McKeighen August 2021

“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘In him we live and move and have our being’” (Acts 17:26-28).

This Scripture has great significance to me personally as I consider the places God has taken me, currently 5000 miles from my homeland. Who knew I would find myself living in Africa at this point in my life? But it has even greater significance when we consider what it means to all of us. Like all Scripture, it is for all of us. God has filled the earth with people created in His image with the intent that they would seek Him and find Him. Our very existence is in Him.

This afternoon, I will sit down with a group of young men who are seeking Him. After finishing a baptism class, this group of eight boys has asked to continue having Bible study together every Sunday afternoon. They have Bible classes in school. They have family devotions at home twice daily. But they want more. I believe this is a reflection of what Luke said in Acts 17. Wherever on earth one will find himself, there will be people who are seeking God. Paul said it well in Romans 1:19, “because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them” (NASB). Born in China, born in the U.S.A., or born in Africa, God has given us a desire to seek Him. And He has promised that if we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13-14).

These young men are hungry for God’s Word!

Life in a developing country is very challenging. The need for missionaries is great. God calls His people who have found Him to go out and proclaim the good news. We are called to be His messengers, helping seekers find Him. Jesus said the “harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37 NASB). We are called to reflect Jesus wherever we are. This week I read an excerpt on worship by J.I. Packer. He said worship among other things is “a willingness to express one’s devotion in works of service as well as in words of adoration.” It reminded me that my entire day can be an act of worship if it is devoted to God. Please pray that I reflect Him well with so many eyes upon me.

And while you are praying please pray for the hearts of our children to always seek the Lord. Please pray for our national staff to embrace the ways of the Bible and reject the more “normal” ways of the world around them. Please pray that the Rafiki Village in Liberia will be a bright light shining in the darkness. As Jesus said it. “Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NASB). May this be our prayer for me and thee.

Shine on.

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