So, first week in Cote D’Ivoire…whoa! After spending about 33 hours either in the air or in a bus to get here, we are here in AFRICA! The people here are aggressively hospitable and friendly! Our ministry host waited for two hours at the airport while we made sure the entire squad made it through customs here in Abidjan, which we all did! Then we met with the Bishop of the UMC here who oversees all the Methodist churches in Western Africa…so a meeting with the big boss to start with!! Then they took us to lunch at a local restaurant (chicken and rice…probably going to become our primary diet for this next year) , then took us to our host home!
They have been so welcoming and kind to us! This already feels like our home away from home. We’ve learned a few lessons already during this first week about African church’s…they’re amazing! The UMC here is very well organized and managed and is focused on planting churches that plant churches. They have a school and various outreach programs, and are very mission focused. We were able ( or rather thrown into 🙂 ) choir practice and dances that seem to come from nowhere! I think I have danced more during th past week than at any prom or wedding that I’ve attended ever! These people are so dedicated to serving their Lord, our Lord!!
The greatest lesson that weve learned and will continue to learn is that Jesus is everywhere! He is what binds all people from every tribe, tonue, nation, and creed! Our team is so different but came together because Jesus worked in us and enabled us to be obedient to come here. Jesus is the way to peace in all nations. Sounds super naive and corny, but it’s the truth! Jesus is the reason why we are here, and I cannot wait to learn more! He has provided in so many ways already and we expect that He will continue to provide!
One thing that I’ve experienced and learned about missions is to be flexible, be flexible, be flexible….oh and be flexible!! Our ministry schedule has changed probably a dozen times during just this week alone, and we expect for it to change again and again! It’s kind of the catch 22 of ministry work; you can plan for everything and then the plan changes in an instant and your whole plan is blown out of the water! And it’s ok! The Lord is in charge of all things and in all ways He is Lord! Another thing we is that life moves slower in Africa; if you’re scheduled to leave at 8:30am be ready to wait until 9:00 or 9:30 to actually leave. As they say here “It’s Africa time”. Roll with the punches and be flexible to each other, to changes in the plan, and most importantly to the Holy Spirit!!
Be praying for us!
