Keep on Keeping on

I love how the Spirit works. I love how at just the right time and in just the right way (oftentimes which is not the time or way you’d envisioned), He speaks to you. Draws you in and reveals Himself to you in deeper and more profound ways.

As typically has happened before a big game or, more recently, with trips Ace Hoops has led or programs we’ve launched, a small case of cold feet sets in.  Is this trip God-honoring? Is this program Christ-centered? Is it worth our time, your money? Are we truly making a difference?

A week from tomorrow we head off to Juarez and a similar line of questioning wants to creep in. Are we crazy going there? To Juarez, the “world’s most dangerous city?” Am I literally nuts?

And then the Spirit speaks, and I shut up and listen…

Today I opened up my Bible and was reading about Paul’s church planting in Corinth found in Acts 18. Bombarded with attacks and critics and opposition in planting this church, Paul probably had a lot going on in his mind. And it wouldn’t doubt me if somewhere in his mind the cold feet questions of Am I crazy and Is it too late to turn around? entered in.

Then God spoke to him in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.  For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:9-10)

Because Jesus loves this city.

Jesus has a heart that breaks for Juarez and His message to me, and to all of you who support Ace Hoops and the Emmanuel Children’s Home, is simple: Do not be afraid. Do not be silent. Keep on speaking about me! My ends are to save the city and my means are you not being afraid and having the courage to tell people that I love them and that I will take away their sin through my death, my burial and my resurrection.

It’s about courage—don’t be afraid of the city. And it’s about love: the city needs you!

There will be less murders in Juarez, less drugs being exchanged in Juarez, less corruption within the government agencies in Juarez. Fewer jails. Fewer rehab centers. Fewer women abused and sexually assaulted. Fewer children being beaten and raped and left to die in the mountains surrounding Juarez….

If more people love Jesus and live like Jesus and bring the saving message of Jesus to the city and the people of the city.

If more people love Jesus and live like Jesus, the city will be a better place. We’re not going down to declare war on the city already at war, we’re going down to embrace the city  and the precious children of the Emmanuel Children’s Home with the love and transforming power of Jesus.

Because the city needs Jesus!

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for Ace Hoops, the team going down in a week, and the Emmanuel Children’s Home and all its precious kids! When most are leaving the city, we’re not. And you’re not. And with one voice, with courage and in truth, you’re helping proclaim the saving love of Jesus Christ! Keep on keeping on!