Africa-a heart after God

Some of my mission-minded, albeit adventure-seeking friends leave for Africa in a few days. They'll be gone for 2 weeks...ministering to, serving, and praying for the African people. In some ways, I envy them that. The ability to just pick up and take off. To take Jesus and his practical ministry of healing to the world. Something not so easily done when married...with children.

Don't get me wrong. It is completely POSSIBLE. I spent a year with YWAM (youth with a mission) watching families go around the world together. the children being VERY involved in the ministry part of things. So I know it's possible. It's just not very EASY to leave the country. Anyway...I digress.

AFRICA.

The word alone stirs up a passion in my husband. And a curiousity for me. He has gone twice. For weeks...or months at a time. I only have a vision. A literal one. One that I saw YEARS before I ever met Jet. And I was so random that it stuck with me. I don't remember where I was when I had the vision...only the vivid image remains: I was sitting in the sands/dirts of Africa. Playing with a small, very dark, African child. And I was much much older. I'm thinking late 50's, 60's?

When I met Jet, he was thinking very seriously about moving full-time to Africa. Obviously meeting ME put a wrench in those plans. :) But the fact that his heart was for Africa and I had this random, not-attached-to-anything vision about Africa...well, I took notice.

And so...here we are, another trip to Africa without our little clan. One day I'm pretty sure that we'll head out there as a family. But for now, my heart (and most definitely the heart of my husband) goes with the team...as they set out to hold up the hands of those ministering in the bush-bush.

Looking at the pictures of Jet's trip...I can see why he loves the African church. They are hungry for the things of God.

They will walk for HOURS...sometimes barefoot...to hear God's Word preached. They will sit for another 2 HOURS in the HOT sun to learn of God's ways. Without complaining! Their worship is LOUD and joyous and WILD. :) Their churches are not all made-up with lots of color or padded seats. Because they come, not to be entertained. But to be forever changed.
They happily jump in to the mirky, dirty, ICY (an understatement) waters to be baptized because to remain outside of the water is like remaining outside of God's plan for them.

Their hearts are rich. Though their lives are poor. I love that. They obviously have something that we, as the American church, sometimes lack. Perspective. Heavenly treasures. Joy in the sufferings.

Maybe some of the African church should come here to minister that spirit to us. More, Lord!