I’m excited to go to Africa for the very first time early next year. For too long I’ve seen pictures, watched videos, been to benefit concerts – even given money all in the name of helping the struggling continent of Africa.
I’ve seen so much that I’m actually not moved by much anymore.
If someone mentions Africa – sure I listen, but not intently. Sure, I am moved, but in reality not that much. My prayer to God is that all of that is about to change. I’m praying that I will be completely ROCKED by visiting Kenya in person. No longer will it be images of some distant place that I can shuffle further down my mental deck on command. That Africa will come alive with the sights, smells, sounds and feelings of real people. I’ll get to help real people and know real names. For a few days this March I will become part of Africa’s real story. And I’m asking God to break me, mold me, and challenge me like no other time in my life. I’m praying for that for our students that come along with, too.
God, what are you going to do?
JG
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Josh Griffin has been in youth ministry for 16+ years in a small church and a big church. He currently serves as the High School Pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA. [
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Geoff Stewart serves the Jr / Sr High School Pastor at Peace Portal Alliance Church in Surrey B.C.
Chris Wesley serves as the Director of Student Ministry at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland.
Colton Harker serves with Josh at Saddleback Church. He is currently in his second year in youth ministry.
One of the biggest changes in my life that happened when I visited Kenya is that I couldn’t stand helplessly by anymore. Once you can put faces with the stories and the heartache, you have a call to action. I am really looking forward to reading more about your travel experiences in Kenya! Where are you going to be, more specifically?
Kitale, Kenya – the first week of March. Thanks for asking! JG
Way cool… except you’ve already been to to Africa, my dear bro– : ) i always forget Egypt is in Africa, too.
This is amazing. I cant wait to step foot off the plane into a country like no other. I am so excited we get to share the memories of this trip together Josh!
(how do you like my little name up there?)
Hi Josh
I hope the preparations for your trip are going well? As an African I am so glad that you will be visiting our continent – it’s a wonderful and alive place – I trust your trip will be greatly blessed. Our continent is massively diverse in almost all ways, so I hope this can be the first of many visits so that you will be able to experience the diversity of cultures and landscapes God has blessed us with.
As a South African thinking about Africa, there are two prayers that are particularly special to me, and I thought I’d share them with you – I hope they might help you prepare for the experience. I’m not sure who wrote the first, but the second’s history is well documented (just Google it!).
All the best,
Pete
Prayer for Africa:
God bless Africa,
Guard our children,
Guide our leaders,
And give us peace,
For Jesus Christ’s sake.
Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika (“God bless Africa”):
[English translation]:
Lord, bless Africa;
May her horn rise high up;
Hear Thou our prayers And bless us.
Descend, O Spirit,
Descend, O Holy Spirit.