Jeff Adams

I can’t believe we are almost finished with our study of The Mission – not finished with The Mission, just the study! One  of major emphasis has been to take the focus off of geography and put it where Jesus did, on the peoples of the world. For the past few decades we have not done the best job of  going to the uttermost, so God has been bringing the peoples of the world to our doorstep.

After talking a bit Sunday about learning to be sensitive to the different people groups in our own city, I received an email from Shirley,  a fascinating lady in our congregation who is herself a case study of ethnic sensitivity. I asked her if I could share the following article with you. I found it to be a wonderful example and confirmation of what I have been talking about.

After living in Jerusalem for two years, I became used to seeing people sharing sidewalks and hearing traffic noises, so when I come back to my well manicured, quiet Overland Park suburb, I have to spend hours every day on the patio of the Starbucks on the Plaza. It is not close to the liveliness but good enough.

While on the patio, I noticed many people speaking all different languages. I’ve heard Arabic, Russian, Ethiopian, Korean, Chinese (which is also my mother tongue), French, and others that I cannot identify. They all seem to have settled in Kansas City for awhile.  Since I just came back from the Middle East, I took special notice of the Arabic speakers. I talked to one of them, and discovered that he was a Palestinian from Gaza. Ha! How strange that I should meet a Gazan all the way back home here in Kansas City. Then, I met his friend, an Iraqi who is studying at UMKC. We talked about Middle Eastern food, weather, deserts, Gaza, similarity between Hebrew and Arabic, and how amazing it was that we should meet. A few days later, I asked a lady where she got her accent and found out that she was from Egypt.

A few weeks later, I gathered all of them plus my Kansan friend Suzy, who has a big heart for strangers, for Happy Hour at Kona Grill. Suzy and I drank our sugary alcoholic drinks while our new Muslim friends drank soda and we made a point of not ordering pork dishes. We joked and laughed and talked about our hobbies, childhood, life path, and we laughed more. At 9pm, the evening was still young, and our new friends invited us to their usual hangout, Simbab’s hookah bar in Westport. In the mild cloud of hookah smoke, we listened to the owner Sami serenading his customers and we made plans to cook together and go to UMKC’s culture day together.

While talking, we found out that after living in Kansas City for years, they had not made friends with locals, let alone Christians. Statistically, that is surprising. The Kansas City metro area is made up of 94% US natives and about 40% Christians. Has no one from these majority groups reached out to a stranger from a different culture background? What about different religions, different social economic classes, or different colors? Cared if they are homesick or need a friend? Invited them to a ball game or a BBQ? By reaching out, I mean actively making friends by conversing, exchanging contact information, hanging out together, and introducing them to your friends to give them a chance to be a part of your circle and give them a chance to make new friends. Being a first generation immigrant, I can assure you that foreigners almost never turn down an invitation from the locals because we are dying to see how the locals live; and I am sure people in other minority groups would respond in the same way.

Many Christians do not agree with other religions or alternative life styles, but we have to remember that under every title and label, there is a person. Do we see that person? Do we care about that person, who is just like you, God’s crowning creation? Rule number one for reaching out is, of course, do it out of sincere care and even curiosity, never out of ulterior motives such as converting, earning favor with God, or hurrying God’s Kingdom. Trust me, it is very obvious if one carries a hidden agenda, and it will only bring about disappointment and distrust for your new friends.

“Imitate me,” said Apostle Paul, so I also say imitate me and reach out sincerely because you care. If you don’t have that desire, it is time to pray and examine your heart’s priority in serving God.

In an interesting PS, Shirley told me that when she went to her favorite Starbucks the next day, her Iraqi friend told her he was waiting for a Jewish rabbi who had asked him for help in learning Arabic! The Iraqi was feeling a bit nervous about meeting his new “student” and asked Shirley to sit with them to help bridge the gap. What an amazing world! Engage in The Mission!

Dr. Oswald J. Smith

In our Summer study of The Mission you have heard me speak often about the challenge of the least-reached – those who have never had enough understanding of the message of Jesus Christ to either intelligently accept or reject that message. Let me share the story of how I first came to understand the principle of giving priority to the least-reached.

Dr. Oswald J. Smith was pastor of The Peoples Church of Toronto, Canada many years ago. He was already an old man when I had the chance to hear him speak. Not only did we hear him, Cheryl and I were fortunate to chauffeur him around a couple of times when he spoke at the church we attended in Wichita, Kansas. I’ll never forget the imposing figure of his tall, thin frame, the majesty of his voice or the passion for The Mission that oozed from the pours of his being. He was the one I heard say on repeated occasions, “Why should anyone hear the Gospel twice until everyone has heard it once?” Dr. Smith was also the one who introduced the “faith promise mission giving” system that is still used by many churches to this day.

One of my favorite memories of Dr. Smith illustrates the pure and simple character of this old Presbyterian minister. Cheryl and I had been invited to accompany the pastor of our Wichita church to take Dr. Smith to dinner following an evening service of the mission conference. The pastor took us to a very nice restaurant. It was not opulent, but clearly the pastor wanted to give Dr. Smith a fine meal in appreciation for his ministry in our church.

Our Canadian visitor was not one for chit chat and projected a serious and formal style that was not unusual for his generation and culture. I don’t want to give the impression that he was stuffy or aloof. He was very nice, caring and genuine. But at the same time he was quiet and reserved. Give this nature, we didn’t think much about it when we noticed that Dr. Smith only had something to drink at dinner.

After a pleasant time discussing missions over dinner, it was our lot to take Dr. Smith back to his hotel while our pastor headed home. Just a few hundred yards from the hotel, Dr. Smith suddenly asked me to stop the car. I did, of course, and as he quickly slipped out of the passenger’s seat he said that he would be right back. Not really understanding what was happening, Cheryl and I obediently waited.

Just a short few minutes later Dr. Smith appeared once again in his three-piece suit clutching a small paper sack from McDonald’s! Humbly and somewhat sheepishly, he explained to us that he was just too embarrassed to have the church buy him such a nice meal. He knew that we were trying to raise a large missionary offering that week and he did not want to do anything to take away from that project. He would never expect anyone else to do the same, and never implied an ounce of judgment toward us who enjoyed our meal that evening. He simply was a man who lived by his principles.

Cheryl helped him with book sales and we ended up with quite a library of his books that he gave to us in return for her help. He was a remarkable man in many ways. There is much information available about his life, but you can get a good overview of his life here.  His influence on my life would be incalculable. He was succeeded by his son Paul who continued to build upon his father’s foundation. I was also blessed to spend time in his presence.

I truly look forward to our Tuesday night prayer ministry as much as anything, but last night was special to be able to sit in our new lobby, enjoy some great brew from Portico that now opens at 6:00pm on Tuesdays, and just chat with people. I’m thinking this is going to radically change our church culture for the better.

Del has been a member of our church for a long time and has a fascinating story. In 1982 he was involved in a near fatal car/train accident that left him in a coma for weeks. If he recovered, no one expected him to be able to walk again. God and Del had an encounter, along with a great support team of family and church. It wasn’t long before Del was walking and talking. To this day, his walk and speech are greatly labored, but he has been able to live better than many people who function fully. God provided a loving wife, great kids and they are now even grandparents.

Some months ago Del began losing strength on his right side, a condition diagnosed as Brachial Plexopathy with no known cause. As you might imagine, he was very concerned. Del is a big man and very powerful. His grip can normally crack cast iron pipes. I’m not a particularly small guy myself, but Del has always loved to give me a hug by squeezing the senses out of me while lifting my up off of the floor and resulting in a full chiropractic adjustment.

Some months ago he asked the pastoral team to pray for him, which we gladly did. It’s not perfect, but over time he is gaining more strength on his right side. Last night he asked to give glory to God for this progress. He did a fine job and everyone was thoroughly blessed. Afterward, in another segment of prayer, he asked me to pray once again for his right arm.

As we prayed, a phrase we commonly use flashed through my mind. We often say, “I’d give my right arm for ___.” Such a statement reflects the value we place upon the right arm (apologies to all the lefties out there, but you get the idea). That thought brought real compassion to my heart as I thought of my friend Del struggling to think of moving forward in life with a right arm diminishing in power.

This morning I was doing my daily Bible reading in Psalm 118 when the following phrase leaped off the page three times in verses 15 and 16 – the right hand of the Lord. I can’t ever remember that phrase hitting me with the same impact, not because of the context of Psalm 118, but the context of having just prayed with Del. The exact phrase  right hand appears 161 times in the Bible, most of them referring to God’s right hand.

Look it up. You might be surprised. God’s right hand is filled with righteousness and eternal pleasures. By his right hand he saves us, sustains us, rescues us and teaches us among other things.

Whether we are afflicted like Del, or have full use of our right hands, the psalmist has some good advice. With or without strength, we should make him our strength. Or, as the psalmist says, to put him at our right hand.

I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalms 16:8

OK, I admit it. I’ve been feeling stressed out the past few days. I spent most of the week in Panama, came home and dove into taking care of some family issues, getting ready to preach the normal 3 times Sunday and a new member reception Sunday evening. That’s the normal stuff. I have also been preparing for a trip to El Salvador on Thursday where I will be teaching about 12 hours of new material Friday through Sunday. I only recently learned of the topics assigned to me, and they are ones with which I am not comfortable or very familiar. So, the past few days have been heavy with preparation – and stress!

After sorting through a range of emotions ranging from frustration and fear to feeling sorry for myself, I’ve identified what I think is a key question. Is the real issue eliminating stress, or learning how to manage it? I’m on the record as being against what many term “performance-driven Christianity.” We don’t gain any credit with God by working hard. That does not mean, however, that we have license to sit around idle. And, there are times when working hard under stressful conditions just comes with the territory.

When I read Paul’s story in 2Corinthians 11:21-33, I am aware that Paul had his share of stress, too!  The issue is not eliminating stress but learning how to manage it. God never promised us an easy ride in this world. I’ve been preaching about the need to establish boundaries in our lives, but there is also a need to recognize our responsibilities and faithfully complete them. There are times to retreat and rest, and there are times to buckle down and simply press on to get the job done. Here’s a passage that helps me.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:7-10)

The context is sowing and reaping. The phrase that I sometimes think of when stressed is “let us not be weary in well doing”. Literally, “let us not keep on giving in to evil while doing the good”. In other words, if we are cultivating (sowing) what the Spirit prompts in us, we should not allow stress to stop us or give in to our own desires (the flesh). If we press on, we will achieve (reap) what God has for us as long as we don’t yield to the temptation to let up or give in to exhaustion (faint not).

Another thing I learn here is to to be realistic. I do what I can as I “have opportunity.” My responsibility extends only as far as my opportunity. I am not responsible for someone else’s laxness, selfish desires or irresponsibility. I am not responsible for what I invent to do. I am responsible for what God has put in my path and for which he has equipped me with the capacity to accomplish.

Finally, I also learn to prioritize. Paul says our first responsible is to the household of faith. Then, as we have opportunity to others. This is prioritizing.

Here’s how I applied this to manage my current stress.

• Is this burden reasonable? Do I have opportunity? Yes. This is an invitation I gladly accepted. This is a church I love where I have not preached for 18 years. By giving me this difficult responsibility, my frustration is blunted by the thought that they gave me this task because they have confidence in me. God has, indeed, equipped me to prepare this material when others might not be able to do so. It’s difficult, but I can trust him to give me the ability, strength, time and resources to get it done. This is no one’s fault; this is my responsibility and opportunity.
• I prioritized. What was it that most bothered or challenged me? I identified that and tackled it first. Now, I have a handle on where I going with all this. I have an idea in mind of what I need to do. That gives me hope and shows me light at the end of the tunnel.
• I compare this to Paul’s stress level in 2Corinthians 11, and I find I don’t have much to complain about. I’m not facing beating, prison, shipwreck, or impending death. I may share a few of the items on Paul’s list, but I really don’t think this is going to kill me. It’s just stressful.

Don’t think you need to eliminate stress; just learn to manage it.

I can’t imagine why anyone might be interested in this level of detail, but sometimes people ask what it is that I do when I am at a conference like this. So, here are a few highlights from my day.  I began with a 7:00am meeting with the senior pastor and several associates from the church where I formerly was pastor in San Salvador, El Salvador. I am speaking there the last of next month and we were coordinating the details. It’s been years since I spoke there and I’m excited for the opportunity to reconnect.

Once again I had my teaching session on making disciples at 8:00am. There are always people with questions and comments afterwards. One of the biggest personal blessings  from being here this week is meeting people who were in the conference here where I spoke in 1984. Sometimes people are very kind to say that they remember that I spoke and they were blessed, but several people this week have been able to tell me what I preached and even remember the main points and illustrations that I used. I couldn’t have told you that and I was the one doing the preaching! I guess when someone says that what I said was a turning point in their life I have to take their word for it when they can remember what I said better than I can. Seriously, I am very thankful for that sort of feedback.

I spent some time with representatives of a church in the heart of Panama City, consulting with them on applying principles of making disciples of professional people in a very multicultural city. At one point I was engaged with one of the seminary leaders here discussing the state of theological education in Central America. I can tell you that it is far advanced from what it was when I lived here many years ago. To see positive changes and maturity has been a real encouragement this week. Late in the afternoon I joined several of the other speakers and some seminary officials in a television program  where we answered questions about the Central American church and missions. I  also had several conversations about working with our alliance of churches that share ministry to a specific group of people in the Middle East.

One of the day’s highlights was a lengthy conversation with another high-powered young woman. This young marketing executive is from Central Mexico and has been actively involved in significant missionary activities on several continents. Her vision is to take on human trafficking in South Africa using her professional skills. What a refreshing conversation to see the passion burning inside of her to make a difference. She the talent, training, energy, courage and contacts to be used in a significant way.

Our evening session just finished and the speaker was one of my favorites from this week. He is a dynamic Brazilian named Valdir Steuernagel. He is a powerful communicator and quite a thinker.

It’s late and I’m tired.  In the morning I finish my speaking responsibilities by finishing up the teaching on making disciples. The conference ends in the evening and I head home around noon Saturday.