Dream Evangelist's jump first, and fear later.

Each time I travel to Africa, I seem to bump into some of my personal heroes.  Once in Rwanda, I met Rick Warren...that was a total honor.  Today, I got to meet one of the most inspiring men I have heard of...Jason "Radical" Russell.  He is the co-founder of Invisible Children.  We bumped into him downtown Kampala...before he heads up north to Gulu.  I just loved what his business card says: DREAM EVANGELIST on the back it says: JUMP FIRST. FEAR LATER.  

I did not even know it was him.  I saw a young man reading Rob Bell's latest book, and out of the blue asked him what he thought of it...we talked back and forth and he asked me where we were from and what we were doing here in Uganda.  Then I asked him, and he was so modest, he said he was with a group of folks that started a non-profit called "Invisible Children".  I was so amazed.  I had followed his awesome ministry since 2003, which Ironically is the same year we were called to serve Africa!  They are doing amazing things using Media to tell the untold stories of thousands of children here in Africa.  IC wants to help transform apathy into activism!  I love that.  

Did you hear those four simple words I typed above?  JUMP FIRST. FEAR LATER.  How can you apply this to your life? Hebrews 11:1 says "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."  Melody and I have been know to Jump First...but we still struggle with the fear part...Even with so many past experiences where God guided us through a tough situation or proved His amazing power in our lives.  How about you?  Where in your life do you need to Jump First?  Where is God asking you to trust Him?  What plank do you need to walk off  while blindfolded?  One person can make a difference.  You could be the one to fear later...

Learning and Re-Learning the meaning of Patience

Wow.  Here in Africa, I learn many things about myself.  Looking back at my recent time in the USA, I allowed myself to become quite demanding.  I have high expectations when I need or want something.  I want it now.  Maybe you can relate.  When you feel a craving for a cheeseburger, you drive a mile, go thru the drive-thru, and WHAM...a juicy hot heart attack on a bun is waiting for you in the paper sack.

Traffic in Kampala

Its one thing if its a WANT, but what about a need?  Here in Africa we have a saying...T.I.A. (This Is Africa) I have been in several countries in Africa, and it seems to be the same everywhere...things happen at a snail's pace...well maybe slower than that.  Well our ministry NEEDS a vehicle to further our mission.  I NEED IT YESTERDAY!

 More Traffic

The last couple of days I have been trying to purchase a vehicle for Africa Family Rescue.  I now know that I have forgotten about this aspect of the African culture.  Relationship, Relationship, Relationship!  I was thinking how I could explain this to my American friends, but it will be a painful read.  You just wouldn't even believe the set of events that have transpired shopping for this used vehicle!  Its been two long days, driving all over tar nation, meeting strangers, negotiating, meeting, negotiating, meeting someone new, more negotiating, and at the end of the day, I can't say I have even accomplished anything!  STILL NO VEHICLE!

One of the 4x4 vans we looked at today

After the first 4 hours waiting for a friend to pick me up the first day, I decided to try to enjoy the journey.  So I have sat in a car sweating in the hot sun for hours, stuck in insane traffic, being stood up by people called from classified ads, sitting...waiting...waiting...sitting...negotiating...all this while making new friends, laughing out loud, making fun of ourselves. I am discovering people willing to help me for hours on end, with no expectation to be paid or get anything in return, just simply out of concern for me and knowing my need.  I am  humbled by the selfless giving of these wonderful people, and how they have taught me to enjoy the journey.