Mission Trip – Ethiopia

Plans for a mission’s team to go to Africa in May began early February this year at Victory Fellowship, the Church Dina and I call home. I was among the team to go. Khartoum, Malakal Sudan, and Nakuru Kenya, were our destinations. I was really excited because I am finally going to Sudan after being away for so many years. “I can finally see my siblings and parents after 11 years of separation” I thought. As we began the different stages of arrangements for the success of the trip, we felt the Lord saying, this is not the time for us to go to Sudan. The message was impressed heavily upon my heart and some team members as well.

Once the team felt the Lord’s leading, the trip to Sudan was canceled. We resolved to wait upon God for further directives. Not too long, towards the end of February, our team leader felt the team should go to Ethiopia instead, besides, the Church in Ethiopia among the Sudanese Refugees in Pignudo has not returned to Southern Sudan yet. Therefore, our mission would still be successful!

There was such a peace when I heard about the trip to Ethiopia. The team only had one month to plan, and fly out. Well, God worked his miracles! All four got their visas and plane tickets on time. What a mighty God we serve!

April 8th, 2011 at 1:00 PM, a friend, Makal Chan drove me to Kansas City International Airport after having kissed my wife goodbye. She had school and was not able to accompany me to the Air Port, but promised to be at the airport on my return. I knew this separation was going to be difficult for us both ; however, we too understood there are times we may be at two different mission fields. “Besides, I am only going away for two weeks,” I comforted myself.

Once in Kansas City, my flight flew first to Michigan then to Washington DC. Meeting my team there, we were up early Saturday, April 9th to take our 13 hour Ethiopian Airline flight. The trip was fun but also a learning experience. I am sure my reader is very interested to know what we did, and the role I played. Well, watch out for my next edition. A story called: “Practicing Allopathic Medicine under the Trees of Africa” will detail what I did while in Ethiopia. But in short, I did medical work, collected data for our orphanage, and facilitated an Ordination service.  I conclude this diary by saying we all returned home to our families safe praise be to Jesus, and sure enough, my wife was at Kansas City International Airport on Friday, April 22nd 11, to pick me up. Thanks to all who prayed for the success of the trip. May the Lord bless you immensely in Jesus name. “Amen!”.

Samaritan’s Purse

Jesus addressing his audience regarding the identity of their neighbor told them the story of a Good Samaritan who helped a Jew  beaten and left to die by robbers (Luke 10:25-37). According to the parable, a Priest and a Levite all came along the same road, but passed the man without rendering him any help. Though the Jews and Samaritans detest each other, Jesus told the parable showing the Samaritan to be better than the Jew. The Samaritan took it upon himself to help the beaten man… in other words; the Samaritan demonstrated the true meaning of a neighbor.

The Samaritan’s Purse International Relief is one among many other Christian Organizations carrying the mission of a true neighbor who cares. While still in South Sudan, I worked for Samaritan’s Purse at the Lui Hospital where thousands of people all over South Sudan came for treatment. I made many friends locally as well as internationally among the staffs of the hospital. People like Scott Hughett, Ken Isaacs, Beth Grayson, Philip Smith, and many others will continue to be remembered. I was so excited to see Samaritan’s Purse Bulletin Board in Gambella and the Pignudo Camp in Ethiopia. It not only reminded me of Lui South Sudan, but I knew immediately, the refuges are not only getting physical needs met, but their spiritual hunger is being satisfied too.

Thank you to all the partners, donors and well-wishers of Samaritan’s Purse. You are changing lives for God’s glory. Though some of you have not been to the places Samaritan’s Purse reaches, the Lord is using you to move many people from the kingdom of darkness into the marvelous light of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Third Anniversary

“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the ORD,” (Proverbs 18:22).

Time passes so fast that sometimes three years ago seems like yesterday. Dina and I began the walk of husband and wife Oct. 11th, 2008. Not knowing what tomorrow held for us, by faith, we ventured hand in hand to love, trust, encourage, strengthen, and help each other. In marriage, the spouses have responsibilities to love and cherish one another. Those who are married or have attended a wedding have heard that, marriage vows should not be taken lightly. For us Christians, Marriage transcends the love of a husband and a wife. Its significance is derived from and embedded in the plan of God in Christ and the Church.

As Dina and I walk this path, we have believed God for everything. We believe God for each other’s wellbeing, the courage to go on in the midst of challenges, and ability to influence our surrounding and society with the true meaning of a Christian Marriage. Over the years, Dina and I have been learning ways to touch each other’s heart.

Our friends in No Limits International Christian Center and the Rivers of Holy Spirit Church hosted and organized a special Anniversary for us in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was quite a joy to see people from the two churches come together to celebrate our anniversary Sunday Oct. 15th, 2011. Two weeks later, our Friends in Omaha who are part of Couples’ Fellowship also gave us the anniversary celebration party. Indeed, the past three years have been joyous for us. We also praise God for many of the people that stood against our wedding but are coming around.

Our third Anniversary came with a special surprise for us. Dina and I had the privilege to reveal the good news to our friends. The news is “We are pregnant!” Many of my African friends laughed when I made the announcement. Perhaps a background in the African culture will draw my reader to understand why the laughter is significant and must be included in this newsletter. In many cultures in Africa and especially South Sudan, a man never says ‘we are pregnant,’ because a man can never get pregnant. Culturally, I was supposed to say ‘my wife is pregnant.’ Well, regardless of what the African culture dictates, my wife and I are pregnant praise the Lord. Dina and I are very appreciative for all the messages and love notes we received for our third anniversary. God bless and keep you in Jesus name. Dina is a treasure and blessing from the Lord.

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies,” (Prov. 31:10).

Taste of Africa

Taste of Africa

Africa, the land in which I was born is a land so rich with all kinds of natural resources. North of the continent lies the great nation of Egypt, which has the historic accounts of Pharaohs as its rulers. As one heads south in Africa, geography instructs us, South Africa occupies the last piece of land before encountering the huge mass of water which many Africans prior to civilization believed to be the end of the world… the Indian Ocean. South Africa, unlike Egypt was ruled by kings prior to colonialism. Regardless of all the numerous cultures, customs, traditions, religions, peoples, tribes and even  natural resources, everywhere one goes in Africa, the voice of poverty is heard loud and clear. Growing up in South Sudan, I can still say Africa has a long way to go in development and getting rid of poverty. This story is excerpts of my experiences while visiting Ethiopia last April, 2011.

As our plane landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after about thirteen hours of direct flight, there was such a leap of joy in my heart. Finally, I am back in Africa after seven years of being away. Though it was not South Sudan, all the same, it is Africa. Getting off the plan, the weather felt more like San Diego, California. I thought, “Uh? This part of Africa is not as hot as Juba, South Sudan.” Going through the airport security formalities, we changed from the international to domestic terminal heading to Gambella. Upon Arrival to Gambella, the scenery changed completely. I could see trees and debris of burnt grass flying at the airport. Not knowing what to expect next, I picked up my hand bag and marched towards the exit. Putting my head out first, the African heat kissed my forehead eliciting the familiar feelings of the Sub Saharan heat. Not very long as I got off the plane, I began to profusely perspire. The Temperature in Gambella reminded me of the Juba heat.

Going through the procedures of acquaintances with the team that came to pick us at the airport, off we were taken to a United Nations’ compound which became our home for the next ten days. Monday morning was our first day to work among the Sudanese refugees in the Pignudo camp. The roads were very rough with so numerous potholes. For the subsequent eight days, we drove two hours to the camp and two hours back. Our mission was to register orphans whom we hope and pray to find support for. Our first day in the camp, Victory Fellowship Church congregation in Pignudo camp welcomed us (a team of four) and washed our feet even when water was very scarce. Though we were coming to serve them, they served us instead. That was a very humbling experience which cannot be forgotten. It reminded me of what Jesus did to his disciples. Though their Lord and God, he took the position of a servant and washed their feet and then asked them to do the same to others (John 13:1-17).|

Not to sound preachy here, but Christians need to do this regularly. In fact, jealousy has been provoked in me to serve at all times as opposed to waiting to be served. The first day ended after three hours of church service. This Church knows how to pray. Children as well as young adults several times during the service would be caught in praises, worship and prayers. Though the church did not have air conditioning, lighting, and comfortable seats, no one left the church until the service was ov

The same service was repeated on Sunday, April 17th, 2011, an Ordination Service, where Pastor Simon Dor was commissioned into the Ministry of the Lord. The church which seats about 500 people was packed on the ordination Sunday. Many people stood outside in the sun because there was no more space in the church building. Everyone prayed when it was time for prayers, no one waited for someone else to pray only to say “Amen” at the end as I observed in America. Everyone prayed! It sounded like bees in the bee hive. I praise God for raising praying churches around the world causing havoc to the kingdom of darkness and releasing the atmosphere of heaven to Earth. Our mission in Ethiopia was a success. We registered over 200 hundred orphans within two weeks. Contact Father’s House International for more information on sponsorship opportunities.

Miracles Still Exhists

As much as we, the church tried to push miracles out of some of our places of worship, the Lord creeps on us, changing situations, circumstances and conditions in a split of a second. People who were ruled out to die of cancer, HIV/AIDs and many other conditions, are instantly healed and restored to health and the society through prayers.

Conditions that are declared irreversible, through prayers were reversed. Though many people do not have the tenacity to call supernatural activities around us by its real name, “Miracles,” I assure you we are living at a time where miracles of various kinds will continue to be abundant.

Over the years after having being filled with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, with endowment of Power, I began to see signs and wonders that are spoken of in the scriptures. Jesus proclaimed that all who believe in him, will do all He did, and greater works shall they do (John 12:12-14). This is a prophetic declaration to the Church. You will operate in such signs and wonders the world is yet to see because you believe in Jesus.

Each time I listen and watch other men and women of God testifying of what the Lord is doing in and through them, I am challenged to rise higher than where I am. I know beyond the shadow of doubt there is more to God than all that I have seen thus far.

My first experience in the healing ministry was back in 1992 after coming to the Lord and being healed of headache first hand. One day at a Catholic Church in which I used to be an altar boy and crusades dancer, I prayed for a boy who came to church sick, and he was instantly healed! Unfortunately, the ministry weaned away due to human traditions and my double life. I did not continue to grow in the signs and wonders ministry. While in Cairo Egypt in 2001, I was confronted by the reality of the God who is love and can do any miracle if only I would believe Him. That experience changed my life and the way I relate to God.

Returning to Nairobi Kenya in September of the same year, my faith in answered prayers continued to grow stronger and stronger. Since then, I have witnessed miracles of many kinds to God be the glory. God can do anything, anytime, and anywhere!

When Jesus said to his disciples, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons: freely you have received, freely give,” in (Matt. 10:8). He actually meant exactly that! The Lord has given us all the power we need to accomplish the mission here on earth. It is my belief, wherever I am, people need to experience the reality of God and many times that includes getting a miracle in their physical bodies or supernaturally having a situation resolved. The testimonies of the miracles are being reserved for another Newsletter. Stay blessed and walk in the power of God in Jesus’ name. “Amen!”

The Persecuted Church

“Act of the Apostles,” a book in the Bible showed how particularly the Holy Spirit worked in and through the early Church. Miracles after miracles were reported as the gospel was preached. Everywhere the apostles went, the Lord proved himself mighty! Peter’s shadow healed the sick, aprons and scaffs were used to demonstrate the miracle working power of God in healing the sick, (Acts. 2:1-12; 4:29-31; 5:12-16; 8:5-8; 9:10-18 & 9:32-42). Many of the apostles were persecuted and killed.

As much as the power of God was tremendously demonstrated, persecution did not stop either. The apostles, one by one began to be killed. Most of them became martyrs, and with their blood, they showered the seed of revival. Legend has it that, Peter would not allow himself  be crucified just as his master, Jesus Christ was crucified. He rather asked to be crucified head down. Even in death, Peter recognized that victory is worn. Perhaps he understood what Paul meant when he said “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s,” (Rom. 14:8). Victory is assured to them that would not relinquish their faith in Jesus in the midst of persecution.

Paul, knowing his time to die was approaching, waited eagerly for the day he would meet his Lord and Master Jesus Christ. In fact, in his own words, Paul confidently said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,” (II Tim. 4:7). Persecution neither dwindled nor crippled the Church of God in the first century. The more the apostles were persecuted and killed, the faster the gospel spread.

Very few Christians in the developed nations and especially in the United States have understanding of persecution which still exists these days. Thanks to the voice of Martyrs, a nonprofit organization and many other bodies that are voicing the plight of the suffering Churches in other nations where Christians endure persecution and martyrdom. Sitting in a conference organized by the Voice of The Martyrs reminded me of those days when Islam was being forced on the people of South Sudan. Many students from South Sudan did not go to the universities because their names did not carry Islamic enunciations. No wonder now there are many people in South Sudan who carry names like Mohammed, Abdalla, Habib …e.t.c. to evade being singled out for oppression and persecution.

Persecution of Christians does not necessarily kill Christianity, but rather produces endurance and faith, paving way for many more people to come into the faith. I was so much encouraged by the faith of the Christians in the hostile nations. I believe the Church in the west has more to learn from the first century church and the believers who are persecuted even in our time.

We continue to pray for our brothers and sisters who are walking their faith even in the midst of trials, pains and death. Praise the Lord who gives us strength and love to peruse him wherever we are. Perhaps Paul’s words to the Church in Philippi should be used to conclude this article, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” (Phil. 1:21).  Keep praying for the persecuted Churches in the Middle East, Asian, and other nations of the world.

Open Heavens International Conference

Open heavens International Conference’s first annual was conducted August 13th – 15th 2010 at Victory Fellowship. Prior to the conference, the first week of June to be exact, Pastor Lonnie called from South Carolina and related some prophetic words regarding Victory Fellowship Church that he received while at Morning Star. Pastor Lonnie mentioned it would be good to host an international conference at Victory Fellowship Church. Shortly upon his return from Morning Star Fellowship, he shared the testimony of the prophetic word given him in regards to Victory Fellowship and the International dimension the Church was entering.

After the service in which Pastor Lonnie shared his testimony, a lady spoke to me and suggested it would be good for Victory Fellowship to host one of our conferences. Armed with two ‘same’ words from two individuals, I realized the Lord is saying a conference needs to be coordinated at Victory Fellowship Church. At this particular time, Hope Inspirational Ministries has just finished conducting “The Father’s Heart, Prayer Conference” in Kansas City, MO. During the prayer conference, I saw an increase in the manifest presence of God. We were drawn into prayer and everything about us begun to cry for more of God. There was such intensity to pray for the lost, revival and continual presence of God to inhabit the land.

Coming from a conference and organizing another conference would have been out of question since the previous conference depleted our resources. Nevertheless, the two signs I received and the increased presence of God in the previous “The Father’s Heart Conference,” was a whole mark for us to schedule and plan the First International Conference under the name of “Open Heavens.” During the initial planning process and prayers, pieces of puzzles began to come together. A very high expectation was deposited in our spirit as we waited for the conference day.

Several significant prophetic dreams were received regarding the conference. Armed with the assurance from the Lord, we became very bold as we speak to people about the conference. To begin with, I mentioned in many places that during the “Open Heavens’ Conference, there will be a literal experience of Open Heavens over the conference venue”. I spoke about ‘Gold Dust’ being released and ‘Angel Feathers falling during the conference. To many people, I was probably the craziest person ever to talk about stuff like that blatantly without any reservations. But I was not going to be silenced by people’s skepticism and doubt! My mind was made up, my faith strengthened by the Lord, my expectations raised and my hopes high, if no one wants to believe what I was hearing and saying will not negate the validity of its reality and manifestation during the conference.

Praise God for revelations that are released to enable and prepare us (Church) for what the Lord intended to do next or even what enemy (Satan) intends to do. Well, in the case of the ‘Open Heavens conference,’ the prophetic words indicated the Lord was going to show up and signs and wonders would be seen. Many people prayed earnestly for the fulfillment of the words received knowing that, just because the lord gave us prophetic words, He is not obligated to bring it to pass.

It did not take very long to figure out nineteen nations would be represented in the conference. Thanks to Victory Fellowship for the purchase of flags of the various nations represented at the conference and the Church. Victory Fellowship Church in my opinion is a very divers and multinational congregation of believers; no wonder Dina and I have been bonded with this spirit filled and propelled church!

Conference speakers were diverse too. Thanks to Apostle Larry Odoy of No-limit International Christian Center in Lincoln NE, Pastor Seth Buotenth, of Bethel Pentecostal Church, NY, Pastors Clotilde & Rafael Aristy of Iglesia Restauracion Con Poder , Jessica Davis of Awaken Ministries International and our thanks to Pastors Lonnie & Carolyn Parton of Victory Fellowship Church. The speakers hail from: Uganda, Ghana, The United States, Latin America and Sudan.

July 2011, marked out second Open Heaven’s International Conference. This time, we began the conference with a Round the Table Prophetic Ministry. Thanks to Pastor Slyvein and his wife all the way from Canada for leading “Round the Table Prophetic Ministry.” The third Anniversary is coming up at the end of July 2012.

We thank the various ministry teams: praises & worship teams, prophetic teams, the hospitality team, children’s ministry, and the prayer teams.  Each of the teams did a wonderful job and we are very thankful for them. The success of the conference rested on unity of the various teams. We had a good time with the Father in both conferences.

Submission? Head? Wow!

“Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord… the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior,” (Ephesians 5:22-23).

Paul’s instruction to women to submit to their husbands as mentioned in the above passage seems like the violation of women’s liberty, the instruction is rather archaic compared to the duties women undertake today. Women have come to various roles of leadership in the society as well as in the Church. They have successfully succeeded in various avenues of leadership capacity, to even suggest for them to submit to their husbands goes against everything they do in their respective leadership positions. Nonetheless, as a Christian woman, the idea of submitting to once husband is vital for strong and healthy relationship in the house. Few years ago, this scripture may not mean a lot to me, however, for the last three years, I have carried the passage in Ephesians 5 continually, asking God to teach me submissive to my husband.

 Being married to Rev. Moses is quite a blessing. It was my prayers to find a God fearing man who would treat me with dignity and respect. My prayer has finally been answered! Rev. Moses and I are happily married praise the Lord.  I am so blessed to have a loving husband, who adores me, and accepts me for who I am. I have seen kindness and service strength in Moses, his heart is after the “things of God.”

I truly have a best friend, brother, prayer partner and life mate. With utmost humility, Moses is a gift from God to me, but also to the countless out there who needed a healing hand, a saving hand, and a listening ear. As a spiritual leader, Moses has shown me the importance of listening to the voice of God – our family is being built upon the word of God praise the Lord.

 God showed us his unconditional love through Christ Jesus; it is my prayers to as well love my husband with that kind of unconditional love, a love that gives but does not expect to receive, a self-giving love. Finally, I encourage all the young ladies out there to wait upon the Lord in their search for a suitable partner. If only you would let God come in your privacy and order your footsteps, you will for sure experience the joy of being married to a God fearing man.

Dina W. Luka

The Joy of Marriage

“….He answered and said to them, have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female? And said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So then, they are no longer two but one flesh.’ Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matt. 19: 4-6, Mark 10:9).

Jesus refereed to Gen. 2:21-24 to demonstrate the originality of the union between a man and a woman. It is a preordained and a divine plan birthed in the Garden of Eden as Eve was hewed from Adam’s ribs to become Adam’s suitable partner. The book of proverbs eloquently deliberated on the fact that, he who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord (Proverbs 18:22). However, the question which sometimes bothers most is how can anyone know this or that person is the right one for a spouse?  Besides, life in this modernized and industrialized society where cultural changes are observed every day, it’s very easy to be on the wrong track regarding a choice of partner. As a Christian, this question lingered in my mind for a while, eventually I decided to throw it in the Lord’s lap.

I believed that if He (God) is able to bring Adam a spouse from Adam’s ribs, he could as well divinely bring a woman after his own heart for me to marry. Lots of Friends went out partying on weekends holding hands of their dates; and me? Sitting at home, speaking in a Church or a conference. Due to the fact that my live was not surrounded by women as is the normal and natural thing to do, a friend one time approached to find out if I was gay. I had always asked the Lord to show me whom to marry. It is not the kind of thing you pray today, and hear the Lord the following day. It was a long time of praying and waiting on the Lord. However, today my testimony would be “the waiting was worth it.”

Dina and I prayed for a while and finally decided to get married. We both felt being led this direction despite the tribal differences and the challenges thereof. Oct. 11th, 2008 marked our wedding celebration. It was a mixture of American and Sudanese cultures –the most important of all, was the joy of having all the Christian friends come to support us and pray with us. “We have come to celebrate our pains,” said Rev. Solomon Bandas, as he recalled all the different challenges and circumstances Dina and I faced to discourage us from getting married. Several people including Elder Joseph and his wife Mariam Ghaboush gave us words of encouragement to strengthen our new home.

Dina, a Christian herself has a heart for the developing nations and a desire to reach others with the love of God and the good news of salvation. It’s amazing how the lord connected us, two individuals from two different tribes and experiences with similar vision regarding helping other people – a quality nicely paired. How the lord brought us together is beyond the scope of this newsletter. Dina and I are all about being missionaries, giving to the poor, and becoming God’s moving hand on earth. I am truly blessed to have been married to Dina.

God in the Eyes of the Poor

Luke 6:20-23
“²⁰Looking at his disciples, he said:  ”Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. ²¹Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”

On April 8^th2008, many students from Creighton University had a memorable experience in Reggie Science building, room 120. Arriving ten minutes prior to the speech gave me a seat in the front row, my favorite place to site where I feel more interaction with the speaker and pay close attention just as I do in all my classes. Unlike many speakers, this guest speaker was amazing. His stories and life experiences were real occurrences which I was able to relate to very easily. If I had not come from South Sudan, a Theology course “Christology” I took the year before would have still equipped me to relate to the experiences of Fr. Gary Smith, a Jesuit who ministered among Sudanese refuges in Northern Uganda, namely Adjumani and Rhino camps. His speech reminded me of Luke 6:20-21 where Jesus laid preferential option for the “poor.”

Jesus’ words are echoed in so many writings including Jon Sobrino’s “Christ the Liberator theology.” According to Fr. Gary, the poor actually cracked him open and made him understand what the church is all about. Jon Sobrino states that unless we are really involved with the poor, finding Christ is going to be impossible because the kingdom of God is with the poor. Fr. Gary’s experiences not only challenged me, but gave me a platform to give more of myself to others just as Christ gave himself for the entire human race.

Three things of importance we need to understand from Jesus. He upholds the dignity of humans regardless of where they are at in life. This means, if he had to go low to dignify another person, with all joy he would do it. Parting heaven to come to earth is Jesus’ demonstration of his desire to dignify us by restoring our relationship with the Father. Several examples accompanied what he did to reserve the dignity of Adam’s descendants. For instance, the woman recorded in John 8:1-11 caught in adultery, was brought to Jesus for verdict, instead of sentencing her to be stoned to death as is the requirement of the law (Lev. 20:10). Jesus observed her for who she really is, a daughter of God who needs to be loved and protected from the spirit of death operating in the traditional and carnal system at the time. Jesus maintained the woman’s value as a human being, and declared; “neither will I accuse you nor will I condemn you.” The church in America needs to step up and start valuing the dignity of humanity. Yes, sinners may be very unorthodox in their way of life, but if we do not understand Jesus came for them, we can preach all we want in the church buildings, but with no or less impact in our localities.

The second item on Jesus’ list of importance I believe is the ministry of the presence of the heart for the poor. We need to know, understand, and uphold the fact that God is among the poor. No wonder churches in the developing world live in constant revival. They often tell stories of dead being raised, healings of HIV/AIDs and many other ailments. Why is this so? What makes the churches in those poor countries special? The answer is right before us; the churches among the poor are driven by “desperation” for God and his continual presence in the Land. Do not forget, the kingdom of God belongs to the poor (vs. 20). I remember those days in South Sudan when I have to believe God for my next meal and many other things. I was so desperate for HIM that I would cry for hours and hours to meet my needs. He has always come through! We need to find God in the poor as we provide shoulder for them to cry, hug those with broken hearts, smile with them that are rejoicing and hunger with the hungry (vs. 21). Being there for the poor enables us to celebrate their success and victories as the Lord comes through to meet their needs in a supernatural way.

The final of the three items I valued from the above scripture is best said among East Africans in Kiswahili, but I have heard many people quote the same. “I am because we are, and we are because I am.” Said another way, one person has a purpose and responsibility for the greater population as well as the greater population for the one person. We are present now because it is in the heart of God for us to find Him in the poor as we serve. For us to find the true kingdom of God we will have to abandon our comfort zones and embrace the poor and their world. I believe it is among the poor, the church in America needs to find its meaning! In the above passage, Jesus clearly spoke preferential option for the poor.

Living among the poor is a rewarding experience to many who took the initiative to follow through as their heart is stirred by the Lord to do so. I am sure Heidi Baker of the Iris Ministry in Mozambique will agree with me. I am not saying everyone is called to serve in slums of the world. On the contrary, I am saying you do not have to go to Africa, or Asia to find the poor; they are right behind your doors and in your neighborhood. Christians in America have reduced the concept of service to giving donations and perhaps serving soup in homeless shelters. At the end of the day they might have given the poor person food and some clothes possibly, but if you ask them who are the names of the people they served, or why are those people in homeless shelter? An honest answer you get would be, “I do not know.” Instead of serving soup and food in the plates for the poor, I would rather have the Christian after cooking the food in the shelter sit down and eat with homeless in the shelter. This is one way to maintain the dignity of humanity which I have been talking about all along. Sit with them, eat with them in the shelters, and talk with them! Yes, you may be persecuted for doing that, but you will also be amazed at how your life will change as you get deeper in the master’s heart through the world of the poor and the destitute.

Jesus found so much pleasure in helping the poor, a journey he introduced to us. We should never stopped learning from the people who have nothing, and yet have all – the savior, Jesus Christ. The joy and love of the poor is genuine and expressed on daily basis. Thanks to God for all the missionaries and relief workers in the developing nations, and especially in Africa. Through them, many lives will continue to be touched, blessed and changed for better… Yes, for the Glory of God.

May you view the poor with the eyes of the master in Jesus name! “Amen!”