Dear Colonial Family,
Though it's been two years since my last visit, my deep love for Bahati Martyr's Presbyterian Church has not waned. This large, evangelical African church was quick to accept me and my friends from Hilton Head back in 2005, and after they visited in the states and our second trip to be with them in 2007, there existed a deep and abiding love attributal only to the blessings of God's Holy Spirit.
Sadly, upon our arrival this morning, I discovered a cloud of gloom covering my friends and the leadership of the church. As is common with many great churches, the enemy has chipped away over the past few months until he was able to infiltrate by means of a petty, insignificant polity issue that has led to hurt feelings and the possible departure of their beloved Sr. Pastor. In addition, my recent move to KC left many wondering if I had led them to high hopes, only to disappear and never be heard from again.
I find all of these signs to be very encouraging! Why? Because the enemy does not attack a stagnant church. The enemy does not bother flustering a church with no Kingdom potential. Such is not the case here in Nairobi. However, these "light and momentary troubles" PALE in comparison with the POWER of God's purposes. These pains serve only as a reminder of our need for humility and faithfulness. I'm convinced that God has led our team to reignite the fire of this great church family, and that through the power of the Holy Spirit, we will begin a great work that brings hope to thousands of orphans and abandoned children.
I'm calling all Colonial members to pray for our brothers and sisters at Bahati. Pray for healing, restoration, and forgiveness. Pray for their Pastor, Rev. Kanga, and the "appointment committee" who have deemed it necessary to move him out of Bahati and on to an undisclosed location. I'm not convinced that God is in on that decision. As I understand it, there may be time for God to work a miracle in this situation. So let's pray that God will heal the church, and perhaps keep Rev. Kanga at Bahati if that is His will; otherwise, that the call will be clear for all as to who will bring senior leadership from the pulpit.
Please also pray for our meeting with the mayor of Nairobi and the city council. Pray particularly that I will have God's wisdom and that my words will bring collaberation and progress towards God's agenda to rescue orphans.
Finally, please pray that our team will continue to experience good health and multiple opportunities to share the gospel with those we encounter. Pray also that we will see, hear, smell, and understand exactly what God desires so that we will become more and more like the One who died to set us free.
I love you and miss you,
Pastor Jim
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Team:
ReplyDeleteWe are so encouraged to read your updates - thank you for taking the time to share your hearts and experiences!! Your passionate efforts in Africa this week are clearly delivering blessings around the globe.
First, you are bringing the gift of encouragement to the Christ-loving people of Bahati Martyr's church when they so clearly need it. You are reflecting the shining light of God's love into their season of darkness - how great is our Father to send you there "for such a time as this"!
Second, you are living out Colonial's vision of "Giving it Away" - turning dreams into actions. You are showing so many of us back in KC how God will use ALL of us to be His hands and feet if we simply make ourselves available to His call! This is the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in the life of the Colonial Church Family - one that will matter for eternity! Thanks for stepping out in faith to lead, bringing hope to these deserving orphans and glory to our most worthy Lord!
We're lifting you all up in prayer often and confident that you will be encouraged by this exhortation from the Apostle Paul:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near."
Keep giving it away team - we love you!
Scott & Lynn Platter
Dear Friends,
ReplyDeleteYour mission is amazing.......and it seems so difficult; but is it easy for God! Our prayers are with you and the blog is great......almost like real time tracking of what you're doing. Will be looking forward to the message on Sunday morning.
Sally and Mike Mitchell
My prayers for miracles and for love and grace to fill hearts and minds. God IS mighty! He can do more than what we can ask for or imagine! You are there for such a time as this.
ReplyDeleteHallelujah!
Jan Neisess