hopelessness at my door

I'm sitting in my "other office" this morning (an "It's a Grind" coffee shop), glad to be back in the land of normalcy (for me, at least). I'm thinking warm thoughts about my time in Kenya as I sip my favorite vanilla bean coffee (standard fare for me), but there is little time or place for too much contemplation. That's because the needs and cries of those around me here are loud and pressing.

I ventured back to the office yesterday, ready to face a mountain of mail, phone messages and emails that I knew accumulated during my time away. It wasn't long before there was someone at the church doors needing help. Then another. And another. The bulk of my day was spent listening, intervening, suggesting and hurting for those in the throes of life's miseries. Some issues were of their own making. In some, they were victims. In most, there was a murky mingling of the two, with long-term chain reactions initiated by poor choices. At times my heart ached, at times it pleaded. Sometimes it simply burned, either because of destructive actions on their part, or because of the response of those with whom these men had come into contact.

One young (mid-thirties) man's life and words particularly haunted me. In trouble since he was ten, this man had spent the last 14 years in prison, had absolutely nothing, and was on the streets wanting and needing to get off drugs and alcohol. He was extremely angry (a violent past) and bitter. He felt burned by everyone and helped by no one. He was so hollow that he told me he knew his life had absolutely no value whatsoever. Therefore, if people stopped to help him, he pushed them away, assuming they were doing it for their own gratification or self-serving. He knew they couldn't really care about him, since he believed he wasn't worth caring for.

It's hard to convince someone that God cares when that person has been so beaten down, so devalued, so tossed around like an old dishrag that he finds no reason to be loved. We talked about God, but my new friend keeps Him at arm's length as well. Doesn't much trust Him, although he says he believes in Him. I hope we talk more in the days and weeks ahead. I pray he finds the help he needs. And I hope he learns that there really are people- genuine people- who'll love him for who he is in God's eyes. Not because they'll feel better about themselves, but because he really does have value. To them.

But more importantly, to God.

kenya in my rearview

As quickly as we got here, my time in Kenya has come to an end and I'm preparing to head back home today (Wednesday). Though our connection here was short, both Stanley and I believe it was of tremendous value, especially in the young life of our new church, Masii Christian Chapel. The opportunity for teaching and connection was rich, and will prove to be a valuable tool for this young congregation as they continue their formation and development. Please keep them and their pastor, William, in your prayers. They have a golden opportunity to bring a fresh look to the whole idea of the Church in their region...and people are already taking notice.

Tumaini Ministries continues to grow. I've been excited to meet several of the "kids" in Masii, Machakos and Nairobi. Actually, they aren't kids anymore. They've grown into young adults who are working, running businesses, finishing studies and already making their imprint on those around them. It's great to see a bit of the fruit that so many of you have invested in for the last few years. Please keep Tumaini and its leadership in prayer. They have much on their plate and God continues to open doors for them.

Finally, times like these always remind me just how good we have it. We take so much for granted, assuming that we will have things that are not always present for the rest of the world. You think our streets have potholes and need work? You should have your teeth rattled here for awhile as you get from one place to the next. Electricity is a staple, almost a right, to us. Loss of electrical current is common here, especially in outlying areas. And there's nothing you can do about it. We may have traffic and congestion, but the idea of crowded streets takes on a whole new dimension here (pic of a bit of traffic outside my hotel), especially in Nairobi. Driving (or riding!) here is not for the faint of heart. Even crossing these busy city streets is like a real-life game of Frogger! And make sure you look right and not left as you step off the curb, as traffic comes from the opposite way!

Sometime today, would you simply stop and take a few moments to thank God for the many blessings you have at your fingertips. And would you take inventory again of some of the everyday things you have and use that may seem commonplace to you? Things like hot, running water on demand, food on your table, a consistent dial tone, clean streets, somewhere certain to lay your head, stocked grocery stores and reliable transportation. Such seemingly simple things, and yet in much of the world these are the extras in life. Maybe God has blessed us with them so we might use the extra time and energy they create to invest in the lives of others in need.

Seems like more than a fair trade to me.

things I wish my mother (or pastor) would have taught me

(Taking a timeout from a great Kenya trip to share a great, new book with you...)

Finally. A book that speaks to the stuff of life that Christians (and others) actually deal with. OK, I'm sure other books have been written that cover the same kinds of ideas, but I just read a new one that's fresh, timely and overdue.

Larry Osborne, pastor of North Coast Church in Vista, CA, and author of books such as Sticky Church, Leadership as a Team, and Spirituality for the Rest of Us, has another winner hitting the shelves (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, your favorite Christian bookstore) this week. It's called 10 Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe and it looks over and responds to ten common spiritual urban myths. This special sort of belief is described as "a belief, story, assumption or truism that gets passed along as a fact. In most cases the source is a friend, a Sunday School class, a Bible study, a devotional, a book, or even a sermon." (p.2,3)

Some myths in this category are minimally damaging ("God helps those who help themselves," or "Cleanliness is next to godliness" come to mind), but the ten Osborne targets have far greater ramifications for those caught up in them. Without going into detail on each (or any) of them, I can tell you that Larry takes each of these ways of thinking to task, dispelling the supposed truths surrounding them, pointing out the fallacies and dangers in each as he shares many pertinent life examples. He then provides a correct Biblical framework for each idea, complete with Scripture (in context, thankfully!) that helps to amplify and clarify.

Each chapter is a stand-alone piece of work, and the author deals with some issues more completely than others. I felt as I read the book that some of these topics have had greater life significance for Osborne, and they are probably the ones he attacks with even greater passion and depth. Although each chapter was helpful, I found his analysis surrounding the truths about forgiveness (ch.2), God's plans for our lives (ch.4), godly homes and the kids they produce (ch.5), and the meanings of life's valleys (ch.9) particularly insightful for my life and ministry.

There are valuable discussion questions for each chapter at the end of the book, which is a perfect idea, because this could make a GREAT small group study. The things tackled here are the stuff people either want or need to know, and I can easily envision a small group being a perfect venue in which to wrestle with them.

Whether you read it as a group or on your own, you need to get a copy of 10 Dumb Things... and chew on it awhile. It may surprise you, challenge you, even make you a bit angry or uncomfortable at times, but I guarantee it will strengthen your understanding of God's Word and will help you make better sense of ten "Christian" ideas that you may have wondered about (or maybe even bought into).

a weekend to remember

Wow, what a weekend! Stanley and I spent Saturday and Sunday with the members (and neighbors) of Masii Christian Chapel, a new church planted because of the impact of Tumaini Ministries (www.tumainiinternational.org) in this part of the country. The congregation, begun in September, is excited and growing, looking to become a solid, Bible-based church that will plant daughter churches throughout the region (and beyond!).

Saturday's seminar drew more than 80 and we discussed basic elements of the New Testament Church, namely baptism and the Lord's Supper. There was great interaction and interest as we went from mid-morning until the end of the day. Some of the teachings and concepts that you and I may take for granted are new thoughts and practices for some of these believers, and they are finding great freedom in them.

Sunday's morning services (one in English, the other in Kikamba) drew more than 150. You would have loved the time of worship in praise! So much enthusiasm, excitement and expression. And believe me, it's infectious! We continued the seminar in the afternoon, teaching about leadership in the Church, and the place of elders and deacons. MCC does not yet have recognized leadership, aside from the pastor and a few other volunteers, but they are preparing to put leaders in place, and they want to make sure they do it well. Their ultimate goal is to grow a model congregation that they can reproduce in other places in hopes of becoming a movement of churches.

I wish you could sit with these people and hear their hearts as they share. You'd be moved and challenged in your own faith. As thankful as they were that I took time to be with them, I think I got the better end of the deal. I'm stirred and encouraged to deepen my walk as I realize what my brothers and sisters face each day here. And I'm convicted to pray more fervently for them as they live for the Lord in southeast Kenya. You'd love the people here, I know you would. And after you were here awhile, you'd try to figure out how you could return as soon and as often as possible.

I know I am.

kenya bound, kenya found!

At last! We touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi yesterday afternoon (Thursday) at 2:40, and I was so thankful to be finished with flying for awhile! Arriving in Kenya is always a great experience for me, and this time was no exception. After clearing customs (always an adventure!) we were met by Paul Mutendwe from Tumaini Ministries (Paul was at our church last fall). He brought Jackson, the Tumaini chaplain, and Geoffrey, a US intern. How great to see them again!

After a much needed night's sleep, Stanley and | are in Nairobi this morning taking care of odds and ends (exchanging $$, making copies for our seminar and touching base with people). We'll head to Machakos (about 2 hours southeast) after lunch, and get ready for tomorrow's time with the new church. I'm growing more excited about this opportunity as Stanley and I talk over all the possibilities with the planting of this new congregation. People are hungry for something fresh, something challenging, something with substance and hope for their souls. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare and share what God has given us.

The weather is pleasant, we're healthy, and God is good. Those are fine ingredients for us as we launch this time of connection with our brothers and sisters. I'll post again when we're settled in Machakos. Thanks for your concern and interest in what God's doing in this part of His world. It's a blast to be connected with it, even in a small way, isn't it?!

our emirates connection

I wanted to check in along the way and let you know our travel progress. We're sitting at the airport in Dubai (in the United Arab Emirates), having concluded our 12+ hour junket from NYC, and looking forward to 5 more wonderful hours in the air in order to reach Nairobi.

We're flying Emirates Airlines this trip, and I have to tell you, except for one kinda crabby flight attendant (she must have hit my shoulder 15 times either walking past or pushing the food carts), we had a tremendous experience. Service was great, everyone (sans the one) was out-of-their-way friendly, and the entertainment system for each seat was almost beyond imagination! You ADD-types would have been satisfied completely with the hundreds (that's right!) of movies offered, music, games, up-to-date news, even the ability to create our own music playlist. Additionally, each seat had the ability to connect mp3 devices, ipods, and computers with power! Needless to say, we enjoyed the longest leg of our flights and are looking forward to the final link.

We're anticipating an extremely positive response from the young church in Masii. Stanley was with them a couple of months ago, teaching about church dynamics, and they were enthusiastic, absorbing everything he shared with great excitement. They've spoken to him more than once about starting other congregations, but he's encouraging them to take a step at a time, making sure they're grounded and firm before they spread themselves out.

Thanks again for the prayers. Pray earnestly as you wrestle on our behalf, will you? And don't forget to bring your umbrellas!

on the road again

As I write this, I'm sitting in JFK Airport in the Big Apple with Stanley Mutunga (that's Stanley and me feeding Jeffrey!). It's Tuesday morning, and we just arrived on the red-eye from Los Angeles on our way to Kenya (man, those seats are small!). We'll fly through Dubai this time (a first for me), a 12+ hour trip, then about 5 hours back to Nairobi. It's long, but exciting, as Stanley and I talk much about our opportunities for the next nine days. We'll teach at the new church started at the Tumaini Center. The congregation is averaging about 125 after last September's launch, and they want to know more about what it means to be a non-denominational, New Testament church. And even more exciting is the news that they already want to plant more churches like themselves throughout the area. Our teaching will be foundational to what they will teach and pass on to others as they reproduce themselves among their own people.

Quite honestly, that makes me a more nervous, knowing that what we/I say during these days of teaching and discussion will be carried on to others. My topics this trip include the place of baptism and the Lord's Supper in the Church, and the place and ministry of elders and deacons in the Church. Please pray for us as we share, that we don't simply impart knowledge, but that we pass along the lessons and insights God has given to us through our years of service to Him. Thanks!

where'd all those weeds come from?

It was time. Way past time. I looked at my back yard with great horror at the mini-jungle of weeds that seemed to spring up overnight while I was busy with other things.

It happened so quietly, so subtly, so subversively. While I was looking the other way, the spring rains, warming weather and my lack of attention provided fertile ground for these nasty organic intruders. Admittedly, I'd actually seen them in earlier stages, poking their fuzzy heads just above the brickwork. Present but not menacing. Rooted but not a threat. At least not yet. No worries, I thought to myself. I'll handle their impact and curtail their spread easily. Piece of cake. I'll take care of it...tomorrow. Later. When it's more convenient. When I feel like it.

Aww, come on. Who was I kidding? It's never convenient. I never feel like it. Tomorrow is always just that. I'd failed to take care of my back yard because I'd spent so much time taking care of other issues, other items, other opportunities. And some days I'd come home and just not feel like working at it...so I didn't.

It made me think about my own life, and how easy it is to get caught up with other people and their issues, getting involved in lots of good causes, showing concern for the back yards of others. Sometimes at the expense of my own. It just seems easier to help somebody else with his or her situation, while letting my own circumstances slide, just get by, or become overgrown with life's weeds. And what good is it if I help everyone else clean up their mess, but end up caught in my own?

Last Saturday was the day of reckoning. I clothed myself with items whose appearance I knew would be forever altered, grabbed my heavy duty weed whacker (thanks, Paul D.), a shovel, trash can and Tiger Balm (OK, that came later), told my wife that if she didn't hear from me in a couple hours to bring the machete and come searching, and headed out to do what I should've been doing all along the way. I didn't finish everything on that day, but after a few minor skirmishes with the enemy and a lot of effort, I reclaimed my back yard. Now to get to the finishing touches before I have to start all over...

Helping others is what we're designed for. It's part of our privilege with each other. But make sure that as you get involved with others' needs, you keep the weeds knocked down in your own heart, your own family, your own back yard. The Apostle Paul reminded us in Galatians 6:1: "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." Help others, but take care of your own place as you do it.

Otherwise, you may end up in deep weeds.

hope for this generation

This is another video worth your time. According to Pete Chagnon of OneNewsNow:

Lia is a preteen from Canada who decided to speak out against abortion in her school's speech contest, despite teachers and school officials who encouraged her to pick a different topic. Lia's mother says Lia was told by school officials that if she chose the topic of abortion, she would not be allowed to participate in the speech contest. But both were surprised when Lia's pro-choice teacher had a change of heart. Her mother continued, "Her teacher was really impressed by this speech and perhaps moved by it, and therefore her teacher kind of was a real supporter of [Lia] winning for the class, and she had to go through a couple of hoops and get clearance from a couple of other teachers before she could be declared winner of the class."

Another controversy erupted when the panel of judges had a supposed big disagreement and one stepped down. Initially Lia was disqualified, but later the panel declared her the winner. She was asked to take out this portion of her speech: "[F]etuses are definitely humans knit together in their mother's womb by their wonderful Creator who knows them all by name." After Lia was told to remove that portion of her speech, she took time to think about her decision and ultimately decided to leave it in.

I believe there are many more like Lia in our midst. And as long as they are willing to take a stand for their convictions, there is a hope and a future.

Will you stand with them?

a lost generation?

I want you to watch this video. It speaks volumes about the need of our time and those who are willing to do something about it. And it was done by my assistant (and great friend), Robert Crews, and his daughter, Kathryn. I think you'll be moved.

I know I was.