Prayer as a Part of Mission

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. - Ephesians 6:19

This past week a team of Physical Therapy students flew down to Costa Rica to spend the remaining eleven days of their Christmas break providing medical attention to men, women, and children in local villages.  The more I heard about this mission, the more I wanted to go.  Unfortunately, I'm not very helpful on medical missions considering I don't have any training.  Not to mention they flew out the day my classes started up!  As someone who loves to do, particularly to travel, meet people, offer help, form relationships, it was very difficult to watch this team leave and not be on the plane with them.  Honestly, I dealt with some jealousy at the thought of the incredible opportunities they were going to have while there.  Through this, however, God has shown me that although I might not be on the ground in Costa Rica with the team, I can still do something to help - I can pray.  I can pray for their safety, for doors and hearts to be opened, and for God to move in unexpected and powerful ways both in the people of Costa Rica and in the team that went to serve.

I think it's easy to forget that prayer is a major part of mission.  We assume that in order to be helpful we have to be one of the people "on the ground" so to speak.  And if we can't be there with the people, we assume we're of no use!  How far from the truth could that be!  Would you join with me in praying for this team in Costa Rica?  Pray that God would move in and through them.  Pray also for their safety. 

Here are some facts and points of prayer for Costa Rica highlighted by Operation World:
- Roman Catholicism is the official state religion.  Despite religious freedom in the country, other religions are not seen as equal before the law.
- Pray that these churches would learn how to disciple converts after they come into the churches.
- Pastors are often under-resourced.  Pray that God would move in the hearts of Christians around the world to do something in supporting these local pastors and churches.

If you would like to join me in praying for missions and people around the world, I recommend checking out http://www.operationworld.org/ and http://www.globalprayerdigest.org/index.php/issue/day/.  Both of these sites offer daily devotions and points of prayer.

I'm sorry . . . how many shots?

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. - 3 John1:2

33 days left . . . and so much to do!  This week was busy in regards to getting everything prepared to leave for Ghana.  I bought plane tickets to and from JFK International airport, submitted my visa application to the Embassy of Ghana, and had a rather extensive meeting with Passport Health this morning!


VISA APPLICATIONS:  Our team should get our passports with approved visas within the next 10 days.  Please be praying that with everything going on in our government right now that this process is not delayed.  What an interesting process all of that turned out to be.  I've never seen such specific instructions before - down to how exactly to affix your passport picture to you application.  (If you apply for a Ghanaian visa anytime soon be sure to use glue and not staples!) 
 
IMMUNIZATIONS:  In researching the immunizations we would need before leaving, I had found what I would consider a rather substantial list and was not particularly looking forward to that doctor's visit.  This morning, however, I was pleasantly surprised.  I went to Passport Health in Virginia Beach to get all of my shots and was blown away at how helpful and kind they were.  I ended up being there for about an hour and a half, but unlike any doctor's visit I had ever been in before, I was actually face to face with my nurse that entire time!  She's a lovely lady named Eileen and I hope to be able to schedule all of my future visits with her.  Not only did they provide all the shots I needed, but they also prescribed some medications that could be helpful on my trip and even wrote me a book!  :)

In all, I received 5 shots today:  Influenza, Hepatitis A, Polio, Yellow Fever, and Meningitis.  My poor arms are still a little sore if I happen to move too much without considering my actions first.  I must admit though that it was much better than I was expecting.  In addition to these lovely shots, I was also prescribed anti-malarial medicine which I will begin taking two weeks before I leave and will continue to take it until four weeks after I return.  There is also a Typhoid Fever vaccine that can be received through a pill.  That one sounds so cool because you only take four of them, but since they contain "live" ingredients, the vaccine is good for up to five years!  Finally, I have another medicine to take only if I get sick in any other way while I'm there.  Basically, I'm set!  :)

WHAT NOW?: As of now I'm waiting for my visa to be returned, to pick up all my prescriptions, and to start collecting all the "extra" things I'll need to take with me.  As always, please be praying for our team as we prepare.  We'll be doing some culture and language training next week which I will be sure to pass along.  Thanks again for your support.  It's such a blessing!

(And feel free to comment or ask questions!)