When we pray for God to increase our faith, He puts us in situations in which we need to fully rely on Him. It has been my prayer that my faith would be strengthened. I know my lack of faith holds me back from totally surrendering to God and serving Him.
Hebrews 11:1—“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Faith is a difficult concept for me to grasp. I like things that are predictable. I like to plan. I like to be in control. My desire to control my life reflects my lack of faith.
Faith goes against a lot of what society teaches us. The world tells us to put our trust in things that are proven and concrete. However, these things are only temporary. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Hebrew 11 reminds us that we don’t always see the “results” of our faith. This passage tells the story of a number of important biblical figures and their journey of faith. Many of them never saw God’s promises fulfilled during their lifetime, yet they trusted in God’s will for their lives. They risked their lives, sacrificed comforts, and suffered ridicule- despite the fact they would never see the product of their faith. Sometimes, we just need to trust God- even if it doesn’t make sense by the world’s standards. We need to have faith because that is what He calls us to do- not because we want something in return.
God has answered my prayer. He has put me in a position that requires me to trust Him. We don’t always understand why things happen the way they do. It is difficult for me to understand why He would call me to Gabon and then allow me to be sick. Sometimes we don’t know why He does things- and we may never know. Although it may not be clear to us now, everything happens for a reason- we just need to have faith.
I have been learning a lot about faith from the Gabonese. They are on fire for Christ and it is apparent that their sole desire is to bring glory to God. It has been encouraging to me to meet so many believers who are living out their faith- not just on Sundays- but everyday. Their joy is contagious. Their lives are a reflection of Christ, and they have challenged me to live with a greater passion for Christ. I am so grateful for the chance to come to Gabon. God has been teaching me so much about Himself through the people here!
June 28, 2010
June 17, 2010
Just when I start to think I have surrendered everything to God, He reminds me that I am far from completely surrendering my life to Him. As I am thousands of miles away from home, I am realizing how much of my life is spent trying to be comfortable. God doesn't call us to be comfortable. Instead, He calls us to take risks so we may glorify Him.
Here in Gabon, I am far from comfortable. I can't rely on my own strength. I have been learning to seek God instead of the comforts of this world. As difficult as it is, I am glad to be uncomfortable. It has helped me to realize that I am not in control of my life.
I haven't been feeeling the greatest lately. Just when I start to think I have everything in control, I am quickly reminded that this is not the case. It has been frusturating that I have felt sick, but it is completely out of my hands. I went to a local medical clinic to be checked out by one of the nurses. After listening to me explain my symptoms, the nurse said, "It will all be okay. You have Christ- and that is all you need". This wasn't the answer I expected to hear, but I was reminded that even when life is hard, God is the same and He is all I need. I can enter "uncomfortable" situations with the comfort of knowing that He is in control.
Here in Gabon, I am far from comfortable. I can't rely on my own strength. I have been learning to seek God instead of the comforts of this world. As difficult as it is, I am glad to be uncomfortable. It has helped me to realize that I am not in control of my life.
I haven't been feeeling the greatest lately. Just when I start to think I have everything in control, I am quickly reminded that this is not the case. It has been frusturating that I have felt sick, but it is completely out of my hands. I went to a local medical clinic to be checked out by one of the nurses. After listening to me explain my symptoms, the nurse said, "It will all be okay. You have Christ- and that is all you need". This wasn't the answer I expected to hear, but I was reminded that even when life is hard, God is the same and He is all I need. I can enter "uncomfortable" situations with the comfort of knowing that He is in control.
June 13, 2010
Trip to Bongolo Hospital
Bongolo Hospital was greater than I expected.
After traveling more than 10 hours on unpaved roads and surviving a few driving mishaps, we made it safely to the hospital in the middle of the jungle. The scenery was beautiful: a raging river, palm trees, and exotic flowers were in abundance. The bugs were also bigger! Within the first 10 minutes of being there, we saw a beetle that was the size of my cell phone...thankfully, that was the only giant beetle we saw!
We took a tour of the hospital and it was awesome to be there. I had heard so much about this ministry before, so I was excited to see everything for myself. The hospital was comprised of a number of different units- pediatrics, HIV/AIDS, opthamology, maternity, dentistry, ect. We had the opportunity to meet a number of missionaries who worked as nurses and doctors in the hospital. I enjoyed hearing their stories and learning more about what the life of a medical missionary entails.
We visited some of the patients in the hospital. We visited an infant who was born with dysfunctional kidneys. The hospital is unable to perform transplants, so there is nothing they can do for her. Our group prayed for the child and her family, and my heart was filled with sadness for this family. Once again, I gained an appreciation for the health care I have at home- I take so much for granted!
God is doing amazing things through Bongolo Hospital. This is pretty much the only hospital in the country, so people will travel days to get there. The Gospel is preached openly to the patients, and thousands accept the Lord every year!
When it came time to leave, It was hard to go. I would love to stay there for a longer period of time to witness more of what God is doing there. He is doing amazing things in Gabon, and I am so humbled and excited to see it firsthand!
After traveling more than 10 hours on unpaved roads and surviving a few driving mishaps, we made it safely to the hospital in the middle of the jungle. The scenery was beautiful: a raging river, palm trees, and exotic flowers were in abundance. The bugs were also bigger! Within the first 10 minutes of being there, we saw a beetle that was the size of my cell phone...thankfully, that was the only giant beetle we saw!
We took a tour of the hospital and it was awesome to be there. I had heard so much about this ministry before, so I was excited to see everything for myself. The hospital was comprised of a number of different units- pediatrics, HIV/AIDS, opthamology, maternity, dentistry, ect. We had the opportunity to meet a number of missionaries who worked as nurses and doctors in the hospital. I enjoyed hearing their stories and learning more about what the life of a medical missionary entails.
We visited some of the patients in the hospital. We visited an infant who was born with dysfunctional kidneys. The hospital is unable to perform transplants, so there is nothing they can do for her. Our group prayed for the child and her family, and my heart was filled with sadness for this family. Once again, I gained an appreciation for the health care I have at home- I take so much for granted!
God is doing amazing things through Bongolo Hospital. This is pretty much the only hospital in the country, so people will travel days to get there. The Gospel is preached openly to the patients, and thousands accept the Lord every year!
When it came time to leave, It was hard to go. I would love to stay there for a longer period of time to witness more of what God is doing there. He is doing amazing things in Gabon, and I am so humbled and excited to see it firsthand!
June 05, 2010
A whole new world
After more than 30 hours of traveling, I finally made it to Africa. The flights were long and exhausting, but I was excited to finally be going to Gabon.
When I got off the plane, I immediately realized I was in a different world. The humidity was stifling, and I started sweating instantly. We had no problem getting through customs, and it was only minutes until we had our luggage and were driving in the van to our new home for the summer.
I have spent this past week processing my thoughts. Everything here is different. The climate, smell, language, food, and culture is totally new to me.
Over the past few days, we have been visiting the various ministry sites in the area. Driving to the sites is an adventure in itself! We have visited the Hope House (orphanage), the mobile health clinics, and a missions school. The one day, we went to a small village to help with a church plant. We helped clear an area of weeds with machetes (a new experience...I was relieved that I didn't see any large bugs in the weeds!). As we were working, a group of kids from the village approached us. As a sat on the ground, a few of the girls played with my hair and then another jumped on my back. It was great playing with the kids, but I was saddened that many of them were not of the best health. We had chicken-on-a-stick (a Gabonese favorite) for lunch, and gave some to the children. They ate every last piece- even the bone. I had learned about malnutrition in many of my classes, but seeing it in person is much different. It is hard for me not to feel guilty- why is it that I have so much and they have so little?
Although I have only been here a week, my perspective has already changed. It has been humbling to interact with people who have much less than I do, and to be served and loved by them. I have a greater appreciation for the blessings God has given me. It is a totally different way of life here. I am trying to learn as much as I can and not be overwhelmed by the differences.
We will travel to the Bongolo Hospital on Tuesday. The trip is about 12 hours long and the roads will make the trip very interesting. Pray for a safe trip, and that the van will survie the rugged roads in Africa. Also, please pray that I wouldn't be overwhelmed by the "newness" of everything. I am starting to adjust, but it is a lot to process. Thanks for your prayers :)
When I got off the plane, I immediately realized I was in a different world. The humidity was stifling, and I started sweating instantly. We had no problem getting through customs, and it was only minutes until we had our luggage and were driving in the van to our new home for the summer.
I have spent this past week processing my thoughts. Everything here is different. The climate, smell, language, food, and culture is totally new to me.
Over the past few days, we have been visiting the various ministry sites in the area. Driving to the sites is an adventure in itself! We have visited the Hope House (orphanage), the mobile health clinics, and a missions school. The one day, we went to a small village to help with a church plant. We helped clear an area of weeds with machetes (a new experience...I was relieved that I didn't see any large bugs in the weeds!). As we were working, a group of kids from the village approached us. As a sat on the ground, a few of the girls played with my hair and then another jumped on my back. It was great playing with the kids, but I was saddened that many of them were not of the best health. We had chicken-on-a-stick (a Gabonese favorite) for lunch, and gave some to the children. They ate every last piece- even the bone. I had learned about malnutrition in many of my classes, but seeing it in person is much different. It is hard for me not to feel guilty- why is it that I have so much and they have so little?
Although I have only been here a week, my perspective has already changed. It has been humbling to interact with people who have much less than I do, and to be served and loved by them. I have a greater appreciation for the blessings God has given me. It is a totally different way of life here. I am trying to learn as much as I can and not be overwhelmed by the differences.
We will travel to the Bongolo Hospital on Tuesday. The trip is about 12 hours long and the roads will make the trip very interesting. Pray for a safe trip, and that the van will survie the rugged roads in Africa. Also, please pray that I wouldn't be overwhelmed by the "newness" of everything. I am starting to adjust, but it is a lot to process. Thanks for your prayers :)
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