Category Archives: Africa

Nairobi, Kenya — Update from Paul Cowley on the Discipleship Support Ministries Bible Institute

One of the greatest Joys of being on the mission field is directly observing the effect of God’s Word on the hearts and minds of the people. In the past three Semesters, we have studied, verse by verse, the books of Jeremiah, Obadiah, Haggai, Malachi, Psalms, Joel, Amos, 1st Kings, Jonah, Ephesians, Jude, Colossians, Peter, Epistles of John, Philemon and Revelation. In addition, every new student is required to take a semester long class in Inductive Bible Study Techniques.

At the end of each semester, the Student/Pastors voluntarily provide their feedback. They are candid testimonies from those on the ground who are on the receiving end of this Ministry. As you read the below small sample of current testimonies as an indication of the eternal effect of planting God’s Word in people, we hope you will gain further insight into the ground level effect of this Discipleship Ministry on the Pastors of the Least.  We trust you will be encouraged, and even challenged:

  • Keep it up DSM! You are changing our nation. I am thankful to God for the opportunity to be here.
  • This does not exist anywhere in Africa: a free Bible School for us slum Pastors! There is no school, no church, no ministry teaching the Truth we learn here.
  • I changed from a man-pleaser to a God–pleaser. I am able to stand firm, even when threatened by death.
  • The teachers and staff are well prepared, godly examples – like good fathers to us.
  • Volunteering duties have taught me that ministry starts with serving from the bottom-up, not top-down.
  • This ministry is God’s miracle in my life!
  • Learning the Bible verse-by-verse, book-by-book is standard. Every member comes to church with a Bible, pen, and notebook, ready and enthusiastic about learning the Word.
  • I do not know of anyone with such sincere love and care for slum Pastors.

Disciple Support Ministries Bible Institute. The descriptive title of Bible Institute rather than Bible College is purposeful. We emphasize the Bible, above all other needful and necessary topics that one should learn as a Pastor or Ministry Leader. This  allows us to focus on a growing gap in the church: Bible Literacy, which means being well-versed, familiar, comfortable and competent in fundamental Bible Theology, Exposition, Interpretation and Application. We do not teach topical classes, except one class on the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit, only books of the Bible: verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter, book-by-book.

The curriculum is the 66 books. Overviews, Summations and Surveys are out. A Gospel is taught every year. Revelation is taught every other year; all other books in various combinations of Old and New Testament books each semester, but never skipping or overemphasizing any book. The goal is to present the whole counsel of God as God presented it to mankind: unadulterated, undigested, uninfluenced by commentaries, denominational biases or personal preferences. In this manner we seek to fill the gap, rather than duplicate, what is already available in other teaching ministries in East Africa.

The program is distinctively limited to Pastors and Ministry Leaders, to garner the most influence and effect throughout the Body of Christ. If we can reach church leaders, the fruit will multiply far beyond the confines of the Bible Institute and the city of Nairobi. Another distinction is our focus on those who live and minister in the urban slums.  The city of Nairobi has approximately 5,000,000 residents. Of those, 65% live in slums. To reach most people, you need to go where they are. Unlike any others, our two Bible Institutes are inside the slums, filling a significant gap.  This is where most of our people live.

Finally, it is a Discipleship program. The goal is to make Disciples, not Bible scholars. And it is this distinctive that creates the greatest challenges.

If we just taught the Word of God at the Bible Institute, but did not require Change, we would simply be producing hearers, fat sheep, filled with the Word, but never exercising it. Likewise, if we just enforce rules, but do not teach the Word of God, we simply produce religious robots. And if we fixate on the numbers, whether salvations or  graduates, we are fooling no one but ourselves. There must be a simultaneous emphasis on Hearing the Word from God, and then Doing what is Pleasing unto God. Holding Pastors and Ministry Leaders in a Bible Institute accountable should be the norm, not the exception. Sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit, but the Method of Ministry must follow in the Steps of Jesus: how He proclaimed the Word, how He discipled, how He lead by example, and how He never accommodated Sin. It isn’t always popular. But as our Pastors testify…it works!

The vast majority of our Pastors and Ministry Leaders are working Pastors. They work secular jobs full time to support their families, and their ministries. Full time work in Kenya is typically 5½ days per week. To come to the Bible Institute, they sacrifice a full or half day of work’s pay. That’s significant. It means a drastic reduction in the family’s provision, requiring a profound Step of Faith. I consider myself privileged to walk among such current day Heroes of the Faith.

Many first arrive at Bible Institute without secular provision, as they are encouraged, if not required, by their Bishops/Sr. Pastors, to prove their faith by quitting all secular work. This allegedly is a “step of faith” and proves they are “trusting God” for their provision. The result: most end in the terrible grip of destitution, subjecting their families to self-inflicted suffering. Eventually, many of these pastors “living by faith” morph into master manipulators, prosperity pimps and abusive hirelings that relentlessly beat the sheep for tithes and offerings. The fruit of disobeying God’s Word is always bad. Every time.  It is only through the Holy Spirit, and the ministry of God’s Word, that our Pastors are set free. God’s explicit command is for men to work. God requires work by all able bodied men. It is not optional.

In Nairobi, it is nearly impossible to find formal employment. But the informal sector provides many work opportunities. Even within the massive urban slums, there is an ongoing economy. Buying, selling, trading and transactions of every sort go on daily. In the Kibera slum, with over 1,000,000 residents, there are thousands of shops, stalls, skills and services engaged in meeting the daily needs of the residents. And therein lay the opportunity for the Pastors and Ministry Leaders to lead the way.

The fruit is glorious by every measure.  Over the many years of ministry, hundreds upon hundreds of Pastors and Ministry Leaders have been led into Obedience, and consequently, Blessings from God. We now have Pastors who represent every trade imaginable—welders, mechanics, shopkeepers, painters, drivers, security guards, plumbers, teachers, gardeners, traders, farmers, recyclers, cooks, cleaners, construction workers, tailors, and yes, even carpenters—just like Jesus!

One of the great scandals of the church these days is prevalent sexual immorality, especially involving church leaders! Four years ago, we implemented a new requirement. To graduate, you must confirm that the one you are living with is your legal spouse. Married in the eyes of God and man. Of course, we have exceptions for those few who are single, widowed or have exceptional situations. In my view, it was scandalous that we even had to implement such a rule. But the reality on the ground demanded it. Too many testimonies outside were reaching my ears: Pastors and Ministry Leaders going through the motions of the Discipleship, but living another reality. Year after year there was little change of hearts. By withholding Diplomas, we certainly got everyone’s attention! Good testimonies abound. Marriages restored. Families reconciled. Children “in submission with all reverence.” (1. Tim 3:4) Testimonies in the church, in the community, and at the attorney general’s office where marriage certificates are produced. The goal: to be conformed into the image of Christ!

FROM R.K.’S CORNER

Paul and Marcia Cowley need no introduction to our longstanding partners and friends.  We have followed them for almost twenty years since they as newlyweds gave up a prosperous life in South Florida, sold their home and business, then headed with a few belongings into the unknown— to the most extreme of all places: Nairobi, capital of Kenya, where 2.5 million slum dwellers live in squalor — 65% of the population!  “Who will I send and who will go”? The question echoed in Paul’s heart while the visiting missionary described the ignorance, poverty and lack of knowledge of Biblical truth among these slum Pastors.  Paul heard God’s call, and responded, “I am here, I will go.”

Without any preset curriculum, administrative  manual, or any other tools—only with the Bible in hand, he simply gathered hungry men and women who were willing to sit under the influence of the teaching of the Word of God.  He watched how the lives of the poorest of the poor—the Pastors of the Least, their families and communities, be transformed by the Power of the pure Word of God.  His report from the Bible Institute is awe-inspiring, humbling, and challenging!

Will you join the ranks and help sponsor the Cowleys and the ministry their Pastors?

North Africa — Digging the Wells through Prayer Walk Intercession

FROM R.K.’S CORNER

Intercession through prayer walking is a familiar concept in our Bridge ministry  During The Bridge’s pioneer stage in the eighties and nineties, when regions where there today are thriving churches, were completely closed to the Gospel, we would initially clandestinely send in prayer teams to strategically water the land with their fervent prayer and tears while entreating the Holy Spirit to visit the land!  The fruit was always remarkable.  When the evangelism team later would arrive, they were stunned at people’s openness to receiving Jesus Christ — especially among those who had never heard!  Prayer and intercession are at the foundation of planting dynamic churches!

Two couples, dear American friends of ours – one living in the States, the other in Europe, each with an international ministry – carry the mutual burden to see the Muslim dominated nations of North Africa again embrace faith in Christ. They joined forces more than a decade ago, whereby they travel together, or with teams, throughout North Africa, blanketing the region with strategic intercession, and ministry, to the underground churches.  For security reasons, I withhold  their identities here.

The couple who lives in the States, visited us a few weeks ago. The husband shared from their most recent trip, how they experienced physical manifestations in nature as a clear response from the Lord to their prayers.  We trust this report will edify you and strengthen your faith!

PRAYER WALK INTERCESSION IN NORTH AFRICA – by an Intercessor 

It all started in Rome ten years ago. Six teams had been involved in what we called “the North African Initiative”, which involved groups of people praying in Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Israel.  At the time we couldn’t get into Algeria but the team from Egypt was able to interface with a few doctors who were getting ready to go in there.  Our goals were to pray at an historic Christian site, pray at a government site, pray on the Mediterranean and then fly to Rome for a time to share, pray together and see what the next steps should be.  The theme or goal of this trip was to “DIG THE WELLS AGAIN”.  There had been so much Christian influence in these areas until the wells were stopped-up and the message of Christ buried.  Our praying would be part of the digging and replanting of God’s word in these areas.

We had all been convinced that we should go to Egypt the following year and call the dominance of Islam back across North Africa the way it had swept in.  However, the Arab Spring happened within a few months and we had not been able to follow through with this until 9 years later. Meanwhile we held true to our vision and went into Morocco once a year to pray and encourage the underground church and ministries that were there – many had labored there for years, doing their work quietly and faithfully.

In 2018, we felt the Lord would have us double our investment, so we went in twice.  This time we were able to split our time between Morocco and Egypt.  In Casablanca there is a huge mosque that is built half on land and half in the ocean.  The prophetic significance of this is a visual statement that Islam will go from there, cross the ocean, and take over the West.  It was initiated in 1993 by the father of the present king of Morocco. The problem now, is that the mosque has begun to sink, so it is actually closed.  We found it to be a very interesting dynamic.  

After praying there, we flew to Cairo to pray in Egypt for the domination of Islam to be drawn back from across North Africa and return to  where it originated. The Muslims believed that their prayers at this mosque would advance Islam toward the West, but we prayed for it to go back East! 

We had a strategy for where and how to pray in Cairo, after which we would go to the Mediterranean Sea at Alexandria, Egypt, and finally to the Red Sea.  We had planned go by train across Egypt, but the people who were hosting us in Cairo cut a deal with us that played into the overall work of God quite well.  Man makes a plan but God guides his steps!  They offered to drive us to our appointed places of prayer and join forces with our team IF we would minister at three planned meetings they would be conducting during our stay.  (Three former pastors can rarely turn down opportunities to minister!)  It was truly a blessing to have our national hosts guide us, as it not only made the travel easier but the prayers were definitely more solid.  At these agreed-to-meetings we were all encouraged and quite surprised.  The presence of the Holy Spirit was so thick, and the people were so attentive and hungry for everything we had to share!  If we had traveled this far for those meetings alone it would have been enough but, as usual, God had other surprises in store for us.

Two of us had to leave early, but our other friend stayed on and attended yet more meetings.  As I was  sitting on the plane, reflecting on all the intercession and those amazing meetings, I started having a little conversation in my head with God which went something like this:          “So, you liked those meetings?”  “Yes I did.  They were great.  Thank You for that wonderful surprise.”  “Well,” He continued, “the meetings were great because You obeyed Me and accomplished what I told you to do.  But, if you think the meetings were good, they didn’t compare to the effects of your obedience in prayer for these nations, which  I also assigned for you to do.”

I mused on that and realized that often we don’t comprehend the power of prayer or the pleasure God receives when we’re obedient TO pray!  We think dynamic meetings are the sign that He is at work and being pleased, and while we don’t want to diminish wonderful times of fellowship, there is so much more happening behind the scenes that prayer is affecting!

Meanwhile back in Cairo, the Lord was speaking to our friends through His creation because that morning it started to rain and continued to rain hard.  There were three odd things about this:   #1 — There wasn’t a cloud in the sky; only sunshine and blue sky.  #2 — It doesn’t rain this time of year.  #3 — The wind started to blow from the Northwest which was another oddity.  The people who live there exclaimed to our friend that they had never seen anything like this before.  “We live in the desert and it doesn’t rain like this especially when the sun is shining!   Plus, it only rains in the spring—and this is winter.  We get our water from the Nile–not from rain.  Also, the wind comes from the Southeast and rarely, if ever, from the Northwest!” 

It was time to inquire of the Lord and find out what He was saying through His creation.  This is what the Spirit made clear to all of us:  #1 — The sun shining is My face turned toward North Africa.  #2 — The rain is bringing My blessings and I will fill the wells of salvation, again.  #3 — The wind is blowing in the direction of your flight, back across North Africa where I will draw back the dominion of Islam.

Praise the Lord for His love!  Praise the Lord for His mercies and blessings!  Praise the Lord for using people to pray His love, mercies and blessings onto the earth for His glory and purposes.  Never underestimate the power of your prayers, for God is at work through them!  Amen and Amen!

South Sudan: William Levi and Matthew Deng Dut – two Different Men with One Heart, One Purpose

UPDATE REPORT FROM WILLIAM LEVIOrdination: Sunday, May 13, 2018, was a blessed day at the Nile Beth Israel Messianic Congregation, Bibia.  Five South Sudanese and one Ugandan were ordained into the Pastoral calling to shepherd God’s flock, both in South Sudan and northern Uganda. Over 1500 people were in attendance, including pastors from other churches, and government officials from both countries.  Please keep these indigenous pastors in your prayers.The Beth Israel Farm is progressing well.  This year, the cultivatable farmland has been extended 25 acres.  The chainsaw operators have cleared the forest, the tractors have began plowing.  Last year’s fields that grew sorghum, millet, sweet potatoes and beans, are being plowed, getting ready for the planting of cassava, fruit trees, kidney beans, legumes, etc.  The cassava fields are ready to be harvested in a couple of months, and masses of mangoes are ripe. The orange and banana trees produce fruit all year round.

ONMI Evangelistic & Medical outreach: Corey from the States traveled for a week with indigenous pastors, using the Nehemiah Field Clinic Mobile Ambulance, to do combined medical/evangelistic outreaches in three villages.  While Corey examined more than 60 patients who were suffering from various tropical diseases, the pastors shared the Gospel with them and prayed for God’s divine healing and intervention.

We also distributed Solar audio Bible/FM receivers to the churches in the area so that those who do not read  can hear the Gospel in their tribal language, can learn the Word of God. message. from Genesis to Revelation in their own languages.  As the Bible states, “Faith comes by hearing, hearing the Word of God.”  The Nehemiah Gospel radio continues to be a voice of blessing and Hope for the people of South Sudan.  During his visit, Matthew spoke to his people in their own language during one of our radio programs which reaches more than 100,000 people.

UPDATE REPORT FROM MATTHEW DENG DUT

Church Planting: When I and many of my church members from Tel Aviv arrived in South Sudan from Israel, we brought our church, Elohim Shalom (ELSIM) with us and planted it in Juba.  I have continued to preach the Gospel, teach the Bible, and raise up leaders and church planters. Today, we have planted two churches in Juba and two district churches — in Wau and Abyei.

Evangelization: Our country is facing many serious challenges, from war to economic crisis, but God is with us who believe!  He has given us the heart to preach the Gospel to the entire nation, to give them the Word of God, and train pastors who will go out and plant new churches and present our glorious Lord, the Messiah, all throughout the country! People need HOPE!  Jesus’ walk on the water (John 6:16)  teaches us not  to be fearful, but to walk in faith.  Paul states, “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me” — He is opening new doors for the Gospel!!  This year, I traveled and preached in churches in Khartoum, Sudan and Cairo, Egypt. Uganda Conference: As a result of the recent armed conflicts, hundreds of thousands of displaced South Sudanese are now living in Uganda, where they are suffering much. Our annual May conference for the South Sudanese churches in Kampala, Uganda, led by a team of nine from our Juba church,  was attended by nearly 800 people. Many families came to know Jesus Christ as Savior, and we saw God perform many miracles among them. Gospel Radio Programs: On our way home from Kampala, our team stopped at William Levi’s Community of Beth Israel.  He and I met for the first time—we hit it off! We will be partnering together in the labor of the Gospel.   While there, I participated in the ordination of the six pastors, preached and taught the Bible on their radio station, and made many new friends.  In Juba, I have for two years been airing an hour a week Gospel program which reaches many.

FROM R. K.’S CORNER

A few days ago, an historic event took place at the Singapore Summit between President Trump and Premier Jong Un — North Korea conceded to denuclearize their country!  In the wake of the good news, however, I do not forget the gruesome atrocities being committed against the North Koreans by their regime, which makes my thoughts go to another nation, the South Sudanese, where people also suffer greatly!

Four decades of civil war by the Muslim government of Khartoum, Sudan whereby they committed genocide against the South Sudanese, caused the death of 2 million, while 5 million languished as refugees in neighboring countries. Even after South Sudan’s independence in 2011, when the people returned to rebuild their communities, peace has eluded them. In 2013, armed conflict arose internally between factions of government leaders. Hundreds of thousand have fled abroad, and scores are internally displaced, risking widespread sicknesses, food shortages and famine.

24 years ago, a young South Sudanese refugee, William Levi, visited our home. He had a clear vision for the future of his people and homeland — a free county, in which his people live in peace and prosperity, liberated from the inside–out by the powerful Gospel of the Judeo-Christian faith!  Steve and I, with The Bridge, came alongside William and began helping sponsor his vision, both spiritually and in very practical ways.

10 years ago, during a visit to Israel,  I crossed paths in Jerusalem with Matthew Deng Dut, another South Sudanese refugee with the same vision and passionate burden for his people as William has. It was another “divine appointment” whereby we  knew that God had called us to likewise come alongside Matthew and serve his people.

In this issue, we are giving a short update on the many things that are happening in the lives and ministries of these two men. The most remarkable, perhaps, is that William and Matthew have labored for God’s Kingdom in South Sudan for many years, but they had never met in person.  Last month, they came together for the fist time!  In spite of differences, their hearts instantly united in their love and commitment to the Lord, in vision and purpose.  They have decided to become partners and coworkers in serving their God, each other, and their people with the Gospel.   They both see a nation free of tribal hatred and corruption, where the nation live under the banner of love.

Would you consider becoming a partner by  sowing into the fruitful lives and ministries of these men with your resources?   Please mark your donation

8370  South Sudanese Workers. 

THANK YOU!

Charity: Paul Cowley, the Pastors of the Least, and Steven Ulrich – from Kenya to Florida

FROM R.K.’S CORNER

 Many who have been praying for my husband, Steven in his battle against prostate cancer, keep asking how he is doing.  Not wanting to emphasize our needs over those serving in the mission fields, we have not been so forthcoming on details.

In this issue, however, we have a current update on Steve, which you will find it at the end of the  main article on CHARITY, written by Paul Cowley, who with his family is training the Pastors of the Least in the largest slum in Nairobi, Africa.  The reason I have made a connecting between Kenya and Florida, is that, of all the people who have sacrificially stood with us in love, support, and prayer for Steve and myself, the Pastors of the Least have made the deepest impression on us for reasons I will lay out in the update section below.  Thanks to all of you who keep standing with us and praying for Steve’s health!  Cont. below…

CHARITY – FROM KENYA TO FLORIDA by Paul Cowley

We often think of charity as the relevant work of Charities.  While there is truth in that, it does not exempt us from the Biblical admonition to be charitable ourselves both individually and personally. Charity is more than a non-profit organization. It is more than giving material possessions or money. It is a habitual action, a firm mindset and a Godly characteristic all wrapped up in one. We cannot conjure it up ourselves, apart from God and His grace, which sets it so far apart from mere philanthropic generosity or giving. The glory of our giving must point to God Himself, or we are left with self-indulgent sacrifices to satisfy our own ulterior needs and motives.

This Ministry has been given the privilege of serving the very Least of our Brethren. Working with Pastors and Ministry Leaders in the slums of East Africa has been the high-point of my Christian service. It is in part due to the opportunity I have to express God’s heart of Charity  toward the neediest.

The lives of the Pastors/Ministry Leaders we serve are no different from those in the many pictures you have seen in our newsletter.  In fact, it is many times worse.  The pastor is often the last to receive, the hungriest, more chronically unemployed and continually homeless. His children are in and out of schooling, never completing a year without interruption, due to financial burdens. Many people remark about how well our pastors are dressed. That is true., but “well-dressed” has a critical context that must be considered. Every stitch of clothing on his body is second hand. I know virtually no pastor who has more than one used, or pre-owned suit — one used white shirt, one used necktie, and one pair of used shoes. One and no more. The clothing they wear today is the same I have seen them wear for as many years as I have known them. And so, the ability to minister to such saints with benevolence and charity is nothing short of a God given privilege.

A Biblical foundation for Charity can be found in 2. Corinthians chapters 8 and 9.  God has much to say to us, and His admonitions are there for all to be enlightened regarding Christ-like Charity. But I will focus on what is another critical context…

“For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an Equality,

that now at this time your Abundance may supply their Lack,

that their Abundance also may supply your Lack — that there may be Equality.

As it is written, ‘He who gathered Much had nothing left over,

and he who gathered Little had no Lack.'”   2. Cor. 8:13

There is a glorious exchange in every act of Christ-like giving. I may have the God-given ability to give… of my time, talent and/or treasure. And yet God foreordains that the one in need will be giving as well. Somehow, needs of both the giver and recipient are miraculously and supernaturally filled in the exchange process. Jesus said it most succinctly and poignantly, confirmed through the pen of Paul the Apostle…

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak.

And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said,

‘It is more blessed to Give than to Receive.'”  Acts 20:35

Christ’s words denote pure Spiritual blessings wrought thick and through with eternal value and significance. Not mere material blessings proffered by many during their manipulative solicitations. As we admonish our pastors, “Don’t give to get. If you do, then it’s not giving; it’s not a gift; it’s not charity. It’s merely an investment scheme.”

God’s Word sets the spiritual standard of Christ-like giving: freely, cheerfully, willingly, secretly, according to our ability, and without compulsion. Giving to God, and giving to mankind, is never to be done for the sake of a material return.  God lets us know there is, indeed, a Spiritual return that is truly out of this world. And so, we rejoice in the privilege to provide material relief to those in need, and in the blessing to see them glorify God…

“For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints,

but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God; through the proof of this ministry,

 they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ,

and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you,

who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!”  2.Cor. 9:12

Indeed, it is truly an indescribable gift from God to be able to give. This  brings me to a final point. Throughout our 16+ years on the mission field, God has supported this Ministry through the faithful giving of the saints.  And many times, people have expressed their apologies for “not giving”, for a sudden need to “stop” giving or some justification for their inability to give.  We would like to reiterate our heart-felt admonition…

  1. No explanation is ever needed. Certainly not to us. Not ever.
  2. Seasons change. I believe God purposefully allows us to be inspired to give, and then withholds the very ability to do so at specific times in our life. There are great spiritual lessons to be learned in each season.
  3. Our desire to give (when we cannot) is perhaps more precious in God’s eyes than actually giving. We serve a God who looks at our heart first and foremost. The intents of our heart matter most to Him.
  4. The greatest gift anyone can offer this Ministry, our family, and others is faithful and fervent intercession.

It is often through the intercessory prayer of one, that God releases His provision and protection by the hand of others.

…cont   FROM R.K.’S CORNER – UPDATE ON THE HEALTH OF MY HUSBAND, STEVEN

                 On the first day of this month, Easter Sunday, we celebrated the most significant and ultimate love gift ever given to mankind by anyone … the gift of eternal life by the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The hallmark of those who have been transformed by God’s love, is a life of generosity and CHARITY.  That includes those who have no earthly possessions to give, as they show charity by giving of themselves in serving others!

               This issue is a clear demonstration of CHARITY extended to my husband, Steve — living in prosperous South Florida, from the Pastors of the Least — living in abject poverty, while attending Paul Cowley’s DSM’s Bible Institute in the Kiberia slum in Nairobi, Kenya.

In 2012, six years ago, my husband, Steve was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer.  His prostate was surgically removed.  For three years, he was doing well with no recurrence.  Then, in 2015, the cancer returned.  He underwent 37 radiation therapy sessions.  Regretfully, that did not reduce the cancer, rather, the PSA (blood test cancer indication) continued to rise.  In Oct. 2017, a body scan showed that the cancer had metastasized into his lymph nodes, and he was deemed terminal, Steve decided to have no further medical treatments, as there are few effective choices available going forward.  We did, however, choose to add a natural remedy  that allegedly heals cancer.

Steve and R.K. – Resting in Him: “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms…”

This week, to our utter surprise, Steve and I were told by his oncologist that his most recent body scan shows no detectable cancer — even his lymph nodes are back to normal, in spite of the fact that the PSA keeps rising drastically, indicating the cancer is aggressively on the move!  Steve’s oncologist doctor has no explanation.  He is double checking the test results to ensure they are correct.  God often confounds earthly knowledge and wisdom by His supernatural touch! We are on a faith journey, not knowing what it means, but we firmly believe that Steve’s life is in God’s hands — He will complete the fullness of his days (Deuteronomy 33:27)! In the meanwhile, Steve keeps sharing the Gospel with everyone in waiting rooms and doctor offices!

Family, friends, and partners, locally and all around the world, have surrounded us with love and prayers.  Among them, perhaps those who have been the greatest encouragement to Steve, are the Pastors of the Least in Kenya. Paul sent us a note on their behalf: “We are storming heaven with praise and petitions on your behalf…. let us all stand confidently in His Sovereign grace and enduring mercies.  Our brother Steve is well. Let the testimony of Jesus & you continue 1. Cor 2: 9-16. Let us stand boldly in What we know, and Who we know — in Faith!  Blessings, prayers, and deep affection to you two!”

                In the Kenyan slum, a group of men and women—too poor to enjoy any medical care—are interceding with confident, childlike faith for a miracle on behalf of Steve — enjoying the world’s best medical care available.  Steve has been generous toward them with financial blessings… they are giving of themselves in intercession on his behalf! 2. Cor. 8:13 is actively at work!

Our post modern culture has produced an entitlement  generation who demand their “rights”.  In contrast, Paul Cowley’s excellent article above on CHARITY is both timely and relevant!

Disciple Support Ministries — Paul Cowley Ministering Outside the Camp!

Today, those of us who publicly confess and openly live out our faith in Jesus Christ as His disciples in the midst of our contemporary society saturated by atheism, secular humanism, anti-Christian “activism” and political correctness, may be tempted to get discouraged. It’s difficult to follow Christ, even in our private lives. Acting Christ-like in public will typically get you a strange stare, if not outright ridicule or arrest. Use the name of “Jesus” and you’ll be risking a riot.

This is not peculiar to decaying Western Christendom societies. This norm is global. We live in an age where most any “religion” is tolerated, but Christ’s ethics is not. Because Christ’s morality necessitates a God-ordained, fixed compass on what is “righteous” and what is “unrighteous.” And this generation simply won’t tolerate such “intolerance.” What is a Christian to do in such a depraved popular Culture as ours?

If we look at the context of Jesus’ days on earth, we find it was not so different. His standard of “right” and “wrong” was mocked and maligned by the popular religious elitists. His acts of kindness were twisted and turned into fanatical frenzies of mere miracle seeking. His humility was scorned, His Words largely ignored and His passion became a parade of perverse public voyeurism on the lonely, narrow road to Calvary. In that sense, not much has changed, after all.

Mankind rarely invents new depravities, but simply repeats, popularizes and institutionalizes them; then call them “Culture.” This begs another pertinent question, “What is a Christian to do when Culture clashes with Christ?”  The answer is simple, but certainly not easy: We are to follow Him!

It will require doing things that are God-pleasing, but viewed by others as ignorant, if not intolerant. It will require passing by “golden opportunities” offered by the world, but rejected by Christ’s “narrow” standard.  We should not expect applause, appreciation or admiration for faithfully following Christ. Indeed, we should anticipate much the opposite, and still, continue following in His Steps:

“Do all things without complaining and disputing that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” Phil 2:14

In the slums, this great Spiritual Conflict is readily apparent. The Pastors of the slums confront such contradictions daily. If they faithfully follow Christ, they contravene much of the common Culture.  Poverty has as culture of its own, seeped in deceit, dependency and vicious competition. In extreme poverty, things that would normally assault our spiritual senses quickly become “culturally acceptable” and are swept under the carpet of carnal convenience.

The conditions of spiritual “poverty” are even more stunning. Mob justice, prostitution, sorcery, witchcraft, chronic lying, fleecing the church flock, fornication, stealing and cheating are often viewed as culturally allowable and acceptable, and as basic survival techniques. This is not to disparage a particular culture, this is simply the truth about life in the slums.

Our Pastors minister in conditions of extreme material poverty, yet God still requires them to rise to the occasion as representatives of Christ.

Poverty is something God cares deeply about, but it provides no excuse for sin by the poor man. Illness and infirmity are conditions that Jesus directly addressed and abated, but they provide no excuse for sin by the disabled. Unrighteous discrimination, be it tribalism, racism or sexism, are sinful in God’s sight, but they provide no excuse for sin by the one discriminated against.

All of us have conditions, circumstances or a conscience afflicted by abuse, neglect and oppression by others. But in no way does that excuse us from responding in a Christ-like manner. And the more we respond like Christ, the more abuse, neglect and oppression we can expect from the world around us. We may be shunned, as Christ was shunned. We may be set aside, as Christ was set aside. We may be considered, if not literally pushed, “outside the camp” of “normal” society.  Just as Christ was!

“Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.  For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.”  Hebr. 13:12

In the local Culture of our Pastors, physical deformity is considered proof of either God’s curse, the work of the devil, demon possession or all three! Consequently, those with birth defects are typically killed at birth. Those who live are confined indoors for life!  Their presence outdoors is socially unacceptable. People are afraid their presence will bring curses to others in the community. Our Pastors live and minister within that context. And again, our Pastors suffer for confronting discrimination against the physically or mentally infirmed. A Pastor permitting such people in his church will quickly see his congregation disappear. Hence the magnitude of the moment on the picture below.

The man in the wheelchair is Peter. He has no use of his legs, and limited use of only one hand since birth. He has lived a life of being shunned. He learned to read and write at home, because no school would accept him as a child. He attends a popular church, but due to his infirmity, they will not let him do more than attend the church and receive his tithes. He is not permitted to serve in any capacity, due solely to his visible disability. He lives in a neighborhood that is not his tribal community, because he has been rejected by his own family and his clan. He lives among the poorest of the poor in a place that is the very bottom of the slum housing hierarchy. He knows what it means to be “outside the camp.  He was “outside the camp” and that is where Jesus expects us to minister.

Peter and I first met many years ago in a Bible Seminar.  Nearly ten years later, he happened to see me walking out of the Kibera slum. He asked me if he could come to the Bible School even though he was not a Pastor or leading a Ministry. We accepted him immediately without any regard to qualifications, culture, conflict or consequence. He was “outside the camp” and that is where Jesus expects us to minister. The next Wednesday morning, just after the sun had risen, Peter was already at the Bible School in his wheel chair waiting for us. He was grinning from cheek to cheek. “Good morning Brother Paul! I am ready to begin learning the Bible!” The other Pastors arriving with me were confronted front and center with a most culturally uncomfortable situation. Peter was physically deformed from birth, from “another” tribe, and from “that” most despised part of the slum! I watched and waited along with the ten Pastors who came to open the Bible School. And I prayed. And waited.

The Pastors welcomed Peter heartily! They greeted him with the genuine and sincere enthusiasm I would expect from a Christian, but would not expect from the Culture. They then did what Jesus  would do, they washed not just his feet, but his mud encrusted wheelchair! They carried him up the steep and narrow Bible School steps in his wheelchair.  They carried him down at every break, and back up, again. It takes four grown men much effort to do so. And then they pushed, pulled and mostly carried him every step of the muddy way back to his shack in the worst corner of the slum.

Every week since then, the Pastors of DSM meet Peter at his shack in the early morning hours to bring him to the Bible School. Four men volunteer in the morning, and four in the evening, come rain or shine! One Pastor takes notes for Peter, another coaches him through the class, tests and assignments. A third Pastor writes out his homework. Everyone welcomes him as one and the same as any other student. Surely this is not following Culture. This is the narrow road of following Christ. Peter has not brought a curse to us, as the prevailing Culture predicted. He has been a blessing to us. As the Pastors minister to Peter each week, I see what a Christian can do in these days.

In the final analysis, it just doesn’t matter what is going on around us the depravity, the antagonism, the opposition or discouragements of the current Culture. When in doubt, just do what Jesus did. Wash feet. But not just any tidy, acceptable or obvious feet nearby. Even “culturally-relevant” do-gooders do that much.

Begin with feet Outside the Camp. That’s where Christ is!

FROM R.K.’S CORNER

Last week, Steve and I had a delightful visit from Kenya by Paul Cowley and his 14 year old son, Isaac. Paul gave us updates from the mission field where he, with his wife, Marcia, and their three children, have served among the poorest of the poor.

Fifteen years ago, in Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya – Africa’s largest urban slum, Paul founded Disciple Support Ministries, a non-denominational Bible Training and Disciple school for local pastors and ministry leaders who are serving their own people.  They are the “Pastors of the Least”.

Steve and I have known the Cowleys for nearly two decades. We have followed their walk of faith from a prosperous lifestyle in South Florida to the slums of Africa. Embracing the small beginnings through hard work and prayer, Paul and Marcia now see good fruit.  DSM has expanded into a recognized, reputable agency for positive, long term change in the personal lives and communities of the approx. thousand pastors/ministers who have already graduated, as well as in the current student body of 250.

The key is solid Bible teaching and training at being, not just believers, but disciples –  followers of Jesus Christ!  Paul’s moving report from DSM in this issue of The Bridge Report, confirms the quality of training received.  The Cowley’s and the Pastors of the Least are indeed worthy of our prayers and financial support.   Please mark your donation to DSM: KENYAN WORKERS

The Ugandan Water Project – Living Water for the Thirsty

by James Harrington

Roots

The sounds of laughing, yard games, and the lively buzz of backyard barbecue conversation greeted me from across the street. It was Memorial Day 2007, and I was returning home from helping a friend with a house project. We had a great relationship with our neighbors so the festivities in their yard meant I was welcome to come grab a plate and enjoy the gathering.

Upon filling my plate, I was pleasantly surprised to be introduced to a gentleman from Uganda, a pastor and schoolteacher, who had come for a conference. We sat and talked about our lives – the similarities and differences – and I was struck that this man said the biggest challenge he faced in church and the classroom was that those he was trying to teach were so often without clean water and that the daily struggle for safe drinking water was common in the lives of most Ugandans.

That first encounter left me productively disturbed. In August of 2008, after a year of learning, planning, and fundraising – five friends and I traveled to Uganda and saw the first two Rainwater Collection Systems installed on rural churches in Uganda, marking the beginning of the Ugandan Water Project. Since those first projects, we have continued to grow. The Ugandan Water Project now works in over 350 communities and has brought clean water to more than 155,000 people.

UWP employs a staff of 13 in Uganda (mostly Ugandan nationals) where we implement 3 primary solutions: Rainwater Collection Systems, Borehole Well Rehabilitation, and Water Filter Distribution. Sanitation and hygiene projects are beginning to take a larger role as well. Our projects focus on strengthening communities by resourcing schools, churches, clinics, and other foundational centers of local life.

Beyond the water resources we provide, UWP is a vehicle for bringing a tangible expression of the love of Christ to the communities we serve in Africa, while simultaneously creating an encounter with Jesus for all who engage in UWP’s programs. Matthew 25 tells the story of the sheep and the goats; Jesus reveals that when we serve those suffering in poverty – we serve Him personally. Applying that principle means that when UWP partners with families, churches, businesses, public schools, college groups, etc. – and support their efforts to learn about the water crisis in Uganda and raise funds for projects, there is an encounter with Jesus woven into that experience simply through the act of serving the needs of the poor.

The past ten years has been harder than I would have ever guessed, but from where we stand now, I believe the future impact we will have, is greater than we can imagine. Our vision rings louder and resonates deeper than when we first began:

“The Ugandan Water Project sees Uganda free from the burden of water-borne disease where water, sanitation, and hygiene resources empower communities to transform themselves out of poverty and live the lives they were created for.”

Diving Deep into Schools and Campuses

One of the great opportunities the Ugandan Water Project saw from the start, was the opportunity to partner with schools and colleges. Anchored to the cause of clean water for Ugandans, and driven by the values at the center of our Christian faith – we knew that service, self-sacrifice, compassion and other themes would resonate even in environments where incorporated Christianity isn’t welcome.

UWP has designed a robust program for working with public schools. Communications Director, Megan Busch, a former high school teacher, worked with UWP volunteers in the education field to write curriculum that corresponds to various subjects and grade levels. UWP’s founder, James Harrington, travels to schools across the US to help teachers and students launch 2-4 week campaigns that challenge students to change the world through raising funds to bring clean water to a specific school in Uganda. The results are amazing; just in recent months: a charter school in Arlington, TX raised $5,000; middle schoolers at the McDonogh School in Baltimore raised $8,000; and the 7th grade at Clarence Middle School near Buffalo, NY raised $23,000! These numbers are not the whole story – these results were the overflow of a message that we all have a purpose and destiny to impact this world and our efforts should be built around the only thing that actually works – the combination of Love and Self-Sacrifice.

College campuses have been another arena for amazing impact.  Water:Now is an event built on the assumption that God has designed us with far more capacity and power than we realize and that if a person could catch a glimpse of their real God-given-potential it could change their life.  UWP partners with Christian student groups to host an evening on campus where clubs, organizations, teams, Greek life, and the general student body are invited to come learn about UWP and change the world.  When students arrive, they are invited to participate in the audacious challenge to fund a water project for a specific school in Uganda ($3,000-$5,000) . . . in 1 hour.  The result is something between a flash mob and a telethon.  As the timer counts down, students reach out through various platforms to ask friends and family to make right-now-donations.  It often comes down to the very last seconds, but to-date, the goal has been met, every time! The final challenge comes amidst celebration – reminding students that they have 24 hours in every day and now that they have seen what they could do with just one – dream new dreams and take bold action to change this world for the better.

The UWP’s staff believe that the secret ingredient that helps them connect effectively with the next generation is their willingness to take huge risks on the conviction that young people are created to change the world right now and they are desperate for a chance to prove it together.

Good Intentions Ain’t Good Enough

The Ugandan Water Project operates both as a Christ-inspired ministry and as 501(c)-3 international development organization. From the beginning, UWP’s leadership knew that in order to have a platform and influence in the global industry of development work they would have to be ruthlessly committed to excellent, professional water projects.

One example of this is the evolution of UWP’s Rainwater Collection Systems. These projects began as simple plastic tanks fed by gutters from community buildings. Declaring the slogan, “Always Learning!” the staff and volunteers began step by step isolating and improving each part of the process – solving problems, updating materials, investing in training, purchasing tools, and above all, learning from others around the world. The result is that today’s Rainwater Collection Systems are recognized as the best available version in Uganda.

Another area of professional growth was Monitoring & Evaluation. UWP was not satisfied with simply giving a water resource to a community and hoping for the best. The organization realized their responsibility to prove that their projects would produce real change. “Ultimately, we aren’t in the water business . . . we’re in the transformation business” says UWP’s founder, James Harrington, “and we can’t prove transformation unless we measure what we do over time.”The organization committed 18 months of research and design to their M&E strategy and in May of 2016 launched a cloud-based set of data tools with partner, mWater. Now the organization tracks various indicators and can see proof that clean water in a community increase the number of girls in school; and that clean water at a school increases test scores dramatically. They can also prove that church growth directly correlates with a church bringing clean water to their community.

Theses investments in professional expertise have opened doors for the Ugandan Water Project to partner with other organizations and ministries – sharing with them far more than just the projects they do.

Next Steps

Perhaps you want to see your school or college group involved with the Ugandan Water Project. Maybe you’ve been looking for a way to engage your business with a charity that is driven by the values of our faith in Christ while still respecting the boundaries of today’s workplaces. Or you might be looking for a context to bring your neighbors and friends together for your own barbecue to change the world. If that’s the case, UWP would love to explore those ideas with you. There are more than 300 communities on UWP’s waiting list for water projects so there are plenty of opportunities!  Contact them today and let them know that you read about them in the Bridge Report.

FROM R.K.’S CORNER

The first time I laid eyes on James Harrington was in 1975. I had just moved to Upstate New York where I had helped establish and administrated a private elementary/junior high school in the Ithaca area. James was then a newborn, son of one of my colleagues at the school. I watched him grow up during his early boyhood. In his mid twenties he married Christy, a businesswoman in her own right, and together, they have raised three beautiful daughters; the oldest is now 18.

Seeking to serve the Lord via a number of entrepreneurial endeavors in the market place, also within the Christian community, James finally found his calling: presenting the Living Water Jesus gave to the woman at the well (John 4:3-15) to the millennial generation by engaging them to help meet the physical need for clean water among the poor in Africa through his Ugandan Water Project!

In this issue, I have asked James to share his vision for building bridges between Uganda and the millennials in the States. This is a project worthy of support!

Mark your donation: Ugandan Water Project.

James’ contact information: Tel. +1 585-315-6160

EMail: info@ugandanwaterproject.com