Spiritual Vacation

Only 22 days until I reach the country of South Africa and I am getting extremely anxious and excited each day. I cannot wait to see what God has planned for my trip and in the lives of the natives. I pray each day that God will open their hearts to reveal His love, compassion, and ultimate meaning in life. I pray that they will realize that no matter who they are or what they have done, that Christ loves them with everlasting and supreme love that cannot be found anywhere else. I pray that He will show them a new route, the route of salvation.

So you are probably wondering why I named this blog in the way I did. The other day I was thinking about my trip to Africa and the term vacation hit my mind. Why? I dont know ha. It's probably the ole devil. Although, what is a vacation? Some people will say getting away from work, some will say the beach, mountains, or whatever brings pleasure to them and their family. So I started to think and wonder what if this trip is a vacation (dont stop reading and hate me for saying that...keep going haha). I made this statement only because I started wondering what brought joy and happiness to my life. Honestly, I use to think that many activities brought happiness to my heart, mind, and body, but I soon realized that those activities were objects of this temporary and physical world. Anyway thats another story, but back to what brings me happiness now, in my new life with Christ. Christ has provided me with the passion and dedication in spreading His good news. Right now my growth for Christ can only be described as radical and rapid. I love it. I pray that God will NEVER allow me to lose this growth, as He nurtures me into the man and solider for Christ that I am meant to be. So, if spreading God's love is bringing me joy and happiness, why couldn't I call it a vacation? If I am getting away or visiting another country to do what Christ and my heart desires, why wouldn't it be? In no way, shape, or form am I saying that I am pursuing South Africa for the sites and just to "have a good time." Although, why can't this be a vacation for Christ? Without a doubt I am embarking on this journey to fullfill God's ministry (*II Timothy 4:2-5). So therefore, I do not want you to believe that this is a typical "vacation." I really do not like to use the term "vacation" when I am refering to the good new of Christ, although this idea has been on my mind and wanted to share.

I am eager and nervous at the same time about how God is changing 20 years of planning in a 5 month span. This exciting quest that God has for me brings many mixed feelings and questions, but I cannot hide from His ultimate plan for my life. I feel like God’s plan for my future begins this summer in Africa. I know that every step I take, Christ is right there with me. I pray that I consistently fully rely on God. I pray that I find strength, power, and refuge in Christ alone. I want to end with a quote from Count Nicolaus Ludwn Zinzendorf: "I have but one passion: It is He, it is He alone. The world is the field and the field is the world; and henceforth that country shall be my home where I can be most used in winning souls for Christ."

I surrender my life to none other than my Father in Heaven.
Your son,
Shawn


*II Timothy 4:2-5 (NLT)
"Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you."