My goal is for this blog to be a place of encouragement and hope with the focus always on Jesus. He is the only hope we truly have for life.

My wife, Connie and I served as missionaries in Southern and Eastern Africa and were blessed with three wonderful children born in Johannesburg. It was a privilege to be part of the church in Africa and to witness the power of prayer among the people. It is often in the midst of poverty and persecution that people fully understand the depth of joy, graciousness and faith. Many look for it within worldly structures but quickly find it missing. Christian Believers understand God is the only source of true joy and hope.

One of our favorite activities as a family when we were living in Africa was to go on safari. There is nothing like waking up in the early morning hours, leaving the game camp at sunrise and anticipating the first sighting. You drive out of the camp expecting to see some amazing animals. Occasionally you see some animals at the gate but more often than not, you drive for hours. Yet the excitement never ceases. You may grow weary, frustrated and doubtful, but you never lose that edge of excitement.

So why call my blog – Prayer Safari? Because we are on a life adventure and when the journey is with God and other believers, then it is an exciting adventure. Daily I anticipate something new and exciting in my prayer time. Occasionally it is right at the morning gate but more often it is found during the long drive through the day. Prayer safari is similar to being on a game safari, you never know what you will encounter.

I invite you to join me on this safari. Yes, going on an African safari is awesome, you never know what is around the bend. You may experience a pride of lions and stop for hours watching and enjoying their spectacular majesty, playfulness and power.  Often you get only a quick glimpse of a Dik-dik, the reclusive and smallest of antelopes. Or maybe you see multiple sightings of dozens of ordinary Impalas, yet in each you marvel at God’s creation.

However, more amazing is being on a daily prayer safari and living life on safari with God. It is an amazing journey and together we look to God for the real encouragement, hope and purpose we need for our lives. Life lived on safari with God is an amazing journey. Unlike the uncertainty of animal sightings on a game safari, God is ever present. God is the shelter and rock to build upon. He is the only story that has no beginning and no end. He has kept his promise to always be with us through our life journey. He is with us through the good times and the not so good times.

My desire for this blog post to be a source of encouragement to you. A place where you find inspiration from stories and most importantly, scripture.  A place that we share our commonality of faith in Jesus.

God is great.