When I was around 12 or 13 years old, I am pretty sure I had no idea what the implications were, I was sitting at a campfire. We were all going around sharing what God had put on people's hearts. Next thing I knew, I was standing up saying "God's called me to be a missionary to Africa." That call, which really means DESIRE, has NEVER LEFT. That was 18-19 yrs ago. I have been contending for a long time to go to the continent of Africa for long term missions. I had many people tell me that I didn't really know what I was getting into. I wasn't ready. It was too dangerous. Who's going with you? You can't just go alone... etc... I have also had people tell me the complete opposite. Regardless, it doesn't matter what anyone else says. What matters is Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, and the people God loves (which is every single person on this earth). The end.
What matters is what is on their heart. In order for me to get that heart I have had to ask, pray, search, obey, listen, seek, and love them. I say them because its three in one relationship with God and all of the characteristics that encompasses God. It's Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each one reveals a different aspect of God's heart. Now, Jesus and Father God give me a huge heart for the whole continent, YES, the WHOLE continent. I end up weeping for hours on the floor as I am shown different pictures of children starving, mothers selling themselves, women and children being raped, tortured, corruption etc... I know that this isn't happening in every place in Africa. In fact many places are quite safe, financially thriving, and exceeding in bringing peace to their nation and continent. However, there is still much suffering. Here I am in a safe room, church, or prayer meeting while these they suffer. That's the aspect that Jesus and Father God has shared with me. Holy Spirit has also given me wisdom on how to reach this continent.
First, Holy Spirit started talking to me specifically about the country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), more specifically the Eastern Provinces that are caught up in corruption and war. Holy Spirit spoke to me about this being a key country that God was going to redeem and use to impact the rest of the continent. This country is the richest in natural resources yet remains one of the poorest countries. Holy Spirit talked to me about going there. I would see visions of being in the jungle with different people standing behind me and an army standing in front of me. As I spoke they would fall to the ground weeping and repenting. I saw visions of meeting different military leaders and speaking to them about God. This was just one aspect of what Holy Spirit has shown me.
Holy Spirit also opened a door for me to go to Johannesburg, South Africa where I met some of the most amazing people I have ever met. I was very sad to have left and I have great joy of knowing that we will be connecting in the future. This trip opened many doors for me in the DRC and it was confirmed again and again that the vision Father God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit have given me were powerful, doable, and needed!
So, in a nutshell, this is the heart God has given me for this continent, starting with the DRC: First, to get to know the culture, the people and their needs while bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people who have been affected by war, poverty, sickness, abuse, orphaned, etc... Then to empower them to start their lives again through micro-loans, education, and various training for new businesses and skills. For me it's very simple: loan them the money needed for the supplies they need to do what they know and train them in the areas that THEY want to learn more about. The other is DISCIPLESHIP. I want to raise up men, women, and children who, despite the experiences they have had thus far, know who they are, know who their God is, know God's heart, and from that impact the rest of their country, their continent, and the world. Small task, I know and I believe this is the vision and heart that Father God and Jesus has given me and the wisdom Holy Spirit has shown me.
It is at this point that I have now become an official missions outreach minister under Bridges of Light Ministries. They will give tax deductions for donations contributed to this outreach/project, which is really my life. I have now been contacting businesses, doing a car wash, getting temp jobs, etc.. However, the deadline is coming quickly. Aug 5th is when I need $2250. Iris Global is currently one of the forerunners in humanitarian, relief, and community development work. I can't think of a better organization to receive training from for the vision God has given me. Then there is $1467 for airfare (which people can use their own miles if they want to purchase a ticket) and $537 for a year of health and travelers insurance that has no deductible. I will also have needs of toilet paper, internet access, phone access, and other gear like air mattress, head lamp, water bottle with filter, etc...
I would LOVE to be able to go to this training for so many reasons. They are a pioneering base and I could learn so much from how they started it, which I would be able to apply to what I will be doing. They teach survival skills that would definitely come in handy when I am hiking in the bush/jungle. Also, teams of people with a similar heart/vision will be formed during training and then be sent out together. I will also say this, no matter what happens, God is GOOD! I know this is where I have been called to, so no matter what, God will make a way whether it is now or in the future. I will do whatever it takes to see this through, no matter what it looks like! When you take risks and step out, you have to be ready to become STRETCHED AND FLEXIBLE!
If God is leading you to support this you can go to http://bridges-of-light.com/turnock.htm for tax deductible donations or you can click the paypal link below. Thank you so much for all of your encouragement, prayers, past support, love, and time! Many, many blessings on all of you!
Love,
Alicia
No comments:
Post a Comment