God at Work.

Hello,
I will do my best to keep this to one stream of thought as I try to harness everything I'm feeling since leaving the beautiful country of Rwanda.

You've been reading about our experiences in Rwanda and a few reflections since we've returned. Friends, this is where the mission truly begins. Our mission now is to spread the word: God is doing amazing things in Rwanda, He's doing amazing things through the ZOE ministry that we all support and He's working in a truly amazing way through our beloved Epiphanie. A HUGE "thank you" goes to all of you who support HBUMC missions, without you these experiences would not be possible. So, thank you! Ok, there's one stream, now let me row my boat to another...
I have been very blessed to take part in several missions through my school and the church, each experience holding it's own place in my heart. One of the greatest gifts is the team itself. We are 14 people (some of us knowing each other, some not) called out of whatever we were doing here in our own lives, to be a part of each other's lives in a foreign land. It amazes me the bonds and relationships that can form within two weeks. Bonds that last the rest of our lives. It speaks volumes about God's work within each one of us, having the ability through Him to drop all sense of being an American, and just being a human. Being real. Real with one another, having that great power of humility and being open to the new experience each day brings. That opens us up to form similar bonds and relationships with the people in Africa ("stay with me!"). Language barrier? I don't think so. The children, the adults, we, everyone was on the same page over there. It's a line of communication that only receives signal through Christ.

As we all know, we have a true blessing in our pastor, Rick. I think I take for granted his spirit, the way he's able to communicate with people in our church, his love for everyone and his ability to recognize the spirit in other people. Folks, I can't express in words what it is to watch him "minister" to the people in Rwanda (but of course I'm going to try). You think he inspires you on a Sunday morning? He takes one of the children aside and within 2 minutes their faith is restored, hope is in their eyes and Rick is beaming, tears in his eyes, over-joyed with the love of the Lord. It is a true gift to be able to have any spiritual connection with anyone, but the power to be able to reach someone who knows nothing of the words you speak, only of what you hold in your heart is what being a MINISTER truly is. I think Rick would tell you that it works both ways. Be on the lookout for his new reality show, filmed in Rwanda. We're calling it Pastor Ricky Loves The Kids! Ah, c'mon, gotta throw a dig in there just to keep him in check.

Secretly, I'm trying to see if I can have a longer blog post than anything Will Bynum has written. Maybe next time...
-Michael