anything is better than nothing

You may have noticed, or not, that i've added a few links. the first requires no explanation to most of you. The IMB, International Mission Board, is the sending agency of the Southern Baptist Church. They have over 5,000 personnel all over the world; i was privileged to be one in Senegal, temporarily. Sure they have their issues, but as a whole, I think they're the best! I love the IMB. but that's not the point. anyways, just a good link to have if/when i mention anything about them. go to their site if you never have, especially if you claim to be a southern baptist. it's so interesting, and you can find out what's going on all over the world.

The next is something new. I have been back in America for over 3 1/2 yrs now, but sometimes it feels like yesterday. I still miss Senegal so bad it hurts. I miss my friends, I miss my work, I miss the food (it's always food with me :-), but I think most often I miss feeling like I'm doing something. I am now quite normal, I occasionally remember to pray for missionaries but rarely know anything specific going on and never actually talk to any. I hear a news story and think oh that's terrible, the things that go on in the world so far away. So I've whined about it, judged other people for being just like me, and been sad about what I feel like I lost in Senegal, a lifetime ago. No more complaining how I can't go or in turn/being overwhelmed with the need. Enter Congo Restoration. This is my new thing :-).

There are so many amazing organizations in the world, how do you choose who to keep up with, support, raise awareness for, even read their newsletter? I would go, in a heartbeat, to work with not only the IMB but Gospel for Asia, Compassion International, Africa Inland Mission, a host of others, even Doctors Without Borders! But I think at some point you have to decide, like a menu at a restaurant or a team in the Super Bowl. Who are you going to really get behind?

Congo Restoration sort of fell in my lap. It's Africa, it's not only missions but also human needs and economic development hopefully, which my dad helped me have an interest in and appreciation for a long time ago. Best of all, they really need help. I feel like my contribution is going to matter. They are small and just getting started. But they have an amazing faith and God-inspired vision for the suffering people of Congo, especially in the extremely traumatized areas along the eastern border. I'm not trying to advertise to make it your thing, just so you'll know what's coming. Thanks for sticking with me!