My head is a little cloudy this morning, suffering some jet lag after a week-long trip to Africa. Left last Monday night and got back last night. God is doing some great stuff in Africa. Pastor Don Matheny said it and I believe it, “It is Africa’s hour.” It almost seems like the whole world is focused on this continent. The Sunday before I left I taught a little from this verse in Matthew 14:14 - “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” I love the progression - He went out, He saw, He was moved and He healed…The end result is awesome - people were healed. But before healing could happen, Jesus saw and was moved. That’s why we focus on going. Because when we go, we see. And when we see, we’re moved with compassion and we begin to make a difference.
We met David Meyer and had a really strategic meeting with some of the guys that are making a huge difference in Africa. We shared the vision for Go Global and talked and brainstormed for several hours. The end result is that we’ve identified three key staging cities for the future development of missionary internship programs and the establishment of care points throughout Africa. Very exciting stuff. We’ll have some pictures posted soon and I’ll write more about it.
I’m fired up about church tonight. We’re in a series called “Take the Lead” and I’ll be teaching about leadership. I’d love to see you there.
Welcome home:
It’s going to be a priviledge to experience this progression of Matt. 14:14 when we go to Uganda. Moving in the compassion of Jesus, WOW, I can only imagine! The lame will walk and the blind will see as we go forth.
Judy
Ps. John
We are so glad you had a great trip and also grateful to have you home. I’m pumped at all the doors that God is opening for us to “take care of business” and make a difference in Africa.
Michael
Paston John, your series on leadership as it relates to missions really woke me up. Thanks for your solid teaching on missions.
Your heart for Africa can’t be questioned! Thanks for caring so much about all God’s people. I have never been on a mission trip, but with where God is leading the life church and the efforts of the Go Global initiative, I feel highly moved to serve and to explore the work and role of a life as a missionary.
Thanks for the wake up call.
Thanks for calling on behalf of those who have cried out to God all around the world for someone to answer their prayers.
Thanks for using your voice, as instructed by God, to teach us what you preached about a few weeks ago which was to
Know it.
See it.
Own it.
Points well taken.
MJ
John, Hey I am so glad to see you bringing so many people to unite with the wonderful people from Kenya and Uganda. I don’t know how often you check these comments left but, I am looking for a particular song we sang when we were there. I am working with a youth group that has joined with local high schoolers around the country. The drive is “Change for Change” in Uganda. Our elementary and middle schoolers are getting involved. Once they saw the interviews with the children in Uganda they were touched. Well really just moved. I had one 5th grader (she is a beautiful girl inside and out) that looked at me after watching the video and said, ” Mrs. Beth can I go get a tissue my eyes are wattering?” I was amazed at how these kids just opened their heart to really make a difference. They want to start writing the kids and they are going to send them stationary and stamps so, they can write back. Any how, I am looking for a song to teach them. I know I will butcher the spelling but, I will give it a try.
Yeasooni wangoo wowza mow wow me lay lay yeah yeah.
Yes, I can hear you laughing at me, oh well at least I brought someone joy and laughter today. If you can help I would appreciate it. Oh, Phil says….WAZ UP!!!! pswoot@nctv.com.
Tell the family I said hi!!!