Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Betwixt Two Worlds & The Struggle of the Heart

Pastor Jackson's Baptism
                                                                     Pastor Jackson's Calling

Pastor Jackson Working for the Lord
 The Apostle Paul wrote in the His letter to the Philippians that he was betwixt two worlds, having a desire to depart and be with Christ which was far better or to continue the mission work he was doing with regard to preaching the gospel, discipling converts and planting Churches.   The truth be known, this is or should be the same desire that every born again believer has in their heart.    Along that line of reasoning, it has also been said, “You will never be completely at home again.  Because part of your heart will always be elsewhere.  That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.”   While the two statements are not identical, the similarities are noteworthy.  Most Christians have never experienced the life of a foreign Missionary and therefore they may not be able to fully relate to the struggles of our heart but they can surely relate to what Paul wrote about being betwixt two worlds.   Our souls have been forever knitted together with our converts and Churches in Kenya and Uganda.   Part of that knitting together involves praying for one another as well as encouraging and exhorting one another in faith.   And in some unique cases we must go from sympathy to compassion by offering assistance to the best of our ability.   Such is the case of Pastor Jackson, Sis. Carolynn and their now orphaned children. 
                                                    The Children





Many have asked what can we do to help and we thank God for those who have given unsolicited offerings for Pastors Jackson medical and burial expenses.    For a month now I have prayed over and struggled with asking God’s people to help these children because for years we were very careful to create dependence on the Lord rather than us.    In every situation Terry and I asked ourselves, “What did they do before we came to Kenya?” And, “What will they do if we leave?”  We have done our level best to bring them to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus and follow His teachings and commands thereby focusing on their spiritual well being and trusting God to provide their physical needs.   The foreign Missionary walks a tight rope with regard to humanitarian aid verses Spiritual teaching and growth.  Now I am not saying we have it all figured out, but we have placed our resources on education/training, bibles and buildings.  That is not to say that we have not helped financially with regard to medical and other humanitarian needs but it is to say that we have done so on a limited basis as not to create financial dependence that we could not sustain.    Hopefully you understand the struggle of our hearts and that you do not find us guilty of being overly cautious with regard to asking for help.  I say all that to say this, if God puts these children on your heart, we will receive a onetime love offering to help them transition to life without their parents and the offering will be distributed judiciously thru the counsel of two of our National Pastors who are in the process of traveling to Lake Victoria on a monthly basis to help the Church transition and training their new Pastor.   Pastor Jackson and His wife Carolyn were wonderful, beautiful, faithful servants who served the Lord Jesus till their dying breathe and a love offering will be a blessing to His Children.
                                          Pastor Jackson and Carolyn
Please designate it “Watoto wa Jackson” which translates to Jackson’s Children.   Thank you for allowing us to share our hearts and ministry with you through this journal blog.  Please continue to pray for Pastor Jacksons family and us as we labor for the Lord.
                                              Missionary Chuck and Pastor Jackson  
                                             Terry & Carolyn and baby Carlitos