safe?

Matt has been having a great time in Waco, preaching four times yesterday, going golfing and meeting up with several different friends today, speaking tonight and then again tomorrow.  He's been busy, but sounds like it's going really well and has been a blessing to him to be with our First UMC of Waco family of God!

Got this email newsletter the other day written by Doctor JL Williams, and thought it was worth thinking about, especially in light of the fact that we continue, and probably always will, to get the question: "Is what you're doing SAFE?"

Thankful for His daily presence and waiting for baby!

"Haiti continues to be one of the biggest missiological challenges in the world today.  It continues to have political, economic, educational, vocational and ecological challenges like few other countries in the world.  And right now, everyone is waiting to see how the new President elect, singer Michel Martelly, will do in trying to reorganize one of the most corrupt and inept governments in the world! As a result of all of these factors, people often continue to ask the question: "Is it safe to go to Haiti?"  Let me share a poignant response that someone wrote who has spent over two decades there.  Edner recently sent it to me.  This response really puts things into perspective (emphasis mine in letter): "Often I will hear someone say that they would like to come to Haiti and then they ask if it is safe.  I confess that I get rather irritated when I hear that question. I usually reply back cordially and ask if God has called them to come to Haiti.  And if the answer is yes, then I tell them it is safe.  As safe as it was for Daniel in the lion's den and for the three Hebrew men in the fiery furnace and even as safe as it was for Stephen when he was stoned and ultimately as safe as it was for Christ when He died on the cross. I strongly believe that 'safe' is overrated if it means will I be safe physically.  The better question is, 'Is it God's will for me to go?'  If the answer is 'yes' then how much more safer can you be than in God's will.  This may not mean that harm will not come your way but what is that compared to being in God's will.  Was Jesus safe? But I have recently been spending some time thinking about Haiti and have finally concluded after 21 years of living here, that it can be a very dangerous place.  Some may be saying: 'Ah, it's about time he got his head out of the sand and admitted that Haiti can be a dangerous place.' Yes, those of us who live here can be in great, grave danger.  We can be in danger of... Becoming numb to the cries of the poor, Not being moved to anger and compassion at the conditions in which many people live Looking but not seeing, Hearing but not listening. Seeing what is but not what can be. Thinking that living here is a sprint when in reality it's a marathon. Being so practical about what we need to live that we limit God in what we do. Not totally depending on God for God's work. Thinking that doing is more important than being. Yes, it is true, haiti can be a dangerous place.  Perhaps as dangerous as where you live!" As many of you know, one of my favorite sermons I have preached across the years is entitled: "Living Dangerously For The Kingdom Of God."  It comes from Paul's personal testimony in II Corinthians 11.  It reminds us that ALL of us are called to live dangerously for the Lord Jesus -- whether in Haiti or here at home!  The needs are too great and the doors of opportunity are too wide for us to hunker down and play it safe!  This is no time to "play out the clock!"