Day 1
Group Study/Discussion (Week 1)
PLANTING SEEDS OF LIFE (WEEK 1 OF LENT)
Day 1
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT ZIMBABWE THAT SPEAKS TO MY SOUL.
I remember my first trip to the continent, the country, and the University. The year was 1992 when we journeyed to this special place for a special occasion. Beautiful hills and mountains, lush green forests, hundreds of enthusiastic people, all create precious memories of the official Opening Ceremonies for Africa University. Since that trip, I have had the good fortune to return several times. One of my greatest professional achievements has been to serve as a part of the study team to develop and implement the Faculty (School) of Health Sciences at the University. That responsibility afforded the opportunity to work with other health professionals from Zimbabwe, China, and the U.S. to dream, research, plan, develop, and see to fruition the newest Faculty at the University. It was during one of the study and planning trips that I had the occasion to visit hospitals and clinics in the area and to speak with care providers as we sought to make the most informed recommendation for the Faculty. The entire experience has taught me to be even more aware of the precious gifts of life that are too often taken for granted: adequate supplies of and access to clean water; protection from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry; nutrition and hydration for infants and babies; adequate food supply; clean and safe places of care when illnesses and diseases invade the body of self or loved one; and so much more.
We can make a difference in the lives of Zimbabweans and in our own lives when we grow enough to share that which has been given to us.
PRAYER: Gracious God. Increase our trust in you so that we may share with our brothers and sisters near and far.
CHALLENGE: Today, for every e-mail message I send and receive, I will donate $1 to the AU Scholarship Endowment Fund.
Mackie Norris, Cascade UMC Atlanta, Georgia
