Pleasant Unity in the Light

07/25/12

 

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard,

running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes.

It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.

For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”

Psalm 133:1-3

Jon and I are now back in Lusaka. The last few days in Kitwe were bitter-sweet with much joy and laughter as well as the sadness of leaving friends behind. Bible study went well on Thursday and Friday with fruitful discussion. I enjoyed preparing and leading bible study together with Gerald. Another highlight for me was in studying our identity in Christ, looking at many of the names the bible uses to describe us.

Kind of as a farewell event for Jon and me, we had students over to Chapo’s place for fun, bible discussion, and a scrumptious meal with grilled chicken. Gerald, his friend ‘Chips’, his roommate Godfrey, and Shiloh came. I got to facilitate the discussion part which was fun and went well. We looked at how we spend our time during a normal week and how we can live as Christ desires us to in our commitments.

God has been opening my eyes to his call for his people, for me personally to reach out to the lost. I am called to be a fisher of men (Matt. 4:19), Christ’s ambassador to this lost world (2 Cor. 5:17-20). Paul’s words are convicting: “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible.” (1 Corinthians 9:19)

In Zambia, God has blessed me with many friendships. When I return to the States, I believe I will most miss the people that I’ve gotten to know here. In Zambia, I have been able to enjoy many good times with friends, like last night talking late in the night catching up the Dan and Aaron. I have been able to see comrades growing and living out their identity in Christ. They are my brothers and sisters in Christ, the light of the world, each a testimony of Christ’s transforming work within them. Below is a bit of what I’ve seen in a few of the many lights of Christ here in Zambia. All of these guys below are solid friends, which have been a joy and blessing for me on this trip. They are many other good friends as well that are not written about below.

A FEW LIGHTS OF CHRIST HERE IN ZAMBIA

Matthews is an oak of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3). He is a young sapling who just came to know Christ at the end of last year, whose growth over this past year and desire to grow shines.

Gerald is a disciple of Jesus: a pupil, a learner and follower of Jesus. He is faithful, available, and teachable. He desires to make disciples of Jesus and is growing in his identity as a disciple-maker. He has been a great friend for me; we have been able to share many memories together which I will cherish, such as once staying on campus for 24 hours, spending the night at his room.

Jon Chen is a shepherd of God’s flock (1 Peter 5:1-4). He is a man of God who I see encouraging and spurring on believers in their walk with the Lord. He is a man who in love lays down his life for his brothers. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” (1 John 3:16) This past week, in humility Jon allowed me to lead much, which was a great experience for me. It was cool to see him trusting God, by trusting God to work through me.

Chapo is a leader and a father of his family, many students at Copperbelt University, as well as people at Lighthouse church. He serves in love. I’ll miss his unique sense of humor, which often brought us joy.

Aaron is my brother in Zambian terms and in Christ. It has been neat to see him growing on this trip. I see him growing in a heart for people, in love and service, such as in asking us questions about our lives and cooking breakfast for the men of the Bachelor pad this morning.

Dan is an ambassador and student of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I cherish Dan’s openness and good, deep questions.

THE LIGHT

God is light; God is love. He has been the main character of our story here. It is a story of his love, his grace shown upon us, regardless of our iniquities: tis not a story of our greatness but of his great love lavished upon us and others through us. He has blessed us with so many blessings on this trip, such as the joy of living together as brothers in unity and of his light shining through us. “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:16-17) Praise the LORD!