"BUT I HAVE NEVER BEEN THERE LORD..."

“But I have never been there Lord! The bugs are big and their bites are horrible… and I really don’t like losing my suitcases! After all, the gal on the radio the other day said how the British Airlines lose more suitcases than any other airlines in the world. God I just can’t carry all my underwear, socks and shirts and stuff in the ‘carry-on baggage’ – they won’t allow that much under my airplane seat…”

My conversations with God are to the point sometimes… but no point with Him seems to work for me… at least when I try to convince him that I am a natural born chicken.

My wife and I will be leaving on Sunday afternoon for a short jaunt to Africa. We will be with some wonderful friends in Kenya. These people are working with some wonderful African folks that are reaching out in about a dozen different countries to make their worlds a whole lot better. Their situations are far worse than mine – believe me.

One of my friends by the name of Glen in Malawi, just went through a nightmare in his office – while he was in the office by the way – with an armed man coming in to steal his safe. There was a struggle with the man with his gun… the gun went off and the bullet bounced around the cement walls in the office. Trauma has followed as he deals with this.

Marilyn, another friend has experienced a broken arm and healing that is taking place slowly. She is alone except for some wonderful African friends that support her. Her mother and family are back in Canada – a long ways from her world.

Besides Marilyn and Glen there is also Stephen, who has just buried his father in England and has had to deal with the complications of the grief added to the weight of dealing with all of the family affairs – then he still has a major work in Mozambique that he must lead and support.

These are some of my friends that I will attempt to encourage in the Retreat that we will attend in Kenya. For those that haven’t followed this blog closely – I am speaking at the Retreat next week.

Thanks for thinking and praying for us during the next few days. If all goes well and a computer is available I will blog from Africa.

One thing that has crossed my mind – the pool at the hotel, we are staying at for four days during the Retreat, needs only a bathing suit. I can buy some of those really wild and colourful African outfits in the market – and look like a real tourist! That outta make for some wild photos!!! Alida, my wife, isn’t real impressed with that image for herself however… ahem. I think she has found away to cram in some extra necessities in her carry-on – just in case!

Update…
Mom is settling into her new room. Yesterday we unloaded about fifteen boxes. The contents are now tucked back into their respective places in the large cabinets that she used to have in her living room. It is beginning to feel like home again. The photos will be done today.

Finally…
May this day, Good Friday, and this Sunday coming remind you of a tragic but wonderful Easter Story – when God gave his Son to make a way for us to know love.

Thanks for the support and prayer that you have given us.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~