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February 3, 2010
Get out of the Boat
... following God's plans |
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Greetings!
Sorry about the lateness of this week's devotion. I have just revived from a "bug" while in Tanzania, Africa. Today is my first venture out of bed - my home for the last 34 hours. All seems well now and I have just finished teaching chapel at ICM seminary in Dar es Salaam.
This past week in Tanzania has been an eye-opener of faith. My heart has been challenged by the simple faith of many people I have met. The skeptic will tell you that "simple faith" is all Africans have due to cultural differences, poverty, lack of resources and opportunity that many in third-world countries face. Nonetheless, I have been blessed to walk alongside individuals that have jumped out of the boat and experienced God's great grace, comfort, love and peace despite the surrounding storms.
Mama Teddi is a single woman that has a home based orphanage for 22 children and youth in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She also has a small farm on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam. Teddi completes her work with the children and youth with no, or little, outside help. When I asked Teddi why she does this she shared her history, scars and pain from abuse as an abandoned child.
Teddi was abandoned by her mother at a very young age. Teddi grew up with her uncle and as the oldest of three children was required to care for her family. Her uncle would not let them live with the family but in a shack near the animals or often a closet. They did not get to eat as the other children did and did not attend school. They were used for labor. At 14, Teddi married to get away from the abuse and start life over. She remained married for 20 years at which time her husband left her when she became diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
During her marriage, and after, people would bring an abandoned baby or a hurting relative to Teddi's care. It seemed the locals saw the heart of compassion Teddi had and were launching her into a ministry of helps. She has continued these efforts and in 1994 began the work with orphans full-time. You know what Teddi did ...Teddi got out of the boat.
Since 1994, Teddi has developed the orphanage into a small farm where they grow food to eat and tend some livestock. All of the children live in a 3 room concrete building with thin, old foam mats as beds. I was amazed at her heart to help others and the conditions, by my standards that the children and Teddi lived. I thought, "Now, it is our turn to get out of the boat."
Covenant is going to partner with Teddi through our existing relationship with International Christian Ministries -Tanzania [ICM(T)]. Covenant will rally support, financial and prayer, for Teddi's orphanage and meet basic monthly needs for food, education and medical care. I'll share more as it develops.
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Getting out and staying out!
25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
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Risking Comfort to Follow God
"God is that you?" should be a question on every follower's heart. We must constantly be asking, "God is that you ... should I come?" And, when we hear His reply we should listen and obey no matter what the situation around us looks like. Just as in the story of Peter walking on the water to Jesus, we must keep our eyes focused on the size of our God and not the size of the problems around us. If we look at the problems and obstacles we will sink. We must keep our gaze upon God.
I am blessed to have met Teddi. She inspires me to be more of what God wants me to be ... someone who gets out of the boat! Life is not easy and it definitely isn't easy when you step out of the boat and begin completely trusting God.
The day I met Teddi, she was waiting for some of the children to come in from the city to eat. She was waiting because they would only have one meal that day and she wanted to have it together! I gave her all the money I had and took her shopping. May they never eat one meal a day again! Still, I am touched by her compassion and courage. She is a hero - a hero that stepped out of the boat and allowed God to use her greatly.
Friend, I know you are being called to step out of the boat in some manner or another. I also know that stepping out isn't an easy task. Remember, God will provide if we keep our focus on Him. "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13) isn't just a slogan. No, it is a life purpose for those that step out of their boat and begin following the Masters plan. May you be encouraged and blessed as you follow His lead and step out when called. |
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For King and Kingdom,
Randy Martin |
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