Leaving a Legacy on Zanzibar

"Dr. Livingstone I presume?"

Every heard the famous question that New York Herald reporter Henry Stanley asked when meeting the famous explorer for the first time? He had been tracking him down for over year through the interior of Tanzania.  Livingstone would pass away just a few months after this famous question.  

Two of Livingstone's most trusted personal attendants during his East African wanderings were Chuma and Susi.  In order to preserve their beloved patron's body for the 4 month haul back from the lake area to Bagamoyo they cut out his heart and buried it on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. His body was later shipped to Zanzibar before being buried in Westminister Abby. In remuneration for their heroic feat both men were given a sum of money.   

One of the porters invested his money to buy a little piece of land on the island of Zanzibar just outside of the capital city- Stone Town.  There an Anglican church was built as well as a cemetery for him to be buried.  He received Christ through the witness of  Dr. Livingstone and could no longer be buried in the Islamic cemetery's of Zanzibar.  

 Fast-forward history 100 some years.  

In the late 1990's, the T.A.G was offered this piece of land by the Anglican church due to a  lack of funds as well as  increasing pressure from the Islamic neighbors.  They regarded the little Christian cemetery and church as an eye-sore.   The T.A.G accepted the offer- bought the land, and planted a small church.   

I first visited this piece of land in 1999- 10 years ago and preached my very first sermon in Tanzania. The church was running somewhere around 70 people.  I was 19 years old having just completed my freshman year at ORU.  Over the past decade, I have often wondered how the little church was doing.   

Last week my brother Adam and I had the chance to visit and to paint the recently completed primary and English learning school on the property.  Fittingly, it is named Livingstone Academy. To my shock the church has grown to over 900 and has planted 6 other churches on the island.  We were told that almost everyday someone comes to the property asking how to be born-again.  The Presence of God was very strong.  Clearly, The Lord is doing something great on the island! 

I marveled as I put on the primer inside the school building: "Livingstone's life is still touching people over a hundred and thirty years later!" "What a legacy in missions!" Please pray that God will continue to do a powerful work on the island of Zanzibar.  

And may each of our lives be trans-generational: Impacting people both here and now as well as for the future with Christ's love! 

The Chapati Eating Thief of Tandala

It was early- the rain had been pouring down for hours.  We sat in a small African living room in the highlands of Tanzania.   Fog covered much of the ground and I was shivering.  The elevation made breathing more difficult than usual.  Thick pine forests surrounded the small village high in the Tandala, Makete area.   We had come to this place to check the progress of a community development project to help a local church.   

I was struck with the serenity and beauty of this mountainous part of Africa as we ate breakfast with the local pastor.  It reminded me of the pine forests of Colorado with little African villages interspersed.  Such a combination was totally new to me. As we drank the piping hot chai served to us  that one of my traveling companions called "diabetes in a cup" due to the inordinately high sugar content, I suddenly saw the cat.   

He was mid-night black with a nefarious feline gaze that told me he was up to no good! In Africa cats are not usually kept as pets.  And it the rare cases, they are certainly not welcome around the dining table.     Yet, there he was sitting on his haunches staring right at my chapati.   I tore a piece off to dip into my sugary chai and the feline's eyes followed my every move.   A bit unnerved by the intensity of this cat's gaze, I jumped into Swahili: "so.... pastor.....I see there's a cat in the living room." I hoped he would get the hint.  

"Yes, indeed, my brother" he replied.  "And we are eating its favorite food!" 

"What?" I asked bewildered.  In an attempt to answer my question through demonstration he threw half of his chapati on the floor.  POW! The feisty feline greedily pounced on it like most cats attack mice.  Within seconds, the African flat-bread was devoured.  Then came the icy stare again as if to say: "that was just a warm-up exercise!"

I was in shock.  Never in all of my life have I ever seen a cat that eats flour products!

 "So does your cat eat meat?"  "No not really." 

  "Errr....maybe mice?"  "Hmm....no, not much."  

"Err..what does it eat then?"   "CHAPATIS!!!" came the answer.   

Even as I asked the question, the cat jumped up onto it's hind legs and started to sniff my plate with greedy anticipation.  Half a chapati remained.   "Get down you thief!" I blurted out.  "Miaowwww" cried the chapati stalker.  It then began to circle my feet biding it's time as if to say: "you just wait buster- I'll have that chapati yet!" 

 Maybe the altitude of this highland African village had messed with it's feline instincts.  Possibly the sight of pine forests in middle of Africa caused it to loose it's senses.  Or maybe it was the freezing cold temperatures where they say it snowed a couple of months ago.  Whatever the reason- this cat was messed up!  I mean whoever heard of a cat eating chapatis.  

As I thought about it, I came to the conclusion that this cat needed serious therapy to overcome its eating habits and its kleptomaniac approach to life.  A cat feeding only on chapatis will at some point loose all nutrition. 

I think there are some similarities with Christians. 

 Many Christians much like this cat feed on all kinds of things.  Entertainment, sports,  shopping, friends, hobbies, etc... none of which are bad;   these are much like chapatis.   We pounce on them eagerly and devour them quickly.  We follow there every movement.  Sadly, the solid meat of the Word of God is a long-forgotten concept.  We are enamored by chapatis.   At some point, however,  an unhealthy spiritual diet will catch up to us like an unhealthy feline diet.  Here's my challenge: find the Word, read the Word, meditate on the Word, digest the Word, and live the Word.  

I Came With My Answer

Over the past 3 months I have built a relationship with Joeli.  He's a young Tanzanian who works as a guard at the house where I currently live here in Dar. 

  Several years ago he represented Tanzania in the East African Power Lifting championship in Nairobi.  It's the only time he's ever been out of the country.  As you can imagine, he's rip- real rip!   I would almost go so far as to say that he's as rip as me- but it's good to remain modest about things like this :-) he he he....  

 He grew up Catholic, but hadn't attended church in years.  And had no intentions of changing. We have  had several conversations about God since I first met him. Each time,  I came away thinking that he was totally not interested.   About a month ago he suddenly asked me for a Bible.  He's been reading it on and off for several weeks.  One week ago we talked.  

"If you left work today where would you go?" I asked.  "Oh that's simple- I would head home."  

We chatted about his home for several minutes- the area of town he lives in, the part of the country he comes from etc... 

"What if you were to leave this life today Joeli, where would you go?" I continued.   "Err...I don't know...."   "but I think that's a very important question" he replied.  

As we talked I felt to challenge him.  "Jesus can give you assurance in your heart that you will go to heaven to be with him- are you ready to take that step?"  

"Hmmm....no. Not yet"  came his response.  "Give me one week to think about it and I will come with my answer next weekend when I'm back on duty". 

I thought he was just putting me off. 

This past weekend the rains came very heavy.  For four some hours it poured.  I didn't get outside to go to talk to Joeli during the rain.  And when I finally emerged I missed him- he had gone home. 

  The following day we met after a full week.   We chatted about the rain and the need for more.  Suddenly, he cut me short:  "I came with my answer Steve but you weren't around." The look in his eyes told me that he was hurt.    I apologized.  He continued: "I still have the same answer today though."   

I could see the hunger in his eyes.  "My answer, " said the former Tanzanian power-lifter "is that I want to give my life to Jesus".    We prayed together.    Jesus touched him as He always does anyone anywhere who comes with such a heart-felt answer.   

I learned a lesson:  often it's not asking the right questions as much as it is coming with the right answer.  "I want Jesus to do something for me!" What about you? 

It's who you know

The power went out late Friday afternoon.  Power rationing has started all over Dar so this was  somewhat expected.  After 12 hours, however, the normal time for power cuts the electricity did not come back on.  A full day went by.  Then 36 hours.  As I talked with people in the neighborhood, I heard the full story. 

 Thieves came to steal the oil inside the transformer supplying power to our area during the scheduled power rationing time.  They drilled a hole inside the side of the steel transformer 10 feet off the ground without anyone hearing anything despite the fact that the transformer is only 15 feet away from the neighbor's front gate.  

TANESCO, the Tanzanian power company came to investigate the problem.  Maximizing their service ethic to the fullest, they promptly refused to repair the problem and drove off.   The next day they returned to collect money from the inhabitants in our area to hire a night watchman to "protect" the transformer- 10 feet off the ground with visibility from any direction.   The whole situation seemed very fishy.  

We were told or maybe threatened would be a more adequate description of the communication that without money for a watchman and money for a new transformer there would be no more power. 

The house I currently rent belongs to a certain businessman known even to the president of Tanzania.  I called him on the phone.  "What do you think?" I asked him.  "Oh...this is a common scam that the TANESCO people try to earn some extra money" he replied.  "I will call the top manager and take care of it".  

3 hours later a TANESCO truck appeared with a brand new transformer.  After 80 some hours without power it was restored! Thank you to those who prayed.  God gave me great favor with this business man. He was able to accomplish in a few minutes what I couldn't get done in days. 

 It seems that the old saying is true: it's really who you know.  This businessman goes right to the top. He knows the most influential people in all of Tanzania.  He's on a first name basis with the power-brokers of Dar.  Yet, in Christ we have access to ONE way more influential and much more powerful than anyone in Dar or even in all of Tanzania for that matter! We know the Most High God.  

Tears in the Baptismal Pool

It was one of those special moments in life.  Hard to describe in mere words.  Jacob Winston, the former alcoholic stood in the swimming pool next to myself and Charles Porter. 

 "Jacob do you believe that Jesus Christ is the only Son of God who is the only hope of salvation?"  "Yes. I do" came his soft voice.  "Do you renounce all allegiance to your past life as well as all satanic influence in your life?"  "Yes I do" he reiterated.  

"Upon confession of your faith we baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit".  We gently guided him backwards as he went under the water.  

Just 2 months ago Jacob was a violent, angry, argumentative man by his own admission.  He couldn't hold down a job because of his alcohol addiction.  He has gone through two wives.  He was living in a one bedroom flat with four other people.  He finally landed a job at the local theater as the inside sweeper.  

For several months he watched as every Sunday morning people came at the crack of dawn to set up the equipment for church.  A few conversations here and there, but mostly just watching. One Sunday in July he decided to participate in the service.  As God's Presence came down, so did his pride.   Jacob repented of his sin that morning and asked Jesus to restore a life in shambles.  And Jesus is the master restorer.  

In the swimming pool a few minutes away from the theater where he first encountered Christ, he was being baptized.   As he came up out of the water, the Lord had another encounter in store for this young man.  The Presence of God fell in a very tangible way.  I looked at Jacob and tears were streaming down his face.  My heart melted as waves of Christ's love swept over him.  I was riveted by God's goodness and nearness.  

Yes, the eyes of many are watching.  Some for months.  Some for years.  They are looking to see if there is something different.  Something real.  Something genuine.  They've heard our words.  They want to see our lives. The really just want to know if this Jesus we serve is alive in our lives.   

The Unknown Evangelist

A young man- we'll call him Mutungi-  stood in line at the ATM to get some much needed cash from his account.  A stranger approached him.  In good Tanzanian fashion they exchanged a few words. The conversation shifted directions.    The stranger talked about the church that meets in the cinema located on the same property with the ATM.  "Your should really go over there!  God would change your life"  the stranger insisted.   "Maybe, one of these days I will" replied Mutungi.  

A couple of weeks passed. 

8AM on Sunday morning several people gathered together in the cinema to pray prior to the 9.30 gathering.  Several needs were shared including the desire to see people give their lives to Christ.  Prayer began to rise before the Lord. "Lord bring people to know you!" "Father draw lost people to yourself".   As the pray-ers continued seeking God no one noticed Mutungi slip into the back watching and listening to what was happening. At the close of the prayer time the young man came to talk to me.  "I want to give my life to Christ" he said.  God had answered prayer in a matter of minutes.  

Since then we have talked many times.  He is a member of the special forces of the Tanzanian military.  He has had a very turbulent past, but God is doing something really powerful in His life!  Last week when we talked he said: "it's interesting I have come to church many times now, but I've never seen the man who talked to me at the ATM".  (We only have 100 people in the church).  It's a classic case of an unknown evangelist.  

Would you please continue to pray that God would raise up more unknown evangelists here in Dar Es Salaam?  People with a very simple message- "God can change your life!"  And please pray that many more like Mutungi  would be touched by the Spirit to surrender their lives to Christ! Finally, can I challenge you to be an unknown evangelist to people around you? 

The Battle Belongs to the Lord III

King J finishes his prayer.  All is still.  A nation stands before the Lord in holy reverence.  How will God respond? A prophetic word thunders forth from the Spirit of God- "The Battle Belongs to the LORD!"  Early the next morning King J's army sets out for the battle front.   

If it were me, I would have called the strongest soldiers to be on the front line. I would have included my top generals.  I would have searched for the strongest and most powerful weapons of war.  I would have passed out shields, bows, arrows, swords to the men.  I would have a carefully developed battle strategy.  I would teach the troops a battle cry.  

BUT King J does the most astonishing thing.  Instead of strong soldiers he orders sweet songs.  Instead of pulverizing power he commands passionate praise.  Instead of wicked weapons of warfare he stations worshippers on the front line.  

Can you imagine what the attacking army saw that morning? Instead of shimmering swords and shields they saw levites with musical instruments marching towards them.  This has to be the most bizarre battle scene ever recorded anywhere in the world.  

What does this teach us?  PRAISE IS STILL OUR MOST POWERFUL WEAPON DURING THE BATTLE!  King J tells his men to sing a simple song: "give thanks to the Lord for his love endures forever!"  He is basing his praise on the fact that God is a God full of love for His people.  

In fact, this word love is "hesed" in Hebrew which means "mercy, kindness, long-suffering".   The message here is powerful.  This man messed up royally in his other battle recorded in scripture (see part I);  however, he is now celebrating the fact that God is a God of rich mercy.  A God who forgives.  A God who doesn't hold our failures against us.  King J didn't deserve a victory that day.  He had failed miserably in the past.  However, God doesn't hold our past against us.  He is a God whose mercies are new everyday! King J is grateful that this kind of love is available forever! 

And God responds to such praise by setting ambushes against the enemy.  The word ambush means an "unexpected attack" or an "unanticipated assault".   When we praise God the Lord sets ambushes against the enemy's plans.  Joshua 8 tells the story of Ai.  It records the word "ambush" at least 10 different times.  Joshua held up a javelin in his hand and an ambush of soldiers hidden in the fields fell upon the Aites during the fiercest part of the battle. A great victory was gained!  Likewise, our great Joshua, the Lord Jesus Christ,  holds up his hands during our fiercest battles and releases heavens ambush in response to our praise at just the right moment! 

The Battle is not ours, but God's. 

The Battle Belongs to the Lord II

King J closes his marvelous God-centered prayer in verse 12 with one of my favorite statements in the Word: "for we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us, we don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you."  Interestingly, the circumstances haven't changed- a massive army is still advancing against him.  In fact, it's only some 15 kms away.  However, King J doesn't see the army.  Instead of panic he has peace.  Instead of fear he has faith.  Instead of doubt he has determination.  All he sees is God.  

Several years ago I was looking through my great grandfather's Bible from the late 1800's.  I was reading the story of David and Goliath.  In the margin, he wrote the following: "to be miserable look within, to be distracted look around, but to be happy look UP."  Good advice from a man mightily used of God 100 years ago.  Hebrews picks up this theme: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith" (12:2).  David used this analogy in Psalms 25: 15 "my eyes are ever on the Lord for only he will release my feet from the snare".   

Where are your eyes today?  The problem or the person of Christ?  The financial crisis or the faithfulness of God?  Overwhelming obstacles or God's greatness and glory?  

Apparently, God loves it when His people pray like this.  Suddenly, the Holy Spirit comes on a Jahaziel with a word from heaven.  Up to this point, King J is operating in faith.  He has prayed a pretty radical prayer.  Now the question is how will God respond.  Verse 15 is an incredible verse.  God makes His position clear.   "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God's".   

The Holy Spirit exposes the enemy's two favorite tricks: fear and discouragement.  Fear paralyzes us so we take matters into our own hands.   Discouragement steals our courage to continue fighting.  Either way we end up loosing the battle.  The word is clear to King J and it is clear to you and me also: God already knows the enemy's tactics.  Furthermore, we don't have to try and win the battles of life through our cleverness, our talents, our natural abilities, or clever planning.  Rather, we have a sure word that God will fight our battles for us!   

When the enemy messes with God's people, the Lord takes it as a personal offense.  He comes to the aid of His people! He engages the enemy on our behalf.  He releases His power and His authority into the situation.  He shows us the battle plan for securing victory.   Paul said it so eloquently: "If God be for us, WHO can be against us?"  (Part III to follow). 

The Battle Belongs to the Lord

(Especially for Serkaddis.  God answered your prayers).  

2 Chron. 20:15. "Listen King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle belongs to the Lord".  

Jehoshaphat's life is a fascinating read.  He became king at 35 and ruled until he was 60.  The Bible reduces his 25 years as king down to 4 chapters (17,18,19,20).  Two of these chapters deal with battles.   King J fought some royal battles in his lifetime.  He fought against Moabites, Ammonites, Meunites, and Arameans. There were many battles in his days, but the Bible records two.  

Like King J all of us fight battles.  It's not a matter of 'if' we will face battles, but 'when' (Eph. 6.13).  There are financial battles, physical battles, emotional battles, relational battles, spiritual battles, and family battles.   One person said: "life, itself, is a battle".  

The Bible gives two approaches to what to do when battles occur in our lives. 

 The first one is found in chapter 18: 

It is the perfect plan and blue-print for making sure that you totally and completely FAIL to win your battle.  If you want to 100% guarantee that you fall flat on your face just put into practice King J's approach.   He allies himself with a wicked man who the Lord detested.   He went into discussions without seeking God.  When he finally did seek God, he ignored the clear word that the Lord gave him.  He cooperated with the seducing spirit sent to deceive King Ahab.  He listened to ungodly advice and dressed up like King Ahab.  He came within an inch of loosing his life.  Yes, this is the perfect game plane for making sure you loose your battle miserably: 1) disobey God 2) don't seek the Lord 3) ignore His voice 4) cooperate with satanic influences 5) follow godless advice, and 6) go where you aren't supposed to be-  I promise you this is the best possible way to make sure that you mess your life up! 

Fortunately, there is another battle recorded in scripture in chapter 20 that turns out much differently. 

 This time around King J. is being attacked by 3 different armies that are intent on destroying him.  He is alarmed.   Who wouldn't be? There is a vast army coming his way.  He's outnumbered and knows it.  This time around he starts off by making a decision to begin the battle by seeking the Lord.  He makes prayer his priority. 

 Some people say that prayer is just emotional therapy for believers.  These people have never really prayed.  I love what Dr. Jack Hayford says about prayer in his book: "prayer is invading the impossible with the possible of what God can do".  

But notice what kind of prayer he prays- verses 5-7.  This is not the kind of worry filled, fear inspired, anxiety driven prayer that characterizes so many of God's people.  He doesn't magnify the problem in front Him.  King J isn't going to exalt the terrible situation in front of him.  Rather, instead of problem-centered praying he opts for God-centered praying.  His words are full of faith and full of confidence.  He knows his time is short so he must lift up God.  He starts with God's supremacy- are you not the God who is in heaven?   Then he moves to God's authority-you rule over all the kingdoms.  Finally he sees God's capacity- Power and might are in your hand.  He has a HUGE vision of who God is and what God can do.   In comparison the problem in front of him is small.   

This is the secret of Great Praying- we must include God's Greatness in our Prayers! It was what Nehemiah did (Neh. 1). It's what Daniel did (Dan. 9.4).  It's how Jesus taught us how to pray: "Our Father who is in heaven.  May your Name be great and glorified.  May your Kingdom come and your will be done!"  

Friends let me ask: "How big is your God?"  The story is told of the tribe in Africa that was afraid of letting a certain tree in their village be cut down.  The reason was because their 'god' lived in the tree and they were afraid that he wouldn't have a place to live.  I'm so glad we don't serve some tribal deity with no authority outside of a small group of huts.  We serve the Lord the great and awesome covenant seeking God!  We serve the mighty one clothed in light.  We serve the holy one whose very presence is glorious.    (Part 2 to follow soon).  

A Perspective on Prayer

John 17:1-5.  Jesus is praying one last prayer before being arrested and lead away to trial. Soon He will be condemned to die as a criminal for crimes he never committed. He will be jeered and mocked.   Then He will surrender His life as a sacrifice for humanity.  Before parting he gives us a treasured glimpse into His secret communion with the Father. 

We know Jesus prayed. And prayed often.  Luke's Gospel is full of references to Christ's prayer life.  However, seldom do we see the content of these times with the Father.  What did Jesus and the Father talk about? How did they connect?  What characterized these prayer times? What insights could we gather that would help us to better connect with the Father?   What role did prayer play in Jesus' understanding of who He was? His mission?  His identity? 

As far as I can tell, this passage is the only place in Scripture where we capture a brief glimpse of the essence of Christ's prayer-life.  He's talking to the Father hours before His approaching death. Time is critical now.   He needs strength to accomplish heaven's eternal plan.  He needs spiritual sustenance. He needs clarification.  He needs affirmation.  He needs the Father's touch and courage.    So what does He pray? 

What Does Jesus Think About Muslims?

"What does Jesus think about Muslims?"

The young man's question almost knocked me over. He was a local repair man that was working on our trailer that we use for ministry here in Dar. It keeps breaking and has been a huge source of frustration. This was my second attempt to get it fixed. The first failed miserably.   The other missionary that I work with has had it repaired probably 4 times before that. I hadn't seen this young guy since his last botched attempt on the trailer about 3 weeks earlier. 

"Last time I saw you- you told me about Jesus and gave me a small tract- my heart was touched deeply....but I'm a Muslim" 

I looked at this guy and could see the hunger in his eyes. I almost broke down weeping as I felt the love of God in my heart for this guy- it poured out of me: "Jesus loves Muslims and Jesus loves you- He gave His life so that everyone could know God." 

We talked for another 15 to 20 minutes before the Holy Spirit finally totally broke through. "You mean Jesus would forgive me?"  He knelt with me in the driveway to give his life to the Jesus who even loves Muslims. Oh how precious the love of Jesus! 

 There is an unprecedented hunger for God and for His love. I see it everywhere I go. People are starving to know that someone loves them in these days of uncertainty, wickedness, and distress.  

 I believe the Holy Spirit is on one final soul-searching mission- drawing, wooing, convicting, and convincing men's hearts of their need for Jesus. He's about to come back. Time is short. So preciously short. 

Interestingly,  He won't do this work by Himself. For some unexplainable reason, the God of heaven has decided to work through simple, feeble, weak, frail human beings like you and me. The problem that I see is that there are so few who are willing to step out and say Lord I WANT TO BE APART OF WHAT YOU ARE DOING- in this hour: 

Some are distracted. They want the good life.
Some are afraid. I could never do it.
Some aren't quite ready. Give me more time to think about my involvement.
Some are looking to others. So and so will do it.
Some are hurt. You don't know what happened in my past.
Some are divided. There's just too much to do in life.

Meanwhile people are asking the question: "What does Jesus think about Muslims?"

How I think God's heart must wish there were more people available who would just yes. Who would just take the step of faith. Who would dare to make a difference for our King. Who would weep for the lost. Who would pray with passion. Who would give until it hurts. And who would go no matter the cost. 
 
Please friends, when you think and pray about missions think of the question "What does Jesus think about Muslims?" And PRAY that God's love would be revealed to them! 

And please remember to pray for me! Seriously.  

God answers prayer!

Eighteen people piled into three land cruisers early Monday morning.  Their destination was a little village 3 hours outside of Dar Es Salaam.  No electricity.  No cell phone coverage.  No running water.  No known Christians.  Home to some 1000 people, Mkoko has no church of any kind.  Islamic in name only, the majority of Mkoko's inhabitants are animists involved in witchcraft.  We went to spend the week teaching English in the local primary school, run a soccer camp in the afternoons, and try to build relationships with these wonderful people.  

We pitched our camp in the middle of the village and slept under the stars the whole week. A wonderful experience! Our prayer was that somehow God would give us a door into Mkoko.  We entered the village with  the assumption that the village was 100% un-reached and hostile to the Gospel message.  But God was already at work.  On the second day, a young man from the village approached our team leader- a dear Tanzanian pastor who serves as the assistant TAG missions director- "there is something different about you people!" 

His remark lead into a very interesting conversation.  Three years ago this young Mkoko-ite left the village to go to Dar es Salaam.  There he tried to eek out a living to send money back to his family.  One day a believer at a local TAG church befriended him and witnessed to him.  He surrendered his life to the Lord some time later.  When his family found out about his conversion, they were irate.  The village elders forced him to return to Mkoko and made him marry a Muslim woman.  He was threatened with his life for his faith.  He has been secretly praying for over a year that God would send Christians to his village.  With eager curiosity, he asked the question: "are the members of this team Christians?" 

Imagine this young man's joy to find out that God not only answered his prayer by sending Christians to Mkoko, but the assistant director of TAG missions was now sitting in his village- eager to help develop a work there! It was a God moment.  Later that week,  over 100 members of the village heard the message of Jesus for the first time.  During the presentation the young man's face told it all.  He told us it was the first time that the Gospel had been proclaimed in Mkoko. There was a look of holy joy in his eyes.  Yes, God answered this young man's prayer! God went above and beyond what he was asking for.  How like God.  

 Would you please pray for Mkoko. Pray for this young man- the only light in an entire Islamic village.  We hope to see many in that village come to Christ.  

"I Know What He Would Do!"

10.40 AM.  Mikocheni B, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.   I'm standing in the foyer of a modern movie theater on Sunday morning.  Outside the sun is raging as the humidity rises.   25 kids full of way more energy than me are  all over the place.  We are attempting to help them act out 3 different Bible stories without using words. My group is reenacting the story of Zacheus-the famous tax collector. 

  I was asked to lead the children's ministry of the church that meets here at the very last minute.  Scrambling for ideas we decided that participatory Bible-story acting would be the best solution.  So-  Jesus is just about to enter Jericho with his crowd of three 6 years olds.  One of them will soon run to find Zacheus and tell him to come see Jesus.  Zach will then climb a tree- which happens to be me in this skit hoping for a brief glimpse.   

We ask one of the boys to play the part of a blind man that Jesus can heal to better illustrate to the other 2 groups of kids watching who Jesus is in the mixed group of 5 and 6 year olds.  With arms groping and eyes squeezed super tight the little guy takes off with his role of a blind guy.  I then turn to Jesus- played by a little 5 year old girl.  "Now make sure that you go up to him and......" She interrupts me very sweetly, but confidently: "I know WHAT He would DO!" 

With that she runs over to the "blind man" and stretches her hand towards his eyes.  As "Jesus'" hand touches his eyes, I have to fight back tears.  There is something in the way she so clearly and eagerly showed me what Jesus would do that shakes me.  She intuitively sensed that when need encountered the Son of God- transformation must take place.  Immediately, the blind man recovers his sight leaving Zach awed, but I am too.  How does a little 5 year old know so well what so few have yet to grasp?

   Would we have interrogated him?   Or possibly given him some coins?  Maybe Some sympathy? Then on with our day?  Or possibly a self-righteous: "Get out of the way blind guy- Jesus is coming."   Or worse- maybe ignored him completely?  Or resented him for brining deformed humanity into Jesus' holy parade?    But the 5 year old in Dar Es Salaam reminded me once again that real compassion is stirred into ACTION!  Real compassion moves us from the inside to say: "Wait just a minute! I Know WHAT He Would Do!"   

I don't know about you, but I want to know WHAT HE WOULD DO!  And then like that little girl I want to DO IT!  The right word for the right time.  A Spirit-lead touch to the hurting. A prayer that penetrates the heart.  Healing for the sick and broken.  Oh God help us be like your Son Jesus- a man of action for hurting people.  

An Unexpected Zanzibari Taxi-Ride

Arriving into Zanzibar during the fading moments of the afternoon I met my taxi driver.  A bright young man full of life and energy, he quickly engaged me in conversation.  His English, however, only took him past the basic greetings and questions.  He was wearing a sleek T-Shirt and an islamic prayer cap.  He threw my bag in the mini-van and started off across the island with a very care-free smile.   

Some 5 minutes into the ride he asked me what I did in his best broken English.  "I'm a pastor" I replied without much thought.  "Where?" he asked with interest.  "Here in Tanzania" I answered.   "Do you speak Swahili?" his eyes pleaded.   I jumped into the conversation with Swahili eager to practice my Tanzanian Swahili. 

This young taxi-driver came alive telling me all about his family, life on the island, his adventures to the mainland, and even into Kenya, his love for Zanzibar, special places to visit, foods,  etc....  I was really enjoying his up-beat, detailed narration of his life and Zanzibar. Then came the question that threw me totally off-guard.   "What kind of pastor are you?"  "Errr.....what do you mean?" I asked this lively young Muslim taxi-driver.  "What do you preach?" 

The intensity of the question puzzled me.  What followed was 10 minutes of Holy Spirit directed conversation regarding the love of God, eternity, etc.... He seemed satisfied with my preaching doctrine, when suddenly I felt that nudging of the Spirit- 'ask him if he's born again'... I began to argue with the prompting...he's a Muslim....he's liable to go ballistic on me....'ask him if he's born-again'  

"My friend, are you born again?" I asked him gently.  He suddenly became very quiet and surprisingly answered "no not yet, but I think soon I will be."  We talked along these lines for another 15 minutes- about Jesus, about salvation, about knowing with conviction that you will go to heaven, etc...   He didn't receive Christ before the end of the drive, but he is so very close.  

Interestingly, we had an almost repeat conversation with a Muslim waiter the next day and with another Muslim taxi driver who took us back to the airport.  Such openness.  Such hunger for God. God is doing something in this place.  Across Tanzania I'm told that this is the case.  People are asking questions about God, about faith, about life, about truth. 

Would you pray for this land?  Would you pray that many  would come to know Christ this year? That many would decide to give their lives to Christ. That many would say- "yes I want to be born again."  And that I would be sensitive enough to the Spirit to hear and obey his inner promptings. 

From Burundi to Tanzania

As most of you already know, I had to leave Burundi 3 weeks ago to move to Tanzania.  This has been a very difficult period in my life. One that has left me with many unanswered questions. However, God has been extremely faithful. And I know that He still has a great plan for that little nation and for my life and ministry.  After much reflection, I wanted to share a few of my favorite memories and experiences from living in Burundi.  

#10- Baptism in Nyabihanga.  Jerome Ndayisaba and I had the chance to baptize 88 people in the frigid waters of a little river outside Nyabihanga in Mwaro- one of the least evangelized places in all of Burundi.  I shook for the rest of the day from the cold and ended up catching the flu! But what a way to get sick! 

#9- My parents visit to Burundi this past April.  My dad helped us build the tabernacle for the new church in Ngozi while my mom preached at the first ever Women's Ministries Conference.  They loved Burundi! 

#8-The mud-slide on the road back from Nyanza.  Many of you read the story last November of when Balela and I suddenly faced over a meter of mud flowing across the highway on our way back to Buja. We slid through the mud in 4wheel drive first gear as people dived left and right to get out of our way! It was incredible. 

#7-April 16th, 2008- the day the FNL rebels made their last assault on Buja.  For over 8 hours the skies lit up with mortars, rockets, and machine gun fire.  It was the most tense situation I have ever been in.  God demonstrated His faithfulness to me in a very dangerous time. 

#6-The Widdifield and Toller visit in October 2008.  We had a great pastoral seminar and an incredible service in Gatumba.  I will never forget the singing and dancing that night after pastor Doug preached- it was incredible. The joy on those people's faces was contagious. 

#5- The opportunity to help facilitate the construction of 20 tabernacles across Burundi with the Mike Shaeffer teams.  My favorite one was Gitega.  One of the main trusses almost bent in half while we were raising it.  It looked like an absolute disaster.  Today the church is running over 130 people! Through just those 20 churches we impacted well over a 1000 people for Christ. 

#4- Eating Burundian food at Alberic Ndayizeye's house with his family.  Rice-umeceri, bananas-igitokes, eggplant-itore, beans-ibiharage, potatoes-ibiraya, etc.... Always prepared to perfection!  We had great times of laughing, praying, and talking about life in Burundi and Jesus! He helped me so much in learning about Burundi. 

#3- My times with Chris Ngendakumana.  We had some of the best prayer times I've ever experienced crying out for Burundi, the church, our future ministries, lives etc... I will never forget the two times I was able to preach at his church and seeing people weeping at the altar as they cried out to God for revival in Burundi and the salvation of their friends.  The brother eats, drinks, and sleeps the message of Prayer. 

#2-Preaching on the streets of Bujumbura with Olivier Hazikimana with no sound equipment.  Just us and two chains in our hands to illustrate our message.  I've never been so nervous in my entire life, yet at the same time so blown away to see God moving in such a powerful way on the streets of a very wicked city saving lost people!  We would have crowds of people stopping on their way through town to hear what the "umuzungu" had to say. 

#1- The pastors' conferences at Kamenge with all of the BAGF pastors.  I will never forget preaching and praying for the pastors there.  They are the future of the work of God in that country.  In particular, I remember preaching, in my opinion, the most powerful message I've ever preached "It's Time to Get Your Hands Up" and seeing God move in such a glorious way.  

And last but not least, playing soccer with my friends like Pepe, Antonio, Matt, Paul, etc.. many of whom still don't know Christ, but God gave me so many chances to share Jesus with them.  I believe that soon and very soon they will come into the Kingdom! 

So many incredible memories! I believe many lives  were changed and impacted during my 2 years there.  Thank you so much to everyone who prayed and sacrificially gave to make it possible! Hopefully, God will open the door soon for me to be able to return.  

The God of the 2nd Chance

Dereck walked into church two weeks ago to give his life to the Lord.  He is 16 years old and has lived the past several months of his life on the streets of Nairobi.  His arms and legs are covered with painful boils from an unchecked bacterial infection.  His frame is slender and lean from not properly eating.   He ran away from home several months ago.  This was due to some serious complications at school and deep emotional wounds: His mother died several years ago and his father abandoned him at birth.  

An uncle was attempting to help the young man as best as he could.  However, their relationship became strained so Dereck plotted his escape from his  home-town of Kangaria to make his way to the promise of the big city- Nairobi.   There he was sorely disappointed with the harsh reality of survival on the streets and narrowly escaped with his life on several occasions.  While begging for roasted corn from a vendor at an intersection near down-town, he was told about a church where people could help him.  On Sunday morning, my dear friend Benson Sereria (the former Hare Krishna evangelist) lead him in the sinner's prayer as he surrendered his life to Christ.  

Sach, the assistant pastor at this church decided to help him get back in school.  So we all piled into a small car and drove to Kangaria to try and find the uncle.  We expected to find a very angry and bitter man who wanted nothing to do with Dereck since his recent escapade.   Much to our shock, the uncle was elated to have the "prodigal" of their extended family return.  

As we shared who we were and what we were trying to accomplish, a sweet presence of the Lord filled the living room. Repeatedly, the uncle said: "thank God Dereck fell in with you guys and not Mungiki (a tribalistic gang involved in the occult actively recruiting all over Kenya)". 

  By the end of our time there, I don't think there was a dry eye in the house. The relationship between uncle and nephew was restored.  The opportunity to learn was re-established.  The shame of a family was removed.  The sins of the past were buried.  And through it all- we all witnessed a living testimony of the God of the second chance.  A God who rescues young men from the streets of Nairobi.  A God who keeps us in spite of foolishness.  A God who uses street corn roasters to draw lost people to Himself.  A God who loves wayward and hurting people! 

The Tide is Rising

  Easter Sunday in Buja.  Church is packed almost to overflowing.  At some point during the worship time, the rain started.  A drizzle at first.  Soon, however, the floodgates open.  The only word in English equivalent to the torrential downpour occuring outside is deluge. 

            The rain is hitting the corrugated roof with such force that I can’t hear the pastor some 30 feet away through a massive sound system.  The soundman increases the gain until the speakers are humming and the sound-system straining.  To no avail- he might as well be a pantomime even though he is shouting at the top of his lungs into the microphone.

            An hour later, I look into parking lot to see at least 6 inches of water on the ground.  The rain continues with such force that it is impossible to see further than 10 feet.  The parking lot quickly rises to a foot.  Pastor decides it would be a good idea to close the service.  Too late. It's rising quickly. The water suddenly begins pouring into the sanctuary.

            Absolute pandemonium erupts! “Save the soundboard” cries one.  “The speakers-lift them off the ground” shouts another.  And it's still rising. “Help my shoes are getting wet” cries the pastor’s wife.  Two hundred people are running all over the place trying to find higher ground.  And it's still rising.  Stacking plastic chairs on top of each other they quickly build little towers to climb up on in order to escape the rising water.

            By 12.30 the water is almost a meter deep in the parking lot and well over a foot in the sacturary.  And still rising.  I can’t resist anymore. I run out into the floodwaters to fetch my camera (see the pics on FB). I almost get swept away by the torrent raging in the street on what has to be the most memorable Easter service I have been part of.

            Last night I read from Isaiah 60:  “the Glory of the Lord rises upon you…see darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rise upon you and His glory appears over you.”  

Without question thick and terrible spiritual darkness covers the naitons of the earth.  The promise here, however,  is that God is going to send a GLORY flood into His people’s lives- His presence, His power, and His provision to reach these nations with the Light (v. 3).  My prayer and cry is: "Oh Lord let it rise in my life and in your church!"

            

When Generators Go Boom

Power rationing has been affecting many people in Burundi over the last 4 months.  The electricity is cut at the most random times and returned at even more random moments in the day or night.   Burundians are increasingly turning to generators if they can afford them.   Traditionally, however, it is candles and paraffin lanterns.  

Recently, the power went off at a certain organization's offices late in the evening.  They were prepared as they had been relying on generator power over the past few months.   Two of workers were sent to check the level of fuel remaining in the generator.  There was only one small problem- how to see into the generator's fuel tank.  Following a good traditional practice one of the workers decided that candle light would do the trick quite nicely.  

The other objected muttering something about fire and fuel being somewhat dangerous.  "Nonsense" came his friends response. "I won't stick the candle into the tank...I'll just use its light to look INTO the tank".   Somewhat reluctant the other worker stood a few feet back.  

Apparently, it didn't take but two seconds as the fumes ignited and the whole generator erupted into flames.  The intense Burundian darkness was no longer quite so dark. The poor chap holding the candle received 3rd degree burns, but came away with a valuable lesson:  "Fire + Fuel= Explosion.” And explosions of light have a way of eliminating darkness.  They accomplished their goal- just not in the right way.

As I heard this story I started thinking about that verse in Hebrews: “Our God is a consuming fire”.  I think it was Jim Elliot who used to pray: “make me thy fuel oh flame of God”.  Another man mightily used of God used to say “if God had HIS way with us, He would make us torches of fire purifying the very darkness everywhere we went”  My prayer is that God would ignite my heart with His holy fire like never before to drive back the forces of darkness.  What about you?

The Casava Conservationists

Casava is bigger than life in Burundi.  In most neighboring countries a few people eat the root when nothing else in available.  But not in Burundi- here it is a prize delicacy! People sell it on the sides of the road at the bus stands in just about every imaginable form- cooked, baked, fermented, boiled, raw. 

Yep-  just about anything goes when it comes to Casava.  Casava for breakfast, casava with deep-fried fish, casava with spinach, casava with beans, and casava just for casava's sake simply so one can say that they ate casava that day with a good cup of Burundian tea! 

This week we purchased a piece of land to be used as the site for a new church building we hope to build next month.  The congregation of about 50 people have been meeting in one of the most dilapidated houses I have ever seen.  They are so excited about having their own piece of land with a steel tabernacle on it to be used as their sanctuary. 

We requested the members of the church to begin leveling the land so that we could lay the foundations.   There was great excitement to begin the work! As they started to clear the land- several irate Burundians suddenly showed up to cause trouble.   The  former watchman of the piece of land was the primary instigator.  Shouting and carrying on a scene he made it clear that no one was doing anything until the casava that had been planted was harvested! 

By the time I heard the story it had become quite a complicated scenario.  The former owner was screaming and yelling in good Burundian fashion in our head office that if we wanted to clear the casava we would have to pay his former watchman compensation money.  I was totally confused so I asked: "who owns the land now?"  "the church does of course!" came the response.  "err...help me in my state of ignorance and naivety....doesn't that mean we can do whatever we want with the land?"  "Oh no! Of course not, this is casava we're talking about!!"  

And so the battle for casava conservation continues to rage just south of the city on a piece of land that I think we own, but apparently can't touch.....so that a former disgruntled employee can have a share of his casava harvest.  

Absurd?  Oh yeah....totally absurd! (I'm still shaking my head on this one).   However, as I thought about it more, I was struck by this  former night watchman's courage and persistence to have a share in the casava harvest.   He knows what's valuable- at least in Burundi! And he's willing to do just about anything to make sure that it will be his. 

 And I have to ask myself: "am I that eager to have a share of the Lord's valuable harvest?"  We're dealing with something of far greater value than casava- ours is the business of men's souls.  Their eternal destiny is at stake.  John 4:24 comes to mind: "Do you not say 4 months more and then the harvest?" Jesus is trying to help his disciples understand what's really important.   A whole village is ready to receive Christ. It is the day of harvest.  My heart's cry today is "oh God give us passion for your harvest no matter the cost!" 

Hypothermia on the High Seas

This past week I traveled to the hottest inhabitable place on planet earth.  During the summer months the temperatures regularly soars above 55 (130 +) degrees Celsius.  Situated right along the coast of the Indian Ocean, the humidity is also really intense.  Fortunately, it was the cool season and the temperatures where only in the upper 30s (100 ish).  

The country is mostly desert.  However,  just off the coast of this mostly desolate country side is some of the most spectacular marine life I have ever seen.  Being an avid fan of nature, I went snorkeling.   The sight was almost inexplicable:  Hundreds of tropical colors.  Fish of every imaginable sizes and combinations.  Coral formations that stagger the imagination.  Sea turtles and octopus and all manner of strange sea-faring critters.  I became so engrossed in the underwater adventure that I lost track of time.  Minutes quickly turned into hours.    

Surprisingly, the ocean does not share the same intense heat as the arid land next to it.  On the other side of the reef, the water was down-right frigid!  And for those of you who know me....let's just say I don't exactly have a lot of body fat....  I knew I was in trouble when I lost feeling in my hands and started shaking underwater.  Quickly, I made my way back to the beach to try and warm up.  Upon leaving the water, my legs were trembling so much that I could hardly walk.  The sight must have been hysterical--  It's well over a 100 degrees, the sun is beating down, and I'm trembling uncontrollably as if in the Rocky mountains during a snow storm.  

I went to go sit in the searing heat of the vehicle that was parked in the direct sunlight.  After a good 15 minutes in the 130 degree heat of the "sauna" I was fine. My friends were laughing at me the whole time: "it's the first time we've seen anyone get hypothermia in the desert!" 

Moral of the story: Some things in life are worth paying the price for!  God's creation is breath-takingly stunning! So after I had warmed up- I went back out for another hour :-) It was so amazing!  Hypothermia or no hypothermia in the middle of the desert, I want to live with no regrets!  I couldn't imagine leaving that place without getting at least one more glimpse of God's incredible creation.  

 

The Nyanza Lac Special

The steady downpours everyday for the last several weeks have left the roads in a disastrous state. Mudslides are frequent and the pot-holes are like craters on the moon. We were travelling to a place called Nyabigina- the middle of the middle of nowhere. After bouncing, shaking, and rattling for several hours it was decided that we should spend the night in Nyanza Lac. Nyanza is the closest major urban center- a thriving metropolis of some 15,000 people on the shores of the lake.

Pastor Laurent found us a brand new hotel with 6 rooms. Three of them were already taken by some engineers working on the road- as to what they have actually accomplished in the last 3 months I can't even guess. But that is another story for another day. However, there were three rooms left- the exact number that we needed.

Upon entering my room, I was greeted by a friendly flock of Burundi's finest mosquitoes. They seemed excited to see me. I promptly emptied half of a can of bug-spray. I couldn't go back in the room for 3 hours due to the smell--but the flock was no more. Once the cloud of poison finally disapaited, I fell asleep. About 5 AM, I awoke due to the heat and decided to use the little restroom.

As I walked across the floor my foot landed 2 inches from the stinger of a scorpion who was not at all amused by my nocturnal visit. The spray had clearly taken effect as it violently trembled trying to get close enough for a sting For some reason, I decided against Mark 16's admonition to tread upon scorpions-- when barefoot and quickly found my way back to bed praying to God that it wouldn't follow me.

The next morning as I setteled the bill for all three rooms I was astonished. Room #1 10,000 FBU, Room #2 10,000 FBU, Room #3 7,000 FBU. Yet, all three rooms were identical . The thought flashed in my mind: "It's a special rate they are offering." Regular rooms are 10,000. However, if you make it through the night in the scorpion room then you get a 3,000 FBU discount. Ha! As I laughed I suddenly realized how serious the whole situation really had been. Two inches isn't much.

I have been studying Zecheriah. In chapter two the promise for the city of Jerusalem is that God will be a wall a fire around it and the glory within it. This promise is reiterated by David in Psalm 3- thou oh Lord are a shield for me. You are the glory and the lifter of my head. During the past few days I have sensed God's incredible protection over my life. There's nothing like knowing that God has your back. His presence surrounds us protecting us from the enemy. To all of those who faithfully pray for me and this little country- thank you!

Attack of the Termites

Sunday I visited Ruziba.  It's 15 minutes outside of Buja.  While there I had to use the restroom.  Upon entering the small outhouse in the middle of a field overlooking the lake, I happened to look down.  Probably- not the best idea in most Burundian outhouses.  You just never know what you are going to find.  

In this particular outhouse,  I noticed that the floor was constructed out of 4 or 5 wooden planks situated over a cavern several meters deep.  Nothing unusual there.  However, as my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I suddenly realized that the floor was alive.  By that I mean, Africa's favorite little tree devouring creature- the termite.  My first thought was:  "hmmm....those pesky little critters are everywhere. Amazing! " 

 This thought was short lived though as my mind finally realized the implications of termites in the planks that rest above a cavern of Burundian.....yeah, so you get the idea.  I remember a pastor telling me one time that most pit latrines in Burundi are 3 to 4  meters deep.  This one was mostly full.    So....that's a lot of.....yeah you're still tracking with me.   

My mind instantly envisioned the poor soul who happened to burst into the outhouse in a bit of an urgent moment only to plant their feet on a plank that could no longer support the visitor's weight.  Can you hear the creak as the board gives way? Followed instantly by the- Splash!  Meanwhile, all the little termites are probably cheering! "Yay- we did it boys- finally,  ate through that plank. He he-- yet another happy customer".   Score one more for the termites.   Anyways, for some strange reason I suddenly  no longer had any urge to continue using the little outhouse in Ruziba.  

As I thought about how close I had been to a baptismal moment in the outhouse, I suddenly realized that this is a frightening image of many peoples' lives.  There lives are on faulty foundations.  Over the past few months the Lord keeps bringing me back to the basics, the foundation of my walk with Him- time in His presence daily and reading the Word. 

 I know it is simplistic, but when I was little my mom taught me a song: "Read your bible, pray everyday and you will grow, grow, grow. Neglect your Bible forget to pray and you will....end up in pit latrine spiritually speaking" Okay, I made up the last little bit- I admit it....but I see a daily dose of the Word and Jesus' Presence as the only way to keep those pesky little "termites" out of our lives- doubt, anxiety, fear, so called "minor" sins, etc...   In and of themselves maybe not too terribly serious-- but over an extended period of time they have a tendency of eating through our spiritual foundations!  Above all else may we guard our hearts- for there is the source of our life.   

The Porcelain Potty in Kamenge

I was sitting in a dear pastor's house in Kamenge- a neighborhood outside of Buja.  As we were talking I suddenly realized that I needed to "help myself" as we say in Kirundi and Swahili.  Their church is located next to his house.  I excused myself and started walking outside the house to use the long-drop toilets behind the church building that I normally use in Kamenge. 

The pastor instantly objected insisting that I needed to use the toilet in his house.  I knew this was a great honor, but I was a little reluctant- primarily because I have been there frequently and didn't remember a functioning toilet in the house. 

I walked into the little room which has seen better days- much better days! The paint is totally worn off, the walls are now covered with a dark film that resembles a lurid mix of mildew and bacteria.  There is a concrete floor with fungus developing in certain spots.   The smell... or should I say stench..that would demand another post to describe.  

Much to my amazement right in the middle of the  infectious microbe-abounding atmosphere was a brand new porcelain toilet. I was so shocked I just stood there in amazement staring at the white wonder.  The smell of my surroundings quickly jarred me back to reality.

 Let it be said that there was- No toilet seat,  no toilet back, nor a tank to flush.  And as to how they empty thing....I shudder to think!  However, there it was all the same... the lower half of a new porcelain toilet brilliant and unmistakable in that filthy room! I walked out of that toilet room in amazement realizing that I had just witnessed something of a wonder. 

As I thought about the porcelain potty in Kamenge I learned a lesson.  Maybe it's a bit of a stretch: BUT- I want to be like that toilet! In a country stained by the foulish odors of sin, wreaking with the wretched stench of self, and permeated by the devious deception of the devil-I want to stand out.  I want to be a marvel.  My life a  wonder.  A testimony to the lost in this country.  Not because of me.  But because of HIM.  Because of HIS life-changing newness and freshness in my life. His cleansing POWER and PRESENCE that still "makes all things new!"

A Nap on the Parking Lot?

One week ago we decided to count the number of steel parts (pillars, perlins, trusses, etc...) we have here in Burundi.   The idea was to determine how many tabernacles  we could erect this year.  All went well for the first  hour or so.  As we were nearing the end of the counting process a 50 lb. pillar slipped and smashed the middle finger on my right hand inside the container where they are stored.   OUCH!!!! 

I screamed and promptly made for the exit to find something cold for the throbbing finger.  Cold is not an  easy concept in Burundi .  The sun was scorching over head.  The humidity was nearly smothering.    As I tried to soak my finger in the lukewarm water flowing from the tap the pain and the heat won the day.  I collapsed right on there on the church parking lot. 

As I was lying on the stony parking lot, two ladies from the church who were inside for a woman's prayer meeting happened to walk outside. The first turned to the second and said in Kirundi: "Oh Look Steve has decided to sleep on the parking lot."  The second realizing the absurdity of this statement in the 100 degree plus heat and intense sun overhead remarked: "He's not sleeping on the parking lot silly- he's become infected by sun malaria and is gravely ill"  In a semi-conscience state I started chuckling as I thought: "what in the world is sun malaria?"  

Both ladies continued sharing their uncanny insight as they approached me in my fallen state and said: "Steve it's not good to lie on the parking lot when it's so hot! You should move."  With that they turned around and went back inside.  I am convinced that they were genuinely trying to be helpful.  

While I sincerely appreciated their concern for my position on the baking parking lot- it seems to me that there was a  certain something missing to say the least.  What they said was true- Burundian parking lots are terrible places to take a siesta!   But it would seem that a helping hand would have been much appreciated.  As I thought about the incident later- I had to ask the question: How many times have I been guilty of telling others the truth without being willing to help them get up! What about you? God help us to be speakers of truth AND demonstrators of His  love!  

Jack & Jill Went Down the Hill

In An African Country Not So Far Away:

In the early part of the 2009 canine new year.... 3 dogs decided to celebrate as only arch-canine rivals can...they tore into each other...the fight had been simmering below the surface for quite sometime...minor skirmishes here...a few nips and snarls there...but in commemoration of the new year- it was a no fangs barred firework experience! 

It started as their dear owner a certain Madame "M" was gently caressing one of the three...In a fit of new year jealousy the second dog who we have nicknamed "the little jihadist" bit completely through the paw of the first dog. Madame "M" grabbed the first dog's chain collar to keep the incident from escalating- only to get her hand mangled in the dog's chain..As she started screeching for help the second dog whose teeth were still completely through the first's foot began to drag Madame "M" and dog #1 down the drive away.

Being a loving husband, Monsieur "J", quickly sprang into action- he grabbed his wife and dog #1 to try and stop the downhill descent.  Much to his chagrin, their worker a certain Honorable "C" decided to assist the only way he knew how.  He proceeded to grab dog #2 and pull--- who still had its teeth in dog #1 who had Madame "M's" hand who was held by her husband.  As he pulled the whole group went tumbling down the hill together- dogs, people, fancy French titles, and mangled hands in a way reminiscent of good ol' Jack and Jill. 

The moral to the story- hmm.....there's probably several.....like don't grab a dog by the chain when another dog has its teeth through its paw. 

 However, the one that sticks out the most to me is what a friend of mine often calls taking the "I don't have a dog in that fight" position.  By that he means- let things go that you have no direct  control over.  There's always going to be dogs fighting- the real question is whether we are going to risk a hand or a reputation or a relationship in order to "prove our point" or "get or away".  I, for one, am learning the importance of surrendering these things to God and trusting Him to take care of such situations that I might not be happy with or decisions that I might not be in agreement with.  And at the end of the day- I find I'm a much happier person. 

What God Did Yesterday!

I attended the main BAGF church here in Buja this past Sunday.  The pastor had asked one of the Bible school students to preach. To be honest, I was shocked at this invitation. I had heard the student  speak previously and let's just say....well....STRUGGLE!   In November and December of 2008 I had taught the course "Expository Preaching" at the Bible school.  This dear brother had been in the class as I tried to teach the finer points of homoletical development in French. Not an easy task. 

I left Burundi in December at the end of that course thinking to myself: "not really sure if anything is going to come out of that course." Several of the students seemed quite puzzled by the need to develop a sermon.  In Burundi, just about anything goes in a service.  Preaching is all over the place.  My favorite so far was  the one about why  Burundian Christians need to drive a Mercedes Benz as proof that they are  walking in God's blessings.  Lots of cheers and shouts,  but one year later.....no jobs let alone German specialty cars. 

As this dear brother took the pulpit and opened the Bible the anointing came. So sweet and so powerful. He masterfully weaved together a perfect expository message.  Many in the congregation were stunned--- being challenged and stirred to the core.  I sat there with my mouth open- "is this the same guy???" 

Then he gave the appeal to receive Christ.  A very slender Burundian man came forward and knelt right at the front of the altar.  He was the only person that responded.  He began sobbing.  With tears pouring down his face he surrendered his life to Christ.  It was a holy moment.  How great the power of the Word to convince and the presence of the Spirit to convict!  I walked out of church in holy awe reminded of the fact that  God still uses HIS Word and HIS Spirit to touch hurting lives.  I was greatly encouraged that we are making a difference in Burundi. 

Power Rationing

I returned to Buja to discover the electricity at my house was off.  It stayed out for 10 hours.  Then another 6 hours during the night.  The news reports that the dam supplying Burundi's power is almost dry. For this reason, power rationing has been implemented.  Apparently, the rains have failed in the eastern part of the country where the dam is located.  This is part of the larger drought that is affecting East Africa right now. They are discussing the possibility of 2 days off, one day on.  While talking with one of my friends here, he looked at me and said: "we just need rain!" I couldn't be more in agreement.  For some reason, it has never been so easy to pray for rain. 

As I was thinking about this I was stunned by just how important rain is for human survival. Rain produces crops.  Rain fills reservoirs. And rain brings power.   If this is true in the natural then I am convinced it is true in the spiritual.  In thinking about 2008, I have to be honest. I don't think I have ever been so spiritually dry in my entire life.  I felt a lot like that dam in Eastern Burundi.  No rain. No water. No power.  In my opinion, this is what a lot of believers experienced over the past year.  Dryness.  As I was praying this morning, the Lord challenged me: Expect Rain in 2009.  The rain of the Holy Spirit's presence. The rain that would  produce power.  Power to serve the Lord.  Power to love Him more. Power to be a blessing to those around us.  So my prayer is this "Lord give us the fresh rain of your Spirit's Presence! May 2009 be a year full of the Lord's precious presence leading to great fruitfulness and power." 

Locked Away

The last morning of the recently concluded World Missions Summit I went into the bathroom to gather my effects.  For some reason, I closed the door behind me.  As I did so, the locking mechanism fell off in my hands.  The hotel was constructed very well- thick concrete walls, ornate marble floors, solid wooden doors.... all except for the locks.  Quickly, I tried my hand at picking the lock, putting leverage on the door, pushing, pulling, etc...  All to no effect.

  My ride to the airport was coming to pick me up in 30 minutes. I started to sweat.  A sick feeling engulfed me as I realized there was no way I was getting out of the bathroom without some outside intervention.  My hands began trembling.  I shouted.  I kicked the door.  I pounded the walls with the feeling that I was buried alive in some rock solid tomb.  5 minutes.  "Help! I'm in the bathroom. I can't get out."  10 minutes.  I hit the walls more furiously.  15 minutes.  My voice began giving out. Please I need out!" Just as I was about to give up all hope- "errr.....excuse me...sir....is there something wrong" came the distant voice. I thundered back in response- "yes, I'm stuck in the bathroom".  The voice was incredulous- "you're what sir???"  

With great diplomatic tact I yelled back "I'm stuck in the bathroom...stop joking around and let me out."  I heard the outside door click, then the bathroom door click.  Freedom!!!  I have never been so happy to see the interior of a hotel room in my entire life.  I raced into the hallway to thank my savior. She was moving very quickly the other way.  "Wait ma'am....thank you" I called after her.  "Your business is your business sir!"  "What???? the lock broke!!! You need to fix it " After much persuasion the cleaning maid finally came back to verify my story.  

Doors are such interesting devices.  When they work properly, they are quite useful keeping bad things out and good things in.  BUT when they malfunction.....    2009 is a year of unprecedented open doors for the body of Christ. I believe places where we have been stuck pounding on the walls and shouting are suddenly going to come flying open! Open doors in our ministries, families, and personal walk with the Lord.  May the Lord fling them wide open. And may we  be READY to walk into greater dimensions of freedom, authority, and anointing.....no matter what anybody else thinks! 

God's Agenda or Ours?

At the recently concluded World Missions Summit, I had a conversation with a dear friend of mine. He had shared a very powerful word in the general assembly on not being afraid to try, not being afraid to cry, and not being afraid to die. A very challenging message indeed. As I talked to this visionary, he looked at me and said: "Steve we all have agendas, including me, and God is calling us to lay them down." His statement shook me. I contemplated his words for several days. In Amsterdam, on my way back to Africa God developed the thought further in my heart. "God's blessings only follow God's agenda". So often the body of Christ is consumed with their personal agenda. We pray- "God bless what I'm doing" instead of praying "God how can I be apart of what you are already blessing." I see so much promise of blessing for God's purposes in our lives in 2009. However, I also feel very strongly that only those that lay aside their agenda will experience the fullness of God's blessings. This past Sunday I preached along these lines at Bahati Christian Center in Nairobi from Acts 16:6ff. I won't develop the sermon here. However, I see several key factors in this passage that helped Paul lay aside his agenda and find God's agenda. First, he was lead by the Spirit. Second, he promptly obeyed the Lord. Third, he was willing to minister to hurting people. Fourth, he trusted God with the results. May we be full of the Spirit in 2009, prompt to obey, willing to minister to hurting people, and confident in God's timing for results. In summary, I believe that the Word of the Lord for 2009 is this: "God's blessings always follow God's agenda". God we want your agenda!

JAN 2009

A new year. New doors of opportunity. As I return to Burundi I am optimistic for this little country. I believe 2009 will be the best year Burundi has experienced politically, economically, and regionally in this decade. Everyone is positioning themselves for the upcoming elections in 2010. I anticipate a lot of development in the country as people realize just how much stability has actually returned. From a spiritual perspective, I believe 2009 will be a parrallel great year for Kindgom expansion. I see many new churches being started. Many people encoutering Christ. And many new compassion initiatives being launched. May God be glorified. My prayer is that we would be ready to walk through the new doors of opportunity that will present themselves here in the heart of Africa.