Eric in North Africa

My trip to North Africa this summer was great. I think that a lot of it had to do with my mind-set. I know I got some help with that from my best friend, Jesus. OK, A LOT of help from Him. We did have our share of problems—like drinking water from the Nile that looked like chocolate milk (the filters clog up REAL quick with THAT water!), but things were still great. Looking back at the problems I struggled with in the United States, I am amazed at how trifling they seem now, and how, with God’s help, I have been able to overcome those things. In this land I am happy simply because I have the luxuries of electricity and running water.

The transition did challenge us because the culture was so different, especially the rule that men don’t talk to women. However, everything mostly went well—even the 13 hour bus ride and the trip across country on top of a lorry (truck). Right off the bat, some of us even had the chance to share about Christ, with one great result—a new life that began on the airplane!!

All summer long I prayed that we would have many great encounters and get to plant some seeds. One town was not very welcoming, and we were reminded of the story in the Bible when the apostles had to shake the dust off their feet and leave the unfriendly town. I never understood that story until now. We had quite a few chances to talk to people, though, in all the places we visited. It is amazing how you can just run into people by (ahem) accident, and the Lord turns it into a great experience for His glory. Our work was new—we planted seeds and watered some—but God will bring the harvest. One day we will see full-grown plants in the middle of the desert.

—Eric, a student representative to North Africa

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