John Pauls

Count Your Blessings?

Where are the lions?  I want to see the lions.  Regardless of how long we drove and searched, the illusive felines were no where to be seen.  Did they somehow know that I was more of a dog person, not a real cat lover?  So then it became, where are the elephants?  I want to see elephants.  You would think an animal that large could be easily spotted but there were none to be found.  Next it was, where are the Rhinoceros?  I want to see Rhinos!

 

About the time we were skunked (didn’t see any skunks either) on the Rhino search I recognized that by fixating on the illusive I ran the risk of missing out on what was readily available.  It was a bit childish, like a kid on a trip who pesters, “are we almost there?”  An impatient discontented traveling mindset can cause one to miss out on large portions of life’s journey.  Three hours at the Nairobi Animal park provided views of more wild animals than most see it a lifetime and yet there was a temptation to concentrate on what I could not see.

 

Do you ever find yourself fixated on something you do not have, your focus shifted to things not currently within your grasp?  It’s all to common, maybe human nature to want what we do not have at the expense of ignoring or neglecting that which is within view.  Maybe this whole discontentment thing started with that couple who had an entire garden to enjoy but chose instead to grasp for the apple.  (Disclaimer; “Apple” is not intended to be a theological conclusion.  If you think it was a mango, banana or pear you have my blessing.)

 

It is possibly, for example, to miss out on a beautiful family because your eye is caught by what another person has or appears to have.  “If only my spouse was like their spouse,” or, “Life would be so much better if my children were more like those children,” or even,  “That’s a sweet ride, wish I could trade in my clunker for some cash and one of those beauties.” 

Can you see the trap?  Always coveting, never satisfied, a life of discontent when in reality our homes are full of one of a kind priceless treasures.

The potential to capture contentment could be as close as listing your blessings.  This would not be a wish list but a thank-you list.  Perhaps you use a checklist when you go to the supermarket.  Each item you pick up marked off the list as it’s placed in the shopping cart.  That’s not a bad type of list but frankly I’m talking about a different kind of inventory, one based on what’s in the cupboard rather than what’s missing. 

My "I’m thankful” list would begin something like this:

1.  A warm home to live in. 

2.  Food enough for today. 

3.  A wife who loves me (even though I don’t always deserve that love).

4.  A son who encourages me to believe in a new generation and keeps me on my toes with his off balance whit.

5.  A daughter who lifts me with her sunbeam smile and spot on humor. 

6.  A warm and accepting Church Family.

7.  My favorite chair. 

8.  Cloths that keep me warm. 

9.  Friends whom I know would listen if I need them.

10. Donuts Ice Cream and Hershey’s chocolate.

11. Another day’s worth of breath and the life it provides  

11.  12.  13.  14…..   Do you get it?  I hope so.  Now I challenge you get out some paper or your laptop and take this seriously.

 

Invariably someone will say or at least think, “I don’t have any of those things… there is nothing in my life to be thankful for.”  For starters you can write this down…  

1.  I am grateful for a God who loves me even if I struggle to see His blessings in my life.  Or  2.  I’m grateful that I can feel, even though I don’t feel great today.  Because I can feel there is hope for tangible improvement. 

If you would allow me to be blunt, here’s the reality.  You might just need to fess up and write, 3. I’m grateful that I can focus on the negative because focusing on the negative is what I want to do.  If there are blessing in my life I refuse to see them or at least to acknowledge they existence.  I am most content when I am unhappy, unsatisfied, uncomfortable and ungrateful.

 

Ouch, I hope that isn’t you, but if it is, I hope you still love me.   Most of all I plead with you, please don’t choose to see life that way.  Learn the power and joy of contentment..  Learn to focus your thoughts and feelings on the blessings of God.   We’re taught in Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” _(NIV)

 

What a great guideline for the list you are about to write!

Oceans Apart

Twenty-two years ago Cheri, Justin, Jory and I (Chenille was still a dream) extended hospitality to an African man from the country of Kenya.  Reverend Peter Njiri was a special sort, a leader a preacher a church planter and the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in Kenya.  Today I will preach at the church he pastors, Bahati Christian Church in Nairobi Kenya.

I have never forgotten this African church leader or the questions I asked about his culture that evening.  “How do you deal with polygamy in a culture where many who come to Christ already have more than one wife?”  He was serious and his answer was to the point, “we tell husbands to keep those they have but not to take on any additional wives.”  He continued matter-of-factly, “to put their wives out would be to turn them over to prostitution.”  I was hooked by his candor so I continued, “What is your Christian response in a culture where women are minimized, where it’s an acceptable practice for husbands to beat their wives?”  Pastor Njiri was a little more solemn as he spoke of a redeeming Christ who can free a culture from such unbiblical practices.   The evening continued like this; I would ask a question he would answer then he would laugh… a very big laugh his beautiful white teeth against his dark African skin.  I’m sure we didn’t completely agree with each other but his laugh compensated for any difference that might have lingered.

There was so much to learn from a man who loved Jesus and lived out that love in a land oceans away, a place unfamiliar to me.  Thousands of miles from our Colorado home Pastor Njiri grappled with cultural issues and doctrinal truths while embracing the same teachings of Jesus Christ we hold to.

Spending time with this man of God caused me to desire a larger world view.  My world needed more room for peoples and cultures that view the same Jesus from a different perspective.

And now I am given the honor of speaking this Sunday at the church he leads.  We exchange cordial greetings when I enter the room where Pastor Njiri and his leadership team gather prior to Sunday services.  As we talk I discovered that he also remembered that day 22 years ago.   Later, during the services, he said this to his congregation; “When I met Pastor John Pauls many years ago in the U.S. I probably told him, ‘if you’re ever in Nairobi you can preach at my church.’”  Back when he extended that loose invitation I doubt that either of us expected this day would come, a reunion of sorts, only this time at the fellowship he leads.

 

I absolutely love this church!  The auditorium filled with the most beautiful people, brothers and sisters, our extended spiritual family.  The volume of worship is electrifying, voices almost shouting the glories of God.  The singing, the swaying the smiles and joy all remind me of the Revelation passage that speaks of people from every tongue tribe and nation worshipping around the throne of God in heaven.

One Chance

Nearly 25 years ago I was burdened for the continent of Africa.  During the many years since I’ve had the incredible pleasure of visiting several countries but none of them on that continent God once stirred within me.  It hit me at 3:00 Tuesday morning as Ron and I sat at the terminal waiting for a flight from Amsterdam international airport.  In just a few hours we would board a plane bound for Nairobi, Kenya.   I must confess this is an emotional journey for me.  Not just the flight and the opportunity to stop in a place I believe God prompted me to visit.  I am expecting something special.    It feels like I’m moving head-on into a God ordained event.  I’m hoping my ABC friends are praying with me.  I’m hoping God will use me to bring His blessing to people in Kenyan.

This morning I’m thanking God for dreams that come true.  I’m thanking God that it’s never too late.  I’m thanking Him for you and for the potential in each of you to fully realize the promises of God’s Word and the dreams He’s placed in your heart.  There is a song that was popular about twenty-five years ago.  The lyrics went something like this, “Only one life so soon it will pass only what’s done for Christ will last.  Only one chance to do His will.  So give to Jesus all your days for it’s the only life that pays…”

Thank you ABC Family for all your encouragement.  Thank you for extending grace and allowing me this opportunity to experience God’s plan.   Cheri, I thank you for taking on extra responsibility so that I can be here.  I love you all… you are a gift from God.

Life Challenges

Secluded in my room today I am disappointed that it was necessary to cancel a speaking engagement at Nairobi Teen Challenge and an appointment with the General Superintendent of the Kenya Assemblies of God.  It was sometime in the afternoon yesterday that something I ate caught up with me.  If we were in Mexico or South America I might call it Montezuma’s revenge.  I am unaware of the name of the African equivalent although now I know first hand there is such a thing.  The upside is I was able to head to bed early, 1:00 am.  Ron and Amy (local IT director) worked until 4:00 am and were back at it by 7:00.

 

Today has actually been good for me.  I’ve had time to pray and I’ve had time to study for Sunday services.  Far from being a wasted day it has been productive, a day to reflect.

 

I’ve also taken time to reflect on the stories of the African people.  Amy talked of the financial challenge of makings ends meet.  She spoke of the rise in the cost of commodities, how milk is now 23 shillings. ($.30 U.S.)  how sugar and bread have seen similar increases.  She was so thankful for the Biblica lunch plan for employees.  The cost for lunch is 80 shillings of which Biblica contributes half.  “For 40 shillings ($.52) I can get lunch including a fruit.”  These lunches are simple.  One day a casserole type spaghetti dish and orange slices.  Another day pinto beans and corn with thin slices of fresh pineapple .  (The corn appeared to be a dried field variety that was re-hydrated in a pot alongside the dried pinto beans).  Amy was just talking, never complaining and always with her brilliant smile.  Next time I shell out $4 for a combination meal at Wendy’s I’ll remember that the same $4 would buy Amy lunch for 8 days.

   Out in the courtyard I sat with Amy and Peter.  I asked about the unrest and violence that accompanied last year’s elections.  They told me that the problems were tribal in nature.  They then shared how both of them were from an African tribe which was the target during the uprising.  Amy excused herself and headed back to work while Peter continued to talk of prejudice and the culture of hate.  He spoke of a time not too long ago when one tribe killed nearly one hundred thousand people from another African  tribe.  His pain was visible as he used his hands against his face to demonstrate, “this violence was all because their noses and foreheads were shaped differently.”

 

When you think of them, pray for Peter, Amy and the Kenya Biblica team.  These are lovely Christian people living in a country with unbelievable challenges.  They choose to work at Biblica where they have given their lives to spread the Good News that Jesus came for all tribes and every people group.  Although from many different tribes, this Biblica team works side by side fulfilling the same goal.  To me it’s a living testimony of the power of God to unite people and give a purpose large enough to transcend prejudice.

Africa LCD

It happened again! The LCD screen at seat 39a simply will not work…. and you guessed it, that’s my seat. I’ve been told by a variety of flight attendants that they have rebooted my screen several times. “Just wait 15 or 20 minutes before you touch the control buttons,” they keep telling me. Alright then, I’ve waited four hours and it still doesn’t work. My inclination is not to blame the flight attendants, at least I don’t’ think I’m faulting them. But wait a minute, what if there is a conspiracy intended to keep John Pauls from enjoying his flight. A couple of things could point in that direction… You see this is the second time in as many flights it’s happened to me, no movie no sound, no picture. I’m learning to live with the feelings of the scorned, the unwanted the outsiders… People all around me smiling as they watch Transformers fly across their personal LCD screens. Others are enjoying the story about a homeless cellist, and still others Spock or Wolverine. (I know I should quit asking the guy in front of me to move his head so I can view the seven inch screen attached to the seat in front of him.). Sorry, I’ll get back to the conspiracy. You see, just about an hour ago a flight attendant asked, “Do you want vegetarian curry or chicken? “ That’s an easy choice because I love chicken; I mean I really love chicken. I’ve eaten several flocks of chickens in my life. Not only am I fond of the bird, I’ve eaten it about every possible way. Boiled, fried (a favorite) grilled, baked, stuffed and curried. I’ve even eaten chicken’s feet. I don’t mean chicken legs or drumsticks; I mean feet, the parts just above the claws. Okay, here’s the point, I’ve never eaten chicken like what was just served. If it was indeed chicken it was presented incognito, undercover, disguised… the hallmarks of any conspiracy. You see, it’s starting to add up. Not only do I have an in-descript food substance to pick through, I’m adorned with fancy high quality airline headphones styling over my ears yet there’s no sound coming through these high tech wonders. Why continue to wear headphones when with a dead screen in front of me? I’m resisting the conspiracy that could ruin my flight and cause me to look different, to stick out. With a glace around the plane you will notice I fit in, looking “cool” with this audio technology gripped to my ears and that metal band pushing my hair down in a stylish sort of way. (Looking cool kind of like how cool Blake McBride looks with his Ray-Bans resting on his forehead just above his eyes).
By now you’re probably wondering what the deeper meaning of this blog might be. I could tell you it has something to do with redemption or justification, fellowship or regeneration but the truth is, I’m just having fun. At 35,00 feet, I’m writing silly thoughts because that’s what you can do when you have eight hours with no internet, no Facebook, no Twitter, no MySpace, no YouTube, no Hulu and no TV! Sometimes it’s just good to laugh, to have some fun, to relax and not take yourself too seriously.

Opportunity

 

 

Friday April 10, 2009

 

Every stop I’ve made in Thailand and The Philippines is replete with opportunities for ministry.  It is such a joy to recognize the ABC Family is committed to ministry in China and possibly in the country of Panama this year.  May I suggest that we are only beginning to invest in the world around us.  Here is a short rundown of ministry opportunities discussed on this trip.

 

Having determined to make a stop in Tacloban, Philippines I was welcomed by our missionaries, Mark and Fredda Alston. 

 

These are missionaries ABC has supported for many years.  Upon arriving in Tacloban Mark and I traveled to a nearby town which has a young church in need of a building. 

I met the young couple who lead this church and together we visited the beautiful building site they have already purchases.

 

In the northern Thailand province of Udon Thani Pastor Prasha asked us to consider bringing a team or multiple teams to lead sports camps for the youth of the area. 

We visited a twenty six acres site where Pastor Prasha has a dream of building a sports ministry and education center.

 

In Manila Bishop Leo (Layo) and his lovely wife Elsie welcomed us with such warmth and generosity.  The opportunity was extended to return and participate in a training event for local pastors.

 

Could it be that God is asking us to trust that He will provide for a greater calling to the nations?  Could it be that opportunities as well as resources will increase toward that purpose?  Please consider how God can use you for the nations. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allow The Children

Thursday April 9, 2009

Every now and then Jesus would show his displeasure.  One of those most memorable displays happened in Mark 10:13-16  "One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch them and bless them, but the disciples told them not to bother him. [14] But when Jesus saw what was happening, he was very displeased with his disciples. He said to them, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [15] I assure you, anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God." [16] Then he took the children into his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them." (NLT)

 

Following our celebration service in Pampanga last Sunday, Ron and I joined with that local church and an outreach team from International Bible Society as we ministered to more than 400 children.  I love children and I love to have them around. 

It brought me great pleasure to witness this intentional and well planned event for God’s special little ones. 

I have visited places in the world that provide little or no ministry to children.  I have also been in countries like the Philippines where a great emphasis is placed on the spiritual wellbeing of their children.  Will you join me in recommitting ourselves to the children of ABC and Colorado Springs?  Perhaps God will tap you on the shoulder and invite you to get involved in ministry to a group of His favorite people, I hope so!

The Children of Pampanga:

 

 

Big kids!

 

 

Technology

Wednesday April 8, 2009

It has been easier than ever for me stay connected with Colorado Springs.  Wherever there is a wireless internet connection I can video call Cheri on Skype.  Several times we have talked while staring at 6”x6” images of each other.  The image of Cheri jerks and seems to stumble sometimes but nevertheless, it’s my favorite girl on the computer screen.  One morning from Thailand I called (Skyped) Cheri and Chenille.  They then added our son Justin on a conference call.  Cheri and Chenille in Colorado Springs, Justin in Portland and  John from the IBS office in Thailand visited with each other simultaneously.

Just think about this blog that I generate in Thailand or The Philippines.  As I post photos and commentary you can view it almost instantly.  I’m wowed by the capabilities.  As I meet new friends I will be able to keep in touch.

Why don't you take a minute to call someone you love or send them an email and leverage technology to bless someboby.

Thanks for taking time to look at this blog and thank you for your prayer and concerns for us.  Cheri and I really love our ABC Family!

 

Additional Photos from around our Bangkok hotel:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hospitality

Wednesday April 8, 2009

 

I just have to tell you about the Family of God in the Philippines.  Leo (Layo) and Elsie were the first Filipinos I met.  Oh what a great discovery I made. 

Elsie is one of the most kind, generous and gracious ladies I have had the privilege of meeting.  It seemed that her goal was to set a new level of hospitality for us.  Leo was equally gracious but in addition he is very demonstrative, a little bit ornery and very much the life of the party.  It was a rare moment when he did not have a story to tell or a song to sing.  With his big authoritative voice he might bust out in a rousing rendition of  'How Great Thou Art' or just as likely his song for the moment would be 'God Bless America.'  Leo is a wonderful man of God full of vision and passion for God’s kingdom.

On Sunday morning Elsie and Leo picked Ron and me up at our hotel and headed for Pampanga, about two hours north of Manila.  We arrived at this rural community where we were invited in to the home of Sister Mary and her husband Jun. 

Sister Mary had prepared a breakfast consisting of pork steak and vegetables in a delicious red sauce served with rice.  Sister Mary then set before us the best (indescribable) mango I have ever eaten.  Keep in mind that we were eating this incredible food in the morning before the service had even begun.  Then it was off to the celebration service. 

The building was a block structure with oscillating fans for air condition on a day with high humidity and 90 plus degrees on the thermometer.  It was hot and my shirt, soaked from perspiration, gave clear evidence that I was not yet acclimated to the climate. 

On this Sunday morning the auditorium was packed with more than 80 people. 

The worship was heavenly as it filled the room and reverberated out into the community.  We sang songs with words we did not understand and then we joined them singing familiar songs in English. 

This beautiful pastor and congregation honored me with the privilege of sharing the sermon. 

I spoke, Leo interpreted (Not sure if he was interpreting my words or preaching his own sermon – smile).  Just think, Ron, half way around the world, did not get the break from my teaching that you, the ABC Family enjoyed last Sunday!

After the service it happened, we were treated to a meal that will go down as a top ten in my lifetime.  Unbelievable, incredible, delicious x 100.  Fish, adobo, prawns, soup, fried chicken, pork dishes, beef dishes, rice, fried bananas, more mangos,  one of those meals where you just don’t want to stop.  (Well okay, that’s most of the time for me)

Sister Mary and Jun gave their best to the two Americans.

I have to tell you that hospitality was raised to a new level on this trip to the Philippines.  The Bible instructs Christians to “practice hospitality.”  Ron and I were the recipients of a level of kindness that has raised the bar for what it means to practice or extend hospitality.  There was not a moment were the best was not offered.  Our needs were never left unattended to.  When I had to be at the airport by 4:00 am to visit the Asltons, it was Leo who picked me up.  They insisted on serving and they insisted on sharing what they had.

I hope this experience will challenge me to share and serve, to practice hospitality at a higher level.

 

Where Sin Abounds

Sunday April 5, 2009

Walking along a bustling street in central Bangkok the sites and smells are exhilarating. Pink taxi cabs, scooters and masses of people crowd utilize this busy street.  Occasionally you find yourself dodging a scooter which has moved onto the sidewalk in an apparent attempt to avoid slowing traffic.  Like many of the large cities of the world Bangkok displays great affluence and abject poverty all on a single city block.   We passed a river or canal which was polluted and lined with litter.  Plastic jugs and trash rushed along with as the water headed toward the sea.  Yet, in this setting of poverty there is beauty to be seen.  It’s hard to argue with the beauty of a tree, lush and green, lending shade without charge to any who wish to pause beneath its canopy.  The prophet Jeremiah wrote metaphorically about a tree planted near water.  He suggest that proximity to water and proximity to God share similarities…  “He will be strong, like a tree planted near water that sends its roots by a stream.  It is not afraid when the days are hot; its leaves are always green.  It does not worry in a year when no rain comes; it always produces fruit.”  (Jeremiah 17:8 NCV) 

The paradox of what caught my eye next was stunning.  Just a few feet from the sidewalk stood a man-made pond that at one time was most certainly an object of pride and beauty.  Once it had been a object of sheer beauty, a concrete lined landscaped ponds complete with running water, an oasis next to a sun scorched sidewalk.  It was obvious that the pond had been grossly neglected or even abandoned.  The water was putrid in color, dark green mucky and thick in texture.  Yet in the middle of that putrid, neglected pond water standing proud above the bits of litter, a flower stood casting its beauty toward all who passed.   It was a vivid picture of grace and beauty rising above that which was unpleasant and neglected.  I remembered those hopeful words in Romans 5:20 “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more. (NIV)

 

Grace and beauty are found in Jesus.  No matter what your circumstances may be, Jesus would love to sustain you while making something beautiful out of your life.

 

I’m still missing you as I pray for God to give you wisdom and revelation.