Wedding in Africa

Abiel, Judah and I (Heath) had the wonderful opportunity to be in Jean and Teisa's wedding on Saturday. They are two of the missionaries here in Pemba. It was beautiful and full of power. They went out into the village the day before and invited everyone who wanted to come to a free wedding feast (sounds scriptural). Then on the day fed all a chicken dinner with a coke. It was at best PACKED but in the heart of God, a thing of beauty because his children obeyed his desires. I find it amazing how fast the kingdom advances in these contexts. So we danced, sang, prayed and sweated but many gave their lives over to Jesus during the ceremony as the gospel was preached in a very tangible way.I was reminded of our New Years Day Feast we did in Oregon. That was so much fun and I remember how much stuff we had for that one day. I just felt Jesus walking in our midst and he was so proud of us all. Thanks again to all those who loved and gave and pressed on through their fears. We're still Alive!
I am realizing more and more how easy and simple the kingdom is. Sit down one day and reflect on how you "do" ministry. Maybe you could write a list, on one side of the paper write what you specifically do (more than Children's Church, write what you do in class) and then find where the Gospel speaks on that. I believe the more specific we are the greater the insight we will see on how we waste a lot of time, energy and resoures. I have many times needed to be honest with myself on the reality that what I am doing is running a ministry program and not actually ministering. It has been a hard truth to swallow but one of freedom. It also has been one that has cost me the most but I feel released from the game and more availible to "live and move and have may being in Him." Then flip the paper over and as you read the Gospels write specifically what Jesus did. Then ask Holy Spirit what that looks likes in your present circumstances and remember circumstances always change.
We had an individual come through here last week who was traveling the world doing a study on NGO's. Iris was one of the two Christian based NGO's she visited and second to last on her list. She meet with Rolland and asked him what was the BEST way to do non-profit work. To which he responded, "Raising the Dead!"



So whether it is weddings, raising the dead or feeding the poor, the one sure thing is that we KNOW it is a win-win situation, because that is how Jesus said we bring the Kingdom to earth.

Bless you all and thanks for taking hold of the Kingdom with us, we have nothing to loose.
Heath