So I Prayed

Preparing to leave for mission work in Cameroon for three years was one of the most challenging and stressful times in my life.  The many transitions and good-byes that we have gone through in the last 6 months were far more than we have experienced in the 6 years we have been a family.   During this time, Maura and I relied on each other.  When times got really tough we were then reminded that “God got us to this and God will get us through this” (thanks to the wise person who shared this with me).   So I prayed.  I prayed for God to protect us and keep us safe.  I prayed for God to watch over our family and loved ones we left behind. 

I have found God has an amazing way of answering prayers.  Those months leading up to our departure we felt fragile, able to be broken at any moment.  During those times, God would appear in those around us.  We could see God in the kind words of encouragement, support or a helping hand to guide us on to the next step on this journey.  During those God moments I was reminded I am exactly where I am supposed to be or God would not have put me here.  So I prayed. I prayed that God would ensure this was the path we were supposed to be on.

No matter what we got through it seemed there was the next obstacle in the way that caused us great concern.  I continued to ask God why so many challenges for such a wonderful thing like mission work.  God assured me to be patient and persistent in our pursuit to serve overseas and the next door would open for us.  So I prayed.  I said, thank you for allowing us to take the next step, but please remain at our sides as we continue.

We are in our new home and it is now obvious that the burden of getting here was not ours, but something much greater.  Yes, we took the next steps on the journey but the heavy lifting of the obstacles that stood in our way were beyond our abilities.   God worked in so many ways through the people that got us here.  It is truly remarkable to see how clearly God was present to us.  So I prayed.  Thank you for Your presence in all the people that have made this a reality. 

I was visiting with our 19 year old neighbor last week and he asked why?  Why would I leave my “comfortable country” to come live in Cameroon?  I understood the question and had reflected on it many times before, but he caught me by surprise.  I shared several reasons I was here, and he seemed satisfied.  As I told Maura about this interaction, she asked if I mentioned God at all.  Nope, totally forgot the whole reason I was here.  In my mind I am unsure why I am here, but in my heart it is obvious why I am here.  God has brought me here, and I will not know the exact reason for some time, maybe never, but for now I know I am supposed to be here.  The only thing I can do is pray.  I continue to pray for God to protect us and keep us safe, to watch over our family and loved ones we left, to remain at our sides and in thanksgiving.  I also ask for the companions that we meet in Cameroon to know why we are here even if we are unsure.  In the meantime I will remain patient and persistent in my prayers.

-Ryan