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.