a great weapon).

2) We have a leaky roof. Praise the Lord for pots, pans, and a mop.

3) The boys love to be tickled. Praise the Lord for laughter.

4) No matter how hard three of the younger boys try, they will never be able to duplicate my laugh. Praise the Lord for making it one of a kind.

5) The only air conditioning on base is in the car. Praise the Lord for Toyota's.

6) You really can wake up sweating. Praise the Lord for deoderant.

7) Communication with people I love is a complete blessing. Praise the Lord for Skype.

8) The boys and I have played basketball almost everyday and I really am as out of shape as I

thought. Praise the Lord for "half-time."

9) These boys have experienced a hurt that I will never be able understand. Praise the Lord for His unfailing love.

10) Transporting a body and attending a funeral of someone I don't know, can still manifest a deep sorrow. Praise the Lord for bringing comfort.

11) Holding the hand of the sweetest 12 year old, Joao, makes all the discomforts go away. Praise the Lord for the heart of children.

12) Not being able to understand or speak the language is frustrating. But being able to speak love and see a kid's face light up through a simple hug is amazing and transforming. Praise the Lord for being the Translator.

13) Knowing this is exactly where I am supposed to be and having the Lord as my Guide, my Provider, my Father, my Protector, my Refuge, and my King is better than anything the world of convenience and comfort could ever offer. PRAISE THE LORD.

Psalm 9:1-2 I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.