A memory from the Sahara

I spent two weeks this March in the Sahara. While there, the native people were most hospitable and seemingly treated us like royalty. One evening, after being shown a new town by the city planner, we went upstairs with a group of 15-20 men. It was a gorgeous night, and they had milk and dates ready for us. Seating was on couch/benches along three of the walls. My teammate A. entered first and was invited to sit in the center of the middle wall. He didn't realize, but this was the most important place. There was a pitcher of milk in front of him, and tables in front of the benches for glasses. We were told that the seat he took is reserved for the one who serves. So, A. served the milk, and then disavowed the honor and moved to a lower place. B.Y. explained a saying, that the one who serves will soon be the boss. I then quoted Jesus, "If anyone wants to be greatest, he must be the servant of all." The city planner presented us with gifts, a palm carving and a framed photo of the entrance to the new city. The men all lined up for the fifth prayer, compromising between facing Mecca and trying to fit everyone in the room. As always, they start right on time. They always seemed afraid of missing the time of prayer, even by a short time. A. and I stayed in the back and prayed during their prayer. I prayed for the men in the room, but also for Sara and my parents. They gave us the guestbook to sign before we left. I expressed our thanks, and said that we observed many good things here, and that all these good things were also taught by Jesus. I prayed for their blessing, that they would grow in the knowledge of God. A few of the men took the book when I was done, and seemed very pleased as they read it. I had signed on the next available space, on the same page as the last entry by a prince from Saudi Arabia.

It was somehow both ironic and appropriate to share a page with an Arabian prince. That country has done about all a nation can to supress faith in Christ and prohibit the Word of God from spreading--and here I was, writing about Jesus on his page of the guestbook. It was appropriate in that I am, despite my shortcomings, a true prince in THE kingdom that shall never end. All men who have been adopted into God's family are. We are joint-heirs with Christ, after all. What I wrote about the good things in their society being taught by Jesus was most certainly true. I remember one conversation in which the men there told us sayings from their society that covered pretty much the whole book of James. Things about humility, things about the tongue, things about putting your faith into practice, things about being at odds with the world-system, things about seeking wisdom. Many sayings also echoed Jesus' teaching in Matthew, especially the sermon on the mount. These are all GOOD things. There's no denying that. But it was obvious during our time that the people followed their customs in fear. They proclaimed a love for God, and were very diligent in following what they believed he wanted from them--but alas--they do not know Him. His sacrificial love is not revealed or accepted in their religion. And the assurance of forgiveness is absolutely absent. And they will not know Him, unless they hear the Word of Truth by those whom God sends. Pray the Lord of the Harvest to send send workers into His harvest in the Sahara. The fields are white and ready.

Looking for job.

I would love to be using my Davidic gifts more, so I created a website for my resume. If any one out there knows of a church near Dallas looking for a worship pastor, or knows of a venue looking for songwriter/musicians--let me know!

http://stranger7x.freewebspace.com/