Heaven's Gain

For to me, living means opportunities for Christ, and dying—well, that’s better yet!

Philippians 1:21 

The long rains have finally arrived.  Bushes that I thought had died are turning green. The dust that seemed to cover everything has been washed away, and even the dirt itself has come to life with worms and other insects. Farmers are breathing a sigh of relief, and families are celebrating God's provision in newly-filled water tanks, wells, and ponds.  Our THQ family is even celebrating the safe arrival of two perfect little babies.  This Territorial Mama could not be more pleased and more proud.

Madzuu Salvationists Carrying Water

But although we are rejoicing in new life, death is always nearby.  Last week, one of our corps treasurers was murdered.  The young son of an officer couple went to bed and never woke up.  On Sunday, a home league secretary was killed in an accident outside the corps compound after worship.  Five members of one Army family was hospitalized after eating poisoned rice, and while most recovered, one young boy did not.

A Typical Coffin Made in Kenya

I never did like that well-known quote:

Our Loss is Heaven's Gain. 

But for me, that phrase has taken on new meaning.  While we spend a great deal of our time using health charts, teaching disease prevention, and partnering with medical professionals, we are not here to be doctors. We are not here as police or security. We're here for heavenly purposes.

So I suppose it's true.  If we take every opportunity to point others to Christ and to the salvation He offers, our loss will always be Heaven's gain.  And when we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.

Armed with Weakness

He answered me, “I am all you need. I give you My loving favor.  My power works best in weak people.”  I am happy to be weak and have troubles
so I can have Christ’s power in me.
^{2 Corinthians 12:9b (NLV)} 

Last week I was escorted to Amalemba market to visit a few of the women in our Survivors program. These are women who have made their living as prostitutes, but with the encouragement of the Army, are now running small businesses instead.

I couldn't have been more proud.  One young girl showed me her business license as I stepped into the tiny wooden shack where she sells homemade chips (french fries). "Someday," she said, "I am going to have a dress shop."  Another woman sells fruits and vegetables, and yet another coal.  I was amazed, however, to discover that one has opened a hair salon, complete with electricity.  After she played with my mzungu hair for a few moments, she took us on a tour of the market, proudly announcing that she has been appointed as the manager.

A Truly Perfect Salon

Recently Ken and I visited a corps in the bush that is led by a lovely young couple.  They serve the people of a poor mountain community, which means that their corps hall, quarters, and kitchen are all made of cow dung and mud.  They are also unable to find school fees for their children.  In fact, they struggle to feed them.

Yet when we asked the young officer about his calling, he simply replied, "The Lord called me to sacrifice.  That is why I am here."  I guess it's not surprising that this couple is greatly loved, not only by the corps, but by the entire community.  It's also no surprise that souls are being won for Christ, and that the corps is growing by leaps and bounds. The hall won't be made of mud and dung for long!

The Corps Hall

We conduct an Officers Councils somewhere in the Territory approximately twice a month.  Recently we visited a district where, as usual, everyone came dressed in their best uniform.  But I'll never forget one young officer who sat proudly in the front row.  I couldn't take my eyes off her, and it wasn't because the insignia on her uniform had been stapled on, or that her shoes were so worn I wasn't sure how they stayed on her feet.  It was because she took notes with a fury.  It was as if she was determined not to miss a single element of the messages we shared that day.  I was captivated by her passion for the things of God.

I am reminded every day that I serve alongside some amazing people. Despite a range of difficult circumstances, they continue to live their lives with enthusiasm, passion, joy and commitment. Nothing gets in their way.

I now understand Fredrick Phillips when he said:

It is often hard to distinguish between the hard knocks in life and those of opportunity.
                   

Life is not easy here, and I could give you a long list of the reasons why it's just too hard. Armed with excuses, it would then be easy for me simply to go through the motions of daily life and ministry on autopilot.  But my experiences lately have served as a reminder that God didn't call me to serve in Kenya because of my strengths.  He called me here because of my weaknesses, because it's the weaknesses that amplify the power of Christ. My brokenness is the opening through which He can work.

So bring it on!