My thanks to all of you who prayed and supported the team that went to Nigeria. God bless each of you. I have had a little time to reflect now. I live in a culture that is reluctant to the Gospel of Jesus. I spent a short length of time in a culture that is wide open to the Gospel. I did not share the Gospel of Jesus a single time in which no one was saved. Every time Jesus was lifted up, people came to Him in faith. I must say "This was intoxicating!" (in a certain Jesus freak kind of way).
Please understand all of us that went on this mission: we are not experts on anything. This was a very short trip that showed us how much we need Jesus. He carried us through ignorance, weakness, and powerlessness. He showed that He is Lord over all. He just lets us go along for the ride. And what a ride it is. Praise be to God!
Expectancy is a great thing - especially when it comes to the power of God. As we went from place to place in Nigeria and spent time with our brothers and sisters there, we found that they always expected God to do something. "Normal" meant that God shows up and works in powerful ways. They seemed to know nothing of an anemic Christianity with no power and little influence.
This sort of atmosphere was very easy for us to get accustomed to. To serve the Lord in this sort of charged atmosphere was a privilege. So, what is the difference? There and here? These folks have few of the conveniences of life that we think are standard to everyone. They have little money and they realize their true position. In our country, all of our things pose a distraction to us. We seem to let other things get in the way. We don't seem to "need" God as much in our lives - when we actually need Him just as much.
One of my biggest surprises in Nigeria was the number of cell phones, motorcycles, and plastic chairs. Everybody has a cell phone. It let me know how connected our world is at this very moment. Our world has never been this connected. This gave a familiarity to every meeting and service in which we participated. It was as if I was back home. It gave things a very home-like feel. One can only wonder how this is changing the culture.
The motorcycles are the principle means of transportation in the part of the country where we were. A Chinese built 125 cc motorcycle can carry up to four people. "Necessity is the mother of invention!" Furniture can even be transported on this two-wheeled contraption.
And then there were the plastic chairs ... They were made for equatorial Nigeria. The are strong, maintenance-free, weather proof, light, stackable, and best of all ... cheap! Even the King used plastic chairs at his palace. The practicality and ingenuity of this culture amazed and impressed me.
One of the things that struck me about the trip to Nigeria was the vision of Dr. Okere. He is a humble servant of God. He has picked up the wash basin of Christ and has been pouring back in for a long time. The words determined, fearless, faithful, willing, instrument of God, all describe Kennedy. What a blessing to see what God will do through just one of his willing children. I see God's purpose in everything Kennedy has done and is doing. I cannot put into words the humility and faithfulness I witnessed in Kennedy.
While on our trip to Nigeria, we were privileged to work with some of God's choice servants. These are men and women who want to see God's Kingdom come and His will be done. They humbly went about their work and sought to aid us in every way possible.
I noted a respect for servants of God that was very refreshing. It is a level of respect that we do not have in our country. It is a respect that I can remember in my youth. It has faded away.
You could feel the genuine love of the people for Jesus and for those who serve Him. This brought an openness to the Gospel that was very easy for me to get accustomed to.
Our trip was very well-planned. We went to many places and served in many capacities. Much was accomplished in the Name of Jesus. The medical clinics were an awesome sight. In each place that word reached of the possibility of a medical clinic, a crowd would gather.
It amazed me that even the most common of medications in our country (such as tylenol) would be a "wonder drug." There are so many things that I assume about the availability and access that I have to the best medicines in the world. I gave away most of the personal medications I brought with me - like Advil. These pills were received by a young man who was taking them to his mother who was experiencing many aches and pains. She lived hours away in another state. You would have thought that I had given him gold.
Our medical team did a wonderful job. They churned out treatment and healing for hundreds of people each day. Not only was medicine and treatment dispensed, but a lot of prayer and spiritual counsel. Both the physical and the spiritual man were treated.
The most difficult job each day for the medical team was to leave - to stop treating people. Where do you draw that line? They could not physically treat everyone that came. We did not have enough people to do this. I watched the anguish in the faces of our team as they had to leave. At one place, a man was even running after the van as they left.
Many of you have asked about the food there. We ate a lot of rice. I enjoyed the fruit very much. The plantains were delicious. The chicken was not as fat. Their chickens actually walk around and are not injected with growth stimulants.
Our hosts tried to provide for us. But they could not duplicate our diet here in the US. We live in the wealthiest nation that has ever been on the planet. We enjoy more foods than any other people in the world. Food is readily available to most of us in large quantities. So, from the outset, you knew that your diet would be different there. It's a different country and even the same foods would be prepared differently.
We can not forget that Nigeria is a third world country. Junk foods, fast foods and snack foods are not staples in their diet.
Personally, I liked everything that we ate. There was only one thing that did not suit me: a malt soft drink. All the rest of the food was good to my palate - at least on this trip.
One of the funniest food stories to me happened at Dr. Amadi's home on Sunday. He had obtained a bottle of Hickory Smoked BBQ sauce. Clement loved the stuff. As he was introducing his American brothers to new Nigerian foods, he was also introducing his Nigerian family to BBQ sauce from the US. His dinner table became an international exchange program. The irony of this picture was not lost on me. It gave me a window into the kind of man that Clement Amadi is - a bridge-man! It was his nephew Kennedy Okere who invited me to Nigeria. But it was Clement who would not take "no" for an answer. He knew what the will of God was. I bless him for this. For I am not the same man who left the Savannah airport. My life can never be the same. I replay the pictures of my brothers and sisters in my heart again and again.
Many of you have asked me "what was the most significant part of the trip?" I guess that answer is different with each one who went on the mission. I saw God work and move in every part of what we did. I felt prayer coverage like I have never felt it in my life. I felt distraction-free as we proceeded on our mission. God used the prayers of His people in our lives. These prayers were being prayed by our Nigerian family and our family in the US. We were sandwiched by prayer cover.
Each place that I spoke or ministered God granted fruit and it was a pleasure to see. But there was one place that was closest to my heart: the Theology School. I could feel the welcome as we drove onto the campus. The students were waiting for us. As we entered the building, I felt at home. These were church planters and pastors. I was amongst "my people." Whatever cultural divide there may have been was more than compensated for by the "partnership in the Gospel." It was palpable. They devoured the music Gary played and the message I brought. The Q & A that followed was amazing. They had to drag me out of there. These guys and gals are not just interested in talking about it; they want to do it! This place is the powder keg of growth for the Gospel in that part of the world. They are turning out the next generation of leaders who will impact their world.
So, was this the most significant experience for me. I don't know. It was definitely the place that I feel like I had the most to say and where my gifts and graces were best used. To say that i enjoyed it would be the understatement of the year.
Kennedy I have been on mission to Nigeria for 9yrs but my experience this year is totally wonderful experience as the mission expanded in the direction of my original vision that is to bring souls to christ while we administer medicine. I believe that only those who are physically alive have the opportunity to repent. I have known and listened to our Pastor Dusty preach the word for 11yrs.The annointing in him while in Nigeria cannot be expressed by words of mouth.Many souls came to christ.The first night of the revival at Ihiagwa Baptist I tried to keep up with the number souls that are saved,however, as the number of souls been saved for the first time and rededications continued to geometrically increase I lost count.God only can give the right number of souls that joined his kingdom through this mission.
Speaking of the medical team.I commend James and Laura for their dedication and commitment to the call.Weldone Dr.Burks for your hard work. On our first day at Federal University of Technology.Our pharmacist Dr Ukpong was not around due to transportation issues.James headed the pharmacy where multitudes were seeking to fill the scripts written by Dr.Burks and me.At the end of the day God was in control of the pharmacy through James and his pharmacy team. Congratulations to Laura for pulling out some tough Nigeria teeth as Dusty held the flash light
Speaking of language issue.The tribal languge is Igbo language.Nigeria was colonised by the British so the lingua franca is English.Most young people understand and speak the 'queen's English but the elderly speak more Igbo and broken English. Dusty needed an Interpreter in the local church.CY who is a wonderful interpreter at one point in the message could not undersatnd Dusty.In his great sense of humor he said in Igbo "my people I don't understand the whiteman".As if Dusty understood him he hugged CY and the entire church bursted into laughter.Thank you Dusty for your sense of humor.
The people of Ihiagwa and the surrounding area are a desperate people. They are desperate for food, clothing, health care, some are even desperate for shelter. Despite there desperation, these people do not lack for joy and energy. They get the most out of every moment and everything they have. They do not waste time, like we do. I believe it is that desperation that makes the spiritual landscape of these people so fertile. Dusty brought messages with a power and energy that I haver never seen and the Lord went to work. They could not get enough of God. And Gary's gifts require no translation, his music and his clowning are both instruments of God, and were joyfullly recieved. It may be the comforts we enjoy or maybe the prosperity, but compared to the people we saw, we truly do live like kings and in many case better than kings. Before this trip there were many things I thought I believed in. God's healing power. The truth and power of the Gospel. But I have been witness to God touching a woman that had never spoken begin to talk and laugh, and a young girl who could not walk, walk. What an awesome God. Now I BELIEVE in these things!!!!!
What a privilege it was to serve our Lord in Nigeria. Everywhere we went in that part of the world someone was saying "welcome!" One day as we were trying to get through downtown Owerri, a female traffic cop stuck her head inside our open window to say "welcome" to us.
Our hosts (beginning with Dr. Okere) made sure that all was made ready for us wherever we went. But even their good intentions could not have prepared all the strangers that we met who extended a warm welcome to these guests from America. We felt very welcome in this culture. It did not take people very long to warm up to us at any of the places we visited.
One incident took place at the large five-star hotel in Owerri. They have a great internet cafe in this hotel (when it is working). This is the place from which I sent my messages. The first day I went there I was accompanied by our security guard. He had to check his AK-47 at the door. We walked through a metal detector as several security officers at the hotel checked us out. Then the lead officer asked me where I was from and proceeded to welcome me to his country. We chatted for several minutes. He asked me what I liked about his country. I told him that the countryside was beautiful. I've had time to think about my response. If I were answering that same question now, I would say: "I think your people are your greatest asset. They are warm and welcoming and quick to smile." What a country!
Many of you have met Dr. Clement Amadi. He is the uncle of our own Dr. Okere. He has visited us several times and preached to us. I had a lot of respect for him before our trip. He has many accomplishments. He was a pastor, a church planter, an author of 22 books, secretary of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, seminary professor - just to name a few. But all of these do not adequately describe him.
Everywhere we went someone was waiting to talk to Dr. Amadi. He has tried to retire, but he is not being very successful at it. Over and over people are saying "We need you." He commands respect like few men I have met. He is one of the most humble men I have ever met. I count it an honor to be called his friend.
In many of the places we went I received a hearing because Dr. Amadi asked them to hear me. Dr. Amadi has one driving force in his life: Jesus Christ! He is not a complicated soul. He has a simple trust in the One Who has changed his life. He wants everybody to have that same opportunity.
Please pray for him. Pray God's strength and stamina to be upon him. Pray that God may provide for all of his needs. Pray that he will continue to raise up young disciples in the faith who will carry on what he has begun. Pray God's protection over him and his family. Pray that God will lead him very clearly in all of his steps. Pray that God will show us all the ways in which we need to partner with him in the Gospel.
Many of you have asked me about miracles. Yes, we saw miracles - verified and witnessed. God did it and we thank Him. Why don't those same miracles take place here with more frequency? The answer is simple: it's all about faith. For so many of the people in Nigeria, there is no "plan B." They come to God in faith expecting Him to do what He says He swill do in His Word.
We are distracted by all the "other things." Convenience is a big issue to us. We put God on a time clock - or so we think. His silence to our prayers should be a testimony to our arrogance. God will not be manipulated by us. In Hebrews 11 it says "God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." It takes time to seek Him. It takes getting the stuff out of the way to seek Him. It is inconvenient to seek Him. He is not about expedience. he is more interested in our personal relationship with Him.
You don't have to travel to Nigeria to see the Power of God. You do, however, have to travel to the heart of God if you want to witness His power. I thank Him for giving me the best seat in the house to see Him work. It is a privilege. It is humbling. It is God doing His God thing.
Our culture really doesn't "need" God yet. We still think we can have our way and His way at the same time. There can only be one Lord of our lives.
Prayer cover is a wonderful gift. I fully expected to be engaged in a lot of warfare kind of prayer while in Nigeria. The pleasant surprise was that I did not have to do very much of this kind of prayer. Why? The answer is simple: others were doing the prayer in our behalf.
Our Nigerian brothers and sisters had been praying for us for weeks. They fully expected God to answer their prayers. Many of you here in the US were praying all times of the day and night. I still have not heard all the stories of how God waked you up in the night, stopped you during the day, and otherwise interrupted your life in order that you might pray in our behalf.
We felt like we were being "carried along" by your prayers. Several times I was at the end of my energy with things yet to do and somehow God released a freshness in me. There are few times in my life that I have felt "prayed for" like this.
All of this has led me to consider a few things about the importance of prayer: 1) I must pray more than I do 2) God will work through my prayers when my actions are impotent 3) God wants to give us much more than we are asking Him for 4) People's lives are hanging in the balance waiting for God to move through our prayers 5) I depend far too much on me and far too little on God 6) Savannah is not going to change until we pray 7) Prayer is one of the most exciting things a Christian can do
It is the very early on a Tuesday and I am thinking of our brothers and sisters in Nigeria. God has used them mightily in our lives. Please pray for them as God brings them to your mind. The work of the Lord continues there. The reports we have received say that the revival continues. People continue to receive Jesus in their lives. We thank God that He is so gracious to us. He allows us to be a part of what He is doing in the earth.
A local business man has offered to send a container to Nigeria "free of charge." This is no small gift. We will let you know the time table for this and the items that we will need to pack in that container.
Dusty Said:
ReplyDeleteMy thanks to all of you who prayed and supported the team that went to Nigeria. God bless each of you. I have had a little time to reflect now. I live in a culture that is reluctant to the Gospel of Jesus. I spent a short length of time in a culture that is wide open to the Gospel. I did not share the Gospel of Jesus a single time in which no one was saved. Every time Jesus was lifted up, people came to Him in faith. I must say "This was intoxicating!" (in a certain Jesus freak kind of way).
Please understand all of us that went on this mission: we are not experts on anything. This was a very short trip that showed us how much we need Jesus. He carried us through ignorance, weakness, and powerlessness. He showed that He is Lord over all. He just lets us go along for the ride. And what a ride it is. Praise be to God!
April 13, 2009 6:47 PM
Dusty Said:
ReplyDeleteExpectancy is a great thing - especially when it comes to the power of God. As we went from place to place in Nigeria and spent time with our brothers and sisters there, we found that they always expected God to do something. "Normal" meant that God shows up and works in powerful ways. They seemed to know nothing of an anemic Christianity with no power and little influence.
This sort of atmosphere was very easy for us to get accustomed to. To serve the Lord in this sort of charged atmosphere was a privilege. So, what is the difference? There and here? These folks have few of the conveniences of life that we think are standard to everyone. They have little money and they realize their true position. In our country, all of our things pose a distraction to us. We seem to let other things get in the way. We don't seem to "need" God as much in our lives - when we actually need Him just as much.
April 14, 2009 4:02 AM
Dusty Said:
ReplyDeleteOne of my biggest surprises in Nigeria was the number of cell phones, motorcycles, and plastic chairs. Everybody has a cell phone. It let me know how connected our world is at this very moment. Our world has never been this connected. This gave a familiarity to every meeting and service in which we participated. It was as if I was back home. It gave things a very home-like feel. One can only wonder how this is changing the culture.
The motorcycles are the principle means of transportation in the part of the country where we were. A Chinese built 125 cc motorcycle can carry up to four people. "Necessity is the mother of invention!" Furniture can even be transported on this two-wheeled contraption.
And then there were the plastic chairs ... They were made for equatorial Nigeria. The are strong, maintenance-free, weather proof, light, stackable, and best of all ... cheap! Even the King used plastic chairs at his palace. The practicality and ingenuity of this culture amazed and impressed me.
April 14, 2009 5:13 PM
One of the things that struck me about the trip to Nigeria was the vision of Dr. Okere. He is a humble servant of God. He has picked up the wash basin of Christ and has been pouring back in for a long time. The words determined, fearless, faithful, willing, instrument of God, all describe Kennedy. What a blessing to see what God will do through just one of his willing children. I see God's purpose in everything Kennedy has done and is doing. I cannot put into words the humility and faithfulness I witnessed in Kennedy.
ReplyDeleteWhile on our trip to Nigeria, we were privileged to work with some of God's choice servants. These are men and women who want to see God's Kingdom come and His will be done. They humbly went about their work and sought to aid us in every way possible.
ReplyDeleteI noted a respect for servants of God that was very refreshing. It is a level of respect that we do not have in our country. It is a respect that I can remember in my youth. It has faded away.
You could feel the genuine love of the people for Jesus and for those who serve Him. This brought an openness to the Gospel that was very easy for me to get accustomed to.
Our trip was very well-planned. We went to many places and served in many capacities. Much was accomplished in the Name of Jesus. The medical clinics were an awesome sight. In each place that word reached of the possibility of a medical clinic, a crowd would gather.
ReplyDeleteIt amazed me that even the most common of medications in our country (such as tylenol) would be a "wonder drug." There are so many things that I assume about the availability and access that I have to the best medicines in the world. I gave away most of the personal medications I brought with me - like Advil. These pills were received by a young man who was taking them to his mother who was experiencing many aches and pains. She lived hours away in another state. You would have thought that I had given him gold.
Our medical team did a wonderful job. They churned out treatment and healing for hundreds of people each day. Not only was medicine and treatment dispensed, but a lot of prayer and spiritual counsel. Both the physical and the spiritual man were treated.
The most difficult job each day for the medical team was to leave - to stop treating people. Where do you draw that line? They could not physically treat everyone that came. We did not have enough people to do this. I watched the anguish in the faces of our team as they had to leave. At one place, a man was even running after the van as they left.
Many of you have asked about the food there. We ate a lot of rice. I enjoyed the fruit very much. The plantains were delicious. The chicken was not as fat. Their chickens actually walk around and are not injected with growth stimulants.
ReplyDeleteOur hosts tried to provide for us. But they could not duplicate our diet here in the US. We live in the wealthiest nation that has ever been on the planet. We enjoy more foods than any other people in the world. Food is readily available to most of us in large quantities. So, from the outset, you knew that your diet would be different there. It's a different country and even the same foods would be prepared differently.
We can not forget that Nigeria is a third world country. Junk foods, fast foods and snack foods are not staples in their diet.
Personally, I liked everything that we ate. There was only one thing that did not suit me: a malt soft drink. All the rest of the food was good to my palate - at least on this trip.
One of the funniest food stories to me happened at Dr. Amadi's home on Sunday. He had obtained a bottle of Hickory Smoked BBQ sauce. Clement loved the stuff. As he was introducing his American brothers to new Nigerian foods, he was also introducing his Nigerian family to BBQ sauce from the US. His dinner table became an international exchange program. The irony of this picture was not lost on me. It gave me a window into the kind of man that Clement Amadi is - a bridge-man! It was his nephew Kennedy Okere who invited me to Nigeria. But it was Clement who would not take "no" for an answer. He knew what the will of God was. I bless him for this. For I am not the same man who left the Savannah airport. My life can never be the same. I replay the pictures of my brothers and sisters in my heart again and again.
Many of you have asked me "what was the most significant part of the trip?" I guess that answer is different with each one who went on the mission. I saw God work and move in every part of what we did. I felt prayer coverage like I have never felt it in my life. I felt distraction-free as we proceeded on our mission. God used the prayers of His people in our lives. These prayers were being prayed by our Nigerian family and our family in the US. We were sandwiched by prayer cover.
ReplyDeleteEach place that I spoke or ministered God granted fruit and it was a pleasure to see. But there was one place that was closest to my heart: the Theology School. I could feel the welcome as we drove onto the campus. The students were waiting for us. As we entered the building, I felt at home. These were church planters and pastors. I was amongst "my people." Whatever cultural divide there may have been was more than compensated for by the "partnership in the Gospel." It was palpable. They devoured the music Gary played and the message I brought. The Q & A that followed was amazing. They had to drag me out of there. These guys and gals are not just interested in talking about it; they want to do it! This place is the powder keg of growth for the Gospel in that part of the world. They are turning out the next generation of leaders who will impact their world.
So, was this the most significant experience for me. I don't know. It was definitely the place that I feel like I had the most to say and where my gifts and graces were best used. To say that i enjoyed it would be the understatement of the year.
Kennedy
ReplyDeleteI have been on mission to Nigeria for 9yrs but my experience this year is totally wonderful experience as the mission expanded in the direction of my original vision that is to bring souls to christ while we administer medicine.
I believe that only those who are physically alive have the opportunity to repent.
I have known and listened to our Pastor Dusty preach the word for 11yrs.The annointing in him while in Nigeria cannot be expressed by words of mouth.Many souls came to christ.The first night of the revival at Ihiagwa Baptist I tried to keep up with the number souls that are saved,however, as the number of souls been saved for the first time and rededications continued to geometrically increase I lost count.God only can give the right number of souls that joined his kingdom through this mission.
Speaking of the medical team.I commend James and Laura for their dedication and commitment to the call.Weldone Dr.Burks for your hard work.
ReplyDeleteOn our first day at Federal University of Technology.Our pharmacist Dr Ukpong was not around due to transportation issues.James headed the pharmacy where multitudes were seeking to fill the scripts written by Dr.Burks and me.At the end of the day God was in control of the pharmacy through James and his pharmacy team.
Congratulations to Laura for pulling out some tough Nigeria teeth as Dusty held the flash light
Speaking of language issue.The tribal languge is Igbo language.Nigeria was colonised by the British so the lingua franca is English.Most young people understand and speak the 'queen's English but the elderly speak more Igbo and broken English.
ReplyDeleteDusty needed an Interpreter in the local church.CY who is a wonderful interpreter at one point in the message could not undersatnd Dusty.In his great sense of humor he said in Igbo "my people I don't understand the whiteman".As if Dusty understood him he hugged CY and the entire church bursted into laughter.Thank you Dusty for your sense of humor.
The people of Ihiagwa and the surrounding area are a desperate people. They are desperate for food, clothing, health care, some are even desperate for shelter. Despite there desperation, these people do not lack for joy and energy. They get the most out of every moment and everything they have. They do not waste time, like we do. I believe it is that desperation that makes the spiritual landscape of these people so fertile.
ReplyDeleteDusty brought messages with a power and energy that I haver never seen and the Lord went to work. They could not get enough of God.
And Gary's gifts require no translation, his music and his clowning are both instruments of God, and were joyfullly recieved.
It may be the comforts we enjoy or maybe the prosperity, but compared to the people we saw, we truly do live like kings and in many case better than kings.
Before this trip there were many things I thought I believed in. God's healing power. The truth and power of the Gospel. But I have been witness to God touching a woman that had never spoken begin to talk and laugh, and a young girl who could not walk, walk. What an awesome God. Now I BELIEVE in these things!!!!!
What a privilege it was to serve our Lord in Nigeria. Everywhere we went in that part of the world someone was saying "welcome!" One day as we were trying to get through downtown Owerri, a female traffic cop stuck her head inside our open window to say "welcome" to us.
ReplyDeleteOur hosts (beginning with Dr. Okere) made sure that all was made ready for us wherever we went. But even their good intentions could not have prepared all the strangers that we met who extended a warm welcome to these guests from America. We felt very welcome in this culture. It did not take people very long to warm up to us at any of the places we visited.
One incident took place at the large five-star hotel in Owerri. They have a great internet cafe in this hotel (when it is working). This is the place from which I sent my messages. The first day I went there I was accompanied by our security guard. He had to check his AK-47 at the door. We walked through a metal detector as several security officers at the hotel checked us out. Then the lead officer asked me where I was from and proceeded to welcome me to his country. We chatted for several minutes. He asked me what I liked about his country. I told him that the countryside was beautiful. I've had time to think about my response. If I were answering that same question now, I would say: "I think your people are your greatest asset. They are warm and welcoming and quick to smile." What a country!
Many of you have met Dr. Clement Amadi. He is the uncle of our own Dr. Okere. He has visited us several times and preached to us. I had a lot of respect for him before our trip. He has many accomplishments. He was a pastor, a church planter, an author of 22 books, secretary of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, seminary professor - just to name a few. But all of these do not adequately describe him.
ReplyDeleteEverywhere we went someone was waiting to talk to Dr. Amadi. He has tried to retire, but he is not being very successful at it. Over and over people are saying "We need you." He commands respect like few men I have met. He is one of the most humble men I have ever met. I count it an honor to be called his friend.
In many of the places we went I received a hearing because Dr. Amadi asked them to hear me. Dr. Amadi has one driving force in his life: Jesus Christ! He is not a complicated soul. He has a simple trust in the One Who has changed his life. He wants everybody to have that same opportunity.
Please pray for him. Pray God's strength and stamina to be upon him. Pray that God may provide for all of his needs. Pray that he will continue to raise up young disciples in the faith who will carry on what he has begun. Pray God's protection over him and his family. Pray that God will lead him very clearly in all of his steps. Pray that God will show us all the ways in which we need to partner with him in the Gospel.
Many of you have asked me about miracles. Yes, we saw miracles - verified and witnessed. God did it and we thank Him. Why don't those same miracles take place here with more frequency? The answer is simple: it's all about faith. For so many of the people in Nigeria, there is no "plan B." They come to God in faith expecting Him to do what He says He swill do in His Word.
ReplyDeleteWe are distracted by all the "other things." Convenience is a big issue to us. We put God on a time clock - or so we think. His silence to our prayers should be a testimony to our arrogance. God will not be manipulated by us. In Hebrews 11 it says "God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." It takes time to seek Him. It takes getting the stuff out of the way to seek Him. It is inconvenient to seek Him. He is not about expedience. he is more interested in our personal relationship with Him.
You don't have to travel to Nigeria to see the Power of God. You do, however, have to travel to the heart of God if you want to witness His power. I thank Him for giving me the best seat in the house to see Him work. It is a privilege. It is humbling. It is God doing His God thing.
Our culture really doesn't "need" God yet. We still think we can have our way and His way at the same time. There can only be one Lord of our lives.
Prayer cover is a wonderful gift. I fully expected to be engaged in a lot of warfare kind of prayer while in Nigeria. The pleasant surprise was that I did not have to do very much of this kind of prayer. Why? The answer is simple: others were doing the prayer in our behalf.
ReplyDeleteOur Nigerian brothers and sisters had been praying for us for weeks. They fully expected God to answer their prayers. Many of you here in the US were praying all times of the day and night. I still have not heard all the stories of how God waked you up in the night, stopped you during the day, and otherwise interrupted your life in order that you might pray in our behalf.
We felt like we were being "carried along" by your prayers. Several times I was at the end of my energy with things yet to do and somehow God released a freshness in me. There are few times in my life that I have felt "prayed for" like this.
All of this has led me to consider a few things about the importance of prayer:
1) I must pray more than I do
2) God will work through my prayers when my actions are impotent
3) God wants to give us much more than we are asking Him for
4) People's lives are hanging in the balance waiting for God to move through our prayers
5) I depend far too much on me and far too little on God
6) Savannah is not going to change until we pray
7) Prayer is one of the most exciting things a Christian can do
It is the very early on a Tuesday and I am thinking of our brothers and sisters in Nigeria. God has used them mightily in our lives. Please pray for them as God brings them to your mind. The work of the Lord continues there. The reports we have received say that the revival continues. People continue to receive Jesus in their lives. We thank God that He is so gracious to us. He allows us to be a part of what He is doing in the earth.
ReplyDeleteA local business man has offered to send a container to Nigeria "free of charge." This is no small gift. We will let you know the time table for this and the items that we will need to pack in that container.