Many missionaries and travel oriented Christians will tell you that Africa is one destination that they long for greatly in their heart. This is especially prevalent within the YoungLife community of leaders. We choose this destination because of our strong pull to help those who cannot help themselves and to spread the gospel to all the ears of the earth. This is one of the most noble and honorable reasons to do anything I suppose. But what about those of us who have never been, but yet, speak about it as though we have? Those who are this way will put pictures of Africa as their Facebook profile picture or will have a flag of a coutnry of the continent on their wall in their room. Also, they may have necklaces with a likeness of the continent hanging from it. In any case, it has become somewhat of a status symbol in some groups.
If you ever overhear a YoungLifer saying, "Yeah, the Sudan was amazing, I just feel like it is my home." Then you should immediately start asking questions about their trip to make them feel important and special. I mean, they don't want to feel as though they spent $5,000 for no reason, right? Asking questions that allow them to tell of their experiences will solidify their reason for going.
Other countries that are at the top of the list for missional work are China and India. Speaking with and talking about these two countries with YoungLifers is suitable only in certain situations. These include that either the YoungLifer has been to one of them, or, is about to go to one of them.
Also, with those who have been to Africa, you will most likely be able to tell whether they have been to Africa or not. All you have to do is check their Facebook profile picture. It will most likely be a picture of that person or persons surrounded by tons of small African children. It is so cute.
NOTE: Under no circumstances are you to ever say that there are 'already enough missionaries in Africa' to a person who is about to depart for Africa. This will crush their spirits and rattle their reasons for going. Although this might be good in the long run, seeing as how this might divert them to either China or India.
Here is a great link to some very cool African photography.
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