I remember well our days of missionary training in our home church. We were blessed to be in a missions-minded church that took missionary preparation seriously. It included a series of classes and practicums over a year. We never intended to go further than the initial class. But God had more in mind. As much as we were focused on our own spiritual development, God was doing things 9,000 miles away that would directly involve us. He was Moving…in a valley of forsaken slums.
Of course, we knew none of that. We suspected none of that. We never would have wanted anything like that. We were busy and content with the ministry opportunities we had in South Florida. But as we casually progressed through the Missions classes, something unexpected happened. Our understanding and heart for God’s work began to expand beyond our church walls, and then beyond our borders. Looking back, we can see the progression of our calling so clearly and orderly. But at the time, it was startling, chaotic and even disconcerting. Eventually what was obvious to our spiritual mentors, became clarion and clear to us. God was calling us to the foreign mission field. That was the first huge step. The next was even more intimidating: Where to go?!
We did what most potential missionaries do: we asked anyone and everyone who had any missions experience. “How did you know ‘Where’ to go?” The answers were as varied as the people we asked. Some talked about lifelong links to specific countries or regions. Others received a specific burden through prayer. Many gave witness to unusual circumstances that brought “Where” into focus. Some were directed by their mission agency. And a few knew from their youth that they were called to a specific people or land.
We listened. We prayed. And we asked some more. Just when it seemed we’d never get clarity, a seasoned missionary said something profound that has never left me…
“Go Where God is Moving.”
That wasn’t the answer I was looking for. But it was the answer I needed to hear. God knows “Where” He is working. And “Where” He is pouring out His Spirit, His Mercies, His Saving Grace. It is not everywhere, all at once, and all the same. Quite the contrary. God is everywhere, but He is not “Moving” everywhere. In fact, He tells us that His Spirit “has left” various places and peoples at points.
The Holy Spirit is oftentimes “Moving” in Places we are not expecting. At Times we consider most peculiar. Amongst People we have never met. In Ways we never imagined.
It is not for us to obsess on “Where” God has called us. It is ours to be available to go “Wherever” He chooses. We are to seek Him and His Will in sincerity and truth. Not with fickle or frivolous intentions.
I suddenly realized that I needed to seek God’s direction with an unrestricted heart…open eyes and open hands. To allow Him to show me “Where” He was “Moving”. And then allow me to be Moved by Him. Literally. Trusting He only has good intentions for me…and those he would have me serve.
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose Heart is Loyal to Him.”
And so here we are in 2023, in the midst of our 22nd year of Ministry in East Africa. Now the questions come from prospective missionaries to us: “How did you know it was Kenya?” (We didn’t…until the very end.) “You must have a real heart for Africa!” (We don’t. We have a heart for God.) “You must love being a missionary.” (We don’t. But we know we are doing His Will. And that part we thoroughly enjoy.) “How long will you continue ministering in Africa?” (We have no idea. But not one day longer or shorter than He directs us.)
These are not flippant answers. They are wrought out of moments of despair, anguish, uncertainty and failures of colossal proportions over many years. It’s so clear and focused now because we can look back upon it. Upon His Faithfulness showered on us year in and year out. Upon us, the Ministry and the people “Where” He moved us. And “Where” He is still Moving. With no signs of letting up.
Our greatest hope when we began the Bible Schools was to eventually have 25 Pastors and Ministry Leaders enrolled. Little did we know how powerfully God was Moving in the slums of Nairobi. The first day we opened 110 Pastors and Ministry Leaders enrolled. We were amazed…and utterly overwhelmed. We thought that was too much to handle. And it was for us. But not for God. He sent more! The number steadily expanded to 225 Pastors & Ministry Leaders on a regular basis for many years. Again, well beyond our capabilities and comfort zone. Regardless, God kept Moving amongst us.
Last year enrollment suddenly exploded to nearly 350…across 4 campuses, in two countries (Kenya & Tanzania). All by word of mouth. We do no promoting, advertising or campaigns. This year we are well beyond 360 and wondering what to do next. To give you a sense of how overwhelming this is, consider the Cover picture. That is just one class at one campus. We have 3 additional locations!
We know this much. The Holy Spirit is doing this. He has breathed His breath of life into the slum communities, and the Pastors of the Least. This is “Where God is Moving”.
Which brings us back to the ground level questions: Why Marcia and me? Why East Africa? Why the slum Pastors of the Least? Why at this time? Any answers are just conjecture at best. Our duty is to be ready and open to go Wherever God is Moving… and then jump in. Without conditions, without objections, parameters or preferences.
Here’s what you can count on: it will be challenging, daunting, overwhelming and outside your comfort zone. You will be disillusioned, discouraged and disoriented at times. And the Enemy of our souls will be sure to meet you at ground zero.
Satan is traversing “to and fro” seeking “Where God is Moving”…
“And the LORD said to Satan, ‘From where do you come?’ So Satan answered the LORD and said, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.’“
Wherever we encounter Satan, his minions and his opposition, we should not be alarmed. We should be encouraged. Because we then know we are EXACTLY Where God is Moving. Satan does not waste his precious little time fighting unbelievers. Fighting the unsaved. Fighting carnal, unrighteous, lost people. They are already under his sway. Rather, he targets the Church…God’s People…God’s Purposes…Wherever God is Moving. What are we to do? First, don’t pick your battlefield. Let your Commander do that. Then it’s quite straightforward and simple…
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, Steadfast in the Faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
We are not to fight. The battle is the Lord’s. We are called to Resist. Resist the temptation to fear. Resist the temptation to fight back in our flesh. Resist the temptation to flee the field of battle. God will do the fighting, if we remain Steadfast in our Faith in Him. Consider the battle the very Confirmation of your Calling and Destination.
Then watch
God Move…the very Mountains.
