Is it really possible that we are at the end of three months in Africa?
Three months of "Muzungu (white person), how are you?"
Three months of beans, rice, cabbage, chapati, and mandazi.
Three months of beautiful people, sweet interactions, and countless memories.
Three months of ministry that have been both fulfilling and stretching.
Three months, three countries (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda), three very diverse experiences…and yet I wonder if it is possible to summarize three months into three words?
For the sake of keeping up with the theme of three, I will try… but this I know to be true: God Loves Africa. Yes, God loves the world (check out John 3:16 if you don't believe me), but one thing I've caught a glimpse of throughout each experience here is the heart that God has for each person on this beautiful continent.
Each person was created, formed, and fashioned by a loving Creator, and His plan for them is as unique to them as the fingerprints on their thumbs. A quote I love so much (though I can't remember where I first heard it from) speaks this truth better than I could…
"I was created IN Love, BY Love, FOR Love, TO Love."
One of the messages God has put on my heart again and again to share with others since we've been in Africa is His unique calling for each person's life. To experience the promise of, "For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11).
We are each uniquely created, yet we were created for a purpose… to be a part of the fellowship of the Body of Christ. African or Muzungu, Black or White, Jew or Gentile or Half-Chinese-Half-American, we have all been called into the glorious fellowship of His Body, to experience the great love He has for us, and to realize that in Him, we learn to walk in line with who we were created to be.
Contrary to popular belief, though, living in God's plans and purposes is anything but restrictive. In fact, it's in learning to dwell in His love, plans, and purpose that I've experienced such glorious freedom. I can be who I am and not worry about who everyone else wants me to be. I don't have to live up to anyone else's expectations. I know that I am loved by the God of the Universe. Thankfully, I'm loved by my friends and family, too, but I know that it's in His love that I really learn about who I am and Whose I am.
We will be heading to Asia (Thailand) next week and beginning five months of ministry there. I have to admit, I'm so excited to be heading back to Asia as I feel like I'm returning "home." I'm eager to begin new ministries and to see God's heart for Asia revealed as we serve His children there, but I also leave Africa with a bit of sadness in my heart, knowing that it might be some time before I'm able to return to this majestic land.
Thank You, Lord, for the past three months. Thank You for the people we have met, the ministries we have experienced, the journeys You have brought us through. Thank You for Your protection and provision. Above all, Thank You for Your great love. May You receive all glory for what has taken place and for what's to come. Amen! 🙂
Here's a collection of pictures from our time in Rwanda. Enjoy!
