Phil's Kenya Devotional~#3

In Acts 8:26-end of chapter we read about Philip's great adventure. In verse 26 an angel of the Lord spoke to him, telling him where to go.

A few things here; one is that in almost every instance where an angel appeared to somebody, they were not just afraid, but greatly afraid. So maybe this was similar to when the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream prior to the birth of Jesus. It doesn't say Joseph was afraid or troubled.

What is it like to hear an angel speak? Have I experienced this without knowing or realizing just how close to heaven I was?

Secondly, the angel gave vague directions. But the directions were accurate enough to have the apostle in the right place at the right time. After he had arrived in the general vicinity, it was the Holy Spirit's turn, and Philip must have been really listening now, because he received specific instruction in order to do and say the right thing.

What an opportunity! He met a man who was searching for the truth, and was able to explain the story of salvation in such a way to this influential individual that he gladly believed the message and was baptized.

But the Holy Spirit wasn't finished with Philip that day. He had other things for him to do. Can you imagine the Ethiopian's surprise when the apostle disappeared, and can you imagine how Philip might have felt suddenly arriving at a distant location?

All this because he was listening.

He heard the angel of the Lord, he heard the directions of the Spirit of the Lord, and he heard the Ethiopian official invite him into his chariot for a ride.

Let's listen, and not let things like vague directions and intimidating officials keep us from following through or sharing our testimony.

Have a great day, Phil

Got an e-mail from Phil this morning, giving some job directions to the boys. He wrote about the elephant orphanage and the other wild animals that they saw. I think they are on their way to The Boonies today.

Phil's Kenya Devotional~# 2

Sept.8- In Sunday School yesterday, we looked at Matt 5 and Luke 6, the foundation of being a disciple of Jesus. In Luke, the "Blessed are...." start in verse 20. What got my attention is that prior to this entire day of teaching His disciples and healing/ministering to a very large group of interested individuals, Jesus in verse 12 "went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."

As we are preparing to go, make time to pray. Set aside 15 minutes each day for nothing but specific prayer for the trip we are about to take. If 15 minutes at one time is a stretch, then spend 5 minutes three times daily. But we must go "not by might, not by power, but by God's Spirit." Without Him we can do nothing.

Let's remember to keep John and Terry in our prayers as well, and the Pokot people we will be ministering to.

The team arrived safely in Nairobi with all their bags. They stayed at the Mennonite Guest House in Nairobi. My Uncle Paul said that they've stayed their numerous times on their trips to Africa. The team visited an elephant orphanage and were enjoying an outdoor mall. Phil called after they arrived from Johnny's international cell phone. Michael referred to Johnny as "Uncle Johnny" without thinking.

Michael's party

Michael invited some friends over last night. They went to the river and roasted hot dogs. This morning, they came in and had some egg sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies, and some of the braver ones tried some homemade scrapple. Lee, Travis, Chase, Eric, and Jordan were here last year too. I am not sure what they are up to now or if they'll be here for lunch, supper, etc. but they like the independence of being in Michael's bedroom away from our house and one of them even asked if he could have his birthday party there. Maybe I SHOULD go check on them.
(Michael and Philip have a bedroom in what used to be the milk parlor of the barn.)