Pushing Back Darkness

Amy Kernal, who has been living at the orphanage in Wellington will be returning to America in December.  God has provided yet another person who is willing to sacrifice  6 months of their American life to live in Sierra Leone, Africa.  She will be a tutor, sister and friend to 80 orphaned children. Her name is Deborah Lange….

I am twenty years old and the middle of 5 children. I lost my Dad to cancer when I was 10, my life has been characterized by experiencing an abundance of God’s faithfulness and Grace through many tough trials. I am currently enrolled in a Christian Counselors program in OKC, and I love Africa with all my Heart!!

Here’s a little bit of the journey God has brought me through concerning SL.

Since the young age of 9 my life dream has been to “be a missionary and run an orphanage.” As I got older and saw no opportunities of this dream becoming reality, it began to slip out of the immediate picture and I focused my ministry building with the principle of ‘bloom where planted.’ God had chosen for my mission field to be Edmond, Oklahoma for the time being. I was investing myself there and focusing on where He led me.

In the fall of 2008 I showed up at church and to my surprise and pleasure found out the Rev. Hassan Masaray from Africa was speaking. I sat through the whole service with tears welling up in my eyes and the Holy Spirit strongly pulling at my heart and life!

Through a series of many amazing events and confirmations God sent me to Sierra Leone for a two week missions trip in March. Before I left Africa, I already knew I was called to come back and had planned my return in July. That time I was able stay nearly a month.

My lifelong dream was beginning to become more and more of a reality.

Both trips to Sierra Leone were designed primarily to disciple and minister to the children in the Wellington Orphanage. My heart soared for those weeks as God allowed me to live the most fulfilling life I can imagine; being poured out in love and service for those who need it most! He knit my heart so quickly with the Africans and in ways I never knew were possible.

Leaving was extremely difficult but I’ve continued to do my best at keeping up in correspondence and in prayer with those precious lives God brought into my life.

A flood of emotions and thoughts rushed through me when 4HIM approached me about a 6 month move to Sierra Leone to continue the discipleship, education and ministry focused on the orphanage. I knew it was exactly the desire of my heart and my life’s passion to live such a life. Through much prayer over the weeks that followed God brought confirmation and clarity to my decision to go back.

I know in my own strength I am not talented enough or capable enough to handle this task, but I rely on my God who is!!

While in Africa during July God gave me a much stronger passion and vision for the kids, the orphanage, and the country, and I am thrilled beyond words that God is giving me the opportunity to take a hands-on role and to see those changes become a reality.

There is a dire need for Education, Discipleship, Leadership training, and so much more for the 86 children at Wellington Orphanage.

I am thrilled and honored to have the privilege to be involved with His work in and with them.

1 Thess 5:24 is my current life verse “He who called you is faithful and He will do it” and I believe it with every fiber of my being.

We are trying to raise the $4,000 it will cost for Deborah to be with these precious ones for the next 6 months. If you feel you would like to give towards this eternal investment in the lives of these children please email me at Shannacrawford@hotmail.com. All donations are tax deductible.