I just watched “Peace Child” on a DVD.
I read the book decades ago and it was as stirring to me now as it was back then--perhaps even more after our own decades of missionary service, some of which faced similar treacheries.
So many times we have seen the Holy Spirit use the format of pagan rituals to open hearts of the unbelievers to the awesome mysteries of the Gospel. Many of them involve sacrificed blood.
Clearly, God has placed within every human heart the means to recognize the truth that the shed blood of His begotten Son Jesus (Heaven's Peace Child)is the salvation every heart seeks.
It’s worth your effort to go to your Christian bookseller and get your own copy of the DVD entitled “Peace Child.” Invest this story and its message in your children and your grandchildren.
Also, get a copy of “End of the Spear”—the story of five missionaries martyred by Auca tribespeople in South America.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Oh, Precious is the Flow!
“Oh, precious is the flow,
“That washes white as snow,
“No other fount I know,
“Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
Wonderful words, wonderful truth.
What more precious time is there than that moment when a guilt-crushed sinner surrenders to the sin-cleansing flow of Jesus’ blood?
Pain and embarrassment are washed away as the healing flow surges into anguished hearts and minds.
Some have called the tear-filled altar scene “messy” or “embarrassing.” Rather we’d see the tears as the sin and guilt-releasing effulgence of God’s healing.
What an awesome gift is God’s forgiveness, and what a privilege it is to be trusted by God to lead others to that moment and share the joy.
Why would we ever let embarrassment stop us from leading others to that moment?
“That washes white as snow,
“No other fount I know,
“Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
Wonderful words, wonderful truth.
What more precious time is there than that moment when a guilt-crushed sinner surrenders to the sin-cleansing flow of Jesus’ blood?
Pain and embarrassment are washed away as the healing flow surges into anguished hearts and minds.
Some have called the tear-filled altar scene “messy” or “embarrassing.” Rather we’d see the tears as the sin and guilt-releasing effulgence of God’s healing.
What an awesome gift is God’s forgiveness, and what a privilege it is to be trusted by God to lead others to that moment and share the joy.
Why would we ever let embarrassment stop us from leading others to that moment?
Monday, November 20, 2006
"WE ARE GOING TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE, SWEET CHILD"
“We are changing your lives!”
Over and over these words swirled in my mind and my heart.
About four hours ago I was at the Nkobe, Mozambique CarePoint with Daran Rehmeyer, Atlanta area Pastor Troy Shaw and his son Matthew, and their friends John Sparks and his grandson Josh.
We were showing these guests the progress on the construction of the Healing Place Church Melancon Chapel and the CarePoint where hundreds of needy kids are fed everyday.
Four-year-old Isabella bounced by. Some of you have seen her picture in our publications. She has the most infectious smile—and she has totally captured my heart.
A year ago when this project was but a dream Isabella was one of the first kids I met on the site.
Her smile, her eyes, and her hopeful looks at me became the symbol of Nkobe to me.
I remember looking into her eyes and promising her in English—she didn’t understand the words but she seemed to understand my meaning, “We are going to change your life, sweet child.”
And we are.
For a year she has had enough food, loving care and good news about Jesus that her little life is already so very different.
For her and more than 200 other precious little ones.
If you could see them now your heart would be ready to burst with joy like mine is right now.
Thank you dear friends that have helped make this happen.
In a few weeks the church will be ready and watch what happens to Nkobe then!
Over and over these words swirled in my mind and my heart.
About four hours ago I was at the Nkobe, Mozambique CarePoint with Daran Rehmeyer, Atlanta area Pastor Troy Shaw and his son Matthew, and their friends John Sparks and his grandson Josh.
We were showing these guests the progress on the construction of the Healing Place Church Melancon Chapel and the CarePoint where hundreds of needy kids are fed everyday.
Four-year-old Isabella bounced by. Some of you have seen her picture in our publications. She has the most infectious smile—and she has totally captured my heart.
A year ago when this project was but a dream Isabella was one of the first kids I met on the site.
Her smile, her eyes, and her hopeful looks at me became the symbol of Nkobe to me.
I remember looking into her eyes and promising her in English—she didn’t understand the words but she seemed to understand my meaning, “We are going to change your life, sweet child.”
And we are.
For a year she has had enough food, loving care and good news about Jesus that her little life is already so very different.
For her and more than 200 other precious little ones.
If you could see them now your heart would be ready to burst with joy like mine is right now.
Thank you dear friends that have helped make this happen.
In a few weeks the church will be ready and watch what happens to Nkobe then!
Monday, November 13, 2006
MANAGING CHANGE
Change is the process by which the future invades our lives.
Jean's dad advised us when we got married, "Things aren't going to stay the way they are."
In the Third World things are always changing.
I've learned something that helps manage change. Determine the inevitables--the things you cannot stop from happening--and find ways to make them work for you.
It's somewhat true that time will do to you what you allow it to, and for you what you make it do.
Jean's dad advised us when we got married, "Things aren't going to stay the way they are."
In the Third World things are always changing.
I've learned something that helps manage change. Determine the inevitables--the things you cannot stop from happening--and find ways to make them work for you.
It's somewhat true that time will do to you what you allow it to, and for you what you make it do.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Sunday, November 05, 2006
IT'S PARTY TIME!
It's about 2 o’clock Sunday morning. The drums are still throbbing.
Across the street from our home here in Swaziland lives a witchdoctor. The people behind her are having a party.
Alcohol is flowing and more lives are being shortened by HIV/AIDS--and hell is shrieking its delight.
Coarse, joyless laughter disturbs the neighborhood.
The party was just starting about 2PM when we drove home from granddaughter Trinity's third birthday party at Ben and Sue's home.
How different the parties!
Trinity's friends--15 or 20 of the most beautiful little missionary children--were giggling and jumping in great delight. The joy of Jesus filled the place. Heaven rejoiced.
We adults looked on with joy and pride—and maybe one or two tears of thanks to God for our children. What promise these little ones hold!
Some if them will be world changers.
I hear the drums again. Hell-fillers are still groping for what their hollow souls cry out for but will never find in witchcraft and debauchery.
There was a second party tonight at Ben and Sue's house. A couple dozen missionaries from various churches met to praise and worship the One for whom the other party-goers's hearts crave.
By now the missionaries are home sleeping with the warm after-glow of God's presence in their hearts.
Shame and dread and hangovers await our neighbors when Sunday's sun comes up.
What a difference!
We have to--we must--introduce these neighbors to Jesus, the Difference-Maker!
Across the street from our home here in Swaziland lives a witchdoctor. The people behind her are having a party.
Alcohol is flowing and more lives are being shortened by HIV/AIDS--and hell is shrieking its delight.
Coarse, joyless laughter disturbs the neighborhood.
The party was just starting about 2PM when we drove home from granddaughter Trinity's third birthday party at Ben and Sue's home.
How different the parties!
Trinity's friends--15 or 20 of the most beautiful little missionary children--were giggling and jumping in great delight. The joy of Jesus filled the place. Heaven rejoiced.
We adults looked on with joy and pride—and maybe one or two tears of thanks to God for our children. What promise these little ones hold!
Some if them will be world changers.
I hear the drums again. Hell-fillers are still groping for what their hollow souls cry out for but will never find in witchcraft and debauchery.
There was a second party tonight at Ben and Sue's house. A couple dozen missionaries from various churches met to praise and worship the One for whom the other party-goers's hearts crave.
By now the missionaries are home sleeping with the warm after-glow of God's presence in their hearts.
Shame and dread and hangovers await our neighbors when Sunday's sun comes up.
What a difference!
We have to--we must--introduce these neighbors to Jesus, the Difference-Maker!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
EMBARRASSED?
“Silent witness” is often nothing more than a veiled apology for embarrassed silence.
How could we ever defend embarrassed silence when our failure to witness costs the untold their souls?
How could we ever defend embarrassed silence when our failure to witness costs the untold their souls?
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