Well, seven of the last nine days, I have mostly spent my time hanging out with friends in London and generally relaxing. Jennyfaire invaded my room this past week, and we had a great time catching up.
Now I am packing and running here and there purchasing culturally acceptable clothes (long skirts) and various supplies. It seems that everything is in order now, finances, prayer team, flights, travel insurance, meds, Bibles ... There was a little drama with the Bibles. A couple weeks back, my friend's father offered to purchase some for me (and gave me tips on how to acquire some in Ghana that are written in the language of the people) and the same day, they were shipped from the Bible League in Burlington. When they didn't arrive on Thursday, I called the Bible League and discovered that my apartment number was not included in the address. What's worse is that the package had not been returned to the Bible League which basically meant that the package was lost somewhere in real reality and I had one day to find it. After a quick consultation with my trusty, mailman friend, I went to my local post office. Hallelujah! The package was there and had been for about two weeks. The post office sent me two notices of its presence there, but clearly, without my full address, the notices never reached me. Had I waited a few more hours to check at the post office, the package would not have been there.
In two days, I pop my first mefloquine pill (malaria prophylaxis), that means I'll be in Ghana in nine days. I'm quite excited. In the meantime, I look forward to the training in Toronto. I am going on this trip alone, but I'll be training with eight others who are preparing for short term missions in various countries. It ought to be a great opportunity for fellowship with like minds, encouragement, refinement, and growthful reflection.
I am currently suffering from flu-like symptoms which are not good travelling companions. Please pray with me that I recover fully within the week. Please thank God with me for this opportunity to serve in Ghana and for way plans are coming together.
Thanks for reading ~*
Postscript: I realize that "growthful" is not a word, but I can't think of the actual word I want. I heard this non-word two years ago and still have not thought of a synonym that is in the dictionary. I am open to suggestions.
Saturday, 28 April 2007
Tuesday, 3 April 2007
Ready ...
Preparations have started for my departure. Last week, I had two vaccinations (fortunately, others are still good from my previous trip) which put my arm out of commission for two days. My deltoid was in severe pain.
I am grateful to all of my supporters for their enthusiasm in praying and donating. School is getting busy and stressful, so they are one source of encouragement for me. Please continue to pray for me as I prepare physically, emotionally and spiritually. I have a lot of business to take care of now for when school resumes in September.
A few weeks back, I was walking home from the grocery store, heavy-laden with groceries. About ten minutes into the walk, I grumbled to myself, thinking that a car would be handy right about then. I had to stop myself from complaining and thank God that I had good food to eat and a healthy body that could handle that much exertion. Sometime later I started singing a Toby Mac song, "Made to love" but stopped at the line: anything I would give up for You / everything I give it all away. I didn't think I was able to give up my health. The following was my basic train of thought: I wouldn't be able to do all the fun stuff I enjoy now if I weren't healthy ---> what if I get bitten by a snake or something in Ghana? ---> what if I contract meningitis or something and have all my limbs cut off? ---> maybe I shouldn't go to Ghana ---> et cetera ---> now wait just a minute! ---> I can get sick and/or disabled in the comfort of my own apartment ---> anywhere for that matter ---> "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6-7 ---> "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength ..." Isaiah 40:31 ---> OK, I'm going to Ghana to serve God!
I heard a woman from Serbia speaking two weeks ago about the very same thing, finding security in God or in herself and familiar circumstances. I gave her a hearty "amen" and was further encouraged step out in faith rather than hold back in fear. I am very excited about my trip but I am not in my usual freak-out mode. With a clear head, I can better continue with all the preparations I mentioned earlier.
Thanks for reading ~*
I am grateful to all of my supporters for their enthusiasm in praying and donating. School is getting busy and stressful, so they are one source of encouragement for me. Please continue to pray for me as I prepare physically, emotionally and spiritually. I have a lot of business to take care of now for when school resumes in September.
A few weeks back, I was walking home from the grocery store, heavy-laden with groceries. About ten minutes into the walk, I grumbled to myself, thinking that a car would be handy right about then. I had to stop myself from complaining and thank God that I had good food to eat and a healthy body that could handle that much exertion. Sometime later I started singing a Toby Mac song, "Made to love" but stopped at the line: anything I would give up for You / everything I give it all away. I didn't think I was able to give up my health. The following was my basic train of thought: I wouldn't be able to do all the fun stuff I enjoy now if I weren't healthy ---> what if I get bitten by a snake or something in Ghana? ---> what if I contract meningitis or something and have all my limbs cut off? ---> maybe I shouldn't go to Ghana ---> et cetera ---> now wait just a minute! ---> I can get sick and/or disabled in the comfort of my own apartment ---> anywhere for that matter ---> "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6-7 ---> "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength ..." Isaiah 40:31 ---> OK, I'm going to Ghana to serve God!
I heard a woman from Serbia speaking two weeks ago about the very same thing, finding security in God or in herself and familiar circumstances. I gave her a hearty "amen" and was further encouraged step out in faith rather than hold back in fear. I am very excited about my trip but I am not in my usual freak-out mode. With a clear head, I can better continue with all the preparations I mentioned earlier.
Thanks for reading ~*
Wednesday, 7 March 2007
Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
Many of you probably know that I traveled to Ghana with a mission's team in 2000. Well, even before I arrived back in Canada, I wanted to return there, but unfortunately, it was just an idea that sat in the back of my mind. I didn't really know how to go about it.
A year ago at my church's missions conference, I was really challenged to actively pursue an opportunity to return to Ghana as a missionary. I was introduced to Doraine Ross, a representative from Serving In Missions (SIM) Canada, and we talked about Christ, Africa, and the life of a missionary. She encouraged me to apply to SIM Canada because there could be an opportunity there for me to use my health care skills and share the gospel of Jesus to Ghanaians. I did some research to find out more about SIM and prayed about the opportunity before me and finally applied five months later.
Last week, I was accepted as a short term associate to serve in two communities in the north of Ghana, Chiana, and Tumu. After four days of training in Toronto, I will be in Ghana from May to August 2007. Under the supervision of SIM missionaries, I will be participating in a wide variety of ministries, including church planting, discipleship, women's medicine, and health teaching for women youth and children. I am really looking forward to this opportunity because I get to use some of my newly acquired nursing skills and get a feel for the life of a career missionary in Ghana.
Ghana is a small country in West Africa with beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Guinea. It is home to 22.4 million people, with the highest density of people along the coast near the capital, Accra. There are many Christians in Ghana, but there are also many Muslims, Animists, and other tribal religious groups. English is the official language, but Ghanaians also speak multiple African languages.
With a language in common, I am excited about this chance to serve the Ghanaians alongside veteran missionaries.God has given me a love for Himself, a desire to serve, and practical skills to be able to work there, and I think this is a great opportunity. There are two ways in which you can support me with this endeavor: by praying for me or donating money and/or small, English Bibles.
The need for prayer goes without saying. Ghanaians like to say gye Nyame which means "except God". Psalm 127:1a says, "Except the LORD builds the house, its builders build in vain." Please pray with me that this trip remains all about God and spreading His gospel and that I don't let my fear of the unknown stop me from doing what I am called to do.
If you want to support me financially, please make cheques payable to SIM Canada and send it to their office at the address below. The budget for this trip is $8052 to cover cost associated with travel, vaccinations, accommodations in country, and administration. I have some funds saved, but I am hoping to raise about 2/3 of the overall cost. Donations of Bibles will be very valuable in sharing the word of God with needy people. Please send any Bibles to me directly.
I look forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to contact me if you want more information. While I am in Ghana, I hope to keep this blog so you can read about my experiences. Thank you.
-----
SIM Canada
10 Huntingdale Blvd
Scarborough, ON M1W 2S5
-----
* Don't forget to put my name on the cheque
Thanks for reading ~*
Many of you probably know that I traveled to Ghana with a mission's team in 2000. Well, even before I arrived back in Canada, I wanted to return there, but unfortunately, it was just an idea that sat in the back of my mind. I didn't really know how to go about it.
A year ago at my church's missions conference, I was really challenged to actively pursue an opportunity to return to Ghana as a missionary. I was introduced to Doraine Ross, a representative from Serving In Missions (SIM) Canada, and we talked about Christ, Africa, and the life of a missionary. She encouraged me to apply to SIM Canada because there could be an opportunity there for me to use my health care skills and share the gospel of Jesus to Ghanaians. I did some research to find out more about SIM and prayed about the opportunity before me and finally applied five months later.
Last week, I was accepted as a short term associate to serve in two communities in the north of Ghana, Chiana, and Tumu. After four days of training in Toronto, I will be in Ghana from May to August 2007. Under the supervision of SIM missionaries, I will be participating in a wide variety of ministries, including church planting, discipleship, women's medicine, and health teaching for women youth and children. I am really looking forward to this opportunity because I get to use some of my newly acquired nursing skills and get a feel for the life of a career missionary in Ghana.
Ghana is a small country in West Africa with beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Guinea. It is home to 22.4 million people, with the highest density of people along the coast near the capital, Accra. There are many Christians in Ghana, but there are also many Muslims, Animists, and other tribal religious groups. English is the official language, but Ghanaians also speak multiple African languages.
With a language in common, I am excited about this chance to serve the Ghanaians alongside veteran missionaries.God has given me a love for Himself, a desire to serve, and practical skills to be able to work there, and I think this is a great opportunity. There are two ways in which you can support me with this endeavor: by praying for me or donating money and/or small, English Bibles.
The need for prayer goes without saying. Ghanaians like to say gye Nyame which means "except God". Psalm 127:1a says, "Except the LORD builds the house, its builders build in vain." Please pray with me that this trip remains all about God and spreading His gospel and that I don't let my fear of the unknown stop me from doing what I am called to do.
If you want to support me financially, please make cheques payable to SIM Canada and send it to their office at the address below. The budget for this trip is $8052 to cover cost associated with travel, vaccinations, accommodations in country, and administration. I have some funds saved, but I am hoping to raise about 2/3 of the overall cost. Donations of Bibles will be very valuable in sharing the word of God with needy people. Please send any Bibles to me directly.
I look forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to contact me if you want more information. While I am in Ghana, I hope to keep this blog so you can read about my experiences. Thank you.
-----
SIM Canada
10 Huntingdale Blvd
Scarborough, ON M1W 2S5
-----
* Don't forget to put my name on the cheque
Thanks for reading ~*
Wednesday, 28 February 2007
Matthew 9:29b
[Jesus] said "According to your faith will it be done to you."
Sadly, perhaps I don't have enough faith right now. In two months, I plan to be in Toronto for training and, shortly thereafter, be on a plane to Ghana. I have received nothing from SIM thus far and the package was supposed to have been mailed last week. I have nearly reached panic mode because there is so much to be done: vaccinations, travel arrangements, fundraising, police check,prayer team assembly, etc. I hate things being left to the last minute because spontaneity and unpredictablity make me feel rather uneasy.
Fortunately, this is where God comes in and saves the day; where I am weak, He is strong. If this trip is going to happen, it ought to be done His way. As I think back to my first trip to Ghana in 2000, I know that spontaneity is the name of the game. As frustrated as I feel now, I know this serves as preparation for my time there (and, strangely enough, this is good in all areas of my life). I am way too much of a control freak sometimes. In all areas of my life, if I can't see what lies ahead, I like to back away and do nothing, rather than trust God and make a step/leap of faith. About a year ago, I finally conceded to myself that this fear thing was really incompatible with faith. I prayed for more faith, so here it is, yet another chance to exercise my faith muscles.
OK, no more ranting. I am feeling a little more rational now. I'll wait patiently for the package knowing that the best thing will work out.
Thanks for reading ~*
Sadly, perhaps I don't have enough faith right now. In two months, I plan to be in Toronto for training and, shortly thereafter, be on a plane to Ghana. I have received nothing from SIM thus far and the package was supposed to have been mailed last week. I have nearly reached panic mode because there is so much to be done: vaccinations, travel arrangements, fundraising, police check,prayer team assembly, etc. I hate things being left to the last minute because spontaneity and unpredictablity make me feel rather uneasy.
Fortunately, this is where God comes in and saves the day; where I am weak, He is strong. If this trip is going to happen, it ought to be done His way. As I think back to my first trip to Ghana in 2000, I know that spontaneity is the name of the game. As frustrated as I feel now, I know this serves as preparation for my time there (and, strangely enough, this is good in all areas of my life). I am way too much of a control freak sometimes. In all areas of my life, if I can't see what lies ahead, I like to back away and do nothing, rather than trust God and make a step/leap of faith. About a year ago, I finally conceded to myself that this fear thing was really incompatible with faith. I prayed for more faith, so here it is, yet another chance to exercise my faith muscles.
OK, no more ranting. I am feeling a little more rational now. I'll wait patiently for the package knowing that the best thing will work out.
Thanks for reading ~*
Wednesday, 21 February 2007
Disclaimer et aliud
I apologize now to Xan and the likes of him for any discomfort I may cause. I am not a writer, so, hereafter, the paragraph structure (among other things) may make you cringe. Any drivel will also need to be excused. I tend to write reflections, etc with haste.
Since blogging is hip these days, I will use this as my primary means of general communication to anyone interested in following along. You're welcome to leave a comment, but please identify yourself somehow (I will delete any anonymous comments).
Thanks for reading ~*
Since blogging is hip these days, I will use this as my primary means of general communication to anyone interested in following along. You're welcome to leave a comment, but please identify yourself somehow (I will delete any anonymous comments).
Thanks for reading ~*
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