Hey Friends!
If you know me at all, you probably know that I can’t help but type this blog with tears in my eyes…the truth is, I feel so humbled and undeserving of all that He has done and continues to do here in Africa. I am definitely having a hard time expressing all that this trip, and this team, has changed in my life.
Honestly, the best picture of how I see this team changing is probably when I think about the response time at the end of the last 5 meetings we had in different villages in Kara and the bush.
We had one person respond at the end of each meeting.
One person.
All alone.
In most cases, in front of their entire village that is largely unreached by the Gospel.
One person!
And as I sit and think about that, about the one person that God called by name, that He chose for something so big, I am completely overwhelmed at HIS plan and HIS vision for this trip.
It seems like something the team continues to dive deeper into each day – that He is for us, as individuals. He knows exactly what we need. He knows what makes us come alive and what makes us hurt. He knows our joys and our sorrows. He made us and has a specific process for each of us.
He knows our name. Our story. And He cares in a way so specific to us that I continue, even now, to sit here absolutely overwhelmed at who Christ is…and all that He does…
These meetings have honestly been a perfect picture of Christ’s pursual – He is willing to go through whatever it takes – to have people travel thousands of miles and put on a big production- just for us. Because we’re worth it. He just wants our hearts.
From a “numbers” point-of-view, it seems like the team would be disappointed – maybe hoping for a bigger turnout or more emotional payoff at the end of a long, hard day, but the joy and love that flows from this team continues to wreck my view of ministry/ missions/life.
They challenge me everyday to just live – doesn’t always mean an emotional high or big production, it just means that they…that we… are trusting in new, deeper, and more beautiful ways than I ever expected.
As the trip comes to a close, and I sit outside under the stars listening to the sounds of a busy city, I know that this trip has produced fruit that lasts – both in Togo and in America.
For me, the only words that I seem to be able to type are “Take it all, Take it all – Just give me Jesus…” That is truly my heart and I can confidently say that I see the team living this. Everyday.
We need Him. To come wreck our lives… over and over and over again. He’s not finished. The work isn’t done, but I know that His plans and His timing are perfect and so specifically beautiful.
Sarah Faye shared 1 Kings 19:11-12 during our team devotion that still feels pretty perfect right now…
Then he was told, “Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by.” A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn’t to be found in the wind. And after the wind, an earthquake, but God wasn’t in the earthquake; and after the earthquake, fire, but God wasn’t in the fire; and after the fire… a gentle and quiet whisper…
In a hurting world, we have seen healing – true, lasting healing – and I know there is more in store.
We love you all so much and can’t thank you enough for your prayers and encouragement.
See you all so soon 
smiles and huge hugs,
Sara Lee
July 22, 2009 at 5:16 pm |
I have missed hearing from yall soo much and it is great to hear about the rest you are receiving to rest. Rest is ballin. Cant wait to see you all back her!
Praying for safe travel!
Will Butler
July 22, 2009 at 6:21 pm |
Kendall and the Awesome A-Team,
Thanks for sharing your heart, Kendall!!! True revelation! Praying for each of you to keep processing!
He IS the God of the detail! Every small pedal, tiny grasshopper’s antenna, the blue bird’s feathers, the snail’s shell, our eye color, our eye lashes, that none of us are exactly alike! He is so intimate with us, I appreciate the work that Almighty God went through to orchestrate someONE’s salvation!!! God is amazing! Amazing! It is like my husband, John said in his post: you are the answer to someone’s prayer!
I pray God’s love and His very breath breathe over you all as you rest again tonight before you start on your long trip back to us! In my devotions today I read in the book of Zephaniah. God speaks of the judgment on Judah and neighboring countries, but speaks to the Jews to return back home! I read chapter 3 and this is interesting: in verse17 He states: “The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Did you get that? HE SINGS OVER YOU ALL!!!!! Pretty amazing! We sing to Him and He sings back over us!!!
I love God’s Word! It is so alive and amazing! Thanks for sharing Sarah Faye’s devotional. That speaks volumes to me, because I have a tendency to think God only speaks in the disasters or the REALLY BIG THINGS!!! But to remember He speaks in the gentle, quiet whisper is amazing-like you said, He is so personal!
Oh, my, we have much to listen to you sharing with us!!! We are excited to hear it ALL!!!! I think I can speak for every family member and close friends in saying: WE ARE SO LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR FACES IN LESS THAN 48 HOURS!!!!! In fact it will be about 44 or 45 hours!!!
Ok, thanks again for putting up another post! we love it!
Have a great sleep and rest and we will be tracking your every move as Keith is putting the link to watch your flights! Be safe and God speed!
love, Mama C
July 22, 2009 at 8:09 pm |
One
It was once written that “One is the loneliest number” (don’t expect the youngsters to recognize this song)
I think otherwise.
I think of the ONE person who came forward at the end of your meeting and how opposite of lonely he is now! There is no loneliness in THE ONE.
I also think back 6 years ago when ONE man simply met me where I was. He met with me ONE day a week for three years (sorry, I was a slow learner. One year would have been cool here huh?), until he was able to put my hand in the hand of the ONE who changed my life forever.
Ministering to the masses is awesome and can be a rush. But ONE is all it takes. I pray that God puts that ONE person back home on each of your hearts. ONE classmate, ONE co-worker, ONE neighbor….just ONE. And I pray that you meet that ONE person where they are and just love on them and walk with them until they ask you for the “reason for the hope that you have”. Then you can share the ONE that changed your life.
ONE MORE DAY!! (Now that is ONE I cannot wait for!)
Love you all and cannot wait to hear all that THE ONE has done in and through you.
-Mango
[Renee – you may have a bunch of missed calls from me on your cell. Just had to hear your voice. I also called, as I always do, each time I was on an airplane ready to take off. I love you and cannot wait for some “us time”. I love you.
July 22, 2009 at 9:11 pm |
OK, K, you made your mama cry. That is not very nice. I found myself wondering what God would do with those ones. We see one. God pursued one, but oh his multiplication! It reminds me of the scripture that says that through one man sin entered the world-Adam, but through one man… how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! May God overflow and multiply the ones more than we can ever imagine. As for this ONE, Ihave been changed through beholding God’s glory through this trip. K, your fam can’t wait for you to be home…especially Petey.
July 22, 2009 at 9:15 pm |
Togo team, smiles and huge hugs right back at you! It brings me great joy to read about how God has impacted each of your lives just through other people you meet in Africa, the experiences, and your team. All of you are forever changed. Each of you met someone whose life was changed forever because of you, and these past 3 weeks those people changed your life forever. It was a fair exchange. You are truly wrecked for living any other way. God has blessed you with that. Congratulations team! You survived Africa! You survived being around the same people 24/7 for 3 weeks! You defeated satan! You punched him in the face! You surrendered to God! You gave Him ALL the Glory! You brought many people, even if it was just one in every meeting, into His kingdom!
On BLVD a very smart and wise person(cough*Sara Joy*cough!!) asked me, after a long day doing picnic in the park, this question,”What if only one person came to Jesus. What if just one person came and watched us and was truly changed. Just one person. Would you be happy?” At first I was like, “No. No I wouldn’t be happy.” But then I started to think. Would I be happy if just one person came to our meeting and came to Christ? Yeah I would be. One person is better than no one. Just with one person we furthered God’s kingdom. Do you know what one person can do? That person will share the Glory of the Lord with other people, his family, his friends, people he runs into who need to hear the Truth. That will further His kingdom even more. I was watching Sister Sister today and they said something that I loved and that made me think of you guys. They said, “It’s about what you put into doing something, not what you get out of it.” And I know that’s kind of what Kendall said yesturday but that really stuck to me and made me think. It’s about what you put into each meeting. It’s about how much you love on people and share about God’s love for them. It’s not about the outcome, even though that may seem important, it’s not. When Jesus when out and ministered to people, He gave it everything He had. He put His heart and soul into everything He did, everyone He talked to. Everyday He did that. He never worried about what He was getting out of it. If He went a whole day of ministering to people non-stop and out of that whole day, only one person responded, He would be happy! He would be flabbergasted! Would you? I want to leave you guys with that thought.
I love you all so dearly and can’t wait to actually “hear” all the stories and about how God changed you. Praying constantly.
July 22, 2009 at 11:26 pm |
If each one reaches one…came to my mind when I read Kendall’s last post. And who knows what will come of all the seeds you have planted both in Africa and here through this blog. Remember the parable of the mustard seed – what you have planted is alive and growing and will continue to grow long after you have returned home. Connor, I can hardly wait to see you on Friday!!! Your momma is sooooooooo proud of you! I love you sweetie and look forward to hearing about the journey you have taken these past three weeks. My prayers are with you all for rest, comfort and safe travel.
July 23, 2009 at 8:42 am |
Praying for traveling mercies for you all. The blog has been such an encouragement and an exhortation. This last entry, Kendall, is profound in thought and words. Looking forward to hearing you guys share. – Meri Cain
July 23, 2009 at 5:08 pm |
Team,
In one hour you will be on the plane heading to London. Togo will be out the window of the airplane and I am certain you will feel a little sadness. Even Paul felt sad when he left the cities he visited. I pray for your safety and comfort in knowing that the memories you made in Togo will be with you forever. The jewels on your crowns will be spectacular!
I pray you are all able to sleep on this flight and/or on your flight home to ATL.
I pray for continued team unity. Satan would love nothing more than to divide the team on the final days. Stand firm. Lift each other up and do not allow any lies to penetrate your armor.
God speed. I’ll be tracking your flight every minute:
http://www.flightstats.com/go/FlightStatus/flightStatusByFlight.do?airline=%28AF%29+Air+France&flightNumber=849&departureDate=2009-07-23&x=31&y=8
Love you!
-Mango
July 23, 2009 at 5:33 pm |
We are praying RIGHT NOW for clear weather, smooth take off, for efficient equipment and proficient pilot and co-pilot as you leave the ground in Lome, Togo and land smoothly, safely and carefully in the city of Paris, France. Then to change flights and come to us on the morrow!
Blessings, you are in our thoughts and prayers!
Love to all,
Lydia
PS If you get internet connection and the time, please tell us of your safe landing in Paris! thanks!
July 23, 2009 at 5:35 pm |
PS-Thanks, Mango-Man for the flight tracker info!
blessings, Mama C