[Written by Austin Stone partner Amanda Finnell] In 2005, I
went for the first time with a group of my college friends. The trip was planned for about two
weeks. But, for me, having dreamed of
going to Africa for my whole life, I couldn’t
bear to travel clear across the world and only stay for two weeks. I changed my travel arrangements so that I
could stay for the entire summer.
After the rest of the team left, I was there – the only white-skinned, blue-eyed human within miles (and kilometers, for that matter). Over the course of the summer, God began to enlarge my heart for these people. I made some friendships that can never be replaced as well as some memories that will never fade. When I returned, I met with a few friends that had been on the first team. We knew that God had called us to continue to serve the country…even if we weren’t actually there.
The pieces slowly started to fall into place for us to start a nonprofit to raise money to build a children’s center there. Over the past few years, we have been able to raise more than $50,000. The entire first phase of the center is $80,000. In June of this year, we went back to break ground on the children’s center. It was hands down one of the most amazing experiences of my life. We stood in an empty field surrounded with hundreds of ecstatic and hopeful Ugandans. It was the looks of “finally…someone has noticed us” that would bring tears to my eyes. It was a day that none of us could have ever dreamed of. It was bigger and so much better than our wildest and most extravagant dreams for that day.
As I was sitting there before the ceremony started, God began speaking to me... “Amanda, not only is this day bigger than what you hoped…I AM. I am so much bigger than anything you could dream on even your best day.” Romans 11:33 reminds us of how much better God is than us. His ways are always better. His plans are always better. And mine will never compare.
“Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”
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Interested in knowing more how God is moving in Uganda through Amanda? Come hear Godfrey
Wanamitsa, Director of Arise Africa, share the latest on the spiritual
health of Uganda and how you can be involved.
When: November 12, 2008, 7:00
PM
Where: Equipping Room at Austin Stone Offices
For more information, email Amanda Finnell.
Enjoy and learn about Mediterranean food and culture. See here for more details.
If you haven't already heard, Hurricane Gustav has made landfall near Cocodrie, Louisiana just before 10am this morning. You can get the latest here.
It was a category 2 hurricane at the time of landfall, but that still means winds up to 110 mph. Because of this and because of the impact of Hurricane Katrina, there were thousands of evacuees from Louisiana.
We would like to come together as a body to support the American Red Cross as they help evacuees that have made their way to Austin.
Here is how you can provide your time or money to the American Red Cross in Central Texas:
- Give time: If you are already a registered volunteer with the American Red Cross, you can volunteer by stopping by their local offices at 2218 Pershing Drive or checking out their website here.
- Give money: You can donate to the local efforts by clicking here.
To learn more about the American Red Cross of Central Texas click here. Thank you for your support in helping our city provide secondary homes for the displaced.
Interested in serving as a missionary in another country or culture? Then you might be interested in attending The Journey Deepens.
These weekends help prospective missionaries explore what it is like to
be a missionary, discover whether a missionary or sender role is God's
fit, and connect with mission agencies.
This is for high school seniors, college students, young adults, mid-lifers,
baby boomers – anyone willing to explore becoming a missionary.
Each retreat of 50 participants and 10
missionaries from multiple agencies is highly relational with extended worship,
small group discussions, personal reflection and much prayer. Discussions
include guidance, finances, singles/families, etc.
In fall 2008 the dates and locations
are:
- Oct 17-19 in Pasadena, California at the U.S. Center for World
Mission
- Nov 14-16 near Atlanta, Georgia at the Operation
Mobilization conference center
The Journey Deepens is
presented by Finishers/MissionNext and co-sponsored by ACMC, Caleb Resources,
Perspectives and the U.S. Center for World Mission. Here are comments from those
who came to one of the nine previous retreats:
"The retreat helped me
focus my passion into reachable goals. Maybe I can't leave for the field
tomorrow but I can pursue what will prepare me now for what God has in the
future."
"You should be aware of some items that were lost. We lost our
fear of being missionaries. We lost our pride and entitlement to be comfortable.
We lost our rights of security and safety. Most important, we lost our
preconceptions of what we thought God had for our future and discovered a new
direction."
"This weekend gave me a clearer view and vision for what I
would like to do and how I can get there. It brought people into my life to help
me along the journey in many ways."
See the online promo
video and FAQ &
cost. Come with an open heart -- willing to connect with God, with one
another, and with a missions agency. Meet others and compare maps on the
journey. Discuss your compass with missionaries and missions coaches who have
traveled this way already.
At this retreat you will not be overwhelmed
with overchoice! Here's some of the subjects that will be covered:
- I feel a pull from God to the nations. What should I do next?
- Which of my gifts and interests could I use in another culture?
- How can I deal with school loans?
- What's involved in raising prayer and financial support?
- How do I discuss missions with my family and my church?
- If God leads me to stay and send others what would that involve?
Registration is now open.
Because space is limited please register soon or ask for more
information via
www.thejourneydeepens.com/ret_contactus.asp.