I’m HOME!

But where is home really?  

It seems interesting that last year I went on the world race and my squad called ourselves the sojourners. This Hebrew term and its translation convey the basic idea that a person (or group) is residing, either temporarily or permanently, in a community and place that is not primarily their own and is dependent on the “good-will” of that community for their continued existence. (Oxford Biblical Studies).  We literally went from country to country and were dependent upon the hosts where we were assigned.  We also lived off the mottos: Livin’ What We Believe; and Life is Ministry, Ministry is Life. 

As I’ve spent another year away from home, I again had to rely on the “good will” of my community around me.  Some days were easier than others, but I’m thankful for every day of life, breath in my lungs, and an ability to share God’s love. I was living out what I believed, and when days didn’t seem to have assigned ministry, I found ministry—because we can always minister to someone!

During my time this year in Africa, I’ve also realized God has a unique calling on my life.  I fully believe God has called me to more years of ministry in Africa (and who knows where else in the future).  For my friends and family at home, this news probably won’t come as a surprise.  It also shouldn’t surprise you that I’m planning to go back to Africa around mid March/beginning of April!

God and I have been wrestling over a lot of different things the past few months.  One of them being–where do I belong?  I love my family, but I love serving in Africa.  God calls us to pick up our cross and follow Him.  Sometimes, that means leaving your family for months on end to be obedient to God’s call on your life. ²⁴ Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ²⁵ For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. ²⁶ For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Matt 16:24-26  I can tell you one thing…I’m thriving when following God’s command on my life. 

The second thing I was wrestling with God with has been how He’s created me.  God has created me uniquely in that I’m this type of “free spirit”.  No, I’m not a hippie.  But, I’ve had several people tell me that I have this ability to mesh with people wherever I am placed.  It’s for sure a God thing and a GOOD thing.  I believe this year Kenya was a true testament about this ability.  15 different houses in 45 days… cities, villages, family homes… street lights, stars, bed bugs… but relationship after relationship after relationship built.  It wasn’t always easy, but I wouldn’t change it for a minute (well…maybe we could have cut out the bed bugs…!)

All of this is just a reminder that this “home” on earth is not our final destination.  If you have accepted Christ as your savior, we have the hope of an even greater HOME.  Our ETERNAL HOME.  But, as we walk out our lives on earth, let’s make the most of it.  In our backyards. In our neighborhoods.  Across the world.  Let’s shine like the lights we were meant to be wherever our feet may go and wherever our heads may rest at night.  Because this world is not our home…let’s spread life, light, and build kingdom. 

To God be the Glory!