Shane Oram - RCI STInter

War, poverty, and corruption; not pretty things. However, this is the world in which we live, though it is often hidden on the other side of a television screen. It isn't fun, it isn't pleasant, but it's reality. And this is where a majority of the world calls home and a place where the rest of the world tries to avoid. Fortunately, my heart and God would not let me avoid it. God has proven that His is breaking for the people of Ivory Coast and it is exciting to be in the midst of His work. 

Back in Kansas, I was finishing up my final year at Kansas State University but facing the question of how to use my soon-to-be Anthropology degree. A plethora of pursuits were at my door step, but Cote d'Ivoire was the strong forerunner. Campus Crusade for Christ was assembling a team to go. This country had just been through civil war, crime and devastion, pain and hardship. And on top of that, the public university of sixty thousand students was closed, a rather bleak outlook for campus ministry. 

But God was at greater work than my human knowledge could perceive. The doors were opened for me, we got the green light, and voila, I found myself in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. Though many lessons have already been taught to us in our time here, the theme of complete dependence on God has remained constant. We must daily rely on His Spirit to open our hearts, eyes, and ears to follow after His presence. Students are scattered throughout the city, security is always on high alert, and we are constantly struggling through cultural and language barriers. Yet there is no other place in the world I could imagine living. Even in the face of a harsh reality, I am continually blown away by the Ivorians love and generosity, always willing to give and serve with nothing but absolute joy. It's obvious God's presence is resting herein the wake of such disaster.