The Guarded Heart...Cultivating A Burden

Just a few more days and we will be leaving for Cameroon, Africa! As the days get closer to our departure, the burden for the lives that we will be coming in contact with is growing more intense.  Many times in ministry, we allow ourselves to become intellectual in our methods as to not let our hearts and emotions get "too involved" in the mission.  We are naturally people of precautions when it comes to our hearts. It hasn't always been like this though, has it?  When we were just innocent children, we were able to just let our hearts go, and become emotionally attached to so many "things" and people. As time goes on and people start to hurt us, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and "things" don't always work out like we plan, our hearts seem to become more guarded in our endeavors even in ministry, medical work, and our everyday jobs.  So I am asking God to peel back and expose our hearts for these people, and help us to let go of our insecurites so that we can cultivate a true burden for the souls of mankind in Cameroon.  This is not just an opportunity to minister to people physically and spiritually, no, this is an opportunity to give glory to God because God deserves their worship. God deserves their hearts. God deserves their service. So, the burden comes, in that, as we minister to the needs before us, the Lamb would receive the reward of His suffering. What is it in your life today that God wants to purge? What deep corner of your heart are you holding back because of past hurt and failure?  Can we allow Him to take what was meant for evil, and give it to Him , and allow Him to turn it around for our good and His glory?  He is the perfect mender! God, help us to hold nothing back, and live our lives full throttle for You! Please pray for us as we prepare for departure! We love you all!