Why?

Why do we do what we do? Have you ever asked yourself that question? I have. I’ve asked why I get angry over inconsequential things, why I worry about finances knowing I’ve never gone hungry, and why I enjoy working with computers so much (even when they can be frustrating!). I’ve asked why has God allowed me into His Kingdom when so many others have no desire to know God. Why was the door opened to me? And, why am I privileged to serve Jesus as a vocation, as a missionary?

Sometimes it only takes a letter or email from a colleague to help me understand the answer the question. Today, the answer came in the form of a colleague’s newsletter, sharing how a former animist and cannibal now pleads to God for his wife’s health as the missionary pilot prepares to fly her out of the jungle to the regional hospital. Reading the letter reminded me once again that God’s Word transforms people’s lives. It also reminded me that, just like the former interior jungle cannibal, I’m a sinner saved by grace. No, I’ve never killed someone or eaten human flesh but, as my colleague so eloquently communicated,  “..I have hated others in my heart, and the Redeemer has said that I am guilty of murder—I lacked only the axe“. (Click here to read Nate’s “two murderers'” story. You will appreciate what he has to say).

I am flying to Abuja, Nigeria‘s this Saturday (arriving Sunday) and then traveling 4 hours by car on Monday to NBTT (Nigeria Bible Translation Trust), an independent national Bible translation organization, to help install a Spiceworks helpdesk system. Wycliffe Associates, JAARS, SIL, and others have helped install many BGAN satellite terminals in the country to facilitate Bible translation but, as all technical devices, they periodically need support. This helpdesk program is designed to facilitate the support process, critical to expediting Bible translation with so few support.

Would you please pray for me and with me? Pray that I wouldn’t experience any flight delays through the many connections throughout the 24 hour journey. Pray too if you will, that the technological challenges would be overcome and the system would fully functional by the time I depart the following Friday at 11:20 PM.

I love to travel but, as I get older, I like it more when I’m with someone rather than alone. I do what I do though, knowing that these tools and processes are expediting Bible translation and Bible translation transforms lives. That’s good enough for me.

Why are you doing what you are doing?