Kenya

Good Morning!

A promise is a promise….

Jim and I had a few minutes last Saturday to talk about the mission to Kenya. This year’s trip had a couple of challenges for Jim. First, there was a culture problem that had entangled some of the Kenyan pastors. Breaking away from traditions isn’t easy – and even more so in a culture where a practice is prevalent. Jim told me that this problem actually worked itself out pretty easily – I am going to state that the prayers of people everywhere on this had an impact. Just can’t beat that prayer … can you?

The other issue that Jim faces in Kenya is the five orphanages that are supported. The desire is to make these orphanages self supporting – being able to grow enough food to feed themselves and to provide funds for their needs. Last year Jim sent me a document that outlined the needs of each orphanage – and the need is significant. We just cannot imagine the conditions these precious children endure every day. And helping these orphanages become self supporting is the right way to go. But sometimes the message gets lost in the translation. Jim shared that one of the directors got in his mind that he wanted to build another dormitory with the funding – Jim had to communicate that the funds were for buying land to grow food to feed the kids. I can understand the director’s point of view – there are so many children who have been orphaned because of the AIDs epidemic. But Jim is right – and I am not saying that because he is my son. The old adage “give the man a fish and he will eat for a day – teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime” fits this situation. God has given the orphans a place to stay – and now they need food to eat, clothes to wear, and mats to sleep on.

By the way, if you care to help, you can contact First Baptist – Helen Georgia about how to give a donation – or perhaps even participate in a mission adventure.

Mark 10:13-15 (Contemporary English Version)
Jesus Blesses Little Children
(Matthew 19.13-15; Luke 18.15-17)
13Some people brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them by placing his hands on them. But his disciples told the people to stop bothering him.
14When Jesus saw this, he became angry and said, "Let the children come to me! Don't try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God. [a] 15I promise you that you cannot get into God's kingdom, unless you accept it the way a child does."

Footnotes:
a. Mark 10:14 People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God: Or "The kingdom of God belongs to people who are like these little children."

Jesus loves children. He loves their innocence – the way they just take for granted that what He says is true – no further answers needed. Sometimes when I find myself doubting, I realize that I am relying on my intellect (very dangerous) rather than just believing God. And that is when I remember the admonition: “I promise you that you cannot get into God’s kingdom, unless you accept it the way a child does.” Salvation isn’t tough – it is simple: just trust God. And that makes for a good day…

Agape’

Mr. Jim