Imperfect People!

Just before Christmas, Lanelle and I were in a Christian bookstore when the title of a book caught my eye. It was “Soul Revolution” by John Burke. I had read another of John Burke’s books several years ago titled “No Perfect People Allowed” which had an amazing influence on me and how I view people and today’s culture. So, as I stood looking at Burke’s newest book I was once again captivated by it’s title. Well, not so much by it’s title but rather it’s subtitle. It read, “How Imperfect People Become All God Intended“. The picture also grabbed my attention.  Standing there is a guy wearing blue jeans and a brown tee shirt with tatoos up and down his arms. In his hand is a Bible. In the world of Christianity today, there are many people who walk into our churches looking just like this. At least in our church. But that’s the beauty of it all. And besides, arn’t we all imperfect people?

The most amazing reality in my own life is that God, for whatever reason, chose to not only change my life, but to use me in the church planting world. And imperfect I was and am! So much so that I question God’s judgment. Not really, but I do wonder so many times…why me? Why would God use someone like me who has made such a mess of things, at times in my life, to accomplish His work? It’s not like He can’t find people out there who have lived a more obediant life. It’s not like He can’t find people out there that are more committed. It’s not like God can’t find people out there who even have a better grasp of the Scriptures than I do. So why? The only reason I can come up with is because for whatever reason, God chooses to equip those whom He calls (the imperfect) , not call those whom are equiped (The perfect). God certainly has a way of changing people’s lives. So anyway, getting back to the book. Lanelle bought the book for me for Christmas. I am just into the first chapter, but already I like what I read. I’m looking forward to hearing how Burke answers “how imperfect people become all God intended.” I will keep you updated!

~ Pastor D.

The most beautiful story ever told is the story of our Savior Jesus Christ being born in Bethlehem. Not only is it a beatiful story, it is probably the most famous of all stories. Thousands of years ago there was a group of shepherds tending their flocks when God sent forth a message that Christ had been born. They made their way to a manger and witnessed the arrival of Jesus. As quickly as they had come, they soon left and began to spread the good news. Over 2000 years ago the story began to be told and people believed. Over the past few weeks, churches all over the world have been still been telling the story. But this story is more than just famous, it is one of the most important accounts of Christ that we need to hear.

The birth of Jesus reveals to us God’s desire to dwell with humanity. It is a story of the incarnation of God. God to flesh! John wrote in his gospel, “and the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as the only Son…” (John 1:14) Without Christ in Christmas, we have nothing more than just a fairy tale. Without Christ in Christmas it is just a story. Without Christ in Christmas we have nothing more than a yellow brick road to darkness. This holiday season we have more to celebrate than just time off or time with family and friends. During this time of every year we have the amazing opportunity to celebrate the birth of the glorious One!

A Vision for the Arab World

This is what I have learned so far…The Arab World consist of twenty-two countries stretching from Mauritania in the west to Oman in the east. These countries have a combined population of 323 million people. 300 million of these people are Muslims. The Arabic language forms a unifying feature of the Arab world. The majority of the people in the Arab world adhere to Islam and the religion has an official status in most Arab countries. The majority of the Arab countries adhere to the Sunni form of Islam; however Iraq, Yemen, and Bahrain are Shia majority countries. Although greatly outnumbered, there is a sizable number of Arab Christians living in the Arab countries. Today, Christians make up 9.2% of the population in the middle east. Labanon boast the greatest percentages of Christians living within its border with 39%. Syria and Egypt’s population of Christians is near 10%.

Being uniquely centered in the Arab world, Egypt is quickly becoming a staging point for those willing to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the muslim world. For the Egyptian believer, there is a burning desire to bring about change in the hearts of many and they are willing to do whatever it takes. Many times that means persecution and oppression. One group of Egyptian Christians (names withheld) are answering the call God has placed upon their lives and are taking the responsibility for the future of the emerging church which is comprised of muslims who are turning to Christ as well as nominal “Christians” who are discovering authentic Christianity for the first time. I had the greatest priviledge of meeting several from this group. They were mostly young adults who will stop at nothing to carry out the vision God has placed on their hearts. They love Jesus Christ with everything they have to offer. They are willing to put their life on the line to see people come to know Him. One in paticular was a young lady who shared with me her vision which included living for Christ even if it meant surrendering the “normal life” of an Arab young lady. She was a missionary for Christ first. It means everything to her. Somehow I believe that one day she will be known by many as one who made a difference in advancing the kingdom of God. She is certainly on the right path.

As I think about all of this, I can’t help but wonder what I might could do to help. I wonder if there is anything I can do to help. I am not sure. The one thing I am certain of is the fact that what this world needs is Jesus. We can offer humanitarian gifts of food and clothes, but what good is that if we don’t give the people Jesus. I am also certain of this…that it begins with prayer. That is something we can all do. Please join me in praying for…
1. That the harvest will continue to come to the Arab world.
2. That God will raise up young people capable of discipling new believers.
3. Pray that these groups of Egyptian Christian will continue to grow with people on fire for God.
4. Pray that God would provide funding for these missional teams.
5. Pray for the “Christian by name” living in the Arab world that they too would be evangelized.
6. Pray that there would be those of us who are willing to partner up with the missional teams of the Arab world.
7. Ask God how you might could be involved in reaching those in the hardest of all areas to reach.

Life Change in Egypt – Part 2

It is amazing to me how God can get a hold of a man’s heart and change his entire perspective of things. My trip to Egypt answered many questions that I have been unable to answer and God’s voice speaking loadly into my heart has changed, very literally, how I see things. I am preaching part 3 of our Christmas series this Sunday and it is titled “Celebrating Christmas Through the Crown”. Obviously, I will be speaking of the reign of Jesus not only in our hearts but of His kingdom. Living in South Georgia, often our perspective is narrow and somewhat ignorant of what God is doing in other parts of the world. Being in Egypt allowed me to see that God is working in a big way there. The believers there are living out their faith by serving Christ as King and pouring into each other’s lives. They are being obedient to fulfilling the great commission by all means possible to them, even if it means persecution, which it often does. People are coming to know Christ in Egypt every day. But don’t just take my word for it. While in Egypt, I had someone send me by messenger a disc which contained serveral articles. Here are some inserts…

Egyptians Persecuted for Turning to Christ

By Gary Lane

CBN News

October 5, 2006

CBNNews.com – CAIRO, Egypt

 

 “For thousands of years, Egyptians have looked to the Nile River for their sustenance. It has provided them with fish to eat and water to irrigate their crops. Now, in the 21st century, a growing number of Egyptians are searching for living water and a different type of bread. Many non-believers are coming to Christ because of dreams and visions and Christian television broadcasts. As their numbers have increased, so has the persecution against them.”

 

 In Africa Alone Everyday 16,000 Muslims Leave Islam

By (I am withholding the name)

 

 “Despite the fact that Muslims by virtue of being poor and uneducated are much more reproductive than others, Islam as a religion is not growing but dying fast. Every day thousands of Muslim intellectuals are leaving Islam. They find Islam inconsistent with science, logics, human rights and ethics. Millions of Iranians already have left Islam. The enlightened Muslims of other nationalities are not far behind. This is the beginning of a mass exodus from Islam. Perhaps it is best to listen to the truth coming from the mouth of the horse. The Internet site aljazeera.net published an interview with Ahmad Al Qataaniأحمد القطعاني  an important Islamic cleric who said: “In every hour, 667 Muslims convert to Christianity. Everyday, 16,000 Muslims convert to Christianity. Every year, 6 million Muslims convert to Christianity. These are huge numbers. If this trend continues we can expect to see Islam become insignificant in Africa in just a few decades.” 

 

So what does this mean to me? What is it about this that I find so life changing? How does this change my perspective on God’s kingdom? Well, for starters, as I think about what I have just read it reminds me of the greatness of God. It reminds me that Christ is still King! It reminds me that His Kingdom is much bigger than Valdosta and CrossPointe Church. It reminds me that we are all a part of something huge! It reminds me that Jesus is Lord and nothing is going to stop His advancement of His kingdom. It reminds me that there are other believers all over the world fighting in the battle of good verses evil. It reminds me of the fact that in the end….God wins! That’s all.

 

In GOD’s most amazing grip…Pastor D.

 

 

Life Change in Egypt – Part 1

I am writing again about my trip to Egypt and I must say it has been a truely life changing experience for me. I think Egypt makes 24 different countries I have traveled to during my life and I can’t think of a time when I was more moved than I have been on this trip. I have many new Egyptian friends now and several who, only after a short while, I feel as though I have become life long firends with. The last day with them was simply unforgetable and I began to weep…no, not weep….but cry… cry like a baby as I thought about how my life will never be the same now that I have met them. Hearing the people’s stories and seeing the poverty and oppression…actually experiencing it myself…causes me to wonder what we can do to help. Wondering if we can do enough! It is my desire that we as a whole enter into and committ to a life long parntership with our Egyptian brothers and sisters. I can’t wait to share with all of you…my friends back home…about it all and the opportunities that have been opened up. Since arriving back in Cario I have recieved an invitation to return again and meet with several top level government leaders here in Egypt including the governer of the state and the mayor of Cario. To say the least I was blown away although I can’t say suprised! GOD has given me such a hugh vision for CrossPointe and I have always believed it was that we would make a global difference one day. I addition, I have been asked to return again this summer with a team to teach again. I wish I could give the details on this blog but I simply cannot. Time and other reasons just do not allow it.

A good friend and mentor once told me, “David, you have to get away at least three to four times a year. For the health of your church and to recieve the vision God has for you guys, you MUST get away because GOD speaks louder when you are away.” I understand EXACTLY what he was talking about now. GOD has spoken so loudly to me this week. He has taken me to a place spiritually that I have never been to before. I have spent time with GOD and He has moved in my heart for the people of Egypt like no other nation before. Please pray with me! Pray for the Christians and the Muslims! Pray for their country! Pray for their children! Pray about giving! Pray about going to Egypt! Pray about helping! As our church continues to grow it is my prayer that we continue to embrace more and more the great commission to go into our city and around the world. Its what I feel GOD is calling us to do. So get ready CrossPointe! I will be challenging you to go! To go to Egypt and other parts of Africa!

In closing, I will tell you a story. On the day we arrived we ran into a young man (in his late 20’s) here from another country that has given his life to serve here. It was not planned. It was I believe a divine appointment. In talking to him someone said to him, “thank you for the sacrifice you have made” He responded, “Sacrifice? This is no sacrifice! This is the greatest gift GOD could have ever given me. There is no sacrifice in my life. I don’t want anything else for my life.” WOW!!! If only we could all live for GOD like that!  I want to live my life like that!! Do you? ~ Peace!

Egypt!

I’m sitting somewhere in the desert in Egypt right now typing on my laptop. There is the sound of the Islamic call to prayer is playing out over a load speaker somewhere which reminds me of the fact that I’m in a place much different than my home. The people are so friendly although that is somewhat suprising to me considering the international view of the USA. I saw the pyramids today. Rode a camel through the desert. That was an adventure. We to a camel caravan to a place to view the pyramids and then circled back. I found out today that camels have two speeds…slow and fast. We did both but I can tell you riding a camel that is running wide open is none too comfortable. Anyway, I guess I better run for now. My internet time is limited. I can’t wait to insert pics when I can. Take care!