Wise words from a Wise man

Hello Friends and Family

Hope and pray you are all doing well.

 

Today is a great day, God has been speaking to me through a lot things here and it is an amazing experience.   I want to share with you one of things that he has been speaking to me.   My father before I left gave and charged me with reading this Book called “Wild Goose Chase” by Mark Batterson. I have mentioned this before to many of you and have even written about it on my blog, But this book really is speaking some amazing truth that I have missed.  And It tells me this: What we all have to say(tell others) may it be something hard that we have endured, survived, ridden out, come through, and even something we have loved, family, pets, funny story, Gods amazing grace and provision.   What ever it is, it is something we must share, (yes some of those things are meant for just you and God that is fine or someone who asks and is in need) But God brings us through things to learn something and we all have our own path that we take.  No path that someone else has taken has been like ours or will be like ours. Yes it might be similar but we are dealing with whatever it is because God is teaching us something. And are we listening? Are we paying attention when we come out of the fire like Paul did after his divine shipwreck and snakebite in Malta? Are we giving thanks to even when things are not falling apart because God is in whatever it is we are doing? SO with that all said of what I am thinking this is what spawned that thought process and really do your self a favor and treat your self to an amazing read that is short and simple. Honestly as soon as I am done with it I want to start it again and do it all over again.

 

This section is in a Chapter “Sometimes is takes a shipwreck” and a sub Chapter called  “A sense of Destiny”

 

“ The Church I serve as Pastor, National Community Church, may one of the most disoriented churches in the country.  That’s because 70 percent of NCCers are single twentysomethings who are navigating the quarterlife crisis.

            The third decade of life is full of spiritual, relational, occupational, and even geographical disorientation.  Twenteysomethings are making the decision they will manage the rest of their lives.  What do I believe? Who should I marry? What should I do with my life? Where should I live?  Those are tough decisions with lifelong ramifications.  And that is why the quarterlife crisis can be so disorienting.

            My cousin-in-law Dave Schmidgall was navigating some of those quarterlife issues a few years ago when we invited him over for dinner to talk through some of the decisions he was trying to make.  He was experiencing disorientation on all fronts.  He wasn’t sure what to do with his degree. He loved living in DC, but he was thinking about moving back home.  And he wasn’t sure where his relationship with is girlfriend would or should go.  We talked for several hours.  Then I prayed one of those unscripted prayers where you aren’t sure exactly what you’re saying until after you’ve said it.  “Lord, thank you that you want us to get where you want us to go more than we want to get where you want us to go.”

            We actually quit praying and started laughing when those words came out of my mouth because we weren’t sure what I had just prayed.  It took a minute to decipher the riddle, but once we did, we felt a tremendous sense of relief.  All the stress was taken off our shoulders when we reminded ourselves of this simple truth: God is for more concerned about your future than you are.

            We put so much pressure on ourselves, as if the eternal plans of almighty God are contingent upon our ability to decipher them. The truth is, God wants to reveal them more than we want to know them. And if we think one misstep can frustrate the providential plan of the omnipotent one, then our God is way too small.  Not only does God want us to get where God wants us to go more than we want to get where God wants us to go, but He is awfully good at getting us there. He may mot always reveal His plans how or when we want Him to.  But when we chase the Wild Goose, our future becomes His responsibility.  “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”

            Do me a favor. Stop reading for a moment and take a deep breath. Now let it out.

            A deep breath recalibrates us physiologically.  It relaxes us.  The sovereignty of God has the same effect on me spiritually.  When I’m reminded that God is the one ordering my footsteps, it helps me relax.  God is in the business of positioning us in the right place at the right time.  And that ought to give us an unshakable sense of destiny even when we feel disoriented.”

                                                                                    --Mark Batterson—

So that is what I read today I think 3 times.  And the previous statement is how I feel when I read things like this.  The reason is because Mark was given an experience for others to benefit from.   Like our personal stories are given to us from God to help us get through something and also tell others what had happened. We all have stories that are these moments of revelation an AHH HAAA moment. Us being silent about what God is doing is at times hurting others from hearing something God needs to be telling them through us.  Put that in your pipe and smoke on it. What is God telling you to share with others that is going on in your life?

Thanks for the amazing prayers from everyone. Even if it a quick one when you think of Africa.  Blessings to you all.

Things you can pray for:

·      UCBC and to get materials they need still.

·      Brandon Holmes he is about to go to CIT for training and then to hear so pray that his support continues to come in.

·      Our team and our house.

·      For some of the students who have malaria, their names are Ralph and alfonz. They are still in the hospital.

·      Shanga Rosa she is not doing well health wise she is the older sister of Dr. Kasali

 

K until next time…

P E A C E from the M O O S E

 

Oh and do something different today just for the fun of it. Be spontaneous. Take a friend lunch or buy someone some food that doesn’t have any. And you might have to go out of your way but it will make your day.

 

 

OK for real final thought(s):

GO GET THE BOOK!

And “I think some of us want to know the will of God more than we want to know God.  And it short-circuits spiritual growth.  You can’t do the will of God if you don’t have the heart of God.  And that is where shipwrecks and snakebites come into play (Paul in Malta).  They don’t just get us where God wants us to go; they help us become who He wants us to be.”

What starts with "P" and rhymes with Nylon?

The work load is starting to "Pile on" for me but it is still low and that is good. I am still getting used to being here and getting in the swing of things. Right now I am currently working on a video for Dr. Kasali so he can update people while he is in the states. 

It is Wednesday Morning and things are going well, just hanging out at CI-UCBC, the weather is overcast today but still warm. The shade does provide a very nice coolness.

So i have been reading Wild Goose Chase and i wanted to share this. there are a lot of applicable things in this so i do recommend you read it. i am not done so if you don't like it, Pole sana! 

"We Turn our responsibilities into excuses. And that is when our responsibilities actually become a form of irresponsibility.  Our responsibilities become the cage that keeps us from chasing the Wild Goose. And the only way out is responsible irresponsibility.

Sometimes the will of God feels downright irresponsible. You are called to make a decision or take a course of action that seems to make no sense. And if you do it, the people closest to you may think you are crazy. Even Jesus' family felt that way about him. But responsible irresponsibility means refusing to allow your human responsibilities to get in the way of pursuing the passions God puts in your heart."

-Mark Batterson-

This is so true, we get so carried away with what is required and our responsibilities that we forget what God does put in our hearts, and it gets in the way of us pursuing those passions. One thing that i am learning here about that is really easy because of something called Africa time, really things happen here at a different pace. I love it. I think i was on this pace before i even came to the Congo.  But take time to really think about what God is putting in your heart and what your desires are and what you are passionate about. Be in-tuned with Gods voice.  and from time to time go on a walk and ponder, (as my father would say) Walking and Pondering is a lost art.

(Just a thought when was the last time you pursued God like you pursued your wife your husband,  girlfriend, boyfriend.) 

This morning for chapel the sang trading my sorrows. and Honestly for the first time i see people who are really doing what they are singing. They daily trade in the sorrows, their pains, their sickness. and they are doing it for the Joy of the Lord.  

Just some other verses i have been looking at:

• Psalm 37:4 "Delight your self in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."
  
• Job 12:10 "In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."

Things you can be praying for:

• My buddy brandon holmes God is providing so well and blessing his process of support raising and will continue to do so.
• pray for the team here and the health.
• Pray for the Congo that the right leaders are in place to run this country.

blessings to you all hope and pray things are going well. Jesus is alive.

Na mapendo ya Mungu, Na ushirika we Roho Mutakatifu Ukae Nanyinyi wote. Amina

(May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy spirit be with you all. Amen)

P E A C E from the M O O S E

Jambo, Habari Gani?

Hello friends and family.

The moose is in Africa.

This is an amazing place and God is blessing the people so amazingly well. It is Wednesday here about 11:10 am and the students are all getting together for two more classes and then lunch.  I am so thankful for the patience that God has given me, Africa time is so amazing. i seriously could live here you get to things when you get to it. when things happen or don't happen some people say this is Congo. I LOVE IT!  

I got a funny story to share with you, some would think not so funny but here in Africa you have to keep things funny or find something to laugh about at times.  So i was taking a shower and after i was finished i was putting away all my clothes and i heard this noise that sounded like a metal cup hitting the floor, It just so happened to be the turning knob for the shower. Water started coming from everywhere. the shower head, the spout and where the handle had broken off. So i start trying to put the handle back on and stop this small water fall from spilling into the house. i was successful, well it thought i was.  Some time passes and i hear laughing and a racket coming from the hall which is now 4:30 am and " SHOOT GO GET GRANT" i walk in the hall and water is about ankle high. HAHAH the girls down the hall from me their room was flooded and everything was wet. SO i said " SHOOT GO GET JUSTIN" we finally had to call a few people and get the water shut off. Talk about a wake up call. But it was funny we had a good time all being wet and battling back the tidal wave of african water.  The houses here are built to look nice but the pluming and drainage is not so good.

But I hope and pray everyone is well. thank you for the prayers.

things you can be praying for:

• UCBC- all faculty and students
• The construction here 
• All the teachers here now
• Brandon Holmes he is is the middle of raising support, and starting training soon. then coming here.
• my health that it stays in good shape.
• My Swahili learning to be great and productive. ( it is already)

My Mwalimu (tracher) is retired but still helps out people that come to work at CI-UCBC.

He is very good at what he does. He does not speak english so you can imagine that it is a little slow but i am slowly picking up enough Swahili and body language to get him.

K love you all. 

P E A C E from the M O O S E 

Update from the Moose

I am starting to feel a little different, the day of my departure is closing in.  I leave Charlotte airport at 4ish on the 13th of April.  I have a few more things to take care of till then.  I also have taken care of my shots. my arm is still a little sore, and I am sending my passport and a lot of other information to DC to get it stamped for my Visas.  I now have to work on packing and getting everything together for a year.  I have never had to pack for a year before so this should be interesting.  I still have some funds to raise for my duration in the DRC and i also have a conference in Budapest Hungary that i have to also raise for, i know God will provide, He always does.  

Be praying that i get everything done in a timely fashion and have my head on straight when it is time for me to leave.  

other things you can pray for:

• Brandon and his support raising
• the rest of my money to come in.
• For the DR Congo, Beni. For the truth to be told and understood. 
• My language learning. (French, and Kiswahilli)
• Meredith my team mate that is still training and that she can prepare and feel prepared. 
• Wisdom and discernment for when i am in the field.

Things that i have been reading in the Word:

Zephaniah 3:17  " the Lord your God is with you He is might to save. He will take great delight in you , He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

1 Peter and really trying to understand what Suffering and Persecution means.

2 Corinthians 4:1-12 and how we as humans are fragile as clay pots that we tend to think that we are at the end of the rope but Jesus reminds us that we are not at the end of hope, Christ will never abandon us.

8 we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not is despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

They are waiting on our arrival in Beni, and it makes me a little nervous.  There are a lot of expectations on both sides. I just pray that God will provide me with the set of tools i need to further the Kingdom and serve him.  and not to mess up.  He is in control. 

LOVE you all. 

P E A C E from the M O O S E

The Moose is Loose from CIT

Hey people so I am done at CIT.  It was a blast it was overwhelming at times, but totally worth it.  God has been teaching me a lot.  So what is next; I am currently working on getting an account together to register my extended stay in another country with the government so they know that I am there.  Working on getting my visa stuff in a row. and trying to pack a year worth of clothes into as few bags as possible.  I have purchased my ticket which is a huge step.  No turning back now, not that i would, but just to clarify.  I am planning on getting my shots and making sure that i have enough malaria medicine.  I have a few things that I have to buy before i go; camera gear, batteries, other random equipment that i don't know i need yet.

I have my plate full and things are starting to happen.  I feel that i have been talking about this for so long and I can't seem to convince my self that it is going to happen in less than a month.  My Flight leaves April 13th.  

I am also praying that God will provide the little bit of funds that I need.  I also have to raise an extra little for a conference in Budapest, Hungary.  It is recommended by the people that i work with.  From what I hear about it, it is amazing.  

Keep praying for me and the country i am going to, also for my buddy brandon, he is done with orientation and is now raising support pray that it comes in quickly and things are getting taken care of.  

This is a short up date, more will come later as i know it.  Thanks for your love and prayers. until next time. 

PEACE from the MOOSE

Bwana Asifiwe

CIT update...

So being my weird self, i took it upon my self to stand on the sign and have a picture taken.  don't know why but I'm impulsive so it is ok....  

Now that i am settled in a little more here at CIT things are starting to take shape, classes are making more sense of why i need to take them, Jesus is teaching me a lot already and i know it is going to be a lot more soon, in a good way.  

A lot of really awesome families are here, all of them are going to some amazing places. such as...

• Thailand
  
• Japan
• Germany
• Estonia 
• Uruguay
  
• Peru
• Sudan
• Kenya
• DR Congo
• France
• Nepal 
• Spain

I have been reading a lot which is difficult for me but i know it is something that I have to do.  I am telling my self that i have to push my self in order to gains something from this.  I am also having to work on my thoughts about what I'm reading and know that it will benefit me, and i have to look at it positively.  

So things are going well, enjoying my time here.  Making people laugh... DUH! and understanding this call that God has put on my heart.  A thought that has been coming to my head and heart a lot lately has been about being put in the fire(forge) and folded and pounded on over and over and over again, a lot like Proverbs 27:17 as Iron sharpens Iron as one man Sharpens another... I am being put in the fire and getting to that white hot heat and then hammered on by God and people around me and his word.  It is difficult but i know that it is making me stronger,  That is also why I love being a blacksmith, these things just make more sense...

I don't think that i will be dipped into the water yet to cool off i am still simmering in the heat of the word and the teachers here.  But the cooling off processes is a very important step in being forged... it helps cure the metal and keeps it from burning away.  Or as we call it getting burnt-out.  

It is awesome to have your mind being consumed with Jesus and the people your going to be helping once your in the field continuously (that is what it is like here), but the sad thing is, it is difficult for us to get to that point.  For me i needed that kick in the pants to get there.  when it should be something that is easy to do, but satan and the world around us likes us not to think one track and forget about somethings around us for a bit that just take up space for Jesus.

The Book or books I am reading are interesting, Ministering Cross-Culturally 2nd edition which I am in now, and the other that i haven't started yet is Cross-Cultural Connections.

Here is a little blip from Ministering Cross-Culturally:

If we are to follow the example of Christ , we must aim at incarnation! Jesus said, "if anyone would came after me, he must deny himself" (matt. 16:24).  These acts of self-denial are in fact the first steps of freedom in Christ.  We must consciously release our attachments to home, income, security, convenience, significance in work or ministry, and even comfort of family.  

It is freeing and amazing to see this work.  God really is alive here and present at this little place.  

Things you can be praying for:

• my time here at CIT, that my ears are open to something new and different.
• the other families that are here with kids that they can stay sane, and focused on things.
• My good buddy Brandon Holmes that his support will come in quickly and fast. and starting to prepare his heart for service.
• My heart, and my pride.
• also the attitudes with people here just so no animosity is building between people.

Thanks I love you all. 

PEACE from the  M O O S E!

Leaving on a Jet plane... aka my JEEP!

This is part of the university, the first building built.

one of the many classrooms that they have at the University...

This is some open space on the campus that looks like a prime spot for my hammock...

I believe this is the street that i am going to be living on, on the right there are walls with razor wire we will be behind that...

So I am sitting in my room packing and getting excited that my journey is about to begin, well it had begun a long time ago but i am doing something other than sitting in Charlotte, so to me it feels like I am doing something.  I also just wanted to laod some pictures so you can see what Africa is going to be like where I am going... Enjoy and i hope and pray that you all are doing well.

This is a main intersection in Beni...

More pictures will come later.

Things you can be praying for:

• My time at CIT
• my brain as i jump back into the school college mode for a bit.
• the other Missionaries that are there training
• My buddy Brandon Holmes who is going to be joining me in the Congo, that his money can come in quickly, and his path to get there is short and quick.

ok that should be great for now.

PEACE from the M O O S E