I’m off to Africa!
This might seem random (trust me… it is), but I’m off to Liberia and Sierra Leone, Africa in a week! Crazy!
No, it’s not a vacation. Although I think I might enjoy it even more than some of my other trips. (Sorry Venice.) I’m joining Jefferson Baptist Church and Willamette Community Church as they check in on the churches, schools and orphanages they support over there.
Here’s the thing… I’ve never been to Jefferson Baptist or Willamette Community Church. Why in the world are you going on this trip then, Carlin? Great question.
I have no idea…
Just kidding! Over the past couple years, God has really cultivated a love in me for storytelling—through words, photos and videos. More specifically, I love witnessing the character of God displayed in stories of hardship, faithfulness, joy and redemption. But it would be such a shame if I was the only one to hear those stories. A + B = storytelling. Flawless math from an English major.
That’s great! Sooooo, why are you going to Africa? Patience, young padawan. I’m getting there.
Mike Dedera, pastor of Jefferson Baptist Church, said that the purpose of this trip is to get people to “fall in love with Africa”—to draw people into the presence of God in a way that ignites their passion for taking part in his redemptive work.
An article published by Yale University reported that “there are more Christians in Africa than any other continent.” Africa is quickly becoming the beating heart of the body of Christ.
My personal goal for this trip is to experience God where he’s so obviously present. Liberia and Sierra Leone are desperately poor but incredibly rich with the joy of the Lord. God often shows up in the most unlikely places.
As I experience God, I want to share that experience with people like you—who can’t just hop on a plane to Africa next week. I hope to leverage my skills as a photographer and writer to immerse you in the world as I see it. Sounds fun, right?
God is doing incredible things over there. I invite you to join me—right here on my blog—as I witness the power and presence of God. May you be blessed with a fresh experience of his redemptive love through these stories.
Stay tuned for stories and photos displaying a diverse and beautiful God.
