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"…end of the earth".

11/12/2015

1 Comment

 
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Pastor Felix showing other pastors and church leaders our map of our region.  We talked about the need to expand into the vast areas around us without a Christian presence.


There are moments in my life when certain scriptures become more fully clear to me.  Last week I had one of those moments, or more truthfully several of those moments.  In Acts 1:8 Jesus says, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  I love and know this verse well.  It's on the back of our ministry t-shirts.  It is powerful and full of promise and challenges.

Last week, I went to visit, pray for, encourage and exhort some village pastors I hadn't yet met.  Pastor Felix and his wife Pirscilla went with me from our local church in the Banfora area.  We headed due east towards the boundary of the Cascade Region.  The Cascade region is where God has called us to engage in church planting.  Thanks to some recent road work, the first 25km is as good as a dirt road can be here.  From there, the next 100+ kilometers goes down hill in quality, really fast.  With every mile or more accurately kilometer that passed, the roads got worse.  Much worse.  We had set out to visit 5 churches that were planted in very difficult areas. Areas with many unreached peoples and villages.
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Meeting with pastor and church leadership in remote village church building.


Some times now, as we work in different villages, with pastors we know well and villages we are comfortable with we can forget how remote we are in the big picture.  Once in a while, we travel to places that bring the phrase "end of the earth" into focus.  Last weeks trip was one of those moments for me.  I found out later in the trip that our visit was the first visit some had received from leadership within the church, aside from their immediate colleagues in their area.  Wow…talk about isolation, as there are very few believers in these areas!  Is it any wonder that these men and women are in desperate need of prayer and encouragement?  Years of working alone, often without seeing huge impacts.

​When Jesus said that we would receive power from the Holy Spirit and be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the end of the earth…He meant it!  We have indeed received both a great commission and the empowering of the Holy Spirit to carry out that commission.  Why did Jesus remind us that to Him was given all authority and that he would always be with us, even to the end?  I think He told us these things because he understood the cost of the task He set before us.  What will it cost us?  It will cost us our lives.  I have no doubt that Jesus has called many to minister to their neighbors in "Jerusalem".  But, as I sit thinking about those of us called to minister to our neighbors at the "end of the earth", I am overwhelmed by what Jesus said in Luke 10:2-3 as He sent out laborers, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves."
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Small mud brick church in a remote village.



I thank God for the things he shows me, my wife and kids here in Burkina Faso.  Does that mean that they are all pleasant or beautiful to us?  the answer is a definite, No.  Many times the things we need to see, hear and experience are not pleasant or beautiful.  We as westerners, can mistake at times our many blessings as being deserved, earned or even a result of that four letter word "luck".  

Can we really understand the beauty of the resurrected Jesus without rightly understanding the realities of the cross and his brutal substitutionary death in our place?  We often want the glory and beauty of a risen savior in the form of current abundant blessings of wealth and comfort here on earth. In God's economy, we live for Him now as foreigners, while eagerly awaiting true riches in eternity spent with Him.  If we aren't careful we actually begin to believe and live like this world is our home.

As I see my brothers and sisters in Christ who serve our God faithfully as they experience isolation, persecution, extreme poverty, discouragement and illness, I think about what Jesus said and did in during His life on earth.  What lies have I believed?  Do I think that I deserve certain things or comforts now in this life? Do I believe that following Jesus will cost me any less than all I have to give…my life?  Why did God not take me straight to heaven when I was saved?  How should my life look in comparison to those who don't know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?

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Small church in foreground, Pastors house and cookhouse in background.


Trips like last weeks, cause me to cry out to God and to listen for His response.  Is God really most glorified in my present comfort and wealth?  Or would God be most glorified if I took Him at His word?  The fields truly are ripe for harvest and there are fields without laborers all around us.  Where ever you are God has called you to die to yourself and to live only for Him.  There's no way around it…it will cost you your life to follow Jesus.  How is God calling me to love and serve my neighbor?

My prayer is that God would grant us the ability to hear clearly His call to die to ourselves and to live only for Him.  That He would through the power of the Holy Spirit empower us to pick up our crosses and follow Him.  That He would open our eyes to the ripe fields which he has called each of us to labor in and the He would grant us perseverance and joy as we seek to fulfill our roles in His Great Commission. 

Join us in praying for those who are ministering in difficult places and asking God how we can come along side of them as we run the race together.  Ask God to send more laborers into His harvest fields, whether they are in "Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria or the ends of the earth."  pray for break throughs among unreached peoples and villages.  Pray for God's strength, blessings  and perseverance on those living out their calling, regardless of title or profession.


My hope is not to guilt anyone into doing the "right" thing.  In sharing my thoughts, I hope it stimulates your thoughts, prayers and drives deep into the bible.  I am amazed at God's goodness and faithfulness, even when I am not either of those things.  I fail in so many ways…but, I want to daily run the race set before me and call others to run their race well.  Oh, that we all might hear our Lord say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’  Matthew 25:21

Your brother in Christ,
Aaron
1 Comment

Who is my neighbor?

24/11/2015

3 Comments

 
I love to see my wife's heart for those who are ill and suffering.  Her ability and desire to run toward others who are sick or in desperate need of help is amazing to see.  Some of us are saddened by what we see and will pray diligently for healing and God's healing touch, but have difficulty truly engaging on a hands on basis. Others, like Kristi, cannot stop from running directly to those in need to jump in and help in Jesus name.  Even when the situation seems too hard or hopeless in human terms.

In Luke 10:25-37 we find the familiar encounter of Jesus with a lawyer asking how he could inherit eternal life.  We refer to this interaction as the story of The Good Samaritan.  It is clear to me that often like the lawyer we want a clean answer, one that allows us to check the box and move on with our lives.  The answer Jesus gives in story form, shows us that following Jesus and inheriting eternal life comes from heart change and because of that heart change we see lives changed.  Both our own and those in need.
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​(Below is a painting we saw in a museum in Paris.  The scale and realism of this masterpiece helps bring this lesson to life for me.)
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Le Bon Samaritain - Morot, 1880 (In the Petite Palace, Paris)


​Here in Burkina Faso, illness and death are everywhere.  The needs are beyond our comprehension.  As we live and work in small towns and villages we see things on a daily basis that we have all but erased from our western lives.  Malaria, leprosy, polio, AIDS, horrible open skin ulcers and tuberculosis are all present and wreck havoc in peoples lives.  There are so many more issues than I can share, along with people who have disabilities and chronic illnesses that plague them every day.  

In the midst of seeing so much pain and suffering, we are constantly praying for the Holy Spirit to guide us to be the hands and feet of Jesus where ever he leads.  Kristi continues to dive into loving others in their times of need.  Wound care, medicines for those who are very ill and unable to afford simple and available medications, and working with children who have disabilities, are just a few of the things she  does on a daily and weekly basis. 

Through hospital visits, praying for healing, physical therapy and basic medical helps we have already seen God move and see that this kind of love is unique and opens peoples hearts and minds.  Kristi has been working with a young boy in a Muslim courtyard in our neighborhood. His name is Galilou (Ga-lee-lu).  He is the youngest of 6 plus kids and is two years old.  He cannot walk (yet) and he has undiagnosed Downs Syndrome.  Many times we see people go undiagnosed because of a lack of understanding and access to good health care.  
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Some times the lack of understanding has its' benefits.  If the parents completely understood that little Galilou was not just slower to develop, but that he would continue to have health struggles and not be able to produce as much in the fields, it could have grave consequences. Kristi has been welcomed by this family and just last week she heard Galilou's mom say to a neighbor that "they are people of help", when referring to our family.  They know we are Christians and we have come to share about Jesus.

Every time we pass their courtyard or see them around we are met with huge smiles of love and gratitude.  Galilou's mom only speaks Jula, so it is good practice for Kristi.  As relationship deepens and opportunities arise we are praying for these dear people to see the light of Christ and for their salvation.  They are devout Muslims, but see the love of Christ in Kristi which is very different from the norm.  Every day she is able, Kristi walks down to talk and put Galilou through the paces of therapy to help his coordination and muscles.  She also helps as malaria and other devastating issues arise.  Most days she comes back with a huge smile, while others are difficult and she learns more about clinging to Jesus and trusting solely in Him.
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When Jesus said to love our neighbors as ourselves, the lawyer asked, "And who is my neighbor?".  The account that followed was definitely not what he or we want to hear.  But, it's the truth and it is what we need to hear, and do.  God has each of us ministering in unique places.  Our neighbors are our fellow humans that are desperate for love and help in their time of need.  Many of you help here by faithfully partnering with us.  Each of us also has a unique sphere of influence and each of us encounters those in need.  Our neighbor is the one God puts in front of us and/or on our hearts.  We must walk by the spirit!

Our family fails on a constant basis and often experiences extreme disappointment while seeking to love and serve those in need around us.  We also "get dirty" and it always costs something.  It is impossible to be a neighbor a stay clean and hold our personal comfort as our highest goal.  So, today I want to exhort you to be a neighbor, not just to those who can pay you back or who are not to messy.  I'm afraid, too many times we are like the first two people to pass by on the other side of the road because of the inconvenience  or messiness involved in being the hands, feet and face of Jesus to those in need.

Our reward is a heavenly one, that awaits us in eternity. (Matt. 6:19-21).  Often, on this side of eternity we will be left dirty, tired and feeling used up.  But, that's okay.  In fact, that's the kind of people we are called to be.  That's who our master was.  We should be known by our love. (John 13:35).  Look beyond your circle of friends and people in your demographic and ask God to break your heart for those who are desperate and who have been left for dead by the world.  To follow Jesus is to walk as Jesus walked.

Pray for us as we endeavor to live out this crazy life that Jesus has called us to walk hand in hand with Him.  And we are praying for you to get involved by loving your neighbors in ways that cost you something.  Following Christ starts with dying…us dying to self, so that we can be brought to eternal life with Jesus.  May our days of lip service and comfort be swept away by the presence of the Holy Spirit, dirty hands, tears and stories of our God's healing touch and faithfulness.

We must decrease and He must increase,
​Aaron
3 Comments

Year End Giving

23/11/2015

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It's hard to believe that 2015 is almost over!  If your year has been at all like ours, it has literally flown by.  We are thanking God for all He has done and continues to do this year, as well as looking forward to 2016!  As I am working on plans for next year, I'm reminded that ministry opportunities from this year and for years to come are made possible only by God's abundant provision through His people.
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We can't wait to speak with you in person during our 2016 home assignment.  The greatness of our God and the doors He is opening for ministry among the unreached here in Burkina Faso is exciting and we are eager to share about it with you.  If you would like to join in the work of church planting, pastoral and community support, it's time to think about year-end giving before the next tax year begins.  I would encourage you to partner with us in the Lord's work with your year end gifts.  Donations are tax deductible and they go toward reaching the unreached in one of the world's poorest countries.
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100% of donations made toward special projects with Light Up Burkina go to the field.  No administration fees or overhead are taken out.  When you couple that with how much impact your investment has here for relatively small investments, it is a win - win scenario.  Join us in building much needed infrastructure to support church planting among the least reached.  Village churches, pastors homes, orphanages, christians schools, animal projects to help pastors survive in remote areas and provide for their families as they evangelize, church plant and pastor.  Motos for pastors, micro-enterprise and drilling wells are all ways that your year-end giving can hugely impact seeing God's kingdom expanded in Burkina.
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Check out the website and feel free to contact us if you have questions or need clarification on anything.  We are privileged to be the people on the ground who get to see the difference that your generosity makes day in and day out.  Be encouraged as we see God's mighty hand and Holy Spirit moving among peoples and villages that have never had believers or a church presence.  Thank you for your prayers, support and generosity in walking out the call we have as believers to make the name of Jesus known to every tribe and every tongue on earth.  Click here to DONATE.

May the God of the universe richly bless and keep you and make His face to shine upon you!
Your brother in Christ Jesus,
Aaron
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Coup d'Etat

17/9/2015

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Above is a photo of citizens protesting the now official coup d'etat here in Burkina Faso.  The group who has taken the transitional government hostage and declared the dissolution of the government is made up of the well-armed and powerful presidential guard, comprised of about 1300 special forces soldiers. 
Please pray for the the people of Burkina Faso.  Only three weeks away from a highly anticipated election which was to be the first of many peaceful and democratically held elections and transfers of power, the elite military forces who were loyal to the long term (27 years) former president have seized control.

This situation is developing as I write.  It is such a shame as Burkina Faso continues to be one of the world's poorest countries.  We are praying for a peaceful resolution to this crisis as well as a return to the transitional governments' hope for a smooth transition to a government actually chosen by the people. 

We are safe and staying in as we monitor the situation.  As God has opened doors for ministry and allowed us to see the power of the Holy Spirit as the church grows among the least reached, we pray and long for peace and a time of God's blessing on this forgotten country.  Join us in intercessory prayer for the country, it's people, the local church and those in power.  Pray that the desires of the evil one would not come to pass, but instead that God's mercy and favor would be poured out here in Burkina Faso.

There is no word currently on the condition of the former heads of the transitional government.  Pray for their peaceful and safe return to their loved ones.

In times like these we are confident that our God is able and mighty to save!  Our hope comes from the LORD.

Your brother in Christ,
Aaron
 

 
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Mighty to Save!

7/9/2015

2 Comments

 
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"Naja" - Spitting Cobra, 3.5 to 7.5 feet long 

Let me share a testimony of God's mighty and awesome power.  A little while back I was visiting a remote village with several pastors and the local pastor told us that a young woman would be coming soon to share a testimony with us.  After a few minutes of talking the young woman pictured below arrived and took a seat.  The local pastor introduced us to Marie.
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This is what she said.  (Para-phased) 

A little less than two weeks ago, I had gone to check on my animals and saw that my largest pig had gotten out.  I began to look all around for it, but couldn't find it.  I decided to go look in a low wet area where the rains had started to fill with water.  As I searched for my pig in the grass I suddenly felt something very bad on my foot.  At first, I didn't know what happened.  I thought maybe I stepped on something sharp or kicked something hidden in the grass.  As I looked down I saw the "naja" that had just bit me on the upper foot as it fled into the grass.

I was extremely worried because often people die from snake bites, but the pain wasn't as severe as I thought it would be.  I kept looking for my pig for a few more minutes, until my leg began to act strange.  I decided to head back to my home.  By the time I arrived at home I was hurting and feeling very strange. I didn't know what to do, because we live far from a hospital and only have a small clinic in our village.  I decided to go see the pastor, so he could pray for me.  

Pastor Tibi prayed for me along with others for a while and my symptoms diminished.  I went back home and laid down for a while.  I felt bad, but able to walk.  I decided to walk to the market with a family member.  Part way to the market my symptoms got much worse and I couldn't walk right and I began to feel like I was suffocating.  People helped me to the local clinic to see the nurse.  They said there wasn't much they could do here and that I should go to the hospital in Banfora. (35 miles away)

I asked to be taken back to the church so the pastor and others could pray for me.  They did for a long time.  We found a way to go to the hospital the next day.  After 2 days at the hospital and the doctors trying different treatments my symptoms were worse instead of better.  My foot and leg was in very bad shape, I couldn't walk and was experiencing paralysis in parts of my body.  I also felt as if I was suffocating.  Because they couldn't help me and of the expense, we came back to the village.

At that point I was very very sick and thought I might die.  Everyone around me thought I would die also.  So they took me back to our church and the pastor and people from church began to pray over me.  They prayed all night long!  Over the next days they continued praying for me and God healed me!  

At this point I'm praising God for healing our sister and she shows us her foot and leg.  It was amazing…if she didn't show me where the problem had been I wouldn't have known about it at all.  They went on to tell me that she was bitten on Saturday and that 8 days later she was dancing, singing and praising God in Sunday morning church!  Everyone in her community is amazed at the fact that she isn't dead and that she was completely and quickly healed.

She finished by saying that she had just come from her Muslim neighbors courtyard.  Her neighbor had asked her to come tell her what God had done.  Marie told us she believed God would use her testimony to reach her Muslim neighbors for Christ!

I know people fall all across the board as far as whether God is in the miracle business today.  I can tell you that if you had spent the last several years walking beside me and seeing what God has allowed me to see, you would not question the fact that our God is mighty to save and that through the Holy Spirit, He moves in miraculous ways all - the - time!  

As a skeptic by nature, this has been and continues to be a struggle as I battle between my western mindset and a truly biblical worldview.  My friends, I hope this testimony helps you to take scripture at it's  word and stop trying to put our truly Awesome and all powerful God in such a small box of our design. 

John 14:12-14 (ESV)

12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.


Matthew 17:20 (ESV)

For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”


Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.     (Eph. 3:20-21)

Aaron
  

 
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    Aaron & Kristi

    Married for 21 years, with 3 children. Serving the King of Kings in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

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