That trip to China wore me out. I took some time off to get alone with God and think about all that He's done this past year. I thought you might enjoy some of these pictures and memories from my journeys last year!   

 I "discovered" a lot of cool things in the Philippines, but one of the coolest of all was seeing God's power save and change lives. I saw that God's love has the power to free drug addicts like Andrew, comfort the hearts of little girls like Dazzle, and bless a single woman like Lena with lots of kids to love as she lives to serve God and others through the children's camp ministry.

In Southeast Asia, I "discovered" a compassionate native missionary named Titus who ran kindergarten schools to provide a free education for the nearby village children whose families were too poor to pay tuition. Alongside reading, writing, and arithmetic, students were taught about the love of Jesus. Many of these children and their parents had come to salvation in Christ through this ministry. As God provides the finances, Titus and his fellow-workers will continue to construct buildings for use as schools and churches, all in one. Now that's compassion in action.  

Thulani helped me face my fears by taking me to his ostrich farm in Africa. Though I was nervous at first, okay so maybe I was terrified, I soon "discovered" that finding freedom from my "ostrich-phobia" was cause for celebrating. Contrary to my past beliefs, not every ostrich is out to get me. In fact, Ollie turned out to be more friendly than frightening (especially when offered red jelly beans).

I visited some remote villages with my new friend Masozi. As I watched Masozi reach out to touch and bless the many village children, I couldn't help but be filled with God's love for each of these precious kids. I pray this chieftain's child in the photo will grow to know the love of Jesus. After all, salvation in Jesus is truly the best "discovery" anyone could ever make.

In Africa, I was reminded of how much I have and how often I take things for granted. Things that seem as simple as running water, electricity, a vehicle, and even three nutritious meals a day was a special privilege - even just a dream - in many of the places I visited. It was humbling to meet people who lived with so little. I "discovered" that I not only want to be more grateful, but I also want to look for ways to live with less so I can give more, especially to people who have such big needs.
I "discovered" a lot of things exploring the streets of Mumbai, India. A lot of sad, heartbreaking things. I found old men digging through trash cans in search of something they could sell or eat. I found young mothers lying with half-naked children on the sidewalks. I found blind and crippled beggars holding out their hands, hoping someone would take pity on them...

The more I explored Mumbai, the more I saw the darkness of it. But then, in the midst of the poverty and need, I found the light of God's love. His light was shining in Mumbai in the form of His servants. They were feeding the hungry street children, providing free medical clinics, and worshiping in a church in the heart of one of India's darkest places. Because of the love of Jesus, I "discovered" HOPE and LIFE where at first all I saw was darkness.

This photo of Adeline wearing the Indian sari I brought home reminds me of the special friendship that I share with my little sister. As much as I love exploring the world, I'm always glad I can come home and share my adventures with Adeline. Her excitement nearly matches my own. In fact, it was her excitement to raise money to purchase Bibles for Christians in China that led me on this latest adventure. You know, I can't help but wonder if God had Adeline in mind when He wrote Isaiah 11:6 ...and a little child shall lead them. He sure uses her often enough to lead me.

I "discovered" a fish market in China that got me thinking of the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 men with the five loaves of bread and the two fish. (It also brought back memories of how God miraculously provided for nearly 200 kids at the Filipino children's camp with supplies meant for only 90.) Looking again at this photo, I noticed the many sizes, shapes and colors of the fishes, and I remembered that Jesus not only called His disciples to follow Him, but He also promised to make them "fishers of men" - men from every tongue, tribe and nation. You know, that's really what my travels have been about. Sharing the Good News of salvation in Jesus and making disciples from every nation.

In some ways, my China adventure brought me full-circle. I can't help but remember meeting Jesus here for the first time, but I feel that I met Him again in a new way as I "discovered" the freedom of forgiveness from a different angle. My journey to forgiveness with Tat Shing seems more like the beginning of a new adventure than the ending of one. I wonder what memory-making discoveries lie ahead...

Encourage the kids to make a "memory album" of God's faithfulness. Make a booklet or simply write or draw on a paper listing some things that God has done in your lives. Be sure to take time to share with each other the many ways that God has been faithful to you. Don't forget to thank Him for the things that we often take for granted like salvation, food, shelter, etc. Then encourage kids to pray for people throughout the world who are less fortunate and have yet to hear the Good News that Jesus Saves!