It takes a team

Yesterday the kids and I went to return some books to the library.  While we were there, I decided to go ahead and vote early since the early voting was taking place in the community center adjacent to the library.  As we were going through the hall to the room, they had all of these displays of cultures from around the world.  We were looking at the different maps of the different regions.  The kids were pointing out the different countries they have learned about in the last couple of weeks.  Countries that your average child does not learn about.  Of course the first one was Papua New Guinea.  They were extremely disappointed with all the different cultures and countries, PNG seemed to be completely removed.  I guess that is because no one knows whether it should be part of Asia or part of Australia.  Of course, we consider it part of the Pacific Region, but that goes against the norm.  As we were looking at Africa, they were pointing out Tanzania, Togo, Ghana, Senegal, and some other countries that I never knew where they were located.  Then the started "Yeah, Eli is going there.  Jennalie is going there.  No, no, she's going somewhere else.  (Mexico, which was on the Americas and not the Africa map).  Lily is going there.  Isabel is going there.  That's where Mr. Bill went."  And so it continued.  I would have loved to have known the thoughts of people as they walked by and heard my kids talk.  It was just as natural as saying "my friend is going to the beach."

As I reflected upon the situation, I thought about just how awesome God is.  He has instilled in our kids a heart for people of all of these different lands.  He has given us the opportunity to follow Him and do His work in a country located on the other side of the world.  The kids made some great new friends while we were in Orlando for our training with Wycliffe.  They have asked just about every day when we'll see them, again.  Honestly, I don't know if we will see all of them this side of heaven.  I praise God that we will see each and every one of these families, again, in heaven as we are all gathered around the throne worshiping our God in our differing languages.  We each, including each and every child, will be instrumental in bringing the Word to people who have never heard.  Wow, that is amazing and very humbling.

Before we left for Orlando, our pastor concluded a series on grace giving.  The one thing that has stuck with me is that we can ALL have a part in going into all the world to preach the Gospel.  Let me explain.  Matthew 28:19 commands us to make disciples of ALL nations.  All includes everywhere from right where you are to the far reaching countries and peoples.  The nations represent the thousands and thousands of people groups that are all created in God's image.  No one can do it all by themselves.  That is why God gave each one of us different talents and gifts.  We are all to work together as one body to bring Him glory.  Many of you reading this blog will not be called to leave home and move to a foreign land.  But, you can still be part of the team in reaching those that are waiting to hear God's Word.  You can be a part through prayer, encouraging, and financial gifts.  If you feel God is leading you, take a look here to learn more about being part of our team.  You, too, will receive a reward in heaven for the lives that are changed because of your part of the team.

Here is a great video from YouTube that shows how we are all a team in working together in Bible Translation.  Neil Anderson is a missionary with Wycliffe and helped translate the New Testament into the Folopa language in Papua New Guinea.