For a long time now, I've been tossing around the idea of writing a book, but I could never decide what to write about. I knew that I wanted it to be a new story and somehow relate to the story of God's love for humanity, but that's a very broad field. Encountering John 21:25 didn't help me narrow my focus:
"Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written."
That quote brings me both despair and hope. I despair of ever finishing a book, because I know that Jesus is still doing many things today. If I tried to create a plot out of them, there would always be another story to add in a tangled web of characters, "coincidences," miracles, loss, and joy. I would never finish writing! But in that I find hope, because it means that the story is not over yet. His story, our story, is still being told, and we have many opportunities to see it, through the forgiveness of old wrongs, healing of broken families, justice in a cruel world, and joy in the midst of suffering.
And so, my goal through this blog is for all of us to share the stories about what Jesus is still doing. For right now, that may often consist of what God is doing in my life as I prepare to teach Spanish and mathematics in Yaoundé, Cameroon. I am currently in the process of finding ministry partners that will join the work of Bible translation through prayer, finances, and encouragement as I serve.
Later on, I am excited to share the flavors, sights, and sounds of an African city with you, but even more, I look forward to describing how God is moving among the people there, both in the city and the countryside. There are 278 living languages in Cameroon, and 106 Bible translation and literacy projects, so I hope to have many, many tales to tell.
My request of anyone who happens to be reading this is that you also share with me. Please share your stories, your life, your passions. I want to hear from you.