Pastor Jackson's Baptism
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
