Feeling Very Small

I just finished reading the short term missions book by J Mack & Leeann Stiles. It was so full of good stuff about what they have learned as they lead short term mission trips. It was helpful and gave me a better sense of direction.
It does seem though that the closer the trip gets and the more God reveals of Himself and His Plan, the smaller I feel. I am sure that this too is part of the plan. I realize more and more that He is in charge of this mission trip and that He has a very special part for me to play in it. I don't even have to know what that is. The most important thing is that I am ready to share Jesus Christ at every opportunity.
So many people, maybe some of you, don't know about the love of God that is Jesus Christ. In our culture the name of Jesus is very often just a swear word.....while in many third world countries people haven't even heard the name, Jesus. Both are a sad commentary on our world. Jesus Christ paid for my sin by dying on the cross in my place. He did not owe the debt.....I did. My name is written in God's book of life and I know that when I die I WILL go to heaven to meet my Savior. All over the world people are dying, and going to hell (Yes, it is a real place!) because no one has told them the truth. This is the Good News, the Gospel, that every sin was paid for by Jesus. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life" John 3:16 Have you trusted Him yet?

WOW! We're Fully Funded!

God has certainly been at work. Beth and I have all the personal funding we need for our travel to Ghana. Does that mean that we no longer need your contributions? No, any additional funds that come in will help pay for supplies that will go with us and funding for the new baby hospital McIntyre's are hoping to remodel ASAP. They have been given the use of a building previously used by Joni & Friends. Much work will need to be done to make that building useful as a hospital for the sick and dying babies. Then there is the cost of the items to fill that hospital; the cost of meds, beds, and other essentials in caring for the babies. So, a big "Thank you", to all who have contributed already and to those who are still planning to contribute. Your prayers means so much to me as well. Without them, this trip could not be possible.

God has been teaching me so much about faith and service in the field of short term missions. Please pray that as I read and study His Word, and the other materials we have at hand, that I will remain teachable, that my heart will be pliable, and that I will have the attitude of Christ-willing to serve in whatever capacity the Father deems fit. Loving God and Loving Others

Next?

One more step toward getting ready to go. I got my shots yesterday. That wasn't too bad, but I think I am having a mild reaction today. My head is very itchy and my cheeks are quite rosy. Two Benydryl should help although I will probably be a bit drowsy in a little while. This is a small price to pay for the privilege of going on a missions trip.

NO TURNING BACK

I was reading about the call of Elisha this morning in 1 Kings 19. Elisha is plowing in the field when he is approached by Elijah and anointed to succeed him as a mighty prophet. Elisha slaughters his oxen, burns his plowing equipment and sets out to follow the call of Elijah and the Lord.
Although I am not being called to burn all my belongings, I am reminded that they are only things and I shouldn't be attached to them. My possessions should never come between me and God's will for my life. Right now, that means getting ready to go to Ghana.

More about the Ghana Trip

Ghana is a West African country bordering on the Gulf of Guinea as seen in the maps to the right. It compares in size to Oregon, and its largest river is the Volta. Ghana has a population of 23,832,495. It's infant mortality rate is 51/1000. Because it is located on the equator, Ghana's average temperature is 85 degrees and the humidity is very high. Ghanaians speak English so there shouldn't be a language barrier; although, the English is European in nature, not North American.
West African Mercy Ministries is based in Accra, which is the capitol of Ghana. The main focus of West African Mercy Ministries is to sick and dying babies whose families are unable or unwilling to care for them. WAMM reaches out to the people it serves with the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. They also have connections to an orphanage in Accra and several churches, including a street ministry to the disabled.
This mission trip is way out of my comfort zone, but I have felt the Lord calling me ever since I first heard about this ministry several years ago. After talking to Brian and Debbie McIntyre, missionaries with WAMM, and hearing more about their ministry, I am certain that God wants me to go.
WAMM has several ministry needs, such as the orphanage, Construction work for a new facility to care for the babies, medical, children and teen ministries, and helping with the babies. I am particularly drawn to the babies, but will serve wherever I am needed.
I am going completely on faith, never having done anything even remotely like this before. My prayer is that seeing God at work in a different culture will increase my own faith; that I will gain a better understanding of the world outside of my home and an appreciation of all that God has so graciously given me.

I had a big typo. We will be leaving in three months, not three days. I gave my fellow travelers a bit of a shock there.

My very first blog. I can't believe it!
Although when you consider that I am going to Ghana, a blog seems a small accomplishment. I just couldn't seem to help myself. God wanted me to go to Ghana on a mission trip. I have learned that when God says 'GO' it is best to go. Support letters were written and sent, I applied for and received my passport, and the day came when the final commitment to purchase tickets was needed. AND I SAID OK! God provided the funds, so the tickets are purchased as is the travel insurance. I have will get the remainder of the shots I need next week.
I realized this morning that it is just three days from today that our team leaves for Ghana. The team consists of myself, Beth (my daughter-in-law) and in answer to prayer, Jim, our team leader. This was a big answer to prayer as neither Beth or I have ever flown before. Jim has made two trips to Ghana already. Beth and I have received 75% of our funding and are trusting God to supply the rest.
There are still many things to do and so much to learn before we depart. We will be gone for two weeks, leaving our poor husbands to fend for themselves.