A Letter from Africa

“As difficult as this may be to accept, suffering for the sake of the Kingdom really is not a new concept. The sacrifice of self is a Jesus thing. Jesus said it would happen - Matthew 5:10-12; 10:16-26; John 15:18-21 - just several of many passages. This is what the church/believers have endured for the past 2,000 years. “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you (I Peter 4:12).” It’s high time for us to stop whining and own up to the fact that the happy white American church experience of the past is an historical anomaly. Likewise, it is all too easy to adopt the attitude that we should disengage and live in our little subculture while reading Christian books and listening to Christian radio, waiting for the trumpet call of Christ’s return. I believe it is the time when as Jesus followers we should be running into the brokenness of the culture rather than away from it. Speaking prophetically into culture might not make one a popular individual, whether the topic be sexuality, racism, materialism or militarism; likewise, any attempt to present Jesus Christ as the one way of salvation will bring scorn and ostracism in many circles.” – Chris Elliott

The quote above and the excerpt below are from a newsletter published by Chris and Grace Elliott, a missionary couple serving in Africa. Their words blessed and challenged me so much that I felt they were worth sharing.

“As sojourning light bearers (Matthew 5:14), we carry news from the King! Good news that offers,
ironically, a life that might well be marked by suffering. Jesus promises “life, and that they may have it more abundantly (John 10:10).” This is not double talk. We just happen to have enough western culture in our brains to make it difficult for us to understand that the abundant life isn’t about how much stuff we have and whether or not we ever get sick. The abundant life means one can live with abandon to Christ, diving into a life of obedience regardless of the outcome because we know the outcome is secure!”

“I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 (BSB)

“Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.” I Timothy 6:6-8 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President