On our first workday in Kenya, we divided into two groups.  Group 1 (Nathan, Kelly, Brent, Leigh and Nick) stayed at the house and helped with the building.  Group 2 (Dennis, Scott, Brian, and myself) divided in two more groups with two local pastors to visit homes and evangelize door to door.  Before we separated, one of the older gentlemen present at the house construction let us know he was giving the team a goat as provision for lunch.  Pastor Shem, our ministry leader from the Kenyan Baptist Convention, let us know that the guest of honor was supposed to slaughter the goat.  As the pastor of the group and team leader that responsibility fell to me.  Nervous and faithless, I attempted to shift the duty to Brian when Dennis stepped up willingly.  As he slit the throat of that dying goat, the Spirit spoke to me about the message I was to give at the dedication (the details follow below).  Immediately, we left to make our visits.  Brian and I went with Pastor Peter and Kelvin visiting about 10 homes, speaking with 14 people, and witnessing 7 of those profess faith in Christ.  While it appeared some of those professions might not have been first time professions of faith, I’m confident that we not only presented the gospel clearly, but that a number of those with whom we prayed were genuinely converted.  We will trust the Lord with these professions and pray for the pastors as they follow up with them in the coming weeks.  It was a unique pleasure to see God work and move among the villagers today.  In total nearly 20 people made professions while double that number invited us into their homes where we were able to offer encouragement and a word from Scripture.  Upon our arrival back at the house, we learned Leigh was asked to slaughter a chicken, which she did nervously but courageously.  Instead of building a home for a widow, we built for a widower, Isaiah.  His wife recently died just after childbirth and his baby is in the hospital now.  At the dedication, Dennis gave a clear testimony of his faith in Christ, and I borrowed a sermon from Johnny Tiller about the lamb throughout Scripture.  I referenced the lamb for a man in Genesis, the lamb for a family in Exodus, and the Lamb for mankind in Jesus Christ on the cross.   I couldn’t have been more proud of our team on day 1 of our ministry for handling new experiences with boldness and grace—for willingly giving of themselves to serve and love others—and for sharing the glorious gospel of Christ to those who were open and responsive to it.  In the posts that follow, I’ll share about the rest of our trip. 

I’ve had the chance for a few days to read the comments following Phil Robertson’s interview with GQ magazine and A&E’s subsequent suspension of Phil from Duck Dynasty. There appear to be a wide range of opinions and concerns on this topic. From a free speech perspective, Phil was well within his rights as was A&E in suspending him since A&E does not have to employ someone with whom they disagree.
From a theological perspective Phil merely stated a biblical truth, albeit a bit crassly. I’m glad his family chose to stand with him. I’m also encouraged by the support of many fans for his biblical views.
However, It is troubling to me, as it should be to many preachers and Christians, that a biblical view on the issue of homosexuality is simply not tolerated within American culture. Coupled with the Colorado judge’s demand that a private business bake a wedding cake for a homosexual couple, these situations illustrate the marginalization of biblical views on sin. It is also troubling to me that some equate Phil’s view with hate speech or intolerance. God himself is intolerant of sin because He is supremely holy. Remember that God judged all our sin (note the entire list of sins Phil mentioned) on the cross, and that judgement was terrible and not the least bit tolerant. While the cross represents God’s judgment on sin and us for that matter, it also shows God’s great love – not in overlooking our guilt, but in dealing with it.
Another thing about this issue troubles me is the failure of some to recognize the topic of homosexuality as both a political and personal issue. As a follower of Jesus I recognize homosexuality as a sin like any other – one He dealt with on the cross. Thus, in a personal setting I believe we are to treat everyone (regardless of their sin) with dignity, respect, and love. But our culture today raises this issue in a political way as well. Note for example with Phil Robertson that he quoted God in Scripture concerning a variety of sins and was suspended for only one stated sin – homosexuality. The desire of A&E to be politically correct trumped their “tolerance” of a view different than their own. As a believer whose authority is found in God’s Word, it is becoming increasingly unpopular to state His views on this subject. I guess it feels a little like the first believers whose views about Jesus were unpopular and marginalized in the Greco-Roman world.