Back to Africa

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"Seek HIS will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take."

Proverbs 3:6

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Why does this concept always seem so difficult? I find this true in my life. I want it my way, my time, my agenda. Me. Sometimes I think God lets us move in our own direction for a little while, and then He makes His plan known. Right about the time everything I try to do seems to be falling apart, He whispers and says, "Christian, I am right here. Speak to me and find peace in my plan."

For months now, I have been trying to figure out my plans for this summer. I started pursuing a study abroad trip to the middle east. After months of going through that process, God made it clear that the door for that trip was closing. This was a process that took much prayer and patience. During that time, God taught me a lot about my need for His provision in my life. After that door closed, I continued to pray about where the Lord wanted me this summer. I pursued a few job opportunities in Little Rock with Starbucks and other locations. Those seemed to maybe have a positive outcome. As I moved in that direction further, the door was closed again. I'll admit that I was discouraged, but I wanted to keep praying. I knew God had purpose, and He had a plan.

A few weeks go by and I got a phone call. Sarah Ray with Yobel Market (our original contact with Canaan Farm) wanted to let me know about a trip she was leading to the Farm this summer. She had heard that I was praying about where the Lord wanted me for the summer. Sarah asked me to consider going to Canaan Farm this summer to help lead the trip, and assist in multiple projects. Of course I was instantly excited, but I knew I really needed to seek the Lord on this. I got off the phone with her and called my parents. I asked them to be fervently praying with me. I also asked a few of my mentors to do the same. I asked God to clear all thoughts of circumstances...time, money, details, etc... and to speak to me on this. Through confirmations in scripture and seeking wisdom from my parents and mentors, I feel God is clearly calling me back to Uganda this summer.

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"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed."

Proverbs 31:8

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Now for the details. I will be going with a team of roughly 18 students/parents/interns. The leaders will be leaving around the 26th of May, and we will be there 1 week before the students and parents arrive. We will then be there for 3 more weeks with the new arrivers. Multiple projects will be happening during our time there. Canaan Farm is in the process of starting the construction of a primary school. I will be assisting with the details surrounding the construction of staff housing for the school as a well as construction of the school. As many of you already know, Yobel Market started a jewelry making project with women on the farm a few years ago, as a way to provide sustainable income. I will be helping start a micro-finance loan opportunity for the residents of the farm, which they can apply for to help grow their businesses. Also, being a returning visitor to the farm, I will be able to be an ambassador to the farm for those who've not been. I will continue to develop the relationships V-team started when we were there last year. The opportunities for ministry and growth on the farm are endless, and I am responding to God's call to help and be a part of all this. The need there is great and I am open to whatever God may have for my time there.

The rough timeline of the trip is from May 26th to the end of June or beginning of July. I need to raise $1300 for my plane ticket which I need to purchase very soon. The cost of my time there which includes all visas, travel, food, lodging, etc. is $1000. So with my plane ticket and living cost, I am in need of raising $2300. I know this is extremely short notice, but I am trusting the Lord with His provision. I ask that you pray for this trip to Uganda, and also pray about supporting me in this. As you know, it is already the middle of April and May 26th is very soon. I need to purchase a plane ticket asap. I am praying and trusting that God will provide in this, and asking that you would be a part of this with me.

If you would like to be involved either in prayer or giving, please contact me by email or phone (provided at the bottom). If you plan on making a financial contribution, checks can be made out to me and mailed to the address provided. As you know, time is of the essence, so a quick response would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

In Christ,

Christian Outlaw

Mailing Address:

Christian Outlaw

20501 Roland Heights

Roland, AR 72135

Phone:

(719) 502-1163

Email:

outlaw.christian@gmail.com

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OutlawC@jbu.edu