Perspective (Togo part 2)

So, for those of you who missed it, I spent the last two days feeling sick enough to spend the majority of my time in bed. Today I was some better and watched the Chmil kids until lunch, after which I went over to the hospital to have my rash looked at. The so-called rash appears to be ringworm and is spreading. Hooray! Also, I picked up an inhaler as my asthma has been a bit of an issue. With all those things in mind, I wrote this. Enjoy!

West Africa, a place teaming with mosquito, malaria, Ebola, scorpions, and snakes, a place once called the white man’s grave, yet here we are. What is it that brings so many to this land? Is it the scorching sun, the harmattan winds, or maybe the plethora of bugs? No, all of this would turn any sane person away from such a crazy venture. What then draws us to this place?
Perspective, not an earthly perspective that sees only the heartache, struggles, and suffering, but an eternal perspective that sees a need, a need that only can be filled by our Savior, Jesus Christ. This need compels us to go, the words of Paul reverberating in our ears. “…how are they to believe in him whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?” We are the SENT, not perfect, not even good on our own, we are called to a purpose and we have obeyed. Some think that such a choice is crazy, others believe that this call makes us ‘more Christian’. Not so! Every person is called to a place and to a purpose. Some are sent, some the senders, others come alongside with encouragement and prayer, and most have a ‘mission field’ right where they are. As with the body, we all have different roles to play, but each one is unique and important. We are all called to follow Christ wherever He leads us and it is my prayer that each one of you is prayerfully seeking God’s plan for your life, one step at a time and one day at a time.
Peter struggled with perspective when he stepped out on the water to walk to Jesus. Instead of focusing on Jesus’ power, strength, and ability, Peter saw the waves, the storm, and the voice of ‘reason’ telling him he couldn’t walk on water. In some ways Peter was right, HE couldn’t do it, not in his own power, neither can we. One of the first lessons in missions that I learned was “I can’t do it, but God can.” Any false perceptions of my own abilities flew out the window as I witnessed a world full of challenges and dangers and people that I didn’t know or understand. Without the proper perspective, I never would have gotten out of the boat or, having taken the first step, sunk below the waves, overwhelmed by my inabilities. Luckily, God in His grace whispers to me, “It’s not on you to do well. I got this, just hang on and enjoy the ride.” And what a wild ride it has been! As I look on towards the horizon and a new adventure’s dawning, it is good for me to remember that lesson on perspective.

In Togo (part 1)

After hours upon hours of flying and airport waiting, then 8 1/2 hours of driving (after a night in the capital), we have arrived! Togo North is a LONG drive from the capital, but it was surprisingly smooth traveling, at least for a third world country. The car even had AC (the kids and I had to use blankets and jackets to keep warm). The weather outside is another story. It is humid and hot, but so good to finally be here! Of course, my body has the strangest idea of jet lag (likely related to over a day with only 3 to 5 hours of sleep), so I woke up at 2 a.m. and haven’t been able to sleep since. Will try to take a nap once this is done. First real day on the ground, it will probably be busy.

The kids and I are getting on famously. I like kids and they like me, so all is well in that realm. I will likely spend much of the coming week keeping an eye on the 4 some while mom and dad get involved in ministry here so they can get a feel for things. Since they are trying to decide between the North or South, the more they can scope things out, the better.

As I looked out the window of our plane during the decent, it all looked so familiar. I know part of that is because I spent some time in The Gambia, West Africa and the climate and such is similar, but I like to think that part of it was the realization that this is (or will be in a few years) home. Dirt roads, grass huts, humidity, and lots of green plants. Sounds right up my alley. 🙂 Will try to write again soon (so long as the internet is working). Thanks for praying!

To Go to TOGO

This Saturday I will be boarding a plane to head back east where I will meet up with the Chmil family, then board a second plane headed for TOGO! We will be spending a month there, checking out both the north and south teams, asking questions, and getting to know the missionaries and (hopefully) some of the nationals. For me, it will be a chance to see my future home, meet my future teammates and my future students, as well as learn more about what I need to bring and get to know this place called Togo.

How many of you have seen the To Go signs? It seems like the more I look, the more they keep appearing. Since my plans to head to Togo have begun, I have read those signs quite differently. Instead of To Go, I read them TOGO and pray for the missionaries there as I smile at God’s little reminder of my future home.

With that in mind, I’d like to issue you a challenge (or a request). Whenever you see a To Go sign, please pray for me and the other missionaries in Togo. In our fast pace world, To Go means something quick and easy, but my journey to Togo will not be quick or easy. I can’t just board a plane and get started (though the thought has crossed my mind). I have to be prepared: raise support, gain more prayer partners, and grow in my understanding and language skills. It won’t be easy, if it was, I’d wonder if we were doing things right. Satan wants us to fail and Togo North has seen and suffered from Satan’s attempts to ruin their ministries and shipwreck their faith. Praise God for His mercy and protection as they continue to serve Him in the midst of trials and hurts! He is faithful and He is good! Thank you for your prayers. Lord willing, next time I write will be from Togo! 😀