SAMANTHA INTERRUPTED

SAMANTHA INTERRUPTED

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

   Let it be known that God’s interruptions are blessed events from Him . . . and to us depending on our reaction. Samantha’s experience is quite different from Moses’, Gideon’s, Paul’s, or Peter’s. Unlike theirs involving startling surprise, hers is a case of what I think of as James 4:17a gradualism; God forthright calling for the hearer to lead as His did the 4 other examples I chose to write about. Instead He presented opportunity that presented another opportunity that presented another …

  Samantha was living a life well-planned. She is a whiz of a student, completed high school and university bachelor degree at a young age. The plan was to return to school in the fall to begin work toward a master degree. Then she was invited on a short term mission trip to Zambia.

  Within days of arrival she volunteered to teach additional children that could not attend the established school. This led to another surprise – the large number of children that came eager to learn in the provided outdoor setting. Then came a surprising reversal of permission. Then came parental and community support wanting Samantha to continue.

 Short mission trip over, Samantha arrived home in the USA knowing she must return. Incrementally opportunities with considerable challenges involved were accepted. Walking in faith step by step Samantha was required to often move outside of what the average person considers required qualifications. (Youth, no teaching or administrative degrees, ChickaFila et al work history, etc.) Moving continually quickly forward required a incredibly radical learning curve. After a very short time buildings, staff (all older than Samantha I think), ongoing support and sponsorship are in place and operational.

  Please pray for Kwathu Free Haven Community School, Livingston, Zambia (http://www.kwathu.org/about/ ), Samantha, staff, students, and supporters.

  I’ve left out many of the details. I continue to, if ever a break in pace, urge Samantha to begin writing her life story. Hopefully she someday will.

  I close this DT SEEKING GOD’S WILL series with a lifelong personal observation: Most followers of Christ will serve in the general talents/gifts population. Some will be called out in a startling manner. But most called for higher service will do so accepting an opportunity that leads to another that leads to another ….

  Either way is a matter of living in and by faith.

EBB4