So, the last time I posted I had just started the semester and wasn't sure what was going on. So I have a few things to update y'all on.
First of all - the semester is going well so far. There's only one class I'm struggling in - and that's because I'm way behind on the reading. Midterms were last week - and I'm pretty sure I did well on most of them. :)
In other news God blessed me with a job. More than that- he blessed me with a job I like doing and I get paid well for. I have two jobs - but both jobs together give me the hours and flexibility I need. I have more time on my hands than I ever had working in retail- and honestly I get paid almost twice as much. I work at a babysitting agency - they call me and send me out to different places around Louisville. Honestly - I'm writing this blog post on the job. The kids are asleep! ;) My other job I got hooked up with though a friend at church. I clean a lady's house once a week, from 9 to 5. It's not super hard - there's just a lot to do.
Finally - the big news. I'm going to Africa this summer - and I've decided to post updates on here while I'm over there. Details? In partnership with Bethany Baptist church and the IMB (International Mission Board) -I'm leaving the Louisville airport on July 5th and after several airplanes and a very long time in the air - I will arrive in Niger, Africa. I'll be in the country for 6 weeks. Why? Because the people group that I'm going is an unreached people group - or UPG. That means that there is less than 2% of the entire people group are evangelical christians. 99% of them are muslims. Why do I care? Because Jesus is truly the only way. Personally, I will be living in a small village with some IMB missionaries with another female intern. We will be working with them to build relationships that the missionaries who are living there full time can follow up with. I'll be back in the States on August 9th - the Friday before my semester starts.
This won't count towards my mission degree quite yet - and that's a good thing. Why? Because I'll get to go overseas again. For a longer period of time - 4 to 6 months. So honestly? This trip is still just the beginning of longer trips to come. God has called me to the mission field - I have no doubts. No reservations. I know this is worth everything - Jesus said "Come follow me." So I'm doing it - only by His grace! As the hymn says - I hear the Savior say, thy strength indeed is small. Child of weakness watch and pray, find in me thine all in all. Jesus paid it ALL! ALL to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow. <3
I'll be sending out support letters soon - if you'd like to get one please email emilyonmission@gmail.com with your mailing address - And put on the email that you'd like a support letter - if you're a member from my hometown church - you'll automatically get one. If you're a good friend of mine - don't assume I have your address! ;)
Also, if your church would like to commit to praying for us in partnership, I would be happy to come and talk! Please send an email to the one previously listed.
Please be praying for the missionaries who are already on the field in Niger - also for the teams and interns (including me) that will be going this summer. We need a large prayer base. Keep the Songhai people in your prayers - that their hearts might be open to hear. For more information on the people group and the missionaries I'll be working with visit the career missionary's blog at http://seekingthesonghai.blogspot.com .
Keep in mind that missionaries - or the people who go - are only one part of the body of Christ. A foot can't do anything cut off from the rest of the body. In the same way we need all of you to support us with prayer and financially if you feel lead.
Thank you! I'll keep y'all posted. :)
