Reflections

"I will not boast in anything; no gifts, no power, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ; His death and resurrection! "


Dear Friends,

This summer was not about teeth. It was not about Africa. It was not about what I did or where I went. It was about Who I am following. I had the great privilege of working with several ordinary Christians who love an extraordinary God.
As I have talked with people about going to Africa many have said what a good and selfless thing I was doing. While I am thankful for the encouragement I must confess that in going I am simply doing my heart’s desire. It does not feel selfless or sacrificial. This does not belittle the good work that God is doing in Africa. Instead it reveals the fact that God is doing a mighty work in Africa BY doing a mighty work in the hearts of His people, even me!
This summer I was reminded of the simple beauty of the gospel. God loves the world. God desires and deserves to be worshiped. Mankind was designed by God to live indwelt by His Holy Spirit but forfeited that great blessing by our unbelief. This is why we can not do what is right in deed, word, thought and motive. This is why we die. “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our sins made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Eph. 2:4f). So now, it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me (Gal. 2:20). When my heart’s desire is fulfilled by going to learn and to serve in Africa, it is really God who is fulfilling His will and I am simply the one who enjoys Him!
It is God who is doing this work in my heart and I am thankful this summer that He began showing me how He is molding me. I am constantly aware of how short I fall but “He who calls you is faithful, He will surely do it” (1 Thes. 5:24).

With the joy of the Lord,

Jennie O