God will always receive the glory in every situation because we have nothing special that draws people except for the Holy Spirit. In giving Him all the glory, God also deposits good things into our souls. We seem to come more alive, His love pours through us, and we have intense compassion for others. Sometimes we will even express righteous anger in order for the Father to gain glory. Righteous anger? Yea, it sounds like an excuse to get mad, but even Paul would use this type of anger to get people’s attention. I say these things because we are experiencing intense emotions from the Father this month. In my last blog I stated that God is call us to help the church expand. No, the thought of expanding does not encompass a new building, however it does involve the people leaving the building to reach others.
Operation outreach started at the first of this week, and it has been incredible. Basically, our team has been walking around the town preaching the gospel. The Reverend takes us to a group of people, and then we share the Fathers love. I believe that in sharing the gospel you have to put yourself aside. Yes, sharing testimonies about yourself is compelling and should be used. We also have the Holy Spirit, which is the most compelling tool. Some assume that Holy Spirit is only for the crazy Christians, but Jesus says that it was better for Him to leave this earth so that the Holy Spirit can come to His people. During the outreach we pray for the Holy Spirit to speak through us so that others can be affected.
When was my heart breaking? It was breaking when I shared the gospel with three men, and the Reverend asked, “has anyone shared the gospel with you in this town?” They said, “We have been here for two years and have never heard the gospel.” It broke my heart because we were right out side of the church. Then my heart broke even more when I realized how many people I know, and have encountered in America that do not believe. I walk around with this treasure that excites me, that makes me live for a different life, and that centers me on the Father. Instead of sharing with these people I stop myself because I’m worried about what they will think. It’s crazy that we turn from conversation that could help someone to find the most beautiful thing, in order to satisfy our reputation. I saw these things in myself and in America, but I have noticed that it is a world wide epidemic. We have to start expressing the greatness of the Father so that others can be saved, and stop trying to save our reputations. My heart broke again when I was speaking the Fathers love, and it was totally ignored. I wanted them to know the Father, but all we can do is plant the seed, and watch God make it grow. My heart rejoiced when the Fathers light entered a dark little hut, and brought salvation to a young woman. When she walked into the church, later that week, for a revival I did not even recognize her. The beauty of the Father was pouring through her, and she was alive in Him. My heart broke when a drunken man started mocking Jeremy (teammate) and the church members. God is an all-consuming fire so by that afternoon my heart was rejoicing because the drunken man was on his knees giving his life to Christ.
Ministry has been eventful, amazing, life changing, Holy Spirit filled, and so fruitful. I still do not have Internet so you will be reading this blog after we have finished ministry. The current date is Feb. 18th and we have 5 more days of ministry before we head back to Nairobi for Debrief. Please be praying for my team to stay focused on the Father, and to always be unashamed of the gospel. Also be praying for the parents that are coming to Nairobi on the March 4th to join us in ministry (my dad, George, will also be coming!). I thank you all so much for your great love and for the prayers. God be with you always!
