Endrian is a kindergarten age child being raised in a Muslim family in a tiny house on the outskirts of Semarang Indonesia. Endrian’s father suffered a stroke and is paralyzed from the waist down. He’s a proud man, and without a wheel chair “walks” with his hands while dragging his limp lower body. There are not government programs, no social security disability, no way to support his family. This is especially bad news in a community that in the throws of poverty. The onus is on Mom to provide. In a world where most Father’s can barely subsist, mom being the breadwinner is an exercise in futility. Endrian seems to be unaware, but there is a look in his eye that conveys seriousness, almost as if on some subconscious level that he understands the magnitude of the situation.
Kevin is a singer in a rock band. He screams, sings and jumps for a living. He is married with a beautiful daughter and they live a not so stereotypical rock star life outside of the not so rock star town of Lexington, KY.
He heard a sermon from his pastor a few years back about loving his enemies. It was the kind of thing that we hear from our Pastors from time to time, but for some Holy Spirit reason it really stuck this time. While thinking about what it looked like practically to love his enemy, the opportunity arose for him to sponsor a child with Compassion International. When Kevin saw the photo and information of Endrian, the young Muslim from Indonesia, it seemed like a perfect way to live out this command.
Maybe Endrian himself wasn’t Kevins enemy but Islamic radicals have declared us all their enemies. By loving Endrian, Kevin and his wife Julie are part of a spiritual counter insurgency that doesn’t involve tanks or missiles. It is subtle, it is pure, but make no mistake; it is an assault on hell.
I sat as a spectator as Kevin and Julie had traveled around the world to meet this young man and his family whom they loved but had never met. For 3 years they have faithfully sponsored Endrian through compassion. They’ve written letters back and forth. They’ve sent pictures. It’s kind of like a pen pal with benefits. This little 2 dimensional guy was very much a 3 dimensional real live human being. Watching them meet face to face for the first time was one of the more moving experiences of my life.
It was blazing hot inside this little house with no running water, let alone air conditioning. We could see the Mosque that Endrians family attends from his front door. Here we were, a handful of Christians, serving this family while their Mosque offered no support other than a clear if not spooky call to prayer that could be heard multiple times a day. (kind of like the church bells that used to wring out from the Methodist church in my home town, just a little more eerie)
We were invited inside where we all sat on the floor and us Americans did what we do best in those situations, sweat. We were given a tour of the home, we saw all 3 rooms. They ran a little snack shop out of the front door of their house. We were told that they were able to set up this business that is the only source of income for their family from money that Kevin and Julie had sent for a Christmas present.
Sitting in a circle on the floor Kevin asked the family how he could pray for them. The 22 year old son (also living in the home) answered simply and succinctly: “Muslim”. Our translator was uncomfortable with any questions that had anything to do with Jesus. If you know Kevin, you know that doesn’t necessarily stop him. He handled it like a pro. He and Julie were kind, caring, compassionate and an excellent example of Jesus to them.
The law in Indonesia states that someone of one religion is not allowed to teach someone of another religion. On your government ID you check a box next to your religion. I’m not 100% but I think the options are Islam, Hindu, Christian, Buddhism, and Catholicism Almost 90% of the worlds 4th largest nation check the box marked Islam. (When I asked our host what box would you check if you’re Jewish, her response was “well, um, you don’t”.)
The only way that this law can be subverted is if the person being taught or their legal guardian signs a legal document stating that it’s OK. This is taken very seriously, and as I write this I know of a couple of Sunday school teachers sitting in a Jakarta prison for violating this law.
As is often the case with the Lord, an obstacle turns into an opportunity. Local churches provide supplemental education, medical services, and much needed food for children. The Church, the bride of Christ, is alive and well in countries like Indonesia. The churches aren’t just a gathering place for a show on Sundays. They’re a real live service to the community. Organizations like Compassion International make possible the financial provisions to carry out this mission.
There are many Muslim families who sign the legal documents to allow for churches to teach their children. Many of them are coming to know Jesus and slowly but surely, so are their families. Endrian’s paperwork at the church still has “Islam” checked by his religion. I personally think it’s just a check mark. Islam might be marked on the paper, but Jesus is marked on his heart.
God has His thumb on this boy and his whole family. His mosque, which is 100 yards away gives them nothing. However, God sent Kevin and Julie all the way around the world just to give him a hug. Don’t’ tell me that God doesn’t have a plan for him.
If we would’ve shown up with just gospel tracts and a bull horn and preached the gospel with just our voices, I’m not sure what kind of impact, if any, we would’ve had. I’m sure between the few of us we could’ve cooked up some skits or broke out the puppets. Instead we showed up preaching the gospel with our lives AND our mouths. We were part of the larger Body of Christ doing our part. Providing the muscles while these wonderful believers do the heavy lifting.
As we left, I saw something that showed we had made an impact. There was no altar call, no bowing heads closing eyes and raising hands. What I saw were tears. I saw tears in the mother’s eyes. I saw tears in the 22 year old sons eyes. I saw tears in the father’s eyes. And there, in the tears of a Muslim I saw the Holy Spirit at work.
He was drawing them, wooing them, calling them. The gospel is being taught to Endrian on a daily basis. We couldn’t win his family with a lecture, but look what we did with love.
Tomorrow night we’re back at Journey Church. 730pm. We’ll dive into Exodus 26. We’re looking at the tapestries that cover the tabernacle as well as the veil that was inside of it. As with everything in the tabernacle, it’s a picture of Jesus. A beautiful veil hung on wood. Ring any bells? I hope so. There are many many more bells to be rung in this chapter.
Blessings,
Darren
www.conduitmission.com remember that you can feed a child in Haiti for $15. Donate at the Conduit Mission site.
If you’re interested in sponsoring a child through Compassion International, please email me and I can point you in the right direction. If you already are, please don’t stop. I have seen first hand what God can do through this act of love.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Conduit Oct 11- The War On The One Who Is Terror
On the way to Memphis Sunday morning I had been listening to CNN on XM radio. The blow hard pundits for hire were out in force debating whether or not we should be sending more troops into Afghanistan. I was sleepy because I had to leave at 6am and the dunk’n donuts coffee hadn’t kicked in yet. One sure way to wake up is to hear someone who is completely loony tunes, who has never seen battle, make crazy statements that are based on something other than common sense. CNN does this very well for me.
I was going to visit a new friend who launched a church called Nations Church in Memphis, TN. www.nationsmemphis.tv This is one of those churches that I’m pretty sure God is really jazzed about. They’re not flashy. They meet in the fellowship hall of an old school church of God that as best I can tell is on life support. In fairness they did have candles and fabric draped tastefully from the ceiling and super arty looking painting depicting different values of the church.
But that wasn’t what made it so cool. Here in the protected, sheltered, white suburbs of Memphis, TN was a church that existed to bring Jesus to the Nations.
The pastor announced that there were 3 men that were going to Afghanistan. Based upon my radio experience this of course peaked my interest. It was my automatic assumption that these would be 3 of America’s finest military men heading over to serve our country in one of the armed service branches.
They were leaving in a few hours and we were going to pray for them. Imagine my surprise when 3 burly looking, quasi bearded, white dudes came to the front who looked nothing like army dudes. They weren’t going as soldiers. They were going as missionaries!
One of the very few things that resonated with me from the CNN show was a profile on a man named Greg Mortenson. Greg and his organization are building schools in Pakistan. Morteson says that educated women can serve as a firewall against extremists. He said that for a young man to pursue Jihad he has to get his mother’s blessing, if he doesn’t receive this, then it is a shame to him.
I had never heard this but that profound truth is something that resonated with me. To the best of my knowledge Greg isn’t a Christian and depends on education alone. What if we introduced Jesus into the mix? Who on earth would have the courage to go? What would a Christian mom say of her son going to Jihad?
Imagine what could happen if the message of Christ, of peace, of salvation was being brought to this war torn people with the same passion and precision that Greg Mortenson is delivering education. I saw 3 men today that weren't imagining it, they were doing it.
As I write this they are probably somewhere between Atlanta and Dubai. They’re going to be on a plane for 24 hours and then enter into this war torn region exhausted, anxious, and maybe even afraid. Paul would tell Timothy in 2 Timothy 2 that he should endure suffering like a good soldier, something that these men will clearly put into practice.
There is indeed a war going on in the Middle East, and it runs far deeper than our bunker busting bombs can reach. Paul told the Corinthians that our military technology is of no use in this war. He said that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but they are mighty. They are mighty to the pulling down of strong holds.
It’s above my pay grade to know exactly what the United States Military should be doing in Afghanistan. I am grateful that It is not my decision. As Paul commanded, I pray for my leaders in government. This is my duty and I do it gladly.
While I don't know what the Government should be doing it is dramatically clear what we as the Body of Christ should be doing. We need more troops on the ground. This is a nation that needs Christian’s who have the drive and courage of Greg Mortenson but the zeal and power of Christ like the apostle Paul
I was honored to see these 3 spiritual soldier’s heading to Afghanistan. They’re going to preach the gospel to the poor. They’re going to open the eyes of those that are blinded by the darkness. They’re going to release those that are oppressed. They’re going to be Jesus hands and feet in a battle that only He can win.
As I think about them. As I think about their wives and children and their tears that flowed while we prayed today, this exhortation from Paul comes to mind.
Ephesians 6:10-12 declares, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
You and I serve as a supply line in this battle. Conduit has sent over $100,000 to provide for the troops that are on the front lines. This is an important endeavor. People’s lives, their very eternity depends on it.
We have been on the front lines. We have one of our own, Victoria Ware, who is serving in the Dominican Republic in this army of God for the next 6 weeks. I’m proud to serve our commander beside you. And one day, the ground skirmishes will be over, when our King comes back and the war will be won. Amen.
I’m sorry to tell you that there is no Conduit tomorrow night. It’s a long story but I’m going to be enjoying a “strolling dinner” (not sure what that means) at a fundraiser for the Gospel Music Association. Believe me I’d much rather be hanging with you guys opening digging into the truth of Jesus in the Tabernacle. We’ll make it up next week.
Please spread the word.
Blessings,
Darren
I was going to visit a new friend who launched a church called Nations Church in Memphis, TN. www.nationsmemphis.tv This is one of those churches that I’m pretty sure God is really jazzed about. They’re not flashy. They meet in the fellowship hall of an old school church of God that as best I can tell is on life support. In fairness they did have candles and fabric draped tastefully from the ceiling and super arty looking painting depicting different values of the church.
But that wasn’t what made it so cool. Here in the protected, sheltered, white suburbs of Memphis, TN was a church that existed to bring Jesus to the Nations.
The pastor announced that there were 3 men that were going to Afghanistan. Based upon my radio experience this of course peaked my interest. It was my automatic assumption that these would be 3 of America’s finest military men heading over to serve our country in one of the armed service branches.
They were leaving in a few hours and we were going to pray for them. Imagine my surprise when 3 burly looking, quasi bearded, white dudes came to the front who looked nothing like army dudes. They weren’t going as soldiers. They were going as missionaries!
One of the very few things that resonated with me from the CNN show was a profile on a man named Greg Mortenson. Greg and his organization are building schools in Pakistan. Morteson says that educated women can serve as a firewall against extremists. He said that for a young man to pursue Jihad he has to get his mother’s blessing, if he doesn’t receive this, then it is a shame to him.
I had never heard this but that profound truth is something that resonated with me. To the best of my knowledge Greg isn’t a Christian and depends on education alone. What if we introduced Jesus into the mix? Who on earth would have the courage to go? What would a Christian mom say of her son going to Jihad?
Imagine what could happen if the message of Christ, of peace, of salvation was being brought to this war torn people with the same passion and precision that Greg Mortenson is delivering education. I saw 3 men today that weren't imagining it, they were doing it.
As I write this they are probably somewhere between Atlanta and Dubai. They’re going to be on a plane for 24 hours and then enter into this war torn region exhausted, anxious, and maybe even afraid. Paul would tell Timothy in 2 Timothy 2 that he should endure suffering like a good soldier, something that these men will clearly put into practice.
There is indeed a war going on in the Middle East, and it runs far deeper than our bunker busting bombs can reach. Paul told the Corinthians that our military technology is of no use in this war. He said that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but they are mighty. They are mighty to the pulling down of strong holds.
It’s above my pay grade to know exactly what the United States Military should be doing in Afghanistan. I am grateful that It is not my decision. As Paul commanded, I pray for my leaders in government. This is my duty and I do it gladly.
While I don't know what the Government should be doing it is dramatically clear what we as the Body of Christ should be doing. We need more troops on the ground. This is a nation that needs Christian’s who have the drive and courage of Greg Mortenson but the zeal and power of Christ like the apostle Paul
I was honored to see these 3 spiritual soldier’s heading to Afghanistan. They’re going to preach the gospel to the poor. They’re going to open the eyes of those that are blinded by the darkness. They’re going to release those that are oppressed. They’re going to be Jesus hands and feet in a battle that only He can win.
As I think about them. As I think about their wives and children and their tears that flowed while we prayed today, this exhortation from Paul comes to mind.
Ephesians 6:10-12 declares, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
You and I serve as a supply line in this battle. Conduit has sent over $100,000 to provide for the troops that are on the front lines. This is an important endeavor. People’s lives, their very eternity depends on it.
We have been on the front lines. We have one of our own, Victoria Ware, who is serving in the Dominican Republic in this army of God for the next 6 weeks. I’m proud to serve our commander beside you. And one day, the ground skirmishes will be over, when our King comes back and the war will be won. Amen.
I’m sorry to tell you that there is no Conduit tomorrow night. It’s a long story but I’m going to be enjoying a “strolling dinner” (not sure what that means) at a fundraiser for the Gospel Music Association. Believe me I’d much rather be hanging with you guys opening digging into the truth of Jesus in the Tabernacle. We’ll make it up next week.
Please spread the word.
Blessings,
Darren
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Conduit Oct 5- God's Building Program
Without fancy church building consultants, no faith commitment cards and no fund raising thermometer on the wall, Moses stood before the people of Israel and asked for their help in building the tabernacle. The first church building program in history was to construct something that was little more than a giant tent with a lot of gold inside. The type of tent that could’ve been on MTV cribs, as long as they didn’t film the exterior.
Israel was sent out of Egypt with gold and silver given to them in the voluntary plundering that kicked off 40 years of exciting wilderness wandering. They would’ve been rolling deep in the exact laundry list of items that Moses was requesting. They thought they struck it rich. In reality they did, but it’s interesting to note that they were carrying the building supplies for the tabernacle.
What really struck me was how the people gave to this building project without any sort of pressure, guilt trip or power point presentation. Exodus 25:1 tells us they gave as their hearts prompted them to. This is a thought that Paul would echo in his letter to the Corinthians when he said that each man should give as he is able, as the Lord leads, with joy. (2 Cor 8,9)
We see throughout the Old Testament, taking care of His earthly house was of significant priority to God. He told Moses in Exodus 25 and many more times, to build this tabernacle to the exact specifications that He would give him. God would ordain Solomon to build a magnificent temple using the pile of wealth that David had set aside as provision. Centuries later God would go so far as to command Cyrus king of Persia to rebuild the temple. (a sort of spiritual outsourcing)
As we consider how important God’s earthly habitation was in the Old Testament, it begs the question: What does it mean to take care of God’s house today?
It’s really a misnomer to call our church buildings of today God’s house or the house of God. The New Testament tells us that we are each individually the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 6:19) That’s fancy spiritual speak for God dwelling in us individually. The metaphor goes further to suggest that collectively as the Body of Christ we make up a temple of the Holy Spirit. Each of us are the building blocks, or stones and Jesus Himself is the cornerstone. (Eph 4:19-21)
At the risk of stating the obvious, if we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, then taking care of our brothers and sisters in Christ is of paramount importance to God. If your temple, like mine, is doing great then congratulations.
That being said, perhaps it would do good for us to read to the words of Haggai.
Haggai 1: 4 "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"
5 Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. 6 You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."
7 This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. 8 Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD. 9 "You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house
Living in paneled, well maintained home while God’s house is in ruins. It’s a thought that gives me pause as I consider the efforts and energies put into architectural structures are being served so well, while tens of millions of spiritual temples lie in ruins.
I’ve heard it said that if every believer were to tithe that we could pay off the entire debt of every church in America and feed every hungry person in the world. I don’t’ know if that’s true, but I wonder if it would matter. I wonder if too many of the churches would build bigger buildings, incur larger debts and all the while the real temple of the Holy Spirit remains in ruins.
Paul commanded us in 1 Thess 5:11 to build each other up. I know there are spiritual connotations in a statement like that, but I wonder if there is a physical element as well. You can’t read something like 2 Cor 8 and 9 and not know that serving the Body of Christ that are poor and oppressed is important. Maybe building each other is a far reaching command.
Would you mind searching your heart as I search mine. I know that there are literally tens of millions of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are marginalized, starving, and/ or persecuted. There is a temple that lies in ruins, what would the Lord ask of us.
I want to state that I’m not opposed to having facilities for us to gather in as believer’s. I just wonder if our priorities are out of whack. I know our brothers and sisters in Haiti make due with excruciatingly less in their church facility. I’ll bet we could find some areas that we could simplify and refocus those resources.
When Nehemiah considered that his people were in “great trouble and disgrace” he wept. (Neh 1:3) His compassion quickly turned to action. I pray that God would break our hearts, and move us to action.
Hope you can join us Monday night at 730pm. We’ll be back at Journey Church.
Darren
GOD’S BUILDING PROGRAM- If God is speaking to you, and you’re looking for a place to direct resources to building God’s house, we’d be happy to be the Conduit for you. Whatever money you donate will go immediately into the hands of our brothers and sisters, the temples of God in Haiti, Africa and right here in Middle Tennessee. You can donate online at www.conduitmission.org
Parenthetically, I think that there is one progress thermometer that does exist in heaven. The gauge of progress is blood.
John wrote in Revelation 6 of a time of justice that was coming. Under the inspiration of the Spirit John wrote that he saw under the altar those that had been “slain because of the word of God and the testimony they maintained”.
They asked God how long must they wait for their blood to be avenged. They were told “just a little longer”. And then this provocative statement: “until the “number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed was completed”. The thermometer if you will, filled with blood, will one day reach it’s fullness. God said in Deut 32:35 “vengeance is mine”. Our God is a God of love and mercy and.. justice.
Israel was sent out of Egypt with gold and silver given to them in the voluntary plundering that kicked off 40 years of exciting wilderness wandering. They would’ve been rolling deep in the exact laundry list of items that Moses was requesting. They thought they struck it rich. In reality they did, but it’s interesting to note that they were carrying the building supplies for the tabernacle.
What really struck me was how the people gave to this building project without any sort of pressure, guilt trip or power point presentation. Exodus 25:1 tells us they gave as their hearts prompted them to. This is a thought that Paul would echo in his letter to the Corinthians when he said that each man should give as he is able, as the Lord leads, with joy. (2 Cor 8,9)
We see throughout the Old Testament, taking care of His earthly house was of significant priority to God. He told Moses in Exodus 25 and many more times, to build this tabernacle to the exact specifications that He would give him. God would ordain Solomon to build a magnificent temple using the pile of wealth that David had set aside as provision. Centuries later God would go so far as to command Cyrus king of Persia to rebuild the temple. (a sort of spiritual outsourcing)
As we consider how important God’s earthly habitation was in the Old Testament, it begs the question: What does it mean to take care of God’s house today?
It’s really a misnomer to call our church buildings of today God’s house or the house of God. The New Testament tells us that we are each individually the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 6:19) That’s fancy spiritual speak for God dwelling in us individually. The metaphor goes further to suggest that collectively as the Body of Christ we make up a temple of the Holy Spirit. Each of us are the building blocks, or stones and Jesus Himself is the cornerstone. (Eph 4:19-21)
At the risk of stating the obvious, if we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, then taking care of our brothers and sisters in Christ is of paramount importance to God. If your temple, like mine, is doing great then congratulations.
That being said, perhaps it would do good for us to read to the words of Haggai.
Haggai 1: 4 "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"
5 Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. 6 You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."
7 This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. 8 Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD. 9 "You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house
Living in paneled, well maintained home while God’s house is in ruins. It’s a thought that gives me pause as I consider the efforts and energies put into architectural structures are being served so well, while tens of millions of spiritual temples lie in ruins.
I’ve heard it said that if every believer were to tithe that we could pay off the entire debt of every church in America and feed every hungry person in the world. I don’t’ know if that’s true, but I wonder if it would matter. I wonder if too many of the churches would build bigger buildings, incur larger debts and all the while the real temple of the Holy Spirit remains in ruins.
Paul commanded us in 1 Thess 5:11 to build each other up. I know there are spiritual connotations in a statement like that, but I wonder if there is a physical element as well. You can’t read something like 2 Cor 8 and 9 and not know that serving the Body of Christ that are poor and oppressed is important. Maybe building each other is a far reaching command.
Would you mind searching your heart as I search mine. I know that there are literally tens of millions of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are marginalized, starving, and/ or persecuted. There is a temple that lies in ruins, what would the Lord ask of us.
I want to state that I’m not opposed to having facilities for us to gather in as believer’s. I just wonder if our priorities are out of whack. I know our brothers and sisters in Haiti make due with excruciatingly less in their church facility. I’ll bet we could find some areas that we could simplify and refocus those resources.
When Nehemiah considered that his people were in “great trouble and disgrace” he wept. (Neh 1:3) His compassion quickly turned to action. I pray that God would break our hearts, and move us to action.
Hope you can join us Monday night at 730pm. We’ll be back at Journey Church.
Darren
GOD’S BUILDING PROGRAM- If God is speaking to you, and you’re looking for a place to direct resources to building God’s house, we’d be happy to be the Conduit for you. Whatever money you donate will go immediately into the hands of our brothers and sisters, the temples of God in Haiti, Africa and right here in Middle Tennessee. You can donate online at www.conduitmission.org
Parenthetically, I think that there is one progress thermometer that does exist in heaven. The gauge of progress is blood.
John wrote in Revelation 6 of a time of justice that was coming. Under the inspiration of the Spirit John wrote that he saw under the altar those that had been “slain because of the word of God and the testimony they maintained”.
They asked God how long must they wait for their blood to be avenged. They were told “just a little longer”. And then this provocative statement: “until the “number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed was completed”. The thermometer if you will, filled with blood, will one day reach it’s fullness. God said in Deut 32:35 “vengeance is mine”. Our God is a God of love and mercy and.. justice.
2 Years of Conduit in One Video/ Song
When you look into the eyes of the people from Africa, Haiti, and Indonesia you see a resilience. You can see what faith can do.
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