Preaching

Preaching is the pivotal moment that will make or break you in another country/context.  I preached today and all I can say is, "Thank you, Lord!"  He was present and it went well.  I guess the first preaching assignment is so nerve wrecking because it determines not only how people perceive you but also how they will receive you.  Yes, my mother always said that first impression were lasting impressions and it is so true.  I am grateful that I was received well because it was terribly difficult preparing to preach in this new environment.  When I am home, and my family hears me preaching to to the walls and furniture, it's no big deal but when you are sharing space with people, preaching to inanimate object is a little... shall we say in the Twilight Zone. 

Besides that and being as frazzled as I was yesterday, I was disturbed so deeply in my spirit at the number of children missing in Jamaica.  If I recall correctly (don't hold me to this) there were over 2,700 children between the ages of 13-17 missing in Jamaica from Jan. 2012 thru April 2013; 75% of the missing are females.  It is guestimated that many of these children are involved in the sex trade along the coasts. 

Can you hear the cry of the lamb?