When the news got to me that Esther had adopted three month old orphaned Rebecca, I was ecstatic. I knew this was something she'd always wanted and felt God was involved. See the story here.

Few months ago, some wonderful friends developed this web page to help raise funds for Esther and Baby Rebecca to solve their accommodation problem and also start a small business. I highlighted this in another blog -The challenge of childless widows.  

The target is $6,000 and $300 has so far been raised. The deadline is this month and we are still hopeful that God will stir someone's heart to help Esther move to a new home, start a small business. This is an opportunity to make a difference in this woman's life such that she'll be good example among widows in Yei.

Many widows in Yei resort to prostitution, brewing and selling local alcohol to survive and take care of their responsibilities. Esther's story will be different. We are committed to this and our confidence rests in God's unfailing word and grace for women like her. We believe she'll be a great mum and friend to Baby Rebecca. 

What would you do if Esther was your sister, aunt, cousin, a neighbor or just a friend? Esther is more than these to you and I; she's a disciple of the Lord Jesus, a member of the greatest and largest family ever conceived.

Please kindly connect to her life story and help. No amount you'd give will be too small to give. Feel free to direct all enquires on Esther and Rebecca to her Pastor, Stanley LoNathan: stanleylonathan@gmail.com or call him on +249-955-04-8894

"What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world." James 1:27

I got an email yesterday from a friend that wanted to know what I thought about the News on CNN here of children abused and even killed, being labeled as witches. As I watched the documentary on CNN, I knew I had to say my mind. Feel free to say yours.

An extract of the article from CNN reads, "A child witch is said to be a witch when that child possessed with certain spiritual spells capable of making that child transform into cat, snake, vipers, insects, any other animal and that child is capable of wreaking havoc like killing of people, bringing diseases, misfortune into the family," Sam said.

"When a child is accused of being a witch -- that child is hated absolutely by everybody surrounding him so such children are sent out of the home... But unfortunately such children do not always live long. A lot of them, they're either killed, abandoned by the parents, tortured in the church or trafficked out of the city."

Sam doesn't believe in witchcraft and is trying to raise awareness in local communities now gripped by hysteria..."

Sam could as well doubt the existence of the devil for all I care. Get it from me here, witchcraft, voodoo or Juju is alive and well in many cultures all over the world. Witchcraft and occultism have been from ancient times. The questions begging for answers in this story are; what is witchcraft? Who is a witch? Do you have child-witches or wizards? And if you do, what should you do with them?

I'm not an authority in occultism or demonology, but I have experienced firsthand, the operation and manifestations of demons in people, including innocent kids. I have many stories to tell.

People who are referred to as witches or wizards are so called because they manifest some measure of power to harm others through supernatural means, which often involves invocation of spirits via incantations and the use of assorted charms.

Witchcraft is more than a craft; it's a way of life. It runs in some families and it can also be learnt and perfected like any trade or gift. It's chief aim is to connect with the spirit world in other to manipulate people, incapacitate them or kill them outrightly.

An individual could have progressive contact with the spirit world through many means. Here are 5 common ways.

• ·         It could be via initiation, whereby incantations and bodily incisions are made on the individual, thereby introducing him or her to the spirit world.
• ·         It could be through ingestion, whereby the targeted victim usually unknowingly ingests some substances (charms) put into their meal or drink that eventually takes control of their mind and body.
• ·         Witchcraft activities could run in some families and handed down from generation to generation.
• ·         A visit to a sorcerer could also open the door for one to encounter supernatural forces that could lead down the wrong path.
• ·         Lastly, one could be dedicated to the cult or the devil as a baby or even before birth. Like Samuel of Hannah, some children are dedicated to cults and the devil either as war or peace offerings or a pledge of loyalty.

Some children are victims of wickedness perpetuated by adults, who themselves are under the bondage of the devil. Children don't belong to witchcraft cults and covens willingly; else their nature will not serve as the blessed example that Jesus recommends for His disciples. The truth is that they are children who having been bewitched, become possessed by evil spirits and these spirits could manifest abilities and strength beyond what is naturally expected of a child. Does this make a child or anyone for that matter a witch? NO!

Based on several cases I've encountered and those I've heard of, I confirm that demons can operate through innocent children and they do. If you don't believe this, then you grossly underestimate the wickedness of the devil and his agents in this world.   

The issue is not if children can possess witchcraft abilities but how do we respond to the challenge that such cases present. If a child demonstrates witchcraft traits, do they cease to become humans? No! They are operating under an influence beyond their control and need help which can only be found in Jesus Christ.  Demons don't differentiate between adults and kids. Everything they do is against God and all He loves. Ridiculing God is their primary assignment.

It's a pity that some overzealous ignorant exorcists who use the name of Jesus like a trading facility treat demoniacs like wild animals. This is not only wrong but evil. When innocent children are involved in bizarre cases like the ones reported in the CNN documentary, it makes one sick. Any child under the influence of witchcraft cannot be helped by NGOs without good grounding in Jesus Christ. These orgnisations can provide accommodation and clothing for the body which is good but deliverance for the soul is the ultimate need and that is the soul job of believers in Christ.

We read in the Bible an incredible story of two mothers agreeing to a most unspeakable and barbaric act of cannibalism against their own kids.  2Kings 6:28-29 "...What's your trouble?" She answered, "The other day this woman here suggested that we eat my child, and then eat her child the next day. So we cooked my son and ate him. The next day I told her that we would eat her son, but she had hidden him!" Yes, they cooked and ate the innocent little boy. He was not a witch. The women were among the many that were starving those terrible days.

Some years ago, in the company of two beloved brothers, Ken Nwaoparah and Austin Okeke, I had what I consider till date, the most harrowing encounter with 15 demons that made their home in a 15year old boy.  They claimed to have been there since he was born. I will tell of this encounter later to underscore the wicked operation of demons in children.

People can choose to be sentimental about this topic seeing that we are talking about innocent children. But please don't conclude on any matter you know little or nothing about.  

If you have had a personal encounter with children that manifested witchcraft traits or gifts, let's hear your story. What do you do to help?

I'm an admirer of national flags and coat of arms and I'm ever so intrigued by their delicate designs, the meaning of the various colours, the symbol of the animals and birds and other features therein. A study of these is called Vexillology.

Depending on their form and function, flags are variously known as standards, banners, ensigns, or pennants. They've been used as symbols of tribal, national, and military identity since ancient times. Even the scriptures record, "When the Israelites set up camp, each man will camp under the banner of his division and the flag of his own clan. The camp is to be set up all around the Tent." (Numbers 2:2)

Lately, I've been thinking about some national flags and asking a few questions. Are the colours on this flag relevant to the nation's current identity? What is the connection between the colour(s) and design of this flag with its peoples? What should prompt a change of these colours or the design? Should flags reflect only a nation's historical heritage or its anticipated future? Could it be both? What part can they play in our daily living? I was reflecting on the flags of Sudan, South Sudan and Nigeria when I heard over the radio that Malawi has altered their national flag. The Raising Sun on it has now risen. They say they've moved from developing (raising sun) to developed (risen sun). Awesome!!

The Flag of Sudan 

Red, white, black and green are called the pan-Arab colors and have been historically linked to the Arab people and Islamic religion for centuries. The colors stand for Arab unity and independence.

The red stripe represents Sudan's struggle for independence and many other struggles, and the sacrifices of the country's martyrs. The white represents peace, light and optimism. The black represents Sudan; in Arabic 'Sudan' means black. Green represents Islam, agriculture and the prosperity of the land.

Question: If Sudan means black, why the genocide in Darfur? Why the current political tension on the issue of the referendum which is part of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA)? Should there be a North Sudan for Arabs and then The Sudan for the southerners since Sudan means black?

The flag of South Sudan

The signing of the CPA allows South Sudan to enjoy some level of autonomy and the prospect of independence after a referendum. It will also be free to fly a distinct flag.

The south has a flag that closely resembles Kenya's in its features and colours. A black stripe at the top represents the identity of the people. There is a golden star which relates to the Star of Bethlehem, lying on a blue triangular background representing the River Nile. It signifies a future with optimism for the people of southern Sudan. Red stands for the blood shed by the southern Sudanese in the 21 years of armed conflict while green stands for the region's great agricultural potential.

Questions: What of the oil?!! This one commodity which is not reflected in the flag is at the crux of the current tension in the middle belt of Sudan. Should the black on top represent the people and their oil?

This brings me to the Nigerian flag.

 History has it that the Nigerian flag was chosen in 1959 from among 2870 suggestions in a competition, which was won by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, who was then, a student from Ibadan. His design showing two green panels which represent agriculture sandwiching a white panel, which represents peace and unity became the official flag of the Country on 1^st October 1960.

Questions: Green is for agriculture?!! Which agriculture?? Where are the groundnut pyramids in the north, the Oil Palm and rubber plantations in the mid west, the cocoa in the west? What's the price of a 50kg bag of Garri (cassava flakes) now? How much of the rice we eat is grown locally? Shouldn't this flag be changed to reflect current realities? Shouldn't the colour black tell of the oil in the Niger Delta, which has helped glue us together peacefully as a people 50years on? Imagine a black white black flag for a minute.

What's your country's national flag saying to you? I'm still wondering what a flag for the Kingdom of God should look like. As a Christian, what core identities would you project on such a flag if you're asked to design one? Which colours and why?

"Even the foolish man, when he keeps quiet, is taken to be wise: when his lips are shut."Prov 17:28

"Most of us know how to say nothing; few of us know when to let our silence speak louder." C. Krosky

As Elisha followed his master Elijah out of Gilgal, the sons of the prophets in Bethel and Jericho had something to tell Elisha (their contemporary) which they thought he didn't know, though they had the option of keeping quiet like those in Jericho.  "I know, keep silent" (my paraphrase) was his reply to them. 2Kings 2:1-5

Have you ever felt so pressed during a conversation such that you couldn't wait for the speaker to finish their sentence, before you gave your response? The moment something is said which may or may not agree with you; instinctively, you feel you must interject that very second; else you'd miss the chance to hit your mark.

Most times, what happens here is that when we miss that first chance, we put our listening in pause mode. Though we may appear to be holding our peace, no, we've let it out through the back door the moment we started preparing how we'd express our thoughts with the next opportunity, thus missing succeeding remarks or even bubbles (unspoken expressions) that may explain the initial comment(s).

Have you ever been in a formal or informal meeting and comments on an issue you are passionate and knowledgeable about were made and you felt pressed to contribute but for some reason, you kept silent? And just as your patience was running out, someone makes the exact comment you wanted to make. Do you feel elated, deflated or comforted? The temptation to say something at that very moment could be over bearing, but you can opt for silence.

On the other hand, have you ever witnessed a crime and for some reason(s) you thought appropriate, kept silent about it? Is it still a weight on your conscience or have you silently silenced the voice of truth by amplifying logic?

Silence is a double edged sword. We can use it to gain time for increased understanding of projected issues and learn more about the listener (observer) or the speaker (actor) as they respond to its application; but sadly too, it could be used to strike a below-the-belt punch.

When used in love, it shows we respect and care deeply enough for the speaker to want to understanding what they are saying before we reply, if we need to. We may turn off our cell phones to avoid distractions or relocate to a private spot in search of serenity to aid our listening.

Our silence could also give the speaker time to process their comments and make corrections if necessary. Anyhow, being comfortable with silence, as a receiver or a giver takes practice, love, self-control and I think, good understanding of the given cultural setting.

If your intention is to ridicule, hurt or let someone know you are displeased with them, silence could be a risky weapon to deploy. In some marriages, couples use the "silence treatment" on their spouses and the result is often messy. Someone in there may need control and the other, connection. Unfortunately, where noise is the norm, one is most likely to mistake silence for a lack of understanding but especially indifference.

Prolonged silence in any relationship or in the course of a conversation can provoke unnecessary emotional tension; as the speaker may not know if they were heard, understood or just being ignored. The latter is often believed to be the case but a sincere and skillful user of the art will notice, and address the situation wittily.

Silence can communicate many messages. It can help shed light or place a veil of darkness on a conversation. There's a place and time to speak out and even shout; and there's a time for silence. But the value of silence is diminished wherever noise is celebrated. The ability to effectively use silence is one of the greatest conversational arts.

Is your silence speaking loud enough to the people around you?  Can you use silence to make your point? Have you ever consciously tried it? Were you successful? If you were successful, perfect the art with practice. If you failed, try listening more and hold your peace the right way up - lovingly.

As I continue to practice this art, I must confess it is quite challenging.

This course, Perspectives On The World Christian Movement developed by U. S. Center for World Mission (USCWM) is currently running in Aba, Abia State Nigeria. Thanks to God and my mentor Tim Olonade, the Executive Secretary of NEMA, I had another wonderful privilege of gathering with 120 Anglican Priests and some of their Bishops in a camp-like atmosphere to facilitate and engage a few ideas projected by this life transforming ministry tool. It is wonderful to watch the Anglican Communion in Nigeria embrace this course with such indescribable passion. They know where they are going.

Billy Graham said of this course, "There is no course of which I know that will inform, inspire and motivate Christians for world evangelization like Perspectives. It will stretch your mind, warm your heart, and stir your will."  

Pastor Mrs Aina of RCCG Lagos said, "Since I started attending conferences and courses...I have never attended one like this...with such depth, profound convictions and motivation." 

Perspectives is introduced as a course of vision - a vision that mobilizes and equips the people of God to live a life of passion and purpose as Jesus did. It is aimed at helping participants grasp a clearer understanding of God's mission in the world so as to enable them make informed decisions about their strategic participation with Him in world evangelization.

This 15 lesson course insists that God has a 'world-size' role for every Christian in His global purpose. Whether people go to distant countries or stay at home is a secondary issue. The primary issue is what most people are hungry to discover - vision to live a life of purpose. Discovering that vision makes this study program valuable and I dare to add, crucial for every Christian.

Carefully selected articles from over one hundred authors like the late Dr. Ralph D. Winter, Steve Hawthorne, John Piper, John Stott and a host of others make up the Perspectives Notebook.  See these few ideas extracted from the Notebook.

"Understanding the promise God made to Abraham is indispensible to understanding the Bible and Christian mission. The whole of God's purpose is encapsulated here."

"The ultimate value of [our] salvation is not to be seen in what [we] are saved from, it is what [we] are saved for that really matters. People are saved to serve God in worship."

"The only heroes who operate alone are figures of fiction. The stories of accomplishment and significance always unfold as stories of teamwork.... The only way to exchange the illusions of fame and self-importance for God-granted greatness and blessing is by working in partnership with others."

"Missions is not the ultimate goal of the Church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn't. Worship is ultimate not mission because God is ultimate not man."

"World Christians are day-to-day disciples who Christ's global cause has become the integrating, overriding priority for all that He is for them."

"Obedience to the Great Commission has more consistently been poisoned by affluence than anything else. The antidote for affluence is reconsecration. Consecration is by definition "the setting apart of things for a holy use."

I'm always awed and sometimes amused by the initial attitude of some participants towards this course, especially those who have been in ministry for a while. They come, wondering what new teachings or ideas this course has to offer. Their initial queries and even body language reveal a measure of indifference difficult to disregard. But ignorance is soon exposed and a fire ignited in their hearts as perspectives on familiar Bible stories and events from history are blended into one unfolding saga. Ordinary Sunday school stories suddenly mean more than simple lessons in righteousness, obedience and faith or their lack.

In Nigeria, the Perspectives Study Program is coordinated by Nigeria Evangelical Mission Association (NEMA). This Association exists like an umbrella body for mission's thrusts in Nigeria, with a broad spectrum of membership from the core Evangelical Community, Mainline Denominations, Charismatic and Pentecostal Communities and Non and Inter Denominational Bodies. Serving as a networking and equipping para-church organization, NEMA strives to mobilize the Nigerian Church towards fulfilling its role in world evangelization.

I recommend this awesome ministry tool to you and your organization. If you've passed through this class at any time, please comment on your experience. If you are interested in the Perspectives Study Program in Nigeria, kindly express your intent via this email to the National Coordinator: pspnema@gmail.com

A few more classes are lined up for this year. Seize the opportunity. You'll be glad you did. This is a course of vision, hope and passion. Engage!!

While planning for the Students' Holiday Camp in Yei on my last trip, someone asked, "Uche, since you've been holding these meetings with students, over the years, how many have committed their life to Jesus and are still standing today?"

Initially, I was tempted to think the question was cynical and somewhat sarcastic than constructive. But I shrugged off that thought and chose to see it as an opportunity to bring this fellow and others there alongside us as we prepared.

So, I responded immediately using some statistics to buttress my assertion. But as soon as I laid out my points and facts, I felt strange. I knew this was not right. Not that my claims were false but my reason for the response was simply pride. I loathed myself. I'd been stuck with this "numbers" thing, counting how many came, how many filled the slip and made a commitment. The more the merrier they say; but there's another serious aspect to consider.

The gospel does not only have a quantitative side, the qualitative side is the second side of the same coin. Jesus' command to go make disciples in all the world, preaching to every creature and the gathering in of a great multitude which no man could number speaks of quantity; yet He longs to present  everyone of that great number to himself, as a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle...; but that it should be holy and without blemish, is indicative of a set quality. Both are necessary in the big picture.

There's a corporate effort in both cases. We preach, He convicts and converts. We make disciples as He works in them to will and to do His good pleasure.

I have one good reason to return to Sudan when the stage is set. It will not be for numbers but for members, for QUALITY.

Some young disciples that had unique encounters with the Lord during the Student's Holiday Camp and also at the Coach Me classes are pressing into Him for more and I long to be part of it.

Their honeymoon period may be over soon and the euphoria could fade anytime but we need to plow deep and hard for a lasting harvest. Pastor Stanley is doing a great job maintaining the momentum in his church and I'll be returning to assist him.

Discipleship, which is the process of maturing into the image of Christ, could be as arduous as it could be complicated.  Converts soon realize it's a narrow way and the temptation to return to a known path and a comfortable environment seem more appealing as soon as challenges come banging with both fists on issues from the past that don't just go away without a fight.

Precious souls like Sister Tabita were at the camp. I long for more for them. I desire a deeper, richer and more meaningful relationship with the Lord and with the world He loves.

As I listened to radiant and joyful Tabita share her experience (see the clip below) and observed her expressions of hunger for truth after that Holiday Camp, I knew we'd struck the right cords. I said to myself, "... if this camp was designed just for you dear girl, it was worth it."

I'll be going back to help fan the flames of this fire in her soul. Thankfully, she's not alone. There's a good number pressing in. That fire must spread. God helping us, we'll be at the furnace, working the hole and hoping to see the dross give way for pure gold to flow forth.

When the Lord said, "Let us go back to Judea." (John 11:7) His request didn't go down well with any of His disciples. Worse still, His reason for that dangerous trip seemed ridiculous as far as they were concerned. But we know how it ended. A certain Lazarus had in his sickness, death and eventual resurrection, the platform for one of the greatest miracles in the Bible. 

Great glory could be waiting to spring forth but on whose account? Even people close to us may think we need to see a psychiatrist when God prompts us to take certain actions in faith and we go public with it. How scary is that task God is nudging you to undertake for Him?

As I continue to ponder on these and on that one strayed sheep from the ninety-nine, I'm persuade that Tabita alone, though not a straying sheep (far from it), is enough reason to return to Sudan. I'm not finished.

Strength and beauty lie in differences, not in similarities; if only we can strive for the big picture. I learnt a few hard lessons on teamwork recently.

One's enthusiasm could be a tool to trigger other people's emotions so they instinctively help and support us serve a noble cause.

I wonder how many worthy causes have been jettisoned simply because the immediate perception of one's passion for it was misunderstood as a gratuitous fad and worse still; the show of dissent was in body language which seemed to contradict verbal approvals.

How can you deal with it? Listen patiently and respond with meekness (not always easy) or ignore them and go solo or seek support elsewhere (these are ready options any day and come naturally) or abort the cause/job/mission altogether (who loves stress?). But what do stressless teams look like? I don't know.

If you lead a team and have people who always easily project on the outside how they feel on the inside; rejoice! Have you ever interacted with someone for the first time and suspected that their attitude was poor, yet you were unable to put your finger on exactly what was wrong? I observed four common attitudes that can ruin a team.

• An inability to admit faults;
• An unwillingness to forgive and forbear, which fuels suspicion;
• Petty jealousy, which breeds a critical spirit and certainly,
• Lack of passion for the cause.

Most bad attitudes are the result of selfishness. If you have someone that puts others down (especially in their absence) or sabotages teamwork (by exhibiting dishonesty and/or indifference) or speaks more than they listen (busy thinking of what to say next while you are still talking) or make themselves more important than the team, as Butch Maltby put it, "by sucking up all the oxygen in the room as soon as they arrive"; then you can be sure you have someone with a bad attitude.

Our attitude determines our approach to life. Our attitude determines our relationships with people. Our attitude is often the only difference between success and failure. Our attitude at the beginning of a task could affect its outcome more than anything else. Our attitude can turn problems into blessings.

The challenge sometimes is that our attitude is not automatically good just because we are prayer warriors or pastors of a mega church or missionaries among a distant nameless people. Yet, people we deal with have expectations and as humans, we disappoint them now and again.

I learnt that within teams, the fear of conflicts and misunderstanding has a way of frustrating the sweet flow of the Spirit. If conflicts and differences are openly discussed as an aid to problem solving, a team faces decision making on controversial and emotionally charged issues with less tension if prejudices are set aside in the interest of the unity of the spirit and the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)

Effective teams do not shy away from conflict; rather, they learn to use it to their advantage. Though that learning process could seem like an unending course without a hope of graduation, but there's great reward if we persevere. Team issues shouldn't just tame us but teach us.

I had the privilege of working with and learning from a few informal teams in different settings during my last trip. Believe me, I had my grinding moments but God brought sweet spirits my way with every step. An effective team at work is so wonderful to behold. Communication, whether written, spoken or unspoken is invaluable.

As I mused on teamwork few weeks ago, I asked myself some questions:

"What should be the appropriate level or medium of communication between team members?"

"What if they are afraid to speak up and/or ask questions?"

"What if someone feels they must be understood but never pay attention to others?"

"What if everybody accurately states their view and others listen and understand what is being said?"

"What if most of the team members restrain themselves and filter their critical remarks with grace?"

I wonder what you think about these questions but I noticed that in teams with a supportive atmosphere, there's a willingness to take risks, listen, express opinions, and venture new or different ideas. Team members feel they will be listened to and not be belittled for openly expressing their viewpoints. Correction is given and received well. Criticism, gossip, suspicion and blame casting are not part of an effective team's atmosphere.

In an untrusting, non-supportive environment, members feel they have to put up a façade, because to let people know what's going on inside could result in them being vulnerable and hurt. So, tools of manipulation and control such as tears, silence, outbursts of anger or even laughter..., come into play.

If your weakness or a stronghold that bedevils you shows up while working with a team, blessed are you if there're team members who will love on you with no gloves on.

It seems to me that effective teams usually comprise of disciples whose contrasting personalities are carefully knit together by the Master to fix their individual broken parts and in the process, fulfill His eternal purpose.

He's still working and expects our total cooperation.

After three months of ministry that took me to Uganda, Sudan, Congo, and Kenya, I returned home last week to the warm embrace of my wife, kids, church and friends. I'd lost quite a bit of weight which worried my wife but I gained a wealth of experience from meeting people with a wide range of issues, real issues; which I hope I can properly communicate their crux in a few words here.  

First, I'm awed by the great need for authentic living and fellowship among Christians. Our churches are gradually becoming a haven for fakes. The lessons I learned in the last three months while discipling many youngsters with the rich insights I'd gleaned from The Mask has influenced me tremendously. God help me, I hope I'm not getting cynical.

There's a silent, yet desperate search for a safe place to unmask or a secure person to unmask to. Seth Barnes has done a great job addressing some of these issues in his blog topics listed here. I'll be quoting him extensively in this article.

What is this unmasking deal all about? I understand it as being naked and not ashamed, being the me that God made to enjoy, without regrets, walking in the light as He, Jesus, is in the light.  

The Lord Jesus says, "This is the crisis we're in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God.

Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won't come near it, fearing a painful exposure.

But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is." (John 3:19-21 The Message)

He calls it a crisis and who can dispute that?

When we take a good look in the mirror, how do we define who we see? In an age where sincere self examination is unpopular, seeing that self help books and many teachers tell us who we are; the truth about us is fast becoming a matter of others opinion. So, how do others define me? What do I relish about their view of me that makes me feel good about myself?

But, what do they not know about you, that if they knew, will certainly change their view about you? How far away from the open are such things? Are they secrets that dare not cross the minds of people you seek their approval and respect? Could a false self be at work? Could that enigmatic personality who lives daily in trepidation be longing for freedom and not getting it? Why?

I learnt that the false self thrives on self love. "They went for (chose) darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God." But they successfully created a false impression, the impression of a sound and sincere love for God, which is a mirage, a smoke screen for their private evil fantasies and obsessions. The continued hidden practice of those sins is testimony to a denial and an illusion; to the presence of a masked insidious tyrant.

I learnt that we need help getting rid of it. It's a cruel world with precious few maps to navigate by. We may not even be aware of the false self we've taken on. The ego props may seem like such a natural part of our identity that we no longer recognize who we are and where we need immediate help.

At some point, all of us need to take a closer look at our search for identity, for acceptance and respect. Have you found a safe place? Have you sought the approval of men and settled for something counterfeit? Is the persona that you've let others see the real you, or is it a false self?

But so many of our bad habits and our broken character will only change as a result of our conscious effort to repent and yielding to the persistent workings of the Holy Spirit's power which could last a long time.  This is where discipleship takes center stage. I sense this need is more desperate today in the life of men and women who speak publicly for God.

Since returning from Sudan, I've continued to receive the warm welcome and accolades of brethren on our work there. But that mission and vision is NOT Uche. God sees the bigger and brighter picture. I'm listening to Him for it.

Thank you Seth Barnes!

Sometimes, narrating events that left us totally speechless could be a very challenging task. However, we cannot but report all we've seen the Lord do, the best way we know how, as He continues to work where we walk.

The Bible is not just a chronicle of wonderful stories. It is one story, the greatest and grandest ever told. This story is reflected, but not fully expressed in what has been commonly called "salvation history"; because it's not ultimately a story about people and how they get saved. It is a story about God, and how He brings glory and followers to Himself from all peoples of the earth.

As God's story unfolds in our day, a foreknown and select number will continue to dare to believe His promises and wait for them. Their undying passion, obedience, commitment to Kingdom values and voracious appetite for God's glory in global worship will always create the much needed platform for the miraculous giving them regular flesh encounters with the Author of life.

It was that time for many students at the holiday camp 3weeks ago in Yei. They'd waited for a while for something like this. God honored their faith and hunger with His awesome presence.

The testimonies of a few in the video clip below gives an idea of the varying issues and points of encounter these youngsters had with God during the last holiday camp. If you ask me, I should say with much confidence, "Their future is brighter today than yesterday." All glory to God!!

A fuller documentary will be ready soon. If you email me your postal address, I'll send it to you when it is finished.

We earnestly covet your prayers for a sustained blaze of this flame that the Lord has lit in Yei among the students.

God's story continues. Don't just watch it and read it, please make it, make His-Story with Him.