They placed their hands on them and sent them off

note this blog entry is from february 2014 before my trip to dominican republic of congo, africa

Acts 13:2-4

New International Version (NIV)

² While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

I have had the privilege to observe and participate in such similar moments of placing hands on those going to serve and sending them off.  This week was the first time I have been prayed over and sent off in such a way.

Two sets of groups came around me this week. They placed their hands on me, prayed for me as they sent me off in preparation of my trip to Africa.  What a humbling and enriching experience.  I have a scarf that was held by one group, so when I wear it I will be reminded of their prayers.  I also have a picture of the other group praying for me as a reminder that I can look at.

Going away and being prayed over is a big deal and I thank God for the power of prayer and His saints faithfully remembering me in prayer as I go to Congo.  It has occurred to me though that I could have laid my hands on each of these people as well to be sent off in their every day lives.

We all have a mission and challenge to go and make disciples of Jesus Christ.  The work we are doing here is just as important as the work being done in other parts of the world.  I don't want to exalt missionaries higher than God's call for them.  I also don't want to underestimate the work God has already given me and others to do where we are locally.

May we let the Holy Spirit prompt us to seek out those who need to be prayed over and sent off.  May we also be willing to be the one sending or the one being sent.  Both roles are important and God's work cannot be accomplished without both obeying His direction.

So thank you so much to those who are praying for me and keeping me in mind during my time away.  I pray that you and I will both be open to go and do the work God has specifically set aside for us to do.

Congo Bound

A week from today I will be in Africa.  This will be my first trip overseas and I'm very much looking forward to this advendure.  I will be with loved ones who have been there so I am at ease about many things knowing I can look to them for direction.

In preparation I thought I might write out a few thoughts in what I anticipate to be a time of great growth an memories.  I'm not as nervous about being in the jungle and not having running water.  Perhaps times of no electricity.  I've not really gotten to nervous about the animals either.  I am  a little uneasy at times, but I am mostly excited about this opportunity.

My thoughts are being drawn to the desire to be used of the Lord.  I do not know the language, but I've been informed that there will be translators available if needed.  We will have the opportunity to intereact with many people.  I may have the opportunity to share the truth of Christ, or just sit with a lady or two and be a blessing.  I am very excited about the singing and rejoicing with the people there!

This will also be memorable as it is the 50th anniversary of the Congo Rebellion.  This will bring many memories back to those who where there.  It will be a new experience for me to hear and see first hand the places that I heard about growing up. 

I know one main focus I feel God has been putting on my heart is to be humble as He is humble.  This will be a trip in which everything for me will be new.  I generally am the one others look to for direction or having extra supplies when needed.  This will be a very different situation.  I will be relying totally on others and their expertise. 

1 Peter 5:5 "In the same way, you younger men, be subject to the elders.  And all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble."

The next passage is Joel 2.  The prophet is calling and pleading the truth of the God and calling them to repent.  I came across verse 12-13 recently and it caused me to stop an evaluate myself. 

Joel 2:12-13 "Even now--this is the LORD'S declaration--turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.  Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the LORD your God.  For He is gracious and comassionate, slow to anger, rich in faithful love, and He relents from sending disaster."

The phrase I focused in on was tear your hearts, not just your clothes.  Tearing of clothes in the Old Testament was a sign of anger, mourning, sadness.  It was an outward sign of the emotions going on inside.  It was a way for others to see a change--things are not okay right now.

This passage is calling the people to not just look like they are sorry by tearing their clothes.  He is calling them to tear their hearts.  This reflects a call for an inward change.  This really gave me a great picture to take into my own life.  Do I experience heart tearing in times of disobedience of the Lord?  Or when I see injustice, do I just act out frustration or is my internal heart tearing and crying out to God for justice? 

May God teach me true humility, and may my heart be torn at the things I do that dishonor God and turn to Him for forgiveness and guidance. May my heart be torn towards the people I go to and love and share the truth of Jesus Christ when I am able. For His glory.

On a technical note: I don't know that I will have internet access to blog during my time there, but I will be sure to write by hand and perhaps blog my experiences later.  I have a few more days before departure so on the days I'm able I'll jot down a few thoughts as I prepare to go.