Endo & Africa

Written July 15, 2013

So I'm not completely sure this is Endo, but whatever this is - it's not fun. I'd rather be out beyond this compound doing ministry - rather than in here with abdominal pain and nausea. 

But God has a plan. Even if it means that I'm stuck on my mat for awhile. On the bright side, it gives me extra time to blog and journal and whatnot - when I'm able. 

Endometriosis is my thorn. (2nd Corinthians 12:1-10). To keep me from thinking I can do all of this on my own - from being conceited - I was given Endo. I prayed many many times for God to take it away - but, He said (through His Word), "My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness".  Endo pain is a reminder of how weak I really am. I can do nothing.. but God's grace is sufficient. 

The past few days have been good. A day off in Niamey can do wonders for one's worldview. I admit, I've been struggling pretty bad with culture shock - and not having any strong Internet connections or any long phone calls to the states - makes it a little harder. But a day in the air conditioning? That does wonders, my friend. It also brings everything back into perspective. It's not as bad as it looks... You're just tired, Emily. People need to hear the Gospel. That truth doesn't change. The only thing that changes is our circumstances. Circumstances change in an instant - and they don't really matter all that much. 

Trust in The Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding - in all your ways acknowledge Him - and He will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Notice that doesn't say "Trust in The Lord only when your circumstances are good." It says trust with all your heart. That means all the time. Even when we're too sick to go out and do ministry right up front. (Or whatever else.) 

Being here, in Africa - I think is truly teaching me how to be patient and more trusting of God. More than I ever have been. There's nothing else to lean on out here... That is, unless you want to soak in self-pity. 

I think I'm over the 'honeymoon' stage of missions. Missions is not easy, nor is it safe, sometimes it isn't fun. Sometimes it's just downright hard. 

.... But people still need to hear the Gospel. And I shouldn't be focusing on myself. I am nothing. God is everything. God never changes. He is holy and sovereign and just. 

Before I left, some people told me I was going to do great things. And I thanked them. 

The proper response is this: No. I'm not going to do great things. God is doing and going to do great things. He may work through me - He might not. But that really doesn't matter. 

God is much greater and much bigger and much more righteous - and He deserves ALL the glory. Every last bit of it. 

Pray that God would move among the Songhai people. 

We talked to a lady last week - and shared the Gospel with her. She wanted physical things because she took the time to listen to our story. When we told her we had no gifts - other than the stories - she said she would just add Christianity to her Muslim/animistic faith. We told her she couldn't do that - and she had to pick one or the other. Her response? "There is no god but allah and muhammad is his prophet. May god save your souls."

This is a very dark place. Pray that her eyes would be opened.

Pray for strength for our team - physically and emotionally. 

Pray that my health gets better - so I can get back out there.

I love all of you. Thank you so much for your prayers and kind words. Keep praying. Keep running the race of endurance - for the hope that is set out before us!