pastor james.

I've attempted to start writing this post several times. And each time I do, I'm at a loss for words. How does one describe Pastor James?

He was out of this world. A walking, living, breathing testament to the power of our Lord.

Born to a Maasai diviner, James was expected to assume his father's role as the tribe's laibon (a mystic; a ritual and spiritual leader believed to have healing powers). After learning of the love, sacrifice of, and redemption in Christ, however, James' life was changed. Thus, becoming a laibon was out of the question. But in refusing to accept the inherited position because of his faith, James faced immense persecution from his tribe. Breaking the norm and going against the grain is unacceptable in a culture so focused on unity and togetherness. Yet he remained strong. And since then, God has rewarded him: James is now married with six children, and he pastors a rather large church in Maasai land.

I had the privilege of sitting and listening to him share his testimony and his heart for the Maasai. And I was in awe. Despite the oppression this man endured, he still feels so strongly for his people. He desires to see young people raised in the way of the Lord to grow up and become Christian leaders in their communities. He believes that this drought (possibly the worst Tanzania has ever seen) is God's way of redeeming this land and this people. I literally could have sat there and listened to him all night!

It's sad to think that finding people with a love and a passion for the same God halfway around the world surprised me, but it really did. Once I got over that element of surprise though, excitement set in. 

Our God is at work in a Maasai village on the border of Tanzania and Kenya.

Our God is using a man like Pastor James to lead a broken people home.

Our God is just as present there, as he is here.

His mission is global. He wants to see all people return to him. We Westerners have never been needed to facilitate the salvation of the nations (despite what some people might like to think). God does that on his own. God raises up leaders in communities around the globe to be exactly what a people need.

And it's this mission, with these leaders, that we're invited to join. Not take over. Not run. But join.

May God continue to bless James and his beautiful family. And may God continue to equip the nations with leaders like James to bring hope, salvation, and redemption to lost people.

(I took the picture above on our descent into the gorgeous valley where the Maasai village, in which Pastor James lives, is located.)