My name is Mbabazi and I am a recent graduate from Biology at York University and former outreach coordinator at the P2C students there. My favourite memory from the summer so far probably was throwing a see-you-later party for my best friend, an international student going back home after the summers' end.
How has following Jesus impacted your goals and plans this summer?
It's been a challenge to trust Him not knowing what He's going to do next. Especially after graduating. An encouragement is that He's already been working, I just have to tap in and join Him. I find that when I do step out, whether in evangelism or spending a week at a Christian camp, He shows out in real, tangible ways.
Why is engaging in missions important to you?
The Bible says to make the most of every opportunity - the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15–16) and our days are short. The mission of PRAXIS is teaching us how to live on mission with GOD in our daily lives, whether near or far from home.
Can you share about the spiritual climate during your time on your missions trip?
The spiritual climate in Edmonton is open. Most people we reached out to were interested in talking about Jesus or taking a gospel tract I offered them. Truly the the only inhibition was my own willingness.
How would you encourage someone looking to get involved or engaged missionally? Any specific resources, tools, or communities to connect with?
Ask GOD where He wants you and join a community where you see His presence and light drawing you. Then continue the great commission He's already sent you on, where you are:
Matthew 28: 19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Any other specific stories you'd like to share?
1. In Edmonton, it was really cool to visit the youth drop-in center, called The Cellar. I’ve long wanted to work with at-risk youth, and it’s amazing to see that there are safe, gospel-driven places where kids and teens can go after school or whenever to be loved and cared for. We got to help with some “spring cleaning” in the cellar, sweeping and rearranging items in storage, as well as doing cleaning tasks that had been pushed to the back burner for a while. One of our staff, Daniel, even figured out how to fix a toilet that had kept breaking!
2. Caleey
I met Caleey while buying a souvenir on campus. Walking through one of the University buildings, I felt a lot of pressure and urgency to talk about Jesus with someone. After feeling terrible for not doing so, she struck up a conversation with me as I was checking out. She was interested in the tote bag I was carrying, and I told her I got it while on exchange in Switzerland, and what the French words meant in English. She shared that she would also be going on a student exchange soon and asked if I had any tips for preparing to go. We exchanged contact information and planned to talk more. I was happy because I felt as though GOD had come through for me, drawing me into a conversation I (for once) didn’t start myself.
The short conversation was not about God at all, but I had a feeling that our future meet-up would be a great opportunity to share the gospel with Caleey, on top of helping her plan for her exchange. Towards the end of our trip, Rebecca, our friend Elly and I finally met up with Caleey at a cafe near campus. GOD gave me the great idea of getting there early and reading our Bibles while waiting for Caleey - as I hadn’t read my Bible all day up until that point. 😬
As we talked about going on exchange, Valley was the one who brought up the Bible and shared that she’s been interested in reading the Bible and potentially following Jesus through the influence of her friend. Rebecca shared her experience and advice on reading the Bible, and we all encouraged her to do so, listening to her story and answering some questions along the way. I know God planned for us to meet, and I am so grateful he did, and that we were able to share advice, encouragement, and gospel tracts with her.
