I've noticed something lately, something that I'm honestly not too proud of myself for. When looking back at some of my recent blogs, I haven't written about Jesus nearly enough as I should.
I came on this race for Jesus; for the glory, praise, and worship of his name and what he has done. I've learned that even on an evangelical mission trip, our purpose can sometimes be lost, confused, or simply out of focus due to different factors. Make no mistake: I am in Swaziland for Jesus.
I was in Pretoria for a month for Jesus. I was in Cape Town for a month for Jesus, and as long as JESUS needs me on this trip for his glory alone, I will be wherever I am for him. Yes, it can be good to write about what I've learned and some of the cool experiences, but I want to reiterate my focus for all of my supporters and all of the people praying for me and my team. WE ARE HERE FOR JESUS.
The other night, the three teams here at the orphanage in El Shaddai were having a prayer meeting. At one point of the night, someone in our group said something along the lines of, "I just want to make sure we make everything we do about Jesus." This started a great conversation about what that looks like and how we can do better at making everything about Him. When we pray, we pray in Jesus name. When we worship, we lift up Jesus. When we teach and preach, we teach and preach Jesus.
I repent for not making Him preeminent in absolutely EVERYTHING (Colossians 1:18). In my relationships, in my worship, in my conversations, in my prayers, in my thoughts, and in my MOTIVES. So, as a result of this thinking, I want to recap everything that JESUS has done in the last 3 months. I hope you are blessed by knowing what He is doing and what He has done. Soli Deo Gloria.
In Pretoria:
-The name of Jesus and his gospel were preached to men and women at a restoration center (PopUp) for people wanting to work their way out of difficult times in their life. Several people came to saving faith that month, praying in Jesus' name.
-Jesus' love was shared with children at the day care, as well as all of the staff members at the PopUp center.
-The gospel of Jesus was shared with people in the streets and public parks of Pretoria, while his name was worshiped in song.
-The love of Jesus and his gospel were shared to several orphanages in the Pretoria area.
In Cape Town:
-The love and knowledge of Jesus was shared as our team taught classes at a Christian school and church.
-Jesus and his gospel were preached (via Matthew 3) at a Sunday church service. People were called to repent and believe in Christ, who atones for sin and has brought the Kingdom of God to earth.
-Trees were cut down for farmland and a census was done on all of the farm laborers in order to establish a cooperative program with the church, to unite the community and share Jesus and his gospel with each person.
In El Shaddai, Swaziland:
-Jesus has held baby and toddler orphans in his arms.
-Jesus' has been shared with the pre-schoolers living at the orphanage.
-The truth of Jesus and the power of his resurrection has been preached to young men who have never had a an earthly father figure. Now, by the power of the Gospel, they have been taught what it means to have a heavenly Father.
-The gospel of Jesus has been preached (via Titus 2), and people have heard what it means to be redeemed from sin, to be called to be a holy nation, and to live in hope for the glorious return of Jesus.
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14
"And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of JESUS every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:8-11
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Colossians 1:15-17
"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs." Hebrews 1:1-4
"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen." Galatians 1:3-5
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
"And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 'Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.'" Revelation 4:9-11
"Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!' And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!'" Revelation 5:11-3
"Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." Jude 24-25
