Friday, May 29, 2009

Shine


Have you ever had one of those nights where you know you are tired, you know you would really like to sleep, but God had something else in store? Thats been tonight. I have been waking up to pray for others, waking up to write down some sermon notes/ideas, and this last time I was woke up to pray for Kenya... and God placed this on my heart to share with yall.
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I had someone the other day ask me why I was going to Kenya when there are people right here who do not know Christ and who could use my help physically, spiritually and mentally and all I could say was because God has called me there (the only reason I believe I should go). I believe that God has called certain people to certain places because it is through those people that He will speak and show people mercy, grace, love, faithfulness... etc. Sometimes the fact that the people He sends look different, talk different, are different than the people He sends them to is on purpose because some people would not listen or recieve otherwise. Maybe God wants to break down some of those stereotypes and generalizations of who Americans are to Africans and who Africans are to Americans because in the body of Christ- we are all His children, we are all ONE in Christ, we are all the body of Christ- regardless of our skin tone, our background, our economic status, our nation. I know I am called to Kenya and although I also know that if I was disobedient or not willing, God could use someone else, I believe that it is such a responsibility, an honor, and a privlege to be His instrument, His vessel proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and shining His love through service to the people of Kenya.
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Matthew 5:16 reads, "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." I do not take my calling lightly. Every word that comes out of my mouth, every action that I do or do not do is important... my pastor always says that as Christians, "we should invite people to look at our lives." One of Kirk Franklin's songs talks about how we might be the only Jesus that someone sees. We are not perfect, but even in our imperfections, God can and should get the glory. Often times as Christians and especially as ministers we might feel like our lives are under a microscope, that people examine every little thing we do and say... and I am thankful for that because it keeps us honest and accountable.
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People keep asking me, "Are you ready for Kenya?" And my response usually goes a little something like this, "Well, I am ready for tomorrow and tomorrow I will be ready for the next day and so on until it is the day that I am to go to Kenya- and then I believe God will have prepared me and I will be as ready as I will ever be!"
I have the plane ticket, visa, and passport. I have applied for housing and Kenya pupil pass. I have paid half of my first semester's tuition. I am slowly giving away many of my material possesions. I am raising money through earring sales and donations. But more importantly, right now, God is really preparing me spiritually. He has hooked me up with my first ever prayer partner, who I am grateful for! I just finished a 3 week fast and- whoa! God really spoke to me during that time and molded and shaped me! I praise God for my pastor who has taken me under his wings and is allowing me to write and give a sermon each week for him so that I can grow into a more effective minister of the Gospel. I am thankful for all the saints He has placed me around who are praying for me and loving on me. I humbled by the fact that God loves me and cares about me so much that each of you are in my life!
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Please just keep me in your prayers that I will do God's will above all else and in the face of any percecution, trail and discomfort. Pray that I may share both the Gospel and my life with those in Kenya and all over the world (1 Thess 2:8). I am praying for you- and if you need anything or have any specific prayer requests, please let me know- I am here for you because I love you- and I am not just saying that, I really do love each one of you who are reading this- because God loved me first, it is only right that I reflect that love to you! Be blessed!
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This pic was taken last summer in Kenya while on a house visit with some of the most vibrant and resilient children I have ever met!