The following is a partial listing of ways in which individuals can become involved with the initiative:
- Become a part of the prayer ministry and receive frequent updates of prayer needs.
- Use your medical expertise to help set up rural medical clinics in Into Africa fields. This is a short-term or long-term opportunity.
- Use your experience in agriculture or public health to help improve the health of communities. This is a short-term or long-term opportunity.
- Be a prayer warrior during periodic meetings of trainers, coordinators, or supervisors. These conferences generally last between three and six days.
- Participate in Bible and literature distribution during evangelistic campaigns.
- If you have theological training and speak a country's local or national language, be a part of the speaking team at special events.
- Use your background in business or government leadership to be a speaker at a country's kick-off banquet with the African Operation leadership ministry. No local language knowledge is needed, as translation can be provided.
- Perform central office functions, including database management, literature development, and correspondence, in South Africa to support the field activities of the Into Africa Project. This is a short-term or long-term opportunity.
- If using sports in ministry is your passion, contact J-Life about short-term or long-term opportunities to become a part of their youth outreach.
- If you have a pastoral or lay Christian leadership background, become an ECC shepherd to encourage our Christian brothers and sisters in Africa.
- Become a multi-country supervisor, in which you would train, oversee and help guide the ministries of the VCP coordinators and trainers in your area.
- Settle in a non-traditional area as a "tent maker" in support of outreach to the community. This is a long-term opportunity.
- Use your interest or experience in sustainable development to help roll out the Sustainable Development Program. This is a short-term or long-term opportunity.
- Work with us to raise awareness in your community about what God is doing in Africa.
- Contribute financially by supporting one or more of the missionaries or projects listed on this website.
A Short-Term Missionary Reports from the Field
The following report chronicles some of Michelle Westlake's experiences in Burundi as a short-term missionary...
He Orchestrates Our Paths – Even Halfway Around the World
As I sat in that room, trying to take in every moment, I told God I didn’t think my heart could be fuller. Being reunited and praising the Lord together was indescribable throughout the entire trip to Burundi.
This summer I was able to travel to Africa with Sister Connection, a ministry dedicated to the healing of war widows and orphans in Burundi. Once again, I was reminded of God’s grace, protection and constant care for His children. He kept our group safe during the trip and answered our prayers for a safe and peaceful parliament and presidential election in Burundi
June 27, the day before the presidential election, we had a short gathering with some of the widows we ministered to in the city. A group of men, called The Pilgrims, came and sang, and the widows gave testimony and praise. As I sat in that room, trying to take in every moment, I told God I didn’t think my heart could be fuller. Being reunited and praising the Lord together was indescribable throughout the entire trip. The Lord gave me a verse before I left the States that kept ringing true every step in Burundi ― Proverbs 13:19, “A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul.”
The day of the election, we stayed out of the streets and in our hotel for the day. Everything was peaceful, praise the Lord! After election day, we were able to visit some of our Sister Connection widows in their homes. God gave me a special time with one widow named, Esther.
Esther’s husband John was killed during the civil war between the Hutu and Tutsi. She was left with six children to care for on her own. While we were at her home, she spoke of the difficult times and how it was hard to provide for her family. I fought back the tears a little, but mostly, I chose not to fight them.
Michelle and Esther
It was a surprise to even get to make this extra stop to meet Esther and her neighbor Adella, but I was even more surprised when I realized God had allowed me to meet the mother of one of my Burundian friends.
Boaz is one of Esther’s sons. He was one of my interpreters the previous year during the month I spent in Burundi. He helped me greatly during the camps. He immediately became a dear friend of mine, and we kept in touch when I returned to the States. Boaz attends Hope Africa University and is studying medicine. When I asked him what he would study, he said, “Whatever field will help my country the most.
Boaz and Michelle
Boaz is a man after God’s own heart. He grew up in the war and lost his father, but if you met him, his smile, his joy and his faith would show you the strength and power of God. The opportunity to meet and talk with his mom, Esther, and to see their home was special for me. They have had tougher times than I can imagine, but their faith and perseverance are great example for me.
I was asked to pray for the family and the home before we left their house that day. Through tears, I thanked God for that family and the legacy they have, and I asked God to guard, protect and strengthen them through the difficult times to come. I continue to pray God’s blessing upon them. Please pray with me.
By Michelle Westlake, short-term missionary with Sister Connection, Burundi.
Reprinted with permission from website homepage of One Mission Society.
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