Welcome Letter to Friends
Greetings this Advent season as we celebrate the coming of Christ who offers new life. For me, this has been a year of deep personal growth in recognizing the breadth and love of God for His Creation, including those whose lives and beliefs we don’t understand. I’m so thankful for you who love me and know God’s history in my life. His great grace offers a plan for each of us; a place to rest with who we are.This letter is to invite you into a partnership with me, partnering in prayer and awareness that will allow me to step into another realm of trust, exploring vocation in HIV/AIDS prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa.
This theme has been the focus of an integrated research and thesis project in my seminary studies at Mars Hill Graduate School . Now I have expanded it another semester to include a three month journey into six countries in Africa to observe and participate in programs that focus on AIDS prevention in developing regions. In a few places, I will do some training. As you can imagine, there will be great diversity in my experience of culture, language, travel and relations as I visit Togo, Senegal, Uganda, Kenya, Botswana, and South Africa . I am totally reliant on the One who both sends me and dwells with me - the One in whom I live and move and have my being. It’s important to recognize the spiritual dynamics in some places of real darkness. I believe strongly in the power of prayer to protect, heal, and transform lives!
So, I ask that you would please pray for me beginning now and though the month of April 2008. For those of you who aren’t inclined toward prayer, keep me in your hearts! At the beginning and end, I will rest and reflect with my kids and grandkids. I look forward to cuddling with Zachary Allen, Lori and Roger’s new son, born Dec. 10th.
It is a delight to realize, as a widow with grandchildren, that God continues to have a plan for me… a very good plan. Share the joy in the journey!
In His great grace,
Sue
