Today was the first "official" step of my new journey from A to Z. Of course, before this day, there were the applications, interviews, paperwork, plane tickets, shots, and visa applications. Then there will still be my commissioning ceremony on Friday, boarding the plane, and taking my first step onto African soil. But tonight is the first time I gathered together with other volunteers and staff and became part of the International Justice Mission team and realized what I am a part of. It is not a bad group with which to be associated. I have never before been around so many young people with so much international experience. It was fascinating to encounter such diverse backgrounds, even around just my assigned table. And we are all eager to grasp this journey we are about to begin.
I have been rather excited about going to Zambia. However, in the past few days and hours as I have started to comprehend IJM's reputation and ministry, and then started meeting my fellow teammates that will be sent out across the globe, my excitement has reached a new level. I marvel that the Lord and IJM have allowed me to be a part of this mission. What an amazing adventure!
I hope to sneak in a post that explains why I am doing all this before my official "weekly post". Otherwise, I will talk to you next week! :)
Sara
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It can be pretty intimidating when I think of the political culture that is common throughout Africa. These verses I heard at church this morning are a good reminder:
Titus 3:1-8
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
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1 comments:
your blog looks great
January 13, 2009 at 6:54 AMPost a Comment