I'm posting this in the "Tokio Youth Group" category, kind of as an act of faith and vision for what's to come...

During my week in Chicago, I had an especially interesting conversation with Jason and Justine about some of the needs here on the reservation.  It was filled with thought-provoking questions, new ideas, and a shared interest and burden for Christ to be known (what a blessing!).  That conversation led to ideas about getting the youth here involved in some type of service or missions project, something where they could focus on giving. 

That idea seemed to fit nicely with an invitation I had received about a month earlier...

Each year, a local church (Bethel E-Free in Devils Lake) organizes a group of people to go down to Venezuela for about a week to do a medical missions project.  The team works together with a Venezuelan church to set up a make-shift clinic in a small church and then provides various free medical services to the local people.  Two years ago, I had the opportunity to be a part of this team and had a wonderful experience there.  

I was invited to be a part of this year's team to Venezuela and I believe that the Lord has opened doors for me to go.  To be honest, I felt a little guilty when I first thought about the possibility of going, feeling like I shouldn't be "allowed" to do any other missions work while I am here.   But through conversations with my family and some close friends and a very supportive go-ahead from AIM, I feel that this is part of the Lord's plan.  

I will be in Venezuela with the Bethel team from March 28 to April 8.  I always enjoy foreign missions and I appreciate the joys and challenges that come with it...I think the Lord has used and continues to use these experiences to shape my perspective.  I am also looking forward to re-connecting with some of the people that I met two years ago.  It was such a blessing to serve them and serve with them. 

My other hope and prayer for this trip is that the Lord would use it to spark an interest in the hearts of the Native youth to serve and to give.  I plan to involve them as much as I can in my planning and preparing for this trip.  I want them to feel connected.  I want them to feel like they can each have a part in this...and maybe somewhere down the road, one of these youth will be getting ready to head out on a missions trip.  What a dream...please pray!

I would also appreciate your prayers for those of us who will be traveling to Venezuela in March.  There is a lot of planning and arranging and preparing to do in the next couple of months.  Please also lift up those in Venezuela who we will have the opportunity to serve.  Pray that the Holy Spirit would be softening hearts there...and here.