Surrender

In September, as I started another school year with 30 other French language students and 45 Bible school students, I attended a chapel as I did each week. Mark brought us a challenge; to be completely surrendered to Jesus Christ. He showed us a yellow piece of paper taped to the inside back cover of His Bible which said, “All that I am… all that I have… all that I hope to become… I consecrate now and forever to the Lord Jesus Christ for His glory and for His service, completely and unconditionally.” It was signed and dated and served as a reminder of the commitment that he made to Christ many years ago. I had made the same commitment to Christ long ago, but God was prompting me to renew my vow once more. So, I picked up a small piece of yellow paper from the front of the classroom and sought out two witnesses to sign it with me. It was then tucked away in my Bible. Frequently I pull that little piece of paper out and read it over, many times with tears in my eyes as I think about the fact that the sacrifice of my life is so small in comparison with the reward of being a child of God. The day I left Quebec, I found that pledge tucked snugly next to Psalm 34. With tears streaming down my face I turned to the two young ladies who had signed the little yellow paper with me, and I said with trembling voice, “today I live this.” Even now, as I write this, my heart is filled with so many emotions. I am heartbroken to have left so many places and so many dear people. I am overjoyed to have finally arrived in Cameroon after years of preparation. I am intimidated by the task of learning Baka language and culture. I am comforted to be part of an amazing team of missionaries. And though I can be so unfaithful, I am amazed at God’s faithfulness and love.