Since 2007, we have been on mission with Jesus starting in South Africa, into Malawi, and Zimbabwe, yes, America, and in Europe.
You did what?
After our kids were out of the house., Kalyn and I started discussing (theoretically) the idea of international missions. I had my misgivings that I would be suited for going cross-culture. In May we were invited and visited Cape Town “to see and feel” a particular mission field that was the vision at the time (in the impoverished townships). After arriving, and each day walking through the streets of those struggling for sustainability and viewing their actual living circumstances, .our desire to engage was awakened.. But.
What could the two of us do of any value for those with such immense struggles? Was our faith in Christ be naive? Could Jesus and His truth impact any of these lives? Did we have what it takes to even connect with those in such a plight of poverty? After our visit of three weeks, we flew back home to Tulsa. In hindsight, a seed was deposited. Home did not feel the same. Kalyn and had both been rocked. We did not talk much about the future, but both of us were somewhat stunned, reflecting, wondering, what could we do? Then all that mattered happened.
Just one more Jesus ambush that catches us off guard and changes everything. Standing before our community of believers and sharing what we discovered in Cape Town,, we were asked publicly, “What will we do? Are you considering going back long term?” In that instant Kalyn and I together felt the same resonance in our spirit. Those thoughts that were circulating in us, were articulated for us. In that moment we actually stepped into the Father’s invitation, His vision for us in a new season , and, did we have a wild ride that became spiritually exhilarating. And enriching with spiritual discoveries. And amazing with long-term relationships. And rich with inspiring community. And surprising with heart-energizing travels. And the best part: our faith in Jesus getting validated over and over and over again until after these years we are radically different internally—more alive for Jesus.
Responding to an invitation.
On this blog these here are some of the stories of changed lives. To be sure, ours, and those we connected with in heart-to-heart encounters that are now embedded memories.. Ah, the bigger story. It is a story straight out of Isaiah 58 where He speaks of the oppressed, the hungry, the naked, and the broken-hearted. We have followed the signs, the clues, the words, the unction, and they have led us to join with a mob (more about that later) of others who are sensing the same passion for Jesus in South Africa and beyond.. Way beyond.
Something has been stirring inside of us for some time, maybe for years and it has been s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g us beyond our comfort zones and even our imaginations, and moving us with a Kingdom focus, through our numerous choices, on how we really want to live our lives.
Yes, we perceive we have been invited into His story, the Father’s story, for those sitting in darkness throughout Africa, actually in Europe, and across America as well. Rich and poor, broken people sitting darkness. Everyone in darkness seriously needs the Light.
“In Him was Life and the Life was the Light of the world.” John 1:4
We learned in our experience that the best pictures were the ones we could not take. Someone pulling out their camera would simply ruin the sacred moment of vulnerability, of the-lights-going-on, and the tears and smiles.. Who was on the front porch in Zimbabwe we won’t forget.
Kalyn meeting various ones as she reaches out with the help of local friends we me and needed for translating and cultural understanding.
Likewise, I, with the help of other locals, share Jesus each week with refugees, while befriending and creating trust.