Over the past few months, I have been learning much about a journey and how much it takes to go through the journey. A journey gets you from point A to point B. For me, it is going from a sleep-deprived graduate student with no money and no life to becoming a full-time missionary in Kenya who focuses on God and Education as the foundation of my ministry. I have tried numerous times to "speed up the process" and to "hurry up" to get to point B. Now, I have learned that it is not Point A nor is it Point B that is most important, but it is the process, the journey you take to get there. That is what molds you into who you are. If you look back at Jesus' life, He spent more time PREPARING for His ministry (the journey) than His actual ministry (Point B). I want to do this. If I want to change people's lives forever through God, then I must take the time to do it right. I must build a good foundation so that in the future, the Lord can build a mansion upon it.
First and foremost, I would like everyone who reads this blog to know that this ministry is not solely Melissa's Ministry. In fact, I do not and will not take the credit. It is GOD and ONLY GOD who can make or break this ministry. God is the driver and the director of the ministry that He has blessed me with. I might be the person who is physically going to Africa, but it is God that is moving and breathing within me and the people. May God gain all the flory and honour of this ministry!
My journey and preparation to east Africa is slowly beginning. I have gained full support from my home church, Harvest Baptist Church, in my future mission to Africa. It makes me so joyful to see that I have this amazing church, a church where I first found Jesus, fully support me in this journey. My church family has been a wonderful support in my past mission trips and I know without a doubt that they are behind me one-hundred percent. Not only is God the heart of this future ministry, but senders like my church, my friends, and my family is what makes this ministry possible. May God bless you ALL!
As God allows it, I will give you the goals and objectives for this trips. Every single day the Lord is providing me with something new or changing something. I hope in the near future that I can tell you my solid plans and outline for me. I have applied to an organization called iTeams, who I will work under in the first two years of this ministry. The organization helps me find housing, helps me get to where I want to go, and helps me find my first niche. They also do many others things in helping me organizing the trip. I am still waiting acceptance for iTeams and I hope to hear from them soon. I know that no matter teh outcome, God has given me a vision and He will help me get there no matter what.
A small list of items have already been written down in hopes to help with raising the support I need for this ministry.
As seen above, Harvest Baptist Church's Jr Church (Preschool through fourth grade) have been collecting change (quarters, nickes, dimes, pennies) as part of their "Penny Giving Challenge". To do, this group of about 60 children have raised almost $300. It is amazing what can happen when God is control. Thank you Jr. Church!
Another fundraisor that is taking part the whole month of August is "Pop Cans for Africa." If enough pop cans are collected, they can be turned in for a good amoung of money. This is a great way for those who can not give financially to help out. All we need is your trash, your pop cans. Every penny counts! I hope to do one fundraisor a month. If you have any ideas or would like to be part or lead a fundraisor to helps God's vision for this ministry come alive, feel free to e-mail me or comment on this blog.
Again, thank YOU for your ongoing love and support as I prepare for this ministry. I am so very blessed to have YOU as part of this journey. And YOU will be blessed for it. :)
In Christ Always,
melissa a. brown
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR JOURNEY TO AFRICA!!!
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