Tactics of the
Enemy
Journal Letter #233
30 November 2002
As we heard the news of little Luke Fout's injury in Arkansas the other day,
Laura and I made a list of all the Uganda missionaries who have had to rush
home for emergencies or extend their furloughs in America.
In the past few years, eight missionaries have suffered unplanned trips or
furlough extensions. Laura and I spent 10 months in the States two years ago
with support issues. The Tylers came home two months early about the same
time because of a death in the family. Sandi Piek was home the same time as
us with an long furlough. Jenkins in Kampala have made several medical trips
home and spent extra time inthe States shoring up support. The Cashes have
just come back after their second long furlough dealing with support issues.
The Raymonds are in the U.S. now after their newborn was diagnosed with
heart problems. And now the Fouts are home an extra 2-3 months until their
son has the pins removed from his broken femur.
Our first observation was that Satan is doing a good job of limiting Ugandan
missionaries' time on the field. He cannot stop God's work, but he tries to
keep us away from our work as long as possible. The families I just
mentioned touch all five teams in Uganda.
But Laura and I also noticed that these attacks have been ineffective in
permanently removing any of those 8 families from the field. Even when a
missionary's primary support was taken away, God made a way for the family
to return to Uganda.
Second, it doesn't seem to us that any of our works have suffered permanent
damage from our extended leave time. Instead, these unplanned absences have
provoked the national Christians to learn to depend on God and solve
problems themselves. In the cases I am aware of, the churches have grown in
maturity and numbers!
Third, God seems to have used the time in the States to build up American
church support for what he is doing in Uganda. We have all come back (as far
as I know) with more people praying, giving, and planning to visit Uganda.
Through these unplanned stays, God has introduced us to future interns,
teammates, and dedicated supporters.
Fourth, most of the time the missionaries return to the field with greater
energy, encouragement, and zeal for their ministries. Several of us have
undergone true spiritual renewal and refreshment that we would have likely
missed if we had been on the field. We have been able to go back and
strengthen our co-workers and the nationals.
In short, it seems that Satan's plans to hinder God's Kingdom from expanding
in Uganda have failed--worse, they have been turned around to benefit the
missionaries, the support base, and most importantly, the national churches.
For that, we praise God all the more.
These obsevations also motivate us to reconsider passages of scripture like:
"consider it pure joy...whenever you face various trials, knowing that the
testing of your faith produces perseverance," and, "God works all things
together for good for those who love him."
Our God is awesome, and his plans will NOT be thwarted. Next time you hear
that a missionary or mission point is suffering unexpected trials, be sure
to pray for their perseverance and help. But also praise God for what he
will undoubtedly do to foil Satan's schemes.
As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, "We do not want you to be uninformed,
brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were
under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired
even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this
happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the
dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us.
On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help
us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the
gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many."
Copyright 2002 Phillip & Laura Shero
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Hotdog Banquet
Journal Letter #229
2 November 2002
Tonight, I attended the most awesome missions event of my life: the
Missionary Hotdog Banquet at Richland Hills Church of Christ (RHCC).
A few years ago, the kids at church complained that the adults had a
missions banquet every year, and the children had nothing. So the Hotdog
Banquet was started in Steve and Jill Coan's living room.
Four years later, there were 400 kids and their parents packed into the
Family Life Center. Along the walls were stations for each continent of the
world where the kids gathered to pray for the missionaries and churches. On
stage, the kids led the prayers and worship, hosted the visiting
missionaries, presented plays, quoted memorized scriptures, sang in choirs,
and MCed the whole evening.
The elders of the church served the hotdogs and chips, but the children did
everything else. Their were giants on the earth that night standing only 3
feet high.
At the end of the banquet, about 50 children formed a ring around the head
table of visiting missionaries. They marched, danced, and sang around us,
dedicating us again to God's service and praising his name for his awesome
works in the world. There were no dry eyes at our table!
The kids participated in different ways through their Wednesday night Bible
classes. They have classes on prayer, worship, service, drama, and music. I
was amazed to see their maturity and dedication to the Lord. At one point in
the evening, I said to Laura, "As long as these kids are praying, our church
will be OK!"
Copyright 2002
Phillip & Laura Shero
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National Missionary
Convention Speech
Journal Letter #232
7 December 2002
I was invited to
speak at the Friday NMC Luncheon honoring missionaries who served from 10-19
years. The following is a copy of my speech thoughts.
(Set egg timer to 7 minutes and put on podium where audience can see.)
Folks, I have seven minutes to change the way you think about forming and
sending mission teams, so listen close or you might miss something!
Consider this scenario: You are a young man or woman, full of zeal and
enthusiasm for God. You have a burning desire to serve the Lord by helping
people escape from bondage and leading them to new life.
You find a partner among your peers who is willing to go with you, but two
are not a team. So the mission board pulls a crusty old coot in his 80s out
of semi-retirement to go with you. But he's not only to be your teammate, he
is to be your mentor and team leader. Though he's been pastoring in relative
obscurity for the past 4 decades, now you have to submit to him! How do you
feel?
And what if I told you that you will have to work under him for several
decades. By the time you are in charge of the ministry, you'll be an old
coot yourself!!
But if I told you that you were Joshua and that Moses was your mentor, would
that change your feelings?
We are here today to honor missionaries who have worked in the vineyards for
1 to 2 decades. I am blessed to serve on a team made up of such people. Two
of my co-workers, Shawn and Linda Tyler, have served in East Africa for 21
years. I am Joshua, and Shawn is my Moses. This afternoon I want to tell you
why I love Moses so much and why I think everybody ought to have one.
Let me challenge conventional wisdom and offer what I believe to be the top
five reasons why veteran missionaries are so critical to the success of new
missionaries..
#1: Veteran missionaries inspire longevity.
Most new missionaries in the churches of Christ/Christian churches go to the
field with their return date already in mind. Most teams plan on 5-10 years.
Most individuals go for 1-3 years. Statistically, most missionaries stay
only 2-3 years! Even after 5-10 years, many African mission works are not
ready to be left on their own.
On the other hand, Laura and I live and work with folks who have been on the
field for decades and still have no plans to come home. We had initially
planned for 10 years, but Shawn and Linda inspired us to commit for much
longer. Now we plan to be "lifers."
#2 Veteran missionaries extend your capabilities.
If you have seen the movie "Spiderman," you'll remember the scene where he
shoots his webs, backs down the side of a building, and then catapults
himself over a huge bridge. The Tylers and our other co-workers have done
the same for us. Because they were willing to share and we were willing to
take counsel, we became effective teachers almost immediately. After only
4.5 years in Uganda, Shawn says that we are where he was after 10 years. And
the nationals hold us in high regard because of our understanding of their
culture.
How many of us have made mistakes in ignorance that we later looked back on
with regret, "if only I had known." My teammates have boosted my abilities
by helping me recognize and avoid pitfalls that only the wizened eye can
see.
#3 Veteran missionaries enhance your creativity.
Conventional Wisdom says that new guys have all the great ideas and that the
old guys are stuck in their ways...wrong!
When the Tylers moved from Kenya to Uganda in 1995, Shawn re-built his
ministry from the ground up, saying "Now that I can start over, what would I
do differently." Veteran missionaries are usually veterans because they have
learned to innovate and move with God's Spirit.
Shawn's guidance focuses my creative efforts to make them really work (You
know, when I first came to Uganda, I had a truckload of ideas. And if it
weren't for Shawn, the nationals would be reeling from Phillip's new idea of
the week club!).
#4 Veteran missionaries enforce objectivity.
New missionaries are often tempted to judge the success or failure of their
efforts too quickly. We write one week about the 10 new churches that were
"started," and the next week we gloomily report their deaths!
A seasoned missionary gains patience and objectivity in assessing a work. He
helps the new guy to reserve judgment, avoid over-reporting, and escape the
trap of numbers-based decisions.
#5 Veteran Missionaries encourage true spirituality.
On the field, you learn quickly to feed yourself spirit or die the slow and
agonizing death of soul starvation.
Missionaries who last are those who have learned to drink often from the
Source of Living Water. They are not unaware of Satan's schemes, and their
tough love can save your spiritual hide.
More than once Shawn and Linda have rescued us out of the burn-out ditch and
directed us back to the source of our strength.
To recap: The top five reasons why veteran missionaries are critical to
the success of new recruits:
#1 they inspire longevity
#2 they extend your capability
#3 they enhance your creativity
#4 they enforce objectivity
#5 they encourage true spirituality
Nothing I've said should be surprising to you. The master and the apprentice
was God's way long before Obiwan took Anakin Skywalker as his padewan
learner. Think of Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, Paul and Timothy,
Titus, and Silas.
But if the Spirit has caused anything I've said today to ring true to you,
how can you apply it practically?
Here are five quick suggestions:
#1 Send new teams to work with a veteran missionary in or near their chosen
field for 1-2 years before letting them go it on their own.
#2 Intentionally include veteran missionaries on new teams.
#3 Require quality internships and apprenticeships with effective veteran
missionaries before allowing new missionaries to enter the field.
#4 Work to keep new teams engaged with veterans living in or near their
field.
#5 Visit with me at "Outside the Box," exhibit #159, or if you want to be
recruited to our unique team, meet me at 5p today in area 12.
Copyright 2002 Phillip & Laura Shero
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Harvest Sunday
Journal Letter #230
9 November 2002
Something really awesome happened this past Sunday. Our sponsoring
congregation, Richland Hills Church of Christ, watched as God raised almost
1.1 million dollars for mission work in 2003!
In a year marked by economic woes and huge market losses, God's people gave
more than in any other year. As far as I know, this was the largest
contribution in a single Sunday in RHCC's history.
Several years ago, times were even tougher for Richland Hills. Because of
unforseen changes in the economy and job market in Ft. Worth, the church
ended up in dire financial straits. The elders met to discuss extreme
measures meant to keep the church solvent. As they debated the options, one
thing became clear--they would not abandon their current missionaries.
Their solution was to begin what is now known as "Harvest Sunday," an annual
emphasis on missions culminating in an offering exclusively for mission work
domesticly and abroad. God has honored their faith, and he has provided both
for the needs of the church in Ft. Worth as well as expanding his Kingdom
all over the world.
As we watched people give sacrificially and from their hearts for mission
works most of them will never see, we were inspired to serve even more
whole-heartedly. And we were reminded of you and your selfless gifts.
In this month that our nation stops to give thanks, we want to thank you all
again for being obedient to the Lord and giving of yourselves...
your prayers
your encouragement
your financial support.
May God bless and keep you. May he increase your faith and provide for all
your needs. May he give you joy in your journey this year.
Love,
Phillip, Laura, Malachi, and Israel
Copyright 2002 Phillip & Laura Shero
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World
Missions Workshop
Journal Letter #225
05 October 2002
“You spent a lot of money for me to travel two days, cross the ocean, and go
from Africa to Abilene…and then you only give me 30 minutes?”
With a comfortable grasp on American humor and idiom, James Luchivya (Kenyan
co-worker in Mbale) spoke to more than 1,000 people at the World Missions
Workshop in Abilene today. Though it was his and Noeli’s first visit to
America, he surprised many with his English proficiency, grace, and
maturity.
He reminded the audience that a “workshop” is where you take a piece of wood
to cut it up and turn it into furniture. With apologies to our
sensibilities, he took a Skilsaw to some of our mission philosophies and
challenged us to go in some new directions.
James encouraged American missionaries and sending churches to stay longer
on the field, raise the bar of our leadership training programs, and trust
the people we send to judge the needs of the work on the field instead of
bypassing missionaries to send money to nationals.
James reminded the audience of an earlier generation of missionaries who
came for 20, 30, or 40+ years in contrast to many current efforts that stay
for only 5-10 years. He extolled the benefits of a generational ministry
model that lends a sense of permanency to indigenous churches and allows the
American missionary more time to use the cultural and linguistic wisdom he
gains in the first 10 years of work. “You give me 30 minutes,” he said, “but
if you come to visit my house, I will give you 10 years or more!”
In contrast to many African voices, James encouraged American churches to
continue sending missionaries to the Dark Continent. “We still need you to
come!” he pleaded. While some African church leaders have suggested that
American churches “partner” with them by sending only money, James urged a
continued flesh and blood partnership between Africans and Americans.
He pressed the audience, “Teach me to do what you are doing. You spent four
years or more in a university. Teach me to be a missionary, too!” In perhaps
his greatest challenge, James envisioned the establishment of an “ACU,” a
Christian University, in Africa.
Following his unusually punctual 30-minute speech, James received a standing
ovation in the Moody Colliseum. That’s about what we think of him and his
wife in Mbale, too! :)
Copyright 2002 Phillip & Laura Shero
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United for Uganda
Journal Letter #226
12 October 2002
More than 30 people gathered at Richland Hills Church of Christ for the
second annual “U4U” conference this Saturday. We were pleased to have
representatives from the following churches who support the Mbale Team:
Southside (Utah), Northwest (Abilene), Pleasant Ridge (Arlington), Highland
Meadows (Ft. Worth), Baker Blvd. (Ft. Worth), and Richland Hills. Several
more individual family members and friends came.
Many current and former Mbale Team members also attended: Nicoletta Diels,
Bethanyanne Hunt, Wendi Wagner, Jeanna Schrum, David & Brenda Vick, James &
Noeli Luchivya, Shawn & Linda Tyler, and Phillip & Laura Shero. Two former
Mbale interns, Matt Bower and Zack McDowell, also came to support the
meeting.
Fervent prayer for the team and praise-filled reports of what God is doing
in Mbale punctuated the conference. James Luchivya’s report from the African
perspective was especially exciting.
This and last year’s conference were planned for specifically for the Mbale
Team, but our dream is to see this annual meeting broaden to include all the
Church of Christ and Christian Church missionaries in Uganda. Our purpose is
to bring together the American support teams (churches and individuals) for
fellowship, communication, and unified prayer that the Kingdom of Christ may
be advanced in Uganda.
Quaker Avenue Church of Christ in Lubbock is planning to host next year’s
conference during the Tylers’ furlough. Please pray for the unity of the
Mbale Team and those who support us. As Jesus said, “I tell you the truth,
whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you
release on earth will have been released in heaven. Again, I tell you the
truth, if two of you on earth agree about whatever they ask, my Father in
heaven will do it for them” (Matthew 18:18-19-NET Bible).
Copyright 2002 Phillip & Laura Shero
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Ukururyet
Journal Letter #200
06 April 2002
Not long ago I sat under a mango tree with a group of men from Kumi
District. I was meeting many of them for the first time, so I asked them to
tell me how they came to know Jesus. I find that this question will elicit
hours of interesting stories and facts and will give me greater
understanding of where someone is spiritually.
When I meet with church leaders for the first time, I don’t usually know
their backgrounds. Many of them have prior experience with a variety of
churches. If I asked them specific questions about their salvation, they
might be tempted to tell me what they think I want to hear. But I’ve found
that a general question will bring out what they believe is important. For
instance, many of the answers below include references to dreams. Dreams
ALWAYS have spiritual significance to the typical Ugandan. You may also
notice frequent references to drunkenness in their pasts. In Uganda, leaving
alcohol is one sign that you have become a Christian.
Below, I’ve copied some excerpts from their answers. Some may sound strange
to you—they often sound a bit strange to me, too! Needless to say, I do not
necessarily agree with everything they say, but I thought you might be
interested to hear directly from them.
By the way, the title of this letter is the Teso name that they gave me that
day (pronounced: u-ku-root). It means “one who looks intently for something”
in reference to the scratching motion a chicken does with its foot while
looking for food. They said that I “scratch the ground” to find people who
need Jesus.
How did you come to know Jesus?
“…I heard my named called from a mango tree, but no one was around. God was
calling me to be saved. I was humbled before God, but later I went back
(backslid). I was a drunkard. During that time, rebels came and destroyed
our village, but none of my family was killed. I took that as a sign of
God’s grace and repented.”
“I was an opium user. I mocked preachers. But then I was saved in a
crusade.”
“I had lots of dreams. One night I had a dream where God said to me, ‘Why
don’t you get saved?’ My brother in Kampala had the same dream on that same
night, so I got saved.”
“My parents were Anglicans and had me sprinkled when I was young. They took
me to church until I was thirteen. Then my mother became sick and was
mentally disturbed. My father was rich and had many shrines and charms. He
was a beer brewer for our village. My father was saved by a traveling
preacher. He destroyed all of his charms and beer brewing equipment, and my
mother was healed.
A preacher came to my high school. I organized a group to go and challenge
him with questions. But he answered every question until we had no more.
When I saw that I could not confuse him, I was saved.
Then missionaries came from Canada and preached more. They started a church.
I knew how to sing and felt joy when I sang praise songs. The missionaries
baptized me and taught me more. But then my parents backslid. The Karamojong
killed my father and stole his cows.
It was only later that Jesus really entered my life, and I began reading the
Bible. I challenged the false church leaders, but they claimed that I had
demons. So I said, ‘Pray for me.’ They did, and power came on me so that I
preached to the whole church.”
“I was an RC (local chief) and a drunkard in 1997 during the insurgency. God
made me mute. Then someone said, ‘He’s mute,’ so the rebels did not kill me.
That was a sign to me of God’s grace.
Then my wife became sick and was demonized. I visited many witchdoctors, but
she did not get better. Then some preachers came and preached to my wife.
She believed and was healed. Later, I believed too.”
“I was a drunkard and a local musician. I never slept in my own home. I
always slept with other women. Then God took away my voice. I changed to
drinking hard liquor. Then some brothers came and shared the Word of God
with me. I accepted and was saved along with my first wife in 1994. She
died. I loved her very much, and I backslid after her death. But God kept
after me until I repented when Philip Palmer (a Mbale team member from
1999-2001) came. He baptized me.”
“I was a Muslim, but I was saved in a crusade in November 1998. A voice in
my heart said, ‘You have heard the gospel of Jesus. Why don’t you get
saved?’ I was a real Muslim before that. I wore the cap and had the name
‘Ali.’ I used to chase away Christians with a stick. I used to steal food
from my neighbors. But when I was saved, my family rejected me.”
“I used to play music in drinking places. I made money by carrying bananas
up to Gulu on the train. One day I met some Christians traveling on the
train. They preached to me, but I abused them and quarreled with them and
drank in front of them.
After two months, the came several times to my home. I was saved in the PAG
church (Pentecostal Assemblies of God). Then I backslid for 3-4 years.
Later, a missionary came to preach in my area. He came to my home and
studied deeper with me and other Christians. I was later baptized, and then
my wife was saved, too.”
“I used to boast that I was the worst drunkard. But I had many dreams and
saw Jesus in my dreams. He told me to open to Romans 12:1-3. That made me
stop boasting.”
“I had a bad temper. I was a womanizer and a drunkard. But the Baptists
preached to me and I was saved.”
Copyright Phillip and Laura Shero 2002
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