Our take on "Strite Global"

One of the neat things about journaling is reading your thoughts in previous entries. In my initial BLOG I comment on my desire for a transformation in my life, ask myself what God is up to, wonder what I might find at each destination with feelings of anticipation and apprehension about the coming journey.

As we began our trip around the world, Gene and I felt this journey would in some way define this new season of our lives. Seeking God on the mountain in South Africa I sensed that God has strategically designed our travels to be symbolic of what our future will look like. Not having the details, but knowing God is building a structure. Often times He lets the details up to us.

God gave Gene and me a desire to take a trip around the world because He wanted to show us something. (He gives us desire to set us up for what he wants to do). We had only planned to seek God on our farm in South Africa. Then we had invitations to visit Uganda, South Korea, North Korea, and China. It seemed like a good plan to also stop in Myanmar and Japan. God was orchestrating our itinerary the entire time to call us into something new. We didn’t know that several of our destinations were going to be hotspots in the media while we were there.

South Africa has been in our heart for some time and is our home away home. We know God has a continual work for us to do there. Uganda, standing on the threshold of economic change, just needs a boost in the right direction. We plan to secure funds for venture capital and provide micro-financing for the poor. Incidentally, there is a new film release entitled “The Last King of Scotland”. Though fiction based on real life, it portrays the rule of Idi Amin. The entire film was shot in Uganda, much of it in the capital city Kampala where we stayed. We will make it a priority to see it when we get home.

We learned to love the people and culture of Asia, at times feeling disloyal to Africa. In Seoul, South Korea, you could sense the underlying uneasiness from the threat of North Korea’s nuclear activity. We often heard said “The only thing Kim Jong II hates more than Americans is South Koreans”. Pray for their safety and spiritual growth. The church in Seoul has grown to a mighty force as a result of prayer but affluence is causing their passion to wane. Because of their close proximity, common language, and understanding of North Korean culture, they will be the perfect messenger to bring the gospel when the current regime collapses.

Oral Roberts has said in training his students, “go where God’s light is seen dim, His voice is heard small, and His healing power is not known…even to the uttermost bounds of the earth” we felt the relevancy of this as we entered North Korea. God has heard the cries of His people. He is going to bring relieve their oppression in the near future, some believe within a year. The church feels an urgency to “get ready” for this opportunity. They believe that there is soon to be a change within the government that will open the borders. One of the biggest revivals in the Korea’s originated in Pyongyang the capital city of North Korea in 1907. From there revival spread into South Korea. There is still a remnant of that awakening underground in North Korea today. We were asked to be part of a symposium with concerned leaders discussing future strategy.

Gene and I are amazed at the resiliency and advancement of the Asians in spite of rigid governments, and economic downturns. This is extremely evident in the people of China. The church of China is growing 6.5 times faster than the entire church worldwide – this is a concern to government officials. There is the possibility of even harsher persecution for Christians in the future. Pray for the church of China, they are zealous and passionate about God - training leaders and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christian’s in China risk their lives everyday, showing tremendous courage.

The final evening of our journey we decided to have romantic dinner at the Azul to celebrate. Palm trees silhouetted against the golden sunset, we were the first guest of the evening. The waiter escorted us onto the terrace to the choice table by the water fall and manicured garden. Gene and I were enjoying the fine food, commenting how the favor of God surrounded us the entire trip. We were both in awe of His kindness and faithfulness, recognizing our dependency and trust in the Lord had grown to a whole new level. It was a picture perfect evening and we were enjoying just being alive. Across the water a Polynesian in native attire blew a conch shell, the mysterious sound resonating in the air. Suddenly only 50 feet away, a spectacular array of fireworks lite up the sky, the sound was deafening. We were so astonished and amazed. Tears began streaming down our face; the presence of God was so real. I can’t describe it. It was just a “God moment”. During this awesome display of color and sound, I clearly heard God say “this is your coming out party!” This continued for about 15 minutes, after the grand finale we sat stunned. Immediately the waiter came smiling and said, “Congratulations this was just for you,” and with a flourish he presented us with a chocolate vanilla cheese cake, “and this is compliments of our chief”. God is the kindest person I ever knew! But what does this mean?