Sheep, Wolves, Serpents, and Doves

Over the last two weeks I have been at a loss for words to explain situations and resulting emotions here in Jos. Fortunately, as a mission community, we have been given an official statement...a statement that I pray will bring you to your knees, lifting prayers to our Heavenly Father.

"Please be in prayer for the healing of 3 SIM missionaries who experienced a very traumatic armed robbery on the evening of October 16. Pray for the mission community in Nigeria to know the best ways to protect their members. Pray for discussions with security agencies on ways to improve security. We need God’s grace to be wise in taking practical steps to protect our staff, and at the same time calm rest in God’s strong protection."


A few days ago a friend (who had no idea what has been happening here) sent the following article by John Piper. The message has provided encouragement as we continue serving here. Too good not to share in its entirety!

Matthew 10:16
"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."

When Jesus sends us to bear witness to him in the world, he does not send us out as dominant and strong, but as weak and seemingly defenseless in ourselves. The only reason I say 'seemingly' defenseless is that it is possible that, since all authority belongs to Jesus, he might intervene and shut the mouths of the wolves, like he did the mouths of the lions that surrounded Daniel.

But that does not appear to be his intention. The text goes on to say that the 'wolves' will deliver the 'sheep' to courts, and flog them, and drag them before governors, and have parents and children put to death, and hate them, and persecute them from town to town, and malign them, and kill them (Matthew 10:17-31). So it is clear that when Jesus says he is sending us as sheep in the midst of wolves, he means that we will be treated the way wolves treat sheep.

But, even though sheep are proverbially stupid (which, on the face of it, is what it looks like when they walk toward wolves and not away from them) Jesus counters that notion by saying 'be wise as serpents.'  So vulnerability, not stupidity, is the point of calling us sheep. Be like snakes, not sheep, when it comes to being smart. I take that to mean that snakes are quick to get out of the way. They go under rock.

So, yes, go among wolves and be vulnerable as you preach the gospel, but when they lunge at you, step aside. When they open their mouths, don't jump in. And not only that, be as innocent as doves. That is, don't give them any legitimate reason to accuse you of injustice or immorality. Keep your reputation as clean as you can.

So both the snake-intelligence and the dove-innocence are both designed to keep the sheep out of trouble. Jesus does not mean for us to get ourselves into as much difficulty as possible. He means: Risk your lives as vulnerable, non-combative, sheep-like, courageous witnesses, but try to find ways to give your witness in a way that does not bring down unnecessary persecution.

This brings us to the dilemma that has faced many faithful witnesses: When do you flee from danger? And when do you embrace it and witness through it? In 1684, John Bunyan published a book called Seasonable Counsels, or Advice to Sufferers. In it, he addressed this question: When does a sufferer fly (from danger) and when does he stand (and suffer the danger)? Bunyan knew how to answer for himself. He had four children, one of them blind, and he chose to remain in prison for twelve years rather than promise not to preach the gospel. How does he answer the question for others? May we try to escape?

Thou mayest do in this as it is in thy heart. If it is in thy heart to fly, fly; if it be in thy heart to stand, stand. Anything but a denial of the truth. He that flies, has warrant to do so; he that stands, has warrant to do so. Yea, the same man may both fly and stand, as the call and working of God with his heart may be. Moses fled, Ex. 2:15; Moses stood, Heb. 11:27. David fled, 1 Sam. 19:12; David stood, 1 Sam. 24:8. Jeremiah fled, Jer. 37:11-12; Jeremiah stood, Jer. 38:17. Christ withdrew himself, Luke 19:10; Christ stood, John 18:1-8. Paul fled, 2 Cor. 11:33; Paul stood, Act 20:22-23. . . .

There are few rules in this case. The man himself is best able to judge concerning his present strength, and what weight this or that argument has upon his heart to stand or fly. . . . Do not fly out of a slavish fear, but rather because flying is an ordinance of God, opening a door for the escape of some, which door is opened by God's providence, and the escape countenanced by God's Word, Matt. 10:23. . . .

If, therefore, when thou hast fled, thou art taken, be not offended at God or man: not at God, for thou art his servant, thy life and thy all are his; not at man, for he is but God's rod, and is ordained, in this, to do thee good. Hast thou escaped? Laugh. Art thou taken? Laugh. I mean, be pleased which [how]soever things shall go, for that the scales are still in God's hand. (p. 726)

Let us be slow to judge the {person} who chooses death rather than escape. And let us be slow to judge the {person} who chooses life. Rather, let us give ourselves daily to the disciplines of word-saturation and obedience which transform us by the renewing of our minds that we may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect in the moment of absolute urgency (Romans 12:2).

Camping with the Guys

Weekend of October 19-Jon went camping with the Senior class guys. They spent two nights out in the bush. They came back with tired muscles, dirty clothes and a new batch of wonderful memories.



(Yes, someone is in the tree!)

Progression of a Party

It all began as an incentive for reading...the class that read the most pages in a quarter could have a party. Once one of the eighth grade classes won, they talked to me about the party being at our house. We dug a firepit, bought hotdogs, prepared games, and invited the class over. Sounded simple and benign.
Began with some food.....jollof rice, spring rolls, rabbit (yep, some of the guys raise rabbits, so they killed one for a special treat!), and hotdogs. We roasted the hotdogs over the fire.



Then came the games.....gum buried in flour. This is so fun to watch. You must "search" for the gum without using your hands! Flour was everywhere, especially when a few people decided to toss what was left after the game.



Then the game of "fill the bucket with water" by passing cups of water over and under, over and under....


until the electricity went off and it got really dark...

and then someone threw a BIG bucket of COLD water all over us....and the water fights began!


And continued until the end of the party.



Needless to say, there was much laughter! Although I didn't feel (or look) very professional (dripping wet!) as I greeted parents who were picking up their kids, we sure had lots of fun!

A few of my favorite things....

..of living in Nigeria.

The welcome sound of water....from the sky, from the water board, from the tap...wherever.
The undeniable joy in Nigerians even though (or maybe because) they face so many hardships.
The unique taste of chewy roasted corn I buy on the sides of the street....and the sweet flavor of Silver Queen corn delivered to my door.
The sweet melodies and lyrics sung with enthusiasm (and accompanied with dance) by my fellow believers.
The resounding laughter from my students throughout the day.
The experience of eating food from various cultures...Nigerian red stew and Middle East hummus are my personal favorites.
The pleasure of watching my children grow up in a foreign country, and yet calling it home.
The delight of watching an African sunrise and thrill of seeing a tropical storm blow in.
The excitement of driving-enough said or my mom will have a coronary.
The comedy found in the assortment of animals on our compound-dogs(big and little), cats, rabbits, parrot, goat, chickens, donkey, and of course, a snake.
The amusement of noticing local children watch us....we are very white to them and quite the attraction at times.
The unexpected (but highly welcomed) visits each day from students, friends, and new acquaintances.
The rare convenience of internet....no matter how slow and how inconsistent it is, when it is on, we are thrilled!
The surprise of an email from a friend.
The black darkness at night allowing us the ability to see so many stars.
The comfort in knowing that living smack in the middle of God's will is the best place to be!
The deep thrill of sharing the love of Christ with someone, knowing His Word does not return void.

These are a few of my favorite things.

Happy Birthday, Lauren

written 6 October

(Since she is 17, I won't say much or even post a photo.)

Happy Birthday to my sweet Lauren
May you always know you are loved deeply.

This song by Mark Harris sums up some of what I am feeling today as I think of the next few (and last) months left with you under our roof:

Find Your Wings

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I pray for all that you might do
But most of all I want to know you're walking in the truth

And if I've never told you
I want you to know,
That as I watch you grow
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So, let my love give you roots,
And help you find your wings.

May passion be the wind that leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong,
Guide you on your way.
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
But more than memories
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So, let my love give you roots,
And help you find your wings.

It's not living, if you don't reach for the sky.
I'll have tears as you take off,
But I'll cheer as you fly.

Mr. & Mrs.

Nitnki and Pongwan's wedding was beautiful. Megan was the "little bride" but told me she wanted to be the big bride! Highlights of the wedding were the songs sung (with the beat of the drums), the vibrant colors of the bridesmaids and guests, the glow in Nitni's smile, and the opportunity to see many friends! We didn't stay long at the reception because Naomi's tummy was still hurting (malaria), but we were able to take 15 extra ladies to the reception in our 8-9 person van!!

Thank You!

Thank you for your many prayers and emails about Lauren and Naomi. They are both feeling much better now. Naomi has just finished her malaria treatment today and her tummy finally stopped hurting. Lauren got some great medicine too...and after a day out of school to rest, she is feeling much better.

For those of you who inquired about our bouts malaria, please know that we are not as concerned about this as you may be. We live in a tropical area and malaria is common. It isn't unusual for a handful of my students to have malaria on any given day, especially at certain times of the year. Do we take precautions? Yes, but we weigh the benefits to the disadvantages. Oddly enough, Naomi is the one member of our family who never misses taking her anti-malaria pill, but it isn't 100% effective. Treatment is inexpensive and has been very effective for us. We hope that eases some of your worries.

Concert and Chocolate

Thursday Afternoon- I was tired from teaching all week with a horrid cold and was looking forward to a relaxing evening with a bit of chocolate (secretly hoarding a few Hershey kisses) and a few tunes from James Blunt in the comfort of my Levis! Then I remembered....I was to be chaperoning the middle schoolers during their band/choir concert at 7:30 PM. I had been asked to arrive at 6:30 to help the music teacher while she warm up the kids....and it was already 6:10! I quickly sucked down a couple of tylenol, brushed my teeth, and drove over to the school....

........and was warmly greeted by the students, with instruments in hand. They were all dressed up and ready to perform. And perform they did! The 7th grade band has improved and we even enjoyed a few duets! The 7th grade choir sang "Takadamu" - Swahili for "Lead the Way"....and it was fun to watch their movements to the song. A highlight of the evening was the 8th grade band playing a bit of Corelli and Mozart and a piece from Star Wars, Revenge of the Sith! WOW....they were incredible!

I find it such a blessing for our students to each be able to learn to play an instrument. Every middle school student is in band. Over 85 kids. (I don't pray for our music teacher enough!)

After tucking in bed my trumpet playing/choir member daughter, Mattie, she asked me if I enjoyed the concert. Without hesitation I said, "ABSOLUTELY! I wouldn't have missed it for anything." After all, the chocolate can wait.

My Sick Ones

I think one of the most difficult things in this world for a mother is to watch your children's suffering. Lauren and Naomi have been so very sick the last few days and I have shed tears, praying they would get better soon.

Apparently I gave Lauren whatever I have had the last few weeks. She is now very sick with a fever, runny nose and bad cough. She feels horrid all over. Today she slipped into her favorite t-shirt and snuggled down in her covers.

Naomi has malaria-again. She was doubled over in pain last night and ran a fever of 105. She cried, begging me to make her feel better. I pulled out whatever meds I could find that might help her and just prayed for her. Today she forced her little body to go to Nitni's send forth, but I could see the pain in her eyes. Fortunately, sweet friends came over to check on her, recognized it as malaria, and encouraged us to start treatment. We did...and glad we got it in her early...hopefully she'll feel better soon.

Please pray for the girls....for quick recovery and for comfort and patience while they are waiting to get better.