Telling the story of Bartimaeus

Children are running and playing in a small lot in front of their school.  When I enter through the gate they stop what they are doing and run to meet me.  Their little dirty hands reach out to shake my hand or give me a high five.  They walk along beside me as we enter a small school room where we cram in about 50 children.  We sing two songs and then I welcome them to our time of learning about Jesus.  I asked the children to close their eyes real tight while I counted to 10.  They opened their eyes and I asked them what they saw, some said nothing and others said darkness. I asked them to imagine what it would be like to live in darkness all the time.  Today’s story was about Bartimaeus and he was blind. He sat by the roadside begging for money from the busy people who hurried in and out of Jericho during the day.  Then one day he heard excited voices and the sound of many feet.  He knew it was a big group.  Bartimaeus asked those close by what was going on and they told him that Jesus was coming to Jericho.  Bartimaeus was so excited because he had heard about Jesus and knew that he had healed people before.  He knew if he could get to Jesus then he would be healed from living in darkness.  He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”  The people around him became angry and told him to be quiet but Bartimaeus paid no attention to them and kept shouting.  When Jesus heard Bartimaeus calling, He immediately stopped walking and asked the people to bring Bartimaeus to him.  Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted from him.  Of course, Bartimaeus said, “Lord, I want to see.”  Jesus said, “Receive your sight.  Your faith has healed you.”  All of a sudden, Bartimaeus could see!!  He began to praise God!  The Bible also says that the crowd was so excited for Bartimaeus that they also began to praise God.  It also tells us that from then on Bartimaeus followed Jesus.  Jesus had shown mercy to him by taking away his blindness and saving him from his sins.  

You and I are also born in the darkness of sin.  Living in sin is like being in darkness because you are apart from God and can’t find Him on your own.  We all deserve to be punished for our sins.  There is nothing we can do on our own to get rid of the sin in our lives.  Jesus is the only one who can save you from your sin.  God sent his son Jesus to die on a cross because of our sin.  Jesus is perfect and didn’t deserve to die but He willingly bled and died so that you could be forgiven when you believe in Him.  That is God’s mercy!  Three days after Jesus died He came alive again!  He is the promised Savior and He is the only one who can save you from the darkness of your sin.  If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, your sin still separates you from God.  God loves you and wants to save you.  If you will just admit you are a sinner, believe in Jesus, and confess your sins you can be saved from the punishment of your sin.  God will save you, not because of anything good you have done but because of His mercy.  Will you believe in Jesus today as the only one who can save you?  Stop living in darkness like a blind person and open your heart up to Jesus and accept His free gift of love and forgiveness.  

The Bible says that the crowd praised God along with Bartimaeus.  Join me in rejoicing over about 45 older kids who heard this same story a bit later and decided to repent of their sins and follow Jesus!

Another devotional from Kevin-Matthew 17-19

Matthew 17-19 CSB

Something of great significance took place on the mount of transfiguration. Many times we brush past this passage without realizing it was a turning point in the life of Jesus and in the course of His ministry. Up to this point the disciples had seen glimpses of His glory. They had seen miracles, they had heard His teaching and they were close to getting it. In just the chapter before, Peter had confessed that Jesus was the “Messiah, the Son of the living God,” but then had fallen into rebuking Him for talking about His impending death. Each time you think that they understand, then they would do or say something that lets you know… “yeah, they aren’t completely there.” Then comes Matthew 17.

You know the story, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on the mountain and He was “transfigured” before them. He literally shone like the sun and His clothes became as white as light. The veil of flesh was temporarily peeled back and the three disciples saw the glory within. Then, Moses and Elijah appear and they begin talking with Jesus. This is where it gets interesting because Peter comes up and (like only Peter can do) he has a plan for making things “better.” “Let me set up three shelters… one for you, one for Elijah and one for Moses.” (17:4) I have often thought that this was just Peter putting his foot in his mouth but I have come to realize that it was something more. Peter was putting Jesus on the same level with these other heroic prophets of days gone by. Then, a voice thunders from heaven and says, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” (17:5) I believe it is at this point that Peter really gets it. Jesus is not equal to those old testament Saints, He is their Lord. He is more than a prophet, He is God in the flesh. As important as Moses and Elijah were (are), Jesus is the one Peter needed to listen to; the one Peter needed to worship and he fell facedown and was terrified. Things change after this, there is a different tone in the book; Jesus commands more authority, the disciples are more reverent and in awe. Jesus is still Jesus; doing His ministry and fulfilling His father’s will, but that glimpse of His glory changed those guys on the mountain (and others who followed) in a deeply profound way.

When did you really get it? At what point did Jesus become more than just a bible character, a Sunday school story, a good man with good teaching? When did you really understand who He is in all of His glory and it forced you face down, into a relationship where you live like He is the loving master and God of the universe and you are the slave that exists only to serve Him? Some people hear about Him all their lives but they never see beneath the veil. That’s what it means to truly be Christian; He stops being a faraway character you read about and becomes an intimate, personal Lord who influences and permeates every decision, every thought and every area of your life.

Blessings in Christ,

Kevin W. Rodgers

The Sonde People of DRC

Please pray for the Sonde People of DRC.  These people are part of the 55 UUPG's which we are trying to reach in the next 5 years.

Sonde of Democratic Republic of the Congo 

The Sonde people live along the Kwenge River in Western DRC. Although most of the Sonde claim Roman Catholicism, they are very steeped in animism with a strong fear of evil spirits and fetishes. They are known for witchcraft and for casting spells on anyone who is a threat to them—including the perceived threat posed by Christian pastors and evangelists. There is no printed Bible portion available in their Kisonde language.

Pray:


· for the six Sonde Christian men and women who are currently putting stories from God’s Word into the Kisonde language. Ask for their protection and unity.

· for the Bible story clubs that have reached more than 15 people and are attended by 131 more.

· that many more Sonde will come to Christ through the bold proclamation of His Word by faithful followers of Christ.

“And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their book together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.” (Acts 19:17–20 ESV) 

 

The Fulakunda of Senegal

 The Fulakunda of Senegal are one of the 5 people group focuses for this month. Would you take time to pray for them today?

Fulakunda of Senegal 

The Fulakunda — a subgroup of the Fulani — are traditionally herdsmen throughout West and Central Africa who intermarried with another people group in southwestern Senegal. These nearly 2 million Fulakunda people are overwhelmingly Muslim, holding steadfast to their beliefs and traditions. The men will take up to four wives who are in charge of most of the household work and rearing of the children. The husbands are often traveling for work or to herd the livestock. Many times, the women’s consistent presence gives them the most influence in their family.

Pray:

· for Fulakunda women to discern truth from false teachings and to be the bringers of the gospel to their people through their influence.


· that God will allow all Fulakunda to understand the gospel through written Scripture or oral traditions and come to faith in Christ.


· that the Lord will make a way for Fulakunda believers to be discipled well and be bold witnesses and disciple makers.

“Jesus replied to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many.” (Matthew 24:4–5 CSB) 

The Jula People of Burkina Faso

 The Jula People of Burkina Faso are in the 55 UUPG's we are praying for this month.  Would you join us in praying for them?

Jula of Burkina Faso 

The Jula of Burkina Faso primarily live along the trade routes in the southwestern part of the country. The name dyula (Jula) means “itinerant trader,” and the 2 million Jula are respected for their trading abilities. They are one of the two largest ethnic groups in the country. To be Jula is to be Muslim. Islam is a part of their identity, and it is very difficult for them to separate faith and culture. Because of this, there are very few Jula believers. Their West African Islam does, however, have more tolerance toward diversity than other Islamic communities. Many Jula hold to animistic beliefs that are thinly veiled by Islam.

Pray

· for more workers to be sent to live and work among the Jula, and for the Lord would call out national believers from local churches to share the good news with their Jula neighbors.
· for existing teams that are living life alongside the Jula. Ask the Lord to open doors for deeper relationships and ministry.
· that the Lord would bring forth a triumphant Jula church for the glory of His name.

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ.” (Colossians 4:2–3a ESV)

The Chikunda People

Please join us in praying for the Chikunda People of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.  These are part of our prayer focus for the month of Feb.

The Chikunda People

The Chikunda came from different areas of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique to work on the Portuguese estates along the Zambezi Valley. They were slaves and worked as soldiers to protect the estates. Their name means “to conquer,” and they hunted ivory and slaves. Their Kunda language is a blend of the three countries they represent. Their youth are very interested in all things Western, and their traditions are rapidly dying out. There are two Baptist churches in Zambia, and in Zimbabwe at least 9 percent of the Chikunda are evangelical.


Pray
· that the Chikunda will look to their Maker with eyes of faith.

· that Chikunda believers will stand strong in their faith and not on traditions contrary to the gospel.

· that the Chikunda believers will make a clean break from animistic traditions.

“‘Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.’” (Isaiah 12:2 ESV)

Antesaka of Madagascar

Our leadership in Sub-Saharan Africa has chosen 55 UUPG's (Unreached and Unengaged People Groups) in our area of the world to reach in the next 5 years.  This year we want to make sure they we are praying for these 55 UUPG's.  Would you join us in praying for these people to come to know Jesus.  Throughout this month I will add another prayer focus.  Today please pray for the Antesaka of Madagascar.

Antesaka of Madagascar

The Antesaka people live along a remote stretch of the eastern coast of Madagascar. They originated from Indonesia and intermarried with others from the Middle East, South and East Asia, and Europe. Antesaka villages lay beyond the reach of Madagascar’s broken roads and riverbanks — travel by water or foot is required.
Although many among the Antesaka attend church regularly and consider themselves Christians, they are deeply influenced by traditional African religions and animism, as well as neo-Pentecostalism and the prosperity gospel. Most of them are living in darkness and under pressure to remain in ancestral worship.
Pray:
· for Christ’s light to shine among the Antesaka people so they will no longer walk in darkness but in the hope that comes through Jesus Christ.

· for the Spirit to work through local Christians and missionaries to reveal Christ clearly to the Antesaka people.

· that the Antesaka will hear the truth of God’s Word and will be compelled to abandon everything for Him and His name’s sake.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12 NIV)

Devotional

Kevin started writing a devotional several times per week.  Here is the one from today.  If you would like to receive this please write me at rodgerstribe@gmail.com

Genesis 20-23 CSB

“Then Abraham said to his young men, Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you.” 22:5

    Since moving to our new place of service in Africa, one of the greatest areas of struggle we have faced has been with worship. The music is really loud and painful, with PA systems that often leave my ears aching and ringing at the end of the day. We have realized that our former country was fairly unique in the giftedness of their singers and choirs. Here the singing is often off key, off beat and with a confusing rhythm that can leave you bewildered. Neo-Pentecostalism is infecting the churches and at times the sermons are theologically suspect and smack of the prosperity gospel. Then, to top it all off, this often happens in a language that we haven’t yet learned and with cultural cues that we don’t yet understand. Yet, in spite of our struggles with worship we are falling in love with these people. They have been so kind and welcoming and I am beginning to enjoy the fellowship, the friendships and the community. I can sense the Lord drawing me into them and joining my heart with theirs. Yet, while I love being with them, I do not always love worshiping with them; and that pains me deeply. It has caused me to ask some serious questions about myself, my own culture and my perspective on worship; perhaps I have missed an aspect of worship that our Western culture often overlooks.

     When I read the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22, I am struck by verse 5. Most people are familiar with this text, and we often remark on the significance of God testing Abraham or the foreshadowing of God’s own sacrifice of His Son for our sins. However, we often fail to recognize that this was an act of worship on Abraham’s part. In addition, when you read the writer of Hebrews’ commentary on this very event, (Heb. 11:17-19) you get a glimpse into Abraham’s thoughts as he climbed that mountain. He never expected God to stop him… he knew God would work things out but he truly thought he was going to have to sacrifice his own son… and he called it “Worship.” This tells me that worship is not about me, it’s about God and His glory. It’s not about my preferences, or where I am comfortable. It’s not about what I can get out of the worship or what I find enjoyable. It’s not even about what is most beneficial for my children. It’s about God’s glory… my obedience and my sacrifice; and sometimes that might be difficult and painful for me. Abraham walked stoically up that mountain, determined to worship the Lord with all of his heart, no matter what it cost him. I am sure he walked down that mountain, hand in hand with his son feeling the greatest joy and peace he had ever felt. The blessings came, but they were on the other side of great sacrifice and ultimate obedience.

     One thing this whole process has revealed to me is how “me” centered our Western worship is. We approach churches like a buffet and we pick the ones who have the best worship teams, the best preacher, the best location, the nicest gym, the prettiest carpet… you can fill in the blank. We join churches based on what they offer us. We rarely walk in and join churches based on the things that drove Abraham up that mountain; obedience, faith, sacrifice and God’s glory. Sometimes, the most God honoring thing you can do is worship where you are most uncomfortable, instead of where you enjoy going! Where we worship is not even about our kids. Growing up in Africa I wanted my kids to learn that church does not revolve around them. I wanted my children to see lived out before them that church is local, it is covenant community and it is vital… and it doesn’t always have to be fun. I am often amazed at the willingness of myself and my colleagues to leave home, leave all to serve Him, and willingly sacrifice to reach people with the Gospel Monday through Saturday, but then live as if the sacrifice ends on Sunday. I think each of us, even those who live in the West, should ask ourselves this question. When did Sunday stop being less about God and more about our needs and what we find most enjoyable? Let the example of Abraham drive you back to the real heart of worship.

Blessings in Christ,

Kevin W. Rodgers