this is why I GO

I've been learning something really phenomenal in my Perspectives class that I just had to share.

The whole notion that we have to be more in love with GOD than with the mission. That through our love for GOD, we will love the nations. But our foundation has to be in our love for our creator. I've been convicted a few times as well. The work is not mine, it's Gods. In fact God doesn't even need me but he choses us to let us share in His work. My work for the kingdom should be rooted in my passionate love for God!

This is a quote from Tim Dearborn:

"We can either see our mission as a series of need-meeting projects, energized by an awareness of the problems of the world. OR we can frame our understanding of mission as an invitation to join with God as He pursues His purpose in the world."

His purpose is to make His name known, and to make it great. We can be motivated by the never ending "needs" that we see in this world, but ultimately we have to act boldly for God's highest purpose.

I go because I am in love with our creator.

I go because He has done great and marvelous things in my life.

I go because I want to tell others of the great and marvelous things He's done so they can have HOPE.

I go because the bible tells me to....

James 1:27

Religion that is pure & undefiled before God the Father is this, to visit orphans & widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

I also go because of faces like these.....

{Stephen & our boy Henry, at Caanas in Uganda}

Henry & Stephen connected the 2nd day we were at Caanans. I'll have to have him do a blog post about it, it's a sweet story!

{my girl Patricia at Caanas, in Uganda}

I've talked about her before. The little one I tucked in at night, held all day, and loved on for 3 days in Uganda. This day she was rocking my shades & I was a proud mamma at their talent show. More to come about that :)

{James, at M1 prision in Uganda}

This is my friend James. All afternoon I kept seeing him everywhere I went and I just felt God tugging me to go talk to him. Well, he didn't speak any english but we had a great time playing hackey sack together. He was the sweetest boy and all he wanted was some love and attention. God sent me to him that day and I'm so grateful that I was listening & said yes! at the end of the day he said "gift" and gave me a piece of yellow & oarnge bracelet and tied it on my wrist. I still have it on & it reminds me to pray for James and the other kids at M1.

{this is Jen, from Pillars of Hope - Uganda}

We only got to spend a few hours with the street kids at Pillars of Hope but I so enjoyed my time with Jen. I looked at her and smiled right when we got there & she came over to me and held my hand and the rest of the day we were the best of friends. She wants to be a nurse one day!

{this Doreen, at M2 prison in Uganda}

Doreen & I hit it off when I walked into her being taped for the documentary, telling her story. I got to share with her afterwards my favorite scripture- Ephesians 3:20 and told her that whatever her wildest dream is (being a doctor, as I recall) God can do immeasurably more! She was so excited she got her Bible out and found the scripture and repeated it to me. Love this girl!

{me & Angela at Return Ministries, Uganda}

Angela & I became friends after the "program" was over right when we got to Return. She is a beautiful teenager who has great compassion for the younger children and us. She had many hopes & dreams and loved to teach me how to dance! I'll never forget her!

I can't even get into the special people from Korah today. I'll show them to you soon :)

If those weren't reasons enough......

Will you join me?

Ethiopia & Rwanda

December 27 - January 7th

Visiting Orphans