- Stop Praying and FOLLOW UP -
LET me see, where do I begin....
OF course, as suggested by our title, you should not 'Stop Praying'. However, if you stop moving this could prove to be worse!...I make myself visible to the surrounding people by going to the same places to buy groceries; Making it a point to say hello to my neighbors of the same apartment complex (without looking weird...I know, this can be hard to do) though they may or may not acknowledge; Taking the same taxi to the Bus Station; Getting my hair cut at the same local Barber (who has been cutting the hair of the local people for 45 years); Not to mention buying bread from the same Bread Man, every morning.
Though, my past lifestyle experience has shown that with riotous living I can easily out stay my welcome most anywhere...Even from the arms of loved ones. Here on the Island, with the same principle applied, it is just a matter of time before I will blend into the scene unnoticed. the people will dub me 'Just another nice guy'. Which to the horror of it, as the Island of Mauritius takes the concept 'Freedom of Religion' to another level, will fit perfectly with the 'Coexisting' lifestyle of all living in harmony under any god one chooses to worship. As John 3:16 puts it best, I cannot allow this to be the case as I involve myself with the Mauritian people.
AS I was enjoying time with the Lord one morning through the book of 1 Chronicles, I came to chapter 11 where my favorite character of the bible is introduced (tell me if you can guess who it is). He was able to make a name for himself which earned him the trust and respect of King David. This is the key to getting the Word of GOD to the people. If they trust you, they will listen to you. However, it will not be easy to establish relationships to where this level of trust can be met.
YOU have to always keep in mind that I am an American in a foreign land- 'Culture is a hard nut to crack'. You have to be patient to learn the people and their ways. Before you reach a point where the people will even hear what the Bible says about JESUS and HIS love for them. Not to mention giving them the time to see a visible account in my own life. That they can actually see a difference with what I am driven to show them and what they are most familiar to seeing from all those that come 'WITH' the name of the LORD, and not 'IN' the name of the LORD. These sort of advanced relationships could take an estimated five-seven (5-7) years to develop (statistics received from various sources).
ON too many parts of the Island of Mauritius, Christianity is not associated with the loving relationship our Creator desires to have with us, but rather it is a word related to worldly success and a means of tapping into it.
WHAT should I do? One open option is to sit still and wait on the LORD- Which sounds Biblical. However, not in all places and in all cases will this be the proper application of absolute wisdom. Let's take a look at it...
AS I was in Calvary Chapel Bangor being taught through the book of Psalms- Chapter 27 has a great and inspiring description of HOW to 'Wait' on the Lord. Which I did apply for this particular case.
VERSE 14 encourages us to 'Wait' on the LORD. To do so with courage- For the outcome from the LORD will be a strengthened heart. The Psalmist emphasizes with a passion yet again for us to... 'Wait' on the LORD.
WE are taught with this verse to put our trust in GOD- giving most people the idea to sit and wait on the LORD. However I see it to say much more. The definition of the Hebrew word for 'Wait' (in this particular text), gives us even more information as 'HOW' to wait. With expectancy; To look for (like a focused dog on the end of an outstretched chain, ready to rock). I have come to see that after prayer, you must act. Prayer alone is not enough to receive the fullness of blessing the LORD has for us.
VIRGINIE and I had been praying about eight months for the neighborhood and the people that resided there. The very neighborhood that we would be living in. Our prayer was simple- 'How can I be used to reach them, LORD'?
BY the time we moved into our nest which was prepared before hand, I knew it was time to act. Though we did not stop praying for an open door to walk through, I did start by making myself visible. As often as I could.
WE are taught with this verse to put our trust in GOD- giving most people the idea to sit and wait on the LORD. However I see it to say much more. The definition of the Hebrew word for 'Wait' (in this particular text), gives us even more information as 'HOW' to wait. With expectancy; To look for (like a focused dog on the end of an outstretched chain, ready to rock). I have come to see that after prayer, you must act. Prayer alone is not enough to receive the fullness of blessing the LORD has for us.
VIRGINIE and I had been praying about eight months for the neighborhood and the people that resided there. The very neighborhood that we would be living in. Our prayer was simple- 'How can I be used to reach them, LORD'?
BY the time we moved into our nest which was prepared before hand, I knew it was time to act. Though we did not stop praying for an open door to walk through, I did start by making myself visible. As often as I could.
ONE method I used was to go for a walk and say Bonjour to all the men that I came across. Being careful to avoid eye contact with all the young women but show gentleman-like courtesy to the older women.... I was right to follow my training. Or in other words, to apply 1 Timothy 5:1-2.
AFTER some time the same ones that were once curious as they observed from a distance, either through the window of their abode or from across the street, now call out from behind me or make their way to cross the street and say 'Bonjour, รงa va' (Hello, how are you).
AFTER some time the same ones that were once curious as they observed from a distance, either through the window of their abode or from across the street, now call out from behind me or make their way to cross the street and say 'Bonjour, รงa va' (Hello, how are you).
GOOD step forward- The ice is cracked but far from broken. Their curiosity of me is now satisfied for the moment. Who I am is somewhat clear to them- 'What is he doing here'? Now that's the question....
My conscience pushes me to not be as an 'Anchor' but rather as an 'Oar'. Looking for any opportunity, I come home one night from working, and find this bulletin posted on our Apt. block board....TIME TO ACT.
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| It reads: Dear inhabitants of 'Residence Les Jasmins'- We invite you for a grand cleaning of the complex grounds on Saturday March 21, 2015 at 4:00 pm- 'Together let's protect our environment'- Thank you on behalf of 'The Jasmins Kids Club'. |
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| Neighborhood youth...If you are thinking what I am thinking, then start praying about it,'YOUTH GROUP'. They do not know it yet, but I am already getting together with the fathers to organize a soccer match, and this will be part of my team |
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| These are the neighborhood 'King Pins'- get close to them, and get things done. These are the fathers that have organized the Kids Club, and the neighborhood complex clean-up project. |
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| -Moments before the altar- Myself, with the mother of Virginie whom I chose to give me away, only to be joined back to herself as her son- |
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| The local grocery store was having a promotion for 'Julie's Cakes and Biscuits'. They said, 'Take a picture with Julie and we will give you biscuits. I quickly replied, 'Show me the biscuits!' |
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| Virginie excelled with her career as Primary School Educator. Graduating a course after fifteen years experience with distinction (Honors). The course included a section in Methodology (thinking outside the box in any given circumstance). Coincidentally, a trait extremely useful for Ministry. Now you know how to pray for her. |
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| Neighborhood graffiti |
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A picture taken from my kitchen window. The sky gets this color before a cyclone hits.
(JOHN 14:6) |
IT was a joy for me to share with you a little more of what GOD has been doing with 'The One That Let HIM'.
IT is most important to understand this very thing the LORD has shown me. The way of life here is fine the way it is. The people need only to 'see' a correct understanding of what the Word of GOD says- On the capability of building a relationship with JESUS CHRIST by the guidance of HIS HOLY SPIRIT.
THE Mauritian people are not stray dogs you can take home and make better. They cannot be mislead into believing that America is a better life full of hope and opportunity.
IT is most important to understand this very thing the LORD has shown me. The way of life here is fine the way it is. The people need only to 'see' a correct understanding of what the Word of GOD says- On the capability of building a relationship with JESUS CHRIST by the guidance of HIS HOLY SPIRIT.
THE Mauritian people are not stray dogs you can take home and make better. They cannot be mislead into believing that America is a better life full of hope and opportunity.
PASTOR Ron has effectively put an enormous amount of time and effort to give the people here on Mauritius, the Word of GOD. I know Pastor Ron well enough to know that it has been for the people to know JESUS.
IF we are not careful on how we conduct ourselves on the Island as children of GOD, the people will only end up believing they have gained a connection to America. They will not say, 'I Know Jesus'- What they will say is, 'I Know The American'.
Consider this as the LORD continues to finish the work HE started in you. Leave things as they are. The LORD will change what needs to be, for HIS glory- And use you to do it...Leave that to HIM ( Luke 22:42 ).
We are praying for all of you affiliated with Calvary Chapel Myrtle Beach, S.C. / Calvary Chapel Florence, S.C. / Calvary Chapel Bangor, Maine.
Consider this as the LORD continues to finish the work HE started in you. Leave things as they are. The LORD will change what needs to be, for HIS glory- And use you to do it...Leave that to HIM ( Luke 22:42 ).
We are praying for all of you affiliated with Calvary Chapel Myrtle Beach, S.C. / Calvary Chapel Florence, S.C. / Calvary Chapel Bangor, Maine.
- May The LORD Bless You By HIS Grace -
