As a youth pastor for the last 10 years there are many times
I have wondered if I am making a difference. I have often wondered if teens
were actually getting it or were my just words going into the air. I went
through this many times in America as I worked with youth and every time it
clicked I would go to my office with a little fist pump and say yes!
As we moved to a new country and
culture I began to wonder again are they getting it or will they ever? Plus on
top of it, I am learning a new language and wondering if I am even
communicating well or at all. We have preached, taught, demonstrated, and lived
it out, but many times I wondered if they understood anything at all? The
suffering and all we gave up, was it worth it?
In the sermon series I recently
did, we talked about God’s roles for marriage. We looked at the consequence of
sin, which we now fight against, and what it has done to marriage. We talked
about raising kids and discipling kids in a constructive way. A few people in
the congregation would nod their heads and agree but I was not sure if it was
clicking. Then God did what he has done so many times in my life, he gave me a
glimpse into the future. I walked over to our pastor’s house in the evening,
later than I usually would. As I walked up to the house I noticed a large group
of adults watching a war movie at a neighboring house. Then I looked at Djibi’s
house and it was that moment all over again when I say “Yes!” All his kids and
the neighbor kids are watching a Bible movie on the computer we had brought
back for him. We had recently brought these Creole Bible movies back from
Gambia. That is not even the best part! There was Djibi sitting inside his
living room next to his wife reading the Bible with her and discussing it with
her. I was overwhelmed with joy. He got it and was living it out! It was a
beautiful picture knowing his testimony. Before giving his life to the Lord, he
was filled with anger and hatred for everyone including his wife. The smiles on
their faces and the joy as they sat and studied together made these last two
years worth it. To top it off as if that was not enough, that coming Sunday
Karen and I sat in front of the church and let them ask questions. They asked
amazing questions about loving and staying with their unbelieving spouses, how
to discipline their children, as well as loving and not ignoring their children.
Their questions let us know they got it and were hungry for more. One church
leader ended this time with more of a statement then question. He said if we
live this way and treat our kids this way the village will pick on us and them.
I looked at him and said I know because it happens to our family and children.
We are living it with you and at times suffering it with you. I left with the
challenge is it worth it? You want a different life and better life for your
families and children, so you have to answer the question is it worth it? You
may not see the change today, but as you grow older you will see it in kids and
God willing, your grand-kids. Our Pastor says to this challenge amen and it is
worth it. I walked away from church that morning on top of the world. They got
it we had begun to accomplish what we came to do, it has been worth it. I do
not know what they will all choose to do, but I know we have faithfully taught
and lived it out and now it is up to them to apply it. All the trials, sicknesses,
rashes, heat, and frustration were worth it.
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| Answering questions about marriage and family |
We say we must consider the cost
to follow Christ and sometimes the cost is tough. Before we came to Africa I
had an idea of this, but as I have lived here the cost has become something
deeper. I understand much better what Paul wrote about many times. For us it
has been worth it and we would not trade any of it in for anything. I look
forward to the years to come and watching this church grow and apply what they
understand. I hope someday many years after our time here is done, that my
family will have a opportunity to return and see the 2nd and 3rd
generation Christians and they difference their parents sacrifice made. This
may never happen but it is a dream. I love these (Yes!) moments whether it was
a teen or young adult heading into the world sold out and willing to buck the
normal to follow God or a forty year old Africa man willing to buck his whole
culture to follow God. My prayer is we all will continue to consider the cost
and say yes to Christ no matter what the cost may mean. That is the most
important thing in life saying yes to our Father and Creator, nothing else
matters. If we can teach our children this like our friends in Catel, think of
the difference it will make for the kingdom. I strive everyday to be obedient (with
a joyful heart), to run the race God put in front of me, so that one day I may
also hear well done my good and faithful servant. If my children learn nothing
else from our time in West Africa, I pray it will be this one lesson that has
taken me some many years to learn.
Written by Mike
