I unearthed an old application letter last night.  It was written just over a year ago, as I was trying to find an opportunity to serve overseas.  It ended up getting me an internship with ANPPCAN in Kenya, supported through the Canadian government.

It was really interesting to read through it again, especially as I reflect on everything that’s happened since getting on that plane for Africa.  There were a few paragraphs that really stood out to me.  These were taken from the future goals section of the essay: (more…)

“No one can do very much alone;
together we can change the world.”

It’s been one month to the day that I arrived in Toronto.  The dream of The World Awaits has been constantly on my mind, and I’m finally in a position to pursue it with the passion and urgency it deserves.  I came across this quote sometime last year, and it’s always been a deep inspiration to me.  Since arriving in Toronto, I have not been able to commit myself fully.  One month later, that opportunity is before me.  Please pray that I don’t shrink back from the challenges ahead.

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.

A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets:

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!

- W. H. Murray, from The Scottish Himalayan Expedition (1951)

Made a few changes to the site since arriving in Fort Wayne.  I’ll be handing out flyers today at church and hope to raise awareness through other avenues as well.  I’m doing my best to stay positive even though the thought of raising the remaining $1850 in a week is fairly overwhelming. I still believe that God put this on my heart for a reason though.  I’m not sure what will happen… but the Scriptures continue to encourage me to press forward.  At this point it’s in God’s hands…

“Everything is possible for him who believes.” (Mark 9:23)

The Rhino Fund is an attempt to raise $2000 for Kenyan children through the organizations of ANPPCAN and Huruma Children’s Home.  I had initially planned to just send money over to support some of their various programs.  After discussing with Dr. Onyango (ANPPCAN) and Mama Zipporah (Huruma) though, we decided this would not be the most fruitful way to invest this fund.

One of the goals of The World Awaits is to partner and empower as opposed to just sending money.  Therefore, the money raised through the Rhino Fund will go towards sending the first team of volunteers to Kenya.  This team will work directly with ANPPCAN and Huruma to help meet their needs and achieve some of their long-term goals.  If you think you might be interested in joining this team, please click here.

The window of opportunity to raise these funds is quickly closing.  We have until September 15th 2008 to raise the remaining $1370!  If you would like to support this fund, please make a pledge!  I’m confident that it will contribute to changed lives.  Not only to the children involved, but to the volunteers as well.