Friends,
“The moving walkway is coming to an end. Please watch your step!” As I sit at the Indianapolis airport, I hear this recorded message over and over. This message could be an accurate warning for my life. “Watch your step, Aaron! Your smooth ride is over.” Not that I think my life before this point was smooth flying. Not at all. Nor was I looking for more turbulence. I was looking for stability. I was looking for a job post-graduation. I was looking for smoother flying and a place to call home.
When I received a message asking if I would consider going to South Sudan to serve with the Cush4Christ mission, I was interviewing with several companies. The idea of going to South Sudan was very exciting, but I really didn’t want to delay getting a paying job. Then I received a job offer that was well-paying, but not well suited to me. I had to examine my steps. I had to compare my hopes to the clear direction of God. It should not be a surprise that God’s word proved true: “The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
Will this path that God has directed to South Sudan be turbulent? You bet! God doesn’t promise smooth flying. But He does promise that, by faith, He walks with me. I do not have to live in terror of taking wrong steps, for “He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3) But I do walk with care, paying attention to the word of God. By His discipline, God keeps me in His path, so that “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23) May I fix my eyes on Christ always!
Thanks to my friends who counseled me to see God’s hand of preparation and direction in my life and go to South Sudan. Thanks to the people who helped me prepare to go. And a big thanks to the saints at Sycamore RPC who made a very tasty dinner and generously gave over $2000 to send me. God bountifully provides more than we ask!
For those who like dates, here is my calendar:
Feb. 17: Leave Home
Feb. 18: Arrive Nairobi, Kenya where I meet Scott
Feb. 20: Apply for South Sudan visa
Feb. 22: Pick up South Sudan visa
Feb. 23: Fly to Juba (the capital of South Sudan)
Feb. 24: Fly to Aweil and drive to the Cush4Christ mission
July 18: Arrive back in US
Please pray for traveling mercies from the hand of God and for speedy visa processing.
Pray that God would establish the steps I take in South Sudan by keeping me in His ways.
In Christ,
-Aaron
