So after I’m done ministering in Europe, my next stop will be Africa. Operation World reports that almost half of this continent’s population is Christian. I am so excited to meet these brothers and sisters in Christ. There is no denying the overwhelming issues they face: HIV/AIDS and other disease epidemics, poverty, hunger, crime, corrupt government, oppression, hate, lack of educational opportunities… It goes on and on and just like issues in the United States, none of them has a nice quick fix. I feel that I am not ready to tackle the things I’m going to grapple with during these months in Africa, but thank God, He is able and has plans to teach and equip me.
For a long time I’ve wanted to help others. It’s not a bad thing. But it is ceratainly a complex thing. I have selfish as well as selfless motives, ideas that are edifying as well as those that would only tear down. I am so not perfect. But God’s working on me, to produce a laborer who honors and respects those she serves, because truly I am the servant! I don’t want to be a white savior. I don’t want to hold an orphan to make myself feel better about my cushy life. Really what I want is to in essence be able to look everyone I meet in the eye and say “You are of unlimited worth. You are royalty. Your Father does not desire you to be defeated by the ugliness of this world. With Him, you are capable, competent, and effective. Let’s banish death and destruction from this place. How can I support you?”
South Africa (Month 5 – November)
My first month in Africa! South Africa wrestles with social issues like poverty, crime, and racial strife. I will likely be ministering in Cape Town, which (from what I’ve read) might be a good way to transition into the culture shock of life in Africa. As one past World Racer put it, “Cape Town has all the color and flavor of Africa… but with all the amenities of the first world.” About 75% of South Africans identify as Christians, but millions are unchurched. Operation World estimates that 30,000 more congregations are required to meet the people’s needs. New church plants and established congregations alike are in need of revival and reconciliation after the hurt and strain that still lingers from the time of the apartheid. I don’t know what I will be doing specifically but I am excited to see the life-changing Truth about the Lord Jesus do what no government program can.
Swaziland (Month 6 – December)
Christmas in Swaziland! This is one of the countries that made me want to choose Route 2. When I was first sharing with people about maybe going on the World Race (before I chose my route) there were times when I would just get talking and need to pull the name of any random country out of my head. Something like 9 times out of 10, that random country would be Swaziland! Totally without meaning for it to be, it was just the name that came to mind. Maybe that was because it’s just such a fun word to say. Or maybe it was something else? Either way, once I realized that this was the country that was coming to mind, I did a little research. This teeny nation (just a little bigger than the state of Connecticut) has been absolutely ravaged by HIV/AIDS. Life expectancy is 39 years. I could go on and on about the hear-breaking things I’ve read. While I’m here I may be working in an orphanage, doing care point feedings, or praying for the sick.
Botswana (Month 7 – January)
Happy New Year :] I will be kicking off 2015 in one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Botswana has the second highest HIV infection rate (after Swaziland.) No community and no church is left untouched by this pandemic. I am eager to see where God gives me opportunities to shine His light in this place where it seems there is so much darkness. While I’m here I may be working in an orphanage, supporting an overworked and unpaid pastor and his church, or ministering to the many women who are abused and denied rights.
I know that God has abounding love for all these people, so my prayer at this time is that He would just help me to see each individual the way He sees them, and break my heart for what breaks His. Is your prayer the same? If you would like to play a part in this work, please consider supporting me by clicking SUPPORT ME on the left hand side of the page or from the banner at the top. I surely can’t do it alone. Thank you!
