Africa: Why I Keep Going Back

As a young girl in GA’s, I remember being fascinated by the stories of men and women who travelled across the world to share Jesus. I was enthralled by the adventure, but also intrigued by the challenges they encountered. Little did I know that God was planting seeds for missions in my heart.

Ten years ago, I went to Africa for the first time. I was thrilled to the gills. I went thinking I would change the world (such naivety) and I returned changed instead. Sharing Jesus with villagers who have never heard the gospel or who have a limited knowledge is exhilarating. Too often in the West people have become so accustomed to hearing the gospel that they tune it out before ever really hearing. Jesus said, “Let he who has ears hear.”

There is no greater joy than seeing people with ears to hear “get it” and trust in Christ. I have witnessed myriads of people come to salvation. I’ve walked alongside women who have been abandoned by society and culture to find acceptance and love in Christ. I’ve seen victims forgive their families murderer, and I’ve watched as God made the lame to walk.

People often ask, “Why do you keep going back?” My response is simple. “How can I not?”

Working with national believers who have a passion for their country to come to Christ is contagious. Meeting people who have so little (in the world’s eyes) but who are content breeds conviction in me. We have so much yet want more. Greed is often the adjective to describe our culture – not contentment.

The East Africans have taught me so much about life. They’ve modeled what it means to be still. They have shown me what it means to love your neighbor. They’ve taught me to be grateful. They have also shown me how to live by faith.

I am so thankful that God has made a way for me to return to a land that I love to see a people that I love. I only hope and pray that God will use me to encourage them as much as he has used them to encourage me.