Real Gems!

I had the opportunity in May to share our calling to Africa with a girls' club, Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior (GEMS), at the Reformed Church of German Valley. The GEMS had been raising money to supply school materials for impoverished children in Africa. Using $5 in seed money they held an ice cream social and raised enough to reach their goal.

These girls were a delight to be around. It was moving to see their concern and compassion for the people of Africa. After sharing for

about fifteen minutes I fielded some very interesting questions. Learning that 50% of the population in Zambia is under the age of fifteen stirred their hearts even further.

At my display table were various souvenirs from our trips to Africa including a basket of chitenges. Chitenges are pieces of brightly colored fabric which African women wrap around their waists as skirts. They are versatile in their uses, but, primarily are used to carry an infant on a mother's back. These pictures were taken after our time of "dress-up".

Being able to speak with these girls was a privilege. It definitely gave me some much-needed practice. However, what I treasured most was to see the girls' hearts of love and compassion toward others. As I drove away from the church that Wednesday night, I wondered if God might not call one of these girls to the mission field one day. Who knows, maybe to Africa!