To all my friends, family, and supporters . . .

As you all may know my African journey is quickly approaching its end.  This has been the most incredible experience that God has ever brought me on.  And yet I still know that many more journeys still lie ahead. It’s just like Pastor Scott always says “The best has yet to come!” Throughout these past couple of months I’ve made some close friends with many people from all over the world. God has given me the privilege to pray for many people, bring the gospel to thousands of kids, disciple many young people, and see Him work in mighty ways.  Throughout my journey I’ve seen the scripture in Matthew 19:29 come alive. 

Matthew 19:29 (NLT)

And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters

 or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive

 a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.

God has confirmed what I already believed and what others have stated, “I belong on the mission field.”  After this confirmation I was left with a question, “Am I called to continue to serve in Africa or does God desire me to go elsewhere?”  After seeking God in prayer and fasting I believe I may come back to Africa in another season but as for now I believe there things I must learn as God leads me elsewhere. I believe God has a unique call on my life and He is preparing me to go to some tough and hard places, places that few choose to go.

I say all of the previous to say this. . . I believe God is leading me to go spend a few weeks in a nation that has been on my heart for some time now. This nation is part of the 10/40 window. The 10/40 window is an 

area:

•        Where 2/3 of the people of the world reside

•        8 of 10 of the poorest people live

•        8  of 10 of the people living here have the lowest quality of life (life expectancy, infant mortality, and literacy)

•      Its often been referred to as  “most unreached” area of the world

I believe the Lord is leading me to go to Thailand. Thailand is a nation in crisis where more than 65 million people call home. Thailand is a nation made up of more than 92% Buddhist, 5% Muslims, and only 0.1% knowing Jesus. (That’s more than 64 million people who are lost.)  As I read the previous statistics I can’t help but think of:

Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)

 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?

 And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?

And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?

It is my desire to be obedient to what the Lord is leading me to do. And that is after my African journey is completed I am to travel to Thailand and serve the Thai people to see if this is where I am to be planted permanently. I’ve always believed that a missionary going onto the field is bigger than just him. You see, God uses many coming together believing, praying, and supporting to get that person on the field. It’s impossible for us to do it alone.  I’ve heard John Piper make the following statement:

“Some go, some send, and some simply disobey.”  - John Piper

I pray that you’ll search your heart and ask the Lord what you’re part may be. I’m fund-raising all the necessary funds to spend 2-3 weeks in Thailand, which will be about $2,000. It is my prayer to be in Thailand by May and with your help this can be possible.

Thank You and God Bless,

Brandon King

brandon@childrenscup.org

 

where is the church?

Just a week prior to me coming to Zimbabwe I had issues crossing the border when I left South Africa. It was quite an ordeal. Let’s just say it was a reminder that I was not in the United States. The issue was I didn’t totally understand the border crossing process. And since I’m an “American” they give Americans 3 month visas to stay in South Africa. It’s a standard it doesn’t matter if u just want to go for a day you still will get a 3 month Visa. Well every time you enter the country you get a “transit” stamp that operates under that 3 month visa until that visa expires then you must get another 3 month visa. Well when I went to South Africa with the Salemis I told them I was going for 30 days. They never told me anything and just stamped so I assumed all was taking care of. Boy was I wrong. When I tried to leave South Africa to come back into Swaziland I was greeted with the most ANGRY African man telling me I was staying in SA illegally. I said, “I’m sorry I don’t understand I’m afraid you’re mistaken.” Well that ticked him off even more. I kept trying to ask questions to figure out what I did wrong and the man kept getting angrier and angrier. He looked at me and yelled, “You overstayed in my country and you must pay me 1,000Rand now!” Still confused of this “crime” I committed and I’m starting to think this guy just wants money just to pocket it. I said “I’m sorry sir I don’t have 1,000Rand.” (I actually did have the money but I know how this game works I’ve been in African too long) He eventually let me through but I had to pay the fine before I could enter back into the country. So when I arrived into Swaziland I took care of it and sure enough I needed to pay this ridiculous fine. No one could answer my questions until. . .  I tried to cross the border with P Mike. When I tried to come back into SA with P Mike would you believe they weren’t gonna give me a visa. They were gonna just stamp my passport and let me go into the country illegally then when I tried to leave they were gonna raise hell again. P Mike said, “Brandon they like to do this to people that don’t understand how this works to make money off of them.” Can you believe it? TIA at its finest. P Mike explained everything to me and showed me what to look for to prevent them from taking advantage of me.

P Mike told me, “You see that was just a preparation before you go through Beit Bridge. When we cross the border into Zimbabwe it could be worse.” I’m thinking he is messing with me but some of the other pastors were telling me he wasn’t.  I’m thinking, “Great this just aint ever going to end, but at least I can get some experience on how to do this.” Well once we arrived to the border I see that this border is defiantly different than the others it’s much busier and they just do so many things that don’t make any since at all but then again TIA.  Well I had to get a double entry thirty day visa to say in Zimbabwe. To get this visa I had to fill out this form and talk to the “Chief Border Officer” sounds very intimidating but again I’ve learned to play their “game”. Started to make small talk with guy and brag about how awesome I think their country is and through in as much siSwati as I can (they always love that) needless to say I became friends with the guy and it was a piece of cake. Pastor Mike said I was blessed because this day was very usual compared to his previous encounters he has had at that border. P Mike has stayed up to 24 hours at that border facing one problem after another. 

Zimbabwe has been great. We are approaching the end of our 21 day fast and I have to say I never seen a group of people that have been so on fire for God than the Zimbabweans I’m with. Every night is a night of worship and prayer. And every night I go to a different campus and witness this same fire for God. You can bearly hear the music because you hear EVERYONE either is singing praises, praying their heart out, and on their face speaking in tongues the entire church is worshiping and seeking God not just a small few. I’ve never seen such a hunger before ever before in my life it challenges me and also encourages me to see such hunger. Seeing this hunger upsets me when I think of most of the American church. Why aren’t we seeking God with such passion? These people have so little but have great faith. The truth is they might not have much in material things but they have so much other things we don’t have.  We have so much to learn from such people. 

I pray that once I return God would make a way for me to help our church witness such things. Whether that be leading teams to oversees mission trips or allowing them to serve without strings attached in the states. I’m convinced that serving oversees and serving such people keeps a church from becoming selfish, comfortable, and gives a better perspective on the things that really matters. 

 I’ve read accounts and have also seen some horrible evil that has happened in Africa. Things like: men going into communities and cutting of the breast of women so they can’t even feed their own children, men massacring a population of people because they look different , encountering a pregnant woman and wanting to kill her but afraid it might be bad luck so they decide to just cut off her ears, nose, and lips, women and children raped over and over again, children taken and forced to become killers (I read an account of a group of kids forced to bite the legs off another child and if they didn’t they would be killed) truly the list continues. What else is happening in the rest of the world this is just Africa? I have one and only one question to ask WHERE IS THE CHURCH?

 Let me quote John Scott for just a moment:

“If a house is dark when nightfall comes, there is no sense in blaming the house; that simply happens when the sun goes down. The question to ask is "where is the light?" Similarly, if meat goes bad and become inedible, there is no sense in blaming the meat; that is what happens when bacteria is left to breed. The question to ask is "Where is the salt?" Just so, if society deteriorates and its standards decline until it becomes like a dark night or a stinking fish, there is no need in blaming society; that is what happens when fallen men and women are left to themselves, and human selfishness is unchecked. The question is "Where is the Church? Why are the salt and light of Jesus Christ not permeating and changing our society?" It is sheer hypocrisy on our part to raise our eyebrows, shrug our shoulders, or wring our hands. The Lord Jesus told us to be the world's salt and light. If therefore darkness and rottenness abound, it is largely our fault and we must accept the blame.” 

Church we have a responsibility to love our neighbor and the reason there is such darkness in this world is because there is no light (we aren’t doing what we were commanded to do). I’ve never had such a burden and seen such responsibility than to be on my face in prayer. It’s my desire that the Holy Spirit will lead me and show me how I can be Jesus to such people. Church we have to be obedient and lay aside what might be easier and comfortable. Christ has commanded not asked us to care for the poor, oppressed, and to love our enemies. 

I pray that you will join me and repent for our sin of disobedience. And not only ask God how we can become salt and light in this world but be obedient to His leading no matter how hard, uncomfortable, or how much it might cost to do it. Things must change in this world and Christ desires to use His bride, his beloved to bring forth this change.  It can’t be done in mans will or might but by the Holy Spirit of God that dwells within us. 

“The message of the Gospel is perfect and has the power to change lives. The only way it can be messed up is by the deliverer.”   - Anonymous

figuring myself out

I’m trying to figure myself out.  .  . Today when I hear of adversity, pain, injustice, or anything like it I find myself running towards it. I’m attracted to those areas like bugs are attracted to light. I need to get there and bring the hope, comfort, and the love that is found in Christ. But I use to not be like this. I actually use to run the opposite way. Adversity and pain made me uncomfortable and I wanted nothing to do with it. I tried to ignore it and I even tried to deny its existence. I would turn my head and close my eyes and would walk away. I can remember watching TV commercials about the hungry African babies with the fly on their face and a man comes on asking for your money to help support the kids. Another time watching CNN and seeing all the devastation after a tsunami destroyed thousands of homes and killed many in Shri Lanka. For a moment I was saddened then after about 10 minutes I would forget it all happened. I would forget while others were fighting for their lives.  I remember hating that about myself and I wanted to do something.

There are over six and a half billion people on the planet,

which is crazy, I can’t even get my head around that kind of a figure.

But what we do is approximate humanity to the nearest half a billion

as if near enough is good enough. The truth is every single one is someone,

every single one is a life, with a hope, with real fears, everyone is unique .

-          Joel Houston

 When did such a drastic change take place in my heart?  The truth is I still can feel slightly uncomfortable but I know that it’s not about me and my comfort but it’s about Him. I believe God has placed something in my heart that pulls me towards people that are in these situations.  I believe God has called me to be a representative of His loving nature and to testify He loves them deeply and desires that they turn to Him everything they need can be found in Him. When I get discouraged and realize how unworthy I am I remember that there is a magnificent, wonderful, and loving God that lives in me. How humbling that such a mighty sovereign King would come and live inside of me and love people through me. 

I am only one

but still

I am one.

I cannot do everything

but still I can do something

and because I cannot do everything

I will not refuse to do something

that I can do.

-          Helen Keller

I remember seeing this South African man search in trash cans while I was waiting in a plush, comfortable, air conditioned car a week ago. I have to sadly confess I didn’t do anything to help this man. I regret my apathy but in that moment I began to pray under my breath: “God why did you bless me so lavishly and yet there are people in this world who seem to be so desprate? I know you see them and know of their pain, I just don’t understand. God create in me a heart that sees people the way you see them.  Help me see sin the way that you see it. Help me love people like you love people.” 

Shortly after this man disappeared into the crowd and I prayed that silent prayer a conversation started in the car about two young beautiful girls that were staying on the same compound as I. The two girls are sisters and two years ago when they were only eight and ten years old they witnessed their father die instantly after getting his throat sliced. After this horrible event occurred the older sister of these two young girls decided to lock her sisters into a room where men would come in a rape them repeatedly for many days. You see the older sister was raped before and she thought that her sisters needed to feel the pain she went though.  As I heard the story something in me began to hurt, for I knew both of these girls. A few days after hearing this horrific story of these girls we realized these two girls and most of the others on the compound didn’t own a Bible. We bought Bibles for them all and started Bible studies. Our first study was Jeremiah 29:11-14. After that study we began to see the kids reading their Bibles on their own. Molly, one of the girls that saw her father killed and was raped two years ago memorized and recited Jeremiah 29:11-14 to me. I remember thinking; this is what it’s all about. This is what will bring forth the change that is so desperately needed, Jesus and ONLY Jesus. Not good intentions, money, or even supplies. Jesus is the only one that can turn this continent and our world around. We all have a responsibility as the church to introduce people to Jesus.  

Live as Christ died yesterday,

rose this morning

and is coming back tomorrow.

-          Martin Luther 

Yesterday after returning back to Swaziland I had a great talk with a close Swazi friend and this is what he said after I told him I was leaving for Zimbabwe next week  and I wouldn’t return back to Swazi , “Brandon you have encouraged me so much since you’ve been here. You’ve always pointed me towards God but what I don’t get is you people come and do all this good and then you just leave. I don’t understand.” I told him, “I know goodbyes aren’t always easy but sometimes they’re necessary for us to do what God has called us to do. But I can tell you that I hate saying good bye and I really don’t want to go back to the states and live for long. But I want to live in another country and help people by introducing them to Jesus. I’m still praying, “God where do you want me to go?” 

I have been praying to God asking where and what’s next and I believe God has given me another step that I will need to take in faith. I will tell you all about it in time. I just don’t believe I need to come out and say it just yet. But please stay in prayer with me because I believe God could use you to help me with this next step of faith I’ll need to take. . . 

I’m still a work in progress and I don’t know when this transformation took place inside of me but I’m glad it did. I desire and believe I’m called to travel the world and love people the way Christ loved. We can’t get discouraged because the need is so great but we have to focus on individuals God has set in our path. We can’t change the world, a culture, nor even the individual but we can be faithful to what God is leading us to do. He does the transforming of the heart and flips the community right side up. All He asks of us is obedience nothing more and nothing less.

God's Classroom

“I can't stand your religious meetings.
   I'm fed up with your conferences and conventions.
I want nothing to do with your religion projects,
   your pretentious slogans and goals.
I'm sick of your fund-raising schemes,
   your public relations and image making.
I've had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.
   When was the last time you sang to me?
Do you know what I want?
   I want justice—oceans of it.
I want fairness—rivers of it.
   That's what I want. That's all I want.”

-          Amos 5:21-24 (Message Bible)

It’s been 7 months and one week since I left the United States to travel 9,000 miles to Africa to serve as a missionary. I had my thoughts and even some expectations but I never expected what God actually had for me. I felt like as soon as I stepped off that airplane and stepped on that hot dry ground I actually stepped into a classroom. But this wasn’t just an ordinary classroom neither was the teacher an ordinary teacher I felt as if I stepped into “God’s Classroom”.  Just like any other classroom this classroom has been full of teaching, assignments, and even tests. 

I’m sure you’ve seen the commercials, read the articles, or heard someone speak of the situation Africa has been in.  The crazy thing is today, you don’t have to travel to know the need that rests in our World. However traveling does make it all more personal and real. After being in Africa for a period of time the statistics now have a name and a face (and that changes everything). A teacher tends to use objects in his classroom to teach. Such as charts that might be on a wall, a chalkboard, or maybe even a PowerPoint Presentation. When you step into God’s Classroom you’ll find that he begins to teach with all that surrounds you.  

Africa is a land that is drowning in an ocean of pain, disease, poverty, and injustice. There has been times I’ve gotten so angry at God because I knew that God in his infinite power could very well do something about all the pain. God began to teach me about his heart and his sovereignty. These are tough lessons to undergo but most of what you learn in God’s classroom is tough and difficult. That’s why few ever choose to step into His classroom.  

“Sometimes I would like to ask God why

He allows poverty, famine, and injustice

 in the world when he could do something

about it... but I'm afraid he might ask me

the same question.”

                                                                  -Anonymous

I hope you’ve read or least heard of the scripture of the sheep and the goats (if you haven’t go read it Matt 25:31-46). We can see in this passage that God values “the least of these” not only does he value them but he commands his followers to care for them.  If we aren’t careful we can get caught up in all the routines and tradition of Christianity and miss the complete heart of God. When we don’t have a daily relationship with God we can easily miss His heart and turn into a religious Pharisee.  I love how the president of World Vision Richard Sterns interrupted Matthew 25:42-43 for our modern day:  

‎"For I was hungry, while you had all you needed.

I was thirsty, but you drank bottled water.

I was a stranger, and you wanted me deported.

I needed clothes, but you wanted more clothes.

I was sick, and you pointed out behaviors that led to my sickness.

I was in prison, and you said I was getting what I deserved.”

 

Everyday in Africa isn’t the same but the message I’m learning is. That message is God loves the poor, the oppressed , the needy, and the sick. Everyday I can feel Him molding my heart and depositing more of His heart in mine.  I still have so much to learn, I don’t have it all together I doubt I ever will. I pray that everyday I will remain teachable and God will continue to create a heart in me that looks like his. . .

pictures are priceless

Before you read this:  It would be beneficial for you to first read “Broken” .To read broken search through June's entries. I make reference to a story that I explained in "Broken" .

Geeze it has been too long since I’ve done a blog entry. We’ve been quite busy doing a lot of ministry. We completed the power camps for this year.  Many probably thousands of children heard the good news through the power camps. We traveled to all 20 something care points praying, dancing, telling bible stories, playing games, and feeding the children. I want to share a story of one of the children I saw at the care points. I was asked to help at the game station.  While at the game station I saw this little girl in this purple jacket coming to our station. She had this little ‘wash rag’ carried with her, to wipe the drool from her mouth the little girl drooled profusely. I began to ask someone if they knew if she had any medical problems (it was obvious something wasn’t right). After questioning I discovered the girl had cerebral palsy. I began to watch this girl she was smiling and having probably the most fun out of all the children. Watching her brought me to tears and also reminded why I’m here. I keep thinking about this little girl when I think about her I pray that God will protect her. Living in a country where 80% of girls before they turn 18 are raped at least once is dangerous. I can imagine especially for girls with disabilities such as the one she has. I pray she would hold onto the joy she experienced in God’s presence. I believe what we did was more than just a fun day for the children. I believe God truly was there and was moving.  (Below are a few pictures of this girl. I love this little girl I wish I could adopt her. I’m very serious.)

Watch as her face lights up as she participates in the Power Camp activities.

If you sponsor Children's Cup you're looking into the face of the fruit of your giving! 

Also while at the camps I saw a little girl that I saw a few months ago. Thank God this time I saw her she was experiencing things a child should experience and not what a child should ever experience.  Only after being in Swaziland about two weeks I had the opportunity to look into the eyes of a statistic. It’s actually the one I gave you a few moments ago in the previous paragraph. 

“80% of Swaziland’s girls before they turn 18 are raped at least once.”

When you hear that statistic you probably feel a sad emotion right? Well looking into the eyes of a 5 year old child after they’ve been raped brings this horrible statistic to a reality that brings your heart to your toes and ignites an anger against this horrible injustice. I will never forget looking into this girl’s eyes after she was raped probably only a few hours before she came into our presence.  While at the care point I saw her little face making a craft. I got so excited to see her I quickly went searching for Jessie the children’s cup nurse to ask how she has been.  Jessie said she is a regular at the care point and comes on a daily bases. I’m still waiting to hear how she is doing. Keep this little girl in prayer she is against so much and I pray that she is no longer being abused. (below are some pictures of this little girl)

You see her in the purple dress making her craft.

Look ate her laughing with her friend. That's what its all about!

We also had bomake (women’s) camp and 412 (youth) camp since I last blogged. Both were amazing! The cooks who cook for the children at the care points are volunteers. They do so much for our kids. They are a mother  to many of the AIDS orphans who attend our care points.  Once a year they bring the bomake to camp. Where they are pampered and poured into. (to all the HOF people it’s basically Merry Christmas to me that our ladies have) The ladies had a wonderful time I had the opportunity to go up one day and serve. I had a great time seeing the joy all over the women and to also here testimonies. God is so good!!!

While at 412 camp God stretched me greatly. He worked on areas I needed some improvement in if ya know what I’m saying. lol Needless to say I’m more flexible and probably more easy going after camp. God moved and on our youth! Some started to open up and start talking about things God is doing in them. This is HUGE!! In Swazi culture people rarely open up and talk about things. So for them to open up and start talking about their issues and the things God is speaking to them you know God was truly moving. 

I LOVE being in Africa. For the first time in my life I can say with confidence and certainty I’m exactly where I need to be and I’m in the will of God. I’ve never been happier! But just because I’m happy doesn’t mean everything has been smooth sailing or a piece of cake. I’m gone through some tough things since I’ve been here but I still have joy. You see, I’ve learned something it’s impossible to be happier somewhere else outside of God’s will. It might cost a lot of tears, not understanding, and heart ache but when you get there. God it’s amazing!!!!!!!  I heard this quote this week:

“I’m safer in the will of God, which may lead me to an unfamiliar place. Than it is to stay home in your comfort outside of His will.” 

I find so much truth in that statement! God is teaching me so much here and I’m loving it all. Pray that I come back the states in March cause I just might find a loop hole to stay here longer. Lol