Before "R" Squad takes off in July 2013-I have another adventure coming up in a mere 37 days! It was suggested that I also use this blog to share about this journey as well, as I know God will/is going to use it in my spiritual walk with Him.
But first, details. November 8th, I am leaving for 2.5 weeks (so expect little-if any-updates on here) for Zambia, Africa with a team from my church. We are going with an organization based out of Abbotsford, BC, Canada. They are called Seeds of Hope Childrens Ministry and I suggest you check out their website to see what they are all about! The link is here… http://www.seedsofhopecm.com/index.php
To sum it up quick-it is a home/school for kids/youth between ages 0-18 who are either affected/infected by HIV/AIDS. These are kids who would be dead (or left for dead anyways) had this group not found them and taken them in. It is a great ministry and one that has grown super close to my heart. Email or facebook me if you want more details!
I went to Zambia for the first time, April 2011 and WOW DID GOD OPEN UP MY EYES!! I have done quite a bit of traveling previously and I had heard from friends who have been to Africa, that "you leave a piece of your heart there" but I didnt want to believe them. For me, going to Africa was to 'cliche' as it seems to be "the place' to go 'do missions' but God didn't let me rest. Once He put going to Zambia in my heart, I instantly emailed my pastor and said I was in. I had MANY mixed feelings about going (similar to this race actually) but I knew that God is good and that He would change my heart. Wow was my heart changed by the people and kids I met in Zambia. I was blessed beyond measures. The people got into my heart in ways which I never thought I would let people in. Hearing the stories of some of the kids, broke my heart but also brought me great joy and encouraged me in my own walk. I heard stories from the kids that NO ONE should ever go through but yet these kids pulled through and because of it-their faith was/is so so strong!! words do not describe the blessing they are in my life.
Spending time with the locals in the local villages brought about different challenges as well but they are/were challenges that I faced with Christ. The people warmed up to me and I, to them. Praising the same God in different languages, at the same time-is something that I have experienced prior (Philippines) but hearing how those African churches prayed..how they prayed for, and over, us-was something that I had not experienced yet and its a feeling like none other.
We visited hospitals-both children's and adults and I got to see "real africa". I remember seeing this one guy, who had his back to me, and literally being able to almost see through him. He was literally skin and bones as I could see every rib cage, every bone sticking out. It is not something a person can forget.
When I travel and go on missions trips, my prayer is that God will
'break my heart for what Breaks His"
and He does.
Every.
Single.
Time.
I expect that when I return to Zambia in 37 days, the same will remail. My prayer to God remains, "break my heart Yahweh for what breaks YOURS. EVERYTHING I am for Your Kingdom's cause". It is a scary prayer to pray but the rewards, the way Christ answers-is amazing. Words DO NOT describe it.
So I ask you. Both fellow racers on the race already running for Christ in whatever country you are in, and fellow "R" squad teammates, to pray for me. Pray for Africa. Pray for our hearts. Pray for God's will to be done. We are called to serve Him. To have HIM be OUR ROLE MODEL..
