David Bahn – Reflections

1 John 1:1-4

 ¹ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— ² the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— ³ that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. ⁴And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

I leave today for a ten day mission trip to Kenya Africa. This is an exciting, challenging opportunity to share the gospel with the people in Kilgoris, Kenya – a town about 250 miles west of Nairobi. We will provide an eye clinic replete with eye glasses made to order, readers (off the shelf), and other eye care through local doctors as well as eye professionals on our trip. More important we will have the opportunity to share our faith with the individuals who come through the clinic. This is the most significant part of our trip to me.

Three distinct opportunities in the eye clinic process the people will encounter a mission team member who asks, “May I tell you what Jesus means to me?” At each encounter we will look for any indication of interest on the part of the person to learn more. When that occurs, we take the person to the “Second Touch” area – a place where deeper conversations about Christ, faith, and salvation may be held. There will be Kenyan evangelists and pastors at the Second Touch area so that relationships with local churches may be developed.

This trip is part of a ministry of our Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod called “Ablaze!”. The expressed goal of Ablaze! is to share the gospel with 100,000,000 people by the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation – 2017. Part of that goal, too, is planting new churches with world-wide, national and a goal of 200 new churches in Texas. St. John has in mind starting two additional churches between now and 2017, Lord willing, to add to our first start, LifeBridge Church that was started 3 years ago.

We are literally on a mission for God. But more accurately, we are participating in God’s mission to save the world. It is his desire, his purpose, his goal, his mission to seek and save the lost. My small part in that mission is a great privilege and I greatly desire your prayers!