FROM R.K.’S CORNER
Many who have been praying for my husband, Steven in his battle against prostate cancer, keep asking how he is doing. Not wanting to emphasize our needs over those serving in the mission fields, we have not been so forthcoming on details.
In this issue, however, we have a current update on Steve, which you will find it at the end of the main article on CHARITY, written by Paul Cowley, who with his family is training the Pastors of the Least in the largest slum in Nairobi, Africa. The reason I have made a connecting between Kenya and Florida, is that, of all the people who have sacrificially stood with us in love, support, and prayer for Steve and myself, the Pastors of the Least have made the deepest impression on us for reasons I will lay out in the update section below. Thanks to all of you who keep standing with us and praying for Steve’s health! Cont. below…
CHARITY – FROM KENYA TO FLORIDA by Paul Cowley
We often think of charity as the relevant work of Charities. While there is truth in that, it does not exempt us from the Biblical admonition to be charitable ourselves both individually and personally. Charity is more than a non-profit organization. It is more than giving material possessions or money. It is a habitual action, a firm mindset and a Godly characteristic all wrapped up in one. We cannot conjure it up ourselves, apart from God and His grace, which sets it so far apart from mere philanthropic generosity or giving. The glory of our giving must point to God Himself, or we are left with self-indulgent sacrifices to satisfy our own ulterior needs and motives.
This Ministry has been given the privilege of serving the very Least of our Brethren. Working with Pastors and Ministry Leaders in the slums of East Africa has been the high-point of my Christian service. It is in part due to the opportunity I have to express God’s heart of Charity toward the neediest.
The lives of the Pastors/Ministry Leaders we serve are no different from those in the many pictures you have seen in our newsletter. In fact, it is many times worse. The pastor is often the last to receive, the hungriest, more chronically unemployed and continually homeless. His children are in and out of schooling, never completing a year without interruption, due to financial burdens. Many people remark about how well our pastors are dressed. That is true., but “well-dressed” has a critical context that must be considered. Every stitch of clothing on his body is second hand. I know virtually no pastor who has more than one used, or pre-owned suit — one used white shirt, one used necktie, and one pair of used shoes. One and no more. The clothing they wear today is the same I have seen them wear for as many years as I have known them. And so, the ability to minister to such saints with benevolence and charity is nothing short of a God given privilege.
A Biblical foundation for Charity can be found in 2. Corinthians chapters 8 and 9. God has much to say to us, and His admonitions are there for all to be enlightened regarding Christ-like Charity. But I will focus on what is another critical context…
“For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an Equality,
that now at this time your Abundance may supply their Lack,
that their Abundance also may supply your Lack — that there may be Equality.
As it is written, ‘He who gathered Much had nothing left over,
and he who gathered Little had no Lack.'” 2. Cor. 8:13
There is a glorious exchange in every act of Christ-like giving. I may have the God-given ability to give… of my time, talent and/or treasure. And yet God foreordains that the one in need will be giving as well. Somehow, needs of both the giver and recipient are miraculously and supernaturally filled in the exchange process. Jesus said it most succinctly and poignantly, confirmed through the pen of Paul the Apostle…
“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak.
And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said,
‘It is more blessed to Give than to Receive.'” Acts 20:35
Christ’s words denote pure Spiritual blessings wrought thick and through with eternal value and significance. Not mere material blessings proffered by many during their manipulative solicitations. As we admonish our pastors, “Don’t give to get. If you do, then it’s not giving; it’s not a gift; it’s not charity. It’s merely an investment scheme.”
God’s Word sets the spiritual standard of Christ-like giving: freely, cheerfully, willingly, secretly, according to our ability, and without compulsion. Giving to God, and giving to mankind, is never to be done for the sake of a material return. God lets us know there is, indeed, a Spiritual return that is truly out of this world. And so, we rejoice in the privilege to provide material relief to those in need, and in the blessing to see them glorify God…
“For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints,
but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God; through the proof of this ministry,
they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ,
and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you,
who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you.
Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!” 2.Cor. 9:12
Indeed, it is truly an indescribable gift from God to be able to give. This brings me to a final point. Throughout our 16+ years on the mission field, God has supported this Ministry through the faithful giving of the saints. And many times, people have expressed their apologies for “not giving”, for a sudden need to “stop” giving or some justification for their inability to give. We would like to reiterate our heart-felt admonition…
- No explanation is ever needed. Certainly not to us. Not ever.
- Seasons change. I believe God purposefully allows us to be inspired to give, and then withholds the very ability to do so at specific times in our life. There are great spiritual lessons to be learned in each season.
- Our desire to give (when we cannot) is perhaps more precious in God’s eyes than actually giving. We serve a God who looks at our heart first and foremost. The intents of our heart matter most to Him.
- The greatest gift anyone can offer this Ministry, our family, and others is faithful and fervent intercession.
It is often through the intercessory prayer of one, that God releases His provision and protection by the hand of others.
…cont FROM R.K.’S CORNER – UPDATE ON THE HEALTH OF MY HUSBAND, STEVEN
On the first day of this month, Easter Sunday, we celebrated the most significant and ultimate love gift ever given to mankind by anyone … the gift of eternal life by the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The hallmark of those who have been transformed by God’s love, is a life of generosity and CHARITY. That includes those who have no earthly possessions to give, as they show charity by giving of themselves in serving others!
This issue is a clear demonstration of CHARITY extended to my husband, Steve — living in prosperous South Florida, from the Pastors of the Least — living in abject poverty, while attending Paul Cowley’s DSM’s Bible Institute in the Kiberia slum in Nairobi, Kenya.
In 2012, six years ago, my husband, Steve was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. His prostate was surgically removed. For three years, he was doing well with no recurrence. Then, in 2015, the cancer returned. He underwent 37 radiation therapy sessions. Regretfully, that did not reduce the cancer, rather, the PSA (blood test cancer indication) continued to rise. In Oct. 2017, a body scan showed that the cancer had metastasized into his lymph nodes, and he was deemed terminal, Steve decided to have no further medical treatments, as there are few effective choices available going forward. We did, however, choose to add a natural remedy that allegedly heals cancer.
Steve and R.K. – Resting in Him: “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms…”
This week, to our utter surprise, Steve and I were told by his oncologist that his most recent body scan shows no detectable cancer — even his lymph nodes are back to normal, in spite of the fact that the PSA keeps rising drastically, indicating the cancer is aggressively on the move! Steve’s oncologist doctor has no explanation. He is double checking the test results to ensure they are correct. God often confounds earthly knowledge and wisdom by His supernatural touch! We are on a faith journey, not knowing what it means, but we firmly believe that Steve’s life is in God’s hands — He will complete the fullness of his days (Deuteronomy 33:27)! In the meanwhile, Steve keeps sharing the Gospel with everyone in waiting rooms and doctor offices!
Family, friends, and partners, locally and all around the world, have surrounded us with love and prayers. Among them, perhaps those who have been the greatest encouragement to Steve, are the Pastors of the Least in Kenya. Paul sent us a note on their behalf: “We are storming heaven with praise and petitions on your behalf…. let us all stand confidently in His Sovereign grace and enduring mercies. Our brother Steve is well. Let the testimony of Jesus & you continue 1. Cor 2: 9-16. Let us stand boldly in What we know, and Who we know — in Faith! Blessings, prayers, and deep affection to you two!”
In the Kenyan slum, a group of men and women—too poor to enjoy any medical care—are interceding with confident, childlike faith for a miracle on behalf of Steve — enjoying the world’s best medical care available. Steve has been generous toward them with financial blessings… they are giving of themselves in intercession on his behalf! 2. Cor. 8:13 is actively at work!
Our post modern culture has produced an entitlement generation who demand their “rights”. In contrast, Paul Cowley’s excellent article above on CHARITY is both timely and relevant!