Monday, June 14, 2010

God Can Do More Than I

Our team has received their curriculum and has begun their preparations on their individual topics. Like it was said last time, there can be so many thoughts of being ill-equipped for the task at hand. When you go to serve God, many times there is a general feeling that someones salvation hinges on what you do. It is easy to feel that your readiness might affect how God moves or what He is capable of doing. Really?? Do you ever read the Bible and think God's word is so good?



As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:9-11

Praise God that salvation is not dependent on man. We are a creation that is fallen. God WILL move in the Maasai people group despite our efforts. He WILL bring people to Him. He does all this and gives us the opportunity and invitation to be a part of His perfectly-timed plan. AMEN!

Pray now for our group. Pray that each member will be as prepared as they can- emotionally, Spiritually, and physically. Please, pray that we will trust our faith, serve in faith, and faithfully wait for God to do exceedingly more than what we could ever expect. For as the scriptures say, He will accomplish what He desires!


They are doing what????

So, we have talked about who is going on this trip and we have talked about where they are going. Next, let's talk about what they will be doing. This group will meet up with the three interns that are already there, and together with the help of ALARM, they will put together a youth leaders' conference. Youth there is not the same as here in the states. When you think of youth, typically some kid comes to mind. In Kenya, youth means includes young people up until their thirties, all unmarried. What a large age range! We will help train the leaders that work with this age group. This training is vitally important for this tribe to help solidify the essentials of faith. As part of the conference, each leader will receive a Bible in their own language. For many, this will be the first Bible that they will receive. Can you imagine being a leader in the church without owning a Bible?

ALARM has given the curriculum for the conference which is quite encompassing. It includes covering topics of (get ready for this is a heavy list)- discipleship, false teachings, worship, evangelism, christian leadership, Bible exposition, devotions, peer pressure, HIV/AIDS, peer pressure, youth sexuality, and conflict resolution. WOW!!!! Take a moment and think about what each one of these topics include and how you would approach teaching them to a group of people from a completely different culture. They are expecting between 80-100 attendees. Most of the classes will be large, but some will be smaller for better discussion.

These guys have a huge task in front of them and want to serve God in this way, but this task does seem quite a bit daunting, right? Can you imagine the emotions that each one of these guys are experiencing now as they begin preparation? The insecurities and doubts begin to creep in and at times they can be crippling. You start to hear the thoughts...you do not know anything on this topic...who will listen to you... you do not have enough training... you will not be prepared... you will not be relevant.... you are not a good enough Christian... you will be a failure.

This is all the more reason that our group needs and covets your prayers NOW! They need your prayers over their time to prepare, over their insecurities, and over the hearts of those attending. They need prayers now for strength, encouragement, and ability!