A letter from Claire Zuhosky preparing to serve in Niger
June 2014 -Suspended in Air by the Grace of God's Direction
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Recently I watched an inchworm inch its way along a twig. Suspended in air like a tightrope walker, he took each step without hesitation. My curious nature wanted to know just how this little organism of God's making would handle the huge precipice laid out before him at the end of the stick. It wasn't a surprise to me that the inchworm's first reaction was to push the first third of his body off the edge of the stick and gingerly feel around for his next safe place to land. It wasn't a surprise because I have been in his position countless times before—that blind groping in the dark, hoping that something will become familiar and anchor me to my surroundings.
I was shocked, though, by what my friend the inchworm did next. He inched the next third of his body off the edge of the stick, stretching himself out to find his next footing. I scoffed at his inattention to the reality that two thirds of this body was invested in some leap of faith with no clear deliverance. But then my laughter echoed back at me, for I realized the lesson his actions were teaching me. It was his journey, not his destination; his digging deeper into himself to reach farther up to his Creator; his instinctual patterns laid out by his Heavenly Father that led him to seek after that next precious piece of solid ground. It would soon be there—if not this inch, then the next.
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Commissioned on April 22nd during Shenango Presbytery Meeting
As I have found myself inching around these past six months, in preparation for embarking on this new journey, God has been ever faithful in blessing my feet, my heart, my mind and my soul with one step at a time on the path that lay ahead! I am overwhelmed and ever thankful to my Heavenly Father for His close attention to my prayers and my passion to serve Him on this mission field, to serve and work alongside in partnership with the beautiful people of Niger. To bring glory to His name, so that as our tongues sing praise we would pull down an inch of heaven at a time till that moment, which scripture foretells, when all tongues, tribes, and nations will surround His thrown, for there is only One Name!
My heart has often echoed the words of David, "Who am I that you are mindful of me?" for over these past few months I have had the honor and blessing of meeting face-to-face with different members of the body of Christ, stretched out over these United States and among the close-knit families of Presbyterian congregations. As I met these strangers who soon became dear friends, I was amazed by what the Lord had to teach me through each of these interactions, each of the personal histories and years of wisdom, which so readily spoke into my current circumstances, shedding light and providing encouragement. It is somewhat shocking how surprising God's providence and timing can be, even though we know He has a plan in place for us. Like a roller coaster we are along for the ride of a lifetime as the hairpin turns and drops remind us of who is in charge. The only thing left to do is put your hands up in the air and enjoy the feeling, that rush that comes from trusting the one who is holding you in His hands! I express great thanks for your hospitality by opening both the doors of your homes and your hearts to me, as well as sharing the bountiful beauty of your surroundings and warm conversations, providing me with many fond memories to fall back on during the difficult transitions ahead.
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A board of information on Niger done by Eileen Best at Trinity
During the month of May I had an exciting opportunity to attend a Language Acquisition course offered by the Center for Intercultural Training (CIT) in Union Mills, N.C. Upon arrival I found myself surrounded by people, staff and fellow students, whose greatest passion is to see the Great Commission fulfilled. I was very blessed by my experience at CIT, where I was equipped with a new skill set and understanding for learning a foreign language while being immersed within the context of its culture and people. I am looking forward to my arrival in Niger, where I will begin this important endeavor to learn two languages, French and Hausa, in order that I might speak the love of Christ, reaching hearts through their native tongue.
I am so grateful for you all, dear friends and family! With each step, yes each inch I take, it becomes self-evident that not one step would be possible without you. For like a tree we can only stretch out our arms to others as far as our roots afford us the leverage. The depth of my roots exists only because the Lord loved me first and He has placed you in my life; your support and encouragement means the world to me!
I will be departing for Niger at the beginning of August. I ask that you would please keep me in your prayers as I continue my preparations, make my goodbyes to family and friends, and for traveling mercies along this eye- and heart-opening journey!
Please note: there are several ways in which you can be kept up-to-date:
• To learn more about Niger and its youth through word and pictures:
Mission Connection letters, which are sent four times a year, can be found on my PC(USA) web page: www.pcusa.org/zuhosky-claire
The following link is my personal blog: http://clairezuhosky.wordpress.com/
• To communicate with me:
Email: cez108@hotmail.com or claire.zuhosky@pcusa.org
Skype: claire.zuhosky
I, along with my colleagues in World Mission, am currently still in the process of raising funds for my sending and support and could use your financial support to keep this vital work among the youth in Niger viable. If you would like to contribute to my ministry now or in the future, please contribute online at www.presbyterianmission.org/zuhosky-claire
• To pray for me:
Please find one of my prayer cards at the following link: http://www.pcusa.org/resource/prayer-card-zuhosky/.
May His Face Shine Upon You All,
Claire Zuhosky, M.Div.
Youth Center Development Specialist
Niger
The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, Niger, p. 125
Read more about Claire Zuhosky's ministry
Write to Claire Zuhosky
Individuals: Give online to E200517 forClaire Zuhosky's sending and support
Congregations: Give to D507578 for Claire Zuhosky's sending and support
Churches are asked to send donations through your congregation’s normal receiving site (this is usually your presbytery).
