Nigeria Journal Part 2

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

   Things, as seems appropriate, are falling into place at the last moment.  The plans for me to travel with Penny, for three extra days, seem to have been finalized to the sense of peace in all.

   We still don’t have the visas.  I think that means that Richard and Darlene will travel to NYC, to the consulate to get them.

   I still have to pick up my last prescription and buy 3 T shirts and then I can finish packing.  (Not that I’ve begun!)

My proof of inoculation.
Now, I just need to remember my malaria pills!

   I know the Lord will provide a ride for me to the church Friday morning.

Wednesday, October 30

   No visas.  Richard went to NYC and was told that religious groups are given extra scrutiny before being accepted.  I suspect it’s still about a bribe.  Apparently the pass ports are in the mail to Penny.

Ignatius knows someone in the embassy in Washington DC and will see what can be done from that end.

   I continue to believe that we are leaving on Friday. But if we don’t then it will be a part of God’s plans, not Satan’s. 

   Maureen has called to tell me about all the warnings for American’s to stay away from Nigeria because of a kidnapping on an oil freighter off the coast of Port Harcourt.  Two men were taken off the boat and held for hostage.  Ray got on the internet and discovered that most of Nigeria is considered too dangerous for Americans to travel in.  She is quite upset and doesn’t want me to go.  I have complete confidence that the Lord will keep me perfectly safe while I’m there.  Bob Bartlett has also received calls from friends begging him not to go.  These are obviously attacks of the enemy.  He loses.

Before

Before

During a fundraiser for our trip to Nigeria, Tom, my wonderful husband, put his beard up for auction.  He raised an extra $700 for being willing to have it shaved off.

 It was the first time Hannah had ever seen her daddy clean-shaven.

It was the first time in 31 years anyone had seen his adorable chin!

Thank you, sweet heart!

I Want To Be Ready!

I Want To Be Ready!

Mark 6:8 - These were his (Jesus) words to them;  “Take nothing with you for the journey except a staff - no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.  Wear sandals but not an extra tunic.”

2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the Word.  Be prepared in season and out of season.  Correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.

What does it mean to be prepared?  Is it having everything on your list ticked off and safely stowed?  Sometimes. Is it knowing where you’re going, how long you’ll be there and when you’ll return?  Sometimes.

In Mark 6:8 You tell the disciples to be ready by seemingly telling them not to be ready.  All they were to take were a staff and the clothes on their backs.  It doesn’t say so, but I’d bet they weren’t given months of time to prepare.  How did the prepare?  What did they prepare?  They prepared their hearts and minds.  They focused in on trusting Jesus.  They ere told to walk off and have no fear for what they would eat or where they would sleep.  They were given a mission.

When they returned they were overjoyed!  They were fit, not starving, not exhausted.  In fact, they were energized!

So, what does it mean to be prepared?  In 2 Timothy 4:2 Paul tells Timothy (and us) to;

“Preach the Word.  Be prepared in season and out of season.  Correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.”

Be ready to do God’s work at any moment.  Sometimes we know when we’re being called to preach and other times those “divine appointments” are seemingly dropped in our laps!  Am I ready?  I think I’m more ready now than I’ve even been before.  But am I truly ready?  Yes!!  Because I know that if I’m called to go, or to speak, at the drop of a hat, my Lord will sustain me!  I don’t have to worry about what I’ll eat or where I’ll sleep.  If I’m being obedient then all is good and I am safe in the arms of my Jesus.