"All The Far" God Has Brought Us

God is good. All the time. Because that’s His nature! What a joy to see my African friends on a recent trip and experience, in their local vernacular, “all the far God has brought them.”

A highlight was attending the wedding of Emmanuel and Sarah. Emma was among the first graduates of The Rock’s Uganda scholarship program and the first to get a job where he regularly gets the opportunity to share the Gospel as a nurse. Now he’s the first to get married.

Our other scholarship students are stepping up in leadership on campus. Two were elected class representatives and another is in charge of “campus welfare,” which is advocating for the spiritual and physical needs of the student body.

Great strides also are taking place in Kenya, where the men involved in the business development and discipleship program are thriving. One sure sign of spiritual maturity is reaching out beyond ourselves and these men have grasped a passion to “take their city for Christ!” They are excited about mentoring and discipling outside their group as well as helping to build an orphanage.

God knew I needed all the encouragement He provided on this trip. Ministry remains a spiritual battleground and we face constant challenges in ministry and finances.

Returning to the U.S., I was ready to hit the ground running in preparation for our major event of the year Nov. 19, “Lifted – Songs and Stories of Triumph” featuring Dove Award Winner Steve Green in concert and a new documentary based on Psalm 40 entitled “A Firm Place to Stand.” Tickets start at only $5 with a 20 percent discount for groups of 10 or more so please go to rockoutreach.org to get yours now. There is an option to have dinner with Steve before the concert. This is meant as a ministry outreach for Christians and nonbelieving friends. It is an excellent opportunity for families, church groups and social groups to enjoy an economical and inspiring evening together.

Such an event is a lot of work and, frankly, can be a little scary in putting together, especially when it’s in the Eisemann Theatre of Richardson which seats 1,500. But, refreshed by my African friends, I feel the Holy Spirit encouraging me, “Enjoy, Mark, and just see what I am going to do!”