6.12.13…4 Years

If you had asked me four years ago where I would be today, I can guarantee you I would not have said Africa.  It’s funny how God’s plans often look nothing like our own, yet they are so very wonderful.  You see, four years ago today Trent and I were married.  Unlike four years ago, today wasn’t about us.  It was about the people of Sierra Leone.

Today we participated in community outreach.  We walked from the orphanage into the nearby community.  We visited two private schools bringing them books for their school and sweets for the kids while Pastor Daniel preached the gospel.  My idea of what the schools would be like was very different from what I witnessed.  I was expecting them to be more developed, when in reality, they were meeting in an unfinished building.  They want to provide a better education here, but it is difficult to do without any supplies.  One thing that was evident is the love the people have for these children.  They make the most of what they have.

We also stopped and visited with some people along the way.  We delivered rice, lotion and soap to some of the people. The pushing and shoving over the bags of rice as they were being distributed shows how desperate and in need these people are.  The things we were able to provide them with does not even make a dent in their poverty.  The real goal of this community outreach was to share the gospel and tell them about worship at the center.  Trent pointed out that no matter what we do, we will not eliminate poverty.  John 12:8 says, “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”  Through a belief in Jesus, even the most poverty stricken people will prosper.  I continue to pray that even in poverty they are able to see the blessings bestowed upon them and become Kingdom laborers. 

This afternoon Osseh took us up the mountain.  On the way we got to see the U.S. Embassy. There were also piles of rock along the road with people working to crush the rock.  The crushed rock is used to make cement blocks for building.  When we got to our stopping point the clouds were so thick we couldn’t see anything, but within a few minutes, Freetown and the Atlantic ocean were visible.  The shape of Sierra Leone makes Freetown look like it is surrounded by ocean on three sides.  It was absolutely beautiful!

A mango tree…

Celebrating 4 years…

Tonight we hung out with the kids and had whole group devotion outside.  The hearts for Jesus in this center is amazing.  These children have been through some of the worst, most unimaginable things, yet through Christ they have found healing.  Jesus is real to them and it is powerful.  Listening to the children pray simultaneously makes the most beautiful sound. 

{The Launes}