Still Trusting...

As I was getting ready for work this morning (yes, I had to work on Labor Day!), I was thinking about why I want to go to Africa.  I say "I want to go", and that's true, but I really feel that God is calling me to go on this trip.  This morning I was remembering back to what seems like a lifetime ago to our days at Riverside Baptist Church in Denver, CO.  Rick Ferguson and the rest of the ministry staff there really cast a vision and set a fire for missions in that church.  

Dan went on his first mission trip with Riverside before we were married and then two others shortly after we were married.  One in particular, to Burma, was life-changing.  It was life-changing for both of us, even though I didn't go.  It made the extreme suffering and persecution that goes on in much of the world a reality for us.

Then my sister married Aaron, a missionary kid who was born and grew up in Rwanda.  His family was evacuated during the genocide in Rwanda in the '90's.  Knowing this gave me a desire to learn more (I was 14 when it was going on and don't really remember it happening).  I read several books and watched a couple of movies (Hotel Rwanda and a documentary) about it and was just amazed and horrified by the brutality and by the fact that, as far as I could tell, we in the United States are completely blind to similar conflicts around the world.

The world needs Jesus.  There is no other answer to the suffering in this world.  Praise God for missions sending organizations like World Venture and Journey Corps (and so many others out there!!).  It's because of them that people have hope in Jesus.  We must be willing to go.  We must, as American Christians, be willing to put feet to our faith.  People need Jesus!!

In one week, God provided almost $1000 towards my trip to Africa.  Support has come in from some of the most unexpected places...people that I haven't seen or spoken with (other than of Facebook) for many years, some since high school.  It's so amazing to watch how God moves in peoples hearts.  Thank you is not enough for those of you who have given.  Your gift will have an eternal impact.  Your gift will help get Jesus to people who might not otherwise hear!

I'm still about $1200 away from my goal.  I have no idea where this money is going to come from but I'm still trusting that God is going to provide one way or another.  I want to encourage you again to pray about and consider giving.  Again, all donations will go through my church, First Baptist Church of Lutz, so you'll get the tax benefit.  Please post a comment below if you would like to give and I'll send you my address.