We just finished our first expedition and we are now back at base. This was my first time in the bush. I’ve often wondered what it would be like to minister in the African bush. All of my mission endeavors have been in Asia. Africa and Asia are extremely different as I knew they would be, and yet the need is still the same. The message must still be the same. I had many ideas of how the bush would be. I knew we would be in for a lot of dirt and friendly faces. But this expedition entailed so much more. As we arrived at the ministry location, we found out that most of the people had already departed because the chief forbid them to fish until the weekend. For me, I was a little concerned about the lack of people in the area, but with missions this is always to be expected. Things will change on you in a moment and we must make the changes necessary or an opportunity could be lost or worse, souls could be lost. So we prayed, planned, and pressed into what God would have in store for us and the beautiful Zambians. The first ministry day we made contact and started building relationships. The trip afforded us the opportunity to focus on a small group of people. This was interesting and exciting. In the past, I have always been a part of “reach as many as possible” ministry. This style of ministry is a must because you only have a small window to make maximum impact.
However, being with a smaller group of people for four days means that relational ministry is what is needed most. Through this style of ministry, we were able to go deeper and help establish those whom we were ministering too. I really enjoyed doing life with these Zambians. We were able to share, sing, laugh, and just be together. We were able to become one in the Lord. We were able to not only share that we are family because of Christ Jesus, but truly make a connection that would forever mark them and us. I was gladly surprised that everyone my group spoke with was already saved and had a pretty good understanding of the simple Gospel. This fact also threw me for a loop because for me, this trip was more about discipleship. But don’t get me wrong, that was the highlight of the trip for me. My team and I were able to fan the flames of the Gospel. We were able to see growth and hunger springing up at the same time. The number one reason Africa is experiencing the fire of Heaven is because hunger for the King and His Kingdom is viral. The questions that were asked as we ministered were so raw and deep. Back home it’s “Christianity light”, but here in Africa it’s give me all that you have. And not only do they want an answer, but they crave Scriptural support. The Word of God is so important and valuable here in Africa. The Zambians actually treat the Word as the Word of the Living God. The Gospel seems to be treated in America as another self-help book. My heart is broken and rejoicing at the same time. Broken because my nation has neglected the Word of the Living God and yet, full of joy because nations are fully embracing the Word and giving Him the honor He desires and deserves.
I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be in Africa sharing the Gospel and receive such questions. One man asked about the 144,000 in the book of Revelation and who did that included. Another man asked how was Christianity any different than other religions. One lady was so concerned because she was told that her family must literally eat the flesh and drink the blood of Jesus to have a part in the Kingdom. Questions filled her heart however, our answers put those questions to flight… clarity and faith triumphed confusion and fear! We help her truly understand Communion, its symbolism, and what is means to the believer. Jesus is not just an answer, He is the answer! The answer for all peoples and all nations! “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” 1 Peter 3:15. We have the Answer and are ready to conquer all the nations’ questions! Christ in us the hope of glory!
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