Actually, "Into Africa" will be more accurate for me in November. Yes, you're catching that right -I'm going to Africa!
The Lutheran Brethren is teaming up with e3Partners to send a mission team to Garoua, Cameroon for 10 days in November. We'll be working "to help establish new neighborhood churches in partnership with the Cameroon LB church". We'll only be there for 10 days, so we'll really be working alongside the local church as we're doing door-to-door evangelism, then they'll be doing the followup after we're gone. You can read more about the plans here.
I am REALLY EXCITED for this trip! I'm sitting here struggling to even put it all into words! I have a passion for the people of Africa and am so looking forward to being back in Garoua. As most of you know, my mom grew up in Africa as her parents were missionaries there. I was there in 1992 with Mom, Dad and Julie to see all the places my mom used to talk about and also to visit family. My aunt and uncle (Jim and Marilyn) and my mom's cousin and family (Chuck and Penny) were working there as missionaries so we stayed with them at the mission station in Garoua.
I am really excited to go back and see some of the people and places that I remember, but mostly to see how the Lord will use me there now. I'm excited about the partnership with the Cameroon LB church. I'm excited (and nervous!) about the door-to-door evangelism we'll be doing. I'm excited to see how this might answer a little of my restless spirit regarding my passion for Africa.
Most things in my life I can relate to a song title or lyrics, and I've been thinking a lot about the song by Switchfoot that has the lyrics "this is your life, are you who you want to be?" Am I who I want to be? Am I taking the steps of faith to do the things that I want to do and that I feel like God is allowing me to do? The answer is a resounding "YES!" I have a great life! A few weeks ago, my former roommate, Maralee, and I were talking and she said "isn't it amazing that all the things we used to talk about, you're doing now?!" Mainly, working as a travel nurse, and going back to Africa someday. These are two longtime dreams of mine, and I can hardly believe that the year is turning out this way!
God is so good!
You'll be hearing a lot more about this trip in the coming months, so stay tuned for updates!
14 comments:
This all is so awesome!!! I'm so happy for you...for Africa and for you being in a good place in your life and fulfilling dreams and following God...It's really awesome...Yippee, Yippee!!! I'll be praying for you and your trip and specifically about your nervousness about the door to door evangalism...You will DO great and I don't doubt it one bit. You have the most kind, genuine personality and you have such a sweet spirit...Awesome for you...Yeah, Kari!!!
Fantastic Kari!! I know this time will be a completely different experience for you!! I so wish I could go too, but the Dr. said "no". The Lord will bless you and keep you and the whole TEAM. Love, June
How neat Kari! I can't wait to see the photos you'll post from that trip!!!
So awesome!!! I am so glad you have this opportunity. Praise Him!
I commented also on your Facebook wall Kari to tell you that Jeff and I are going to Africa also. How fun to find out that you will also be one of the team! I am so excited! I have some of the same nervous feelings as you do also, but I am looking forward to it so much.
Kirsten
Wow, Kari. Isn't that a wonderful opportunity? I am so happy for you and know you will be used by God. How special that you are going to Africa knowing all the family history there.
I can't express my thoughts and emotions about you and this trip, Kari, but I know God will be with you when you are where God wants you to be! Joshua 1:5, Isaiah 41:9b-10 and Isaiah 42:16 are Words of promise from God. I released you to God many years ago to be used where He saw fit. God has done this already in your life in so many ways and He will continue to do so even in this. As I have had to do with family going to Africa before, I know God will prompt me to pray and support you. He takes care of you wherever you are. You have a great network of friends who can also pray and support you as you make plans and carry out this 'dream' of service for God in Africa. I pray you go in His peace and joy! Much love and prayers, Mom
Wow! Kari! How exciting! What an amazing opportunity! I know it is a long way off but I am already excited to hear about it! : )
Kari I'm so excited for you and I think that it's an amazing opportunity for you. God will stretch and help you to be able to do all the things you need to do. I can't wait to hear all about it! We are praying that God will use the people who go on this trip in wonderful and amazing ways. We love you and are praying for you!
Wow!! I am so envious..... I cant imagine an opportunity like that. I know you will be so good at anything they have you do!!
Kari-You are such a go-getter! God has used you in incredible ways and will use this opportunity for His glory. You have such a legacy to pass on to your future children. I can't wait to see all that is to come for you:)
I am so glad that God is sending you back to Africa. I can't wait to see what He has for you next!
You already know that we are so excited for you in this adventure of following the Lord! It has been a wonderful journey so far, and we know that it will only get better along the way. Keep trusting God and let Him do the leading; that always makes the best team! We love you and are praying for you in this new endeavor!
Thanks for giving me the link, Kari. May the Lord richly bless your time in Cameroon! Sounds like a great opportunity.
In Christ,
Andy
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