AUGUST 6 – DAY ONE “Bonjour” from the PARIS AIRPORT “SURROUNDED BY SO GREAT A CLOUD OF WITNESSES”

People ask me if I am excited about going to Africa. Truth be told, I am never excited about the grueling trip or by the anticipation of the grueling schedule that awaits us. But I am very excited about two things; I am excited to see the faces of the scores of Kenyans on the other side who have become our dearest friends and partners in ministry and I am excited to bring relief and joy to the thousands of poor and desperate people who anxiously await our medical attention.

The writer of Hebrews referred to being “Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses”. He was referring to the heroes of the faith who have preceded us in life and inspired us to believe and serve God. But I think it can also refer to those who we encounter in this life who do the same. That’s how I view our Worldcomp family of dedicated believers who are making sacrifices and taking risks to serve their fellow man. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us with these words; “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sate down at the right hand of God.

I have been asked by many people about the outbreak of Ebola in Africa. As of this date there are no recorded cases of Ebola in Kenya, but let me tell you this, “If it does exist we will find in our medical camps”. As for me, I have absolutely no fear of this. Our lives are in the hands of the Lord. The words of that great hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” need to be remembered when facing such evils: They say this:

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

These kinds of words should never be forgotten and by God’s grace we can live them out in our own lives.

As always, as I head toward Kenya, I am extremely grateful for those back home who keep us in their prayers and who have provided the financial resources for us to minister to people and give them the love of Christ.

May the Lord bless you all abundantly.

Richard