What Dreams May Come...

Ok, it's been a while yeah? Well, new posts and thoughts and the like are coming...soon. ish.

2009 was a crazy year. But aren't they all? Or at least appear to be when you look back over the 12 month smudge that will soon be referenced in your musings and ramblings about your past exploits...or lack there of.

I'm not going to sit here and ramble on about all the things that happened in '09, or what I want to happen in 2010. And I'm of the "Twenty Ten" persuasion, incase you were wondering.

But there are somethings I'm greatly looking forward to in 2010. Well, one in particular.

South Africa.

I'm finally going. I don't have my passport or ticket yet. But it's all in the works, or will be shortly.

Some of you know this story. Some of you don't. So for those who don't, I'll regale you with the tale.

Once upon a time...

I was 15. Yes, literally half my life ago. I was sitting in the "classroom" off the gym at CLA. (For you CLA folk, it was the one that had the soda vending machine.) Pastor Jamie was teaching our high school Sunday School class about Revelations. Someone asked the "how will everyone know?" question. And he talked about increasing numbers of missionaries, and technology etc. I believe he said something like, "perhaps even some of you will be part of that, going into the jungles of South America, or wherever." Or something to that general effect.

Something struck a cord in me. Mentioning "jungles of South America" made me thinkn of a movie I had just seen, "Medicien Man," with Sean Connery. And that coupled with my growing love for all things Africa birthed an idea. This idea was followed by a deep longing in my heart to go to Africa...which I soon realized was my "calling."

Now, I planned and schemed on how this would happen. And that makes me think of the saying, "What makes God laugh?...."Our plans." I meant well, and wanted to do his will, but "I" was leading the way. Made choices. Did deeds. And a few short years later I was completely lost. Living for me and no one else. Africa had become a distant memory...but deep inside my heart, the drums still called.

About 10 years passed from that Sunday untill I arrived at my current church, and about a year since I rededicated my life to Jesus. In the first few months their, there was an alter call of sorts, and God revived my calling to Africa. And it felt stronger than ever. There was a group from our church, well two women from our church, who started an organization called "Building a Global Community." And they had a trip going to South Africa. I was excited. But it wasn't yet time for that. I soon got involved with the youth group, and that was where I felt God wanted all my spare attention.

Well, about 3 years after starting with the youth, I had a conversation with the girls from BGC, Jen and Ang. They asked me again if I'd consider going in 2010. I thought about it, and the block in my heart that had told me to focus on the youth group, wasn't there. I suddenly got very excited in my heart. Then I heard the price, and was almost quenched...but God lifted me up. It's only money, and that can be raised, saved, earned.

So, I will be filling out an application this month. Starting the passport process, and saving for this trip.

I'm finaly on my way.

I know in my heart that this will be the first, and hopefully shortest trip I ever take. But that is where I've felt God calling me to. I know this is now the right time to start. So, friends who pray: please begin to pray for me, the leaders, and the rest of the team that will go. That our hearts will be in the right place, and that the people we will minister to will be open.

This isn't a typical missions trip, with services and programs. We will be living in the villages with the people, helping them build gardens, chicken coops etc. We will witness with our lives, and share the love of Jesus with those we meet. And teaching about the prevention of disease, etc.

Also, please be praying that I, and each member can raise the money we need to go. It's about $4,000. Which covers our travel, food, and accomodations for the 2 weeks, and some of the materials we will be taking. This is just the rough estimate. If any of you are able/willing to donate, send me an email and I can provide you with the info to do so.

But mostly, pray.

Thanks for reading, and I will keep you updated on this as we go along, and hope to post some other interesting things of the "usual" nature as 2010 progresses.

Good luck, and Godspeed!
-Jesse