To be announced

Hi friends,
No longer is my unofficial motto, "to be announced", for I have a date of departure! One step closer to a wonderful year of missions. Wonderful, of course, should not be confused with easy. It will be wonderful, but challenging and intense for sure. I am excited to heading off. It was a bit nerve racking to not have the sure date in mind, waiting for the visa, trying to pack and not knowing when the date would be, etc. So this Sunday, August 31, 2008, I will be off and away. The flight is overnight and then a 7 hour layover in Paris and then onto Benin. I was just talking with my mom today how so many people are gone for the long-weekend, "Everyone goes away for vacation on the long weekend." Then I thought, yeah me too! Just I am going a bit further for a bit longer than most indeed! For those of you reading who are starting school, or started, I do wish the best for the new school year, I pray it is a blessed one. And for everyone else, have a great year. I will be updating you as much as possible over the next year on happenings and such. I will let you know that my challenge for the first thirty days is to keep contact limited to absolute essentials. This is a way to ensure that all my focus is on getting to the people and the project. But I will most likely send one when I get there. Take care and God bless.

In His grip,
Eric

Disclaimer

Hi friends,
I had wanted to put this up earlier but kept forgetting. This is just a note that I am putting up for my own peace of mind. This blog belongs to me, in other words, while I am a missionary with Adventist Frontier Missions, this blog is not officially connected to them. AFM does not proof-read all the content. So if there is something you find disagreeable or questionable, feel free to contact me with the email in my profile. While this blog is not official AFM material, I do realize that I represent AFM and its mission and I pray that all content on this site is of a wholesome, pure, and uplifting quality, ultimately representing Christ to the world. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Eric

Another chapter

Hello friends,
Life moves by chapters in way. Steps on long road. A long, but joyous road with Christ. Another chapter has moved past, I completed the Adventist Frontier Missions Profile training and am now at home in Oshawa awaiting departure to Benin! It's pretty exciting. I am going for 9-10 months but really it seems as if I have been a missionary for a year already, just applying and telling everyone about the trip! But really the truth is that missions is life long. Everyone is a missionary. Oh yes, nice to say, but do many people really take it to heart. Well I suppose that's up to you and me. I can only decide for myself, I pray you all with take decide that too; to be a missionary wherever you are, a living example.
With excitement and prayer,
Eric

Ya, it's about time.

Howdy Jungle Friends,

It really isn't about time, life that is. It's about people. Sure time is important, Paul calls us to redeem the time, but more so he means the opportunities, so again it is about people. But what I was really talking about was that poem I promised all of you last week, and now that the Internet is back, it is once again a possibility.

"The Product of Commitment"

Whatever the nightmare may be,
God wants to set me free.

What every my struggle is,
God can make me wholly His.

Whatever God has me do,
He will get me through.

Whatever God asks me to give in love,
He will send help from above.

Whatever I experience in tragedy,
God will show His mastery.

Whatever cause like take,
All is for Christ's blessed sake.

Now as the battle is fought,
With a priceless cost I have been bought.
That in the end God has this one thought,
In you I wish all blessings wrought,
For has God my salvation sought,
And in my last dying moments by surprise not caught,
For God's words have in all ways I've been taught,
That His promise is fulfilled to the last tittle and jot.


I pray this poem blesses you. It's kinda long for a motto, but it is somewhat of a motto for me.
Andrews is a wonderful place to be, but really it is the training that really excites me. Adventist frontier Missions seriously is the best, and I am not sure how other student missionaries do it. AFM is not for everyone, and we need to go everywhere, even to established missionary posts, because if those die, thousands are lost as well. Yet AFM in training and locations abroad is creme de creme.

God bless.
In His grip,
Eric Anderson

I am here

Hello friends,

    My grandfather used to say, "We are here because we are no where else". That's pretty profound for me. I have just begun training here at Andrews University for missions with Adventist Frontier Missions. It is God who has lead me here, and if he had not, I'd be somewhere else. Praise God. I have a poem I'd like to share with you, but I am in the lobby and it is not with me, so I will make it a little suspenseful and say wait until next time! 

    I have been enjoying training. Two days are done and already I have lots to do, think about, and absorb. God evidences Himself everyday. The challenges have been abundant as well, but that only builds character more! I appreciate all you who are praying for me. I'd also ask that you would pray for Suzy Baldwin and Urlike Baur and her husband who are ministering there already. I am going really to be a support to them in the capacity of young people. Servant hood is the ultimate goal! Thanks again for spending time reading. God bless.

In His grip,

Eric 

God's Timing

Hello Jungle Friends,
(Far be it from me to use cliche's but that greeting is too great) I have been half a week at the beautiful Camp Whitesand in Saskatchewan. God has already been allowing trials on my behalf, as well has blessed me with wonderful experiences in His word. This morning I spent almost an and a half one three verses in 1 Peter 4:7-9. How could I spend this many years growing up Christian and never have dug this deep in the word. I'll admit this is only the beginning. Day by day, my Savior leads me, and thus with Him I can have true success, apart from God, not an option. I will be praying for you, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers reading this, and I ask you would do the same for me. God has perfect timing, He is willing to refine me, try me, build me up, and always He loves me. And this He will do for you too. Keep Him close.
In His grip,
Eric Anderson

Camping: Pathfinder Style

"The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,And delivers them." Psalm 34:7

That texts is always refreshed in my mind when I go on a camping adventure. When I lay under the stars looking up at the wonderful twinkling host, I think my smallness and God's huge love! On this past weekend (May 23-25), I was able to go camping with the Durham Trailblazers club. We had a wonderful time out at Presqu'ile Park. I had the privilege of hiding out at manhunt, and teaching the Trees honour. I enjoyed getting back into the pathfinder swing of things, and having a blessed time with the kids and staff. It was scary to see a few of them that reminding me of myself only a few years ago and how much has changed too, pr hasn't! I know that experience will add to the knowledge for pathfinders in Benin. The club has also been willing to help me with what I may need.
In His grip,
Eric