I find it difficult to convey the feelings we have as we run our last errands and pack 300 pounds of luggage. In a turn of irony its like storm before calm. With great anticipation we look forward to seeing God work in mighty ways, but we have no frame of reference to know what that means. We anticipate broken hearts, reconciliation, and growth in both those we are serving and ourselves.
While preparing for our departure, it has been a struggle not to think of Africa as a project. It’s very easy to believe that we can save these people, and thus a superiority complex is almost inevitable.
I was humbled this morning by a conversation about the African people. Less technology, less money, less health, less hope, less potential logically equals inferiority from a Western perspective. If not careful we can fall into a mind frame that we need to make them more like us. But Christ blows that concept up.
"but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:26-28
If you look at the perceived relationship of importance by world standards between Africans and Americans, and apply the same relationship to mankind and Christ, how can we have any reaction other than humility?
These next two weeks we ask that you remember us in your prayers. We ask for prayers for the lives we will encounter, for the gospel to spread like wildfire, and for our own sanctification as we learn more and more what laying down our lives looks like. Check back for prayer requests and move statuses throughout the week. We can’t wait to share with you how our great God is making His name known!
