Looking out

For the past few weeks, Ruth (our daughter) has been visiting us.  We decided to take full advantage of the free labour and come up with a list of jobs for her to do so we now have a new improved look on the blog, an updated newsletter format, new crockery for the house and (most significantly) a large map on the wall of the Games Room here at Mercy Air.

As we have settled into life here at Mercy Air, we have been stirred to create space and time in which to pray collectively.  The map is to assist us in our prayers.  It reminds us of the sheer magnitude of this continent of Africa (it only shows the 9 whole countries and part of 3 more).  It helps us to look out to the places where God is calling us.  We can locate on the map the partners we work with and travel to regularly and maybe shows us some opportunities for working in new areas.  Finally, it reminds us that our Father God has a heart bigger than this continent, for this continent.

I recently read this:  "Africa is the only continent who's population is still growing. By 2050 Africa will double in size and have 2.4 billion people. The future of the world is Africa. The future of the Church is Africa."  Bishop Oscar Muriu.

The map is a work in progress and will be a living image identifying our partners, our flights and places people are most in need.  As it develops, we will share how we are using this map to pray.

I am deeply grateful for Ruth giving up her holidays and applying her imagination to this map.  I hope and pray it will assist us in our prayers here at Mercy Air.