Just Cute

I can’t believe how fast time here in Michigan is flying by. Some of the highlights have been spending time with family and friends, reconnecting with mission team members, and celebrating all the Lord has done through Ignite with personal and ministry partners. It’s been super-busy, but great fun as well!

Another highlight was visiting Brandon’s first grade and Paige’s third grade classes. The kids were excited to hear about living in South Africa. We found South Africa on the world map, and talked about differences in things like sports, money, and climate. We looked at pictures of animals and the kids loved the story of how an elephant actually stuck his trunk inside our safari vehicle to what-seemed-like sniff my friend’s head. (Scary at the time, hilarious after the fact).

We also learned about all the different people in South Africa including the Basothos. The kids enjoyed learning a few Sesotho words and then practicing the handshake with each other. At the end, they got to see some souvenirs with the drum being the biggest hit. (Get it? Hit?)

And the questions were great as well. Do they have ice cream in South Africa? Mc Donalds? Toilets? Cars? What are schools like? Are the animals endangered? Is everyone black? Is there enough water? Are there pirates? Is there buried treasure? Is it safe to live there? Do they have dogs and cats? Pigs? Is there tall grass? Is it always hot?...

The teacher asked about the greatest challenge to living there and one is that there are so many languages. We get by with English and have interpreters when needed, but most people who live there can speak multiple languages – Afrikaans, English, Sesotho, and other African languages and dialects. So I asked the kids in the class how many speak other languages in their homes, and many did. We went around the room sharing, and the kids thought it was a pretty cool thing to learn about their friends. I love that they appreciated the differences and thought they were cool!

The day was a total treat for me, topped off with these awesome thank you cards!

One Question One Answer

Forgiven? Accepted? Loved? These are just some of the one word questions being asked around the Metro Detroit area. They are popping up on billboards, t-shirts, buttons, etc. Challenging questions with no answers...yet.

The billboards are part of the EACH campaign - Everyone a Chance to Hear. What began as an idea for Bob Shirock and Oak Pointe church grew into a unified group of more than 500 churches and organizations – all with a heart to bring hope to a hurting region.

I saw an interview and read an article from WXYZ.com. Here is what Bob Shirock had to say. “Everyone’s life is a story and it revolves around a word or an issue, and what you’re seeing right now is the first half of the story,” Pastor Bib Shirock says. “But hopefully there’s a second half to the story that’s better than the first half… you’ll be seeing it soon, after Easter.”

The prayer walk this Saturday was AMAZING! Tens of thousands of believers from different cities, churches, denominations, racial and economic backgrounds, all united for fellowship, worship and prayer. We began at Comerica Park, walked along Woodward to the Spirit of Detroit, then headed back to Comerica Park, praying for the city along the way. I know the Lord has great things in store for Detroit if we just turn our focus back to Him. Sharing His Gospel. Teaching His Word. Being His hands and feet. Living His purpose.

Purpose is huge for me. If you know my story, I searched long and hard for purpose and meaning in my life. And that search led me astray. However, when I recommitted my life to Christ, He answered my questions. I discovered my purpose in Him.

Purpose?

Purpose.

Bob Shirock continued in the interview “I’m also hoping that the world sees what’s happening in Detroit, because you know Time Magazine said the world is watching Detroit with an interest to see if it can rise from the ashes. And this is our time in the body of Christ to say to the world, look at what just happened. Churches came together, denominations came together, races came together, and they loved each other and they brought good news and good deeds. I hope the world sees that.”

We all do. My prayers are already lifting and my mind is already whirling about the potential to impact South Africa the same way. To help the region of Qwa Qwa rise from the ashes, lifting the entire nation as well.

Purpose.

My question. Christ’s answer.

Get Angry

In Nehemiah 5 the people cried out because they were suffering in poverty. They were running out of food due to famine and being excessively taxed by the nobles. When Nehemiah heard their outcry he became very angry.

Contrary to belief, anger is a God-given emotion. God gave us the capacity for anger to arouse us against evil and to propel us into action. When anger is controlled and directed in the right way it can lead to positive change. And that’s what happened in Nehemiah’s case.

Nehemiah was angered by the injustice, and because people he cared about were suffering. They needed his help. First, he pondered what to do demonstrating wisdom and control. Then he went directly to the nobles to discuss the problem with them.

We can learn a lot from Nehemiah’s approach. Nehemiah appealed to their humanity. He pointed out how the nobles were mistreating their own people, essentially enslaving them once again. Nehemiah also appealed to their faith. He reminded them they needed to fear God and live beyond reproach as witnesses to their enemies. He was convincing and convicting, while still being compassionate. He was assertive without being aggressive. The nobles agreed with Nehemiah, repented, and cooperated in correcting the situation.

Three things stuck out to me in this passage.

First, how Nehemiah heard the cries for help, got angry, and directed his anger toward positive change. Nehemiah led wisely, boldly, and practically. He also led spiritually keeping in tune with God - praying, praising, and proclaiming his name. He didn’t let his anger get the best of him, nor did he run ahead of God. This is such a temptation for leaders including myself. With the job of leading and the capabilities to do so, sometimes I run ahead of God, strive on my own, and then ask God to bless it later. Sometimes it’s intentional or conscious, but most times it’s not. I just forget. I take off from the gates before thinking or praying. Nehemiah got it right. I need to as well.

Second, that Nehemiah was willing to do exactly what he was asking others to do. He showed that he cared and set an example when he stopped receiving taxes from the people. And he went above and beyond by generously giving back. He set an amazing example.

And third, Nehemiah had the courage to hold himself and others accountable to God. He challenged people to fear God, live out their faith and to be a witness to others. He modeled it as well. As Christian leaders, this is key. We need to be different, to be light in the darkness, to be a fragrant aroma that attracts others.

What makes you angry? What is God prompting you to do about it? What makes you different? I’m asking myself these same questions.