The Hope of Africa by Dan Taylor

We just love the Taylor's who work endlessly working beside the people of Africa.  For more about their work, please visit their website at www.dananddanitataylor.com.  

"I am impressed by the character and commitment of the men and women I am taking classes with in West Africa.  There are more than one hundred students on the campus at the moment and it is difficult to get to know them all.  However, when opportunity allows and I am able to spend time with a pastor from Ghana or a pastor from Cameroon or different one from the Democratic Republic of Congo, I become all the more convinced that I am speaking with men and women who are the true hope of Africa.

This morning I met Martin.  He is Burkinabé (from Burkina Faso) and serves as a missionary to Chad, Africa.  He speaks French, English, a small bit of Arabic and probably a dialect or two.  His primary ministry task is teaching current and future pastors in the capital city of N’djamena.  For 3 ½ years he has invested in training Chad’s spiritual leaders and his gentle, sincere, humble demeanor suggests to me that his life and service are having an impact on those who teaches.

We spent a few pleasant moments visiting together and when we continued on our respective ways I was once again encouraged.  The history of modern missions leans heavily to the western, white world; Hudson Taylor, Adoniram Judson, William Cary, Cameron Townsend, Eric Lidell, Amy Carmichael, Gladys Aylward and a host of other outstanding missionaries all fall into this category.  Martin does not, yet he and others like him are courageously and faithfully proclaiming the Truth of the gospel wherever God leads them.

There is a common misconception that in order to be called and used as a missionary you must come from a background that is “just so”.  Not true.  Jesus’ call to “go and make disciples of all nations” extends to all believers; no exceptions.  I am proud of my African brothers and sisters who, like Martin and his family, have answered the call of God to bring hope and life to every corner of this great continent."

Take up Your Sword by Kimberly Hathaway

I was blessed to meet Kim through Show Mercy Intl in Uganda this October.  This is a powerful word...

I was staring at this picture the other day and felt the presence of the Lord.  And then He gave me the following Word....

Become like a child, armed with the Sword of the Spirit and see what God will do.  For even the tiniest hand when thusly armed with the full knowledge of God is able to slay the greatest dragon.  The tiniest face lifted toward Heaven, eyes locked on Jesus causes all of Hell to tremble.  For it is not the size of the person nor the monsters they face that determine the outcome.  It is the might and glory of the God that stands behind them.  It is HIS Power and HIS ability upon which all things rest.  How can we question how things will end for us when we look and see all that He has already done?  So pick up your sword little one.  Stop questioning whether or not your hand is large enough to grasp the hilt.  Stop disqualifying yourself based on size or stature.  Take it in hand regardless of your doubts and look up.  See Who is standing beside you.  See the love in His eyes.  See the joyful pride as He lays His hand on your tiny shoulder and know...  That as He walks by your side "no weapon formed against you shall prosper."  For you are His beloved.  

"But for you who revere My Name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.  And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.  Then you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet."  Malachi 4:2-3

In this time of great opposition it is important to remember.  Pick up your sword.  (Photography by Davy Desmond)