Independence

Yesterday at the South Sudan border, I realized something as I was looking at the cool VISA sticker that was put into my passport, July 10th was the one year anniversary of South Sudan's independence from Sudan.  The country, although still struggling, has made it one year.  This was my first time standing inside a newly built country, how exciting!

Many of the people here have been witnesses to the struggles and wars that have been fought to secure this newly gained independence.  It wasn't an easy task, and a price was paid; many died, many suffered (and still suffer) but they feel victorious over the grip that held them by the Muslim government of Sudan.  The people here are free!

Much like South Sudan's struggle for freedom and independence, we too have struggled against a grip; the grip of sin.  Many have died and many have suffered at a grip that could not be shaken.  We are fortunate that we had one who was willing to battle that grip, and that was Christ.  He was willing to die to break the bondage of sins.

"But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.  You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." Romans 6:17-18 (NIV)

South Sudan has a long way to go, many trial and tribulations await them and there is no guarantee that they will stay a country of their own.  We on the other hand have a guarantee that we are free from sin through the blood that was shed by Christ.

So let's raise a toast to South Sudan's 1st Anniversary as a newly, independent country.  Let us also bow our heads in prayer to the One who gave us our Independence.

Chappy

A Follower in East Africa, A Fan in the U.S.

It is about 1:30 in the afternoon here in Adjumani, Uganda.  We are at an Internet cafe charging our equipment and catching up on email and such.  Those of you who don't know, I am here in Uganda to help get a building project off the ground.  Lahash International is helping to build new housing for the children of Amazing Grace Children's Home, and the first phase is starting.  Before I leave we are hoping to have one building 1/2 completed.

During this trip I have been reading a book called Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman.  This book is about defining your relationship with Christ.  Are you a fan, a Christian who sits in the stands and cheers or are you a follower who gets in the "game" and follows Christ?  Many of us might easily say we are a follower; but what does it mean to be a follower?  Kyle Idleman, using Biblical Scriptures, defines what it means to be a true follower of Christ, and I am here to tell you many of us aren't even qualified.

A follower is one who is willing to sacrifice, deny themselves, and move when Christ calls.  A follower doesn't put off doing Christ's will tomorrow, but does it now when called to do so.  Just as Christ called Matthew to "Follow me" we must do the same.  We can't say "Well maybe tomorrow" or "When the kids are through with college"  Christ means NOW...TODAY...THIS MINUTE.

I was sitting one day contemplating my own walk asking myself why I was in Africa.  Was I in Africa because Christ called me here, or because I wanted another notch in my belt of "do-good deeds"?  I started questioning my own sacrifices, my own wants and needs and was I putting myself or Christ first.  I was not surprised in many aspects I was putting myself first.

I do believe that my trip to Africa is a calling from God.  Edwin Angote, my sidekick during this trip, said to me "You are here to show love an caring to those who have none."  Strong words, and words that rang true.  This trip is about sacrificing my wants and needs for the needs and wants of others.  A small group of children who might not have a future if it weren't for those of us who give and work to better their conditions.  We do it because Christ has commanded us to, not because we want a medal or some notoriety.

What has really hit home about the book and me being here is, what will my attitude be when I return home?  Will I return to my life as though this part of the world only exists in emails and pictures or will I continue to pursue my Lord as 12 disciples did?  I seriously cannot say right this minute I know the answer because I have a lot of soul searching and talking to God before I can have an answer.  I am hoping though, that when I step off that plane back home I will be stepping off the plane as one who puts Christ first in everything, willing to sacrifice everything, taking up the cross, denying myself and obeying Christ's command to "Follow me".  I want to walk off that plane a true follower of Christ and not just a fan.

Chappy