It's hard to believe that I only have five months to go! People say "one year is SHORT term?". Yes, it is short, too short, it seems, to really do anything significant here. Right when I am starting to feel settled and comfortable in the different way of life, the culture and everything else, I have to start mentally preparing myself for departure. I want and need to be where I am, but the future is also nearby, and I also need to start to prepare for that.
God is my only constant and I'm glad for that. I love being here and there is still so much to do!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
MERCY
I have been in Tumu over four months now and I had a reality check this past Wednesday in our 5am prayer meeting. Pastor Edward read from Eziekel 22:27-31. He asked us stand for the Sisaala people and to pray that God would have mercy on them. During my time of prayer, the Lord opened my eyes the reality of my life here in Tumu. For me, this has been quite the adventure---going to Africa and literally living out my dream; working with kids and teenagers making relationships the primary focus of my ministry…but it’s so much more than that. My time here is short, and therefore I will be able to have a limited effect on these people. But even after I’m gone, the work will still continue.
Even though I sometimes romanticize my experience here, the truth is that the work of the church is VERY slow moving. This land is held captive by the Deceiver, who uses different religions and traditions to keep them blinded from the Truth.
This is a battleground and I am a solider on a short mission. I cannot stay to fight entire war but must accomplish the mission set before me and do it with all my might. Ultimately however, “the battle belongs to the Lord.” I know that although my time here is limited, God will not soon (or ever) leave this land.
The enemy has had a stronghold in this place for generations upon generations. The church (as in the body of Christ rather than the actual building) here is not much older than me and the commitment and diligence of the Christians here are very weak. There are times when this fact discourages those of us who have given our time (and for some, entire lives) to see the gospel spread. These faithful warriors have been praying for this land for many years but have seen little fruit from their labor. To some it may seem like God has taken his hand away from His people here. But I know better than that! God’s time is not the same as our time (because we actually see the world in the view of a timeline) but His time is always the right time. Perhaps those of us who have made our entire life goal to reach a community for the Lord will never see the results. But we do know, and are confident that God is in control. He is working in this place and he will claim this land back for himself in his time.
I realize now that my part is to continue to do what I am already doing here, but to be more faithful in prayer. Not only for those I work with, but for the Sisaala land as a whole. I will join those faithful prayer warriors here in crying out to the Lord on the behalf of these people, begging that he will here are prayers and have mercy on these people.
Even though I sometimes romanticize my experience here, the truth is that the work of the church is VERY slow moving. This land is held captive by the Deceiver, who uses different religions and traditions to keep them blinded from the Truth.
This is a battleground and I am a solider on a short mission. I cannot stay to fight entire war but must accomplish the mission set before me and do it with all my might. Ultimately however, “the battle belongs to the Lord.” I know that although my time here is limited, God will not soon (or ever) leave this land.
The enemy has had a stronghold in this place for generations upon generations. The church (as in the body of Christ rather than the actual building) here is not much older than me and the commitment and diligence of the Christians here are very weak. There are times when this fact discourages those of us who have given our time (and for some, entire lives) to see the gospel spread. These faithful warriors have been praying for this land for many years but have seen little fruit from their labor. To some it may seem like God has taken his hand away from His people here. But I know better than that! God’s time is not the same as our time (because we actually see the world in the view of a timeline) but His time is always the right time. Perhaps those of us who have made our entire life goal to reach a community for the Lord will never see the results. But we do know, and are confident that God is in control. He is working in this place and he will claim this land back for himself in his time.
I realize now that my part is to continue to do what I am already doing here, but to be more faithful in prayer. Not only for those I work with, but for the Sisaala land as a whole. I will join those faithful prayer warriors here in crying out to the Lord on the behalf of these people, begging that he will here are prayers and have mercy on these people.
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Bible Comes to Life!
Ok, so yesterday my roommate Charity told me a question that someone brought up at church. The girl said her family are traditionalists, she is the only Christian. So they worship idols and sacrifice food to them. The girl asked if it's ok for her to eat the food sacrificed to the idols.
1 Corinthians 8--So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.
This passage talks specifically about this. In church in America, when this passage is preached, they say that alcohol is our "food sacrificed to idols". It's pretty crazy that here, it is LITERALLY food sacrificed to idols! I'm telling you, being here totally brings the Bible to life!
1 Corinthians 8--So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.
This passage talks specifically about this. In church in America, when this passage is preached, they say that alcohol is our "food sacrificed to idols". It's pretty crazy that here, it is LITERALLY food sacrificed to idols! I'm telling you, being here totally brings the Bible to life!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
On Suffering
The following is something I wrote last year for a friend who had questions about God and suffering. Thought I'd post it and see what others think. Mind you, I am no theologian, this is from my personal experience and studies.
Why do we Suffer?
One of the greatest questions people have (and probably the greatest reason why people don’t believe in God) is why do bad things happen? Why does evil exist? I too, have struggled with this question even to the point of doubting my faith in God. This was my question: If God is all-knowing, all powerful and all loving, then why does evil exist?
Certainly, God would have known that evil would happen, and if He is all powerful, certainly He could have stopped it from happening and if He is all loving, He would not want people to suffer. The fact is, there is suffering in this world, we all have suffered and will suffer some more. Even God himself suffered when He came down to earth and died on the cross.
So, why would a “loving” God allow so much suffering on earth?
The truth is that there is no easy answer to this question. I searched for months to try to figure out the answer to this question and I will do my best to answer it now. My argument is that there is suffering in this world because God is a loving God.
The first thing I need to point out is that God himself, is incapable of causing evil. God is holy, and sin and holiness cannot co-exist. It’s like oil and water, they do not mix. James 1:13 says “When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” People, not God, commit sins and inflict suffering on people. However, you might wonder why God would allow that to happen. It’s because of the fact that God gives us a choice.
Think of it this way, if you had to choose between two pieces of fruit, an orange and an orange, that are the same in size, shape, juiciness etc. then there really is no choice is there? But if you have an orange and an apple, then suddenly, you do have a choice, either A, the orange, or B, the apple. It’s the same thing with God. If the only thing was God, then we could only choose him, and we would essentially be brainwashed robots roaming around the earth with no mind of our own. But, God wanted us to have a choice (yes, he wants us to choose him, and to choose to do good, but he wants us to choose for ourselves). Without evil, there would be no good, just like there would be no shade if there were no sun. So I have to say that it was pretty loving of God to allow us to choose even though he knew that so many would reject the one that created them. What if your parents dictated your life? Told you exactly what you were going to do as a profession, who you would marry, how many kids you could have, where you’d live etc, and no matter what, you HAD to comply? That would suck! Essentially, that’s what it would be like if God did not allow us to choose. The thing is, with the ability to choose, comes the ability to choose evil.
In the garden, God told Adam and Eve not to eat from that specific tree. He did not put a moat around the tree or barbed-wire surrounding it. He placed it in the middle and told them not to eat from it. He asked them to obey and to trust him, the one who created them and who loves them. But he gave them a mind and a will to choose their own way and they were deceived by Satan who told them there is a better way, and so they took a bite. That bite screwed over the rest of mankind forever, but that bite also represented their choice and the freedom that God had given them to make their own decisions.
I think that we would not be complete if we did not have free will to do right or wrong. If we did not have free will, and could only do good, then there would be no need for God in our lives. God is the creator of the universe and he desires his creation to worship him. Psalm 19:1 says “The heaven declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Likewise, God wants our worship. 1 Chronicles 16:23-30:
23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth; show forth from day to day His salvation. 24 Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all peoples. 25 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He also is to be [reverently] feared above all so-called gods. 26 For all the gods of the people are [lifeless] idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 27 Honor and majesty are [found] in His presence; strength and joy are [found] in His sanctuary. 28Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength, 29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name. Bring an offering and come before Him; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness and in holy array. 30Tremble and reverently fear before Him, all the earth's peoples; the world also shall be established, so it cannot be moved.
God is worthy of our praise, He is the creator of the universe and he knows everyone on earth by name, and he knows the number of hairs on your head (Mat. 10:30). Isn’t it true that when everything in our lives are going great, we kind of forget about God? We don’t need him because we’re good. But once things start going wrong, suddenly we either cry out to God for help, or blame him for making us suffer. God allows us to go through trials and pain because it makes us come back to him to rely on his love and grace. He is beckoning us to himself, because in him alone will we find the peace and joy that we are eagerly searching for.
So, over months of searching for the answer to my question, my friend pointed out a passage of scripture to me that made everything make sense. It is in 2 Corinthians chapter 12. Paul is talking about how all the great things he has witnessed from God, and how he himself has been doing a lot for the ministry of Jesus. But he goes on to say:
7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul was experiencing a “thorn” in his flesh. He was suffering (notice from “a messenger of Satan” not God) and God was allowing it to happen. Paul was begging God to take it away from him but notice God’s response in the beginning of verse 9. God says that his grace is enough. God’s grace is the free gift that he gives to us through faith in Jesus Christ. Grace is what covers up our sin and brings us as sinners into a relationship with a holy God. And his grace is sufficient, it’s all we need because God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. This means that at our lowest of low points, when we cannot go on by ourselves, when we are experiencing pain and tragedy and we are weak; that is when God comes in and displays his power and his strength in our lives. His grace, if we accept it, is what will pick us back up off of the floor, or pull us out of the pit we are in. He will literally perform miracles in our lives.
God loves us so much that he wants us to be united with him. And he is willing to do whatever it takes to bring us into his arms. He is willing to allow us to experience pain because he wants to restore us and show his love for us.
After I read this passage of scripture and realized these things about the nature of God, I had to fall on my face and beg Him to forgive me for being so blind. I had forgotten all of the ways that God has poured out his over my life. There are so many little miracles that I overlooked; blessings and gifts that I called “luck” or “coincidence”. When I found out that God lets me walk through the fire so that I can be refined in it (like how gold is made. They put it in a blazing furnace and the fire burns away all impurities and grime so it comes out perfectly pure gold), I was actually thankful for my suffering. My life verse is James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
This is what it comes down to: we all suffer, God allows us to suffer because he loves us and he wants us to choose him. If we do decide to choose him, we will still suffer, but the difference is that we have a hope to look forward to. The hope is spending eternity with our creator who loves us more than we can ever comprehend.
Why do we Suffer?
One of the greatest questions people have (and probably the greatest reason why people don’t believe in God) is why do bad things happen? Why does evil exist? I too, have struggled with this question even to the point of doubting my faith in God. This was my question: If God is all-knowing, all powerful and all loving, then why does evil exist?
Certainly, God would have known that evil would happen, and if He is all powerful, certainly He could have stopped it from happening and if He is all loving, He would not want people to suffer. The fact is, there is suffering in this world, we all have suffered and will suffer some more. Even God himself suffered when He came down to earth and died on the cross.
So, why would a “loving” God allow so much suffering on earth?
The truth is that there is no easy answer to this question. I searched for months to try to figure out the answer to this question and I will do my best to answer it now. My argument is that there is suffering in this world because God is a loving God.
The first thing I need to point out is that God himself, is incapable of causing evil. God is holy, and sin and holiness cannot co-exist. It’s like oil and water, they do not mix. James 1:13 says “When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” People, not God, commit sins and inflict suffering on people. However, you might wonder why God would allow that to happen. It’s because of the fact that God gives us a choice.
Think of it this way, if you had to choose between two pieces of fruit, an orange and an orange, that are the same in size, shape, juiciness etc. then there really is no choice is there? But if you have an orange and an apple, then suddenly, you do have a choice, either A, the orange, or B, the apple. It’s the same thing with God. If the only thing was God, then we could only choose him, and we would essentially be brainwashed robots roaming around the earth with no mind of our own. But, God wanted us to have a choice (yes, he wants us to choose him, and to choose to do good, but he wants us to choose for ourselves). Without evil, there would be no good, just like there would be no shade if there were no sun. So I have to say that it was pretty loving of God to allow us to choose even though he knew that so many would reject the one that created them. What if your parents dictated your life? Told you exactly what you were going to do as a profession, who you would marry, how many kids you could have, where you’d live etc, and no matter what, you HAD to comply? That would suck! Essentially, that’s what it would be like if God did not allow us to choose. The thing is, with the ability to choose, comes the ability to choose evil.
In the garden, God told Adam and Eve not to eat from that specific tree. He did not put a moat around the tree or barbed-wire surrounding it. He placed it in the middle and told them not to eat from it. He asked them to obey and to trust him, the one who created them and who loves them. But he gave them a mind and a will to choose their own way and they were deceived by Satan who told them there is a better way, and so they took a bite. That bite screwed over the rest of mankind forever, but that bite also represented their choice and the freedom that God had given them to make their own decisions.
I think that we would not be complete if we did not have free will to do right or wrong. If we did not have free will, and could only do good, then there would be no need for God in our lives. God is the creator of the universe and he desires his creation to worship him. Psalm 19:1 says “The heaven declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Likewise, God wants our worship. 1 Chronicles 16:23-30:
23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth; show forth from day to day His salvation. 24 Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all peoples. 25 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He also is to be [reverently] feared above all so-called gods. 26 For all the gods of the people are [lifeless] idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 27 Honor and majesty are [found] in His presence; strength and joy are [found] in His sanctuary. 28Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength, 29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name. Bring an offering and come before Him; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness and in holy array. 30Tremble and reverently fear before Him, all the earth's peoples; the world also shall be established, so it cannot be moved.
God is worthy of our praise, He is the creator of the universe and he knows everyone on earth by name, and he knows the number of hairs on your head (Mat. 10:30). Isn’t it true that when everything in our lives are going great, we kind of forget about God? We don’t need him because we’re good. But once things start going wrong, suddenly we either cry out to God for help, or blame him for making us suffer. God allows us to go through trials and pain because it makes us come back to him to rely on his love and grace. He is beckoning us to himself, because in him alone will we find the peace and joy that we are eagerly searching for.
So, over months of searching for the answer to my question, my friend pointed out a passage of scripture to me that made everything make sense. It is in 2 Corinthians chapter 12. Paul is talking about how all the great things he has witnessed from God, and how he himself has been doing a lot for the ministry of Jesus. But he goes on to say:
7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul was experiencing a “thorn” in his flesh. He was suffering (notice from “a messenger of Satan” not God) and God was allowing it to happen. Paul was begging God to take it away from him but notice God’s response in the beginning of verse 9. God says that his grace is enough. God’s grace is the free gift that he gives to us through faith in Jesus Christ. Grace is what covers up our sin and brings us as sinners into a relationship with a holy God. And his grace is sufficient, it’s all we need because God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. This means that at our lowest of low points, when we cannot go on by ourselves, when we are experiencing pain and tragedy and we are weak; that is when God comes in and displays his power and his strength in our lives. His grace, if we accept it, is what will pick us back up off of the floor, or pull us out of the pit we are in. He will literally perform miracles in our lives.
God loves us so much that he wants us to be united with him. And he is willing to do whatever it takes to bring us into his arms. He is willing to allow us to experience pain because he wants to restore us and show his love for us.
After I read this passage of scripture and realized these things about the nature of God, I had to fall on my face and beg Him to forgive me for being so blind. I had forgotten all of the ways that God has poured out his over my life. There are so many little miracles that I overlooked; blessings and gifts that I called “luck” or “coincidence”. When I found out that God lets me walk through the fire so that I can be refined in it (like how gold is made. They put it in a blazing furnace and the fire burns away all impurities and grime so it comes out perfectly pure gold), I was actually thankful for my suffering. My life verse is James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
This is what it comes down to: we all suffer, God allows us to suffer because he loves us and he wants us to choose him. If we do decide to choose him, we will still suffer, but the difference is that we have a hope to look forward to. The hope is spending eternity with our creator who loves us more than we can ever comprehend.
Monday, May 18, 2009
life as usual
As I am here in Ghana, my best friend Stephanie is in Mexico (also as a short-term missionary). We have been able to email back and forth and have been sharing about our experiences abroad. There are some obvious differences considering the different cultures and the different ministries we each work in; yet at the same time we share similar experiences, mostly from within our own heads and hearts. Most recently we have discussed a particular “situation/experience” that we are facing and I thought it would be good to just let my readers in on a little insight that can be affirmed by all the missionaries I know and work with, and it is this: Being a missionary is not a constant spiritual high!
For anyone who has ever done a short-term missions trip (as in one month or less), what you most likely experienced was the romanticized version of missions. You go with a goal to accomplish, you accomplish that goal and go home. You get a look into a different culture and you see how much you take for granted living in America; you see how people with so little love God so much; and quite often you are surprised at how much you were blessed when you expected to go and be a blessing (which you were). Anyways, those experiences are usually amazing and you feel so close to the Lord.
When you go to a place and are living there, the “honeymoon” stage ends. As you start to build relationships and get in to a routine, that high starts to fade (kind of like what happens after you get home from your short-term trip and get into your daily routine in America). Even though I am really far away and it seems like my life must be really crazy and even exotic, I am living a regular routine life just like any of you back in America—it is certainly different from the life I have back home, but routine nonetheless. I have bad days; I get disappointed by people and I disappoint people; I go to church twice a week; I have some random adventures with friends; I caught a cold when the weather drastically dropped down to 85 degrees….you see, I go through the same sorts of things that you do, I just go through them in a different place. When I signed up to do this, I did not know what to expect and in fact was told to “expect the unexpected”. I did not expect that I would be on some crazy spiritual high for nine months, but I also did not expect life to feel so monotonous at times.
So, I just keep on going. God has called me to this place. When he did so, he did not promise me that I would see hundreds of people come to know him, he did not promise a revival in Tumu, he did not promise that I would even make a difference in anyone’s life. He did promise to be by my side every step of the way and he did promise that he will do something in my own heart. I know that nothing is for nothing. God has me here for a reason and I cannot let the fact that it’s life as usual here disappoint me or distract me from doing what God has called me to do. I know that the Lord is working in me and through me even when I don’t always see the fruit of my labor. And even if I go through this entire process and never really “accomplish” anything in anyone else’s eyes, I know that I have made God happy just by being and living here in Ghana. This is not to say, however, that I am having a bad time here or anything, this is just to let everyone know that being a missionary does not make a person’s spiritual life any greater than anyone else’s. We all have a part to play in our spiritual health. It will always require us to spend time in the Word and in prayer. Geography or job description does not change that.
For anyone who has ever done a short-term missions trip (as in one month or less), what you most likely experienced was the romanticized version of missions. You go with a goal to accomplish, you accomplish that goal and go home. You get a look into a different culture and you see how much you take for granted living in America; you see how people with so little love God so much; and quite often you are surprised at how much you were blessed when you expected to go and be a blessing (which you were). Anyways, those experiences are usually amazing and you feel so close to the Lord.
When you go to a place and are living there, the “honeymoon” stage ends. As you start to build relationships and get in to a routine, that high starts to fade (kind of like what happens after you get home from your short-term trip and get into your daily routine in America). Even though I am really far away and it seems like my life must be really crazy and even exotic, I am living a regular routine life just like any of you back in America—it is certainly different from the life I have back home, but routine nonetheless. I have bad days; I get disappointed by people and I disappoint people; I go to church twice a week; I have some random adventures with friends; I caught a cold when the weather drastically dropped down to 85 degrees….you see, I go through the same sorts of things that you do, I just go through them in a different place. When I signed up to do this, I did not know what to expect and in fact was told to “expect the unexpected”. I did not expect that I would be on some crazy spiritual high for nine months, but I also did not expect life to feel so monotonous at times.
So, I just keep on going. God has called me to this place. When he did so, he did not promise me that I would see hundreds of people come to know him, he did not promise a revival in Tumu, he did not promise that I would even make a difference in anyone’s life. He did promise to be by my side every step of the way and he did promise that he will do something in my own heart. I know that nothing is for nothing. God has me here for a reason and I cannot let the fact that it’s life as usual here disappoint me or distract me from doing what God has called me to do. I know that the Lord is working in me and through me even when I don’t always see the fruit of my labor. And even if I go through this entire process and never really “accomplish” anything in anyone else’s eyes, I know that I have made God happy just by being and living here in Ghana. This is not to say, however, that I am having a bad time here or anything, this is just to let everyone know that being a missionary does not make a person’s spiritual life any greater than anyone else’s. We all have a part to play in our spiritual health. It will always require us to spend time in the Word and in prayer. Geography or job description does not change that.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Let's talk about the Weather
The rainy season is upon us. In the past five days, we’ve had two storms. They have passed through quickly, but with great force. We get a nice river flowing in front of our house, which we fear might come into our house when the rainfall lasts for more than 20 minutes! But when it rains, it doesn’t just fall, or even down-pour, it is sheets of water from above, yet the wind violently takes it from the ground up and blows it sideways. It’s rain that I have never experienced! And even more amusing than the crazy rain is the crazy hail. It’s got to be at least 80, even in the midst of a storm. I thought it had to be cold for it to hail, but apparently not. And the lightening here is not something that you mess with! Apparently, the risk of being struck by lightening here is much greater than anywhere else. Storms roll in extremely fast here, with little warning. The fact that my main mode of transportation does not always make me comfortable! So far though, God has had his hand over me.
I was on my bike in a storm just today (it’s Sunday as I write), and the flashes of lightening seemed to be right in front of my eyes, it did cause my heart-rate to increase, but I had a nice chat with God as I begged him to spare my life, and he did. So, I will just say that the adventure continues!
I was on my bike in a storm just today (it’s Sunday as I write), and the flashes of lightening seemed to be right in front of my eyes, it did cause my heart-rate to increase, but I had a nice chat with God as I begged him to spare my life, and he did. So, I will just say that the adventure continues!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The Harvest
So, I have been following the New Hope reading plan for devos. It's funny because when I was actually there, I didn't follow the reading plan, I did my own thing (except for at Summer Camp). Anyways, it's been a good way for me to feel connected to so many people back home.
I just love reading Jesus' words to his disciples; they are always so wonderfully challenging and life-changing!
"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:37
Being here in Ghana, I can see just how much work there is to do! I am in just one small section of one small country. I see very few believers, and even fewer that have taken this call seriously.
There is so much to do! Millions of people are living and dying all around the world without hearing the gospel. In this passage, Jesus tells his disciples about this problem. But he does not leave it at that. He urges them to pray for people to be sent to minister to the people of the world. I too must pray for more workers. I am here, and I can see with my own eyes that more help is needed. This, by the way, does not necessarily need to come from the outside. There is a great need for nationals to raise up and go to work in their own backyards. People who love the Lord should also love people. If you love people, you want them to know the Lord. The truth is that we are ALL part of the call to bring the good news to the world.
Pray about your role in God's plan. Pray for opportunities to share with people at home or abroad. And PLEASE pray for more workers, "Ask the Lord..to send our workers into his harvest." Pray for the national believers, that they too would realize their role in bringing the gospel to their neighbors.
I just love reading Jesus' words to his disciples; they are always so wonderfully challenging and life-changing!
"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:37
Being here in Ghana, I can see just how much work there is to do! I am in just one small section of one small country. I see very few believers, and even fewer that have taken this call seriously.
There is so much to do! Millions of people are living and dying all around the world without hearing the gospel. In this passage, Jesus tells his disciples about this problem. But he does not leave it at that. He urges them to pray for people to be sent to minister to the people of the world. I too must pray for more workers. I am here, and I can see with my own eyes that more help is needed. This, by the way, does not necessarily need to come from the outside. There is a great need for nationals to raise up and go to work in their own backyards. People who love the Lord should also love people. If you love people, you want them to know the Lord. The truth is that we are ALL part of the call to bring the good news to the world.
Pray about your role in God's plan. Pray for opportunities to share with people at home or abroad. And PLEASE pray for more workers, "Ask the Lord..to send our workers into his harvest." Pray for the national believers, that they too would realize their role in bringing the gospel to their neighbors.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Life in Ghana
A few things to know about daily life in Tumu, Ghana:
1. The joys (and challenges) of wearing a skirt: All day everyday. Not just at church or on special occasions, but whenever I step foot outside my house, I have to be in a skirt or dress. Knees and thighs are big no no's, so they must remain covered at all times, this makes for rather interesting tan linesÉTraveling is always an adventure. I don't think I'd ever ridden a bicycle in a skirt before coming here. The challenge is to keep the flowing skirt from catching in the spokes or chain of the bike while keeping my knees covered as the skirt goes up and down with each peddle of my feet; all this while maintaining balance and keeping from falling on the treacherous roads. I have also mastered the art of riding side- saddle on a motorcycle! It is also nice to have some air circulation in the 110+ degree weather.
2. Market Day: Every six days, the market comes to Tumu. This is a big day for the town. People get dressed up and it's quite the social event. You go to the market and it is organized chaos with the crowds of people buying and selling, the noise and the smells. But you can find anything you need: Fruits and vegetables, bicycle tires, clothes (new and used), live chickens and goats, some unidentifiable food concoctions (at least to me) and the list goes on.
3. DVDs: For 3 Ghana Cedis (that's about $2.50) you can buy one DVD. What a great deal! But it gets better. This one DVD holds up to 30 movies! Mind you some of the movies don't work, but most do. You can get an entire season of your favorite show on one disk! Gina and I recently bought one from the market; it's a Discovery Channel disk, for our educational needs. We've already learned about Great White Sharks and Cobras (which we probably shouldn't have watched because there are cobras here).
4. Wildlife: Speaking of cobras. Snakes are a big part of the wildlife here in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Of course, just for me, the most populous snakes are the cobra and the viper, and our house is conveniently located on the outskirts of town near a whole lot of empty fields (and we have nice snake-sized cracks in the bottom of our door). There are no giraffes here, which is a bummer, I would have loved to see some. In order to see the elephants, lions, crocodiles etc. you have to travel about six hours southwest. Here in Tumu we have plenty of goats, sheep, pigs, cows, chickens, guinea fowl, giant wolf-spiders (which I literally had a nightmare about) and the occasional monkey. Oh, and now that the rainy season is approaching, the bullfrogs and insects including the malaria carrying mosquito are plentiful.
5. Water Conservation: Water is precious. I never realized how wasteful I was until I came here and found that it does not just flow freely. Most people have to take their buckets to the water pump. If you have the means, your house will have a water tank connected to the town supply. The town supply gets turned on every six days. When your tank is empty, you have no water until it's turned on again. Therefore, the conservation of water is huge. To shower, you turn the water on and off as needed. The toilet you flush pretty much only when it's brown. The motto is "if it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown, flush it down". Laundry is done by hand and usually the rinse water is reused for the next batch of laundry.
6. The Chief: Every village has a Chief. The "chiefdom" is similar to a monarchy in which it belongs to one family. However, it is not passed on from father to son necessarily, it is passed to the most qualified member. The Tumu chief is the "head chief" of the Sissala district; he is a very important and powerful man. The Tumu chief died just before I arrived here, so I got to go to the funeral, which is HUGE! Government officials from Accra came in, and thousands of people from all over the country were here for the celebration (which lasted a week). There was singing, dancing, food and drinking and even parades. It was the biggest social event for many years to come (basically until the next chief dies). It was a wonderful cultural experience for me!
Life is very different here from the United States (or even any other country I've ever visited). But everyday is an adventure and it is a continuous learning opportunity for me. I am so glad that I have gotten the opportunity to experience life here.
1. The joys (and challenges) of wearing a skirt: All day everyday. Not just at church or on special occasions, but whenever I step foot outside my house, I have to be in a skirt or dress. Knees and thighs are big no no's, so they must remain covered at all times, this makes for rather interesting tan linesÉTraveling is always an adventure. I don't think I'd ever ridden a bicycle in a skirt before coming here. The challenge is to keep the flowing skirt from catching in the spokes or chain of the bike while keeping my knees covered as the skirt goes up and down with each peddle of my feet; all this while maintaining balance and keeping from falling on the treacherous roads. I have also mastered the art of riding side- saddle on a motorcycle! It is also nice to have some air circulation in the 110+ degree weather.
2. Market Day: Every six days, the market comes to Tumu. This is a big day for the town. People get dressed up and it's quite the social event. You go to the market and it is organized chaos with the crowds of people buying and selling, the noise and the smells. But you can find anything you need: Fruits and vegetables, bicycle tires, clothes (new and used), live chickens and goats, some unidentifiable food concoctions (at least to me) and the list goes on.
3. DVDs: For 3 Ghana Cedis (that's about $2.50) you can buy one DVD. What a great deal! But it gets better. This one DVD holds up to 30 movies! Mind you some of the movies don't work, but most do. You can get an entire season of your favorite show on one disk! Gina and I recently bought one from the market; it's a Discovery Channel disk, for our educational needs. We've already learned about Great White Sharks and Cobras (which we probably shouldn't have watched because there are cobras here).
4. Wildlife: Speaking of cobras. Snakes are a big part of the wildlife here in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Of course, just for me, the most populous snakes are the cobra and the viper, and our house is conveniently located on the outskirts of town near a whole lot of empty fields (and we have nice snake-sized cracks in the bottom of our door). There are no giraffes here, which is a bummer, I would have loved to see some. In order to see the elephants, lions, crocodiles etc. you have to travel about six hours southwest. Here in Tumu we have plenty of goats, sheep, pigs, cows, chickens, guinea fowl, giant wolf-spiders (which I literally had a nightmare about) and the occasional monkey. Oh, and now that the rainy season is approaching, the bullfrogs and insects including the malaria carrying mosquito are plentiful.
5. Water Conservation: Water is precious. I never realized how wasteful I was until I came here and found that it does not just flow freely. Most people have to take their buckets to the water pump. If you have the means, your house will have a water tank connected to the town supply. The town supply gets turned on every six days. When your tank is empty, you have no water until it's turned on again. Therefore, the conservation of water is huge. To shower, you turn the water on and off as needed. The toilet you flush pretty much only when it's brown. The motto is "if it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown, flush it down". Laundry is done by hand and usually the rinse water is reused for the next batch of laundry.
6. The Chief: Every village has a Chief. The "chiefdom" is similar to a monarchy in which it belongs to one family. However, it is not passed on from father to son necessarily, it is passed to the most qualified member. The Tumu chief is the "head chief" of the Sissala district; he is a very important and powerful man. The Tumu chief died just before I arrived here, so I got to go to the funeral, which is HUGE! Government officials from Accra came in, and thousands of people from all over the country were here for the celebration (which lasted a week). There was singing, dancing, food and drinking and even parades. It was the biggest social event for many years to come (basically until the next chief dies). It was a wonderful cultural experience for me!
Life is very different here from the United States (or even any other country I've ever visited). But everyday is an adventure and it is a continuous learning opportunity for me. I am so glad that I have gotten the opportunity to experience life here.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Taken for Granted
Living in America my entire life I have had so much more than I ever realized, even when it seemed like I had very little. Having many opportunities to travel overseas for short-term missions trips and recreation, I would see different things that I took for granted every day. For example, having a roof over my head, running water and more clothes and shoes than I could possibly wear. If I had $20 in my pocket, I was extremely blessed compared to most of the world. Working with orphans in Russia and Mexico I realized how much I took my family for granted. Doing ministry in Peru I realized how much I took my health for granted. So coming to Africa, I had an awareness of some of the things I will be without while I am here that I have taken for granted in the past. I was prepared to experience some of the realities of life here that I would never experience in America. But I had not considered what I have come to identify as the greatest thing I have ever taken for granted: I have a Bible and I can read it.
I have been aware of the fact that millions of people around the world do not have a Bible (after all, that is why organizations such as Wycliffe exist). So, I don’t know why I never considered the fact that here in Ghana people would be without Bibles. Growing up I have had many Bibles. Many Christians in the West have several Bibles in different translations; and still, many people rarely if ever crack one open. What people here wouldn’t give to have a Bible of their own!
I have been working in youth ministry for almost three years now and we have always stressed the importance of reading God’s word daily. Going to camps there was always a time set aside for each person to read their Bible. We have the Life Journals in Hawaii to encourage people to read daily. Coming into ministry here in Ghana, where a majority of the kids do not have access to a Bible, it has been a real challenge. I could not even imagine how I could grow in a personal relationship with Christ if I didn’t have a Bible. Now I really have to re-think the way I do ministry. Because much of the way people learn is oral (meaning through telling stories), I am trying to teach the word of God in a way that can be easily understood and yet still accurately portray what the Bible says.
I am so thankful that I get to experience this, even though it’s hard, it is such a huge reality check for me! I don’t think I have ever thanked God for my Bible until now. I certainly hope that you too, will be thankful for everything that the Lord has blessed you with. When you think of putting off reading your Bible, take a second to think about the millions of people around the world who don’t even have the choice to put it off. And please pray that the Word of God will continue to spread around the world. God’s work is not limited to the people who have a Bible, He knows and He is doing a mighty work in this place!
I have been aware of the fact that millions of people around the world do not have a Bible (after all, that is why organizations such as Wycliffe exist). So, I don’t know why I never considered the fact that here in Ghana people would be without Bibles. Growing up I have had many Bibles. Many Christians in the West have several Bibles in different translations; and still, many people rarely if ever crack one open. What people here wouldn’t give to have a Bible of their own!
I have been working in youth ministry for almost three years now and we have always stressed the importance of reading God’s word daily. Going to camps there was always a time set aside for each person to read their Bible. We have the Life Journals in Hawaii to encourage people to read daily. Coming into ministry here in Ghana, where a majority of the kids do not have access to a Bible, it has been a real challenge. I could not even imagine how I could grow in a personal relationship with Christ if I didn’t have a Bible. Now I really have to re-think the way I do ministry. Because much of the way people learn is oral (meaning through telling stories), I am trying to teach the word of God in a way that can be easily understood and yet still accurately portray what the Bible says.
I am so thankful that I get to experience this, even though it’s hard, it is such a huge reality check for me! I don’t think I have ever thanked God for my Bible until now. I certainly hope that you too, will be thankful for everything that the Lord has blessed you with. When you think of putting off reading your Bible, take a second to think about the millions of people around the world who don’t even have the choice to put it off. And please pray that the Word of God will continue to spread around the world. God’s work is not limited to the people who have a Bible, He knows and He is doing a mighty work in this place!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Adapting to the Culture
Adjusting to life here in Ghana has been a lot of fun. To say that it has been HOT would be an understatement! But the people are so friendly and generous that it is easy to overlook the intense heat of the day. I have been working on learning the language, which is about a half-hour walk at 2 in the afternoon to my language helper's house. But the journey is fun and I get to practice along the way. I am hoping to buy a bicycle soon in order to save some time. Nancy is the name of my language helper, she is a lovely lady and is very helpful in teaching me as well as taking me around to meet other people who also have helped me. You should see the response of the people when I greet them in their own language! They are so appreciative that I am trying and it is very encouraging for me and inspires me to continue to learn more. This has also helped me to meet several people that I can build stronger relationships with.
Working with the youth on Sunday afternoons has been the highlight of the week. We are working on a skit for Palm Sunday as well as a song, "Lord I lift your Name on High" (a classic...), I play the guitar and their eyes just light up. It is such a blessing to be a part of the ministry here in Tumu.
The girls and I (Charity and Gina, two of the short-termers here), are waiting for our house to be finished so we can move in. The electricity has been connected, and we are now waiting for the finishing touches and we will be moved in soon (hopefully). It is really nice to have some girls my age here and we are really connecting well. In the evenings, we usually watch an episode or two of "Friends" (my favorite) and have a good laugh. The Lord is blessing me so much already and I am very excited to see what He will be doing in the upcoming months.
Working with the youth on Sunday afternoons has been the highlight of the week. We are working on a skit for Palm Sunday as well as a song, "Lord I lift your Name on High" (a classic...), I play the guitar and their eyes just light up. It is such a blessing to be a part of the ministry here in Tumu.
The girls and I (Charity and Gina, two of the short-termers here), are waiting for our house to be finished so we can move in. The electricity has been connected, and we are now waiting for the finishing touches and we will be moved in soon (hopefully). It is really nice to have some girls my age here and we are really connecting well. In the evenings, we usually watch an episode or two of "Friends" (my favorite) and have a good laugh. The Lord is blessing me so much already and I am very excited to see what He will be doing in the upcoming months.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Warfare
I have traveled to the Upper West Region of Ghana where I will be staying in the town of Tumu for the next nine months. There is a striking contrast from the hustle and bustle of city life in Accra to the small town vibe of Tumu. I am experiencing what some may call “real Africa” up here. Electricity and running water is rare, cooking is done outside the home, the use of a toilet or latrine is almost unheard of for most people, and the need of the gospel is astounding.
Islam is spreading like wildfire and there is a Mosque in every village. I am in a spiritual war-zone fighting for souls. When I asked what is so attractive about Islam to these people, the answer was surprising but it actually made sense.
Money comes in from Saudi Arabia to build a Mosque; they will then use the money to offer villagers a better life if they convert to Islam. They (the Saudi’s) will build a school next door to the Mosque and offer farmers new tools and so on. To the chief of the village, they will offer a plane ticket to Saudi Arabia and a truck. For people who are struggling to stay alive and feed a family, Islam promises a life of prosperity.
This did not rub me the right way at all. It made me wonder where the Christians are in all this? Why aren’t we building schools and giving people trips and vehicles? Then as I was reading my devotions, the Lord reminded me of the truth that I have known and proclaimed over and over:
Mark 8:34-37— Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Following Jesus clearly does not mean that all our problems here on earth will go away. In fact, he says that we will suffer for our faith. So then, why should anyone follow Jesus? Why not just convert to Islam and live a better life? Well, because it is not about this life, it’s about eternity; and it’s certainly not about us, it’s about God. He is not going to try to lure us in with all kinds of fancy things or empty promises, that’s Satan’s job. God wants our hearts, he wants our devotion and he wants a real and genuine relationship with us. The great thing about God is that He gives us love, freedom, peace, hope and joy; all the things that money cannot buy. But God knows our needs and he does provide (look at me, I’m in Ghana!), and He takes care of his children! There is absolutely nothing in this world that compare with a relationship with the creator of the universe. NOTHING. There are plenty of brothers and sisters around the world loving God and living in horrific circumstances who would testify to this. The challenge I am now faced with is to reveal this truth to people who are blinded by the promise of affluence as well as to disciple young Ghanaian believers to cultivate their own relationship with Christ that they may reach out to more than I ever could. I have a great mission ahead of me, but “one with God is a majority”.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
First Days
After some drama with the airlines and a changed flight, I have finally arrived here in Accra, Ghana. It has only been a couple days and already I am falling in love with this country and the culture! I have met many people from all over the world and am blessed and encouraged by their faith and perseverance. It is so amazing to see people in love with the Lord!
Last night I went to a youth service (which are basically for anyone under age 30). It was very different from anything I had ever experienced before, but it was very, very cool! It was a little hard for me to understand everything because the English is so different, but I was touched. We spent A LOT of time in prayer, which I appreciated, and they sang songs in Twi (the language here), and it was very powerful. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming.
I am excited to be heading up north to Tumu this Saturday, where I will be living for the next nine months doing youth work (which is in soooo much need here). I cannot wait to see all the Lord is going to do in my life. I am still looking to Him to direct my steps for the future, but for now, I will be here and serve Him.
PS. The weather is hot and humid. Hotter than Hawaii, it actually reminds me of Fiji weather. And the lizards are stinking huge!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
California
I have been in California for two weeks now. It has been wonderful to see my friends and family. The best part of my trip so far was being able to spend time with my two best friends Steph and Harmony. What is so awesome about us ("The Three Amigos") is that we all have hearts for missions. Steph is taking this year to do missions in Mexico with an organization called Genesis. Harmony and I, along with four other friends, had the opportunity to travel down to Ensenada Mexico where Steph will be stationed this year. It was so great to see where she will be, and to spend time with her and pray with her as she starts this adventure.
I feel so blessed that my three best friends in the whole world-Steph, Harmony and Aunabola, are all missionaries at heart! How many people can say that?
I am now down to three weeks until departure (Feb.20th). It is really hard to wait. For me, not having school or a job is ridiculously hard on my sanity! I am trying to keep myself busy, and have decided to start memorizing scripture, starting with James chapter 1. I realize that this is a great opportunity to prepare myself mentally and spiritually for my trip. I also feel like this time of waiting is also a time of preparing myself for what I will be experiencing in missions. I have to have great patience and learn to be content with being essentially alone... God is doing big things, and I am ready to experience them!
I feel so blessed that my three best friends in the whole world-Steph, Harmony and Aunabola, are all missionaries at heart! How many people can say that?
I am now down to three weeks until departure (Feb.20th). It is really hard to wait. For me, not having school or a job is ridiculously hard on my sanity! I am trying to keep myself busy, and have decided to start memorizing scripture, starting with James chapter 1. I realize that this is a great opportunity to prepare myself mentally and spiritually for my trip. I also feel like this time of waiting is also a time of preparing myself for what I will be experiencing in missions. I have to have great patience and learn to be content with being essentially alone... God is doing big things, and I am ready to experience them!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
just the beginning
The motivation that lead to the creation of this blog is threefold:
1. To keep a record of my thoughts, experiences and adventures.
2. To keep those closest to me informed of my life and travels.
3. To save time writing a bunch of emails...
I would love to hear from you, feel free to share your thoughts as well as keeping me updated with your lives.
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I am getting ready to embark on the greatest adventure of my life yet--nine months in Ghana. I have been preparing myself mentally, spiritually and physically for all that I will soon experience. I do feel that all of my life experiences up until this point have been preparing me for this and I believe that I am as ready as I will ever be.
As I prepare to leave Hawaii, I cannot help but feel a sense of sadness as I will truly miss all of my family and friends. Leaving my beautiful home is bittersweet as I know that what the Lord has in store for me in the not-so-distant future is more than I could ever plan for or imagine. Many people have been asking me if I am coming back after Ghana. The truth is that I just don't know. Whatever the Lord has in store for me. I am just following God as He guides me. One thing that's certain, I WILL be back, if not forever, then for a time!
So I will not say goodbye, I don't do goodbyes. I will see you soon.
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