A Journey to Africa – Part 4

CAROL:  What advice can you give someone who is interested in serving in missions?  Where should they get started?

           

HEATHER:  Definitely research the countries they are interested in, then target those organizations who are strong in those areas. For instance, SIM is strong in Africa and South America. Or, for example, if you are interested in aviation, you could hook up with Mission Aviation Fellowship.

           

But I would definitely get hooked up with a good organization. That makes all the difference in the world. I don’t recommend anyone doing it alone. Your going to need all the support you can get. And, it’s just good to go through an organization for the simple reason that they normally take care of the nitty-gritty tax stuff and all the technical stuff that you don’t need to deal with.

           

It would even be good to read some missionary biographies. It would give them a glimpse of what life is really like.

           

Also, be prepared for the ride. Sometimes, things don’t go according to how YOU planned. But, if you’re willing to be open to listening to God, He may have something even better.

           

Sometimes, things don’t go according to how YOU planned. But, if you’re willing to be open to listening to God, He may have something even better.

 

You must always remember there will be valleys you’ll have to walk through. Look at these times as learning opportunities. I can’t tell you how much we’ve grown by “living” scripture. We’ve understood (and still learning) what it means to consider it pure joy in hard circumstances, what it means to persevere, what it means to seek first the Kingdom of God. I’m not saying that others don’t do that, but when you go through these valleys, you get to see scripture come alive.         

           

CAROL:  What special requests for prayer do you have that we can pray for while you are there?

 

HEATHER: 

-Pray the boys will make friends and adapt quickly. The long anticipation is killing them.

-Pray for Jason as he teaches his students. He wants to not only be a teacher to them but a learner from them as well.

 -Pray that I find my place in Ghana and am able to be a support to Jason.

-Last but not least, pray for our health and safety.

CAROL:  Wow! Thank you, Heather, for all sharing your heart with us. I’ve been truly inspired by your story. 

HEATHER:  Oh, you’re most welcome!

You can find out more about Heather, Jason, Jeremy, and Jonathan at their personal blog The Ricks Journey.  Click on over to learn more about their trip and even see a countdown to Ghana. If you would be interested in helping to support the Ricks family as they travel to Africa, you can find out all the information there, as well. I know you will join me in prayer for them as they prepare to follow God wherever He leads.