How Do You Say NO

We are learning a lot by being here in Africa about what it is like to be a Missionary on the front lines. Though we may not be living in the poorest country in the porrest conditions; we are living in a place where buying peanut butter or a coke in a luxury. Going to the movies here costs us three US dollars but to the average person here that is a lot of money and a luxury they cannot afford.

We have had the priveledge to take some of these wonderful people to see a movie, buy them some extra groceries, buy them some medicine, help them build a house (out of tin), buy school clothes for their children, buy them work boots so they do not have to work barefoot, share the message of Christ, and buy them a Bible. These are just some of the things we are able to do. These are some of the things we have been able to say yes to.

We have more requests for help than we can do. It is in these times we have to tell these wonderful children of God that we can not help them. We tell them we can pary with them and for them but we can not help them financially. We would really like to say yes to them though. It is not easy to say no to the person who is looking for work so that they can feed themselves or their families, it is not easy to say no to the person who wants to go to the University to get an education so they can better themselves and help their community, it is not easy to say no to the person who just wants to build their own tin house, and it is not easy to say no to the kids who are asking for soccer equipment (shoe, balls, goals, etc..).

We want to be able to help everyone of these people. We are getting to know them and their stories and it gets harder to say no when you know the person who is asking. These people are very proud and do not like to ask for help. I can relate just a litte with these people because asking friends, family, and strangers to support us is very humbling. As the asker you find yourself wondering what the person thinks of you for asking? Will they think less of you? Will they say no?

How do you say no? For me being trained in the Marines I was told never get close to those who are going to help or protect because you may have to leave them behind. By not getting close/attached we could easily walk away and not feel any guilt. In Saudia Arabia I went in trying not to get close but over time the people became people and I got to know their stories and I began to care. I found that I could not just walk away from these people.

As I serve in the Lord's Army I am learning that I am to care for those I am sent to help and protect. Sometimes I am rewarded with a hug, a smile, a new friendship, or just the satisfaction of being there for that person. Sometimes though I have to fight back the tears as I see, hear and feel the pain that these people have to live with everyday. How do I say no to them when I know them, care for them and love them?

It is not easy being on the frontlines but I do not know that I would want to be anywhere else. I see God working and I am privledged to be allowed to participate. The rewards far our weigh the pain, trouble, sweat, blood and tears.

Please pray that we will only do what God has called us to do while we are here. Pray that we can show the love of God to these people even when we have to say no. Pray with us that God will show us where we are to work. And pray for us that we will continue to find our strength in Him.

It's ALL about relationships!

It’s all about relationships. That’s what we’ve been saying and that’s been the buzz for a while now in the body of Christ. When you come to a foreign country and have to learn the ways and culture of people that you’ve never met before, that phrase has a whole new meaning.

We are busy with work, yes. Tony has more than a full plate with responsibility over the vehicles, buildings and some of the administration at the International Office. I’m teaching, training and recruiting for Choose to Wait, networking with local churches, schools and NGO’s. We are a part of a local church fellowship and have regular prayer times and chapel with Christ’s Hope staff. Relationships? Yeah, I’ll say, plenty of them. The challenge is making those interaction times meaningful and Christ- honoring.

Here are some pictures us with fellow-workers (from Holland), and some of the students we are building meaningful Christ-honoring relationships with. It’s wonderful meeting and working with our European brothers and sisters, but it’s not so much fun saying goodbye.

We hosted 52 students last night for Saturday Night Live and they had a blast – singing, dancing, and playing. Can I just say that this “relationship building” is not a quick and easy task. Meaningful relationships require self-sacrifice, time and effort – purposeful sharing. We sure appreciate your prayers and support as we continue to press on toward that goal. We know it is all worth it because every young person we meet here has a story and each one is precious to the Father. We know that God has sent us here to introduce them to Jesus. He told us, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel…” So here we are modeling love, patience, kindness, forgiveness, peace….. and sometimes we use words.