Man from Togo

We were filing out of our Biblical Faith and Economics class, having been let out early so we could work on a major paper that was due this week, when an honored guest for our class arrived - his arrival completely forgotten by our professor. Although we were visibly disappointed, his arrival could not have been better timed. It was a great way to end our class.

The man had completed the Economic Development track a few years earlier and had spent time on the field since in his country and elsewhere. He was very attuned to the cultural adjustments we would have to make - especially those of internationals reentering their country. What was most influential however was his discussion of spiritual warfare. I feel like this is coming out of the woodwork all around our cohort - and it could be no less essential!! He spoke of the heightened need for spiritual awareness and sharpness in Two Thirds world. I could heartily agree, but realized how numb I had become. This culture desensitizes you so that, if you are not aware, certain trials and encounters can push you back spiritually when you are on the field. I must become sharper! I'm upset I can't remember more of his discussion with us - but I remember a deep sense of peace, and a serious charge to go forth and follow God as we venture into this field. He is leading us! His talk was deeply encouraging - and spoke courage to my heart. Since then I have had other moments of deep encouragement. The sermon today by Jason, as he mentioned suffering that we endure as Christians, ushered up a sense of calling and obedience. I know I must go this path - and there is no other! That is all.

A Season of Fruitfulness

This morning, I studied a portion from Genesis 41:50-57. It is about Joseph building himself into a fruitful minister of the grain of Egypt during a time of famine, and the start of his family. He names his second son, Ephraim, which in the Hebrew means, "double fruit" or, "the Lord has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction." The punch of the lesson was in Joseph's naming of his sons, signifying a desire to forget, yet be reconciled to his past. In many ways, this lesson made me want to work in campus ministry again. It was perhaps the most obviously fruitful season of my life, yet a time of great trial.

Though God is not leading me in my heart of hearts to a ministry among college students in the same capacity again, it made me hunger to taste the fruit of labors that work hard to produce lives that glorify Him. Whether this comes from motherhood, being a development practitioner, or meeting people everyday - i NEED this to be the focus of my life. This is the focus of my life. If I have nothing else to show for my life - it must be that I produced fruit to glorify Him.

I pray God would set me on this track for my life. I know if that is the desire of my heart, He will give it to me - I just have to remember in seasons where it doesn't seem as fruitful, it does not mean that something is not growing. I look forward to returning to the "field." And while I hope this would be South Africa, I know that wherever I next land, I must keep the desire for fruit at the forefront. Do not get lazy, and do not substitute anything else! Oh Lord, lead me to the place that is right, and do not let me forget the purpose of being your disciple - to give great glory to You!