Give me this mountain!

Give me this mountain. Those were the words of Caleb the son of Jephunneh in Joshua 14:12 concerning Hebron. They are also the words that have been running through my head for several weeks. For me, they signify a particular mountain in western Kenya: Mt Elgon.



At least twice during my freshman year at Bethany, people shared with me prophetic pictures involving a literal mountain I would cross (compared to a symbol of challenge). This mountain became special to me last spring. I cannot explain why, because words cannot do justice to the reason.


This week while scanning the bulletin board that hangs in my church in Texas, my eyes stumbled upon a missionary newsletter which spoke of my mountain. Imagine my excitement as I memorized the missionary's web address and the fire within my heart being fanned into a bright, burning flame. I had looked around for someone with whom I could share my excitement, but no one happened to be in the hall then, leaving me alone with a broad grin and gleaming eyes.


I can't say exactly what significance Mt Elgon will have in my life, but I can't help feeling homesick as I gaze at pictures of a place I've never been.

Meet the Team!

I would like you to meet the eight amazing people going to Africa with me in September:

 Josh (Connecticut) has a teachable heart and a mentor's spirit. His sincerity is best demonstrated by the way he communicates with children. He is a gentle giant: strong and dependable, yet tenderly understanding. His listening ear has earned him the position of unofficial psychiatrist. Josh is a Bethany night-guard and a member of the lawn crew.

Tim (Minnesota) is a natural leader. His heart and mind are steady and attentive to the Word and the Spirit. His sobriety does not deter him from exuberant joyfulness; instead, they serve to highlight each other. Tim worked in the Bethany kitchen and now serves as a student-mentor.

Alan (North Dakota) is a thinker. He tests all things for theological and historical accuracy and likes to be prepared. He also has a sensitivity that few take time to see. He is willing and eager to use his gifts to glorify the Lord and edify others. Alan works in the Bethany Prayer Room and is enrolled in the Montessori teacher training program.

Carrie (Ohio)is an encourager. She doesn't just call out a person's qualities; she draws them out. She expresses genuine interest in people by taking time to listen. Her love and communication with God is tangible and unbeguiling. Carrie works in the Bethany kitchen.

Kayla (Alberta, CAN) has the heart of God. Her voice swells with compassion and conviction as she speaks truth to her sisters. She is grieved most when people cannot see their own value and identity in Christ. Kayla worked with me in the Student Resource Center last year and is currently a student-mentor.

KJ (Michigan) is a challenger. She calls others to analyze themselves and their motives. Her heart overflows with affection and loves even when it's hard. She builds others up with simple gestures of kindness. KJ works in the Bethany kitchen.

 

Cheyanne (Texas) is a prayer warrior. She possesses an unbridled passion to see His kingdom come. Her love of culture and interest in language makes her a versatile asset to God's mission force. Cheyanne was my roommate last year. She works on the cleaning crew and is enrolled in the Montessori teacher training program.

Andria is a solid rock. She keeps others firmly grounded while allowing the Holy Spirit to move. She approaches new things slowly and objectively, testing them carefully. She is intimately aware of the power of God and the power of His love. Andria is the maintenance secretary at Bethany.

     We're a motley crew, but decidedly complementary. Our first unofficial team meeting was a planning meeting for the first official one. After Tim opened us in prayer, it took us about thirty seconds to schedule a meeting that fit into all eight of our schedules. Praise the Lord! I'm excited to see the team chemistry already at work and look forward to growing closer as a team in the coming months.

     Please pray for us. Team placements are subject to change, depending on several factors. We hope and trust that those changes will be few and for the better. Also pray that we would embrace the culture. Each of our personalities contain traits that may conflict with the African way of life. One of mine is punctuality. As they say, "In America, you have clocks. In Africa, we have time."

Bwana Asifiwe!

After a mad dash to the mailbox, I finally know where I will be spending my 16-month internship:

Kenya!

    Two years ago, I had no intention of becoming a missionary. In February 2009, I realized that God was calling me to ministry. Six weeks later, He sent me on a missions trip to Nicaragua with a bunch of students from Bethany College of Missions where I am currently a sophomore.

     Throughout all of this, my desire to go to Africa has exploded. It started with a VOM prayer map for the persecuted church, followed by stories recounted by friends who had been there. My sister is currently in Kenya with the same program I will be doing. My heart swells every time I see her photos. I knew so fully that God was drawing me to Africa that before final placements were announced, I said that I would go there regardless.

     I cannot honestly say that I am motivated by “a heart for the African people.” Moving to Africa will not be an emotion-based action, but an act of obedience by faith. My sole motivation is the glory of the Lord. The following is an excerpt from Paris Reidhead's "Ten Shekels and a Shirt":

I heard God say to my heart that day something like this, "I didn't send you to Africa for the sake of the heathen, I sent you to Africa for My sake. They deserved Hell! But I LOVE THEM!!! AND I ENDURED THE AGONIES OF HELL FOR THEM!!! I DIDN'T SEND YOU OUT THERE FOR THEM!!! I SENT YOU OUT THERE FOR ME! DO I NOT DESERVE THE REWARD OF MY SUFFERING? DON'T I DESERVE THOSE FOR WHOM I DIED?"

Internship begins September 2011. Please pray for my class as we prepare for this life-changing journey. We will never be the same. 

When Studying Just Isn't An Option

Sometimes I think we have too much fun here at BCOM :) Percussion people: please excuse us. We are, after all, only amateurs.

The Testimony and The Vision

            In February 2010, Lawrence McDonald contacted Bethany Library requesting a copy of David Wilkerson’s “The Vision” on audiocassette. Eight months later, library staff finally located the recording and converted it to CD-ROM. The librarian called Mr. McDonald to let him know that a copy of the sermon was on its way. He was elated and asked to share this testimony:

            David Wilkerson delivered the sermon known as “The Vision” at the 1973 Lutheran Charismatic Conference in Minneapolis, MN. Lawrence McDonald was in the audience that day and purchased a recording of the message as soon as it was available, signing his name in two places. Over the next several years, the tape was circulated among Mr. McDonald and his friends until it was worn out and completely unusable. Mr. McDonald destroyed the tape – burned it, actually.

            Eventually, Mr. McDonald tried and failed to locate a replacement. He prayed earnestly for God to send an angel to help him find this recording. One day, he opened his roll-top desk and found a cassette entitled, “The Vision” in mint condition with his signature in two places.