Africa isn’t for sissy’s….

is what one man recently said to me as we were chatting about possible business partnerships with J-life, in order to disciple and build some work ethic with the youth.  At times, I would have to agree with him.

The continent of Africa has long been a place of trails.  We are currently living in South Africa, which is arguable the murder and rape capital of the world; genocide, xenophobia, extreme poverty, the orphan crisis, corrupt politicians, dangerous roads, poisonous snakes, muslim extremest, and fires….lots of fires.  Which brings me to my story – Jeanie, Hudson and myself went for a short walk this morning.  Right after lunch, I was planning to go with John to meet with a group of Pastors from the townships, but upon returning to camp John met us and said, “No meetings today, we have a fire to fight!”  This weekend is a long weekend because Friday was another public holiday, which meant, there were not many people around to help.  The few J-life staff that were here were helping with a camp group, so our numbers were even fewer.  There were 4 of us with backpack blowers, and a mountain a blaze.  As you can see from the picture, just to get to the fire was no easy task.

After 4-5 hours of fighting the thorns, the brush, the cactus, and the fire – it had finally gotten the best of me, and I was done.  I was so dehydrated that I couldn’t spit, and all of my muscles were slowly starting to cramp up.  At this point, the fire was mostly under control but there were still a few flare ups which kept us there another 2 hours.  I was unable to continue, as I had not properly prepared for the fight.  Obviously some bodily training and discipline would have helped me – but instead I had to let others finish it.  It is funny the things the Lord revealed to me as I was standing on top of a burning mountain.  He said, (not audible) but clear enough for me to understand….following me is not for sissy’s, but it is for the humble, broken, and weary.

This brought me back to my previous thoughts about following Christ.  For years I believed that God would never ask me to do anything difficult or uncomfortable.  He would also not ask me to do anything I am not naturally gifted at, which would cause me to depend on Him.  He would never ask me to leave my family, my job, and my comforts.  I wanted the things that He could get me but I didn’t want Him. I viewed the church as a place to go to fill my needs, not a body of people to serve and worship alongside.  I wanted just enough of Him to get me to the other side, but not enough to make me look different from the world.

Thank God he didn’t leave me there.  Through a horrific tragedy He showed me His peace that surpasses all understanding.  He showed Himself to me and at that moment, everything changed.  He pulled back the veil – so I could see the battle.  He showed me my neighbors, my enemies, other countries, the guy living on the road, not as the world sees them but as God made them.  My circumstances no longer dictated how I reacted, only His word and His truths.  The church was no longer a place I went, but a family to grow with.  I no longer looked at serving Him as a sacrifice, but understood this was what He created us for, to worship Him.

So here we are in Africa, doing and seeing things I never thought were possible.  It is hard, it takes discipline, sacrifice, and most of all faith.  I would be lying if I didn’t say I sometimes struggle and want to retreat back to the things that are comfortable.  I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, or even if we will be blessed with tomorrow.  But I do know He is a sovereign God and if we stay focused on Him – this journey will be beautiful.

Lord – please wake up your church and show us the battle that is there.  Prepare us physically, but most importantly, spiritually to fight the fight that is at hand.  Please help us as parents to disciple our children to love you and love your word.  It is the most important gift we can give them. Continue to remind us that we are all arrows to be used for your glory.  Let us all see that we have a part in furthering your kingdom whether we are in Iowa, India, Egypt, or Africa.  Please forgive us for our fear, and lack of faith as we look to follow your will for our lives.  Amen.