Lost Sheep Found

Last week while Matt, Dan, and I were in Masi I was able to have one of the most exciting and encouraging conversations I have ever had. While cooking a traditional African meal called "Pap," Papi began to open up. Papi began sharing about his successful few weeks of conquering his drug addictions. He then asked me a question I am still smiling over. "Have you ever heard about the 99 sheep and the 1 that was lost? That lost she is me, and I am no found." I was in shock as he continued to share about what God was doing in his life.  He then apologized for not believing me God was real before. As Papi was about to leave for the night  he thanked us for choosing to stay in Masi. "It gives me a reason not hang out with my friends and smoke."

Papi told me this morning he is waking up extra early Sunday because he doesn't want to miss the Easter Celebration at All Nations.  Also, Papi is excited to join us tomorrow night for a community worship and prayer night!

Luke 15:7  I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Eating in Masi with Sive and Papi (right)

Papi wasnt the only one Masi Heaven has been rejoicing over last week...

Sydwell physically, mentally and spiritually is an entirely different man. Last Friday marked the first time in years he had not been drunk on any day of the weekend.  Sydwell has now gone two Friday and Saturdays in row without touching alcohol.  God has so strongly gotten a hold of his heart my own faith is incredibly encouraged.  Sydwell just received an English bible two weeks ago and it is already highlighted in many different places. He reads his bible in Xhosa and English because it helps him remember better.

Last night we were able to visit Sydwell in the hospital before his skin graft today.  Last November Sydwell a candle fell in the night and set his right pant leg on fire.  I would be doing the severity of his burn an injustice if I didn't mention he doesn't have skin from his knee to ankle on the inside of his calf.  When we first walked into the room to see Sydwell he was doing nothing other than reading the word. He read John chapters 3-23 yesterday! With a big smile on his face we were able to speak with him and spend a little time attempting to comfort him, but there was one problem... he didn't even seem to need the comfort.  I couldn't sense any discomfort, loneliness, or aniexity for his surgery.  As we were about to leave I asked him if he knew it was Easter weekend and his response I will never forget. "Yes Mr. Jay I know, Jesus transformed my life."

Martin, Sydwell (with his bible!) , Dan, Matt and I at the hospital.

Our purpose in life is to give God glory, although thats not all. If that was simply all, God would have already taken us to heaven to better fulfill our purpose.  OUr purpose in life is to also make His name known. If we are living only to give God glory, we only have know half of his heart.

How can you give God glory AND make His name known this Easter weekend?