Zach

Yesterday I went on a date with a special guy named Zach. Zach has autism, and that was all I knew about him before I spent the day with him at a go cart track. To be quite honest, I was excited, but very apprehensive about what this day had in store for me; but by the time we parted at the end of the day, my entire perspective of Zach had changed. We had a blast! Together we rode go carts, soaked each other with bumper boats, played like kids in the arcade, stuffed ourselves with sweets at Golden Corral, and ended the day singing Disney songs on the bus ride back to campus.
It was during this bus ride, though, that something went wrong -- not with him, but with me. Earlier that morning, I had texted a friend saying that I was going on a date with an autistic guy. I thought nothing of that text until the reply came -- just as Zach was holding my phone listening to my music. I didn't know I had a text until I saw Zach remove the phone from his ear and look at my screen. His happy countenance changed immediately, and he said, "That hurts." I took the phone from him, curious as to what this message said, and then my heart dropped to my toes. The text said, "So how did you end up on a date with an autistic guy? Does he like you as more than friends?" I looked at Zach, who was shuffling uncomfortably, then back at my phone, at a loss for words.
It was Zach who spoke first. "She just doesn't know me."
A spark of revelation flickered inside me. "That's right, Zach. She doesn't know you at all." I immediately began to text a reply to my friend. "He asked me to go on a dating outing with him just as friends. We had a blast! He is so much fun!!!" I showed the message to Zach, and he nodded his approval. After I sent it he asked me to send another. "Could you tell her that I'm only MILDLY autistic and that God has been gracious to me by making me less autistic than most autistic people?" I smiled and sent his message.
After that fiasco, I looked at him and said, "Zach, I want to thank you for asking me in this dating outing. You are my very good friend, and I can't think of a better, more fun person to go with to a go cart track."
He smiled. "You're my really good friend too."
That day will forever be etched in my memory. That was the day that Zach "the autistic guy" became Zach "the guy who knows EVERYTHING about comic books and video games", "the guy who loves America and isn't afraid to share his political views with any and all", "the guy who loves to have fun", "the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. of go cart racing", "the guy who can read a stack of novels in 30 minutes and be able to tell you all about them", "the guy who 'eats his money's worth' at Golden Corral", "the guy who knows every Disney song by heart (and has a mean Gaston impression)", "the guy that makes me laugh." Zach went from being "the autistic guy" to being my friend.
My judgment was clouded prior to yesterday, but Zach taught me that autism doesn't define a person. The more I pondered this concept, the more I realized that we as Christians do this so often -- not to people with autism, but to people with sin. We look at what people wear/say/do, and we immediately label them. We steer clear of them because we aren't like them. But if you will recall, you used to be like them; but praise God that He didn't judge you like you are judging others. He looked past your faults and died for you, and He wants you, in all your disease-ridden self, to be with Him always. Now look at those we judge. He wants to be with them always too. Can't we suck up our pride and love them instead of labeling them?

Cameroon 2012 Video

A Call to Cameroon?

I honestly thought that God's provision before this trip to Cameroon was a sure sign that He would distinctly show me where He would have me go as a full-time missionary. I was wrong. There was no "calling" to Cameroon. There was no kick in the pants. No "spiritual revelation." But God did teach me something much more important. Steve Anderson, a missionary who gave the devotions on the trip said this: "All too often, peoples' mindset is, 'Lord, I'll stay, but I am willing to go wherever you want me,' when it should be, 'Lord, I'll go, but I am willing to stay if you want me to." That was me. "I am willing to go." But being willing to go and going are two different things. What is the Great Commission? Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Was God asking us to do something? No. It was a definite command. There was no calling. No kick in the pants. No spiritual revelation. He just wants me to go.

Maybe I'll be in Ghana working with the people of the Adutwi village. Maybe I'll be in Cameroon, working with Rosemary to start a school for the Muslim Fulani people. Maybe I'll be in Uganda, rescuing women from prostitution. I don't know where I am going. I just know I am going. I will simply walk through the open doors God puts in front of me, and it will be up to Him to shut them.

Cameroon 7/13/12

What do waterfalls, balloons, babies, marriage proposals, pigs, big balls, mud, rain, potholes, and bucket showers have in common? They are all found right here in Cameroon!

Man, today has been crazy but so much fun and rather bittersweet. The kids get so excited when our rickety white bus bounces down the road to HBS. I love how close I have been able to get to my class of young ones. One of my kids came up to me yesterday morning and hugged me and said, "Good morning, Madame!" -- reminded me of Ghana! And oh my, if you could only see these kids' faces when they open their prize bags at the end of the day and they see a beanie baby, you would probably lose it right there. One kid came up to me crying after dismissal. When I asked him what was the matter, he choked out, "Auntie, a man stole my toy." Oh, if I had seen the guy that did it, I would have given him a piece of my mind! We gave the kid another beanie baby and helped him hide it in his shirt. In what world would a full-grown man steal a toy from a child??? In this one. It's a dog-eat-dog world over here. If you see something of any value, you take it. It is so sad.

The teen rally in Bambili last night was crazy! Some of us had probably 100 kids up the hill from the rally giving them the gospel, playing games, and getting nearly trampled to death while making balloon animals! At one point it was so suffocating that Caleb took off running and yelling. It was so hilarious to see nearly all 100 start chasing him through the field. When it was time to start heading down the hill back to the youth rally, we quickly realized that we could not go back to the church with 100 kids tailing us, so we started walking the opposite direction toward the house. Eventually the kids dispersed. Caleb and I decided to walk all the way back to the teen tally (I had left my bag in the church, and Caleb was watching one of the national's child). So there Caleb and I are, walking down the muddy streets of Bambili, carrying a little black kid. At one point we passed a group of 4 women, whose mouths were wide open in amazement. When we got close to them, we heard their conversation -- "How can that happen? How can that happen?" -- as they pointed to the child in Caleb's arms. We realized quickly that they thought Caleb and I (two white people) had somehow produced a black baby. We laughed and explained to them that we were just watching the child for a friend. One of the women, seemingly full of hope at this news, asked me if I would marry her son (not an uncommon question here if you are white). Caleb was quick with his reply, "Sorry, we are married." I think Caleb has, at one point or another, claimed to be married to every one of us girls.

Last night our good friend Hillary gave his testimony and thanked us for our willingness to come here. He then presented each of us with a necklace. These nationals have stolen our hearts.

Hilary and the guys really bonded.

It is hard to believe our work here in Cameroon is drawing to a close. We had 320 kids today at HBS. I was so thrilled to be able to lead 5 of my kiddos to Christ today. One of them was not even a child at HBS. She was just standing nearby when I was sharing the gospel. I could tell she was extremely interested in the good news of salvation, and was so excited when she approached me and asked if she could ask God to save her.

Emily and Caleb share the gospel with some kids at HBS.

Me and Hope, a girl I led to Christ.

This afternoon was spent chillaxing after a long, taxing week, then we headed out to the parents program in Bamenda. About 25 made a profession tonight.

These past two weeks have been so tiring, but it has been so fulfilling doing the Lord's work here in Africa. Now without further ado, I am going to bed. Tomorrow is gonna be a BLAST! Waterfalls baby!

A Lesson Learned

Yesterday God encouraged me so much through a man named Justice. Justice received Christ a few days ago at the youth rally in Bamenda. He is attending a local university and is not a permanent resident of the village. Justice is an incredibly cordial individual, and our team has simply fallen in love with him. We were so thrilled to have him become our brother in Christ.

Honestly though, I never expected to see Justice again while I was here, but he proved e wrong. Justice showed up at HBS yesterday, ready and willing to serve. He jumped in to help wherever he was needed, and in so doing was a huge blessing to so many. I was thrilled to see so great a change in someone in such a short amount of time. That is the work of the Spirit and He alone.

This instance touched my heart in more ways than one. It also left me feeling guilty of my own shortcomings, and it left me realizing what service really means in America. Service in America is sometimes elevated to a god in and of itself -- a goal that many Christians supposedly set for themselves but never attain. Service! Service! A living sacrifice! We hear it preached from the pulpit every week, yet we never act on this important message. I realize now that if we are truly surrendered to Christ, a willingness to serve follows NATURALLY! In light of what Christ did for us, sacrificing of ourselves is our REASONABLE service.

There is a man here named Cleopas who has probably spent a week's worth of wages to come help with HBS and the teen rallies. I am floored by the willingness of these people, and am ashamed of myself for my lack thereof.

Cameroon 7/11/12

Today's HBS was slightly less hectic than yesterday's. We got a few things nailed down and ended up telling a good number of kids to take their baby siblings home and come back. However I still ended up holding a toddler for the majority of the time.

Quince, my little handful.

The youth rally was totally amazing! God held off the rain for game time again. At one point it was literally raining all around us, but above us were clear skies. While pastor Quilty was preaching, some of us were praying fervently in the back room for souls to be saved. When the invitation was given, many people came forward to be saved. I got to lead 2 small boys, Peter and Junior, to the Lord.

God has proven Himself so faithful on this trip. I have more to share from today, but I will save it for tomorrow because I am literally falling asleep as I type. : )

Cameroon 7/10/12

We started out the morning a little earlier since we had about a 40 minute bus ride to Bamenda. My morning started by putting a pot of rainwater on a gas stove to heat up for my bath. It's amazing how little water it actually takes to get clean. Breakfast included a puff puff and a bowl of oatmeal and fresh Cameroonian pineapple. Yum!

Then the team loaded up for the bumpy ride to Bamenda for our first day of HBS! I'm not gonna lie... It was CRAZY!!! I was put in charge of a group of LITTLE kids -- I mean LITTLE! Like probably as little as 2 years old! (not including the babies that the little kids brought!). I think we had roughly 200 kids today. It was so fun and tiring trying to explain games and help the little ones with crafts. The kids had a blast, and I am praying that we will get some things ironed out tomorrow.

After HBS we threw our things into the bus and booked it back to the Sinclairs' for lunch (Mac n' cheese). We all changed our shirts for the teen rally and headed out! The teen rally went very well tonight. It had rained yesterday, and we have been praying that God would hold off the rain today. Miraculously, it literally rained all around us, but did not touch our playing field. God is so good to answer our simple prayers like that! The most incredible part of the evening was getting to lead a little girl named Bongracia to Christ. There were a total of about 10 people saved tonight.

Exhausted, several teammates and I trudged about 15 minutes down these slippery Cameroon roads through the rain back to the house for supper (leftovers and no-bake cookies!). Now we are sitting here putting take-home bags together for tomorrow's HBS.

Pray that we will reap more fruit tomorrow and that God will keep holding off the rain for the youth rally!

Cameroon 7/9/12

Today started out with a breakfast of puff puffs (Cameroon equivalent of Krispy Kreme) and scrambled eggs. Yum yum! At 9:00 the team headed out to go recruiting for this afternoon's teen rally in Bambili. That was fun! It started out just handing out flyers and tracts, then it turned into a ballon festival! A lot of us were making balloon animals, hats, swords, flowers, etc... For the kids. It was a huge hit! Later I got to talk with a man and his wife about salvation. They believed that God doesn't turn anyone away from heaven and that there is no hell. I took him through the Romans road and then I took him to the story about the rich man and Lazerus and showed then that the Bible says there is a literal hell. He argued that it was only a parable, but I explained to them the differences between a parable and a true story. They were very curious about learning more about the gospel, and I invited them to the teen rally. They promised to show, but they didn't. The seed has been planted. It is up to God to do the rest.

Balloon animals attracted a ton of attention.

Lunch was a delicious chicken salad, and fresh watermelon. We chilled at the house until 3:00 -- playing phase 10, getting ready for the teen rally, and napping.

3:00 came quickly. About 60 showed for the teen rally. It was a good turnout considering the torrential downpour that accompanied it. It ran fairly smoothly. I got to give my testimony. No one was saved this evening that I know of, but there are still 3 more nights of it! Woopie!

We came home to another delicious meal by Mrs. Sinclair -- potato soup and cheddar biscuits! Now we are all sitting around playing cards and chilling. Tomorrow starts our first day of HBS! We are expecting to have a huge turnout! Keep praying!

Cameroon 7/8/12

This is gonna be quick because I am exhausted.

Breakfast = granola

As I was getting ready this morning, Mrs. Peterson asked me if I wanted to run children's church for both morning services. I accepted! I taught the story of Naaman (thank goodness my mom had done this story just about a week ago so it was still fresh on my mind,) Mrs. Peterson, Sarah, and I were coming up with stuff to entertain the kids on the fly. It was really fun, but very exciting. Our service in Bamenda ran much more smoothly since the one in Bambili was like a practice run. In the church services this morning I believe about 4 people accepted Christ! Praise the Lord!

We didn't end up getting back to the house until 4:00. By then we were starving! Mrs. Sinclair had made us a lunch of blt sandwiches.

The rest of the day was spent fellowshipping with visiting missionaries. One of the visitors was a single lady named Rosemary. I was able to talk with her a good bit about being a single missionary in Africa. She was such a blessing.

Rosemary Craven and her nephew, Will.

Oh! How could I forget! I got to see my new friend Maurine this morning in Bamenda. She gave me a ring as a token of our friendship. She had mentioned yesterday that she had been sick for awhile (I won't disclose her sickness) and that she could not afford the medicine to treat it. She has been fasting I think for over 3 days begging God for help. Today I gave her the money she needed to treat her sickness -- a total of $6 in U.S. currency. She was soooo happy. She said that God had answered her prayers. We are going to be keeping in touch by email through Pastor Ben. Before we parted today, she asked of me one thing. It wasn't money. It wasn't a menial token. It was a Bible. She wanted me to send her a durable Bible when I got back to America. She has one, but it is a cheaply made one whose cover has fallen off. Without hesitation I jotted a note in my own Bible and gave it to her. I thought she was about to cry. Her sister Frances was almost as excited as she.

Me and my buddy Maurine.

Since I didn't have a Bible anymore, I borrowed one from Pastor Ben's church. It has a picture of Africa on the front cover! I asked Pastor if I could buy it from him, and he said I could keep it! (but I'm definitely giving him a donation).

I am praying seriously for God to send me here. I see so much need that needs to be met and so many people that need the love of my Savior.

Cameroon 7/7/12

I can't even tell you how amazing today was! Breakfast = homemade African banana nut bread and scrambled eggs.

Our morning routine included the long, bumpy bus ride to Bamenda and canvassing for today's teen rally. Recruitment was CRAZY! We handed out tons of flyers, tracts, and plastic beads. Got mobbed a few times by grown men and women wanting the beads. While recruiting, we talked with a lady who we very quickly realized was a Jehovah's witness. Got into some real theological conversation. I felt confident in my theology, but I became very ashamed of myself for not knowing the references for the verses I was quoting. The woman definitely had the upper hand. This incident has definitely encouraged me to study different religions of the world and how to witness to people from each.

Lunch = authentic African JOLLOF RICE!!! Yeah, baby! This is what I was waiting for! It was the bomb diggity!!!

After lunch we headed to the site for HBS and finished decorating. At 4:00 the youth rally started. A few trickled in at the beginning, then more an more began to show up. After awhile, the team headed to a field about a five minute walk away from the church. I had actually stayed behind at the church to help with registration, but ten decided to go help with the games. Unfortunately all the men had left, and you just don't walk through Cameroon by yourself. However two ladies, Mourine and her sister Sylvia, showed up for the rally and wanted to go play the games, so I decided to accompany them. I thought that thy knew where they were going, but I was sadly mistaken. We had started by following their brother, but he went ahead without waiting. So there I was walking through random alleys in Cameroon, Africa, with two very talkative women. I'm not going to lie -- I was not the least bit worried. I was having a blast talking to them about their country and their lives. It felt like I was walking down the street with 2 good friends. Eventually Mourine stopped to ask for directions, and we got there very quickly. Instead of playing games, Mourine and I talked nonstop! I found out so much about her and her family -- her dreams, her hurts, and her spiritual steadfastness which amazed me. She has been through so much, and God has pulled her through it all.

The singing and preaching was amazing! I believe close to 10 people received Jesus, including Sylvia, who I was personally able to lead to Christ.

God was so so good today, as He is always. There is so much need here, folks. So much need, and so few willing to fill the needs.

Cameroon 7/6/12

Today was a BLAST! Ate a wonderful breakfast of homemade granola cereal, powdered milk, and fresh bananas right off a tree! The team loaded up and took a very bumpy, suffocating ride to Bamenda to set up for HBS (Holiday Bible School). Got to interact with a bunch of kids, many of whom helped decorate.

Next, we flagged down several taxis and had the ride of our lives to a local restaurant where we ate an amazing lunch of fish, rice, fried plantains, veggies, potatoes, and the best fruit I have ever put in my mouth! After lunch we headed to a super nice craft store where we purchased souvenirs, then we headed to the local market to get the full experience. I only bought a few souvenirs in the market. The rest came from the craft store. (Why can't my family just be content with jewelry???)

Dinner was peanut butter jelly sandwiches, stovetop popcorn, and homemade chocolate chip cookies! Sarah had a game for us to play called 4 people on a couch. It was a BLAST!

After that the girls all gathered in the kitchen for cleanup duty -- complete with the entire Sound of Music soundtrack!

The real work starts tomorrow, folks! Youth rally in Bamenda! Pray hard! Good night.

Cameroon: 7/5/12

My morning started when I woke up at 6:00 this morning -- wrapped in my hoodie and fuzzy socks -- freezing cold -- in Africa!!! I guess anywhere would be cold at the altitude we are. Breakfast was served at 8:00 -- homemade cinnamon raisin bread and scrambled eggs! Mrs. Sinclair is such a resourceful cook. You have to be when you don't have average American ingredients. This morning we headed straight to the church -- a good 15 minute walk from the Sinclairs' home. We have tried to avoid taking the vehicles since they have had a hard time on these muddy roads.

After lunch we had plans to go to this awesomely epic waterfall nearby, but God had other plans. The bus broke down halfway there. The group decided to split in half. One half would go to the falls in the Sinclairs' car, and the other would stay and hike to some amazing rock formations down a trail very near the place we broke down. I have never seen such beautiful scenery. I topped the hill, and the view took my breath away. Some of us (myself included) decided to hike down the side of a ravine to locate the source of the sound of a waterfall. It turned out to be not that amazing of a waterfall, but the hike was fun, and exhilarating! What's more, Pastor Sinclair was able to witness to Genesis, our guide. See? God's plans are ALWAYS better than ours.

Pastor Steve Anderson gave a great Bible study in the importance of the blood of Christ. Afterward we had choir practice with the nationals. They sing so beautifully!

And WOW! I just showered African style! (I.e. with a gallon bucket of warm water...)

God's been so good. Good night!

Trip Update 7/4/12

"Lean left!" someone screams. All 20 of us crawl to the other side of the precariously leaning bus. The vehicle slides further down the steep hill then stops abruptly when it hits a large hole.
Well, this looks like a good time to get out.
We all climb out of the bus into a chilly, drizzly evening. The men crawl on top of the bus and begin handing down our 60+ pieces of luggage. We carry a good number of the suitcases about a quarter mile down the muddy, African road. Once free of a considerable amount of weight, the bus makes it the rest of the way to the Sinclairs' home in Bambili.
This is just one of Africa's many ways of welcoming us, and the team took it in perfect stride.


For all you concerned mothers out there, we are all fine! No one was harmed in the least (except for maybe Sarah who took a tumble down a slick part of the hill).

I'll catch you all up on the trip so far...
(the following are journal entries.)

7-2-12
Day 1 of Cameroon trip -- not going so well. I am currently sitting in a plane in Tampa waiting to take off. Our flight has been delayed due to BRAKE TROUBLE!!! Aaaaaahh!..

I have a feeling this is going to be a fun trip. My teammates are hilarious, and I am so excited to get to know them!..

I am sitting by a lady from GHANA! Her name is Mina. I was so excited to meet an African that I started peppering her with questions. I asked her I she knew where she would spend eternity, and she gave a clear testimony of salvation. It is so amazing to have brothers and sisters all over the world!

This isn't a journal entry, but I thought it was too near to pass by. The second leg of our trip (from Washington to Belgium) I was supposed to have an isle seat, but when I arrived at my seat, a man was sitting in it. I almost asked him to move to his own seat (the middle one was empty), but the Spirit seemed to lead me to do otherwise. I took the middle seat. The man, Jean Claude, turned out to be from Cameroon, and was an incredibly sweet person. He too had a clear testimony of salvation. The girl on the other side of me (Tiffany) was a 19-year-old Belgian who had just spent 5 months in Hawaii learning English. She had no idea where she would spend eternity. I gave her (as best I could) the Romans road. I could tell she was having a difficult time understanding it, but I also saw a great curiosity in her. I left her with a tract that explained how to get to heaven in very simple terms. She told me she understood after she read the tract. The seed has been planted. Someone else must sow. Please pray that Tiffany will realize her need of salvation and that she will accept Christ before it is too late! Now isn't God amazing? He put me in an undesirable place in order for His gospel to be spread!

Cameroon is turning out to be much different from Ghana landscape-wise. I have seen some of the most beautiful scenery I could ever imagine! Huge jungle-covered mountains, rushing rivers, and gargantuan waterfalls plummeting into vast lakes -- I wish my pictures could do it justice! But these beautiful scenes are scarred by thousands of dilapidated shacks where millions of the sweetest people must sleep every night. My heart breaks for them.

I tried my hand at trading today -- it didn't go so well... The people here in Cameroon try to sell things to you when your car stops or slows down. I wanted to get some sort of nut they were selling, but I didn't have any money. Instead, I decided to try to trade a rice krispy treat for a few. The results aren't exactly what I expected. The boy took my treat, and all I got was a single nut... and the wrapper back from the treat.

This trip has been amazing so far! God has been so faithful to get us here, and He has allowed us to share His gospel with so many already! Keep praying as we continue the Lord's work here in Cameroon.

Tomorrow's the Big Day!

Well, it's here! Tomorrow, we are flying out of Tampa. Please pray for good team organization as we travel. 20 people with over 60 luggage items is a lot to keep up with. Here is the flight itinerary:

Monday, July 2
Depart Tampa United Airlines, Flight 312 @1:58p.m.
Arrive Washington, DC (Dullas) 4:15 p.m.

Depart Washington, DC United Airlines, Flight 950 5:49 p.m.
Arrive Brussels, Belgium Tuesday, July 3, 7:15 a.m.

Depart Brussels, Brussels Airlines, Flight 371 10:40 a.m.
Arrive Douala, Cameroon 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 3

Sunday, July 15
Depart Douala, Cameroon, Brussels Airlines Flight 372 9:30 p.m.
Arrive Brussels, Belgium 5:15 a.m. July 16

Depart Brussels, Belgium 12:00 noon, United Airlines Flight 951
Arrive Washington, DC Monday, July 16 2:12 p.m.

Depart Washington, DC, Monday, July 16 United Airlines Flight 360 5:30 p.m.
Arrive Tampa, 7:51 p.m.

Here is my "somewhat packed" luggage...

And this is me. TIRED OF PACKING MY LUGGAGE!!!!

"Don't Change Their Culture"

Getting ready for this trip back to Africa is causing me to think back on last year’s trip to Ghana. Last year my aunt was going to Africa on a military-related trip. She was taking air war classes at a nearby air force base and invited me to join her one day. The class was amazing! I learned so much about the African culture and of the civil wars that had recently occurred in West Africa. 

The man had talked basically the whole class about how these wars had ravaged many countries. He talked of the horrors they inflicted on the people. He talked of the hopelessness the people were left with. I was able to talk with the professor after the class. I was eager to ask the man about the culture of Ghana and the things I needed to expect, hoping to prevent a little culture shock; but I left his office in shock of my own culture! 

One of the first things he asked me was what I was going over there for. I told him that I was going on a mission trip. His mouth contorted into a disapproving smirk, and he chuckled and shook his head. The words he said next will stay with me forever. He said, “Just promise me one thing — Don’t change their culture.”

His words took me aback. After telling story after horrible story of the dark practices of many places in that continent, he had the audacity to want me to promise not to change it. These people live in fear! They are without hope! And we are to strive not to change that! This is the world’s perverted ideas of cultural diversity. I can’t change it. But I cannot promise that God won’t. 

It is the people’s choice whether their culture is changed or not. My job is simply to tell them that Someone loves them and wants them to come to Him. I’ll leave the rest to God.

Still Alive!

Wow! This trip to Tampa has by no means been a vacation! (Not that I was expecting one). Yesterday, I woke up early (after staying up packing my bags Sunday night) and went to a local fitness gym with Evan and Seth. Ran 4 miles! Woop woop! Got back home and jumped in the shower, slapped my face on, threw my hair up, shoved my packed luggage into the Templetons' van, and headed to Team Cameroon's all-day meeting. Songs, skits, games, weighing, packing, weighing some more, organizing, food (lots of food), planning, more packing... *sigh* It was a bit overwhelming, but I'm ready! God's going to do an amazing work in Cameroon this summer, and I can't wait to see it!

Evan and Zack lead us in song.

The military skit: Andrew, Evan, and Seth 

That's a lot of luggage (there's even more behind me)

Andrew's sporting a chocolate sauce beard.

4-way tug of war! Booo-yaaaah!

Cameroon 6/23/2012

Sitting here in the Atlanta airport waiting for my connecting flight to Tampa. I was really nervous about flying alone, but it has proven to be rather fun! I guess I could get used to this. I was most nervous about motion sickness on the plane, but I pumped myself full of dramamine and trusted God with the rest! Looks like it worked because I feel pretty good — pretty empowered sitting here drinking a strong cup of Starbucks coffee and writing this post. 

I’ll try to keep you updated as the trip progresses, but in the meantime, keep praying! 

When I Am Weak

Something jumped out at me from the book of Acts this morning. Chapter 4 verse 13 says, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." Peter and John had been preaching the gospel of Christ in Jerusalem, and according to this verse, the religious leaders of the city, when they heard what was spoken, remembered that they had been with Jesus. Their lives pointed these leaders to Jesus. But what was it about them that pointed them to Jesus? Was it the message they preached? That may have very well been part of it, but this verse says that they took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus when they saw their boldness and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men. Christ isn't looking for some Einstein to share his gospel. He uses the weak to confound the mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27). God chooses to show Himself mighty through our weaknesses.

Now when I feel too ignorant of the gospel to share it with others, I will remember this passage. I will remember that "when I am weak, then am I strong." Lord, humble me. Show Yourself mighty in my weaknesses, and let others see You through me. Amen.

Bible Club Kickoff

Several months ago, the Lord laid a desire on my heart to start a Bible club near my home that I could use to reach kids in my community. This past Sunday He finally made it come to pass! Four kids came out for the kickoff day and had so much fun that they wanted to bring their friends next week!

Several people from my church volunteered their lazy Sunday afternoon to run around a neighborhood in this humid Alabama climate. I'll tell you what! Our feet were super tired, grimy, and sweaty by the time we finished; but they surely were beautiful to our Savior!

Washing Feet

It was the evening of the Passover. In just a few hours, our Savior would sweat drops of blood as He begged for the cup of God’s wrath to be removed from Him. Surely, if we were put into His position, our minds would be focused on ourselves and our own turmoil. But Christ did something remarkable on this dark evening. He looked around the table at His disciples, and He saw a need. Their feet were dirty. And instead of looking over something so insignificant, the God of heaven (John 13:4-5) “rose from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. He poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.”

The next evening, our Savior hung in agony from a crudely built cross. His eyes stung with the blood that trickled from the wounds His crown of thorns had created. His skinless back racked with pain as it brushed against the rough, splintered wood with every breath He took. Surely if we were put into His position, our minds would be focused on ourselves and our own agony. But Jesus did something remarkable on this dark evening. He looked at you, and He looked at me, and He saw a need. Our feet were dirty. And instead of looking over something so insignificant, the God of heaven knelt before a filthy sinner — before the very person whose wickedness held Him to that cross — and He washed my feet. He washed your feet.

Look at John 13:14. “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.” Are we, like Christ, really looking past ourselves? Are we looking for ways to love others as Christ loved us? Take some time out of your busy schedule this coming week to crucify your desires, and show someone Jesus’ love.

Why Missions?

One question I am often faced with is, “Why have you chosen missions?” My immediate answer to that question is usually, “I didn’t choose it. God has called me, and I have simply answered, “Here am I, Lord. Send me.” But this answer doesn’t seem to satisfy the question for some. They see a promising young woman who could make something of herself here in the “Land of Opportunity” — a woman who could do anything she sets her mind to, who could find the perfect man, have the perfect family, lead the “perfect” life. Why, then, would she have the harebrained notion to go clear across the world, live in some third-world village, and have a mass of filthy, starving children crawling all over her, playing with her hair, or yanking her arms begging her to play with them?

I had to think on this long and hard. It has always seemed just a natural step in my life. I’ve never fully been able to picture myself doing anything else. I guess If I had to put it in words, one reason I am going to the mission field is that I want to be in a place where God is my everything — a place where He’s all I have, and all I need. I’m not saying that I can’t have this in America; but America is a land so overflowing with blessing, that it is often difficult to truly depend on God for everything you need. But when you step out of this realm of prosperity, and enter an extremely destitute world void of things you even call “basic necessities,” you start spending more time on your knees. You start leaning on the Father for everything. Your faith begins to stretch. “So you want God to break you?” you ask. Exactly. Weariness and depravity are not curses, but gifts of God bestowed so that when we come to a place where we think we can go no further — a place where rest is scarce and fiery trials are hurled at us left and right — we realize the only way we can continue is by flinging ourselves into the waiting arms of the Father. With these gifts, God draws us close to His breast and gives us strength to go just a little further, and a little further. It is only when we rely completely on Him that He is able to show us His power in our lives. I want to see that power. I want to rest on His strength and His alone.

But the biggest reason missions is what I know I am supposed to do is that there is something strong yanking me by the ear — something I can’t even fathom — that constrains me to go. The Bible says that this constraint comes from God’s overwhelming love (2 Corinthians 5:14). Christ not only gave me living water, but He also instilled this water inside me as a well springing up and flowing out of my soul. Water seeks the lowest level, and this water flowing from my soul is seeking the lowest level in the world — the lowest level of poverty, the lowest level of health, the lowest level of hope. Jesus sought out the wounded of society: the deaf, the dumb, the blind, the poor, the needy, the lepers, the lame, the dead, the people who’s hope had long ago deserted them. I want God’s water of life and love to flow through me and settle on these precious people, to heal the wounds life and sin have given them. 

Yes, America needs revival. Yes, America is a mission field ripe unto harvest; but my well of life is seeking that lowest level — the level that has nothing, including my precious Jesus.

Give Me Unwavering Faith

There I sat in front of my computer, the number on my screen slowly blurring through my building tears — 2,000.

I knew I wanted to go on another missions trip this summer, but many factors were preventing it: school, lack of preparation time, funds, etc.; God, however, had other plans. A good friend of my family who is a missionary in China had asked me to join him for a month in his growing work. I really wanted to go, and I prayed earnestly about the prospect; but God would never give me peace about it. I thought, "Why, Lord, would You disprove of my going on a mission trip to China? This doesn't make any sense." Little did I know that only a few months later, He would drop a trip to Cameroon, Africa right in my lap.


Some good friends of mine who live in south Florida mentioned to me that their church was taking a group of eighteen to Cameroon and asked me if I would be interested in joining them. The proposition came so quickly, I hardly had time to think about it. I was in the middle of packing to return to college! There was no way I was going to be able to fund raise to the extent I had last year for my trip to Ghana, Africa. I came so close to passing the opportunity up, but then I prayed. God kept reminding me of His provision in the previous year. He would bring verses of Scripture to my mind such as Luke 12:29-31 "And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you." Those words hit me like a punch in the face. I am going to be a full-time missionary somewhere, and I can't even trust God with a two week summer missions trip??? Immediately, I sank to my knees in complete submission to His leading. "God," I had prayed, "if You want me back in Africa this summer, I know You will provide every penny for this trip. Please, Lord, show me Your astounding provision, and increase my wavering faith."


The next day, I loaded my car and drove back to my college in Florida, trusting the Lord to provide, yet still anxious to see the funds raised. One week later I checked my e-mail, and was surprised to find that the leader of our mission team had sent an e-mail entitled, "WOW! GREAT NEWS FOR YOU!". With growing anticipation, I opened the e-mail, and tried to keep myself composed (I was in a library) as I read its contents over and over again: "Hey, Savannah! [You] received $2,000 (yep, that has 3 zeros in it) from [a donor] today! Congratulations! God continues to prove His love for us." Only one week earlier, I made a commitment — took a leap of faith — to return to Africa this coming summer; and in only one week, my Father had completely provided the funds needed to go.


Why do I ever doubt God? He has shown Himself unwavering in every aspect of my life, and yet I still lack faith in His provision. Slowly, but surely, He is teaching me to fully rely on Him to meet my every need. Psalm 78:41-42 says, "Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy." God had delivered Israel from Egypt. He had parted the Red Sea for them. He had rained manna and quail down from heaven. He had given them water from a rock. Yet the nation of Israel never failed to forget God's provision in their lives. Because of their lack of faith, God withheld many amazing things He had planned for His people. If they had just trusted Him to get them to the promised land, they would have been shown even more of God's mightiness and power. God wants to bless us. He has so much planned for us, and all He wants of us is faith no bigger than a mustard seed. How often does my lack of faith limit my Savior's power in my life? Lord, open my eyes to the wonders You have already performed in my life, and help me to never falter in my faith.

Beautiful What???

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:14-15

When I think of something beautiful, the last thing that comes to my mind is a pair of feet. What person in their right mind would look down at a person’s trotters and say, “Now that is a beautiful pair of feet!” Feet are often coated in a layer of dirt and grime. Feet step in places that hands are not willing to go. Feet tread the same ground off of which we would not eat. Some people’s feet boast yellow, untrimmed nails, and (let’s face it) STINK!

So what makes these feet in Romans 10 so special that God Himself would call them “beautiful”? These Romans 10 feet are beautiful in the Savior’s eyes because they belong to a person who preaches His gospel, and shares the joys of His salvation with others. It is my utmost desire that my precious Savior would look down on me and see my feet, worn and filthy from toiling in His work, and declare them beautiful.