Lions, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, and majestic waterfalls (all within spitting distance)… It seemed like a completely different world, and it was. During my first few days in Zambia last month, it didn’t take long to realize I was far from my eastern Iowa home. Everything was different: the animals, Victoria Falls, the people, the poverty, and the roads — oh my, the roads! Our drivers kept joking that time spent on African roads was a series of free African massages. They were free, all right. As different as Iowa and Africa are, the more time I spent with my African brothers in Christ, the more I realized we have a lot more in common than meets the eye. We are fighting similar battles, just in a different context.
Jake Each, Jeff and Dave (both from Iowa City Veritas), and I got to spend ten days in Africa. While we got to experience a lot of different things on our trip, the main reason we went was to help out with a reunion conference for pastors who have previously graduated from the Hope School of Theology. Over three days, we spent time going through 2nd Timothy, speaking against the prosperity gospel, and highlighting the importance of plurality amongst elder-qualified men. The hope was to equip and encourage these pastors to courageously preach the one true gospel in their cities and villages as they pastor in a challenging context.
Different yet the same — a common theme for our trip. On one hand, our American pastors don’t have to regularly deal with witchdoctors, travel from village to village on bicycles, worry about malaria or getting bit by a puff adder or a black mamba, wondering where their next meal is going to come from, etc. On the other hand, like the African pastors at the conference, we do deal with false gospels, idolatry, division in the church, seeing God as a means to an end, passive men who let their families “lead” and other effects of sin. Our hope is in the gospel, which has transformed earthly lives and eternities in Iowa, Africa, and everywhere in between.
As much as I would love to share so many details of the trip (and would love to in person with anyone interested), I’ll share two main takeaways from my time in Zambia. First, keep the main thing the main thing. In 2nd Timothy 1:14, Paul challenges Timothy to guard the good deposit entrusted to him. That good deposit is the gospel, sound doctrine, and the Word of God. As we continue to grow as a church, we (as pastors and members alike) can’t lose sight of the one true gospel. We have to keep growing in knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. We can’t forget our first love: Jesus.
Secondly, I was personally challenged with the question: “to whom or what am I looking to for joy?” My life in America is way “easier” than the lives these pastors live in Africa. I take many things for granted that these pastors would consider luxuries (health, my own car, reliable electricity and internet, smooth roads, access to multiple Bibles and other solid Christian resources), and yet, I saw more joy in my African brothers than I often see in my own life. While their “world” would leave most Americans feeling insecure and unsettled, they were full of joy. The 65 African pastors I had the privilege to interact with took Philippians 4 seriously. They rejoiced and found joy in the Lord. They didn’t dwell on their circumstances, but let their identity in Christ be their source of security — something that would benefit all of us!
Veritas, I would love to tell you more about my trip and share my 900 pictures and videos (that is not an exaggeration). But more than that, I want to challenge you to not lose sight of the gospel, keep growing in your knowledge of God and his Word, and to find joy in the fact that through Christ, you are an adopted son or daughter of the Most High King!