God Gives Wisdom

In Fall of 2005 I spent a lot of time talking with God about the future and what our family needed to do. I had been contacted by FBC Perry about being their pastor. I was happy where God had placed us but couldn't shake the feeling that He was up to something. So we talked. As time moved on we interviewed with the committee and met at a neutral site where I was able to preach. My wife and I began to feel a strong pull toward this church and her people. God and I kept talking.

I needed wisdom.

The followers of Christ, numbering around 120, were baffled about their current satte of affairs. Jesus had risen to life only to leave 40 days later. Now what? What were they supposed to do? Jesus said their would be a comforter to follow. Who was this? Where is He? When is He coming? Is He already here? No one knew and everyone was frustrated, I am sure. This group of believers kept gathering together and kept talking to God. The Bible isn't clear about how long it was, just that it was later. it was during one of these moments that Peter stood up and laid out a plan.

God responded to my wife and I with a sense of wisdom about what to do because we kept asking, kept seeking, and kept knocking. God responded to the group of believers by giving Peter wisdom that He knew Peter would share with the group. You see, the first way we see God responding to the prayers of the people is to give wisdom. James 1:5 tells us, "If you need wisdom, if you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will gladly tell you."

Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. God will respond. Are you listening?

How God Responds

We all like to talk. Sometimes we talk to much and listen very little. I find those cell phone commercials where the tweener girl is talking for thousands of minutes non-stop both humorous and frightening as I consider my own child and how much she likes to talk already. Finding the balance between speaking and listening can be tricky. If I speak to much then I never listen and know if what I am saying is being received. If I listen and never contribute then it could be misinterpreted as uncaring.

Giving and receiving is the basis for good communication. Without both you simply have extended monologues. God desires to communicate with each of us. Jesus tells us that we should keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking. I could spend pages trying to decipher all the meanings and parsings of these words. I could hours putting together good hermeneutics. An interesting things keeps popping up in my mind. If effective communication requires both parties to be involved and I am supposed to continue to ask, seek, and knock, then when and how does God respond?

Recently there has been much discussion concerning the church and her viability. We are in desperate need of a movement of God. Almost instantly I was inspired to read Acts. As I began looking at it again from this perspective I noticed a pattern. The people kept pressing God in prayer, but in a humble fashion, and God began to respond in dramatic fashion. As I read I noticed 10 ways that God responded to the early church. It was not that God responded 10 times but in ten unique ways. God heard the people and responded to the situation in a unique and wonderful way.

1. Wisdom
2. Direction
3. Ability to Choose
4. Power
5. Transformation
6. Salvation
7. Presence
8. Shared Ministry
9. Leadership
10. Rescue

Impressive. The God of the universe hears us and responds. Are you asking, seeking, and knocking? Maybe you should start. We'll look at the first one next time.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Recently our church started a prayer campaign called the "153 Prayer Campaign". We are praying for 153 days to see 153 people surrender their lives to Jesus. I was reviewing John's telling of them catching the 153 fish and was struck by the feeling that many people in our lives are just like Peter, stuck between a rock and a hard place spiritually.

Let's review.

They were all together in the Upper Room sharing a meal together. Jesus casually expresses that someone will betray Him and verbal chaos breaks loose. Peter rises and states that he would die for Jesus to which He replied that Peter would betray before the rooster crowed. And it was so. The last glance of Jesus would haunt Peter. Before Peter could say or do anything, Jesus was gone. Before he could reconcile, or rationalize, Jesus is crucified, buried, and gone. Peter is caught between the sin he feels shame and guilt for and forgiveness.

How many people do we know that are in this position? How many of us are in this position? We feel shame and guilt. We are not sure if God is mad. A person in this position does not feel useful, wanted or loved. I've been there, have you?

Peter agonizes over the weekend until the ladies come running in the room with an astounding statement: Jesus is alive! Peter bolts out of the room and runs headlong into the tomb. Why? First, surely he wanted to see his friend. There is more, though. He has a need to talk with Jesus. He needs to be released. He did not have the scriptures like we do. It is possible he couldn't read anyway. He knew his actions. He knew how that made him feel. He knew something must be done but Jesus was unreachable. He had died and abandoned them.

The problem today is many people are in this same situation. It is possible they are not conscious of their sin. Our culture has redefined wrong on so many occasions that for those without a scriptural foundation there is no absolute truth as a standard. What people do know is that they feel something odd. They are caught between the sin they committed and a state of peaceful forgiveness.

Peter did not find Jesus that day. The disciples were gathered when Jesus walked through the wall into their presence. Peter wanted to speak with Jesus, but this was a group event and not a good time. Between the timing and Peter's pride nothing was accomplished that day. Was Jesus mad? Was Jesus avoiding him? There are many things that go through the mind of someone in this position. Thomas was with them the next time. Again, a group event and Peter is still stuck. John writes that Peter announces that he is going fishing. He is returning to what he knew. He was going back to what was comfortable and easy.

How many of us do this? We feel unwanted, unusable, and out of place. We are not sure if our relationship with God is solid. Our mind tells us one thing, but the heart tends to rule in these matters. We go back to what we know and feel comfortable with in life. We find other things to do than attend church. We find family, sports, chores, yard work, the bar and old habits. When we do find the time and inclination to return to church we are unfortunately greeted in such a way that heaps the guilt and shame.

"Where have you been?"

"Haven't seen in you in a while."

While we might not intend anything with these statements, but the received message is negative. Why can't we simply be happy with the present presence? When someone is caught between a rock and a hard place do they need to be reminded of their situation or just loved out of it?

Let's watch Jesus in action. Peter has gone fishing and has caught nothing. There is a distinct lesson to be learned here. When we, in our situation, go back to the comfortable we find no satisfaction. Peter caught no fish. Jesus arrives and makes a suggestion and they catch more than the nets can hold. After a nice breakfast on the beach Jesus initiates a discussion with Peter. He does not guilt. He does not shame. He does not ask for explanations. He loves.

"Peter do you love me more than these?"

The reference would be to the fish. In other words, do you love me more than what you have known to be comfortable? Do you love me more than your habits or past? Peter expressed that Jesus knew everything and yes he did. Did you notice what Jesus did? He loved Peter. What could happen if we just loved people? What transformation could happen if we simply loved people out of their position?

We often find ourselves between the action committed and the state of forgiveness we need. We feel stuck. Where is God? What does He feel? What will He do? When we go to church we are piled on with guilt and shame. Jesus lovingly and gently helped Peter. Will we do the same?

Desperation

When God gave Jesus the green light on ministry it wasn't long before He began teaching. People had gathered to listen to the new teacher and decide if He was worth listening to and possibly following. He went up on a hillside and began to teach all who would listen. I wonder if the people then reacted in the same way as I do to what He says.

What He says is completely antithetical to all I have been taught in life.

He opens with "God blesses". Who doesn't want that? I would kill for ultimate well-being, inner joy, and peace. The problem soon follows though that those God blesses are poor in spirit. Really? I have been taught by many and there are those who propagate it now that all I need is already within me I just have to get in touch with myself and unlock the power. Somewhere inside of each of us, we are told, is the power to overcome; the power to succeed; the power to find fulfillment. Jesus, however, says that if any of us want the fulfillment of God, the blessing of joy, we are to be poor in Spirit: desperate. I don't want desperation, do you? This means out of my control. Desperation is beyond our control. I must call on someone else to assist and manage the situation. Over the years I have challenged this concept. I, and you, might not have ever verbally challenged this idea, but our actions are voluminous.

It was a Wednesday. I had dropped off my daughter at school and headed back to the house to pick my wife and son. He had an endoscopy scheduled at 1pm. We drove the hour to the hospital, parked, and checked in. While we sat and waited, my son played his video game, and I read. It wasn't long and we were called back into the room for the pre-op process. He changed into the monkey pj's they had for him, which he really liked. They said he could keep his hat on if he wanted, which he also really liked. The nurses and doctors were kind and efficient. After we discussed the procedure and also his background a number of times it was time for the separation. We kissed and hugged him as they took him into the surgical room. Dulcie and I went downstairs and got a coke before returning to the waiting room. We had just down when we got the call that all was fine and the doctor was finished. He would be right out to talk with us. "How smooth was that?", I asked out loud. The doctor came and said all looked fine and we could go into recovery to help our son as we came out of the sleep. About an our later we returned to the room for post-op watch care and finalizing the process. I remember looking at the clock and thinking that this was sweet! We would be home before supper and could get little sis early from our friend. We had signed the discharge papers and been given our instructions. As we gathered up items I thought, "All was well. All was under control. I had this!"

Our son began to moan a little about his stomach, which was the reason we were having the procedure. We didn't think much of it. Then it became a loud moan and we paused to consider it. For the next two hours he writhed in pain and screamed.

Desperate.

During the two hours the nurses came. The intern came. The doctor came. We had no answers. We rolled him down to radiology and they had closed for the day. We rolled him down to the ER and quickly did x-rays. I held him up. I moved him. I laid him down. I rolled the bed. I was doing all I could.

Desperate.

All the while I discussed the situation with God. We had called the church and asked for prayer. My wife prayed. I prayed. I think everyone was praying! I watched for two hours as my son, my only son, writhed in pain and I could do nothing to stop it. I hugged him. I comforted him. In one of those moments he said, "Nothing will help! I can't take it anymore!!" I was powerless. I was in poverty. I was desperate. God was our only hope. As we prayed, God provided a peace.

Once our son was able to empty himself, he basically passed out and went to sleep. He was quiet. He was calm. He breathed easier. He rested. We rested. Soon we left and went home. The power of Heaven resolved the issue that day. The prayers of many, including ourselves, called upon the King of Kings. I acknowledge in my heart what I knew in my head. I am poor in Spirit. In those moments, the kingdom of Heaven became ours in its power and glory. We praised God for the relief and rest that early evening as we waited to go home. The prayers of desperation were the answer. So often, our prayers do not come out of desperation. Our prayers often come from want, or anger, but not desperation. We have been taught to be self-sufficient. We have been shaped into a mentality that those in need got there on their own and can get out of it as well if they only tried harder.

Our only hope is found in God. He alone has provided the pathway of hope in Jesus Christ. It is through Jesus alone that we have hope of eternity, joy for today, and spiritual balance. The more I try to fix me, help me, solve me, manage me I fall out of balance and forget my desperate position. I have been fooled into believing that I can manage. To quote an old hymn, "My hope is found in nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness."

I will never forget what it felt to be desperate. It will forever mark our lives. I completely understand now...

God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.

We were blessed that day! God gave us a strength, peace, and joy in a moment that called for everything else. I pray I never forget it. May I never challenge it again.

When have you been desperate? Comment please!

Africa Day 14

It's the Final Countdown

Sorry, music from the 80's just surfaced out of nowhere. I do understand that some will say that song was never really music...it just popped in.

Anyway, today is the packing up day. We spent the morning sleeping in and packing up. I led us in a Bible discussion of the Beattitudes. In the afternoon Pete looked at one of our interpreters and the Riggs' two children. We did a little final shopping and then supper.

It is really a slow day in comparison to the others. We haven't had to bust it out to make it someplace for a day of ministry today. I am glad though because the plane trip home is a long and arduous process. To have this day be restful...hmmm...the Bible says something about that doesn't it?...is a nice opportunity.

We are all very glad to have been a part of God's plans these past two week but are also ready to be at home. Now that the day has arrived it seems like forever to get to the midnight flight out of Africa! Somehow we have to balance restful with anxious. Pray for us as we travel. There is heightened security along the way but no real threats.

How has God worked? We will be sharing the answer to that question on January 24th at 6pm. No doubt, many of you will already sense and have heard about a movement of God in our lives, but we will formally share the trip with you on the 24th during the evening service.

May God bless!!

Africa Day 13

Today was the CANOE TRIP!!!

I can tell you that not everyone was excited about this...Pete. He doesn't like canoes and expressed that to us at times. We had a missionary with us today and we floated off to the island for ministry. Around march the river drops enough that you can drive to this location but that was not the case today. As you will see in the pictures, the river is wide and the canoe seemed small. The driver loaded us in two boats and we were guided up river and then across fighting the current all the way. It was a peaceful ride watching the river flow gently. As we approached the bank the optical illusion was a little unnerving as it seemed the land was moving away from us. it was eerie! The return trip was much faster since we had the current with us the whole way.

We worked out of the school that is there. We found about 50 kids hanging out and a couple of people wanting care. Once we settled in and set up shop Pete gathered them all up and spoke about brushing their teeth and the big bad enemy of sugar. He took a stroll while we gathered patients since his back is giving him much grief. They soon gathered and we got started at 10:30. A little over 2 hours and 21 people later we packed up and headed back across the river. We ate lunch on the run nearly and headed across town to an area Cherry knew about and asked if we would help. There were 8 people who were helped and they were very thankful. There appreciation was so vast in comparison to other days that it made for a good last stop.

We returned knowing that we only have one more day until we fly home! Pete will look at the Riggs' kids and Bilo tomorrow afternoon and then it is off to dinner and prepare to go to the airport.

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Africa Day 12

Tired!

This is a good word for today! It is taking us a little longer each day to get up and go. Knowing the bumpy road ahead causes a little pause, but with coffee and fresh croissants all is well and we load up for another day of ministry. As we travel we discuss a variety of issues not the least of which is what the letter for the day is. We have been playing this stupid game on the morning drives to pass the time. A letter is chosen and we spend enormous amounts of intellect trying to outdo each other using words beginning with the letter and multiple uses in one sentence. The only way to understand is to be here. Actually you could be here next year. We are planning on the same time leaving but only being here one week. You could go!!

We arrived at the village and were not sure how many would be seen today, but it ended nicely. We actually got Pete to relax a little with the kids before dentistry today. The pictures tell it all! We soon suited up and began work. I was the seller of tickets today and handled speaking on preventative care of the dental and spiritual nature. We had many that were around and gave a talk three different times. The day was hot and dusty but much was accomplished. Chuck and Kris had good conversations with a few men and Chuck shared the Gospel.

We were able to load up around 3pm and head toward the house! As we arrived we unloaded and were informed that Cherry had cooked for us and were expected at her apartment around 6pm. We could not have been more pleased when we arrived than to see steaks in gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, and sweet tea. i though Chuck was going to convulse in excitement right then and there! We sat around the table and stuffed ourselves, talked, laughed, and totally enjoyed ourselves. We talked of this year and the years ahead and how we can serve God through ministry here in Niger. We have exciting thoughts and plans. God is good!

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Africa Day 11

Today was another slow day. The missionaries were unable to go with us today and the preparation was done by one of the local believers. While I believe he did work at publicizing the event the people were either not in need or not interested. We worked on a few and left around 11:30.

Since we had the afternoon to ourselves we decided to do a little shopping. We visited one area that had many artisan pieces and picked out a select few. Since by daughter doesn’t read yet, I will tell you that she is getting a nice little purse when I get home that has the country of Niger on the front and, of course, is a beautiful shade of orange. Though some may say it is burnt, it is orange to us and we all know what that means. Anyway, acquired a nice piece of leather work that will go well in a focal area of the church so that we can promote not only where we have been but where we plan to be for the next several years. We have discussed at length, among ourselves, that it seems to be very plausible and spiritually profitable for us to adopt a particular village work there for 5 days straight and then return home. This would allow for greater dental care, greater relationships, and greater spiritual teaching opportunities. Through focusing on one village we could pool the resources we have toward helping them in real ways and opening doors for evangelism. Whether it is clothes for the kids as we outgrow them, or gloves for the women as the pound millet hours every day and have blisters on their hands, or thinking out of the box in ways of water and other essentials. We could help them through discussion of cattle and herding. We could cooperate together and see God work in tremendous ways.

Please be in serious prayer about this opportunity. I feel that it serves more efficiently and effectively the Kingdom of God.

We decided that we wanted to eat in on our terms tonight so I volunteered to prepare hamburgers with all the trimmings. They were pretty good, if I do say so myself!! The tomatoes and pickles were a little funky and twangy but edible. There is no internet at the guest house so we took an adventure out with a taxi to an internet restaurant including cappucinno's and ice cream! Good Times!

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Africa Day 10

After the Bush taxi's clutch nearly went out yesterday I had a long discussion with the coordinator as to whether we would use it or not. We finally agreed to use it with the guarantee it would be fixed by this morning. As it arrived, we knew it was the same vehicle but it did sound much improved. We packed up and began the journey toward Doutouwel. We were in this area last year though we would not be in the village "limits" this time but out in the "burbs". As we were traveling, the carburetor began acting up. We stopping and he cleaned it out and away we went! The ride to this location was bumpy but we survived. Minor concussions...haha!

This area had a school and a clinic so we felt we were uptown! The clinic was small but functional. Once set-up, Pete and Bill began seeing patients around 10:15. We had all agreed that today we would be done by 4:00 so we could return at a decent hour. Pete shifted into hurry-up mode about 3:30. he had been averaging about 6/hr. He saw 8 in the last 30 minutes! He is very interested in getting everyone seen and he did.

While they were working in the clinic, Chuck and I went walking to a nearby compound. Our local host wanted us to visit the local pastor. We were well-greeted and invited into the "church" hut. We gathered and began discussing a variety of topics. As preachers, we talked about our last Sunday's sermons and what we were teaching our people in their walk with Jesus. Chuck jumped in the conversation and beautifully expressed the disciple's cross material I had been sharing with the other village's. There was another pastor present as well and he began asking a couple of questions concerning OT passages on their meaning. I had the chance to share why Hosea was told to marry an adulteress. God wanted to show how much He loved Israel even though she was in adultery with other idols. We also talked about some practical concepts of parenting from the story of Isaac and Jacob and Esau. Lunch was brought in and normally we, meaning the Americans, would not eat it for fear of sickness. Yet, I felt a peace from God about eating this time. The feeling was so strong it was as if God told me to trust Him today. So...I ate. I was proud of Chuck, he took a bite too.

We returned to the clinic to relieve them for lunch. Afterwards, Chuck and I broke out the frisbees and spent time with the kids and teens throwing frisbees and showing God's love. Later he broke out Bessie and presented the Gospel. Pete mentioned that we might want to give a dental lesson while they were all together, so we did that as well.

We wrapped up the day just after 4pm and were heading out by 4:20. Michelle had Hamstatud prepare a beef vegetable stew and cornbread for us tonight and we felt like we ate like kings.

Another great day in Africa!

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Africa Day 9

Koomba

Today was a difficult day because we were without any missionary presence and the road was an extreme washboard situation. Pete decided that if he had soap he could properly agitate the clothes for a good wash! We arrive about 9:30 to an empty clinic area. We help setup and discover that the few people that had arrived were not there for the dentist so Chuck and I headed to the village to see if we could drum up some business. We begin walking through the village and greeting people and informing them of the dentist. We travel through looking for the chief's house. He is not in town today and soon found the elders under a tree and a house full of women not far away. It seems that someone had died earlier and they would be, as a village, tending to these needs. There were a few who went on to see Pete, but we packed up at Noon and returned to the city. We became stuck in the sand twice and realized that the van had no first gear or the driver couldn't find it. Either way we pushed our way out of sand twice and soon made it to pavement. We had made plans to go shopping a little before going to the guest house until we smelled the putrid odor of a burning clutch. No one else seemed to mind, but we instructed that we simply wanted to get to the guest house!

We did make it! We unloaded, stored things away, and sought after lunch. After a gourmet meal of MRE's it was time for Pete to work on the missionary kids by sealing their teeth. Since we had the afternoon in town, the best use of time and his skill was to work on them missionary kids. He is good with children. I think he got bit only once!

There is a conference in the city this week and the guest house is filling up so we will not be able to spread out quite as much! Several kids are screaming streaks of color through here now, so it feels like home?!?!

We have been discussing something today that we would like for you to pray with us about. Should God call us to return another year we would like to consider focusing on one village for a long period of time. Instead of hitting several villages over the days, we would minister and do dental work in one village for 5-6 days. In this way we could know them better, get more dental care accomplished, and our church body could begin to pool resources to one place rather than to many. I believe it would focus our attention and be a greater blessing in the long run for more people. Please pray with us about this!

Enjoy the pics!

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Africa Day 8

A brand new week! How can God work miracles this week?

We started out running a tad late today but no worries. We are using a bush taxi for our travels this week and it is "like" using the church van, only worse! The driver is kind and helped us pack the top before leaving. We made several stops before leaving town this morning.

• Fuel
• Bread and Nutella
• Fuel
• Transport papers

The reason for stopping twice for fuel is that after the first time the driver informed me that if we are going to Bokki it would take more fuel. So we stopped and bought more fuel. Meanwhile the driver had to acquire certain papers to be hauling people outside of town so we waited a while for him before actually leaving town. We decided that we could buy some bread and Nutella for certain members of the team and they would be satisfied while also conserving our MRE's to last the week. I haven't been eating one for lunch trying to conserve, just picking the unopened portions of them and snacking.

Once all the errands were finished we headed out of town for the 1.5 hour ride to Bokki. The clinic is very nice and had an attached shaded area where Pete and Bill worked today. Melissa is an IMB missionary who has just returned but is unable to go all the way to her home in NE Niger just yet. She went and worked the door to the clinic for us. Every person that wants to be seen must pay 500 CFA which equates to just over a dollar. All the money is collected and returned into the community through various projects. Pete had a killer day today because several were difficult cases in tight spots. Kris' sister joined them today. She was OB nurse and is now a school nurse. She assisted beautifully with cleaning and prep.

Chuck and I went on a walk after being dropped off and visited with a Muslim priest named Mamane Amadou. We discussed several things about life and God. We agreed to a point and then he wasn't interested anymore. I did discover that Bokki comes from the name of tree leaves that were first sold at the market in town. It is from these leaves that the community acquired its name.

After a long and warm day we packed it all up and took the 1.5 hour journey to Niamey. Bill witnessed to one of our interpreters all the way home. Meanwhile, Chuck, Pete, and I had a rousing discussion of Bible backgrounds and religious politics. Woo Hoo!!

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Africa Day 7 - Sunday

The morning came quickly after having been up late the night before for the movie. We were keyed up and did not go to bed quickly. Today was worship and pack up day from the bush to head back to the city. Pete and Bill had a few more patients to tend to before we left so they left out for the clinic while we went to church.

Pete had a little girl that needed a filling but had come in for an extraction. He just couldn't do that to her since it was not bad enough for extraction and could be filled instead.

Chuck and I went to church and we had some singing, praying and preaching. I preached on the temptation of Jesus and how He resisted. I wanted them to see that the Word of God is sufficient for our needs.

We packed up and started home about noon. It took about 2 hours to get home and another hour to unpack and settle back in to the guest house. I started blogging to catch up and the internet is so slow it takes a long time. We left out for supper at the rec center again. The boys need a Niamey burger which is just like a...


Have a great day! We sure did!

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Africa Day 6 - Saturday

Dantiandou

Cherry Faile grew up in Western Africa as a missionary kid. She herself came to the mission field in Yemin and then in Ghana. For the past 8 years she has been the nurse and missionary for this village and surrounding area. She is a wonderful, amazing, loving Christian woman who has striven to bring Jesus, by herself, to a male-dominated world. She has earned the right and trust to be heard by all.

We awoke grumpy, sneezy, and sleepy. The other 4 dwarves were not far behind!! Actually we were sore and stiff fromt he cots but eager to address the needs of the day. After some much needed coffee, we went our separate ways.

Chuck went on a walking tour of several villages and covered at least 6 miles. He was able to pray with many people. He held a baby and as soon as he took her she wet him! He also went fishing and saw mud bricks being made all before lunch!

Pete and bill went to the clinic and began working on the 50+ people needing to be seen. Except for a short time while Bill ate lunch and I worked, I don;t know much about what happened. Pete's stomach is very bad. He powered through the pain and kept working and felt better by the end of the day. Though he may have a tough and rough exterior this man has a big heart and love for helping people. Once again, I am awed by his desire and skill in the face of pain and diversity!

PRAISE GOD!!

I spent the morning teaching the believers how to follow Jesus. I used John 15 as a model and we talked about many ways to follow Jesus.

During the evening Chuck and I went to a village and showed the Jesus film. We had many arrive to watch the story and life of Jesus though none made professions of faith.

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Africa Day 5

In the Bush!

We have been sleeping outside during these days and the evenings are quite cool. While it is not the frigid arctic where our families are, it is still cold to be outside and seemingly odd for Africa. We packed for Africa and not the North Sea Expedition Trip! It has gotten to 45 degrees at night andis chilly.

After the required cups of coffee we packed up for another day. Pete and Bill went to the Dori village for the clinic while Chuck and I went to a new village named Weenu Mama. Dori is the village where we walked the village perimeter with the chief Kareem and heard the good and bad of village life. Pete and Bill worked over...sorry worked on...45 people.

In Weenu Mama we had a day of teaching the believers. After arriving and the standard greetings we were ushered into a hut where we would be spending the day. I did the bulk of the teaching on this day and had Chuck give testimony at times for emphasis and to keep him awake...haha! The believers are very young in the walk and needed guidance on a few basic principles such as authority of God, Bible learning, prayer, fellowship, and evangelism. In the afternoon, after the teaching, I noticed one man that had been listening intently all day. I asked him his name and it was Saeiido. I asked him if he was a follower of Jesus and he said no but wanted to be. I asked him what was keeping him from deciding right then andhe said nothing. i reviewed the gospel message and called for a response. We got on our knees together in that in front of everyone and prayed to receive Jesus. he had been seeking for a while, but today he made a definite decision for Jesus. So often people are seekers and never actually make the decision or connection. While we at FBC are in a 21-day challenge, I pray that each of us are asking the right questions and seeking responses of those God puts into our path.

PRAISE GOD!

We met the dental group in Dori and began a conversation with the chief of the village, Kareem. His father is very ill and went to pray with him. On the way back I asked if, in all the decisions he makes, had he considered following Jesus. He said that he has and is teaching others Bible stories to all who would listen in the village.

PRAISE GOD!

We returned to Dantiandou for bucket baths and supper. I began teaching a night session with a few believers while the others went to check on a baby with cerebral malaria. Hamadou is in bad condition and needs and ambulance. The guys paid for the ride and we are waiting for the ambulance. The moon rose, the temperature fell and our eyes grew heavy waiting. We know we can do nothing so we are going to...

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Africa Day 4 Redo

Today was a FULL CLINIC DAY!!

I got up and started the coffees for the guys about 6:45. After arising slowly we got the kinks worked out of ourselves and slowly prepared for the day. Once the interpreters arrived we prayed and started out.

30 km can be a really long time on African roads. Listen as Pete seems to describe it very well in only the way Pete can! It took an hour to get to our destination.



Lilo has had 4 generations of people. Its name comes from the harvest of the first millet crop. When the first settlers arrived there were trees everywhere. They cut cut for fields and planted a crop they did not believe would grow. At the harvest, the gathering was so plentiful they proclaimed, "Lilo", which means one seed produced much on a stalk.

Before opening the clinic Pete gave his preventative dental lesson and away we went. While he and Bill worked on over 35 people, Chuck and I went to the village. As we walked we had a choice of two directions. God led us to the left and what an opportunity it was. We approached some men and began talking to them and explaining why we were in the village. I told them that we would love to know more about their life and village. As a result, we found ourselves in an open air hut with 20 people. For the next 90 minutes we shared about Jesus and the difference He can make in their lives. From creation to the cross and our choice. I led the group in a prayer of confession and salvation. I am not sure if any accepted Jesus that day, but the truth is in their hands, hearts, and heads. It is difficult in this culture to call for a public decision because of the potential hazard to them. We pray and share with them and hope for the best. I am sure Cherry will return and follow-up since this is a focus town in 2010.

After lunch we were able to witness a baby-naming ceremony. At 7 days old the head is shaved and baby prepared for naming. Mommy and baby stay in the hut while the men of the village gathered to pray for the child. How wonderful would it be if the men of our church gathered to pray for every new child and family?

We got back on the "road" about 6pm and raced sunset. We arrived just after dusk to homemade sauce over stew. After a good bucket bath and bowl of food we felt like new men?? I distinctly heard the sweet siren call of the bed and couldn't resist any longer.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Africa Day 3

After lunch at the Rec Center, which is on the embassy grounds and serves American food, we gassed up and headed out of town. With Cherry sick, Michelle Spanagal filled in and took us to Dantiandou. I rode in the rented 4WD with our driver Moktar, our interpreters Bilo and Stefanos, and Chuck. We stopped at a tollgate and I had a chance to ask Stefanos is Moktar was a believer and he said no. I am sure he still is not but we continue to pray for him. Stefanos pointed out his village as we drive by. We will be there one day next week.



Stefanos, in the white shirt, is a bible student who has studied in Benin and now in Niger. He pastors a small group of people in his village.

Bilo, in the dark shirt, is with us again this year. We outiftted him properly this year in an OSU shirt because anything is better than a Texas one. At least this was the consensus of the group.

We thought we were going to have an international incident on our hands because one of the group, left unnamed, decided to step out of the vehicle for some relief and stepped through a lot of fresh concrete. I hope they don't remember us when we return!

After arriving we unloaded the rucks and prepared to walk through the village. We had a wonderful opportunity to share preventative dental care with the people. He tried to help them understand how to take the chewing stick and make a simple brush for cleaning their teeth. He explained why the tooth decays and how brushing makes a difference. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him have the opportunity to be out in the village with the people and not just in the clinic.



Amiru is the chief of the village.





After supper I shared with the believers from Mattew 22.34

34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again.35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question:36 "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?"
37 Jesus replied, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'*38 This is the first and greatest commandment.39 A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'*40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Africa Day 1-2

Another year has come and gone and there are 4 men in Africa again. We have been praying and preparing for this day pretty much since we left last year. There were two things that really caused us anxiety in the past two weeks: political issues and weather. The politics are in negotiations and we were assured that there have been no problems. The weather began to set in at O'hare and then in Kansas and Oklahoma. We began to be concerned whether we would make it or not but the roads were cleared and everything went fairly smoothly.

PRAISE BE TO GOD!

Our travel began at 6:30 am as we loaded up the suburban and went to Wichita. I want to thank Amy Hall for driving us to the airport again this year. Being the morning person she is I know it was not as hard for her as it was for us...haha! As we went through security an odd thing and a regular thing happened.

The regular item was that Pete was "randomly" selected for review. This is usual. In fact, he was randomly selected at every transfer. That is some kind of random, but thatwoudl lead to a whole other discussion...let's not today! Honestly, he took it in stride though it did get annoying for him and I understand. The odd thing was that I got selected for a search as well. i have traveled for 20 years and this was the first time. Probably won't be the last!

Chicago was our next hurdle since we only had a 45 minute layover and left late. As we landed we prepared to sprint through two terminals to reach our next flight before the gate closed. As I rounded a corner sucking wind hard...I caught a glimpse of the departure monitors. They had delayed our flight for 20 minutes! We were able to slow down grab some lunch and board calmly.

PRAISE BE TO GOD!

As we landed in Newark we needed to get our boarding tickets. Our ticket agent was able to get our passes all the way through to Niamey. He also informed us that our luggage was checked all the way through. We all looked at each other and simply smiled. We would be able to go through Paris customs with only our carry-ons!

PRAISE BE TO GOD!!

Our final leg of the journey was the hardest because we were tired! The good doctor was selected again and then we had some coffee. Our arrival in Niamey was uneventful except for the discovery that the suitcase with Bill's clothes was not on the plane! We are praying that it arrives on Thursday. Pray with us! We all came through customs easily.

I have praised God for a number of things because it is He who guided us all the way through and provided a smooth path. God watched over us and will watch over us. When we left it was 20 degrees and now it is 90. What a difference!

Tomorrow we pack up for the bush where we have no electricity. I will catch everyone up when we get back. The first set of pictures will come with that update.

PRAISE BE TO GOD!!

To the Ends of the Earth

The godly are like trees that bear life-giving fruit, and those who save lives are wise. Proverbs 11:30

I am writing this as I sit in the Wichita, KS terminal waiting to go to the ends of the earth. Yesterday I challenged the people as I was challenged by God that for the next 21 days we would find ways to tell the story of Jesus and call people to turn over their lives to God. We have been called to go to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the Earth. While four of us go to the ends of the Earth you might be in one of the other areas. We are going to share the story of Jesus and call for decisions.

Will you where you are?

The 21-day challenge and Proverbs 11:30 call us to do three things:

1. Plant yourself in the word of God not your own wisdom.

2. Bear spiritual fruit not personal fruit

3. Win souls to Jesus

On January 17, let’s praise God by seeing people profess new faith in Jesus! What a divine moment it will be hearing from you how you helped people turn their lives over to Jesus! God will receive so much honor and glory and we will be blessed in the process. To hear how someone turned their life over to Jesus brings chills and excitement, right?

How do we do this? How do we help someone turn their life over to God? How do we find that person? What do we do? Here are a few tips:

1. Initiate a conversation

2. Relate with the person and develop trust

3. Communicate the love of God through actions and words

4. Deviate the conversation to spiritual dimensions

5. Elevate to Jesus and bring them to decision

I am going to Africa because God told me to go and lead others. We are going because each of us feel God has called us to go. There are many reasons not to go, but there is one that overrides them all: God said go. When God calls we are to obey in spite of current events and feelings. God is calling you to go also. He wants you to talk to the one across the hall, across the street, across the room. He wants you to win souls because he that wins souls is wise.

In all the ways you could resolve to add to or change your life this month, do so about sharing the message of God’s love to a hurting world around you. You are in your Jerusalem. Win it for Jesus in the next 21 days.

Are you ready? GO!

Merry Christmas!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Pursuing the Christ, by Jennifer Kennedy Dean

In Pursuing the Christ, Jennifer Kennedy Dean explores the very familiar in a unique way. The Christmas story for many of us has become too familiar and overly commercialized. In this 31-day devotional book Dean explores the fear of the elements that weighed heavily, the exhausting fatigue of a young girl in labor, the bleak surroundings and absent mother, and the love of God on display for all of the world to see. The King of the universe came and breathed his first breath. He left the throne room of God for the stable. The aromas of Heaven exchanged for the harshness of earth’s dust and fume. The exquisite love and devotion of God is intimately written in beautiful morning and evening devotional thoughts. I have been re-awakened to a new perspective. I have been challenged to rethink my descriptions. May you allow the love of God to shape your heart and His power to change your mind. Let December slow a little. Take in a freshness while Pursuing the Christ. You will want to year after year.