God’s Call to Action

My wife, Kara, recently found this shirt, and I think it’s hilarious. But it also stirs up a bit of discord in my soul—a somber reminder of how I first reacted when God started writing this new chapter in our lives.

In the beginning, leading a mission in Kenya, let alone a mission in Africa, was never a dream of mine. It wasn’t even a passing thought. When I felt God’s mighty grip pulling us in, my initial instinct was to run. I was on course to pull a full "Jonah" (although I could totally do without the whale).

To be clear: I wasn't running because I thought the women and children in Kenya weren't worthy of help. I was running because I was terrified of my own inadequacy. I didn’t have the "know-how." I’ve always been a big dreamer, but a sloppy executor—the kind of guy with a yard full of half-finished projects. Mind you, our actual yard is pretty tidy. I'm sure you get the idea. The sheer thought of failing, of potentially putting dozens of orphans back on the street, was too much to bear.

So, instead of saying "yes" to God’s will, I decided to go on my own little march. I cold-called twenty different organizations around the world with a desperate plea: "Please, take this project off our hands."

The answer was almost always some version of: "We’ve got our own problems. You need to deal with yours."

That was the "smack in the face" realization. When God tells you to do something, "no," or even "maybe," isn’t actually an option. "Get in, loser. We’re doing God’s will." There may not be a truer quip than that. And there, all along, stood my wife, waiting for me to hop aboard.

Welp, now that we’ve got that out of the way, we have some work to do!

What is God doing this month?

• We have a big gap to fill as we aim to raise $5,000 this month of May to feed thousands of people by early June. $2,000 raised so far! We could really use your help! Learn more and give here
• Bishop reported that they planted a new church in Kenya! The plot of land fell into place. The excited congregation started pulling together supplies from their own homes to build an incomplete, makeshift church structure. They have the drive and will to say "yes" to God's calling. Can we help them finish their church building so they can worship out of the rain? This project is $3,000. Donate below and put "church" in the note. I'll take it from there.
• Our board of directors has a vision for this year to expand the Rebirth Academy School and Children's Home compound. There are two plots of land that have been offered to us (without us even inquiring!). Both properties—a one-acre and a half-acre—align right next to our compound. To acquire both these properties will take some serious cash to the tune of around $20,000. God has opened the window to see what lies ahead, but He has yet to open the door. If you want to give toward this goal, simply donate and put "property" in the note section. There is no official fundraiser for this dream; it is that new!

Yes, we have some ambitious goals directly in view. But like I mentioned, when God says "go," inaction simply isn't an option.

Please be prayer warriors for our mission and projects. We are confident God will provide on His own time. I pray you have a restful weekend.