James 1:26-27

Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.

- The Message

Micah 6:6-8

How can I stand up before God and show proper respect to the high God?
Should I bring an armload of offerings topped off with yearling calves?Would God be impressed with thousands of rams, with buckets and barrels of olive oil? Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child, my precious baby, to cancel my sin? But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.

-The Message

Countdown: 82 days!!

It is hard to believe that I will be leaving in a short few months to embark on this new journey. I have mixed feelings I'll be honest. This is a big step for me in my life. I have never been away from my friends and family for more than 3 weeks at a time, and let's face it 6 months is a half of a year! A lot happens in 6 months! At the same time, as it will be hard to say goodbye I am so excited for the growth I will experience during my time in Africa.

I am excited to see what it is really like for it to be just God and I. Often times we rely on the relationships we have on earth to get us through, and I won't have that face to face daily connection with my family and friends while I am there.

I'm scared! I'll be honest. I in no way am some super woman who has no fear. I am probably one of the most fearful people when it comes to change and the "unknown". God has a sense of humor! But this gives me an opportunity to really hand everything over to God. I am not going to a safe place, I am going alone, I am completely vulnerable. But isn't that how God yanks at our heart? Isn't that when we grow the most? I can't wait!

I can't wait to really experience living in a different culture. To really experience the God of the universe. I can't wait to see God work in the people I am around on a daily basis. I am so excited!
During the process preparing for this trip I have seen God's hand work in amazing ways. I can't tell you how blessed I am to have so much support from people; even people I just met! Amazing! God has blessed me with financial support in ways I wasn't expecting! Even the stressful process of applying for a visa, God still shows me who is in control. I can't do this without Him!

Here is my support letter, it gives a pretty good idea of what I will be doing and so on. Enjoy!

Dear Family and Friends,

Hello there! I pray that this letter finds you and your family well. I am now in my fourth and final year at Huntington University; during my time here I have felt God’s calling in my life to pursue an education in ministry; therefore I will soon be graduating from Huntington University with a major in Family & Children’s Ministry and Missions. The Lord has been so faithful! He is doing wonderful things and I know that He will continue to be faithful to finish the good work He has started in me, especially this last year of school.

As part of my course of study, I am required to do a six month internship called PRIME (Practical Research and Immersion in Ministry Effectiveness). The purpose of PRIME is to put into practice the theories and principles I have been studying in my courses. The previous three years of my study have consisted of a combination of educational ministries, Bible, and core curriculum classes. An important aspect of the PRIME program allows me to see firsthand what ministry is like and to gain valuable insights into ministry, as well as myself.
For my PRIME, I have chosen to go to Welkom, South Africa where I will be working with a missionary couple who run a ministry directed toward people living in a squatter camp known as Hani Park. Their focus is toward the orphaned and vulnerable children of this area. My internship will include a wide array of experiences including: teaching Sunday school, working in a preschool, after school programs, teen ministry, developing programs for Restore Ministries and Bible club. On January 31, 2009 I will be departing for South Africa for 6 months in order to fulfill my internship at Huntington.

The cost of this trip is $10,000 which includes airfare, living arrangements, visas, vaccinations, health insurance etc. Any surplus money received I will use wherever there is a need while I am there. I am excited about the opportunity to serve and to minister, and I ask you to join me in this ministry. I am seeking your support and prayers for this ministry experience.

If you are able to assist with this trip, I would ask that you forward any donation to me with the check or money order payable to:

Christian Bible Fellowship

Heather Stemen

1290 Springwood Ave.

Gibsonville, NC 27249

Thank you in advance for your prayers and your financial support. May God bless you richly!

In Christ,

Heather Stemen

My first post!

Hello Everyone!

So I must inform you that this is one of my very first experiences in blogging, so we will see how this goes. My purpose for doing this is in order to keep you updated with all the plans for Africa, and more importantly when I am there. I want to share with you the things that God is teaching me and for you to see secondhand what all I am involved in when I get to South Africa!

Please check out the website for the ministry I will be working with: www.restore.za.org

Heather