Wednesday, September 23, 2009
On the Sandy Soil
I have arrived by God's protection on Benin soil again. Here in Cotonou the whole city is built on sand pretty much, between a big lake and the ocean (this is one step beyond the foolish man!) I am leaving for Natitingou on the big bus tomorrow. Thanks for all the prayers.
A House Divided
Flying on airplanes has always been a dilemma for me. I have not been a huge flyer until recently, but in my first few years, movies were only on the big screens if at all. People talked, strangers became less of strangers, stories came of conversions or at least spiritually breakthroughs. But now right in front of me is a small screen with hundreds of forms of enterntainment, all literally at my fingertips. A good portion of it is unfortunately not great, face it, evil! So what do I do? There are some good ones like uh, well, Valkyrie, and that Al Gore movie on the environment (didn't watch it yet). But finding the goods ones means passing by the temptaions. No I don't choose the really bad ones, but maybe the slightly not so edifying, the questionable films. But really I look at the movies like brownies with only a little deadly poison, unfortunately it is hard to eat the brownie and not die from the poison. Well I had chance to gain victory this time. As we taxied out on the runway, I was listening to my MP3 and the End of the Spear movie soundtrack (that's a non poison movie, but if you sensitive to gore, I wish more were, the book is awesome too, "Beyond the gates of Splendor" by Elisabeth Elliot) and Mark Schultz's sining, "What will we do with the time that is left". Christian people forging a new futre, the past behind, what will happen from now on in each of our lives. God helped me out, the movies system crashed, no movies! I still pushed the limit and tried some documentaries, no go. And I could have gone to something else, but the meal came, and I then went back to movie trying. I rejected two films (evolution docudrama and a John Wayne romance, yuck) after a couple minutes of watching each, and went with another. A good friend of mine that spent many years on oversees missions, said that when we go out , especially to a foreign place, we pick up good and bad ideas and traits from the host culture. We also see helpful and destructive characterstics revealed in ourselves. On the transition back to our home cutlure, we have to go through and decide what to leave behind, and what to keep for our lives in Christ's service. I was only six weeks this time, and I really didn't do that whole deciding process well. I didn't prepare or pray for the overwhelming media of the West. I didn't put the lessons I had learned to practice, as I should have. And thus I end up on the plane wasting time on a so-so film. I see the process like having a suitcase. We all carry one, full but always changing cargo. We carry consequences of past actions (not guilt as Christians I hope), lesson learned on the road of life, things being learned, victories. So when I go to Benin I find blessings in their culture, in their way of living the Christian faith. I try to get rid of my destructive items, and add beneficial ones. I can also decide what is something in their culture that is a product of the Devil, inadmissable in my suitcase. I try every morining to repack my suitcase, to ask God to cover me with Jesus' blood, to wear once again His robe of righteousness. I put in the suitcase messages He may give me from His word or in my prayers, from thoughts. I ask him to help me keep out what I don't need, and to help me get rid that nasty stuff that wants be in my life.
The movie I watchedwas "A Night at the Museum 2", not worth anybody's time. At the end of the movie Abraham Lincoln tells the main character, Larry, "a house divided cannot stand". The words hit hard. One because I could have been reading the book those words came out of and building character, instead of watching a statue say it in movie filled with witchcraft. And two because what Jesus said that Abe repeated was exactly what was happening to me at that moment (some moments I wish not to repeat). My conscience said do something else, my nature chose a film. I don't know what's in your suitcase that you can't get rid of, but what I know is that the only way to get the Heaven is th have a bag full of God! and God alone! It's not easy, but God's gift is free, and His obedience too, we just have to add effort too. Ellen White went to Heaven in a vision once, when there some old pioneers, who probably did not look so old in Heaven, came up to her and asked her group what they had experienced on earth. They couldn't really get out any memories. But in the end they could still conclude, "Heaven is cheap enough." All that they went through on earth, even trial and heartache was worth it (and if you read Life Sketches, Ellen White had a real tough life, for sure). All was barely a sacrifice in comparision with eternity, God's free gift. I don't know, is Heave cheap enough to me, that makes all the difference.
The movie I watchedwas "A Night at the Museum 2", not worth anybody's time. At the end of the movie Abraham Lincoln tells the main character, Larry, "a house divided cannot stand". The words hit hard. One because I could have been reading the book those words came out of and building character, instead of watching a statue say it in movie filled with witchcraft. And two because what Jesus said that Abe repeated was exactly what was happening to me at that moment (some moments I wish not to repeat). My conscience said do something else, my nature chose a film. I don't know what's in your suitcase that you can't get rid of, but what I know is that the only way to get the Heaven is th have a bag full of God! and God alone! It's not easy, but God's gift is free, and His obedience too, we just have to add effort too. Ellen White went to Heaven in a vision once, when there some old pioneers, who probably did not look so old in Heaven, came up to her and asked her group what they had experienced on earth. They couldn't really get out any memories. But in the end they could still conclude, "Heaven is cheap enough." All that they went through on earth, even trial and heartache was worth it (and if you read Life Sketches, Ellen White had a real tough life, for sure). All was barely a sacrifice in comparision with eternity, God's free gift. I don't know, is Heave cheap enough to me, that makes all the difference.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
What the Future Holds?
Who knows, would be the most correct answer! (Proverbs 27:1) But God is okay with a good plan (James 4:13-15) when put to His will. I have been doing thinking and praying and thought I would say with you some dreams for this next year, and we and together see how God works!
Pathfinders again will be a part, this time less though. Some other church members are assembling to take the reigns, and I am going to be helping them get things going, along with the older youth. It will be exciting to help them take over their club.
The biggest project will be, well is, the ongoing culture study. Our team will be doing much research and conclusion making. It can become just a very streneous and academic process. But my prayer is that is continually guided by the Holy Spirit, and made to be a wonderful tool for reaching the Otammari people. There are so many different aspects involved. Contacts within the culture, translators for those people that don't speak French, report writing, conclusion making, compiling, editing, and more. Please pray that through it all us missionaries will retain focus and harmony and that, even though we are not in active evangelism, the relationships built through the study will be lasting and Kingdom-building ones! By the way I put the culture study to specific prayer every Wednesday night, if you wish please join me in the evening for some moments of prayer.
Thanks for your prayers.
Pathfinders again will be a part, this time less though. Some other church members are assembling to take the reigns, and I am going to be helping them get things going, along with the older youth. It will be exciting to help them take over their club.
The biggest project will be, well is, the ongoing culture study. Our team will be doing much research and conclusion making. It can become just a very streneous and academic process. But my prayer is that is continually guided by the Holy Spirit, and made to be a wonderful tool for reaching the Otammari people. There are so many different aspects involved. Contacts within the culture, translators for those people that don't speak French, report writing, conclusion making, compiling, editing, and more. Please pray that through it all us missionaries will retain focus and harmony and that, even though we are not in active evangelism, the relationships built through the study will be lasting and Kingdom-building ones! By the way I put the culture study to specific prayer every Wednesday night, if you wish please join me in the evening for some moments of prayer.
Thanks for your prayers.
Reading time anyone?
Hi friends, I have been really itching to tell you about what I have been reading lately. I took once again to reading over in Benin. Between Suzy's books, Uli's books, Sarah and Matt's library (no joke really), and the Baptist guesthouse's ginormous collection, I have found much great reading. I have been happiest to read my Bible every morning. This year (and it looks like some of next too), I am traveling through the gospels, inspired by John 17:3, I really want to get to know my best friends the God head, and it is really all so well revealed in Jesus' life.
I have been also reading some great books, I recommend some more than others, and some not all (didn't finish those ones) the favorites are in bold:
The Happy Path- by Lawrence Maxwell a reread and a great simple classic
Christ's Object Lessons by Ellen White I didn't know this was such a great book on practical missions and Christian living, awesome!
Spiritual Warfare by Timothy M. Warner great insights
Until the Day Breaks... The life and work of Lilias Trotter by Patricia St. John
an amazing missionary woman
Quest for Power by Robert C. Blaschke this guy was in Benin for a few decades, a great book for understanding animism
Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorenson
World Dynamics 2007 by Dale Goodson the basis for our mission work
Protecting your teen from Today's Witchcraft by Steve Russo a great insight and resource
I loved a girl by Walter Trobisch A mission story told through letters sent between a couple and a missionary pastor and wife. Really thought provoking
Take the Risk by Dr. Ben Carson A risk to read, but a good risk, it will really change your thinking
Miracle on the River Kwai by Ernest Gordon the real version of the "Bridge over the River Kwai" film. Much more moving and spiritual. It is a war story, quite intense, but deeply inspiring
La Priere by G. Andre In French but a simple study on prayer
Who's Afriad of the Old Testament God? by Alden Thompson After reading it I am actually more afraid of Alden Thompson. He has wonderful things to say about understand the horrific events of Israelite history but really falls short on the prophetic parts of the Old Testament, I mean really short.
If My People Pray by Randy Maxwell I wish everyone would have taken this book more seriously whent it came out around ten years ago, very inspiring, it is not too late!
Root of the Righteous by A.W. Tozer God gave this man an austounding nack for Proverb like writing, really deep thinking.
Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back by Charles R. Swindoll Helped me to keep walking!
If With All Your Heart by Richard W. O'Fill An easy to understand prayer guide
Tales of the Kingdom: Kingdom Tales Part 1 by David and Karen Mains An allegory akin to Pilgrim's Progress, unlike other allegories like parts of Narnia, it doesn't put the Bible into allegory but takes the Christian walk and our world today and makes that the story.
The Gift by Kim Allen Johnson Kind of a rewrite of Desire of Ages but with more creative license. I like the imagery, but sometimes it was a bit much.
Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink An book of prairie life and a young girl's adventures there, really neat for all ages.
Life Sketches of Ellen White by Ellen White, C.C. Croller, W.C. White, and D.E. Robinson
Opened my eyes to the amazing history of our church. Also interesting to read what was important to Ellen in her life (the mission work, the youth, the miracles) instead of what others might see as needed (like whether or not she ate this or that or went to a museum, etc.)
Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry Okay the Baptist Guesthouse has books for younger readers, but they are fascinating too. Great historical tidbit
Call It Courage by Armstrong Perry The story was neat, but the illustration in this Aladdin Books version were really awesome, by the author too.
Sentries by Gary Paulson I want to be honest this is a questionable author. This one was intrigueing and useful, but I don't think I'll press him further for any other ones.
Escape to God by Jim Hohnberger with Tim and Julie Canuteson Not for the faint hearted that's for sure. A radical story and book.
The Remnant by Clifford Goldstien Really challenging and clear.
The Ministry of Angels by Irwin H. Evans I used to think that all Adventist writers could be trusted but always be wary I am learning, test all by the scriptures. This old book was easy to be shown unBiblical in the first part he describes Jesus as born of God, as in not equal with God, whether he really meant it, who knows.
Turn Your Back on the Problem by Malcom Smith Very interesting and encouraging, I would like to know where he is today, the book was written only a year after the man's great personal reivival.
The Message of Daniel: God Cares Vol 1 by C. Mervyn Maxwell A classic and a big one took me the whole time there to read. I really appreciated it. Next is Vol 2 Revelation!
With Christ in the School of Prayer by Andrew Murray A disappointment I didn't finish it. He also like Evans says that Jesus is below God couldn't get around that. (page 86)
Getting Sent: A Relational Approach to Support Raising by Pete Sommer
Very theoretical, but still filled with testimonies and useful advice for missionaries anywhere.
Great Bible studies on fundraising in it too.
Torches of Joy by John Dekker with Lois Neely Really inspiring story.
Well I hope you've enjoyed this, reading is a great past time.
I have been also reading some great books, I recommend some more than others, and some not all (didn't finish those ones) the favorites are in bold:
The Happy Path- by Lawrence Maxwell a reread and a great simple classic
Christ's Object Lessons by Ellen White I didn't know this was such a great book on practical missions and Christian living, awesome!
Spiritual Warfare by Timothy M. Warner great insights
Until the Day Breaks... The life and work of Lilias Trotter by Patricia St. John
an amazing missionary woman
Quest for Power by Robert C. Blaschke this guy was in Benin for a few decades, a great book for understanding animism
Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorenson
World Dynamics 2007 by Dale Goodson the basis for our mission work
Protecting your teen from Today's Witchcraft by Steve Russo a great insight and resource
I loved a girl by Walter Trobisch A mission story told through letters sent between a couple and a missionary pastor and wife. Really thought provoking
Take the Risk by Dr. Ben Carson A risk to read, but a good risk, it will really change your thinking
Miracle on the River Kwai by Ernest Gordon the real version of the "Bridge over the River Kwai" film. Much more moving and spiritual. It is a war story, quite intense, but deeply inspiring
La Priere by G. Andre In French but a simple study on prayer
Who's Afriad of the Old Testament God? by Alden Thompson After reading it I am actually more afraid of Alden Thompson. He has wonderful things to say about understand the horrific events of Israelite history but really falls short on the prophetic parts of the Old Testament, I mean really short.
If My People Pray by Randy Maxwell I wish everyone would have taken this book more seriously whent it came out around ten years ago, very inspiring, it is not too late!
Root of the Righteous by A.W. Tozer God gave this man an austounding nack for Proverb like writing, really deep thinking.
Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back by Charles R. Swindoll Helped me to keep walking!
If With All Your Heart by Richard W. O'Fill An easy to understand prayer guide
Tales of the Kingdom: Kingdom Tales Part 1 by David and Karen Mains An allegory akin to Pilgrim's Progress, unlike other allegories like parts of Narnia, it doesn't put the Bible into allegory but takes the Christian walk and our world today and makes that the story.
The Gift by Kim Allen Johnson Kind of a rewrite of Desire of Ages but with more creative license. I like the imagery, but sometimes it was a bit much.
Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink An book of prairie life and a young girl's adventures there, really neat for all ages.
Life Sketches of Ellen White by Ellen White, C.C. Croller, W.C. White, and D.E. Robinson
Opened my eyes to the amazing history of our church. Also interesting to read what was important to Ellen in her life (the mission work, the youth, the miracles) instead of what others might see as needed (like whether or not she ate this or that or went to a museum, etc.)
Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry Okay the Baptist Guesthouse has books for younger readers, but they are fascinating too. Great historical tidbit
Call It Courage by Armstrong Perry The story was neat, but the illustration in this Aladdin Books version were really awesome, by the author too.
Sentries by Gary Paulson I want to be honest this is a questionable author. This one was intrigueing and useful, but I don't think I'll press him further for any other ones.
Escape to God by Jim Hohnberger with Tim and Julie Canuteson Not for the faint hearted that's for sure. A radical story and book.
The Remnant by Clifford Goldstien Really challenging and clear.
The Ministry of Angels by Irwin H. Evans I used to think that all Adventist writers could be trusted but always be wary I am learning, test all by the scriptures. This old book was easy to be shown unBiblical in the first part he describes Jesus as born of God, as in not equal with God, whether he really meant it, who knows.
Turn Your Back on the Problem by Malcom Smith Very interesting and encouraging, I would like to know where he is today, the book was written only a year after the man's great personal reivival.
The Message of Daniel: God Cares Vol 1 by C. Mervyn Maxwell A classic and a big one took me the whole time there to read. I really appreciated it. Next is Vol 2 Revelation!
With Christ in the School of Prayer by Andrew Murray A disappointment I didn't finish it. He also like Evans says that Jesus is below God couldn't get around that. (page 86)
Getting Sent: A Relational Approach to Support Raising by Pete Sommer
Very theoretical, but still filled with testimonies and useful advice for missionaries anywhere.
Great Bible studies on fundraising in it too.
Torches of Joy by John Dekker with Lois Neely Really inspiring story.
Well I hope you've enjoyed this, reading is a great past time.
Precious moments
Definitely time has passed too quickly. I arrived here in Ontario on August 5th and it is almost time to go back on Sept. 21! The time back in Canada has been varied and exciting. After eleven months (and one week), it was very refreshing and wonderful to see family and friends again. I had the privilege of sharing my year's testimony with several churches including Sault Ste. Marie, Lindsay, and Peterborough. I also went to Pioneer apartments for a College Park Church vespers. Every place it was like being with family. The renewed commitments of prayer and support really gave me courage.
Many people ask how it is being back in North America. No doubt it is a culture shock of its own. I am here not really long enough to really experience the change, but for sure I noticed how much I had changed and how much seemed different. Africa is certainly not immune to Western culture (ooo that makes it sound like the west is a disease, there are good points too!), the media, the materialism. But of course even with these presences the flow of society is far removed from what I grew up in. I live in a fairly large city in Benin, but still the biggest store is rarely bigger than the average house living room here. And they aren't malls, markets yes. Walking into the Oshawa Centre, I really had to focus on what I was doing, or else be distracted and loose my well planned agenda! I got a new pair of shoes and it was an feeling hard to describe. I didn't feel guilty per say, I did need a new pair, but just well maybe you can get the idea, I am not sure I still do!
I visiting AFM headquarters in Michigan for a few days. That was a breath of fresh air, to talk with many people who have walked in my shoes for countless years. I also very much appreciated being able to share with the outgoing SM's, experiences and lessons from my year. It was great too because really I joined them in going out again and so we are a team.
My sister went off to university and my parents and I took her there. That was a real opportunity to spend together, and the rental we had had air conditioning, nice. On the way back my parents and I stopped at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (say that five times fast). Like its name the Center had a lot to take in and absorb. I understand the great need to realize what Africans went through in those horrible slave times. Especially since Benin itself has been dramatically shaped by that history. I have been to the beach where foreigners took thousands of innocent people away, many to their graves, and all to misery beyond imagination. Also the even more relevant application all around the world today. The thousands, probably millions in slavery today of one kind of another. Foremost the obvious slavery to sin even we in "free" countries experience and the actually shackles of many children, men, and women today. We have much we can do to help people be free humans and free souls.
I did get one night on my own, out in the woods. Spent a Friday and Sabbath at a provincial park, just praying, writing, marveling at nature. Sure I wish I had more time, but what I am given is worth it for sure.
In between traveling and well more traveling, I have been preparing what I'll bring back, calling friends around the country catching up on the year, and spending time with friends and family. The moments are precious indeed.
Many people ask how it is being back in North America. No doubt it is a culture shock of its own. I am here not really long enough to really experience the change, but for sure I noticed how much I had changed and how much seemed different. Africa is certainly not immune to Western culture (ooo that makes it sound like the west is a disease, there are good points too!), the media, the materialism. But of course even with these presences the flow of society is far removed from what I grew up in. I live in a fairly large city in Benin, but still the biggest store is rarely bigger than the average house living room here. And they aren't malls, markets yes. Walking into the Oshawa Centre, I really had to focus on what I was doing, or else be distracted and loose my well planned agenda! I got a new pair of shoes and it was an feeling hard to describe. I didn't feel guilty per say, I did need a new pair, but just well maybe you can get the idea, I am not sure I still do!
I visiting AFM headquarters in Michigan for a few days. That was a breath of fresh air, to talk with many people who have walked in my shoes for countless years. I also very much appreciated being able to share with the outgoing SM's, experiences and lessons from my year. It was great too because really I joined them in going out again and so we are a team.
My sister went off to university and my parents and I took her there. That was a real opportunity to spend together, and the rental we had had air conditioning, nice. On the way back my parents and I stopped at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (say that five times fast). Like its name the Center had a lot to take in and absorb. I understand the great need to realize what Africans went through in those horrible slave times. Especially since Benin itself has been dramatically shaped by that history. I have been to the beach where foreigners took thousands of innocent people away, many to their graves, and all to misery beyond imagination. Also the even more relevant application all around the world today. The thousands, probably millions in slavery today of one kind of another. Foremost the obvious slavery to sin even we in "free" countries experience and the actually shackles of many children, men, and women today. We have much we can do to help people be free humans and free souls.
I did get one night on my own, out in the woods. Spent a Friday and Sabbath at a provincial park, just praying, writing, marveling at nature. Sure I wish I had more time, but what I am given is worth it for sure.
In between traveling and well more traveling, I have been preparing what I'll bring back, calling friends around the country catching up on the year, and spending time with friends and family. The moments are precious indeed.
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