We have several missionary disciplines. One is to send out a prayer bulletin each
month. Another is to walk and pray. As we do this we try to meet a few
people. In that process we hope to
listen well to God and humanity. In fact, many times God speaks in our quiet
time most clearly through the advice of new friends and the observations of our
first surroundings.
Christ's Church of Rwanda atop Gaculiro Hill |
When we first moved to Rwanda we
walked around the 2020 Vision / Caisse Sociale / Gaculiro property.
It looked like all for which we could hope. Yet, it seemed unlikely this
property would ever be in our hands.
I prayed, “God the next time something
like this happens please let us be a participant.” Our Sovereign God had prepared the result
before we had even thought to pray.
Our Lord instructed us
“May your kingdom come and what you want be done, here on
earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10. NCV.)”
This is the task for which
we pray and walk.
I’ve been walking. We moved to Chicago’s north side for two reasons.
One our Diaspora people from Africa’s Great Lakes are here. Two, with the rapidly shifting ethnic
composition of America Chicago’s diverse north side looks like what the rest of
America will become. Our hope is to
develop a multi-cultural church as a model for others.
Please pray with us:
Courtenay School was one closed by Chicago Public Schools this year |
May we be a participant in building a new Chicago.
Yet the education systems of Chicago (and much of
America) are struggling. May we
like our faith heroes of old be ones who bring knowledge and hope to
children.
We see and hear these children play. In fact, our own children are quickly
playing soccer with diverse kids with heritages from Latin America, Africa, and
the Jewish culture. May we as adults find the simplest joy of
our children.
Chicago and much of America have a great history of
faith. Yet
many traditional houses of worship
are struggling. Their buildings are
empty. Some buildings are even falling
to pieces. May we be part of discovering faith afresh. May the Lord’s glory be seen in the
creativity of humanity.
Father, we see even in old church buildings religions
that do not proclaim Your Son’s Resurrection.
Lord, give Your mercy.
The nations have gathered to Chicago
(and much of America)
May we be used to shepherd the people we
know well from East Africa
Yet, in this gathering are those who though a bit
different from us are cultures we have
also known from living in global cities like Nairobi, Kampala, and Kigali. May we also find rich friendships with many
who You have gathered here.
This global city is at a crossroads of
communication, education, and finance.
Our master missionary mentor,
Paul of Tarsus went to cities like this.
Your Good News traveled through these
crossroads of old. May Your Good News
be spread this way again.
Use us for Your glory. May we see what You have us to see.
May we say what You have us to say. May we do what You do. May we be what You desire for us to be.
In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
i think one of the pics here is quite amusing! BUKINAFASO is one word for one country. Great website :)
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