International Justice Missions

Just wanted to share a "God sighting" with you all. My missions pastor and very dear friend from Charleston recently took a job a very large church near Chicago. I had the opportunity last weekend to visit her and spend some time at this church (although, to really see the entire thing, it may have taken weeks, even months). I was excited to catch a sermon from such a powerful speaker and to spend time with someone who means so much to me. Now, Satan did his best to keep me away that weekend. I almost backed out several times for various reasons, but felt that is was a much needed trip. So, I went.
When I got there, my friend explained that there would actually be a guest speaker this weekend. The speaker was from International Justice Missions (IJM). Perhaps you've seen a little about it on Oprah, Dateline and several other places? I had started hearing about it through other resources as well almost as soon as I reached the stateds. But, I have other things to focus on and, quite frankly, it just seems so big to me. So, to hear that I would be listening to a Washington DC lawyer speak about the great things he is doing in 3rd world contries, I was slightly disappointed.
Then, this man came on the stage. He began telling stories about people they have rescued from unjust situations. One story was even of a man from Kenya that was robbed, shot and saved by a hospital, only to be thrown in jail by the vary police officers that robbed and shot him (because they were drunk and broke) to keep him from "talking." He also spoke of giving what we have (no matter how little) and letting God perform the miracles. I have to admit, I was feeling a bit convicted. Here I was complaining that I had other things to focus on and this was just "too big." I complained about a big "DC lawyer trying to take credit for 'saving Africa'." This man was actually very humble... giving God credit where credit is due. All God asks is that we give what we have and He will perform the miracles. He's placed me right where He wants me... I just need to obey. He certainly hit me over the head with a brick this weekend to get that point across.
So, I was able to meet the man that started IJM. It turns out that they have an office in Nairobi (where I will be going to language school) and I will be getting connected with them. IJM provides investigative, attourney and couseling services to those who are trapped in unjust situations (unjustice is defined as anyone being kept from God's intentions from them by someone stronger or in higher authority). To learn more about this organization and how you can help, please see the web site at www.ijm.org.
I will also try to post some pics of the great time I had with my friend while in Chicago as well. Thanks for a great time, Jodi!

Leaning on God

Really... I will get better and more consistent with my blogs. Hang in there with me. I am back in St. Louis after some great time with family, friends, training and fund raising. I had a great time, but am happy to get my clothes out of the suitcase for a little while. I leave in a little over 2 weeks and the Lord is showing me that I will need to Him to get me there. There is so much to do and so little time to do it, but God is faithful... He will see me through.
I will be flying out on Dec. 26th. Yes, the day after Christmas. I just learned that my brother, Ken and his family (including my nephew and his wife that are taking Oliver) are driving up Christmas Eve. It will be great to spend Christmas with them. It will also give my parents a much needed distraction as I leave. I am grateful that they are able to be here.
I am still looking for a good home for Pip (my Pekingese) with people that I know and trust. It is incredibly hard to give up my two little friends. I am thankful that Oliver will be with Ryan and Keri (my nephew and wife) and know He will provide the same for Pip. I also am still working on getting my paper audit completed. I need to have in mailed by the end of the week, but continue to wait on paper work. I would like to have some kind of answer before I leave (or it at least submitted). Please continue to lift these things up in prayer.
Other things to pray for:
1. The rest of my time at home... that it is fruitful and fun.
2. Continued support for the ministry and my return to Kenya in the midst of such widespread financial hardship.
3. For the staff and students at CGA and their time away from school. Pray that they experience rest and joy and that they make good decisions while away from school.
You can see more information and ways to donate/get involved at www.cgakenya.com.
Thanks for your love and support!!