The Congo

July 11, 2012


"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your
God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my
victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10

The Congo.

When I first realized that my call to Africa would include a week in DR Congo I gave the trip heavy consideration. My only impressions of Congo were those formed by the hands of overly-enthusiastic Hollywood movie directors, and let's just say that those impressions weren't pretty. I knew Congo presented great risk but over time I felt that God made it adamantly clear it was His will for us to enter the war-torn country.

Fighting in Congo began to escalate about six weeks before our trip. Over 10 active militias continue to reek havoc throughout the country, slaughtering families, attacking women and forcing children into fighting. For a short time it seemed as if our entrance into Congo would prove too big of a safety risk. However, just one week--ONE WEEK--before our arrival into Congo the government declared a cease to the fighting. Though the militias remain in-tact they prove less active when not pursued by the government. Our ministry partners in Congo said, "Its obvious your people are praying."

Some time ago My husband placed a quote on our refrigerator by Edmund Burke which reads, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Though fighting had descended the risk for Congo still proved great. I considered allowing fear to keep me from entering the country--but then evil would have won. The risk was high but God had allowed a small window of opportunity for us to enter Congo. We decided to trust His lead.

While in Congo our team ministered to a group of 22 widows from the jungle area and 30 former child soldiers.  On the first day the expressions on the women's faces communicated their shame and grief. As I began to share with these widows my own experience with grief, their hard faces began to soften. I overtly confessed my realization that my circumstances prove VERY different than their own. But I asked them to consider if our circumstances hadn't caused us to share similar questions about God.

God, are You there?

God, how could You allow this to happen?

God, are you mad at me?

God, don't you love me?

God, how will I ever recover from this tragedy?

I led them through Scripture to demonstrate God's care and concern for them. My ministry partner revealed to them the need for forgiveness and reconciliation--not for the sake of their offenders but for the sake of their own hearts. And by the second day--yes, over a matter of two days--the widow's faces began to glow. The women explained, "No one ever comes to Congo. Most mzungu's (that's Swahili for white person) are too afraid. But because God sent you, now we know He hasn't forgotten us. Now we know God still cares for us."

Please hear me when I say I take NO credit for this. Nothing within me could offer hope to women who have endured such crimes against them. No. Our team witnessed the power of God at its best.

When light shines in a bright room the effect of the light goes unnoticed. But when light shines in a dark room the power of the light appears magnified. The same theory holds true in Congo. Compared to a place like Congo I'd say America shines brightly. But sadly, God's glory and power often go unnoticed in our country. In a place like Congo, however, the light of God bursts forth like the sun rising over a mountaintop. Only the power of God could have renewed the hope of these women. Only God can offer forgiveness for the types of crimes the former soldiers chose to commit, or as in most cases were forced to commit.

The people of Congo endure so much. The least I can do is offer myself as a vessel for God a few weeks of the year to go and remind them of the Good News (Romans 10:14).

Our team crossed the Congo border back in to Rwanda last Thursday afternoon. My heart broke to hear that apparently the government resumed fighting the next day. Over the weekend the militias captured three towns within 24 miles of Goma, the city in which we held our conference. The capturing of towns means more attacks, more lives lost, more children enslaved. Before our time in Congo, more fighting simply meant more fighting; according to Hollywood it's what they do in Congo. But now I have faces to go along with the fighting.

Jeannie, who danced in elation when she
discovered we shared the same name and who lives as a widow with a
bullet in her shoulder because she has no money for an operation.

A faithful grandmother who selflessly
cares for her grandson because she lost the rest of her
family--including her daughter--to the war.

Martin, the father of six and our host pastor who risks his life daily to intercept child soldiers and war-torn widows with the hope and love of God.

Johnson, the UN helicopter pilot who
served as my driver one Sunday morning. A young family man, he flies
rescue missions through the Congo jungles from 9AM-5PM. We heard
helicopters such as his flying hourly over our conference location in
Congo.  The woman who had 4 sets of twins--4 sets--but who lost all 8
children in the war. Samuel, one of our translators from Congo.
John-Paul, a pastor desperate for our team to visit the his beloved
church outside of Goma.

I do not share these stories to dramatize the events in Congo. I share them to ask for prayer.

Congo is a dangerous place. But God loves Congo, and the people of Congo so much He used His strong right hand to cause a cease in the fighting for one week; enough time to allow His message to be proclaimed through His servants.

Would you join me in praying for this war-torn country? Pray that those fighting would lay down their weapons, that the victims of war would be reminded of God's love and provisions, that the people of Congo would turn their faces back toward God so that they may be restored.

The Power of "J"

April 27, 2012


"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:10-11

Did you know that when it comes time for a caterpillar to form a cocoon it attaches itself to a leaf (or as in our case, the top of a lid) and hangs upside down in the shape of a letter "J?" I had no idea! Not until the girls and I watched our fuzzy little guys (or gals) do so this week as part of our 1st grade science curriculum (amazing what you learn while homeschooling your kids!). I find myself awestruck by this seemingly insignificant detail for two reasons.

First, as I stand in front of our school shelf mesmerized by these creatures I capture a clear display of God's love for His Son. I imagine Creation went something like this. God said to Jesus, "I know! Let's make the caterpillar form the shape of a "J" as it prepares to enter the Pupa phase . . . You know, for your name, J-esus." And Jesus said, "Awe shucks Dad, really? Isn't that a little much?" "No way!" responded God. "I want the whole world to know how much I love You!"

God loved His Son SO MUCH that He enabled even the tiny caterpillar to bring glory to His Son's name.

But guess what?

God loves us as much as He loves His Son (John 17:23).

Hard to believe, isn't it?

Maybe God didn't cause Creation to form the first letter of your name. Instead, Scripture says that He writes your name on the palm of His hand (Isaiah 49:16). He rejoices over you in song (Zephaniah 3:17). His thoughts about you outnumber the grains of sand (Psalm 139:18).

God loves you so much He sent His Son to die for you, and for me. God's one and only Son. You know, the Son that He loves so much He causes the caterpillar to form the first letter of His name? God loves you that much.

The second thing which captivates me about our caterpillars is the symbolism they represent of a life transformed by the power of "J." The caterpillar enters the world as a hairy, multi-legged belly-crawler. Not much to look at. But once the caterpillar recognizes it's need for transformation, it grows still and allows the "J" to do its work. And out of the "J" emerges a beautiful creature; one who finds him (or her) self ready to fly.

We must each come to a point where we reach up and attach ourselves to Jesus. He invites us to come away with Him, into our own cocoon while He transforms us by His Word. And like the caterpillar, out of our cocoon will emerge a beautiful creature; one ready to soar on wings like eagles.

Separated by Sin

January 24, 2012


"When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees." Genesis 3:8

Nearly two weeks ago I delivered what I feel is my life message to a group of women from my home church. Upon coming to know Christ as my Savior as a sophomore in high school I embraced God's promise of abundant life. Though I endured a period of wavering faith after my daughter passed away, I shared with these women how God restored my relationship with Him. God allowed me to discover life more abundant than ever before by leading me along a path of His Word on which I choose to walk daily across the troubled waters of life into a place of abundance in Him. I shared how nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Nothing. But the more I reflected on my message the more I feared the idea that I misled someone. May God deal with me ever so severely if I ever sugar-coat His truth. Nothing can separate us from His love . . . but there is something that separates us from Him.

After God established His Creation He placed man and woman, Adam and Eve, in the garden of Eden (technically God made Eve from Adam while Adam was in the garden of Eden). God granted Adam and Eve permission to eat from any tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In Genesis 3 the serpent convinces Eve to eat the forbidden fruit who in turn shares the fruit with Adam. Following their disobedience Scripture tells us, "the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees" (Genesis 3:8). Prior to their sin Adam and Eve walked in close fellowship with God. After their sin Adam and Eve felt too ashamed to appear before their Creator, and were eventually banished from His presence.

Separated from God's love?

Never.

Separated from Him?

Yes.

Though nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38) sin will drive us away from His best every single time.

Stroll with me for a moment down the ol' Roman road. All have sinned and fallen short of God's glorious standard (Romans 3:23). The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23a) but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23b). If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).

Sin separates us from God. But God loves the world so much He sent a way for us to return to Him (John 3:16). The Way is Jesus (John 14:6).

When we turn away from our sin trusting in the work of the cross, our relationship with God is restored. To embrace a life of abundance in Him we must choose to turn away from sin and walk in His Ways instead.

Will we get it right every single time? Probably not. But as Jeremiah recorded in Lamentations 3:22-23, "the faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning." I invite you to seek God and His mercy each and every day.

Thanks, but No Thanks

October 28, 2011


"And all the people in the region of the Gerasenes begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone." Luke 8:37

A few months ago I grew tired of the guilt I experienced each time I passed the face of a homeless person without stopping to offer assistance (although in this case I am certain I felt more conviction than guilt). To appease my convicted heart I packed resealable bags with jars of peanut butter, crackers and a booklet-sized version of Rick Warren's book, A Purpose Driven Life, titled, What On Earth Am I Here For? (you can buy 10 of these booklets for $12 at Christianbook.com . . . I'm just sayin'). I placed the bags inside a box which resides in my car.

On our way home from the store today the girls and I passed a man who held a sign that read, "Homeless, please help." As Satan would have it, due to a recent trip in which we needed every ounce of available space inside the car (you with multiple kiddos understand the dilemma), my box of supplies laid at home. Determined not to simply pass by this man without extending him a glimmer of hope, I drove home, retrieved the bags, and returned to the store parking lot. (The mommy who likes to stick to a schedule would like to mention that at this point it was well past nap time . . . for all of us.) The girls and I located our man and as I drove near I rolled down my window so that he could see I had something to give to him. Cars stacked up behind me. Sensing a lack of desperation in his face I decided to ask, "Would this help?" to which he examined the contents of my bag, wrinkled his nose and said, "Nah, no thanks. But thanks anyway."

Interesting.

Perhaps he's allergic to peanut butter. Maybe he's more of a PB & J type of guy. At least he had manners. I tried to reason to myself.

Then in crept the bitterness.

I got a nose crinkle! How dare he claim to be in need but reject my offering of free food and a good read.

Then it hit me.

How many times have I been in need but rejected the One who offers to feed me the bread of life?

The food I offered the homeless man might have sustained him for a few hours. Jesus offers us food which sustains us throughout all eternity. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never
be hungry again. Whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35).

"Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD" (Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4). God's promises sustain us more than any four-course meal. The Son of God enters our life and fills us with the power to live as more than conquerors in every situation through Him. Yet how many times have I said to Him and His Ways, "Thanks, but no thanks."

That's exactly what the Gerasenes said.

In Mark 6 we read of a man possessed by evil spirits. Upon His arrival the spirits immediately recognize Jesus and beg Him for mercy. Jesus casts the spirits into a nearby herd of pigs, and the pigs run into a lake and drown. Did the crowd erupt with a wave of cheers? A man possessed by taunting spirits now stood healed! Nope. No attaboy's for Jesus. Instead, the crowd asked Him to leave. "Thanks Jesus, but no thanks. Your ways are too much for us. You're not quite what we were looking for."

We're all in need of a Savior. The life-sustaining power of Christ and His Word awaits. His arm rests extended from the widows of Heaven. Will you accept His offering?

He's Calling You

October 9, 2011


"So they called the blind man. 'Cheer up,' they said. 'Come on, He’s calling you!'" Mark 10:49

Bartimaeus was a poor, blind man. His physical limitations forced him to depend on others for even the most basic of needs. Unable to actively embrace the beauty of this world we find Bartimaeus perched along the side of the road. Hopeless. Forgotten. Doubting his significance in life. Questioning, "Is there any purpose for me?"

Then enters the Savior. The Christ. The One of whom it was foretold that when He should come, "the eyes of the blind would be opened" (Isaiah 35:5).

Satan whispers, "He doesn't want you, Bartimaeus. You're nothing but a blind beggar. What would the Christ have to do with you? You were born blind; your father was blind. It runs in your family. Don't you know there's no hope for you?"

But Bartimaeus dismisses the enemy's lies. Bartimaeus has heard rumors of the healing power of the Christ. Bartimaeus' ears capture the rumblings of a crowd. Seated on the ground Bartimaeus begins to feel the vibrations of a stampede of footsteps which follow the Healer. Could it be Him--the Christ? Should I ask for help? What if He turns me away? Desperate for hope, Bartimaeus shoves doubt and fear aside. As God in flesh approaches, Bartimaeus stands in faith and cries, "Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!" (Luke 10:48)

Time stood still for Bartimaeus. How would the Holy One respond to the cries of a poor, desperate beggar? Would Bartimaeus be cast away in shame or welcomed with open arms? Truth be known, we struggle with similar doubts.

Jesus stops.

"Tell him to come here."

The crowd rejoices. Because if there's hope for Bartimaeus, there's hope for them too.

“Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, He’s calling you!”

Only Heaven knows the hope that lies in those three little words.

He's calling you.

We do not call Him first. We can call upon Him because He first calls us (John 15:16).

How will you respond to His call?

"Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus."

“'What do you want me to do for you?' Jesus asked."

"'My rabbi,' the blind man said, 'I want to see!'”

"And Jesus said to him, 'Go, for your faith has healed you.' Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road" (Mark 10:50-52).

The gracious invitations Christ gives us to
come to Him, are great encouragements to our hope, that we shall speed
well if we come to Him, and shall have what we come for. Let the guilty,
the empty, the tempted, the hungry, the naked, be of good comfort, for He calls them to be pardoned, to be supplied, to be succoured, to
be filled, to be clothed, to have all that done for them, which their
case calls for (Matthew Henry Commentary on Mark 10).

If you find yourself beside a lonely road, take note of His footsteps. Listen for His voice. He's calling you. Call upon Him. Tell Him exactly what you need (Philippians 4:6).

He Comes to Us

October 1, 2011


"He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling
against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them . . .. Then He climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped." Mark 6:48, 51

I am unsure of which part of the aforementioned Scripture I find more fascinating--the fact that Jesus noticed that His disciples were in trouble, or the fact that He went to them.

Friends, we have a Savior who "hems us in from behind and before" (Psalm 139:5). He stands very much aware of the trials we face. Indeed, the very circumstances in which we find ourselves had to first pass through His sovereign hand. Though we may not understand why God allows trouble to come our way we know He has promised, "Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

Jesus saw that they were in serious trouble.

He sees.

Jesus came toward them.

He cares.

Jesus climbed into the boat with them.

He comes alongside of us amidst our circumstances.

And the wind stopped.

And His presence calms even the mightiest storm.

In what "boat" do you find yourself?

Will you allow Jesus to climb in?