Our Global God: The Journey to Africa

In November of last year I met Ted, a white-haired man in his mid-eighties who used to live at the elderly home we visit each month. Ted was in WWII, stationed in Germany as a machine gunner. A fellow soldier was shot in battle, falling into his arms, but Ted “kept him quiet” until the firestorm stopped, then hauled him to the back lines, saving his life.

“I never knew who he was, but he lived,” Ted said. [Rescue.]

Ted told me the story of how his pastor gave him a verse before he went overseas. During our Christmas visit, I followed Ted to his room where he flipped through his Bible. His WWII verse was Psalm 91:7. “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.”

Ted made it out of WWII without even a scratch. [Protection.]

Last spring, I wrote a worship song about Ted’s experience entitled “Rescue,” based on Psalm 91. During a Tuesday night church community gathering, where we were sending a team of nine missionaries to Zimbabwe, we played the song for the first time.

Afterwards, Craig, our American missionary leader who has established Vital Connections, a long-standing ministry in Zimbabwe with his wife Teresa, thought to himself, “That song is for Africa.” A friend asked for the chords and lyrics, and days later, I recorded a rough demo and sent it with the team on an iPod to Zimbabwe.

When the team returned, they reported great news about their experience, including how “Rescue” had taken on a life of its own during worship in Africa, how it had ministered to the people of Zimbabwe.

It continues to this day, and Simon, a worship leader in Zimbabwe, hopes to have it published. [God.]

Zimbabwe is facing an incredible crisis. Once one of Africa’s most profitable countries with stable crops and economy, a series of events have turned it into one of the world’s poorest nations. With the world’s highest inflation rate, a mounting AIDS crisis, unthinkable unemployment rates, malnutrition and food shortages, the country is in desperate need of rescue.

Following a series of unusual, ordained appointments, I’ve decided to join a missionary team of six headed to Zimbabwe in November 2007. We will spend our two weeks leading a youth conference to equip young Christian leaders, visiting a children’s ministry, working and worshiping alongside Zimbabwe Christians to further the Kingdom of God and share the love of Christ. [Unity.]

In the spring, I had an idea about creating a documentary on the world’s churches. Though this may not be part of that larger picture, one of my primary roles on the Zimbabwe team will be taking video and digital cameras to document the experience of Zimbabwe’s Christians. Though, inevitably, this experience will change and challenge us on the team, it is about unity in the Body of Christ: beyond cultural barriers, beyond rich and poor, beyond black and white. [Reconciliation.]

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of being self-employed, running a video production company and freelance writing. I’m confident all of this is connected; both with the freedom of a flexible schedule, as well as the ability to document this journey. Part of my calling is “to live and tell stories,” realizing this story has already spread over three continents. I’m confident God will use the humble efforts of people working in art and media to further expand His Kingdom. [Jehovah Jireh.]

The global Christian church has awakened to the great needs in Africa, and we are all part of that movement. “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12)

The trip will take place from November 28, 2007 to December 13, 2007, concluding with a two-day stay at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Great Wonders of the World.

I’ve experienced God’s provision in amazing ways over the past 18 months, challenging me, humbling me, and opening my eyes to the greatness of our God. I look forward to this journey with eager anticipation of God’s continued movement.

If you’re interested in helping through prayer or tax-deductible donations, please email me (aaroncarriere [at] gmail.com). Thank you for your prayers and support, words fall short to express my gratitude. Please call or email, or follow the journey (though communication during the trip may be limited) on the blog.

In the grace of God,

-Aaron

Prayer Requests for Zimbabwe:

• Rising up and strengthening of Zimbabwe leaders and the African church.
• Relief from AIDs, inflation and poverty.
• Global unity in the Body of Christ.
• Eternal impact for all involved.
• Effective planning on trip’s short notice.
• Safety and protection for the missions team.
• God’s continued movement through new media.