Making Africa Home

Three weeks ago, I was packing, saying goodbyes, and verifying that I’d taken care of all State-side and traveling details. Today, I find that I’m settling into a routine and blending into the community of believers present here in Guinea. I may not have mentioned it before, but our little village differs from almost every other village in the entire country. This is because there are four American families that call this home. Granted, it is rare that all four families would be living here at the same time, but three families is still a large number of white people in an African village. As it stands right now, there are nine American adults (parents and teachers) and thirteen American kids in the village, which we believe to be the highest ratio of whites to Africans anywhere in the country.

It is also interesting to mention that all four families are serving here with different churches and organizations, but the differences in doctrine and dogma pales in comparison to the huge work God has called us to do here. And it is that work that I am beginning to really see and understand. I knew my role here was needed so that James and Lisa Litsey could be freed up to do the work they came here to do, but I did not understand the magnitude of the work needed. God slowly pressed it upon my heart and mind as we made the long, dusty trek out to the village. As we drove through countless villages of concrete huts with thatched roofs, it occurred to me that we were passing hundreds of burdened people living without hope or love. Then as we reached the more mountainous regions, we looked out over the valleys and realized that below us were thousands more people in the same desperate situation.

It took a few days, but God finally (and unexpectedly) allowed me to comprehend a small portion of His pain for this nation and His children. So as I sat, tired and ready for sleep, I opened my evening prayers half-heartedly, eager for them to be done so that I could lie down and relax. I absently expressed my desire to build the necessary relationships and utilize effective teaching methods so that I could do the job God wanted me to do here. Then it struck me to pray for James and Lisa’s ministry with the people here. As soon as I mentioned the people they were working with, I began to see their faces and the faces of all the people I’d seen as we passed them on the side of the street. God broke my heart for the sheer number of people who still don’t know Him. It’s not just that they don’t know Him; it’s that they don’t know that there is hope. They are bound by lies and deception and don’t realize that their attempts to relieve their oppression are in vain because they seek refuge outside of Christ. Although this is true for so many in this world, at least in places like the United States they could seek out churches or a Gideon’s Bible. But here there’s no knowledge of the Good News of Christ outside of the few churches and missionaries scattered throughout the country.

Sitting there choked up with tears, I didn’t know what to pray other than for God to use us to allow His Kingdom to grow. I honestly understood for a brief moment that our purpose on this earth is simply to spread this Amazing Message of Jesus and I was convicted of all of the times I lived for things that won’t last past tomorrow. I am now to the point that I can honestly say that living for myself is no longer an option. I want to live a life governed by God so that not a single person put in my path would perish because I was too selfish or self-absorbed or proud. I pray that despite my inadequacy God would continue to mold, teach, and use me to advance His Kingdom. And as you intercede for me, the Litseys, and the work being done here, you are enabling this work to continue and are just as much a part of what God is doing here as we are. We can’t imagine trying to do this job without the support of the Body of Christ, because God has designed this task to work best when His Church works as one. Please be encouraged that your labors and prayers are seeing fruition here and I pray that I can adequately communicate some of the amazing things God is doing over here.

In fact, if you are interested in hearing more about what is going on over here, James and Lisa have said that they would love to add you to their email list so that they could send you their updates every few months. Just send me an email expressing your interest and I will pass your name and email along to them.

Thank you for all of your encouraging emails; they are a huge blessing. I am astonished at how God is using this ministry in so many unexpected ways. Your continued prayers for my ability to make this place home while learning to manage my longings for friends and family are appreciated.

Thank you again for your love and support. I wouldn’t be here doing this without it. You make this ministry possible and I pray I never lose sight of that.

Indebted to Christ and His Will,
Julie