(To my fellow World Racers, missionaries, and friends)
At the beginning of our month in Kenya, we gave sermons based on topics we had previously spoken on or were familiar with. Which wasn’t bad. But they weren’t extremely relevant to the Kenyan people. However, as time went on, we began to learn the things that the people and culture struggle with. Our pastor asked us to speak on time management, because in Kenya time is relative… Church starts at 10:00am, which really means anytime between 10:00 and 11:00am. Haha. But the community of Butere desires to learn and grow, and what we shared they eagerly took to implementing in their lives.
The last Sunday we were in the village, we traveled as a team to three churches and gave our goodbyes and final words. The joy of worship in the first church was utterly overwhelming. I felt it inside me, bubbling up and overflowing to everyone around me. And so I spoke on the joy the church had, and how they should continue to be joyful in worship everyday.
But when we arrived to the second church, something hit me. I realized this was my last chance to encourage the church where I saw it lacking. And that related with the nominal “faith” I witnessed as I traveled from home to home doing ministry. I shared with the church, and the one after, that many people within the communities we visited have attended church for years and years without ever hearing or fully understanding the salvation story.
The week prior, Chaney had asked the congregation at a show of hands, how many of them had family or friends that didn’t know Christ. Guess how many hands went up? None. I explained to the church that while that seems like a good sign… chances are, some of their family members and friends- even if they attend church- are not Christians. I told them being a Christ follower isn’t simply about a prayer we pray, although it is only through his grace that we’re saved. Our lives are not about creating converts, they’re about creating disciples. Then I shared the great commission at the end of Matthew 28, and that Jesus charges all of us- not just a few select- to make disciples of all nations.
I explain all of this to you because being on the World Race, we only get a month to make an impact. It’s great and incredibly important to share the love of Christ with the countries we visit. But in the end, what are we leaving that is long-lasting?
I believe God moves regardless if we listen to him. But if we’re aware of what he’s doing, and what he’s revealing to us, he’s going to be able to move so much more. So I want to encourage you all to be aware of the struggles around you- both in the church and outside of the church. And then empower the church to do something about those struggles. Whether that’s in a Ugandan village or in downtown Grand Rapids. Because even if just one person takes what I share- what you share- to heart, that community will be a different place.
Just a couple things to remember:
1) As my team leader Jonathan often says, “sweetly convict” the church. Challenge them out of a loving place.
2) Know that people must first be open to change before they can accept your critique.
3) Remember that just because you know something, doesn’t mean the people around you know. Sometimes what we think are the simplest of truths make the most meaningful impacts.
