Life in South Africa

Many have asked me if I/we get lonely on the mission field. I can say we get lonely for ‘mature’ fellowship that one can have with other believers on a regular basis. Since no person lives entirely to himself, but influences and is influenced by others it is important that we are around others that will influence us in a godly way. Kristin Hammett in a speech recently talked on the importance of communication being a vital key to helping a missionary feel a part of a church and the church feeling a part of the mission work. It's vital for me/us to communicate my/our needs/prayer requests/ victories just as much as it is a part of church/church members to communicate their needs/prayer requests/victories. I believe one can ‘feel’ lonely even in the midst of other believers if they are not taking an active role in communicating their blessings and concerns to others. As this statement from Helpmeets of the Old Testament, by Betty Jo Seay says: “Isn’t it better to be in a place where we can intercede for others rather than in a place where we need to be interceded?”

A statement that is common to hear among fellow believers is, “I want my mansion in heaven next to yours", or "we’ll have a great time in heaven catching up.” My thoughts have turned heavenward in the past month or so as I was reading several books that spoke on it or on those who have gone on before us. I have meditated on more specific individuals that are in that “great cloud of witnesses.” It is easy to think of those mentioned in the Bible, especially those in the Heros of Faith chapter, Hebrews 11. But who will we be standing next to in that heavenly praise to our Savior? Revelation 5:11-14 “… and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;… And every creature… heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” Will Grace Custer be standing next to Jochebed, Moses mother; will Katie Braun be near Esther and her servants that fasted and prayed for the nation of Israel? On the way to your place, Sally Johnson, will you come across Fanny Crosby and hear her telling of her first sight of her Savior? Hannah Noyes might be next to Mrs. Stearns, wife of Shubal Stearns, he was so instrumental in many souls being saved before and during the revolutionary war in America. Lydia, the seller of purple might be bowing next to Chris Landsdown. Or what of the many in history who died in martyrdom, will any of them be standing next to me? One might find, Zachaeus, though little of stature, taller than Don Weaver OR Karen Peach. When one thinks on the number that have been faithful through the ages of time, seeking the Lord and following Him, it will be a very fascinating celebration in heaven.

Revelation 5:9 “…For thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;”
Revelation 7:9 “After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.”

What of the saints from other nations even today, some of which our own missionaries write of: China, Russia, Costa Rica, Canada, Chili, The Republic of South Africa, England, Finland, New Zealand, Thailand. I have enjoyed talking with other believers here in South Africa from Portugal and England. As Revelations 15:4 states: “… for all nations shall come and worship before thee;…” I look forward to the day when those of our sponsoring church and supporting churches can meet some of the individuals that have been led to the Lord through the ministry here. To name a few there is Eric, Collen, Sipho, Paul Tulani, Bongi, Rodney, Victor, Sfiso and Robson. There are still many more I would love to see added to the Lamb’s Book of Life. To think all “…his servants shall serve him.” Revelations 22:3, no matter what nationality.

I do know who will not be there: Revelation 21:8 “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” If you have not made the choice to be there in that great multitude I pray you will make the decision even today to have your name written in the book of life. Revelation 21:27 “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”