Africa Bound!

God called a shepherd boy to slay the giant...

God called a stutterer to lead His people out of slavery...

God called a man that had never seen rain to build an ark...

God called a prisoner to the position of second in command over all of Egypt...

God called a prostitute to protect some of His chosen people...

God called a persecutor of His church to be one of the greatest preachers of all time...

God called a virgin to give birth to the King of Kings...

And...God called me to Africa!

Me? Yes...somehow, God has a plan to use me in Africa this summer, and I am absolutely humbled by this opportunity. Let me share more...

Several months ago, a sweet friend of mine asked if I would like to serve alongside her and some other women from the US in Liberia, Africa. Our mission would be to lead two retreats for a very poor group of pastor's wives for the sheer purpose of lavishing them with the love of Christ! I gave the answer that I felt I should..."I'll pray about it"...while knowing that God has been preparing me for this for a long time! So, it wasn't long after she asked that I made the commitment to go! God placed a love for the nation of Africa on my heart several years ago. I never really understood why, but I simply have a deep love for African people and always hoped to be able to serve there on the mission field someday. Guess what? Someday is here! It's actually 72 days away, to be exact!

Even after committing to the trip, I had a few minor apprehensions, but I faithfully trusted God to take care of each of those needs. One of the largest concerns I had was being able to raise the $3500 needed for the trip. Unlike some, we simply don't have that kind of money sitting around in our budget ready to spend. This $3500 will have to be completely raised from family, friends, strangers, etc...those the Lord nudges. Almost three weeks ago, I directly sent out support "ask letters" to many people and have been utterly amazed at how God has stirred in the hearts of His children to faithfully come forward with the needed support. Due to the urgency to get the lowest rate possible for airline tickets, they will be purchased the week right after Easter, so the need for quickly raised support was also manifested by a pretty fast timetable.

Blog friends...while the support has been trickling in, we still have quite a ways to go to reach the $3500 goal. I have been very cautious about trying to "pre-judge" ahead of time those that may or may not be able to provide a donation. That's between God and the giver. I know that many of you have a heart for missions and lap up opportunities to support mission trips. If you feel the Holy Spirit nudging you to support me in this trip, please contact me directly, and I can give you more information about how to do so. You may (1) leave a comment on this post with the best email address to use to contact you, or (2) feel free to email me directly at leahgillen89@yahoo.com, or (3) if you are a Facebook friend - feel free to send me a direct message. Seriously friends, if financial support is something you simply cannot do and don't feel the Lord asking you to do, then I ask that you pray for me regarding this trip. Please pray that the financial needs will be met, that our team of women will be protected from the start of the trip until we return to our homes here in the states, and please pray that we will effectively serve God, as we pour out His love on these sweet Liberian women! I do not take this mission lightly.

However, if you DO feel the nudge to support me financially, then please act as quickly as you can in obedience to whatever the Lord calls you to do. I pray that your blessing in giving is as huge as my blessing in going!

I hinted in my last blog post that another 40 day consecutive blog writing journey will commence soon! Lord willing, I will be blogging each of the 40 days prior to my leaving for Africa! So...stay tuned!

May God richly bless you my sweet friends!