It IS a BIG CONTINENT!

Six US maps could fit inside of Africa. I have visited about ten countries, and will return to three in October. I know of a number of friends who have gone there since I went to Liberia, and then I talked the other day to my friend, Emmanuel from Liberia. He is in Seattle. He brought a young Liberian orphan here for hand surgery. That will take place this Thursday, the 20th. Please pray for Samuel! To read Emmanuel's emails is amazing. Oh, what we take for granted, BUT then to read the emails from Americans seeing Africa for the first time is equally thrilling. We all have so much to give to one another, and if we don't stretch ourselves, we will never know and grow and become fuller human beings.

Emmanuel Jonah brought Samuel to Seattle to have surgery
on his hands, damaged during the war
in his country.

The work to be done in Africa is daunting. How do I ask people to focus on our "little" passion, leadership training, when orphan work, church construction, AIDS treatment, water wells, etc etc are just as desperately needed??? And I haven't even mentioned church planting or the dangerous work one alum is doing in Northern Africa.  Some are working with AIDS patients and some are church planting. After being in Liberia and noting the huge toll war for 14 years had on children's opportunity to get an education,  I sense a need for more teachers on the continent.   I'd love to go back, and yet people like me aren't the answer to the huge needs.

So, I am being vulnerable here, telling you that I struggle with all the different focuses that are good and yet we are diluting the funds that could be given to leadership training. Am I thinking about this in an unhealthy way? Any of you help me?

I am still trying to grow through Africa!

P.S.  Today I got a gentle reminder from a friend  telling me that I can easily lose my "rest" by second guessing God and forgetting that He is SOVEREIGN, knows of all these needs and nothing escapes His notice or care.  He reminded me that I am just to be faithful to my calling.  I'm sorry I need rebuking but am thankful for those who do it gently!  May I live in His rest more and more!