On August 24, 2001, I attended a Christian conference in Durham, NC.
Randy Clark, one of the speakers, showed a video of Iris Ministries in Mozambique, Africa, founded by Roland and Heidi Baker. They had (and still have) an orphanage, caring for hundreds of children and are also actively evangelizing rural areas and church planting. People from all over the world travel there for short and long term missionary opportunities, helping with the work.
As I watched the video, I heard, “I want you to go.” This surprised me, especially when He asked me to go alone, something far outside my comfort zone. And though I’d wanted to go to India and China for missionary work (being a long-time admirer of Mother Teresa’s work in India and Hudson Taylor’s work in China in the 1800s), I’d never had a leading to go to Africa.
When I returned home, I began applying for their short-term missionary program. I continued working on this for several weeks and then, getting busy with other things, dropped the ball.
On November 18, 2001, I went with a group of friends and family members to Winterville, NC where Heidi Baker was scheduled to speak. The service opened with worship music, and I heard, “I really want you to go to Mozambique.” I had totally forgotten what He said in August and felt I’d let Him down. All I could do was kneel and weep.
When I got home, I resumed the application process and on April 23, 2002 was on my way to Mozambique, Africa.
The following is from my journal written during that time:
Tuesday, April 23, 2002 (written while in an Atlanta terminal)
Going to Mozambique — left home with Joel and Lauren at 0500.
Joel cried on the way and at the airport. He cried for me. I have few tears. Joel is bearing my load. I thank him for his love and burden bearing.
Took off from Raleigh. After a short while, the pilot got on the intercom and announced we had just passed Greensboro, NC, and would pass over Spartanburg, SC, before arriving in Atlanta.
It’s no coincidence that You, my Love, sent me alone to both of those cities to prepare me for this trip and who knows what else…
I’m not lonely or stressed at all. I feel calm and at peace in your rest my Love.
Underneath are the everlasting arms.
Some South Africans are here in the waiting room with lovely accents.
I still can’t believe I’m here and going away with You. What an adventure!
Then, as was my custom, I would read from my devotional, which, at that time, was Let Go by Francois Fenelon (1651-1715):
Then, Matthew 16:24 came to mind:
“If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself (disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests) and take up his cross and follow Me (cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also).” (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)
And, finally, I remembered a prayer of Mother Teresa:
“God use me; do whatever you want with me; send me anywhere you want, but do not consult me.”
To be continued.
Note to reader: This is the first of several blog entries to come in my Mozambique Story series.
Great post 🙂