What's Keeping You?

From Caffeine Injection - August 2010

The following article was written by a Summer 2010 Cafe 1040 graduate upon her return to the States. Take 2 minutes to read it, you won't regret it!

North Africa: an Arab culture... 99.8% Muslim... 80% of those people practicing "Folk Islam," which intertwines Islam and mysticism... It is illegal to share the Christian faith in country...these people have no way to hear the Truth. That breaks my heart; does it break yours?

Cafe1040: Intentional and purposeful in everything. How better to learn a culture than being completely immersed in it? How better to learn what missionary work looks like than to do it? This program was confirmation, training, preparation, and 3 months of reality. My perspective and life have been eternally changed and I am eternally grateful. Through God using this program, my heart is drawn to a people it never was before; I feel prepared in a way I never would have imagined; and I understand more of God's
character and heart for His people.

My Story: I went on this trip NOT expecting to fall in love with the Muslim people - my heart was set on Europe - I just wanted some training before I went. But God really changed my heart and my perspective the longer I was in North Africa. He showed me more of His heart, His desire, and how I fit into it. Before, I was concerned about which country to go to specifically. But God showed me His heart is for the NATIONS - every single one of them, every people group! There are over 6,700 Unreached People Groups that have not heard and have absolutely no way to hear. This training was out of my humanly comfort zone. But then again, I take a look at our friend Paul, the life of Jesus Christ, and so many others including today's missionaries... I wonder, "Did God ever intend for us to have a comfort zone? Or is it something we have just created for
ourselves because we don't trust Him enough?"

With that said, what's keeping you from going? They are our brothers and sisters, and I desperately desire to see them on our side on the Last Day. I continue to realize more and more that people are the same no matter where they live - same desires, same emotions, and same questions, etc. The only things that are different are: 1) The culture. But God created all cultures, so He will help you learn it. He promises to not give you more than you can handle. And 2) They don't know the saving blood of Jesus, and that should break our hearts. So, what's keeping you from going? He doesn't need you or me, but wouldn't it be amazing if He uses you to spread His Name and Glory to those who don't know Him, to make His Name famous throughout the world?

That's what I want to live for. It is my deepest desire! Is it yours?

So, what's keeping you from going? If you follow Christ, you have been entrusted with His Good News. You are God's voice to the Nations. Go; speak boldly.

-Katy