" I want to start by praising God for being so faithful to us in every situation we encoutered, whether big or small, and for igniting this holy fire in all of us. It's like something was asleep inside of me and once I got to Africa, it woke up for the very first time. I know from talking with other team members that they experienced the same thing, and that the holy fire ignited within all of us, continues to burn.  I feel that the best and only way to describe how I felt and what I experienced on this trip is to provide you with some excerpts from my journal. I feel that they will give you the truest picture of what I experienced while I was in Equatorial Giunea. A few thoughts:Tuesday,Oct. 6th, 2009 - 'Dear Lord, here I am sitting in the airport in Frankfurt,Germany. My eyes are bloodshot, I'm tired, and I have never been happier. I'm finally going to Africa, the place I've dreamed of, the place you called me to and gave me a passion for. I'll only be in Equatorial Guinea for a few days, but who knows what it could lead to, or what doors you will open. I don't know for sure where you're leading me, I just know you're leading me and that's enough. I don't know how you'll end up using the talents and the knowledge you've given me, but I can't wait to find out. Your ways and timing are perfect. So far, life with you has been a great adventure! I will be still and know that you are God.'  Friday, Oct. 9th - 'Dear Lord, tonight I sit on the couch in the common room of our dorm. I am fully blessed and fully broken. The needs of the people here are so great! Beyond the physical needs, the spiritual and emotional needs are overwhelming. When I look into the eyes of the people coming for the clinic, in many of them, there is a deep sadness that I know only you can fill. I know you provide for them in ways we can't see. Blessed be your name.' We started working at what would be a new christian school for the church of the Nazarene outside of Bata. It was an abandoned school building that needed some repair structurally and needed some new desks. Our construction team and the locals made quick of the repairs that needed to be done. Brian Hasenauer with materials provided for him, was able to construct the needed school desks. The most remarkable thing about our time there was that the head of the village approached Pastor Mario about spiritual instruction for the people. As a result, an impromptu showing of the Jesus Film was held in the village that night. I don't know what the results were or what seeds were planted. I do know that God will reap a harvest. It was a strange trip in that our schedule seemed to change from day to day. Even if we weren't exactly sure what the plans were or how they would turn out, God knew, and that's all that mattered. We had three days of rest after our work in this village, and then we worked at a christian school in Bata for two days. The last night we were there, we held an evagelistic service at the church, which happened to be part of the school. One of our team members shared their testimony and another team member shared the message, and as a result, two children came to know the Lord. If we had come to Africa for no other reason than that, it would have been enough.  Thursday,Oct. 15th,2009 'Dear Lord, tonight I sit in awe of the work that you have done in last few days and of the changes I've seen in all of us. I know that you brought us all to this place for a reason and that you are reshaping and transforming things within us. We fly to Malabo in the morning. As hard as it will be to leave Bata and all of the new friends we have made, I know that you hold them in the palm of your hand, just as you did before we arrived. It still hurts to leave, but knowing that you are in control of all things, makes it easier." While I was reading Psalm 103 & 104 this morning, I was reminded of just how powerful God really is and of how much he really is in control of all things. My biggest challenge in coming back to the states has been not forgetting what I've learned from this experience and what God has been teaching me. God has challenged me to find more ways to serve him in my everyday life and to be more open to the opportunities that he provides. My challenge to any Christian would be that whether or not you end up serving God in some foreign country or in your own back yard, be open to his calling and to the opportunities he gives you to reach others for him. You never know when and where he's going to call you, so be ready."

 

 

In His peace,

 

Sherry