Nafzigers

A Drive Through A Riot

Posted on April 4, 2015 by Nafzigers

Yesterday was crazy! It was supposed to be a casual drive into town, do some shopping, have a quick lunch, and head home. We started at 11:30 from home and I expected we’d be home around 2:30 to 3:00. But, God had something else in store.

On the way into town we noticed a large stretch of construction.

We did our normal routine of checking our PO Box, shopping at the local Nakumat, and making a few random stops into small local shops to find vegetable seeds. Our final stop was to get a package that I had ordered that will boost our 3G connection. I’m so excited to get it mounted and working!

On the way out of town, on the main road, we saw wires laying across the road. It looked like a power pole had fallen; needless to say, traffic was stopped! We crept forward and realized NOBODY was moving, so concerned we’d get stuck in a traffic jam, we quickly darted across the road to get around this issue.

As we came around the corner we saw a group of people with clubs, pieces of lumber with nails in them, and they didn’t look happy! It was a riot!

After a few miles of driving around back roads to get around that jam, we realized there were no easy ways around it. We had to either figure a way through it or take a VERY long and rough road back home. Either way, it wasn’t going to be easy.

I was in charge of the google maps on my phone to try to help. But, as typical Kenyan roads go, a “road” on a map may only be a foot trail or a motorbike path…both are considered “roads.” Needless to say, I wasn’t successful in getting us out quickly.

In fact, at one time, we were only three cars from getting to the main road and getting through. Even the locals thought they could get through. But, within about a 2 minute period, where we had access to a few “escape routes”, we had become fully trapped with only one road leading us out. Large rocks and logs were drug in and lit on fire. As the only white people in the area, we could easily become a target for those caught up in the unrest.

We dashed between trucks, through massive pot holes, and made our way through town. Gas is getting low…but we didn’t dare stop! As we safely made it out of town (the opposite direction we wanted to go) we found a gas station. We made our way down the road, intending to take a VERY long way home, when we came upon a police officer. Without the two-way radio that he could talk to other officers, he wasn’t aware there was a riot starting in town! He recommended we turn around.

Crazy thing is…we did as he instructed! We headed right back into the mess…but we had a plan and directions to get around this mess. Coming into town, we say huge billows of black smoke–we believe they were lighting cars on fire! As we were going through town, we were only a few turns away from making our escape, when it turned CRAZY!

A crowd of people came running upon us from the front. Motorbikes were flying through the crowd honking their horns. Marc punched it and crossed traffic, dodged between a few cars, a motorbike came flying in front of us and went down with a crash, people had rocks and sticks, yelling and chaos was everywhere. Suddenly I heard a large BOOM—people were ducking and getting into the local shops, cars and motorbikes continued to speed away and try to get to safety.

It was amazing how Marc kept his foot on the gas and we zigzagged around all sorts of issues; it was like the waters were parting—ok, maybe it wasn’t quite that smooth…it may have only been that ALL traffic was driving frantically way like we were!

In the end, we got out of town, as was our original plan, on the opposite side of town, found a rough road to Mt. Elgon, and started our way home. It was a VERY out-of-the-way drive home, but it was nice to be out of the mess.

A few days later, one of our brothers needed to go into town to get supplies for his new shop. I warned him of the mess we had experienced. He pointed to his shoes and shirt and said, “that’s why I’m wearing these!” as he pumped his arms like he was running—he was wearing a cool shirt and tennis shoes.

When he came back, he told me the riot was over the government coming in and destroying buildings where the farmer’s market was held—this is where thousands come to purchase their goods from miles and miles away! These buildings weren’t built within code—they were considered “in the road way” and torn down because the government is coming through to build a better and wider road.

It’s a slow process, but the town is recovering. I’m just glad that God protected us as we drove. I kept Bekah informed all the way as she met with local friends to pray. God is good!

I want to take this time to remind you to pray for us here in Kenya. Physical danger is not our only challenge, witchcraft, weather, sickness, disease….it’s all here! It’s been an amazing journey so far and I am thankful for family and friends who have been praying!

And, for those wondering, my “excitement” happened the same day the Garissa event happened. We were NOT a part of that event. It was only coincidental that both happened on the same day.

A Young Miracle

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Nafzigers

About a week ago, Sammy and I were sitting in a mud home where another church has been meeting for several months. We were there to have a pretty difficult meeting with this church. As we sat in the home quietly talking before our meeting began—in Kenya this can be 30 minutes to over an hour—we were hearing about issues that were affecting the small little village.

One particular situation was about a woman who had recently had a little baby. There were complications during the birthing process and she was rushed to a local hospital. We were not a part of this process so I wasn’t sure the reason for hearing this story, but they continued.

She was having many complications and the baby was not moving through/with the birth process. Once at the hospital, the doctors decided to do an emergency C-section to try to save the baby. Both baby and mom lived, but complications after the birth continued.

We were told that the place of the incision was becoming infected, she had a bad case of malaria, and even worse, her stomach was beginning to bloat larger and larger.

Two days before we talked with them, they had taken her to the hospital for more treatment. But the doctor there didn’t know what was going on and weren’t sure how to help her. She was then taken to the “District Hospital” where they have greater experience. But even there, they weren’t sure how to treat her accurately. In the end, two days later, she passed away leaving a husband and three children, one being the recent newborn.

The day after she passed, we were brought a little girl, the older daughter, who was very ill. She had been sick for some time and was not doing well. In fact, she had been taken to two other clinics/hospitals and each had no idea how to help her. The family was afraid there would be another death in the family! They thought their only hope was to bring the little girl to us for help.

While here with us, we were able to pray with her and give her medication—in the end, we sent her back home with medication in hand. But here’s where God did one of His wonders!

Timothy, a local brother in the Lord, testified of the change he saw from when they sent the girl to when she returned. He told us that he had asked what we did for her. The answer, we prayed! Timothy noticed a great change in the little girl’s energy, look in her eyes, and overall health. He saw such a great improvement in such a short time, he knew God was in the midst of healing that little girl at that moment!

Over the next few hours, Timothy witnessed a total healing of this girl…but with medication in hand, they gave it to her anyway. Despite, they (and we) are convinced that the Lord put His healing hand on this little girl and spared her life!

In this picture, she is the one wearing the purple. You must realize, they have a little baby that is with a wet nurse, mom has passed away, and her entire world has turned upside-down…there seemed to be no joy in her face.

This next picture is the family, minus the tiny baby and the one with the flower dress (she insisted on being in the picture). As you can see, this is a very young family, and their grief could be seen the entire time I was there.

Finally, this is a picture of “the hill people” (as they call themselves). They are nearly all family members. Pictured are cousins and brothers/sisters along with two neighbors that everyone considers family. This group of people have banned together to help burry this woman and take care of the hurting family.

In the end, no medical missions were needed (physically), no money was spent, no time put out…just a talk with our Heavenly Father for our needs before us. Never-the-less, we are thankful for your support and giving. Because of our Father’s healing hand, medicine and money can be used in other areas and in other ways. We are so grateful for your prayerful support. The Lord IS faithful! Praise His name for making Himself known to the people of Kenya.

Sickness in Saboti

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Nafzigers

I came across a challenging situation today in Saboti. This situation was especially challenging because of the health of this family; the woman has had Malaria for some time, the little boy has had malaria, and even worse, this same boy has a terrible ear infection!

Five days ago (Wednesday), me and Sam (one of our local translators) visited this fellowship in Saboti. They had several cases of Malaria in this village and this woman gave up her dawa (medication) for her son to have his. This, in itself, was such a blessing to me. But today, things escalated.

Mom gave her child her own medication to better the child.

Marc and I returned to the village of Saboti to pick up three children (with their parents) to take them to the hospital earlier this morning (Monday). This woman could not join us on our journey to get help for her child! Her husband was out looking for work so they could eat today. She was running her small little shop—risking missing a customer while away is too dangerous, so she decided not to get help for her son.

What’s the issue? These children have an ear infection…so bad that puss was coming out of the ear! This woman’s child was one that was very sick with puss coming out of his ear as well!

Bottom line, she didn’t have the time to set aside for her child to get medical attention for his ear. She didn’t have time to take off because she needed to run her shop. And, lastly, she gave her malaria medication to help her son get well, causing herself to suffer and get worse!

Today, as I visited them, we took two children to the hospital for the ear infection issue, got medication, and took them back home. We were able to purchase the needed medication for the child’s ear issue. And lastly, we purchased malaria medication for this woman!

Honestly, there is nothing better than meeting someone, seeing their need, and being able to deliver the much-needed assistance to make them well! Even through the language barrier, we can see and hear their needs. But, God is good. We were His hands to deliver this aid. But we have brothers and sisters in the States that provide us the funds to make this happen. We can’t do this alone; the needs are much too great, but we can address those in our circles, those that request help, and bless them with, and for, you. Thank you for your continued support. You are truly a blessing to those around us—they, and we, say thank you!

Malaria Outbreak

Posted on March 18, 2015 by Nafzigers

On March 18^th, a Wednesday, one of our Kenyan disciples, Sammy, and myself (Tim) went to Saboti to check on the health of this church. While we were there we heard about a malaria outbreak that had taken hold of this small little village.

The village of Saboti is estimated at about 1,000 people, but this small community of people where we were ministering are known as the hill people (per their own wording). There are about 10 to 12 families that live up on this little rock hill where they have literally carved flat places to build their small little mud hut. They live very close together, no place for crops, no yard, and barely enough space for a line to hang their cloths to dry.

This particular day we sat down to talk with this small church and discovered many in the room had been suffering with malaria for many days. In fact, many that lived on that rock either had malaria or was impacted because someone in their family had it. After our meeting Sammy and I headed to the local hospital—a small two room office space, dark, dusty, and manned by only one person, Dr. Evans.

I paid Dr. Evans a couple hundred shillings (a few dollars) to pay for the malaria test. We called to have the locals bring one sick mama and one sick baby so we could confirm this sickness. After confirming malaria was the cause of the body aches, sweats, shivers (on a 90 degree day), exhaustion, and no energy, we ordered 10 doses of medication. We were blessed, and surprised, that this tiny little hospital actually had all the medication needed.

I returned to this village 5 days later. I couldn’t believe the changes in people! There was such great joy to see me—so many came to me thanking me for the medication, the healing, and the saved lives of their children! What an absolute blessing it was to witness the joy, the sincere looks—so deep into my eyes—of those who had been healed.

As we walked through the village, my translator told me of many stories and names and introductions of those who were impacted by this medication. I often cannot pronounce the names, the faces I’m only learning to know at this time, but the testimony lives on! Thank you for your support of our medical missions. It’s totally amazing to me how only a few dollars will save lives; a few dollars is huge to these people; a few dollars…they simply don’t have! May the Lord continue to bless you as you serve Him.

A MONTH IN REVIEW: FEBRUARY

Posted on March 7, 2015 by Charlton

We are thankful everyday that the Lord lets us continue working in the mission field of Kenya. Praise and glory to the King of Kings!

This past month certainly started with a BANG! We experienced our second emergency snake bite case. A sixteen month-old was rushed to our compound one evening because she was bitten by a snake. She had a fang mark on her leg that was starting to swell, and she was drifting in and out of consciousness. After assessing the patient, Tim, Charlton, and Wanda jumped in the van and rushed the child and her family to a hospital in Eldoret, about two hours away. We are happy to report that she is doing well, and returned home several days later.

Not long after the little girl was brought to us, a two month-old little boy was brought to us as well. His name was Primus, and he was malnourished. We (the Sweazys) had the beautiful opportunity to take him in and nurse him back to health. Through the generous donations of the body of Christ we were able buy him ample formula, take him to the doctor, and buy him clothes, blankets, and other needed supplies. He is now back home with his grandmother who has been his primary caregiver since birth. She has been trained on how to feed him, but will need further training. Please keep grandma, and baby in your prayers.

During this two week period of caring for Primus, we had an intense four day Swahili language class scheduled as well. Our brother Glenn came up for the week, as well as our language teacher Jim. Jim has been living in Kenya for 22 years, and is fluent in several local languages. Charlton actually met Jim in Kisumu through mutual brothers and sisters in Christ. He arranged for Jim to make a trip to see us, and the timing could not have been more perfect. The Nafziger family had just arrived, and were able to get a jump start on the language!

Charlton also made a trip to Uganda with Nashon to assist a brother named Joseph, who is doing work with a group of physically handicapped people. They made several repairs to the building in which everyone lives and works. They also replaced and repaired equipment that they use to make a living. Later on in the month Joseph came to stay with us for a weekend to further his discipleship. He also had to opportunity to see how we do home fellowship and communion.

Literally, the day that Joseph left to return to Uganda, Tim and Charlton drove down to Kisumu to visit one of our home fellowships. They both did some teachings and spent some good time with the people.

Unfortunately, this month has had some challenging times as well. Our neighbor’s relative died at a very young age, which brought much sadness to the village. Marc, Cindy, and Tim were able to attend the funeral, and it opened up a door for Marc to teach about the Kingdom.

Marc has also been dealing with some church discipline issues in Saboti and Naitiri. We are happy to report that the Naitiri church has completely confessed and repented. We have also had major breakthroughs in the Saboti church. God is doing amazing things!

Thank you for the continued prayers and support. We are excited to see what God is going to do next.

I’m now a missionary!

Posted on March 1, 2015 by Nafzigers

Yesterday was my first day as a missionary! Sure, I may have landed in Africa January 22^nd….but that doesn’t matter. February 28, 2015 was my first day of being a missionary!

The day started fairly quiet. Saturdays are house-cleaning days, and this day was no different. My job…roaming the yard and picking up dog doo-doo—we have three dogs that roam to guard the property throughout the night. I have strategically renamed my job to “fecal redistribution”—this sounds so much more important!

After breakfast, we had a visit from Wanda (the resident nurse and manager of our clinic) and Linda (Wanda’s Kenyan staff, translator, and assistant). They came to Marc and myself with some questions about a mzee (and elderly respected man) and his family. We took some time to understand the concerns and create a plan of attack on the issues presented.

And this is where it got fun!

We got word that the community well, installed by KDM, had failed to produce water. We are in the dry season, so it may have went dry! But, to be certain, I went to check. Oh…I need a special tool.

Onto the motor bike to track down a special tool to take apart the pump. After a back-roads ride with Silas (a very trusted brother), many bumps, almost falling over on the roads, and many honks as we flew past herds of cows, goats, and kuku (pronounced kookoo, meaning chickens) scrambling off the road, I had tool in hand.

I pulled apart the well, not knowing anything about it, to see what I could see. But nothing looked out of place. I confirmed with the other muzungu (white people) that all the parts looked functional and in place. Put it back together with Isaiah (Marc’s eldest son) and tried the pump. A good foot of water was in the well…so we pumped…and sure enough, water was there!! ??? So, what happened?
Honestly, I believe that the Lord made the pump stop working. A trusted and loved disciple was sitting and watching as we were working on this well. I approached him to see what was going on.

“Habari” (Hello) I said.

“Not too good Tim.” He said to me in English.
This response surprised me. They are often taught in school that the appropriate response is nzuri (good) or “fine,” even if things are going poorly. But he was honest to me! As I sat and listened to his situation, I heard about a financial mix up that was going on…but even more, he was very concerned about the health….and life of his 4-month old son!

This little boy had had diarrhea for 4 days. The night before, he had hardly slept at all! This disciple didn’t want to burden us with this need, so he refused to tell us of this matter! Later, as I sat and talked with him and his wife, they had resigned that their little boy may die!

NOT ON MY WATCH!

At that moment, literally, Wanda called. We explained the situation and was given the OK to go to the local clinic/hospital for treatment. I quickly came home, got a van and took them to the tiny hospital down at the market.

Only moments later we were heading home, medication in hand! After getting them settled in, I came to pay a visit; to check on the condition of the baby… but more importantly, the condition of our disciple and his wife. After a Coke and Fanta as we talked, I walked away feeling they were encouraged and fighting the good fight. This family is AMAZING! I love them dearly. I’d hate to have them leave our tiny village because of having fewer resources out here. I know their faith is strong.

As we talked, he shared that he felt God tell him, “if Marc, Charlton, and Tim can leave the comforts of America to bring the gospel to Africa, I can leave the comforts of the market—where everything we need is located—for the rural villages.” This is why my brother moved to be with us!

Please pray for him and his wife—I have left their names out intentionally.

I came home to a brother coming to get me to take me to his home. He lives in a mud house that was recently repaired, so it looked brand new. (This is the same home and kitchen that I showed pictures of while still in America.)

We talked about the challenges he’s been facing and where he has been since we arrived in Africa. I felt I was to share a few things with him…so I did. After challenging him, not disciplining…just a challenge right now, and encouragement, I left him. It was a great time. His English is so good, I didn’t need a translator, so it was nice to just sit and talk instead of talking in phrases as they are translated into Kiswahili.

I came home exhausted. This brief description of my “first day as a missionary” almost makes me laugh; it sounds so simple. But it was VERY full of running, motor bike driving, bouncing roads, people staring…gawking…as I walked through very rural communities, and making my way around as the new muzungu.

It was truly a great day! In the end…I don’t think anything was wrong with the well. I think it was God getting me out of my comfort of our “compound” and forcing me to interact. My brothers needed me yesterday; I can only trust that my words were not my own as there was MUCH prayer as I traveled here and there, trying to find the right words to say.

Might you be challenged to step out? Do something you’ve never done and know nothing about! You never know, God might use you in a way to encourage another. Or…maybe He’s seeing if you are willing to just step out and have YOUR first day as a missionary where you are!

Be blessed…and be a blessing to others!

Arriving in Kenya

Posted on February 8, 2015 by Nafzigers

As we were descending into Nairobi—only minutes from landing, feeling the heat of 80 degrees at 10:00PM, the chaos of purchasing our Visa, and finally, getting through customs with 17 checked items and two personal carry-on items for each person—I looked at Bekah across the plane isle from me, Owen on my lap, and asked her, “We are descending into Kenya from a one-way ticket… What are we doing?”

Our journey started with an issue at luggage check-in. We were told that we were allowed 3 checked items. Reality is, there was a logistical error and we were allowed only two. The agent was great and helped us, thank you God!

We landed in London after a 9.5 hour flight. Our kids did great! I think they slept only an hour or so on that entire flight, so when we landed in London, it was early morning…they felt they didn’t want to sleep.

During our three hour layover, they all napped on the benches of the airport in a quiet corner. Landing in Nairobi that night after 8.5 hour flight, we were thoroughly exhausted!! We enjoyed a stay in another brother’s, Glenn, apartment in Nairobi. Glenn, Marc, Charlton, and Isaiah all met us and took care of us! What a blessing to be received with such joy and support.

This past week has been spent trying to get settled. Dishes purchased, unpack our totes, arrange the kitchen and bedrooms, purchasing a phone line/number, trying to get food for quick meals…moving is always messy!

The Carrier’s have been more than forgiving when it comes to borrowing things as we get settled, providing a few meals, and taking us around the markets and “down town” to purchase our needed items.

I feel that we are only halfway unpacked at this time. It’s so difficult to unpack, live, do errands, and try to get our feet wet with a few missional things. Honestly, maybe I’m taking on more than I should this first week!

As for weather, it’s very warm—it’s the dry season here, so it’s very dusty and hot. Mornings are quite cool—mid 50’s—where the afternoons are up in the 80’s. The roads are CRAZY right now; road construction in this area means large truck traffic, but these roads just are built for this traffic. They are so rough and dusty. But, I do admit, I’m ready for the rainy season already! =)

Tomorrow is Sunday. I’m excited to spend the day with brothers and sisters in the Lord! I know they have been praying for us for many months, and to see them again will be a time of GREAT rejoicing. In fact, it’s been amazing to see many of them again this week as they pop in to visit—oh how my heart has rejoiced in seeing them again.

Yet, on the other hand, I truly miss our brothers and sisters in the States. Though it’s been only a few days, it feels like weeks. I will continue to miss the connection and friendships we’ve built up in the past few weeks.

Prayer requests:

Peace in our home as we settle into our routines. The kids have been out of any sort of routine for many weeks.
Spiritual pressures and oppression is serious. The enemy has tried to set into motion events to try to scare us and stop us, yes, even since we’ve been here!
I find that nerves and feelings are on edge—I admit, much is likely due to the time change and still trying to adapt.
There are many times where I’m overwhelmed at the changes. I don’t feel fearful, rather, the changes are so great…and can I be any impact or help to the mission?

Our God is so good! He is truly to be praised. I am thankful for His faithfulness to us over these days. His protection, peace, and grace He gives is great. I so look forward to the months and years ahead. Bekah and I have been looking forward to this day, and now that it’s here, it’s just crazy thinking that we are missionaries on the mission field.

I want to encourage each of you, join the mission field. If it’s in a specific country, a specific people, and especially those around you…join the field! If you claim Christ as Lord of your life, you have been commissioned, so join us and the many others that are proclaiming the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is at hand!

If you wish to join us on the mission financially, click on the donate link above—scroll to the bottom of the page and you’ll see how you can give to us directly there.

May the Lord richly bless you.

Tim Nafziger and family
Kenya

One Month to Go!

Posted on December 27, 2014 by Nafzigers

One month from today is the day we’ll be landing in Nairobi, Kenya! It’s amazing how these past few months have flown.

Today, as I write this post, Rebekah’s parents are visiting from Sisters, OR. What a great surprise for the kids—they had no idea they were coming. In fact, they didn’t know if they’d ever see their Bumpa (grandpa) again before leaving. What a blessing to see screams and hugs as he sat in the driver seat! They wouldn’t even let him out before loving on him.

This Christmas season was a great time with family. Though Rebekah and I don’t personally celebrate Christmas, we gathered with family, and exchanged gifts one last time in our family gatherings. It’s very humbling to think that this may be our very last full-gathering before leaving.

It seems that every season, meeting, greeting, and meal with family and friends are cherished in a much deeper way. And you know, this has made me thing—why does it take a major move around the world to make one value friendships, view others in a different way, and love more earnestly?

If we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, maybe THIS is the way we should live all the time. But reality is, we never thing “this is the last time I may ever see you.” Instead, we live for tomorrow. Even though scripture says that tomorrow has enough concerns for itself. Really, we should love God and others as if TODAY is the last day.

When it comes out our home; we are getting really close. Nearly everything has been sold. We have bikes, kitchen items, and other odd-n-ends. I maybe minimizing it a little, but considering what we started with only 4 months ago, we’ve made HUGE strides! In the end, I’m certain that we’ll end up giving a bunch of stuff to Goodwill.

Marc and Charlton have been sharing their successes and amazing things God is going in Kiminini, Kenya. It’s so exciting…and in some ways, I wonder if there will be ANYTHING left for us to help with! They are doing such great things for the community and the brothers/sisters there, it’s SO exciting to be jumping right into the amazing things at work.

Please continue to pray for us as we pack and sell. We continue to trust the Lord in our lives, our work, and our finances as we wrap things up here. We are on the last leg of our move…and we’re sprinting full speed…and we’re getting exhausted! May the Lord bless you during the last week of this year.

The Saved Deception

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Nafzigers

What is Satan’s greatest deception? I know, there are many, but what do you think is his greatest?

You can be like God?

You are God?

You aren’t saved?

This past Sunday, Bekah had the privilege of teaching the local Sunday school class. This question came up. How does Satan deceive us? What is his greatest deception that we must face?

As Bekah and I shared our morning’s thoughts, she recounted this class and their discussion. I was excited when I heard, what I feel, is the greatest deception that Satan throws at us.

“You are saved!”

Just think about it! What if what we believe as salvation, protection from damnation, and our image of Jesus isn’t right? This is a hard one to process. We all believe that our view of Jesus and our view of salvation is spot on. But, if Satan is the master deceiver, how might he deceive the church the most? I believe by telling them they are saved, even in the midst of their ongoing sin!

1 John is full of if/then statements. You’ve probably heard of them before. But if not, I encourage you to go through 1 John and read all the if/then statements as a good starter to seeing if you are saved. Let’s look at a few, as well as others throughout scripture.

1 John 1:6 “If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice truth.” ESV

What’s hard about this one is, seldom do we feel that we walk in darkness. But we must remember, Satan is the master deceiver, he comes as an angel of light, so might it also be possible that things we think are innocent and without issue possibly something that Jesus doesn’t want us involved with? Ouija boards, water dousing, palm reading, and séance’s are all things (for most Christians) that are obvious “no-no’s”.

But what about harder ones? Covetousness. This is a HARD one to detect in ourselves. Another might be lying. Ok, I think most of us know when we lie. Sadly, you deceive everyone but God. Yet, some are addicted to lying and don’t know how to get out! How about this hard one: sports. Ok, I know, I’ve just crossed the line. The early church was clearly against sports, and their reasons are sound! One reason; “do to others as you’d want them to do to you.” Can you imagine a sports game where we applied this teaching? Or what about “give to those who ask.” Though humorous, sports don’t just teach good competition. Really? My 5 and 7 year olds know, good and well, how to compete…and they were never taught.

1 John 2:3 “And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.” ESV

I believe that most would say they keep His commandments. I often hear that Jesus knows my heart. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick who can understand it?” ESV. Answer—God. Yes, God DOES know our hearts, and they are deceitful and sick.

So, we must look and ask ourselves some basic questions. Do I love Him? Jesus says in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Do we keep His commandments? Listen what Jesus says next in verse 16, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.” When we obey Him, He will give us a Helper, the Holy Spirit! But notice that we must first obey. This topic of obedience can get very deep as scripture, both Old and New Testaments, are full of commands to obey. I might address more of these in another post.

This statement condemned me, “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is no in him.” 1 John 2:15 ESV. I loved this world, money, my growing retirement, my car(s), camera, iPhone, etc. These things were “dear” to me. I mean…these things were important. I worked to achieve them. I studied them. I tried to build them. Often needing the next upgrade or model. Honestly, this is covetousness! But even more, these things took my time from Him. Studying Him. Learning about Him. Talking with Him. And striving towards Him.

We are told in Matthew 6:33 to, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Do you do that? What is seeking His Kingdom mean? I had never thought about that before. God’s Kingdom. Really? Seek Heaven? Seek His “home” above all things?

No, when Jesus is speaking about His Kingdom, he’s talking about a way of living. Jesus’ Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). He says this two times in this one verse! He means it quite seriously. His Kingdom transforms us. Being born again is like saying your earthly parents and upraising is all erased. All you habits, poor training, awful life experiences, and everything associated to this world is no longer part of you! You have a new Father!

But this is where many stop. We “get born again” but forget that we must change our ways. Yes, we are spiritually removed from the kingdoms of this world and the darkness of it, and transplanted into His Kingdom. Jesus talks about this in John 15 and how we are put onto His vine.

When we are born again, we have the power of His Spirit working in us! But, as mentioned above, we must be in obedience to receive this Spirit. This Spirit of power enables us, empowers us, to overcome sin and temptation. Hebrews 12:4 asks, “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” Yes, we are to resist to the point of shedding blood.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 ESV

Did you see the key statement first? We must first submit ourselves to God. This doesn’t mean a simple “Hey, ya, God….uh, well, I believe. I said this prayer…so now I’m submitted.” It means a devotion, a dedication, a full surrender of your life, all that you have, all that you own, your home, your car, your wife, children, father, mother, and yes, even your own life! Matthew 19:29 says that if we do these things, we will receive 100 fold and will inherit eternal life. You’ll see it again in Mark 10:29-30.

But, praise God, if we have submitted ourselves to Him, we can resist the devil and HE WILL FLEE from you! No, not “he might” or “he could”, but “he will flee from you.” AMEN!

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV

“Let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.” 1 John 3:7 ESV

You can be set free from sin. You don’t have to carry that yoke of bondage any longer! You can be righteous. You can be set free. And, yes, you can live “just one day” without sin! I didn’t think this would ever be possible. But it is! AMEN! Jesus is coming back for a bride without spot or wrinkle! He will not allow sinners into heaven who have not repented, turned from their evil ways, and received Christ with their whole heart, in surrender to Him.

If you have found this topic stirring and you want more information, I’d welcome a personal message from you! You can contact us through the Contact Us link above. Just include in the body of the message “Message for Tim and Rebekah” and we’ll get it.

I pray that you continue to seek after Him, His Kingdom, and resist the devil! You are promised, by God, that if you resist him, you will find freedom! But, this can only be done through the power of the Spirit to those that obey Him.

May the Lord richly bless you!

Tim

September Review

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Nafzigers

What a rush.

We’ve gone from not knowing the exact date that we should leave…to getting word the NGO (non-Government Organization) had been created and we need to get working on our work visa. Oh wow…work visa? That means we need to figure out a date! YIKES! This is becoming very real!!

We received word from Marc on September 8 that we need to start working on this work visa. The NGO was created and it was “go time” for the Nafzigers! “No problem,” you might say, “just fill out the paperwork.” Uh, yes….partly.

Fortunately for us, Marc sent along a sample work visa to help know how to fill in the blanks. He’s working with an attorney on that end (within Kenya) to confirm that we have everything we need before filing the paperwork. College diploma, marriage certificate, visa pictures, letters, and pages to complete. But, most of all: A4. What is A4?

The U.S. uses a few sizes of paper: letter (8.5 x 11), legal (8.5 x 14), and tabloid (11 x 17). Visits to several copy centers proved that, in our area, there is no A4 paper. A4 dimensions are 8.267 inches x 11.692 inches. Ya, a little different. Our initial thoughts were to purchase a ream (500 sheets) from Amazon…but we really didn’t know what we’d do with that many pages; all we needed were, max, 20 sheets.

In the end, after much running, Marc said he’d print things there as we can get around much mailing if he’d just print.

I did my best to get the first draft to Marc within a week. We went a little long, but it was in the attorney’s hands…and we wait…

and wait…

…and wait…

September 30, 2014 – word from Marc is that the attorney took two minutes to review it. It was exactly what was needed. So…all documents loaded to Dropbox and the work visa is on it’s way…officially!

Time to pray. We welcome your prayers!! Please pray with us that we are given favor with the officials, that we are supernaturally bumped to the front of the line, and that everything is beyond what they’d need or expect!

We’ve been told we have plenty of time. But the wait is what can drive you mad.

Oh…so you ask about our departure date? Ya, that was a HUGE one to tackle! One of Marc’s notes to us said to purchase tickets ASAP! Wow…thousands of dollars paid NOW! This means we are truly GOING!

After much debate, wrestling with dates, calls and emails with Marc and Charlton (both in Kenya), we decided on our date:

January 26, 2015 at 2:05PM out of Seattle, WA

We did it! Tickets purchased! Here’s where a miracle has occurred. Our tickets, for the entire family, are CHEAPER than our tickets when only Bekah, Owen, and I went in May! Yes, CHEAPER for the entire family!! Praise God!

As we continue to on this journey. Please continue to follow us! You can join our Facebook Group: Nafzigers on Mission and continue to check back in here.

If you wish to be a part of our mission, financially, you can donate at the top of the page; recurring or one time. Just be sure to earmark it “Nafzigers”.

May the Lord bless you.