Day Seventeen.
(Written on 10/2/05...there is another post published on the same day below. Please read in chronological order)
This morning I was invited to accompany Michael Cassidy to a church service of 1,000 people in attendance. It was a Pentacostal church, filled with great joy and life. Michael invited me to share the pulpit with him by giving a testimony for fifteen minutes or so before he preached. I had planned on sharing my story of how I met Jesus when I was sixteen, but then for some reason as I was sitting in the pew a few minutes before going up to speak, I felt compelled to share my journey through cancer instead. I referred to my journey as a storm that I brought to Jesus in order to find shelter, and then healing. The coordination with Michael and I was totally unplanned, but he proceeded to deliver his message, titled: “Bringing Our Storms to Jesus” (Mark 4:35-5:1). My story served as an appropriate introduction for his sermon. I won’t go into the details of his message, but when he invited people to bring to Jesus whatever storm they’re in (addiction, disease, relational problems, ancestor worship, etc.), every single person in that sanctuary came forward. Not one person remained in their seat. Michael’s message was powerful, and I was honored to share the pulpit with him on what may be his final pan-African mission after some forty years of service. The plan is for Steven Lungu (who preached at our church a year ago) to be his successor. Later this evening, there was an gathering for the community, serving as an opening service for the week’s mission, with approximately 5,000 people. Michael referred to my story again in his message tonight and I was humbled. The man is amazing…it’s no wonder he is such a hero throughout Africa.
Tomorrow morning I’m preaching at a public high school in the morning, and then at a church service in the evening. The morning’s message will be “Finding Miracles in the Ordinary” (Exodus 3:1-6) and the evening’s will be “Accepting Your Belovedness” (Mark 6:30-44, Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand). The idea behind the second one is just as Jesus took (or chose) the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it, so have we been chosen by God as his beloved (created in his image); we’ve been blessed by Him (that is, affirmed, not because of our accomplishments, but because of who he has made us); we have been broken (the pain that we have endured in this world), and we must accept our brokenness because it is through our brokenness that we minister to others, so long as we keep the brokenness under the blessing (that is, our identity is in the blessing, never the brokenness); so that we can be given to the world for restoration. Jesus was chosen by the Father, blessed by the Father (Matthew 3:17), broken in this world (through persecution and then ultimately the cross), so that he could be given to the world. In short, we have been chosen, blessed, and broken, so that we can be given. (The Life of the Beloved; Nouwen, Henri). We’ll see what happens.
You may be receiving these blogs after the fact, and I’ll probably be posting more than one at a time because I am limited to time and opportunities for internet. So, I try to keep up on my writing in a Word document on my laptop, and then when I can get to an internet café where my computer works, I cut and paste. So, sorry for the delays and thank you for your dedication in reading these. I hear that the week will get busier and I might find myself preaching at three or four meetings per day. Please pray for rest (and sanity).
This morning I was invited to accompany Michael Cassidy to a church service of 1,000 people in attendance. It was a Pentacostal church, filled with great joy and life. Michael invited me to share the pulpit with him by giving a testimony for fifteen minutes or so before he preached. I had planned on sharing my story of how I met Jesus when I was sixteen, but then for some reason as I was sitting in the pew a few minutes before going up to speak, I felt compelled to share my journey through cancer instead. I referred to my journey as a storm that I brought to Jesus in order to find shelter, and then healing. The coordination with Michael and I was totally unplanned, but he proceeded to deliver his message, titled: “Bringing Our Storms to Jesus” (Mark 4:35-5:1). My story served as an appropriate introduction for his sermon. I won’t go into the details of his message, but when he invited people to bring to Jesus whatever storm they’re in (addiction, disease, relational problems, ancestor worship, etc.), every single person in that sanctuary came forward. Not one person remained in their seat. Michael’s message was powerful, and I was honored to share the pulpit with him on what may be his final pan-African mission after some forty years of service. The plan is for Steven Lungu (who preached at our church a year ago) to be his successor. Later this evening, there was an gathering for the community, serving as an opening service for the week’s mission, with approximately 5,000 people. Michael referred to my story again in his message tonight and I was humbled. The man is amazing…it’s no wonder he is such a hero throughout Africa.
Tomorrow morning I’m preaching at a public high school in the morning, and then at a church service in the evening. The morning’s message will be “Finding Miracles in the Ordinary” (Exodus 3:1-6) and the evening’s will be “Accepting Your Belovedness” (Mark 6:30-44, Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand). The idea behind the second one is just as Jesus took (or chose) the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it, so have we been chosen by God as his beloved (created in his image); we’ve been blessed by Him (that is, affirmed, not because of our accomplishments, but because of who he has made us); we have been broken (the pain that we have endured in this world), and we must accept our brokenness because it is through our brokenness that we minister to others, so long as we keep the brokenness under the blessing (that is, our identity is in the blessing, never the brokenness); so that we can be given to the world for restoration. Jesus was chosen by the Father, blessed by the Father (Matthew 3:17), broken in this world (through persecution and then ultimately the cross), so that he could be given to the world. In short, we have been chosen, blessed, and broken, so that we can be given. (The Life of the Beloved; Nouwen, Henri). We’ll see what happens.
You may be receiving these blogs after the fact, and I’ll probably be posting more than one at a time because I am limited to time and opportunities for internet. So, I try to keep up on my writing in a Word document on my laptop, and then when I can get to an internet café where my computer works, I cut and paste. So, sorry for the delays and thank you for your dedication in reading these. I hear that the week will get busier and I might find myself preaching at three or four meetings per day. Please pray for rest (and sanity).
posted by Chris Pritchett | 4:33 AM
10 Comments:
Hi Chris,
It's good to hear how your 'journey' is continuing since we parted in Kinshasa. Am glad that you are able to enjoy being with the 'guys' for the mission to Tana. Wishing I was there with you all.
Have had several follow-up meetings here in Brussels with folk interested in the Reconciliation and Peacemaking project for the DRC.
Glad to see that you are getting accustomed to the African way of preaching
Will continue to follow your progress
Chris,
WOW, what a powerful message! And what courage it took for everyone to bring their "storms" to Jesus believing that Jesus is the Son of God and has the power to save us.
Jack spoke yesterday to 2Cor.5:19 and the ministry of reconciliation. How appropriate for what you and AE are doing over there and how God uses the message of the cross to reveal Christ's love for us. Paul says we cannot keep this to ourselves but that we as Christians are ambassadors of this message for Christ.
God is using you (and others) to make His appeal to the world while being controlled by the love of Christ. That is awesome! Keep it going, brother, you're doing great! We love you much, Mom
Hi Chris
Wow you are so lucky to be able to have dinner with Steven Lungu. He was an awesome speaker because his story was unlike any other. He kept my attention when he spoke at PCOM. Thank you for answering my question on what you had to do to prepare for Africa. You had to prepare yourself mentally, physically,and spiritually. I hope you get to write often but don't if you do not have time. The first thing I do when I come home is turn on the computer and go to your blog to see if you have typed anything new. I enjoy reading what you have to say. So enjoy your trip and keep typing:). Always praying for rest and sanity.
From, Courtney
Chris,
The internet situation in many places in Africa has its problems for sure but believe it or not so does it here in my home. Last Friday, I responded to your blog with a fairly "thoughtful piece" including a "humorist" diarrea experience I had about 20 years ago at the Nairobi airport about midnight just before boarding a flight for home...but when I clicked on the diatribe to send it to you it disappeared into cyberspace hell never to appear on your blog...actually, probably was divine intervention.
We immediately left for the weekend as Mary was able to remove her leg splint and be free to walk about so I didn't have time to retype it just as you didn't in your abbreviated one to me after your's disappeared as well...there both out there somewhere.
Chris, thanks for your email and the greetings from my AE friends there. As you have now learned for yourself, they are the greatest people. Michael, is a gifted and especially used servent of God. I don't think many at our church realized how special he is when he was our mission speaker in Sept. 2001. You are having personal time with him to realize that.
I'm please that you are working together with AE in the Tana Mission and that they are putting you to work teaching and preaching night and day. Your experience in that mission is not unlike the Kigali mission that Pastor Jack and I experienced a year ago June in Rwanda. By the way, time flies as Steven Lungu spoke at our church in May, not a year ago. I thought it was just old folks like me that can't keep track of time.
Thanks for the kind words on your email but it's a privilege to mentor you through this process and to have connected you to the people and resources that are making this such a unique experience. I'm anxious to hear your stories on your return. Speaking of your return, can you put on your schedule, Nov. 20 to share your trip with our Sojourners class at 9:30 AM?
A Celtic prayer for you, brother: "May the good Lord be with you on the rough and winding path ahead, may all your mosquito bites be non-malarial ones and may Lomotil be ever close by your side."
Blessings,
Bob
Gitch-
I spoke at youth group yesterday morning, and I'm pretty sure that several kids will not be returning to church. (Sometimes kids need to be reminded about the wrath of God.) However, the good thing is that I got them all to cry, and we both know that crying is the sign of a good message.(Kidding there) On a more serious note, I'm so envious of you right now! I would love to be in your shoes right now my brother. I remember my time in Africa in high school and it absolutley blew my mind, so I can begin to imagine what you're going through. I cannot think of anyone better suited to represent Christ-centered youth ministry in America than you my man. Go get 'em tiger!!
Gitch,
This weekend coming up is four-day. Makes me think about when I stayed at your place last year for four day and had to go in through the window because I couldn't get the lock on the front door open. (Sigh) memories. We had Philtoberfest last saturday. It was awesome. He had no idea what was coming and the surprise went off without a hitch. Fiore did a great job planning. It was a good weekend full of good friends. I am speaking to the youth group on sunday. I'm going to dominate. Anyways, things are going well in SB land. Good to hear things are going well for you. I feel like I can't even compete with the story from my last post, (I'm still laughing about it. I go back to class tomorrow for the first time since the confession of the beating. We'll see how it goes) so I am just going to call it quits for now. Praying for you, of course.
- Saur
PS Sorry about the use of the "g" word in my last post. You're right, it was in bad taste. My apologies.
Chris -
Two quick things. First, I am going to make my first appearance in the Horizon tomorrow, the Westmont school newspaper. Kind of ridiculous. I was bored in public discourse so I wrote an analysis of Bush's nominee to the Supreme Court today and the political implications, highlighting which senators to watch. Then I showed my buddy what I was doing, and he said to send it in to the Horizon, so I e-mailed it to them and they are actually going to use it. Kind of ridiculous. Official nerd-status, here I come. The second thing is that I wanted to let you know that, were I to decide to work at my place of employment over the summer again, I would not have to cover my tattoos ever again. That's all for now.
gitch
It is so fun for me to read about all of the rad people you are meeting and what a totally fresh and new experience you are having. I love sitting here and soaking up everything you have to say about your travels. Besides its a great way to put off studying :). I was at church last weekend and Billy's talk was sweet. He almost had me fooled for a second when he introduced himself as Chris Pritchett though. I also had lunch with Devon which was great because you have the best wife ever..obvi.
Keep on truckin, you're in my prayers.
Hi Chris, It has been fascinating and inspiring to read your postings. God is using you in remarkable ways. What a minister and pastor you are! I am praying for you and for Devon here at home. We miss you here in the office. It is quiet without you!
I started at Fuller last week in Dr. Feldmeth's class. He is really great...so smart! And very organized. There are about 50 people in the class. I took notes and hopefully you can read them! There is an optional midterm and 133 terms to know and the take home final. It is good to be there and I look forward to sharing the experience with you.
Take care, God's blessings, and know that you are loved and prayed for here every day.
Love, Nancy P.
Hi Chris
I am just full of questions aren’t I? Well here is another one for you. I don't think I fully realized that you related your journey through cancer to a storm until I reread “Day Seventeen” again. My question is you didn’t know that the title of Michael’s sermon was “Bringing our storms to Jesus” before you told your story? I am just reconfirming because it is amazing and I have never heard of miracles (I consider it God's miracle) happening to someone I know. God does work in amazing ways it boggles my mind. Still praying for you to have rest and sanity.
From, Courtney
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