An Alien Arrival in Papua New Guinea

Greetings from Papua New Guinea!

A bit of tribal art in Loloata, PNG

I arrived safely after a grueling 30 hours of travel from Houston that took me through Dallas, Brisbane, Australia and then to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. Someone told me the Dallas to Brisbane route is the third longest operating in the world today. I believe it. Despite the length, my journey was pleasant, quiet and uneventful, all things for which I am thankful. Clean lavatories and no weird odors also help make them more tolerable.

First glimpses of Papua New Guinea

My connection from Brisbane to Port Moresby was on Air Niugini – an interesting old plane that reminded me of my Piedmont Airlines days back in the 80’s. My Papua New Guinean attendant had to show me how to get the tray out of the armrest. I couldn’t remember how to do it. To her credit, she did not laugh at my privileged western incompetence, though I could read her thoughts. ‘First time flying this route?’ I tried not to think too much about the age of the plane and the type of pilot that would take a job in this isolated part of the world, mostly because I’ll be frequently flying that POM/BNE route and Air Niugini is the only game in town.

My fellow passengers were primarily guys headed to PNG for oil and gas related business. I recognized many of them from when we boarded in Dallas and I’d picked up bits and pieces of their conversations. There were also a few missionary families returning from leave. It was a reminder of the abundant missionary activity that takes place in this part of the world and a precursor of what God had in store for us here that I can’t wait to tell you about.

On our approach to Port Moresby I got my first glimpse of Melanesia. The little I knew about PNG and the surrounding seas and small islands comes mostly from the history books and what I know about World War II – the Coral Sea, the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands, etc.

I also remember hearing references to cannibalism and supernatural activity reported by missionaries who served in this region. Seeing it from above gave no hint of a past of sinking battleships and heads boiling in pots. It looked just like I remembered from one of my favorite movies, Swiss Family Robinson, beautiful and uninhabited.

Ela Beach Market – Port Moresby
A mighty bow from one who knows

PNG’s location in the South Pacific along the ring of fire means lots of seismic activity. Upon my arrival, Jeff greeted me with the news that there had been an earthquake in the Solomon Islands and that PNG was under a tsunami warning. For the second time in the last couple of years The Wizard of Oz came to mind, – “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore!”

As for those Air Niugini pilots, I have come to learn that many are former MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) pilots who lived and served in the highlands of PNG for many years. Yes, I may well have been traveling with some very special earthly angels who knew exactly what they were doing. Peace be with them.

Air Niugini – Jackson International Airport, Port Moresby, PNG

Warm regards ‘til next time…

Alien Abroad ~ Saying Goodbye to Dubai

Dubai/Houston

On January 11, 2012, I boarded Emirates flight 211 – Dubai to Houston, probably for the last time. The inevitable relocation notice came in October that my husband and I were moving on to another assignment in Papua New Guinea. I couldn’t believe my time in Dubai was really at an end. In December, we shared our last Christmas in the Emirates and quickly got down to the business of household inventories, walk-throughs, closing accounts, canceling visas and saying our goodbyes – it was pretty overwhelming. So, as I settled in for the sixteen-hour flight I was thankful for the time to reflect on this most recent change in my life.

The ultimate driving experience

I consider myself fortunate for the opportunity to reside in the Middle East. Dubai, in particular is a place where everything is billed as bigger, better and faster – it makes living there a lot of fun. From the top of the Burj Khalifa to the dancing fountains at Dubai Mall to the desert safaris, I had some incredible once in a lifetime experiences. Just driving Dubai’s main thoroughfare, Sheikh Zayed Road (affectionately know as Sheikh Zed) was an adventure unto itself. There is however, one aspect of my life in the Middle East that eclipses all others, my surprising journey as a Christian expat living in an Islamic country.

Before our move in 2010, several people warned me that I might have to be very secretive about my Christian faith. I didn’t know if I could worship openly or if I would even be able to participate in bible study. I really wanted to continue some of the work I’d been doing for my pastor in Houston but I was advised not to ship my hardback research library for fear my books might be confiscated. I hoped I could rely on my electronic resources and social media and that my favorite internet study sites weren’t blocked. I heard stories from Christians working in the region of monitored emails, phone conversations and even conversations in public places. Some talked of passports being taken and visas cancelled on charges of proselytizing. I knew had to step lightly because I was in Dubai because of my husband’s employment, something I certainly didn’t want to put at risk.

In reality, I found there was an element of truth to all the things I’d heard about, but the situation was not near as dire as I’d imagined. To be sure – living under Sharia law called for wisdom and discernment in much of what I said and did. And the level of spiritual warfare I encountered caused me to trust Christ as never before. But in the midst of an environment hostile to the gospel, God prepared my path. He showed me how to live, serve and glorify Him as an alien abroad. As a result, I experienced a rich life of faith and several rewarding ways to minister in the name of Christ. Does that sound like a familiar turn of events to you? It should. I know that I didn’t have to look far in scripture to find examples of God’s people living as aliens in foreign lands. Abraham, Joseph, Esther, Ruth and Daniel are some of the most notable that lived the expat life. They had no permanent home, no citizenship and no real rights, yet there is another common thread that runs through their stories. In their faithfulness to God, they were uniquely positioned to become very important parts of the amazing tapestry of God’s story for mankind. The same is true for you and me. By His power we too are able to serve and glorify His name, no matter where we are, no matter how futile our circumstances may seem.

I came to Dubai fearful and uncertain about what I would experience in regards to living out my faith. I came with assumptions and preconceived notions about the restrictions of living in an Islamic country. I left with a new understanding of the universal power of Christ and a heightened awareness of the impact of being an American Christian abroad. In the Middle East, where political and religious tensions are so intertwined, I was able to find my way as a faithful follower of Christ. My life was enriched by the fellowship of other Christian brothers and sisters from all over the world and what we were able to do together.

I look forward to sharing my experiences with you in the months to come – what I’ve come to know, and what I’ve yet to learn as an alien abroad.

If you are a Christian, you are not a citizen of this world trying to get to heaven; you are a citizen of heaven making your way through this world. ~ Vance Havner

View from my new home ~ Papua New Guinea

What is the fear of God in a God-Fearer?

I recently heard a story about a large international company conducting job interviews in a remote area specific to one of their projects. When local interviewees were asked about their goals in life, some replied, “I want to be a God-fearing Christian.” Missionaries are active in the region and, as is often the case, the Christians there are open and uninhibited about their devotion to Christ. In the secular world, their response to the question seems oddly out-of-place for two reasons. First, those who are unfamiliar with Christian rhetoric most likely do not interpret this statement correctly. They may think, ‘this person wants to be afraid of God? What kind of goal is that?” Secondly, would you make that statement in a job interview? I hate to admit it but I doubt that I would.

God-fearer – the nuances of the term can make the meaning confusing. What exactly is this fear of God – in a God-fearer? No doubt it can mean terror or dread in the face of God’s wrath, but perhaps the best sense of the biblical idea of the fear of God is “a genuine faith expressed in, and animated by, a reverential awe.”[1] The fear of God inspires honor and praise from David (Psalm 22:23); it prolongs life (Proverbs 10:27) and is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Mary proclaims the generational effect of His mercies on those who fear Him (Luke 1:50); it is a source of joy (Psalm 2:11) and a fountain of life (Proverbs 14:27).  But most importantly, the fear of God can also lead one to salvation.

Remains of the Aqueduct leading to what was the beautiful city Caesarea on the Mediterranean, Israel. Photograph-Shirley Ralston, June, 2009

Probably the most well known story of a God-fearer in the scriptures is that of Cornelius in Acts 10. Cornelius was a Roman Centurion stationed in beautiful Caesarea. He was a leader of men (some scholars say as many as 6,000 soldiers were under his command); he was powerful, influential, and a devoutly religious God-fearer. What an unlikely combination. A Gentile soldier, a Roman, who prayed continually and gave alms, drawn to the monotheistic God of the Jews! Cornelius’ receptiveness to the natural revelation described in Romans 1:20 made him ripe for God to use him and ultimately he and his entire household were saved. He and Peter are participants in yet another double vision event (remember Ananias and Saul in Acts 9?). God gives them both visions that culminate in the revelation that salvation is also for the Gentiles. This episode hints at the explosion of faith that lay ahead because of the continued spread of the Gospel through The Way.

A turning point in the Jesus movement, Peter baptizes the Roman centurion Cornelius, the first non-Jewish Christian, in Jerusalem (Acts 10), as shown in one of five baptism scenes on a 12th-century baptismal font in St. Bartholomew’s Church in Liège, Belgium. Image: Jean-Pol Grandmont.
http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/new-testament/the-origin-of-christianity/

In Acts 9 we learned about an ordinary man (Ananias) and a murdering religious zealot (Saul), who were both used by God to change the course of human history. In Acts 10 we learn about a powerful Roman soldier and an impulsive fisherman chosen to spread the Gospel to the world. They were all God-fearers, each responding to the awesomeness of the Almighty. It was the number one thing in all their lives and they didn’t care who knew. And today, there are guys interviewing for jobs in one of the most remote regions of the world whose goal in life is to be a God-fearing Christian! They are the spiritual bounty of the spread of the gospel to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. Amazing!

Lord, show us how to hold you in such reverential awe that we are bold witnesses of your glory. Give us the courage to fear God, not man. Amen.

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[1] Elwell, W. A., & Comfort, P. W. (2001). Tyndale Bible dictionary. Tyndale reference library (479–480). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

Ripples of a Revolution

teaching, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer

 

When I look around our worship service on Fridays, I see a gathering that has come full circle since the day of Pentecost 2000 years ago. For many of the worshippers, the nations represented in Acts 2:9-11 are their home countries today. Like the followers of The Way, we are from “every nation under heaven” and like them; our identification with Christ transcends culture, family, nationality and politics. The Spirit of God has sovereignly linked us in a very unique manner. The Apostles and the 3,000 souls added to their numbers in Acts 2:41 became part of a worldwide revolution. Amazing isn’t it? In a way, we are the spiritual descendants of those first believers, as their

 

ripples from the revolution continue

revolutionary acts continue to ripple throughout the world until Christ’s return. Do you think of yourself as being part of a revolution? Historically, members of a revolution unite under a symbol that identifies them with their movement. French Revolutionaries were known by the distinct, brimless “Liberty Cap”, originally worn by freed Roman slaves.The struggle for freedom in the American Revolution was symbolized by the colors red, white and blue. Our revolution is also about freedom…freedom from sin and death and freedom in Christ. It also has a special symbol, believer’s baptism – an outward expression of the inward change Christ has wrought on our hearts.

“Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)…“So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41)

A very special baptism in the Arabian Sea
Fellowship of the Emirates

That must have been an incredible scene, thousands of people receiving believer’s baptism, publicly identifying themselves as followers of The Way. It was a natural and regular occurrence in the early church. There didn’t seem to be much debate about how or when, just a desire to be identified with a new revolution. Have you been baptized since becoming a believer in Christ? If not I encourage you to do so. I can tell you from my own personal experience it is awesome. I’ve seen baptisms in rivers (including the Jordan River), pools, lakes and the church baptistry. In Dubai, baptisms often take place in the Arabian Sea. It is always a joyous experience. It is a great reminder that the ripples of the revolution continue. View: A very special baptism at Houston’s First Baptist Church

A very special baptism in the Jordan River

“buried with Christ in baptism, raised to walk in newness of life.”(Romans 6:4)

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The Perfect GPS

The Way that Changed the World: Acts 1-2:13

The Perfect GPS

It is in the deepest darkness of the starless midnight that men learn how to hold on to the hidden Hand most tightly and how that Hand holds them; that He sees where we do not, and knows the way He takes; and though the way be to us a roundabout way, it is the right way. ~A.T. Pierson[1]

The ultimate driving experience

Before I moved to Dubai, I heard many expatriate tales of what it was like to drive in the Emirates. It didn’t scare me. I carpooled and commuted the freeways of Houston, Texas for over 25 years, including a daily pass through one of the most dangerous interchanges in the country. I felt confident I could navigate driving conditions in modern Dubai. How bad could it be, I thought. It didn’t take me long to realize that I was in a new and different world. The navigation rules I always depended on no longer applied. In Dubai, north isn’t really north, maps are unreliable, and freeway signs are confusing. You know the lines that mark roadway lanes? Turns out they are really just suggestions, so are speed limits. Sheikh Zayed Road, our main thoroughfare, is a playground for Formula 1 wannabes. Sometimes, a destination just across the street is a 15-minute trip through several U-turns and a couple of roundabouts. What do you do when the GPS lady tells you to go left when you really need to go right? Necessity fostered a search for an easier and more reliable method of getting around. I learned to ask people, “Can you tell me the way?” In response I get good directions based on landmarks, like  - “take Jeremiah Beach Road towards the Burj Khalifa, look for the big flag and make a right next to the pink building before you get to the large roundabout”. Not what I was used to but very effective nonetheless. I had to learn a new way to navigate, different from what I knew, and I needed someone to guide me.

I needed a different way to navigate Dubai

I found myself thinking about Luke and The Acts of the Apostles the other day as I was once again navigating my way around Dubai. Acts is also a tale of navigation. Luke records the birth pangs of the early church through the experiences of the Apostles as they learn to live in their newfound faith. For them, the law was the voice from the GPS that had always told them where to go and how to get there. When Jesus came, He brought an end to the law. With the end of the law came a new voice from the GPS, Jesus’ voice, and a new way that was different from anything they had ever known. They learn to follow that voice and then suddenly…it was gone. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He ascended into heaven, as the apostles stood there, watching Him go. Then, they are alone (Acts 1:9). I imagine they were frightened and confused at this turn of events, wondering if they were now to be without any guidance at all. But Jesus gave them one last bit of direction, and a promise, before His departure.

“Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”(Acts 1:4-5)

The Apostles receive the Holy Spirit – the perfect GPS

I believe the apostles clung to this promise in the interim days that followed. It seems they clung to each other as well. How? They remained unified and devoted to prayer (Acts 1:14), devoted to the scriptures as well (Acts 1:16) and finally, they led by forging ahead. (Acts 1:24-26). In Jesus’ bodily absence they keep moving, confident He would keep His promise and invigorated at what was to come. Fifty days later, Pentecost is the setting when the apostles receive a “navigation system” that surpasses all others.[2] The Holy Spirit of the living God comes and indwells them and all believers in Acts 2:1-4. Now the voice from the GPS is a permanent, internal guide that will show them the way, as they become The Way[3] in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the Earth.

The Holy Spirit that indwelt believers on that Pentecost so long ago is the same Holy Spirit that indwells every believer today. We have access to the same power, the same voice, the same courage, and the same guidance. Trouble is, our perfect navigation inhabits an imperfect body. We tend to rely on ourselves way too much, thinking we can outsmart the navigation system and find an easier way, without tapping into the resource that God has so graciously given us. How much more confidence and peace would we have if we fully trusted that voice to tell us the way. I want to listen more closely, do you?

Give me a revelation, Show me what to do

Cause I’ve been trying to find my way, I haven’t got a clue

Tell me should I stay here, Or do I need to move

Give me a revelation

I’ve got nothing without You[4]

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[1] http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/christian-quotes_ochristian.cgi?query=way&action=Search&x=0&y=0

[2] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 17: Exposition of

the Acts of the Apostles. New Testament Commentary (74–75). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House. The word Pentecost is derived from a Greek word meaning “fiftieth.” The Jews celebrated Pentecost as the Feast of Weeks on the fiftieth day after Passover (Lev. 23:15–16; Deut. 16:9–12). They also called it the Feast of Harvest (Exod. 23:16). Pentecost was a harvest festival when the Jewish people presented their first fruits of the wheat harvest. (Num. 28:26).

[3] Carpenter, E. E., & Comfort, P. W. (2000). Holman treasury of key Bible words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew words defined and explained (416). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers. The Greek term hodos means “road” or “way.” In the Bible, it was used in both the literal sense and in the spiritual sense—especially in the Gospel of John. Once the disciples followed this “way,” they were convinced that it was the only “Way” to God. This was their spiritual reality and their proclamation to the world. Indeed, the early Christians called their movement “The Way”—and that is how they were first known by outsiders (Acts 9:2; 18:26; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22).

[4] More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/t/third_day/#share

C. S. Lewis Blog: Happy 75th Birthday to The Hobbit!

 

C. S. Lewis Blog: Happy 75th Birthday to The Hobbit!.

I first read the Chronicles of Narnia when I was 11 yrs. old. My brother had bought them as a gift for my younger sister, but somehow they found their way into my hands. I was totally taken in, from the first page to the last of the entire set.  Years later, the writings of C.S.  Lewis had a profound influence on my Christian life. They helped me to understand my world in theological terms. His books brought sense to much of my early doubts and confusion. Then, when the Lord of the Rings trilogy, by his dear friend J.R.R. Tolkien was made into film, I was again transformed. My family and I spent hours enjoying the enchantment and finding solace in the tales of bravery and friendship. I am amazed what God can do with the creative Christian mind, with the pen of Christian writers who can weave their faith into complex stories. Stories of unlikely heroes with a strange set of friends and even stranger foes, saving their world’s from evil domination. Hmm, I do believe I see some parallels, theologically speaking, on many levels. The Hobbit, which I also read as a young girl,  is about to be released in theaters. I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to experiencing this fantastic tale once again. Happy Birthday Bilbo.

Has C.S. Lewis or J.R.R. Tolkien influenced your life? I’d like to know.

 

God or Self – Where is Your Focus?

I know that many of you have been traveling this summer. You may have just arrived back in the UAE or perhaps you are still in a state of flux somewhere in the world. That is the nature of the Dubai expatriate life in the throes of the desert heat. For me, there is one aspect of expatriate summers that I really love, and that is to hear the word of God preached wherever I happen to be. Like me, many of you may have two churches you call home. This week I was in Houston, Texas and my pastor there told a funny story that I’d like to share with you.

Ghirardelli’s in San Francisco, CA. USA
http://www.ghirardelli.com

He made a resolution this year to only eat sweets on the weekends. I admire his courage, most of us would be doomed from the start. He had the good fortune this summer to visit Ghirardelli Square, the home of Ghirardelli Chocolate in San Francisco, California. He had the bad fortune to comment in a previous sermon that he enjoyed three of their fabulous ice cream sundaes while there. Be careful what you say in public! One astute member of the congregation managed to point out to him later that perhaps he had broken his sweets commitment, as his itinerary seemed to only allow for two of those delicious delights. At this moment, he knowingly looked out at the congregation and said, “Some people like to play stump the pastor”. Don’t you just love people who point out your shortcomings? Pastors especially do, unfortunately they’re expected to be perfect. At first he pleaded the fifth, then he eventually confessed. “You caught me”, he said.  His story is a tongue in cheek example of our more serious walk of faith. The point being that sheer willpower is never enough to avoid the desires of the flesh. Depending on self is a risky business because…well, we’re selfish by nature. He went on to describe his evolving relationship with God. Saved at 16 years of age, he looked at the years before his salvation as “living just for me”. Then the next 10 or so… “pleading to God just for me”. Finally, he realized his life needed to be “me pleading to God just for God”.  I think we can all recognize the cycle. It is just so tough to turn our focus from self to God. We’re nothing if not good at self-preservation.

Irrisistable…even for the strongest will.

This Friday, on the other side of the world at Fellowship of the Emirates, we will also be learning about the difficulty in turning from self. In our continuing study of the Judges we encounter Samson and the Philistines in the final episode of Israel’s oppression and deliverance during those dark days. Samson’s birth and Nazirite[1] status was ordained by The Angel of the Lord and foretold to his mother in Judges 13, along with his mission to defeat the Philistines. From his birth God blessed him with an extraordinary amount of vigor and strength and the presence of the Holy Spirit for the purpose of delivering God’s people from Philistine oppression. Yet Samson, with all his natural ability and potential, was continually ensnared by his lack of self-control. In particular, his wanton disregard for Israelite law, the God ordained restrictions of his Nazirite vow, his lust for women and his flashes of uncontrolled rage. Samson was unable to turn his focus away from himself and towards God. As a result, he misused his gifts and his calling.

Samson and the Lion by Nicholas of Verdun, 1181
http://freechristimages.org/biblestories/story_of_samson.htm

There is a silver lining in this dark cloud of missed opportunity. No matter how badly Samson missed the mark, the grace of God still worked through his weaknesses. Ultimately Israel was spared from Philistine annihilation.

“…as in the previous deliverer cycles, if anything positive comes of Samson’s life, it is due to the gracious intervention of Yahweh. The man whose birth had promised so much is a disappointment. Nevertheless, ironically, by the free exercise of his own immoral will, Samson serves as an agent of the Lord’s ethical will…”[2] ^[3]

Studying Samson caused me to reflect on my own life. I communicate with others through the written word. But, I’m also very prone to feelings of inadequacy. Do you see the dilemma? If I focus on myself, my feelings of inadequacy overrun my ability to communicate effectively – and I misuse my gift. If I’m focused on God, then my attention turns away from my inadequacy and towards dependence on my Lord and Savior – and my written expressions bear the evidence.

I encourage you to study the story of Samson this week, and take some time to think about your God-given abilities and your weaknesses. Rest assured, we all have both. Ask yourself, “Am I self-focused or God-focused?” Be encouraged by the words of Paul, “… Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7–10, HCSB)

2 Corinthians 12:7-10
http://www.zazzle.com

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[1] According to the Israelite Law of the Nazirite, preserved in Num 6:1–8, a person under the Nazirite committed himself to three abstentions: (1) from wine or any other intoxicating drink; (2) from having his hair cut; (3) from contact with a corpse. Block, D. I. (1999). Vol. 6: Judges, Ruth. The New American Commentary (403). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

[2] Cf. Klein, Triumph of Irony, 118.

^[3] Block, D. I. (1999). Vol. 6: Judges, Ruth. The New American Commentary (471–472). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.