Thursday, June 24, 2010

I Have A Missionary Friend



...........YEP...I do! 

Her name is Karen and I adore her. 
I could listen to her stories for hours. That says a lot for me because I am NOT a good listener. 

I'm not proud of that. 

But, it IS what it IS!

ANYWHOO.

Karen has been in the states on furlough and is headed back now to 
West Africa.

Can I just say, not even for a visit.

Not even for a friend.

Would I go to West Africa.

I guess I'm selfish like that.

She loves me anyway.

That's why I love HER.

She and I had lunch together recently and I asked her:

"Just exactly what will you be doing when you head back?"

This was her reply:

We are moving to Mali to live in a Muslim context...with hopes of impacting our community with Christ (oh, that they might know Him!).  We are highly relational in trying to make the most positive and lasting impact possible.  We have also seen a decrease in people willing to come and those able to stay long term.  Because of this, we are opening our "home" (although they won't live right with us -at least that's not the plan right now!) for those who are willing and able to come from 2 months to 1 year and live like we do.  They will learn language (Bambara and possibly some French as well) and study things like "Islam", "Personal Spiritual Formation", "Contextual Living", and such things to become effective in this type of setting (Muslim).  Our goal is to prepare and equip people to move out and live in areas like Mali (not necessarily staying right there in Mali)....for others to see the great need of the Muslim community.

WOW. Just WOW.

I pray this prayer every morning:

Lord, what can I do today for your kingdom?

She's doing it.

Thank you Karen.

Love you friend.




P.S.  *Cousin Camp* just ended @ my house. Post will be up soon!

10 comments:

His Doorkeeper said...

I always learn so much from my missionary friends! Mostly I learn how blessed (and somewhat selfish) I am!

carolinagirl said...

Wow is right! Amazing lady...you are lucky to have such a friend!

Justabeachkat said...

Dear Lord bless Karen and keep her safe as she does your will. Amen

...You May Say I'm A Dreamer said...

God bless Karen. I will keep her in my prayers. My Aunt & Uncle served a mission in Nigeria and it was tough for them because of the harshness of the living conditions (they were in their late 60's) but the work they did was blessed and unmeasurable! So glad she has you for a friend. Have a blessed weekend!
~Mary

Henley on the Horn said...

Your friend is an amazing woman! I know why you all are friends! Also, I think I fixed the link on my blog. Happy weekend!

Tonja said...

How interesting! I wrote today on missionaries also! (Great minds, you know) You know those who are called to this work are blessed with such dedication and strength and endurance. And deserve our highest admiration.

Just a little something from Judy said...

I admire Karen and her ministry so much. I also admire your honesty and candidness in sharing your heart. God is using both of you in His special way. I am sure she enjoyed her time with you as well.

Heather said...

I love missionaries!! What an amazing lady and what an obedient servant of the Lord for walking and doing His will!!

Trisha B said...

What an great lady! Thanks for always stopping by my blog and leaving me such nice comments! It always brightens my day! I gave you an award on my blog!
http://3fourandunder.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-first-award.html

Connie said...

How special for you and her. May God continue to bless her ministry and send others to help her.

Connie