Headed Home

Well I just posted something that I wrote a while back, so unless you are really bored or something, you don’t need to read it (as opposed to this current post, which everyone everywhere must necessarily read and enjoy) (that was sarcastic, for those who don’t know me as well). But do check out Jimmy’s blog (which I mentioned in my last post)… http://jimmy-manofthepeople.blogspot.com/

At the beginning of this week, I found myself speaking into a megaphone to anyone who would listen. As uncomfortable as I was (and am) with being the bullhorn guy, it is received much differently here in Africa than it would be in the United States. It is a good thing. I don’t actually do the bulk of the preaching, but simply greet the crowds and say a short word with a translator (I have been sticking with the analogy I heard from David Platt about Jesus on the cross swallowing up the floodwaters of an enormous dam that had broken, and which we were standing in front of, the water representing the punishment of God’s wrath for sin). I got the open-air preaching gig right after I was awarded the title of “preacher”… on my nametag it says it in Swahili, “mhubiri.” This only happened after I was assigned to preach at a church on Sunday morning, in two services. As weird as it was for me, the Lord was faithful to give sufficient grace (Surprised? Don’t be.), and I felt really good about it. I talked about trusting in the Lord’s faithfulness. I used my recent experience in Kampala and emphasized resting in God working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28), while making it clear that Him being glorified is the “good” even when it’s tough, and that as His children, this is to our benefit as we get to share in His glory (provided we suffer with Christ – Romans 8:17). This perspective results in complete rest and peace in the Lord, knowing that we, His saints, will one day know the full glory of our Lord as He, even now, glorifies Himself in and through we who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Then yesterday, Friday, my family and I got to go on a safari. It was awesome! We saw hundreds of animals, and the landscape was ridiculous (I mean that in the best of senses). God’s glory through His creation is great. We met the owner of our hotel in Iringa… what a Christian! Amazing faith.

Also ridiculous in the best of senses, was my entire summer. I don’t know if I’ll be back to Africa, but I imagine I will. And I look forward to it. Mostly, I look forward to seeing God’s continued faithfulness in my life, to His glory. He will do everything He has promised. Christ has died, Christ has risen, and Christ will come again. I will share in His glory, provided I suffer with Him, and by His grace, even that will be pure joy. He will never leave me, nor forsake me. Come what may in this misty wisp of life that remains for me on the earth, I will one day be present with my Lord, worshiping Him forever, in perfect communion with Him and my fellow worshipers from every tribe and nation, Africa included.

Tenish Days Ago

It’s Wednesday night as I write this, and the rest of my family should arrive in Dar es Salaam tomorrow morning! Brittany and I are already at the hotel where all of us are staying, and we’re ready for them to get here.

Lately we’ve been helping with a Christian leadership conference called Change Your Destiny. At first, we went to college campuses and talked to people about registering and got them signed up. With our sweet Swahili skills, we normally didn’t do the talking. Our main job was to attract people by simply being both present and white. They told us we did this well, saying that more people came and registered when we were there than when they went without us. We also entered data into the computer about who had registered. In Africa I am a computer whiz because I can type fast, so Brittany and I were able to help in this way quite well. Then on Monday, the conference began with check-in, and again, Brittany and I helped. Since then, we have been pseudo attendees, because we did not register ourselves and were only able to be there through today, Wednesday. It has been a good conference so far, aimed at developing Christian leaders for Africa, and specifically Tanzania.

The best part of the conference was getting to meet and work with some awesome people. There’s Mr. Limo, who drove us around in the crazy Dar es Salaam traffic jams. Or Yusuph, another guy who drove us and simultaneously, patiently taught us some Swahili. There are the Shekalaghas, Mr. Dismas and Mrs. Ann, who are some of the kindest and most joyous people you could ever ask to work with. There is also Richard, the MC for the conference, who warmly showed us around, always keeping us (and others) laughing and happy with his great sense of humor. And also Vincent, the easy-going, super cool, and really friendly Kenyan. We also had great conversations with Americans Mr. Winks and Mrs. Hunt, both speaking at the conference, and Samuel, our new friend from New Mexico. Sometimes, when I lose perspective, I get focused on all that I think is wrong, and I forget how awesome these people are. And beyond that, I forget about individuals in general, even though they are all around me. Either a person has a beautiful heart, made new by the grace of Jesus Christ, or they are in need of His redemption and life. In both cases, a person should receive our attention, whether it be in mutual edification or compassionate evangelism.

Speaking of awesome people, you guys should check out my friend, Jimmy’s, blog. Jimmy is the guy that took me around the Kibera slums in Nairobi. He would so appreciate your prayers and support as he pursues his passions in service to God, one of which being ministry in the slums. Check it out… http://jimmy-manofthepeople.blogspot.com/

Well it’s “tomorrow” and my family just got here! It is so good to see them all. As I write, they are all trying to rest after a crazy but good trip. It’s about midday on Thursday, and they haven’t slept in a bed since Monday night. I truly am blessed by them. And beyond that, I have been blessed by the stories of prayer that they have brought. We have so many people praying for us this summer. The faithfulness of our friends and family in the Body is flooring, and I feel so loved, humbled, and grateful. Asante sana to everyone!

We leave for Iringa very early tomorrow morning, Scottie’s birthday!