PLEASE don't forget!

Forgetting is human nature, isn't it?  Maybe that's why God told us in Scripture over and over and over again not to do it.  Forget none of His benefits.  So as I write this update, I am reminding myself of some of those as they relate to this journey I'm on, growing through Africa.

A Kenyan EAFC alumnus was helping us out by answering questions for students at a university who were interested in a scholarship.  What happened though was that our friend felt like he was put on the defensive in the meeting.  When he told me about it, I naturally "came to his defense" in my communication with the administration at this university.  But did I do it in prayer?  Did I consider the differences in our cultures and how I might word my communication in a way that might lessen tensions or possible misunderstandings? Did I REMEMBER?  I wish I could say I did. But I'm determined to be honest in this blog.  I'm not going to try to deceive anyone.  I still after all these years  (since 1996) of interacting with Africans still make so many mistakes.

"How'd it turn out? "you might ask. I wish I could say that in spite of my bumbling efforts that there's perfect restoration and understanding, but once again honesty beckons me to tell it like it is.


I wrote the lady in administration who took issue with my words.  I apologized for what I've just admitted to you that I did.  AND YET!!!  There's more to this than I have told.  You see, the leaders at the university called my young friend back to "defend himself" which culturally he didn't feel like he could do.  If I am a straightforward woman, which I am, even in a very independent and straightforward culture, my friend is at the other end of the spectrum.  If these people really wanted to UNDERSTAND rather than defend, they'd realize that I haven't spoken out of a vacuum.  I had something behind my desire to take up for my friend.  But I doubt that clarity will come to this particular situation.

It is my real desire though that in the BIG picture, I will grow from this experience.  "SLOW DOWN, Val."  REMEMBER what you've learned.  Don't forget!!!!!  Keep your eyes on the prize. Remember that Jesus left a perfect culture to come and live among us with so many flawed cultures.  He understands, will guide and teach.


ONE LAST thought before signing off today.  Scholarship selection is May 21.  Will you be in prayer that we LISTEN to God, sense which applicants are the ones He wants to bless through THIS ministry?  Thank you, my friends for reading this and for praying with me.


Forget not all His benefits!!!!!!