Kookie Cut-Outs by Rachel Britz

In the spring of 1995 a tiny seed was planted in my heart. One day, I would go to Africa on a mission. It was a secret then. Embedded into the chamber of my fertile heart. A hope. A pact made between two squirmy friends on a bus ride home from a track meet.

For almost a decade I forgot about the dream. I was a girl who lost herself in a world of self indulgences. For a time, this devotion to myself created a separation. A crack on the spiritual soil of my life. Dividing the dream from the dreamer. I married, had babies, built my career, and built a home. I wrestled with my identity in the world. I wrestled with my identity in the One.

It wasn’t until I started to do this that a radical change began in me.

Surrender. I remember the simple prayer. Unclenching my fists, turning them palm up, and whispering… I am yours! Please change me. Please bless me God.

A few months later we hit rock bottom. The beginning of my husband and I’s new business wasn’t making ends meet and we didn’t have enough money to pay the bills. It was painful, ever aching. I cried out. But something happened to me in the middle of that season. This is an excerpt from my journal:

August 2, 2005 – “So much focus has been given to the extreme poverty and starving families living in Africa. My heart breaks for the mother who cannot fee her children or bring comfort to her sick child. Life in our own home continues to be stressful, still unclear of the direction God is leading us into… yet, above all this, my children have full belly’s and are happy and healthy. Praise you Lord for your blessings!”

That dormant seed laying upon dried up soil was beginning to be sprinkled with water. A blessing of thanksgiving through the hard times.

But again, I discovered that He never let me go and He always carried me through.

In 2008, I met a World Vision ambassador who participated in one of the very first Livestock Music Festival events. We connected immediately. Her heart had been broken for the people of Sierra Leone, Africa and her story and passion inspired me greatly. I wanted to go. I wanted to help make a difference to these hurting people. I was ready and willing…but God had other plans.

I remember the morning I awoke from the most vivid dream. Standing on a beach along the tropical shore of western Africa, God revealed to me that my roots needed to grow. It was hard but I humbly accepted. Ever since that time, I have repeatedly turned my palms up and patiently awaited the gentle call to go…to be sent!

On Sunday I will fly east, and after a day’s long journey my feet will be upon African soil.

I believe that God has planted a dream in each one of us. A hope or a vision. Sometimes he is waiting for us to unclinch our fists, while other times he needs to work on the soil of our hearts and prepare us for the fruition of his marvelous plans. I believe for you that God see’s your dreams. It may take years and seasons to pass but He is faithful to complete the good work he has already began in you.

What is the dream you have in your heart? Can I pray for it with you?