I think that I have thought wrongly, for much of my Christian journey, about Paul, the apostle. I have this kind of "super-spiritual" image of him. After all, he had that amazing ministry, planted churches all over the known world, healed multitudes, wrote the letters I read for encouragement in the faith. Clearly, Paul must have had it together, spiritually speaking. He must not have needed the crutches and helps, the assistance that the rest of … Read More

via Summathetes

Once in country, our shortened trip took us directly to the Bush (jungle area).  When we arrived at the small jungle village, we were greeted in the dark of night by over 50 pastors and teachers, many which had come from miles away for the training we would lead.  Amidst dancing and singing, a welcoming ceremony unfolded in a little church where only a few years ago people had never even heard the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Now, pastors were assembling to learn how to better handle God’s Word.  I’m a bit emotional and greatly humbled to think I had the opportunity to minister amongst them. 

There were 22 “hopeful” and “hungry” pastors in all, some of whom had walked several hours just to attend.  “Hopeful” that amidst the persecution they face in this area –  that the blinders would be removed from the hearts of those with whom they share Jesus.  “Hungry” that more materials, more Bibles, and more training would come to their obscure little part of the world. 

Kerry Buttram, Robby Wisnewski, and myself spent hours teaching through II Timothy (we only made it up to chapter 3!) and parts of Acts.  The pastors themselves had many questions, some dealing with various passages and some dealing with practical issues facing the African Church. “What is the sin unto death?” and “What should we do with a man who has four wives and becomes a believer?” were just two examples.  Just everyday, run-of-the-mill questions…

…I was seeing what it is like for pastors, many of whom were just young Christians themselves – who live in hostile environments – gulp down whatever spiritual water was shared with them and they still wanted more.  Some of these “pastors” had taken the role because out of the few believers in their area, they may be the only one who could read.  And so they try to faithfully follow the Savior, relying on the Spirit and the knowledge that only Jesus satisfies.  Their parting words to us:  “Please come again.  Come again with MORE.”  So, as I write, I’m asking the Lord to make that a reality.

As we were greeted by the Elders of the town, we heard them say, “we are glad you have come.  You’ve even brought your children to meet our children.  Thank you.”  God is definitely up to something!  Please pray for the pastors in this area.  The opportunity is there, but because of the established religion in the area, my heart tells me that the persecution is going to grow.

After three nights in the jungle, our team did return to the capital city, Monrovia, on Thursday the 16th.  After three days of “bucket baths” in the jungle, we were able to enjoy a shower with running water!  Oh the comforts I take for granted!  But it felt sooooo good.  Later that night, we also went to a restaurant and enjoyed a nice meal.  

On Friday, we were greeted by 57 teachers from 4 different Christian Schools on the campus of E.L.W.A. Christian Academy.  Rob Marks, Karen Rigsby, Lisa Romines, and myself taught on a variety of topics … everything from assessment to worldviews.  The teachers were separated into two groups:  preschool – 1^st grade, and then all the other grades above them.  The teachers received our seminars gladly and readily.  It is humbling to be used as an encourager to men and women who are being used by God to repair the lives of a city that has been crushed and destroyed by a war that went on for 14 years… most of those years without education. 

I don’t think our team ever met anyone who hadn’t experienced loss, who hadn’t had their lives turned upside down.  There is still no electricity in homes or businesses unless there is a generator to run things.  Poverty is rampant.  Traffic is chaotic.  Pollution is suffocating.  And yet, God is working, moving, unfazed by a lack of technology and commerce.  These things will come and indeed are coming back even today.  And so is Jesus and the church He is building there. 

Pray for Liberia.  Pray for Samaritan’s Purse.  They have HUGE opportunities to affect this country for Christ.   So does Water of Life, another organization that we partner with in Liberia.  The wells and clean water they are bringing to people in Jesus’ name is showing Christ’s love in very powerful and practical ways. 

Thank you again for your prayers.  And for those of you who gave financially – Timothy and I are so appreciative.  May the Lord richly repay you for your kindness.

P.S.  There is some intentional vagueness on my part related to locations and religions.  If you want more information, get in contact with me. 

Spurgeon had a way with words and imagery…

“Do not give me ready money now; give a cheque book, and let me draw what I like. That is what God does with the believer. He does not immediately transfer his inheritance to him, but lets him draw what he needs out of the riches of His fulness in Christ Jesus.”

Charles Spurgeon, The Lord is my Shepherd

Merry Christmas All!

It’s truly amazing the difference a year can make.  Who could have known last Christmas that we would be living once again in Greenville, SC?  It wasn’t something that was on my radar screen.  But it was on God’s, and here we are… back where we lived for seven years before moving to Ohio.  Go figure…

In the past year we (i.e. either the boys or us parents) have:

• played basketball, baseball, football
• been baptized (Timothy)
• sold a house/bought a house
• resigned from jobs and started new ones (Dana is now the Director of the O.R. at St. Francis Hospital in downtown Greenville.  Trenton is serving as Assistant Facility Manager at Southside Fellowship Church)
• said goodbye to friends, family, and neighbors
• said hello to old friends, family, and new neighbors
• grieved over leaving a place we loved
• been comforted by returning to a place we loved and called home for seven years
• seen more of our parents than we ever have in 20 years of marriage
• lived with more stress than we ever cared to have
• had our faith tested and stretched than we (I) really would have preferred
• seen the faithfulness of the Lord in wonderful and profound ways
• adjusted and re-adjusted
• cried and laughed
• prayed, prayed, prayed, prayed, and prayed… did I mention “prayed”?

Perhaps at this point you are saying, “…. Bullet points for a Christmas letter?”  Sorry.  So much has taken place… far too much for a letter like this.  But, we would love hear from you all.  I am including a plethora of ways to do that.  Although we have been back in Greenville for 6 months we are still “settling” especially the boys with school.  So… feel free to: call, e-mail, connect via Facebook, visit, or write snail mail.

My favorite word is “Immanuel.”  It simply means “God with us.”  I’m so glad we haven’t walked this past year alone.  As a family we know that God truly has been and is (and will continue to be) with us.  Our prayer is that you too would experience Immanuel during this Christmas season and throughout the coming year.   Jesus Christ with us… rescuer… redeemer… savior… friend… resurrected to conquer fear and death… soon and coming King.   May His peace dwell in your hearts richly.

PEACE TO YOU!

Snail Mail:

114 Sentinel Court

Simpsonville, SC 29681

E-mail: ttstokes@netzero.net

Phone Number: 864.430.0534

Facebook: go to www.facebook.com.  Sign up for an account.  Search for Trenton Stokes.  Link up as a friend.  It is a great way to stay in contact with many people!

What shall I say! And how shall I describe this Birth to you? For this wonder fills me with astonishment. The Ancient of Days has become an infant. He Who sits upon the sublime and heavenly Throne, now lies in a manger. And He Who cannot be touched, Who is simple, without complexity, and incorporeal, now lies subject to the hands of men. He Who has broken the bonds of sinners, is now bound by an infant’s bands. But He has decreed that ignominy shall become honor, infamy be clothed with glory, and total humiliation the measure of His Goodness.

John Chrysostom

O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God , the triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I  thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I  pray Thee, so that I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, “Rise up, my love, my fairs one, and come away.”  Then give me  grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A. W. Tozer

God, change my “want to” so that I will do what You want.

Create in me a heart that desires you as the highest good in life.

Amen

God is the highest good of the reasonable creature; and the enjoyment of him is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied … To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here.  Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but the enjoyment of God is the substance. These are but scattered beams; but God is the sun. These are but streams; but God is the fountain. These are but drops; but God is the ocean.

Jonathan Edwards

As Sam mentions on his website: 

One doesn’t often hear of someone defending the centrality of Scripture and the sovereignty of God, on the one hand, and the importance of the spiritual gift of prophecy and the affections of the heart, on the other. Sam unashamedly embraces both and demonstrates from Scripture and his own spiritual journey how their convergence is essential for Christian living today.

Over the past several years, I have moved from being a cessassionist to believing that the gifts are still for today and that it is not at all wrong to want to be biblical and fulfill the desire of Paul who states in I Corinthians 14.1:

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. (ESV)