When people ask why I love Togo I normally say it is because of the people. They are very welcoming, friendly, and conversations about God can be easily started. I just feel that God has given me a passion for the people and I am delighted that He has given me the opportunity to work among the people. However, I also love Togo, or West Africa in general because you just never know what will happen and it makes you praise God a lot more for how He provide for us each day.
I have a few examples I would love to share with you from last week.
On Tuesday during English class, it started to rain and not just a little but enough to think a hurricane was coming if we were only close enough to the ocean. Well, in a classroom with partially complete bamboo walls and a tin roof, this is a big deal. Just imagine with me the rain plummeting down into the classroom while 40 students rush to push their desks as close together as possible into the middle of the room. Of course the rain is still blowing sideways into the room and then there are leaks randomly causing puddles on students desks. Then if that isn't enough, there is the deafening sound of the rain hitting the tin roof to the point that talking is impossible. As exams are approaching, it is still important to go on with the lessons so I wrote the directions on the blackboard and used the dry erase boards to show different words for the students to write sentences about or to use a picture to represent the meaning. So there we were, with the hurricane outside, and us writing down things on white boards and showing each other the response to verify our answers without saying a word. I actually had a hard time controlling myself and had to laugh at our hilarious communication but it worked and I was so thankful that they were willing to work through this difficult situation. The students are hungry to learn no matter what it takes to understand.
On Wednesday, I needed to visit a teacher who was sick at a school more than a half hour away. I couldn't leave until 4:30 as the middle school students were taking their mid-terms before this. When I was about to leave with my driver, he had me pray for the voyage, that the rain wouldn't fall, and we would be a blessing to the teacher. Away we went on the dusty and bumpy road, trying not to get run over from large trucks and avoiding large holes. We arrived at the school where I was able to greet the teachers and away we went again with one of the teachers in tow(yes three of us on the moto) to visit the sick teacher's village another half hour away.
When we finally arrived at the village, it was quite apparent that I would become a spectacle as all the children followed my every move. We waited underneath a tree until all the benches were set and the water was passed around. When we all took a sip, we greeted one another (the cultural practice) and the teacher gave me the bible to read 1 Peter chapter 2. This chapter talks about taste to see that the Lord is good. Here I was, sitting on a wooden bench, with half dressed children all around and a sick teacher and yet we are saying that the Lord is good. How is that even possible!! it is because it is the truth, the only thing that keeps us going through the hard things. I see difficult sights each day but the Lord has overcome this broken world and only through His saving grace can we proclaim that the Lord is good.
After we visited, I took him to a small clinic in town which was at someone's house. All the tools like shots and stuff were lying in tin pans and I sat there while I guess a nurse took his temperature and gave him a shot. I just kept praying that they knew what they were doing and wouldn't make his condition worse. We finally left as night was approaching and we could see a storm coming from the east. I still found time to play a few minutes with kids and then we were off again back to my town. The other teacher with us told us we were going to be stuck in the storm but I told him we had prayed to God to withhold the rains until we got back. The amazing thing was we made it back home just before it started raining and it was only through God who provided His provisions!!!! Right there in the middle of the 4 way stop, the driver and I prayed to God and thanked Him for His goodness. What an amazing testimony of God's goodness. I am learning to be thankful for the little things. They are little but they show God working in a huge way. Keep praising the name of God for everything that happens!!!
Monday, May 19, 2014
Changing Cultural Gears
America, the land of
fast paced life, a melting pot of all people groups, and a mentality that
anything is ok. Compare that to Togo, a
slow placed lifestyle based upon relationship building and tradition. Two comletely different
worlds that I have now jumped in between and in order to successfully minister
to the Togolese people, I must embrace the culture in which I am
submerged. I would like to take this
blog to reflect on all the differences between culture in order for us all to
better understand the land I now call home.
The first thing I had to do while
stepping into Togo was to make sure I was wearing a skirt that went pass my
knees. The Christian population still
believe that all women must wear long skirtsand after talking with my friends,
I don’t see this changing anytime soon.
If you are wearing pants the people will automatically think you are a
prostitute and I definitely don’t want
that rumor to be going around. Although
I miss pants and wearing shorts to play soccer, it is more important to be
culturally appropriate.
Greeting : Who greets any more in America ? There is not time for
silly things like that since it is more important to get down to business. Well, that is the contrary to here as
greetings are very important. I spend my
first 15 minutes of every school day greeting everyone and asking about their
parents, wife, kids, how they slept, what their dog is doing, and etc. To the people here, there is no reason to
even talk if you aren’t going to take the time the greet.
This one goes alongside proper greetings and I
am still trying to remember to use this.
If you go to someone’s home, you will be given some water and a place to
sit. After everyone has had a
sip(usually from the same cup) you then greet everyone sitting there. I was at a teacher’s
house the other day and it was at least 10 minutes until I could actually meet
him and talk to him since we were waiting for places to sit and the cup of
water to be passed around. Word of
advice, just sit their happily until someone starts talking to you.
Those who know me well
would say that I love being touched.
Actually they would tell you the opposite but God has definitely been
working on me and has given me close friends who have tauught me that hugging
is ok. I am greatful for them because
holding hands is a big deal here. It is
very common to see guys holding hands with another guy without it meaning more than just friendship. My colleague will hold my hand and he is happily married man. The symbol of holding hands is only a sign of
friendshp for someone who means a lot to them.
Some other differences that take some time to
get use to can be the odor of certain things or remembering not to flush the
toilet paper down the toilet I also have
grown accustom to taking bucket showers where I get to manually throw the water
on myself and you always try to plug in your electronics when you can because
you never know when the lights will go
out. Pretty much you don’t plan ahead for
anything here and just deal with what happens.
I don’t mind this as it helps you thank God for every little thing that
happens.
And my pour skin which hasn’t seen the sun in
months has had the shock of a lifetime to have the strong rays of living on the
equator hitting down on it. Speaking of
the sun, it causes you to sweat quite a bit when exposed to it especially in
places where you have no air conditioning.
Yes, no air flow whatsoever during a humid day.
Oh there are so many
things that change like learning how to teach during a rain storm with a tin
roof(it’s loud) or riding motos into the bush and being stared at by children
who have never seen white person. Yes, they are adjustments but the one thing that never changes is our
relationship with God. No matter where
we are or what we are doing, God is forever sovereign and constant in our
lives. He is willing to mold us and use
our human bodies for His ultimate glory.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Standing on His promises
Riding motorcycles, playing soccer in the sand, and sharing about Christ in French are now a part of my normal routine. I spend my days greeting everyone I meet, helping teachers in a classroom of 50 students, hearing an average of three different languages a day. and being able to speak publicly about having a personal relationship with Christ? How on earth did I get to this point in my life where this abnormal culture to an American has become normal?
I would have to back up and take a trip back to middle school when I felt a desire to teach overseas. At the time, my desire to leave the states was more of a selfish one but God uses our passions for His glory even when we don't realize it. As years passed, that little small spark began to ignite and I came anxious to see God's plan in how I could be used by Him. God's word is filled with His promises, and He continues to work through us with His promises. He has promised never to leave us and to always lead us through this world. For a time that seemed to endure forever, God put a passion in my heart and kept reminding me He wouldn't forget about me and needed to wait for His perfect time. I unfortunately wasn't very patient at waiting but God of course still kept His promise as He has brought me to serve in Togo. I have unspeakable joy to describe the feeling of knowing that I will be able to work with the Togolese until God calls me Home. Yes, it is waiting for His promises and His promises will always be kept. If God is willing to keep His promise of bringing me to the mission field, He is certainly capable of keeping His promise to save us from our sins and preparing for us our Heavenly Home. How amazing that we serve who cares about our lives here on earth so we can ultimately make an impact for His glory. As I have been greeting people this week, they quickly ask me how long I will be staying. I love responding that I will be here indefinitely and this is now my home. It is now my promise to work diligently for the Lord and not to miss an opportunity to win another soul for Christ.
After spending a few days in Accra, my wonderful friends took me to the border of Togo in Lome the capital. Of course there was adventures along the way as Meghann had to weave in and out of large trucks in order to actually reach the border. Luckily a man ran ahead of us and cleared the path of unexpected drivers coming the other direction. At the border, I was surprised to see Roger, my colleague, as I told him not to come due to his wife having their third child two days before. I was happy to see him and after dealing with men that wanted more money for carrying bags, we were finally on our way in a trotro. Of course the trotro stopped on numerous occasions and I finally arrived in Adeta 10 hours after I left Accra.
Sunday was a joyous day as I was reunited with so many friends and children at church. It took forever for me to actually leave as there was so many to greet. After church, I was able to visit with many families and surprised some students who almost came to tears. The only downside of this was the boiling burnt arms I received after walking from house to house. My poor arms had not been exposed to the sun in a long time and they paid dearly for that. It has been a little difficult to adjust to the heat and it is getting easier especially since I don't have a fan at night.
Sunday was wonderful, but Monday was the icing on top of the cake as I was able to begin school life. I spent most of the day helping put out small fires and observing the teachers. I have seem some wonderful teaching as they are trying to praise their students more than punish them. Anne, who has been teaching English while I was gone, has been doing an excellent job and it warmed my heart to hear them speaking so well.
Hmmm, no more runs to Krogers when I don't have someone anymore. I am back to market shopping and that is exactly what I had to do Monday with the help of some students. I miss the variety of vegetables but at least I have mangoes and pineapples!!
On Wednesday I travelled down to Lome in the middle front seat of a shared taxi where that middle seat really doesn't exist. I was greeted by my colleague who takes care of the schools in Lome and away we went to visit schools. The teachers were very surprised to see me and I was pleasantly pleased to see such excellent teaching. I was able to talk with some and I asked the how they saw God working in their schools. They replied that they are thankful for a great team of teachers who all work together and to students who are excited about learning. They said that they have many students who come to church as well, even those who are Muslims. It is such a blessing to see the teachers recognizing God's goodness in the schools and to remember that our work is a mission and not just a job.
Wednesday afternoon, I took a much needed run, and wound up playing a game of street soccer in the street of course. We had to stop from time to time to allow the cars and motos to pass but other than that I enjoyed being a part of the neighborhood and being accepted even though I'm a Yovo(white person)
I attended one of our churches Wednesday night and went to the young women's prayer time. It was all in Ewe and after several attempts of trying to give prayer requests in French, I finally told them it was ok to just use Ewe. You were all well prayed for that evening since I couldn't understand the Ewe.
After visiting the rest of the schools on Thursday, I received my one year visa and attempted to find a way home. We found a taxi without any passengers and I was worried I would be stuck at the station forever. Fortunately, we left and looked for people on the way and fortunately again, we found no one. That mean that I sat in the back of the taxi by myself! This was a huge praise as taxis normally put 4 grown adults in the back so I tried to make the most of this time by stretching out and resting comfortably. You find that in a third world country, you must hold on to the little things and praise God for how miraculous they can make life!!!
On Saturday, I was able to do one of my favorite past times; playing soccer with the kids. Covered in sand by the end of the time, I am thankful for the time spent with these students and to share my passion for soccer with those who also love it. There was also a funeral today which consists of sitting underneath a tent made out of palm branches and following the casket on foot to the burial sight while the church band plays. In the afternoon, I spent my time playing with the neighborhood kids who came over to read, play cards, and hide dominoes. I then went over to their compound and had our first kid's club since I have returned. I had 21 children and they intently listened as I shared how God kept His promise to Abraham to make a nation from his children just like God promised to send his son to the earth to save us.
Please pray for discernment as we wok on curriculum and programs for next year. Pray that I will use each moment wisely and that we will be dedicated God's word. Thank God this week for the promises He has kept and will continue to keep for eternity.
I would have to back up and take a trip back to middle school when I felt a desire to teach overseas. At the time, my desire to leave the states was more of a selfish one but God uses our passions for His glory even when we don't realize it. As years passed, that little small spark began to ignite and I came anxious to see God's plan in how I could be used by Him. God's word is filled with His promises, and He continues to work through us with His promises. He has promised never to leave us and to always lead us through this world. For a time that seemed to endure forever, God put a passion in my heart and kept reminding me He wouldn't forget about me and needed to wait for His perfect time. I unfortunately wasn't very patient at waiting but God of course still kept His promise as He has brought me to serve in Togo. I have unspeakable joy to describe the feeling of knowing that I will be able to work with the Togolese until God calls me Home. Yes, it is waiting for His promises and His promises will always be kept. If God is willing to keep His promise of bringing me to the mission field, He is certainly capable of keeping His promise to save us from our sins and preparing for us our Heavenly Home. How amazing that we serve who cares about our lives here on earth so we can ultimately make an impact for His glory. As I have been greeting people this week, they quickly ask me how long I will be staying. I love responding that I will be here indefinitely and this is now my home. It is now my promise to work diligently for the Lord and not to miss an opportunity to win another soul for Christ.
After spending a few days in Accra, my wonderful friends took me to the border of Togo in Lome the capital. Of course there was adventures along the way as Meghann had to weave in and out of large trucks in order to actually reach the border. Luckily a man ran ahead of us and cleared the path of unexpected drivers coming the other direction. At the border, I was surprised to see Roger, my colleague, as I told him not to come due to his wife having their third child two days before. I was happy to see him and after dealing with men that wanted more money for carrying bags, we were finally on our way in a trotro. Of course the trotro stopped on numerous occasions and I finally arrived in Adeta 10 hours after I left Accra.
Sunday was a joyous day as I was reunited with so many friends and children at church. It took forever for me to actually leave as there was so many to greet. After church, I was able to visit with many families and surprised some students who almost came to tears. The only downside of this was the boiling burnt arms I received after walking from house to house. My poor arms had not been exposed to the sun in a long time and they paid dearly for that. It has been a little difficult to adjust to the heat and it is getting easier especially since I don't have a fan at night.
Sunday was wonderful, but Monday was the icing on top of the cake as I was able to begin school life. I spent most of the day helping put out small fires and observing the teachers. I have seem some wonderful teaching as they are trying to praise their students more than punish them. Anne, who has been teaching English while I was gone, has been doing an excellent job and it warmed my heart to hear them speaking so well.
Hmmm, no more runs to Krogers when I don't have someone anymore. I am back to market shopping and that is exactly what I had to do Monday with the help of some students. I miss the variety of vegetables but at least I have mangoes and pineapples!!
On Wednesday I travelled down to Lome in the middle front seat of a shared taxi where that middle seat really doesn't exist. I was greeted by my colleague who takes care of the schools in Lome and away we went to visit schools. The teachers were very surprised to see me and I was pleasantly pleased to see such excellent teaching. I was able to talk with some and I asked the how they saw God working in their schools. They replied that they are thankful for a great team of teachers who all work together and to students who are excited about learning. They said that they have many students who come to church as well, even those who are Muslims. It is such a blessing to see the teachers recognizing God's goodness in the schools and to remember that our work is a mission and not just a job.
Wednesday afternoon, I took a much needed run, and wound up playing a game of street soccer in the street of course. We had to stop from time to time to allow the cars and motos to pass but other than that I enjoyed being a part of the neighborhood and being accepted even though I'm a Yovo(white person)
I attended one of our churches Wednesday night and went to the young women's prayer time. It was all in Ewe and after several attempts of trying to give prayer requests in French, I finally told them it was ok to just use Ewe. You were all well prayed for that evening since I couldn't understand the Ewe.
After visiting the rest of the schools on Thursday, I received my one year visa and attempted to find a way home. We found a taxi without any passengers and I was worried I would be stuck at the station forever. Fortunately, we left and looked for people on the way and fortunately again, we found no one. That mean that I sat in the back of the taxi by myself! This was a huge praise as taxis normally put 4 grown adults in the back so I tried to make the most of this time by stretching out and resting comfortably. You find that in a third world country, you must hold on to the little things and praise God for how miraculous they can make life!!!
On Saturday, I was able to do one of my favorite past times; playing soccer with the kids. Covered in sand by the end of the time, I am thankful for the time spent with these students and to share my passion for soccer with those who also love it. There was also a funeral today which consists of sitting underneath a tent made out of palm branches and following the casket on foot to the burial sight while the church band plays. In the afternoon, I spent my time playing with the neighborhood kids who came over to read, play cards, and hide dominoes. I then went over to their compound and had our first kid's club since I have returned. I had 21 children and they intently listened as I shared how God kept His promise to Abraham to make a nation from his children just like God promised to send his son to the earth to save us.
Please pray for discernment as we wok on curriculum and programs for next year. Pray that I will use each moment wisely and that we will be dedicated God's word. Thank God this week for the promises He has kept and will continue to keep for eternity.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Faithfulness
Galatians 2:20
" I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
In the past 9 months while being home, I have understood better the characteristics of God, especially His faithfulness. What does faithfulness look like? I can you what it does not look like: selfishness, complaining, laziness, impatience, and wining. Alas, all things I am guilty of portraying. God's faithfulness is written on every page of the Bible as He cared for the Israelites throughout the Old Testament and kept His promise to bring the redeemer to save us all from our sins: Jesus Christ.
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.…" Romans 5:8-9
I don't know a better example of faithfulness than God promising to give us everlasting life even if it meant sending His own son to death on the cross. That promise is never going to change. His faithfulness doesn't change because He is faithful to care for our small day to day needs as well. This is where it becomes more difficult for me. I say "He is faithful" but I have to show that I mean it. When I first came home, I was happy to see everyone and be in the conveniences of America. However, as time went on, I didn't know how I would ever receive enough funds to return and thus began the wining and the complaints. Forward to 8 months later at the end of March where I found myself at 85% knowing quite well that the only way I got there was through God's faithfulness. I knew that when the rest came, I would have to give God all the glory because there was no way I could manage the rest on my own.
So, there I was, one day at 85%, and the next day reading an email that I was at 100%. I was shocked and then embarrassed because God was faithful even when I was not. He was working and I was complaining. The road to this point would have been so much easier if I would have just enjoyed the ride.
In the book, "His utmost for His Highest" Oswald Chambers says, "It is only a faithful person who truly believes that God sovereignly controls his circumstances." Of course I believe that God is sovereign but if I am not allowing God to control every circumstance, than I am not truly believing in His sovereignty. I want every being of my body to tell the world that I know that God is sovereign and that only happens by giving God control. Ouch, control! We love control but as I have been learning, having control isn't worth the sacrifice we make to lost trust in the Lord. As Chambers goes on to say, "To be faithful in every circumstance means that we have only one loyalty, or object of our faith--the Lord Jesus Christ....If we will just learn to worship God even during the difficult circumstances, He will change them for the better very quickly if he so chooses."
Bottom line...God is faithful, it is His character and that will never change. We have the opportunity to learn through our mountaintop experiences and valleys by fixing our eyes on God and following Him through the path of life.
I am returning to Togo in a week and I am so thrilled to share love with God's people who need saving. I am also thankful for the last 9 months in which I had the opportunity to learn how to be faithful to the Lord just as He is faithful, always faithful.
" The goal of faithfulness is not that we wil do work for od, but that He will be free to do His work through us.... He expects no complaining on our part and offers no explanation on His part. God wants to use us as he used His won Son." Oswald Chambers
" I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
In the past 9 months while being home, I have understood better the characteristics of God, especially His faithfulness. What does faithfulness look like? I can you what it does not look like: selfishness, complaining, laziness, impatience, and wining. Alas, all things I am guilty of portraying. God's faithfulness is written on every page of the Bible as He cared for the Israelites throughout the Old Testament and kept His promise to bring the redeemer to save us all from our sins: Jesus Christ.
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.…" Romans 5:8-9
I don't know a better example of faithfulness than God promising to give us everlasting life even if it meant sending His own son to death on the cross. That promise is never going to change. His faithfulness doesn't change because He is faithful to care for our small day to day needs as well. This is where it becomes more difficult for me. I say "He is faithful" but I have to show that I mean it. When I first came home, I was happy to see everyone and be in the conveniences of America. However, as time went on, I didn't know how I would ever receive enough funds to return and thus began the wining and the complaints. Forward to 8 months later at the end of March where I found myself at 85% knowing quite well that the only way I got there was through God's faithfulness. I knew that when the rest came, I would have to give God all the glory because there was no way I could manage the rest on my own.
So, there I was, one day at 85%, and the next day reading an email that I was at 100%. I was shocked and then embarrassed because God was faithful even when I was not. He was working and I was complaining. The road to this point would have been so much easier if I would have just enjoyed the ride.
In the book, "His utmost for His Highest" Oswald Chambers says, "It is only a faithful person who truly believes that God sovereignly controls his circumstances." Of course I believe that God is sovereign but if I am not allowing God to control every circumstance, than I am not truly believing in His sovereignty. I want every being of my body to tell the world that I know that God is sovereign and that only happens by giving God control. Ouch, control! We love control but as I have been learning, having control isn't worth the sacrifice we make to lost trust in the Lord. As Chambers goes on to say, "To be faithful in every circumstance means that we have only one loyalty, or object of our faith--the Lord Jesus Christ....If we will just learn to worship God even during the difficult circumstances, He will change them for the better very quickly if he so chooses."
Bottom line...God is faithful, it is His character and that will never change. We have the opportunity to learn through our mountaintop experiences and valleys by fixing our eyes on God and following Him through the path of life.
I am returning to Togo in a week and I am so thrilled to share love with God's people who need saving. I am also thankful for the last 9 months in which I had the opportunity to learn how to be faithful to the Lord just as He is faithful, always faithful.
" The goal of faithfulness is not that we wil do work for od, but that He will be free to do His work through us.... He expects no complaining on our part and offers no explanation on His part. God wants to use us as he used His won Son." Oswald Chambers
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Perspective
While living in Africa, I was hardly in air conditioning and only used a fan at night. By the end of the year, anything less than 60 degrees was considered freezing to me! The worst part about being in the states for the summer was the fact that I would be in air conditioning! Yes, I constantly had to wear a coat and looked ridiculous when everyone else was actually dressed for summer. Then came the realization that I would be staying longer than the summer. As the months passed, the temperature continued to creep down. By the end of October, I was permanently wearing sweatshirts and hats even while carving pumpkins. A fear came over me that I would never survive the winter if I was already struggling with the 40's. Then the winter actually came and it was worse than anyone had imagined. How on earth was I suppose to survive hypothermia? But alas, I did survive through each day of winter and just learned to put on as many layers as possible. I thought I would never be able to stay warm through the winter but of course I am still here. I made the situation appear worse than it really was. By February, I would find myself outside wearing shorts in 30 degree weather and thinking it felt warm. Yes, it felt warm compared to the negatives. The light bulb brightened and it hit me that it was all about my perspective on the issue. Temperatures in the high 30's was no longer cold when comparing it to the days that stayed in the negatives. If I survived the coldest days, I could survive in less harsh conditions.
The thought of "perspective" enabled me to apply it to other areas of my life. For example, I also said when I came home that I would only last in the states until January. January was flipped over on the calendar and I still found myself in the states. The impossible all of a sudden became possible because I had a better outlook on the issue. Frankly, I had two decisions. I could either be miserable for all my months living in the states or I could accept the fact that God had me in the states for a reason and make the most of the situation. I sound enlightened writing this, but it did take many months for this point to come clear to me. Finding God's blessings right where I am planted instead of worrying about where I am not, it is a lot more satisfying. For nine months, I have been able to help with the youth group, share crazy memories with my family, and grow closer to the Lord.
Our perspective should be focused on following the will of God and being filled with His truth. No matter where we are or what we are doing, we can make the best of it because we have the Lord. He is faithful and we were made in order to give Him the praises. I struggled being home but being home was exactly where the Lord wanted me for these months. Instead of fighting our God on matters we don't understand, let's thank God for how He can use us for his kingdom, let us gain a Christ focused perspective.
The thought of "perspective" enabled me to apply it to other areas of my life. For example, I also said when I came home that I would only last in the states until January. January was flipped over on the calendar and I still found myself in the states. The impossible all of a sudden became possible because I had a better outlook on the issue. Frankly, I had two decisions. I could either be miserable for all my months living in the states or I could accept the fact that God had me in the states for a reason and make the most of the situation. I sound enlightened writing this, but it did take many months for this point to come clear to me. Finding God's blessings right where I am planted instead of worrying about where I am not, it is a lot more satisfying. For nine months, I have been able to help with the youth group, share crazy memories with my family, and grow closer to the Lord.
Our perspective should be focused on following the will of God and being filled with His truth. No matter where we are or what we are doing, we can make the best of it because we have the Lord. He is faithful and we were made in order to give Him the praises. I struggled being home but being home was exactly where the Lord wanted me for these months. Instead of fighting our God on matters we don't understand, let's thank God for how He can use us for his kingdom, let us gain a Christ focused perspective.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Do we know?
My morning routine consists of spending time in the Word with my Heavenly Father and praying for those whom I know personally. I also pray for Togo in general and then specifically for all the teachers and students as they grow closer to the Lord. However, rarely do I spend a significant amount of time praying for my fellow believers from around the world. However, this morning I felt a need to pray for the body of Christ throughout the world who deal with persecution and turmoil. Minutes later, I received an email from a pastor in Togo for prayer concerning the Central African Republic. I feel ashamed to say that I didn't even know there was a problem.
In the Central African Republic, a group called the seleks are seeking revenge against the anti balaka group and vice versa. It has become a fight between religions, ethnic groups, and political affiliation. The infrastructure of the country has crumbled leaving the place empty of schools and hospitals. To the north, is the country of south Sudan who has seen a displacement 200,000 people as there is also political unrest and innocent people being murdered due to their ethnicity and religion. If that isn't enough already, Christians in the northeast and southeast of Nigeria are being persecuted by anti-Christian groups. Where is the end of all of this suffering? And I have only touched on three countries amidst others going through the same thing.
Not to cause a damper to your day, but I guess I think it is important to be aware of the persecution being done to the church body. As I sit here in a house surrounded by an outside temperature below zero, there is not much I can do other than pray. Maybe praying seems like a cliché to some but it is the only answer because God is the only answer through suffering. We must pray for changes in hearts, and that we spend every moment being a testimony of God.
Although today seems bleak, Christ is returning someday soon for His kingdom. The suffering will be finished and He will conquer all.
At the moment, there is no great persecution being done in Togo like in other African countries. After hearing about all these problems, it gives me an urgency to be back in Togo. The Togolese and all people groups need to know the peace that only rests in Christ. The Christian Schools have the awesome opportunity to share Christ with 3000 students who can then share with their parents and neighbors. Through a solid Christian education in Togo, the students can be equipped with the tools to evangelize and stand up for their faith through love. As much as I yearn to save all those who don't believe, we must do our part to be a light in the dark world wherever God has asked us to serve.
In the Central African Republic, a group called the seleks are seeking revenge against the anti balaka group and vice versa. It has become a fight between religions, ethnic groups, and political affiliation. The infrastructure of the country has crumbled leaving the place empty of schools and hospitals. To the north, is the country of south Sudan who has seen a displacement 200,000 people as there is also political unrest and innocent people being murdered due to their ethnicity and religion. If that isn't enough already, Christians in the northeast and southeast of Nigeria are being persecuted by anti-Christian groups. Where is the end of all of this suffering? And I have only touched on three countries amidst others going through the same thing.
Not to cause a damper to your day, but I guess I think it is important to be aware of the persecution being done to the church body. As I sit here in a house surrounded by an outside temperature below zero, there is not much I can do other than pray. Maybe praying seems like a cliché to some but it is the only answer because God is the only answer through suffering. We must pray for changes in hearts, and that we spend every moment being a testimony of God.
Although today seems bleak, Christ is returning someday soon for His kingdom. The suffering will be finished and He will conquer all.
At the moment, there is no great persecution being done in Togo like in other African countries. After hearing about all these problems, it gives me an urgency to be back in Togo. The Togolese and all people groups need to know the peace that only rests in Christ. The Christian Schools have the awesome opportunity to share Christ with 3000 students who can then share with their parents and neighbors. Through a solid Christian education in Togo, the students can be equipped with the tools to evangelize and stand up for their faith through love. As much as I yearn to save all those who don't believe, we must do our part to be a light in the dark world wherever God has asked us to serve.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Broken
Cars break. Electronics break. Even relationships break. Our lives are filled with broken things that just cause clutter and leave us wanting the next big thing. Like the iphone commercial, we sometimes have the desire to break things on purpose in order to receive something more suitable. Although the start of this blog sounds dismissal, I am getting to a hope driven point.
Being home these past six months has been difficult. I felt that I don't have a purpose, not sure of a ministry, and missing out on ministry in Togo. However, instead of feeling empty and wishing for materialistic things to fill the hole, I have been thankful for my brokenness. Through this emptiness, I have found that the only thing missing is my trust in Christ. When I am weak, He is strong. When I feel like I am nothing, I am allowing God to be everything in my life. Do I want to be missing out in the opportunity to serve in Togo? Of course not! However, I honestly can say that through this time at home, I have learned new ways to serve those around me and most importantly to be still before the Lord. When all the mission field, it is easy to get busy and in the midst of doing "ministry for the Lord" and actually not take time be in the presence of the Lord personally. At the present moment, I have had time to think, reflect, and be in awe of the Sovereignty of our Savior. Without a hesitation, I am thankful to be broken and so I can allow Christ to fill in the missing pieces. I am not looking for more of me, or to keep the clutter around, as Christ has taken it all and I want to leave more room for Him.
We all go through moments of brokenness, loss, and despair. How we fill that brokenness is what matters. We can't find hope in things of the world and nothing else can bring Joy and fulfillment than in knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
As I continue to wait on God's perfect timing to return to Togo, I will continue to rest in God's strength. Nothing, absolutely nothing else, can be more satisfying than being in the arms of Christ and allowing Him to control my life instead of trying to unsuccessfully control my own.
I am now at about 75%. At times when I thought I would never reach 50%, God continued to be faithful and I will not give up now that God's work will be done through His body in Togo and throughout the world. How awesome that we serve the only true God who cares about all of his people throughout His universe.
Being home these past six months has been difficult. I felt that I don't have a purpose, not sure of a ministry, and missing out on ministry in Togo. However, instead of feeling empty and wishing for materialistic things to fill the hole, I have been thankful for my brokenness. Through this emptiness, I have found that the only thing missing is my trust in Christ. When I am weak, He is strong. When I feel like I am nothing, I am allowing God to be everything in my life. Do I want to be missing out in the opportunity to serve in Togo? Of course not! However, I honestly can say that through this time at home, I have learned new ways to serve those around me and most importantly to be still before the Lord. When all the mission field, it is easy to get busy and in the midst of doing "ministry for the Lord" and actually not take time be in the presence of the Lord personally. At the present moment, I have had time to think, reflect, and be in awe of the Sovereignty of our Savior. Without a hesitation, I am thankful to be broken and so I can allow Christ to fill in the missing pieces. I am not looking for more of me, or to keep the clutter around, as Christ has taken it all and I want to leave more room for Him.
We all go through moments of brokenness, loss, and despair. How we fill that brokenness is what matters. We can't find hope in things of the world and nothing else can bring Joy and fulfillment than in knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
As I continue to wait on God's perfect timing to return to Togo, I will continue to rest in God's strength. Nothing, absolutely nothing else, can be more satisfying than being in the arms of Christ and allowing Him to control my life instead of trying to unsuccessfully control my own.
I am now at about 75%. At times when I thought I would never reach 50%, God continued to be faithful and I will not give up now that God's work will be done through His body in Togo and throughout the world. How awesome that we serve the only true God who cares about all of his people throughout His universe.
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