Whose Life is it Anyways

This past week we had our missions conference at school. The theme of the conference was Whose Life is it Anyways. One of the theme verses was Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This is a verse really speaks to the question of, whose life is it anyways? Christians say that they have given their lives to Christ but what does it really mean to give your life to Christ. People are so ready to say that they believe in Christ so  they won’t go to hell. But are people willing to go one step forward. If God asks you to run, will you ask how far? Something I really want to make evident in my life is that I live by faith in the Son of God, my life is no my own, I want to be willing to serve God where ever and how ever He wants me. 

How a group functions - Colossians 3

This week in class we walked about how a group functions. The early church has many examples of groups functioning well together. As a team that is going out to serve God it is important that we look at these examples of how to be a Christ-like team. A passage I really like that speaks about unity in the body of Christ is Colossians 3.

Colossians 3 really speaks about unity in the body of Christ saying in verse 11 that “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” It also talks about being Christ like in your relationships with each other and also displaying the fruits of the Spirit in your relationships. It also says to forgive one another. The underlining message of this passage is to do everything in love, everyone of these virtues lacks value without love. The end of the chapter really focuses on just obeying those who have authority over you. But it also says that leaders shouldn’t abuse the authority they have.

As a team I think we will really need to make sure that we are displaying kindness, compassion, humility, gentleness, and patience towards one another and also forgiving each other, and doing all these in love.  

Praise The Lord!

One of the really big things we were praying about for our trip this year, was the Cameroonian elections. There was presidential elections scheduled to happen this year, and if it was announced that they were going to be in May/June we wouldn’t have been able to go to Cameroon. But this last week we found out that the elections are going to be October 2011. Praise the Lord. It is so good to know that the elections won’t be something that could keep us from going. 

http://www.electionguide.org/country.php?ID=38

Psalm 4:8

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety 

Psalm 4:8 

When I came across this verse in Psalm 4 I was just really amazed because it seemed to be speaking right to me. Something that I have been struggling with is nightmares. I need to be keeping this in mind before I go to sleep at night. God has the power to take away my nightmares. I’m going to try to remember to pray before I got to bed. 

If you are praying for me, you can pray for my nightmares. 

Beginning of the Semester Reflections

I was really looking forward to this semester to start in December. I guess what I was really excited for was this week it feels more like we are actually seriously preparing to go. I’m really just so excited to learn more about Cameroon. I’m looking forward to learning about the field we are going to and also to learn about a variety of things that will help us when we go over there and also in future ministries. I’m excited to grow more as a team, it is really sad that some of our members have left but I’m excited to grow really close to the ones that are left. It will be really interesting to see how each person leads devotions on their day. I’m so excited to grow in my walk with Christ, and also see everyone else grow as well. 

The thing I am most nervous about for this whole trip is the food. I’m not really sure how I can spend the next few months preparing for this. All I can think of is praying really hard. I’m not so much nervous but rather stressed about some of the big assignments that I have to do for this semester. But I know that I did it last semester and I did well makes me feel more confidence I really just need to take Matthew 6:34 to heart. Maybe I’ll start saying it to myself whenever I feel like I’m getting worried. 

I can’t say I learned anything really profound over the holidays. My break was almost like a break from learning. I know we never stop learning but compared to the weeks before, the break was really just a time of recharging for me. Something that I did spend sometime thinking about over the break is that I really need to make it a priority to spend time with God everyday. Last semester I didn’t really put much of an effort into finding time in my schedule. I’m sad to think of how little time I actually spent alone with God last semester. I have learned how important it is to spend time with God. I really noticed during the holidays that I actually missed the time I used to spend with God and just really enjoy being in his presence. 

Cameroon: An Introduction

I found this webpage on Cameroon: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1042937.stm#overview

It has a really good country profile. The page gives an overview of Cameroon. And it also has some specific facts. There is also some information on the leaders and media.
This is a pretty good place to start out learning about Cameroon. 

Cameroon at a glance

The former French and British parts of Cameroon merged in 1961 to form the present country of Cameroon.
Location:

The Climate: 

It varies with the terrain, from tropical along the coast and semiarid and hot in the north.

Population:

19,294,149

Life expectancy:

54 years of age

People living with HIV/AIDS 

540,000

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20%

Oficial Languages:

English and French 

Government type:

republic; multiparty presidential regime  

Population below poverty line:

48%