Incarnational lifestyle

Tonight at Perspectives I was really moved by the earnest and honest testimony and inspiration of Jamie Zumwalt. She shared stories of missionaries who were among the first and second waves to 'go forth' in the 1800 and 1900's. She talked of the latest wave of missionaries who use a incarnational lifestyle--live like the people. That is my plan, if my agency and my placement allow it. An incarnational lifestyle might have me living in a mud brick hut, cooking over a three stone fire and washing my clothing beside the national women in the nearest creek. It might involve my carrying five gallon buckets of water to my house twice a day to boil for drinking and to use for bathing. It might involve walking everywhere instead of riding in a car. It might involve not having a cell phone or Internet access except when I am on holiday. It will mean a significant adjustment. However, I look forward to that life change as it brings me into the lives of those in my community and gives me more credibility with the people as I represent Jesus to them.



I confess I do have apprehension about being a victim of crime while in Africa. In many areas the people are so poor and hungry that they steal without giving it thought. In some areas the white people are resented and are all thought to be wealthy (to be fair we probably are) and a great target for theft. Law enforcement officials are sometimes corrupt when it comes to ticketing and fining the white people for minor or even fabricated crimes. While in Malawi I saw one of the missionaries ticketed for a "broken taillight" that was working perfectly. In many areas any woman or child is in danger of being wronged in the most intimate and violent of ways. When I allow my mind to dwell on these things fear does creep in--but doubt about the call on my life does not.

God will be my strong tower when I am afraid. He will be my provider when I am treated unfairly. He will be my endurance when the work is unending and my heart is overcome with the need and pain around me. He will provide the wisdom and ability to perform tasks that I'm called upon to do, but not yet qualified for. He will give me words when I stand speechless in front of a group of women waiting to learn from me. I cannot doubt any of this with the beautiful assurance He has given me in this call to Africa. It is not my life, but His. With joy I lay it down.

I love this classic song of Steven Curtis Chapman.

We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
Wholly devoted to live and to die for the sake of the call

Nobody stood and applauded them
So they knew from the start
This road would not lead to fame
All they really knew for sure
Was Jesus had called to them
He said "come follow Me" and they came
With reckless abandon, they came
Empty nets lying there at the water's edge
Told a story that few could believe
And none could explain
How some crazy fisherman agreed to go where Jesus went
With no thought to what they would gain
For Jesus had called them by name
And they answered...

We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
Wholly devoted to live and to die for the sake of the call
The sake of the call

Drawn like the rivers are drawn to the sea
There's no turning back, for the water cannot help but flow
Once we hear the Savior's call, we'll follow wherever He leads
Because of the love He has shown
And because He has called us to go
We will answer...

We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
Wholly devoted to live and to die
Not for the sake of a creed or a cause
Not for a dream or a promise
Simply because it is Jesus who called
And if we believe we'll obey

We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
Wholly devoted to live and to die for the sake of the call
For the sake of the call