Gospel Prism

I love my wife, Shua, dearly and I am always proud of her. My desire is that I would lead her kindly and lovingly and would be a part of sanctifying her to grow more in Christlikeness (Eph 5:22ff.). Which is why I praise God that Shua is going to Mozambique. Some people have asked me why should Shua go to Moz when she has to care for four children. Here are my answers:

1. By her going, it is a reminder to both of us that our children are not our little gods whom we serve. Sadly far too many people worship their children, their schedules, and their education.

2. By her going, she will see the destitution of mothers and children who are dying physically and spiritually. This will give her a perspective that will greatly beneficially affect her mothering over our children.

3. By her going, she will understand what I have seen and experienced these past three years in sub-Saharan Africa.

4. By her going, she will be living out the Gospel’s concern for the poor and defenseless.

5. By her going, she will be modeling to all the mothers of our church that one can care deeply for one’s children and also care deeply for other children.

6. By her going, she will be modeling to the members of our church that a love for one’s children need not be contradictory for a love for the Gospel and Gospel concerns.

7. By her going, she will he honoring me and submitting to me in my support of her going.

8. By her going, she will be able to teach our children what good does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul.

9. By her going, she places her whole trust in the Lord and not in herself.

10. By her going, she will be able to fellowship and grow together with the rest of our team and will have the joy and privilege of gladly making others glad (to use my co-blogger Tim’s expression).

Here’s what Shua wrote in her letter. I think she summarizes it best:

Preparing for this trip has become an opportunity to share with our children about God’s heart for the world and the Father’s deep compassion for the most vulnerable and truly forsaken. Our kids have been asking when they could go as well, and we have begun to pray for the orphans whom Mommy will be meeting. I am so grateful and humbled by my family’s loving support through their prayers and sacrifice!

This morning, I read from Colossians 1 in my devotions, and I want to ask if you might be willing to pray these verses for me as I go to Africa. I do feel a deep sense of my weakness, especially as I pray for my own dad who is battling terminal lung cancer. Our lives are in God’s hands, and He is sovereign and merciful. I trust in Him for every detail of my life. What an awesome privilege it is to trust in such a great God!

Check out our Team’s Mozambique website for further info.

People will ask me, “Won’t it be hard caring for all four kids by yourself.” It might be. But I look forward to an opportunity to spend time caring for and loving my children. I look forward to the time I will have in praying for mommy and the rest of the team. And even though it might be taxing, it will be a joy.