The Zoo Exhibit

“And now, folks, I'd like to direct your attention to our newest exhibit, coming up on your right. What you will see here is a very rare specimen indeed; a single American female. Be sure to notice her unusual markings, best observed in her out of the ordinary clothing. Though she is very quiet when under observation, we are hoping that she will come out of her shell as she adapts to her new environs. Her favorite question to be asked is her age and whether she is married. Please continue to pursue this line of questioning even when she no longer wishes to do so, as this conversation is sure to help her quickly adjust to her new surroundings. Please also feel free to take a second look as you pass by and comment on her strangeness to all who are with you. We sincerely hope that you enjoy your visit today to the Tierova Neighborhood Zoo and invite you to return again very soon.”

I am once again reminded that I'm no longer in Kansas and there's no clicking my ruby red slippers to find myself in the comfort of America again. Grocery shopping feels like a full contact sport with narrow aisles and loose wheeled carts careening around corners. I can purchase all varieties of unrefrigerated meats at the outdoor meat market, including chickens with their heads still on, intestines of various animals and fish heads for that most delicious soup of all, Fish Soup. I now make multiple trips weekly to the grocery store and markets, because I can only bring home what I can carry as I walk back and forth.

Before I left home, I had quite a few people ask me if I was having second thoughts about what I was getting ready to do. My answer was always “No.” I don't know about everyone else, but it took me quite a while to work through what God was asking me to do, respond in the affirmative, and then figure out where He wanted me to go and with what organization. God in His own timing introduced me to IM, showed me where He wanted me to be and then provided all my needs to get me here. I know that if I come to a point where I start questioning what I'm doing here, all I have to do is look back at what God did to point me in this direction. And If I'm honest with myself, I'll understand that doubt is a tool used to distract me from the ministry that God has given me.

My brother, a missionary in Eastern Ukraine, has always made an impact on me with a statement that he makes, “I'm not special because I'm a missionary. Anyone can be a missionary. All you have to do is respond to God's commandment. The question is not, 'Why am I missionary?', the question is, 'Why aren't you?' “ This statement used to bother me, as I didn't think that everyone was called to be a missionary. The problem wasn't with my brother, though, the problem was with me. The commandment that we have been given is to go into all the world, preach the gospel and make disciples of every nation. The wonderful thing is that we have all been given different gifts to reach different people. Our God has gifted us with the ability to reach the lost and dying world in a myriad of different ways. Each and every one of us can be used to bring people to God through gifts, talents, abilities and characteristics that draw in the vastly unique personalities to whom God has given life.

As I look around, I see a different culture from the one in which I grew up. And though I'm not in Kansas anymore, or North Carolina as it may be, I know that those differences matter very little. What matters to God are the hurt and dying people hurrying past me every day. These same people have no hope in life and try to hide their hopelessness in alcohol, relationships and praying to carved or painted images. I hurt for their despair and am angry for the power that Satan has over the minds of men. May we be faithful witnesses of our Lord and Savior, who called us to bring in the harvest.

“I heard Him call, 'Come follow.'

My gold grew dim,

My soul went after Him.

Who would not follow

If they heard Him call?”