CHRIST LOVE SHOWN TO ME! (Surprise party)

After a week of battling the unexpected decision making of going back to Africa or not, I was sitting listening to a sermon by Tony Merida, when I heard these words... "aren't you glad God didn't just tell us He loved us, but showed us He loved us by sending His perfect Son to die for us?" This was directly after reading 1 John 3:18 which states...

"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."

At this very instant I made up my mind.... I was going to Uganda! I was going to SHOW Christ's love through my DEEDS!

Two nights ago my friends lived this verse out, as I walked into a room of over 30 people screaming SURPRISE! I had never felt so loved in my life. Christ's love was shown to me!

My friends gathered together to raise money to send me to Africa. Not because they love me. Not because Africa sounds like a fun trip. And not because they wanted a reason to have a party. They gathered together because they LOVE GOD and treasure the Gospel, believing in God's call to "Tell the Nations," and they were going to give me the opportunity to share the Gospel in Uganda.

It all started at 5:30 when my sweet friend Brittany Hall picked me up for dinner to go eat at an African Restaurant. Not only her, but both of my roommates suggested that I dress nice, which I couldn't exactly figure out why (Gina also made it very clear I should take a shower). So I headed out with Brittany dressed up and showered, and after a AMAZING African meal with a unique eating experience, (we ate on a floor under a small hut) we headed home.

Brittany was acting strange, but I didn't think too much of it. I then began getting agitated that no one had contacted to me to hang out... and it was a Friday night... soooo, me being me, I texted another friend saying, "so, i guess we are all taking a break from each other tonight?" We returned home and I pondered on whether I should invite Brittany in or not. She made up some dumb lie of why she needed to come in, and I exclaimed, "I think I am just going to go to bed now."

When I walked in I saw a sign saying, "SURPRISE! HELP US SEND JORDAN TO AFRICA!" Then I saw a few friends, and I began to look around and the faces continued to multiply.

Just when I thought things could not get crazy enough... My mom popped her head around the corner, and with her stood a bunch of our Elizabeth City friends. I do not believe I have ever smiled so big!

We enjoyed a WONDERFUL time eating, talking, and encouraging.

I honestly was predicting 100 or 200 dollars to be raised. Keep in mind, these were a bunch of college kids.

......drum roll...... they raised..... $1160!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God is sooooo amazing! He provides for me even when my faith is weak, and I fail to put my trust in Him!

I have never felt so loved!

BLESSED to have friends who planned this event in my life, as well as everyone else who was there to support me! I am humbled by this experience and stand amazed by a God who provides!!!