Revival in Little Rock

When I was at church Sunday here in Nairobi a friend who is also from Little Rock, with a big smile on her face asked me "have you heard what's going on at Summit? They're having a revival!"

The Summit Church in Little Rock, Ark., is my sending church and home church, which I love and miss dearly. When my friend asked me this question, I was intrigued but we didn't get to chat afterward and I honestly didn't think about it anymore, until this morning. I got on Summit's website to see if there were posts about this revival happening. I was expecting, if anything, a short video or photos but nothing more. Well, I was wrong.

When you have a few minutes, maybe 20 or 30, I invite you to check out these "Reports of God's Mercies" detailing the true revival taking place in Little Rock. What a blessing and encouragement, beautiful conviction and heart-wrenching joy.

I can't wait to be back at my church later this year. Maybe this revival will still be going on? The Lord knows my heart is in need of a revival.

Many blessings,
Blake

Beautiful Malawi

Last week I traveled south to Malawi for a cluster meeting and gave a presentation about our media teams. It was such a great week catching up with wonderful friends and enjoying a restful time at the Sun 'n' Sand Resort on Lake Malawi. Beautiful place! It had a huge swimming pool, my room had AC and satellite TV and across the lake, you could see the mountains of Mozambique in the distance.

One of the best parts of my job is meeting people who serve all over Africa. Several people in this cluster I've spent lots of time with in different trainings since I've been out. But even people I met for the first time at the meeting were so kind and friendly and really exemplified that warm mission family atmosphere. The Lord always gives me these times of fellowship, rest and encouragement just when I need them the most. My God is so good!

Volunteers from Porter Memorial Baptist in Lexington, KY, served throughout the meeting and genuinely showed their hearts for our people and their eagerness to serve. Bill Henard preached from Ephesians and it was a series of sermons where you felt like he was preaching directly to you. Again, my God is so good!

Many blessings,
Blake



Beautiful Malawi with rain showers in the distance


Got to love the signs you see all over Africa


Me and Lauren, we go way back...to NTV


Me and the Nalls, we were in 40/40 together, love these guys!


Pier from the shoreline on Lake Malawi with Mozambique in the distance

More than a year

It's really easy to get out of the habit of blogging. I guess once the "honeymoon" phase of living overseas wears off, the new things, the odd things, the funny things, the unbelievable things, they all begin to go unnoticed because they all become the norm.

During these few weeks of observing Lent, I decided to take a break from facebook. I spend way too much time on it and am well aware of the major distractions it can cause. I want to take these few weeks to really seek the Lord for the future and spend time in His word, discerning what He has in store for me.

Next month, it will be three years ago I attended a conference in Richmond, VA, taking the final steps to sign up to move overseas for a few years. It's hard to believe this season of life wraps up in just four months. Two years turned into three years and my, how those years have passed by. But I'm anxious to get home to Arkansas from Africa in August, to spend lots of time with my incredible family and reconnect with some wonderful friends.

Maybe during this break from facebook I'll find time to blog. Time will tell...

A Busy Start to a New Year

If anyone still happens to check this blog, my apologies that it has been almost three months since I last posted. Terrible, I know. Since 2010 began, I feel like I have been going non-stop. For starters, I moved into a new apartment on the compound January 9. The following week, I was in Limuru at Brackenhurst to help with the homeschool conference for a few days. The next week, I was on a media coverage in the Nyanza Province in western Kenya to cover a medical missions team from Alexander City, Alabama. I was barely home a couple of days then it was back to Brackenhurst the last week of January to help with kids at another meeting.

So January was a full month. February was showing no signs of slowing down. After the meetings at Brackenhurst, I had a few nights at home before I headed to Tanzania for another media coverage, this time I was following a team from Beaumont, Texas, who was doing chronological Bible storying with the Maasai people. This trip was pretty cool because it was the first time I've really got to spend time in the bush with Maasai. It was a fun week and I really got a better understanding of life for the Maasai.

I thought I had about a week home before a trip to Zambia but it looks like I won't be traveling anywhere until June. I was looking forward to visiting friends there but I'm thankful I get to stay home for a while. Of course, things come up and I could be gone again before I know it. Actually, this weekend I'm going with some friends to the coast for a quick beach trip. Should be fun!

Well, that's been my life the last several weeks. I hope all is well wherever you are in the world and that you are enjoying the Lord's blessings and praising Him for loving us.

Malaria

Just over a week ago, on a Friday night, I started feeling like I was coming down with something. I felt a little flu-ish but nothing too bad and a couple of Tylenol seemed to do the trick. Until the next day. I was experiencing these cycles of cold chills to the point of shaking, high fever, then cold sweats when the fever broke. All the classic signs of Malaria. These cycles would come every few hours. 

Jeff and I were house- and dog-sitting for some friends in Lameru, about 45 minutes outside of Nairobi. My friend Kristen was sure I had Malaria and needed to get tested ASAP. I thought I would be okay until we got back to Nairobi Monday. Sunday changed that idea. The fever cycles were coming more frequently and in between them, I felt awful and I was vomiting by this point.

The place we were staying had a small clinic with a doctor on call so Jeff tracked him down and I met him at the clinic for a Malaria test. A quick prick on the finger and 15 minutes later, a positive test for Malaria. Nairobi really isn't a Malaria area but I had been in West Africa for over two weeks and Malaria is common there. I guess I came back with a little souvenir I didn't want.

The doctor at the clinic went with Jeff into town and go some meds for me and I started them right away. Four tablets every 12 hours. Monday morning we got up and headed back to Nairobi and I couldn't wait to get in my own bed. The fevers continued throughout the day Monday and into the night. Tuesday things were slowly looking up as the meds were really kicking in and I was beginning to feel better. Wednesday was much better with my last dose of meds but I still felt totally exhausted. Thursday I felt up to going grocery shopping but that wiped me out. By the weekend though, I was feeling myself again and today, I'm feeling great, despite still feeling tired from time to time.

They say I'm an official African "M" now that I've had malaria, sort of like a badge of honor. It's no fun to be sick with that stuff but I guess I have a new story to share from my life in Africa.

Praise the Lord, the ultimate Healer, and for faithful prayer warriors!

First time out

Yesterday I drove alone in Nairobi for the first time. Until then, Jeff has been so great to either drive or be my navigator whenever we're out and about. Traffic in Nairobi is a little crazy, especially during morning rush hour and again in afternoon rush hour that lasts as late at 10 p.m. If one tries to get anywhere during these critical traffic times, expect to sit in traffic for hours. So goes life in Nairobi.

Giving directions is not always easy because many times, there are no signs marking the names of roads so you have to depend on landmarks. I had a team meeting yesterday and one of my teammates was sick so my time to drive alone had finally arrived. I got directions, asked the Lord to be with me and off I went.

This was around 9:30 a.m. and luckily much of the morning traffic had cleared. I found each turn without any problems and made it to the meeting in 30 minutes. Praise the Lord!

It's the small steps that will slowly help me get adjusted to the vast difference of life here in Nairobi, compared to Johannesburg. I'm looking forward to the day I can hop in my white station wagon (complete with a blue racing stripe) and take off to anywhere I want to go, know how to get there and when to attempt leaving my house. God is good, all the time...

Mosquitos and such

Mosquitos have always been annoying but lately, I wouldn't mind if God would abolish them from the planet. For some reason these little pests have invaded my house here in Nairobi. They are everywhere. I spray Doom and kill the ones I see and it seems that killing one produces two in its place, is that possible? Jeff loaned me a Vape Mat, this little device that releases an invisible insectiside into the air that's supposed to rid one's house of mosquitos but it seems to me, these bugs are invincible. Apparently they have a taste for my ear. At night, they dive bomb my head and swarm my ear. It's like they hold a megaphone to their wings and turn up the volume. Luckily when I turn my fan on high it produces enough air flow to keep them at bay from my head. The joys of living in Africa, huh?

Since moving to Nairobi, I haven't had too many issues with power outages but today is making up for it. I'm not sure what's happening on the compound but the electricity has been going in and out all morning. Surprisingly though it hasn't bothered me too much. God is giving me an extra dose of patience today so I praise Him for that.

It has been such a blessing to live close to Jeff. We live on the same compound, just around the corner from each other, about a two-minute walk between our houses. We only have nine months left in our term and I stand in awe at God's provision by placing me to serve in the same city as one of my best friends. As Jeff and I say, "PTL!" (Praise the Lord).

Blessings to you today.

West Africa

I just got back to Nairobi yesterday after a 16-day visit to three countries in West Africa. A teammate and I left Oct. 19 and headed to Dakar, Senegal, to work on visas for a couple of countries. If you have ever been curious as to how large the continent of Africa is, the flight from Nairobi to Dakar (via Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire) had us in the air for more than eight hours. That's like flying from the States to Europe! Anyway, our time in Dakar was productive and we were granted visas to visit The Gambia and Mali.

We spent one week in and around Banjul, Gambia, visiting with the Jola people. The Gambia is a tiny, coastal West African country that runs through the middle of Senegal. The people were wonderful and so friendly and the Atlantic Ocean is just as beautiful on the African coast as it is in America.

After our week in The Gambia we headed to Bamako, Mali, to visit some friends and help them with an orientation video. It was an especially great trip for me because I got to reconnect with some friends who I met in Virginia last year. What a blessing to see how they are being used to reach the Bambara people! While there, my friend Mitch took us to a village in the bush he visits often, where we stayed overnight. The people in the village were so inviting and made us feel right at home. We had some great meals (all the men shared one large bowl of rice with peanut sauce, eating with our right hands) and enjoyed great fellowship with the people. That night, Mitch, Jerry and I stayed under a small grass straw structure (picture a manger) where we slept in sleeping bags on the ground and were watched over through the night by cows, goats, chicken, sheep...you get the idea.

We finished our visit Tuesday and left Bamako that evening flying overnight back to Nairobi. It was a great trip but I was happy to get back to Nairobi and continue trying to get settled into my new home.


Me and Mitch in the village


Our accommodations for the night


Time of worship








Making peanut sauce

ATL Team

Last week I hosted a volunteer team from First Redeemer Church Atlanta. The team conducted a leadership training for local pastors in Tokoza township and visited with residents in the community. Here are a few photos from the week. Enjoy!









Photos from Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve










Ever seen a turtle smile?


Perhaps the happiest turtle in South Africa

Be near, oh God

You are all
Big and small
Beautiful and wonderful
To trust in grace through faith
But i'm asking to taste...

For dark is light to You
Depths are height to You
Far is near
But Lord, I need to hear from You

Be near, oh God
Be near, oh God of us
Your nearness is to us our good
Be near, oh God
Be near, oh God of us
Your nearness is to us our good, our good

Your fullness is mine
Revelation divine
But, o, to taste
To know much more than a page
To feel Your embrace...

For dark is light to You
The depths are height to You
Far is near, but Lord
I need to hear from You

Be near, oh God
Be near, oh God of us
Your nearness is to us our good
Be near, oh God
Be near, oh God of us
Your nearness is to us our good, our good

I have been a Shane & Shane fan for years now and this song is one of my favorites. There are times lately when I've felt so far from the Lord and long to be near my God. At times I find myself in "slumps" where my time in the Word is an obligation and my prayers feel like nothing more than words. Complacency, apathy and impatience rear their ugly heads more often than not. I remember a time a few years ago when the Lord called me to do what I'm doing now; a time when I couldn't get enough of His words; a time when I felt like I was sitting at the feet of Jesus, my prayers a deep and personal conversation with Him.

I long for those sweet times with my Lord.

"But, o, to taste. To know much more than a page. To feel your embrace. Be near, oh God, your nearness is to us our good..."

Seasons of Change

This time last year I was getting started with field personnel orientation in Rockville, VA. I was preparing to serve in an administrative role in Johannesburg, a position that seemed to fit me perfectly considering some of my past jobs.

During FPO, we were told of big changes ahead as our company was on the brink of a major reorganization and personnel in support roles should be prepared for changes in our jobs. Upon hearing this news, I continued enjoying my time at FPO but knew my role in South Africa could change, perhaps even a change in location.

These past 10 months have been wonderful serving in Johannesburg. I’ve met some incredible people and have assisted our leadership in various projects and meetings. During this time, however, I’ve always sensed my role in South Africa would be temporary and God would use me here for a season and then use me in other areas to meet other needs.

In April, I was approached by one of our region’s media team leaders about needs in Nairobi, Kenya. We talked about my background in journalism and the possibility of working with the east Africa team once my current term ends next August.

At the end of May, I traveled to Nairobi to visit my great friend, Jeff, who serves there. I was blessed to spend almost three weeks in Kenya and had another opportunity to visit with the media team. Still, we did not think any moves to work there could happen until next year.

After returning to Johannesburg I began thinking about the possibility of using my journalism background on the field and soon started praying and discerning if the Lord was putting this desire on my heart. The more I prayed, the more I felt led to pursue this opportunity but wanted to be 100 percent sure, without any doubt, this was a “God-thing” and not a “Blake-thing.”

As I sought answers and clarity over this, I knew my answers would be found in His word. The Lord reminded me how he led me to Proverbs 3:24 – 27 to confirm His call on my life to serve overseas. So I went back to that beautiful book. The following verses are how the Lord spoke to my heart:

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!” – Proverbs 16:16

“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” – Proverbs 16:20

A desire to serve in this role in Nairobi was growing in my heart and I humbly asked the Lord to guide each step of the way, to open the doors if He so willed, or shut them if now was not the time.

I was desperate for the Lord’s wisdom and sought discernment and understanding of what He was doing in my heart.

I trusted the Lord when He instructed me to pursue this opportunity now, rather than later.

God has proven faithful these last several weeks as I began pursuing a new role that brings a new home for me in Africa. He has continued to confirm His plans for me to transfer to Nairobi and now it appears I will be moving sometime in October.

When He called me to serve overseas in 2004 He led me to return to the University of Arkansas – Little Rock to complete my bachelor’s degree in journalism. Now I know why.

What a blessing this journey of the past few weeks has been for me. I know I’m truly not worthy of this work and am incapable of taking on this role without the strength, grace and mercy of my heavenly Father. While I am leaving behind some of the most incredible people I’ve ever met in Johannesburg I am so excited and blessed to be using my gifts in writing to share God’s stories in Africa and to be moving near some of my closest friends in the world who I went through training with one year ago.

Praise the Lord for His faithfulness and reminding me His plans prevail over mine and He can choose to send me and use me anywhere and anytime He desires.

My Nieces

It recently occurred to me I haven't posted any photos of my three beautiful nieces at home in Arkansas. Beth was born 27 May 2004 and didn't become a big sister until 17 June 2007 when Kati came along. A few months later my Keilani and John got a big surprise when they found out they were having Holly who came into the world 22 May 2008. I miss my girls but enjoy so much "seeing" them on Skype and talking to them on the phone. Of course, their collection of African surprises grows bigger by the month. They probably have more African stuff than I do! It's so much fun sending them presents and money from all over Africa. So here are a few photos of my girls (a few months old but I hear some updated ones are on the way).




This was taken in October just before I moved to South Africa



Beth Julianna Chandler, 5




Kati Nicole Chandler, 2



Holly Grace Chandler, 1



Beth, Holly & Kati



Kati & Beth


Me & Beth



Me & Kati Boo


Me & Holly

His Perfect Plan

I just returned to Joburg a few days ago after a nearly three-week visit to Kenya. A few months ago, I began planning this trip to visit my friend Jeff who serves in Nairobi. Jeff and I met in Virginia last year during training with the IMB. Over the months, Jeff has become like family to me and one of my closest friends in the world.

Originally we planned for my visit to last only one week. As the trip drew closer we decided one week wasn't enough and I knew my supervisor, Wade, would be in Nairobi that week so why not stay a couple extra days and fly back to Joburg with Wade? Done. I changed my ticket to depart June 6. A few days later I was asked to work a sectional meeting in Nairobi so my trip was extended even longer. Jeff and I were excited my visit had gone from one week to almost three and were praising the Lord for giving us so much time to hang out.

As my trip began changing and we knew we had more time we planned a trip to the coast of Kenya for the weekend before the week-long sectional meeting began. We were both in need of some time away from a large city to relax for a couple of days on the beach.

Little did we know God's purpose for me to be in Kenya at that time would be revealed in Mombasa. The Saturday I would have returned to Joburg Jeff received a call from home with news his cousin had passed away. Jeff was heartbroken over the news as his cousin, Sidda, one of his closest family members.

Over the next few days God continually impressed on my heart He had planned for me to be with Jeff in one of the toughest moments he'll endure while on the field. Jeff was facing something we were all told to prepare for before we departed the States. I felt totally inadequate to help someone during such an emotional time but the Lord reminded me I had to put aside my own concerns to walk with Jeff as he grieved because He chose me to be part of His perfect plan at that time.

Through it all God showed His provision by allowing me to be with Jeff during those days and made His sweet presence known daily through tears, laughter, talking with family in the States and especially when we asked the Lord to specifically reveal to Jeff a way he could honor Sidda and be part of the celebration of her life. Almost immediately after praying Jeff's brother Jason sent a message asking Jeff to write the eulogy for the service.

Dealing with the loss of someone close to you is tough especially when you're on the other side of the world from your family. But as God showed Jeff and I, His plan is always perfect and nothing like this happens without Christ being glorified. I love my brother Jeff and his family and I continue praying for them as their hearts are still hurting over their loss. It humbled me to the point of leaning solely on Christ my Savior to be able help my friend through His pain.

Thank you Lord for your mercy and grace. Thank you Lord for the years you blessed Jeff and his family with Sidda. Thank you Lord for surrounding her family in Alabama with people who will love on them and encourage them during the difficult times. Thank you Lord for speaking to Jeff's heart and for his obedience to stay in Africa where you have called him when he wanted to be with his family in the States. And I humbly thank you Lord for your provision and choosing me to be where I was, when I was, and reminding me I can do nothing without walking hand-in-hand with you. In your name, Jesus, be glorified. Amen.

Jeff and I on the beach in Mombasa, Kenya

My Hands-On Brothers (and sisters)

In January, a group of twentysomethings arrived in South Africa as semester missionaries in the Hands-On Africa program. Until this team arrived, I was the only single guy with our company in Joburg so I was axiously anticipating the group of four guys who would serve here.

Over these last few months Jack, Ryan, Justin and Micah have become some of my closest friends and brothers in SA. God answered my prayers for close friendships when He sent these guys to Joburg. Along with them, there were also four girls who I became great friends with - Jarah, Amanda Hill, Amanda Holiday and Nikki. What an incredible group of people they are.

And just in the last few weeks I was able to spend some time with a Hands-On team who served in Botswana. Hunter, Brett, Stirling & Allison are a fun group and I wish we could have had more time to hang out.

Today I had to say goodbye to my Hands-On brothers and sisters. Their time here is almost done as they finish their days at debrief before heading back to the states Friday. Goodbyes are never easy and in this life God has given me here in SA, goodbyes are frequent and have yet to not stir up any bittersweet emotions.

Jack, Ryan, Justin and Micah, I love you guys and am blessed to have you in my life. You guys amaze me and it will definitely be different around my apartment without you being around. The Lord has big plans for you in the states and for some, big plans for you back in AFRICA. I'll look forward to the time we see each other whether it's this side of the world or the American side.

Cheers bru's!

Hands-On Johannesburg team

My Joburg brothers

My Botswana brothers & sister

Old Friends & New Friends

Some great friends from my home church in Arkansas came to visit last week prior to their volunteer team arriving over the weekend. Kyle & Katie Reno served as College & Missions Pastor at The Summit Church in Little Rock and I actually interned for Kyle when he first moved to Little Rock in 2006. They are currently serving as College Pastors at Crossgates Church in Brandon, MS.

I also made some new friends in Pete & Jenna Lee who came with Kyle & Katie. Pete leads worship at Crossgates and I had a great time getting to know them. Their visit was such a blessing and time of encouragement for me. They will be serving with a team of students from Mississippi College this week near Pretoria.

While staying with me, we went to the Lion Park, Kruger National Park and Swaziland. Below are a few photos from last week. Enjoy!

At the Lion Park, a lion cub is biting Pete on the ankle

Kyle, Katie, me, Jenna & Pete on the rocks at the Hippo Pools in Kruger

Kyle, me & Katie in Kruger

Pete, me & Jenna at Kruger

My call

In June 2004, after my first mission trip, I was called to serve our Lord overseas. I spent almost two weeks in Jamaica with a group of students from First Southern Baptist Church in Bryant, ministering to physical and spiritual needs. God changed my heart in Jamaica and I knew He had big plans for me to leave the comforts of America and go out to make disciples of all nations. I love sharing the testimony of God calling me to be a missionary and the best way I can do this is chronologically.

- June 2004 – KEITH, JAMAICA. Mission trip with FSBC students where we prayer walked, assisted in building construction, held worship services in the streets, personal evangelism and more. After returning to Arkansas I knew God was calling me to missions but I had no idea where to start. I began praying through this call and felt God was leading me to return to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to complete my bachelors degree.

- January 2005 – reenrolled at UALR and began the first of five semesters to finish my degree. I prayed the Lord would provide the means for me to go without having to increase my student loan debt. He was faithful and provided a scholarship from my church.

- June 2005 – TECPAN, GUATEMALA. Served with a prayer walking team from FSBC in the mountains of Guatemala with Peter & Theresa Cunningham, ISC missionaries with the International Mission Board. The Lord taught me about pride during this trip.

- July 2006 – BANGKOK, THAILAND. Served with a university ministry team from The Summit Church at San Dusit Rajahbaht University in Bangkok. We built relationships with students and helped them with English. The Lord reminded me of how lost the world is and the darkness that covers so many peoples and need to hear the fundamental truths of Christianity – the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

- March 2007 – LAS VEGAS, NEVADA. Served with a student ministry team from Summit in North Las Vegas to assist Grace Point Community Church in distributing promotional material for their Easter Service. The Lord reminded me of how lost Americans are and that I can be content if He leads me to serve in the US in the future.

- May 2007 – Graduated from UALR with a BA in Journalism.

- August 2007 – WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA – Served with a team from Summit where we did children’s ministry in the townships on the outskirts of Windhoek (VIND-hook).

Upon returning to the states from Windhoek, I could not get Africa out of my thoughts or heart. I would wake up in the night thinking I was still there. One night I had a vivid dream of running through a building where a chaotic scene was unfolding. There was fire and people screaming and I was at a near panic knowing there were children who needed rescuing. I ran into room after room, scooping up kids and rushing them to safety.

One night not long after the dream and many sleepless nights, I decided to look at the IMB’s website to see what opportunities there were. I found a job in Zimbabwe that caught my attention but that was the extent of it at that moment. I went to sleep but soon found myself wide awake. The Lord brought to mind a recent message by my pastor, Bill Elliff, from Proverbs. Bill said the Holy Spirit would often wake him during the night and lead him to the Word where he would always find “nuggets of truth.” The last thing I wanted to do was be even more awake and read my Bible, I just wanted to go back to sleep. Sleep was not coming.

I opened my Bible to Proverbs and began reading. Chapter one…chapter two…chapter three…and the Lord stopped me as I moved on to chapter four. He guided me back to chapter three, specifically to verses 21 – 27:

“My son, preserve sound judgement and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.”

I read this passage several times until the Holy Spirit made clear to me what was happening. I reflected on how God called me to missions in 2004 and the first step in the process was the finish college. I finished college four months earlier, went to Africa and now He was telling me it was time. Sleep came and it was sweet, just as He promised me in His word.

The next morning I started the application process with the IMB. A lengthy ordeal, I finished the application in January 2008.

- April 2008 – I attended the ISC/Journeyman matching conference at the International Learning Center in Rockville, Virginia.

- June 2008 – WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA. Led a team from Summit back to Windhoek to do children’s ministry and traveled through Johannesburg where I met my future supervisor, Wade Coker.

- August 2008 – moved to Rockville, VA, for two months of Field Personnel Orientation at ILC.

- October 16, 2008 – left the US to begin my first missionary term serving in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Something to think about

"I make a daily decision to trust that this new life I've been given is God's plan for me. He is for me, not against me. He can make this life good, even though it's different."

- Gracia Burnham
In the Presence of My Enemies

This semester, I'm required to read a missionary autobiography for my seminary class. I chose the story of Martin & Gracia Burnham, New Tribes missionaries serving in the Philippines who were captured by terrorists and held captive for more than a year in the Philippine jungles. Martin was killed in crossfire between the terrorists and the government and Gracia was rescued and reunited with her family in the States.

The Burnham's story captivated me and reminded me how missionaries and Christians around the world are persecuted for their faith. In the end, after Martin's death and Gracia's rescue, she reflected on how greatly her life has changed as a result of their captivity and the struggles in her faith during their time in the jungles.

The above quote spoke to my heart, though. When we answer the call to serve our Father and make disciples of all nations, we begin a new life and it's not easy. We miss our family and friends, we miss all things familiar, we miss life events of those we love but we do it with great joy amidst other emotions.

This life in South Africa is a new life for me with new people, new culture and new way of life. But this new life, although different, is a good one. In fact, it's a great one. Gracia's life changed drastically, more than most of us on the field. But as she said, "He is for me, not against me." Perhaps the thing that brings me the greatest joy is knowing this is God's will for my life...what a humbling thought!

I praise the Lord for bringing me to South Africa to serve here. It's not always easy but it's continues to be a blessing. I encourage you to learn more about the Burnham's story by reading In the Presence of My Enemies. It will surely touch your heart. For more information on Gracia's new life, visit www.graciaburnham.org.

25 things you may find interesting...

So I enjoyed reading 25 random things about people on facebook but refused to jump on the bandwagon...until now. In my logic, though, I don't think I'm jumping on the bandwagon since it has passed and I'm blogging mine. So yeah, hope you find some humor in my life. Enjoy!

1) It took me 12 years to finish my bachelors degree (I took a break from college…twice)

2) I lived in the same house, in the same town (Bryant, Ark.) from birth until I moved to Virginia last July and then to South Africa last October

3) My jobs in life include (in no particular order) being a gopher boy and other things at the Arkansas Highway & Transportation Dept., a substitute teacher, assistant sports editor at a local newspaper (I HATE sports), portrait photographer, freelance writer, office manager, asst. director of a Boys & Girls Club, after-school day care helper and now, serving in South Africa

4) Disney World might be my favorite place in the world. I went four consecutive years (2001 – 2004) and plan to go when I come back to the states – Space Mountain….WOOOHOOO!

5) Beth Burnett Loggains (BB) and I (Big W) can quote just about every line to Scream 3

6) Daniel Campbell and I can quote just about every line to Don’t Be Menace to South Central While Drinkin’ Your Juice in the Hood

7) Becky Barnes (Beckith) and I (Blaketh) used to go to Refuge at Ouachita Baptist every Thursday night, eat at Weng’s Chinese buffet before we left and jammed out to the likes of the ODB going down to Arkadelphia and sometimes on the way back

8) Candy Freeman Millwood (Cadence) and I (Blakemous Welchie) wrote three chapters of a murder novel titled “The Mulcher” in creative writing. We left our classmates captivated and hungry for more

9) Nick Dorsey (Tookie) and I have been to Jamaica, Hawaii, Philly, New York City, Colorado, Chicago, San Francisco, Thailand, Nambia, Las Vegas, Baltimore and probably some other random places together over the course of five years

10) As our Hawaii trip was concluding and we had been flying all night, Nick and I got in a fight (verbal, not physical) at the Minneapolis airport and didn’t speak to each other until we got back to Arkansas

11) If you can’t tell, I have lots of nicknames. They include – Blaker, Blue, Big W, Big Dub, Dub, Dubs, Grape Juice, Welch’s, Blaketh, Blakely, Blakers, Big Double-V, Blake-ums, Blakemous Welchie, Poppy…

12) I was in a school musical in eighth grade called “Nickelodeon.” I sang, I danced, I wore a cummerbund and bowtie

13) I’m not getting married. Ever.

14) I love to sing

15) I love rap and hip hop (I’m ghetto at heart)

16) In kindergarten, I chased the crippled boy in my class on the playground…yeah, I was mean

17) Jeff Norton (Tanker) and I have the BEST bathroom stories EVER from when we stayed in the African bush in Zambia….the Roman Basillica…

18) When I was 19 or 20, I was jumping on my trampoline (which we got for Christmas one year when we were kids) with Heath Gober and I came crashing through the mat and hit the ground…hard

19) When my sister (Keilani) and I were kids, we used to play a game called “toot practice” where we made fart noises on our arms and then would give each other prizes like a piece of toilet paper for whoever made the best fart noise

20) Tracey Campbell and I had the FUNNIEST weekend in Paris when I went to visit her and Paul in the UK in 1998. One night we laughed until we cried because of all the stuff that was happening

21) BB and I used to do cheerleading stunts in her swimming pool every summer and I learned to do a backflip off their diving board

22) I’ve seen Milli Vanilli, Young MC and MC Hammer in concert

23) I met the cast of Saturday Night Live in New York City in 2001

24) I laugh at my humor more than anybody else

25) I voted for Bill Clinton when I was old enough his second term and I STILL don’t regret it!

My animal friends

One of my favorite parts about Africa are the animals. I've always been an animal lover and Africa has some of the most incredible animals on the planet. Over the weekend, I visited the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve, just outside Roodepoort. I pet an adult male cheetah (who decided to clamp down his mouth on the inside of leg) and got to play with some Bengal Tiger cubs (who like to play rough and jump on people's backs). I've visited several game parks and nature reserves but I've never witnessed a pride of lions enjoying a meal...until Saturday. It's quite a sight! Here are a few picks from the day...enjoy!

Green Mambas

Black Mambas


Pigmy Hippo

Lion cubs

Me and Eddie the cheetah

Ed tasting my leg

This tiger cub likes the element of surprise

Much nicer when they're sleeping


Lunch time for this white lion pride