“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”

—1 Corinthians 2:9

"I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light" — John Keith Falconer

Preparing for my trip was like any trip really; I was excited and nervous to go, but too "manly" to let my excitement or uneasiness shine through. We got to the church around 5 am, and our leader told us that the mission starts the minute we get on our bus. He said our specific "calling" could be for a conversation that happens before we even get to Africa. I began to realize that I was in for an experience that would change my perception on God and the world. I could not have estimated these outcomes.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2

"This generation of Christians is responsible for this generation of souls on the earth!"

— Keith Green

I remember landing in Amsterdam after the first leg of the trip, and meeting in the food court for our devotional time. I was drawn to the message that morning, because Wayne asked the question, "What can we give these people that is greater than hope of salvation?" He went on to explain that we need to be open to the God's leading by knowing who He is and what He wants. His nature correlates with His will, and His will is that we become like Him in nature. But who is He, and how do we get there? This was the long and short of my journey, and something I’m still working on. Wayne later told me that we can't fake our transformation; instead we need to develop a genuine and intimate relationship with our creator. Wayne became my friend very quickly, because he was able to tell me how it is.