It was an exciting worship service – thanks to the music, fellowship and teaching of God’s Word, I was recharged. But as I left the sanctuary and greeted a young friend, her eyes spoke sorrow, not joy, as she said, “Will our church and other Christians ever be this passionate about reaching my people?”Many special guests in uniforms attended the service at Parklands Baptist Church last Sunday morning – not members of Kenya’s armed services, but men and women who serve as officers in Kenya’s prisons. During the service we heard how many lives were being transformed as Believers obeyed our Savior’s teachings and carried out the Great Commission within the prison by preaching, teaching, discipling and yes, even baptizing!
My burdened young seminary friend was not seeking to be critical – she is thankful that Believers are carrying the Good News of our heavenly Father behind the prison walls. My friend’s concern is that “her people” are not necessarily physically hungry, thirsty, a stranger, without clothes, sick or imprisoned (Matthew 25:36) – yet all these describe them spiritually. The people my friend calls “her people” are not of her own tribe or language – her heart is broken for women who recently celebrated Ramadhan, women who lack the joy and peace that we have as followers of Christ.
As my friend and I joined others, another story unfolded. A former co-worker, who shares my young friend’s burden for those of others faiths, was also at Parklands last Sunday. Before finding a way to be a strong witness to people of another faith, my older friend worked for many years in Kenya in many different jobs. Possibly, his most important job became evident as several young men, calling themselves “His Kids,” asked that I take a picture of them with this man – the one who told them the stories of the Bible when they were kids and then mentored and discipled them as teen-aged Christians.
The most exciting part of this story is that all of these young men are now strong Christians who serve their Savior in many different ministries, including music, discipleship, witnessing, Bible teaching, working with those with HIV/AIDs, and even prison ministries! I have no doubt that Sunday’s reunion was received as a special gift by the man. He was no longer standing with little boys in need of accepting Christ as their Savior – his prized picture is of him standing with a group of young, strong Christian men on mission with God – young men who are now sharing their faith and discipling others!
Many adjectives are found in our Bible describing our Savior, but one that is often overlooked is the adjective SMART – SMART is the word that describes His plan for multiplying disciples in Matthew 28:19-20, His plan for making and training new workers for His Father’s harvest fields. Obedience to the Great Commission is how the eternal gospel will be proclaimed and accepted by “every nation, tribe, language and people” (Revelations 14:6) – including my young friend’s people! Pray for Jack and me, our young friend, our older friend and “His Kids”, our other co-workers, including African Believers, as we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in how we are to be a part of our Father’s work and share His love and salvation with ALL in our world! BERT YATES
***For a view of what we see in our world and what leads us to prayer, go to:
My Weekend View with Prayer Nudges: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=309449&id=685050129&l=c668521ad8
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