Jesus in My Life - Kristine Franklin

Pray That You Might Be Called Nyamujuok
In the heart of Africa, missionary lives in the heart of Christ.

Out of Africa
By Katie Gesto

"Nyamujuok."

That's the Shilluk tribal name which my Sudanese friends have given me. It means "given by God." In turn, I am helping the people of this tribe to understand that Someone else, Someone wonderful and mighty has been "given by God" to save them. I explain that I have been sent to them in the name of Jesus so that they too will be able to know, love and serve Him.

I don't think I could be a missionary health worker in a war-torn country like Sudan without my close friendship with Jesus Christ. At times, I see how other relief workers are energized by their sheer goodwill or by the experience of this fascinating culture. Some are spurred on by the frequent aerial and ground attacks launched all around us. The only thing that enables me to bring the love of Jesus to these suffering people in the midst of such danger is the power of the Holy Spirit and the reality of the intimate love Christ has shown me.

I don't waste time worrying about possible death or injury, because Jesus is my Friend — He is more powerful than any gun, bomb or poisonous snake. My life is in His hands, and the only thing I truly fear is that I might walk away from His love in order to follow my own will and ways. My primary mission in life is to give myself completely to Him. Unless I give my life unreservedly to Jesus, unless I am willing to walk and suffer with Him, I can never begin to grasp the true meaning of life and my purpose for being here. This is my goal as a lay missionary: first, to give all to Christ, then, to give all to the people who need Him.

I am continually amazed at how much Jesus loves me. Knowing this enables me to be myself in His presence, not hiding any flaws, weaknesses or thoughts. If I become emotionally drained or find myself in a sticky situation, I spend time with Him in prayer and tell Him all about it. Soon I feel free again, and filled with that incredibly sweet peace. And I'm ready to get back to work.

I learned this principle in the many years of my struggle to overcome bulimia. At one very low moment in my life, I was hospitalized and had to give up my college volleyball scholarship. Jesus was with me through it, and with a lot of work, prayer and help, today I can say I am totally recovered. The long period of healing was a process of learning more and more about Jesus' love for me.

With Jesus, nothing is wasted — particularly the pain from our struggles and hard times. He is so creative that we can trust Him to bring good out of the worst of situations. That is my hope for the suffering people I'm serving in South Sudan.

Mario, one of our Nuba Mountain catechists, recently said this to a visiting Italian priest: "More than the blankets, mosquito nets or food you bring to relieve us, we appreciate mostly you, yourself, coming to us, Father. Because then we are reminded that we are not forgotten and that we are a part of the worldwide Catholic Church." God can never forget them, nor any of us. How passionately He is in love with His Bride! Oh Jesus, make our hearts bigger so we can love You more! Help us all to give joyfully of the gifts we have been given by God!