http://jlwilliams.org/site/index/ en mike@topsailmarketing.com Copyright 2010 2010-10-20T01:36:03+00:00 http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/singapore_trip_report http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/singapore_trip_report#When:13:59:10Z Dear JLPF Partners, What an incredible contrast I experienced during January!  Right after the New Year, I flew to Haiti around the second anniversary of the killer earthquake.  Shortly after that trip, I flew to the other side of the globe to minister in Singapore.  On every level, the contrasts could not have been more graphic.  Let me share a few of those stark comparisons...   In traveling from Haiti to Singapore, I went from the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere to one of the most prosperous countries in Asia.  Singapore is now one of the top financial centers in the world -- known as one of the "Four Asian Tigers," along with Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan.  The World Bank calls Singapore one of the best and easiest places in the world to do business.     By contrast, when it comes to business and foreign investment, Haiti is a nightmare of corruption, bureaucracy, ineptness and incompetence!  While she is readily accessible geographically with a willing and able work force, the lack of honest and competent political and business leaders makes Haiti one of the least stable and least desirable places to invest and do business.   As a result, unemployment continues in the 80% range with a poverty level unparalleled in the Western World.   In the 1950s and 60s, Singapore was considered a "Developing Country.'" Having been founded as the "East India Company" by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1891, Singapore was a part of the British Empire until her independence in 1959.   For many decades, Singapore was a part of her larger neighbor to the north, Malaysia.  But Singapore became independent from Malaysia in 1965.  Because of its small size, Singapore is known as a City-State with a relatively small population of 5 million people -- a little less than Haiti's population.  Today, in spite of her small land mass and small population, the Republic of Singapore ranks among the most highly Developed Countries of the world -- reputedly with more millionaires per capita than any other country.     However, with much more land mass and population, Haiti continues to be listed at the opposite end of the global socio-economic scale as an "Underdeveloped Country"  -- the poorest in the Western Hemisphere.  Many say that Haiti is moving downward from "Third World" to a "Fourth World" category with irreversible educational, economic and ecological losses, while there is virtually no unemployment or poverty in Singapore.  Both are rampant in Haiti.  And the killer earthquake on January 10, 2010, only worsened an already bleak national forecast.   Because of limited land and natural resources, Singapore has stressed educational excellence and a strong work ethic.  About the same time that Singapore was under British control in the 1800s, Haiti gained her independence from France in 1804.  In the subsequent years Haiti became known as the "Pearl of the Antilles" and "Paris of the New World".  She was the favored travel destination of the intelligentsia, artists, poets and other people of class, culture and distinction.     Historians tell us that Haiti was once one of the greenest and and most beautiful tropical islands in the Caribbean -- covered with lush forests of mahogany, tropical trees of every description and fruit trees everywhere.  At that time, Haiti had some of the richest and most fertile top soil in the world where anything and everything would grow in abundance.  But as a result of endless decades of deforestation, less than 3% of the trees remain throughout the country today.  The mountains are now treeless, barren, brown and lifeless.  And the lush top soil was long ago washed into the surrounding sea where it killed much of the beautiful coral reefs and fish life.  Ecologically, Haiti is a "dead island" surrounded by 'dead waters.' By contrast, when you land in Singapore, you feel you have landed in the Garden of Eden!  Everything is lush and green with flowers and trees of every variety growing everywhere.  And the streets and sidewalks are so clean you could eat off them -- because stiff fines are levied for any littering!  One of the most popular T-shirts for tourist advertises: "Singapore is a Fine City!"  Then there is a long list of everything you will be fined for, from littering…to spitting…to jaywalking…to not flushing a public toilet...to drinking & driving…to using a cell phone while at the wheel.  And you can't even buy chewing gum in Singapore -- which keeps people from littering with the wrapper or old gum on sidewalks! Sadly, as you drive the broken, pot-hole filled 'streets' of Port-au-Prince, huge piles of rotting garbage pungently greet you at every turn in the road -- often being foraged by roaming goats or rooting pigs  And every river, stream or storm gutter is glutted with sewage and garbage of every foul description and stench!   Like Singapore, Haiti has some of the best ports in the world for ships and cruise liners.  However, few vessels ever sail to Haiti today because of poor facilities, filthy polluted waters and the perpetual stench of sewage and garbage glutting the dilapidated harbors.   This is compounded by the senseless "red tape," graft and greed of the officials and endless delays that cost incalculable loss of time, money and resources.  By contrast, sailors complain that things are so organized, computerized and mechanized in Singapore, that they do not have any "shore leave" due to the fast turn-around in the harbors!  No wonder Singapore is ranked among the 5 busiest ports in the world.   Singapore was once a noted place for crime, opium trade, prostitution, poverty and intrigue of the lowest order; today it is one of the safest cities in the world.  Crime is virtually non-existent because of a firm and fair rule of law.  Things like corruption, bribery and pay-offs are not tolerated on any level -- especially among political leaders and law enforcement people.  Murder and drug trafficking are capital offenses leading swiftly to the death penalty.   Sadly, in Haiti institutional graft and corruption are the norm -- and have been for generations.  It is just what presidents, parliamentarians and politicians do!  So lawlessness is increasingly a way of life in Haiti today.  However, when I first started going there in the 1960s and 70s, robbery and murder were unheard of!  That's because the Haitians are just not a violent, hostile people.  But in recent years, armed robbery, kidnapping and violence have become the norm -- especially in Port-au-Prince.  In places like Cite Soleil -- the largest slum in Port-au-Prince, armed gangs and thugs rule the roost and terrorize with almost complete impunity.    What makes the difference between these two similar countries?  While not wanting to be simplistic or reductionistic, I would say one word: leadership.  In conferences and seminars I often teach this simple principle: "Every problem is a leadership problem."  In one sense, there are no "abstract problems."  There are only leadership problems.  Every problem has a person's name and face connected to it!  So the world languishes today under the predominance of poor leaders…passive leaders…perverted leaders…pompous leaders -- when they need prophetic leaders!  It matters not whether they are Christian or secular leaders, an authentic prophetic leader correctly analyzes the problem and then boldly leads with the necessary political, judicial, economic, educational and cultural paradigms to bring about lasting systemic change and new national trajectory! That kind of visionary, bold, prophetic leadership came to Singapore in the person of Lee Kuan Yew.  He became Prime Minister of Singapore after the transition from British rule.  He led his "People's Action Party" (PAP) through 8 political victories from 1959 - 1990.  And as the PAP name indicates, Lee Kuan Yew was a man of action!  Until his retirement, he was the world's longest serving Prime Minister with 50 years of bold leadership.  He led Singapore from being a small, struggling, undeveloped colonial outpost of the British Empire to one of the world's most peaceful and prosperous countries. When Lee took over Singapore, it was a diverse country and culture with many convolutions and conflicts.  He stressed racial harmony and religious tolerance.  He made four languages equal: Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil, spoken by the population.  In addition, the four major religions were given full equality of expression: Buddhism (33%), Christianity (20%), Islam (15%), Hinduism (5%).  There is zero tolerance for any form of religious hostility or aggression between the major faiths.  To date, they live side-by-side in harmony.   In contrast, Haiti was basically founded upon voodoo -- which was imported there by the African slaves.  While Catholicism became the official religion under the French, the evangelical Protestant church has become the predominant spiritual force in the country today.  It is the one major "success story" of Haiti that is largely untold and unknown to the outside world.  And it is the story that I love to tell and emphasize!   While Lee Kuan Yew's firm authoritarian leadership generally won him the respect and following of his people -- and most of the rest of the world, it also won him some critics, detractors and enemies.  Not everyone wants his level of aggressive authoritarian leadership.  But Singapore demonstrates that everyone has to give up some personal freedoms in order to gain larger collective liberties.  For most Singaporean citizens, the collective peace and prosperity is well worth the loss of some of their smaller "individual rights."'      So for me, much of our world today -- including America, could benefit by Lee Kuan Yew's style of bold authoritarian leadership -- without solidifying into unchecked authoritarianism that so often results in "Dictatorships for life."     I have often said that the most perfect form of human government is a "Benevolent Dictatorship" -- which is exactly what the Kingdom of God will be!  The Bible says that when Jesus returns a second time, He will "…rule with an iron scepter" (Rev. 2:27; 12:5; 19:15).  The first time He came as the sacrificial Lamb.  The next time He will come as the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah"  (Rev. 5:5).  That clearly means that Jesus will establish a theocracy and not a democracy.   There will be no elections or voting when it comes to His universal Kingship.  It will not be a "majority rule" -- but a "rule by One!"  He will be history's only perfect "Benevolent Dictator."  As such, His rule will be a perfect balance of love and "justice for all."   While human history has had a few experiments of "benevolent dictatorships," they do not last long.  That's because the leader's benevolence is soon over-powered by his dictatorial spirit -- all of which he justifies to maintain his decreasing "benevolent authority."   Soon thereafter, we see the truth of the maxim: "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely!"  But to date, Singapore and the authoritarian rule of Lee Kuan Yew comes about as close as we have seen in history of a benevolent dictatorial rule that benefits the many more than the individual -- especially the political leaders.   Sadly, the 200 plus years of history in Haiti have been the polar political opposite of Singapore and Lee Kuan Yew's leadership.  As the world's oldest Black Republic, Haiti has known little more than the corrupt, incompetent, self-serving leadership of dictator after dictator -- that continues to this very day.   One final quick contrast -- which may sound like a commercial for Singapore Airlines (SQ).  I share it because it is such a great illustration of the point of this article.  I flew from NY to Singapore this time by SQ, their National Airline.  For a number of years now, SQ has won the title of the "World's Best Airline" (By contrast "Haiti Airlines" ceased to function and fly years ago!).  Over and over again, SQ has received the coveted "5 Star" rating in all areas of competition.  As they advertise: "With Singapore Airlines, service is key.  And its all in the details."  And do they ever strive to live up to that business motto!  While virtually all other airlines are cutting services at every level, SQ is only increasing and intensifying theirs.  Their airplanes are the newest and finest in the skies.  They are squeaky clean down to every small detail.  The food is excellent and service is unparalleled from the moment you step up to their counters until you step off the plane at your destination.  Their Tourist Class (which I always fly) is better than most other First Class or Business Class.  And their prices are competitive with any other airline.  You have never seen airline attendants knock themselves out to serve you like the SQ staff does!  They make you ashamed of other airlines -- including all American based ones -- which is very sad.  And the church of Jesus Christ could learn from the SQ model of sensitivity and service when it comes to people -- which is what both business and the church is all about!  It is another example of the words of Jesus when He said: "The people of the world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of light" (Lk. 16:8).  So much for my commercial for SQ!  But if you fly them, you will understand my enthusiasm over their striving for excellence in a time of airline mediocrity!  When other airlines hardly offer peanuts, SQ still serves up a choice of the best meals in the sky! In conclusions, let me say that God is mightily working in both Haiti and Singapore!  While the political, economic, educational and ecological contrasts are polar opposites, God has never been limited by man's sin, rebellion, greed, corruption or incompetence!   Nor is He limited by political corruption and ineptness.  He is still sovereign over all the affairs of man -- including government.  But He does work differently in different spiritual and political situations.  When He and His laws are acknowledged and adhered to, there is generally peace and prosperity for the majority of people.  It has always been true that: "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people" (Prov. 14:34).  Ancient Israel proves that…America proves that…Haiti proves that…Singapore proves that!  That's why Haiti is still an undeveloped country that is almost totally dependent upon the support of the outside world.  Singapore, on the other hand, is a highly developed "Donor Nation" that not only cares for the needs of her own people, but reaches out to others.  And when it comes to the Body of Christ, the church in Singapore is now a sending and supporting church when it comes to the Great Commission!  My time with Pastor Joseph Jabemany and the Yishun Evangelical Church freshly demonstrated that giving, sending and supporting spirit.   So thanks for supporting me spiritually and financially on my recent trip to Singapore.  Please take a few moments now to look at my "slide show" as well as the brief video clip from my last message around the Chinese New Year that took place while I was there.  I think you will be blessed and encouraged…     SlideShowPro({ attributes: { id: "album-74", width: 560, height: 455 }, mobile: { auto: false }, params: { bgcolor: "#000000", allowfullscreen: true }, flashvars: { xmlFilePath: "http://jlwilliams.org/ssp_director/images.php?album=74", startup: "Load Album", captionAppearance: "Overlay Auto (if Available)", captionBackgroundColor: 0x0F2135, captionElements: "Caption Only", captionPosition: "Bottom", captionBackgroundAlpha: .8, contentAreaBackgroundColor: 0xFFFFFF, contentAreaStrokeAppearance: "Hidden", feedbackBackgroundAlpha: .2, feedbackHighlightColor: 0xCFC8A6, feedbackPreloaderTextColor: 0x291C0B, feedbackTimerAlign: "Bottom Center", galleryAppearance: "Hidden", navBackgroundColor: 0x291C0B, navButtonColor: 0xCFC8A6, navButtonActiveColor: 0xE6E1C8, navLinkActiveColor: 0xE6E1C8, navLinkPreviewBackgroundColor: 0xE6E1C8, navLinkRolloverColor: 0xCFC8A6, navLinksBackgroundColor: 0x291C0B } });     In His Faithful Love,   JL   PS: It was a special joy to reconnect in Singapore with ND Alumni Dr. Louis & Susan Scott Sutton.  They are the International Directors for WEC (Worldwide Evangelization for Christ, founded by C.T. Studd; 1860-1931).  Louis and Susan are special friends, partners and great servant leaders for the Lord Jesus!  I visited them when they lived and worked in Chad in 2001.  Now it was a joy to visit them in Singapore -- another polar opposite of Chad in almost every way!      The Field Report, 2012-02-02T13:59:10+00:00 http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/understanding_your_hebrew_roots http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/understanding_your_hebrew_roots#When:15:27:41Z Dr. J.L. WilliamsDownload .pdf Study Guides, 2012-01-31T15:27:41+00:00 http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/indigenous_or_illegitimate http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/indigenous_or_illegitimate#When:02:04:07Z Dr. J. L. WilliamsDownload .pptx file PowerPoints, 2012-01-30T02:04:07+00:00 http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/hands_that_bring_rewards http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/hands_that_bring_rewards#When:02:00:23Z Dr. J. L. WilliamsDownload .pptx file PowerPoints, 2012-01-30T02:00:23+00:00 http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/7_marks_of_biblical_leadership http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/7_marks_of_biblical_leadership#When:01:54:38Z Dr. J. L. WilliamsDownload .pptx file PowerPoints, 2012-01-30T01:54:38+00:00 http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/quick_trip_to_haiti http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/quick_trip_to_haiti#When:02:35:07Z "…we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken." (Heb. 12:28)   All over the world God is 'shaking thing up' -- or down!  He has been shaking up our economy in America.  In Europe -- which is in what many call the 'post-Christian era,'  He is shaking up entire countries to the verge of total economic collapse.  Much of the Moslem world is being shaken up by the 'Arab Spring' that is a grass-roots yearning for freedom and democracy.  But sadly, the 'Arab spring' is rapidly turning into an 'Arab winter' as Islamic fundamentalists and radicals take more and more control.   In addition to economic and political shaking, there is ecological shaking taking place on a global scale.  Whether through tsunamis, hurricanes, tornados, wild fires, floods -- or earthquakes like Haiti experienced in 2010, things are shaking all over the world.  Many years ago the pop singer, Jerry Lee Lewis wrote a song that said: "A whole lot of shaking going on!"  While he was singing about the shaking of the body through dancing, there is a more intense shaking going on today!  It is a shaking that is touching the farthest corners of the earth and the deepest parts of the human spirit.  Many are asking themselves: "What's going on?!"   The Bible gives a clear answer to that probing question.  Here it is:    "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.  The words 'once more' indicate the removing of what can be shaken -- that is, created things -- so that what cannot be shaken may remain.  Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe" (Heb. 12:26-28).   So God is "shaking things up and down" so that His Kingdom can come -- which cannot be shaken!  That's His agenda through the ages.  That's why He has ultimately shaken to destruction every human kingdom that has been contrary to His eternal Kingdom!  Egypt experienced it.  Babylon experienced it.  Rome experienced it.  America is experiencing it.  Ultimately the whole world will increasingly experience His shaking!   But here's the good news: "Do not fear little flock for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom" (Luke 12:32).  That's your only hope and security!  Our only hope is in God's "Unshakable Kingdom" (Heb. 12:28) and His "Unchanging Christ!" (Heb. 13:8).  That's the message we took to Haiti.     Please take a few moments to look at the following pictures and video from that trip in commemoration of the Second Anniversary of the killer earthquake.  God is mightily at work there -- and you are a vital part of it through your prayers and financial partnership!   The Field Report, 2012-01-12T02:35:07+00:00 http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/epiphany http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/epiphany#When:01:51:58Z EPIPHANY! "After Jesus was born…Magi from the east came to Jerusalem…to worship Him." (Matt. 2:1-2) Dear Friends & Partners, Happy & Holy New Year's Blessings to each of you!  Now that Christmas has passed and the New Year has come, we tend to 'pack up Jesus' along with the Christmas tree and decorations.  We are eager to get back to 'business as usual.'  But Christmas was a series of events, not just a solitary one on the night of His birth in Bethlehem that we celebrate on December 25th.  Historically, the church has also celebrated the 'coming of the Wise Men' on January 6th.  It is called 'Epiphany' from the Greek word, Epiphaneia, meaning 'manifestation' or 'appearance.'  This day commemorates the time sometime after Jesus' birth when He was revealed to the Gentile Magi -- showing that He was not just 'King of the Jews,' but God's Messiah for the whole world. Matthew reminds us of this 'Gentile Epiphany' with these words: "When they saw the star they were overjoyed.  On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him.  Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh" (Matt. 2:10-11). So Biblically speaking, 'gift giving' is associated with Epiphany more than with Christmas Day.  But since Christmas reminds us that God is a giving God, giving is appropriate any and every day of the year!  I am sharing with you Christmas pictures from some of our dear national partners, click here to see them.  We have been able to give gifts to them this past year because of the gifts you have given us.  So as you look at their pictures, I hope you will have a special spiritual Epiphany – a fresh manifestation of the Lord Jesus, through these precious friends and partners you have invested in through your love, prayers and financial support. Finally, as you read this email, I will be back in Haiti for a weekend of ministry related to the second anniversary of the killer earthquake.  Be watching for my report upon my return next week… Sharing His Epiphany, JL PS:  I hope you will also click on a timely Christmas message from one of our Christian partners in Nepal that I just received.  I think you will be blessed and challenged as you enter this New Year. The Field Report, Partner Updates, 2012-01-06T01:51:58+00:00 http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/give_some_gifts_to_jesus http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/give_some_gifts_to_jesus#When:13:53:50Z The Field Report, 2011-12-22T13:53:50+00:00 http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/african_christmas2 http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/african_christmas2#When:02:11:33Z AFRICAN CHRISTMAS "…they saw the child….and they bowed down and worshiped him.   Then they opened their treasures and presented Him gifts…" (Matt. 2:11).     Dear Friends & Partners,   As you know, Christmas is about giving.  God demonstrated that by giving His Son to the world.  Mary demonstrated that by giving her body to carry the Christ Child.  Joseph demonstrated that by giving up his plans for God's plans.  The wise men demonstrated that by giving of their time to seek and find the Baby Jesus.  Then they demonstrated the spirit of Christmas by "...opening their treasures and presenting Him gifts."     While the magi gave their treasures and gifts to Jesus, we usually give them to each other.  Certainly there is a place for giving gifts of love to family members and friends.  But in the process, we should give our most costly treasures and gifts to the Lord Jesus!   For the last two weeks, it was my joy to be in Kenya, Africa, giving many gifts in the Name of the Lord Jesus.  It is how I get ready for Christmas each year.  I was there with a group of 6 other men -- and a boy, who were there to give of their time, talent, treasure and technology to the Samburu and Turkana tribes.  We did all of this through our partnership with Stakewll Yurenimo.   Please take a few moments to enjoy these "African Christmas Gifts" through the pictures in the above slideshow.  Many of you made these many gifts possible through your prayers and giving.  So please take a few moments to unwrap the gifts you sent to Africa through us.  It will bring added joy to your Christmas week.   In His love, joy & peace, JL The Field Report, 2011-12-21T02:11:33+00:00 http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/salvation_in_the_slum http://www.jlwilliams.org/site/salvation_in_the_slum#When:23:01:02Z Kibera Slums Nairobi, Kenya   Dear Friend & Partner,   When you receive this latest email blast, I will have just blasted off for Africa!  So start praying NOW!  This is my last mission trip for the year.  And what an exciting way it will be for me to end my 2011 year of travels.  It is also my favorite way to prepare for Christmas!  It really gets me into the true spirit of Christmas.  In fact, God has already given me a great Christmas gift from Africa.  He literally bought this gift with His own blood -- in one of the worst shopping areas in the world!  It is called Kibera.  God does His Christmas shopping in some of the worst places on earth!   Kibera is a sprawling, smelly, sewage-strewn hell-hole located on the borders of the City of Nairobi.  It is considered the first or second largest slum on the African continent.  In Kibera, 1 million people are crammed into 1 square mile!  No running water…no sewage system…no drainage…no paved roads… little or no electricity.  Virtually all of the homes and buildings are built from sticks and mud covered in canvas and cardboard -- or tin for the lucky ones.    In Kibera, unemployment is off the charts.  People live from hand-to-mouth.  Most go to bed each night with empty stomachs.  It is a breeding ground for poverty, ignorance, disease, witch-craft, prostitution and crime of every sort.  HIV and other STDs are rampant.  So are pregnancies out of wedlock.  For many, the only temporary escape from their poverty and hopelessness is through alcohol, drugs, glue-sniffing and sexual promiscuity.  And the only consistent education or medical opportunities available are made possible by private NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) -- but mostly by Christians working through the "slum churches" that dot Kibera.   Over two decades ago, the Lord led me into Kibera.  In the natural, I wish He would never have taken me there.  I was invited to Kenyatta Market where a sister-in-Christ was trying to feed 12 street children a cup of gruel and piece of bread each day around noon.  It wasn't much, but it was better than the scraps of food the kids would find by foraging through garbage cans and dumpsters.  This sister was out of money.  She asked if I could help.  I knew I could not walk away.  So by faith I told her "Yes."   Before long we were able to move those 12 children from one meal a day to 3 hot meals a day.  And in the following months the numbers grew:  50…100…200…300…500 -- 1,000!  The feeding program soon evolved into a church.  Then an informal school.  Vocational programs were started to provide job skills and income.  Later a medical clinic was established.  All of these growing programs stretched me beyond my limits.  So I turned to my associate, Larry Warren, for help.  He quickly put his head, heart and hands into the project.  When he put his hands to the plow, he never looked back -- to this very day.    This following testimony, by a young man named Vincent Missigo, will thrill your heart.  He is a 'trophy of grace' from Kibera.  We met him about 18 years ago when he was a young boy.  He was one of those "street boys" God sovereignly connected us with through our partnership with Pastor Timothy Mulehi.  This month, Vincent will graduate from Kenyatta University in Nairobi -- with honors!  While this education and degree is his golden opportunity to leave Kibera forever -- he has gone back in.  He now lives back there with 16 street boys who were just like him!  Listen to how he recently expressed his desire to me in a email: "My current and major plan is to give back to the community. Just the way I have been assisted, I would like to assist others from the slums to overcome the slum challenges by being firmly rooted in the Lord. I would like to work with the youths and the young ones especially from the slums. Right now, I am working at a boy's hostel started by Mr. Larry Warren at Huruma slums here in Nairobi. These boys come from very pathetic conditions, just like I did. At this hostel, I act as their mentor and also their teacher of History and Kiswahili. They are 16 wonderful boys and we stay with them in a single room made of simple iron sheets. We basically share everything with them!  When I shared my testimony with them, they were amazed and their hope in life was rekindled again! I feel so lifted when working with such people." My friend, that's pay day for me!  That's my MO.  That's what gets me out of bed in the mornings.  That's what gets me on airplanes to fly to countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.  That's why I keep writing partners like you for continued faithful prayers and generous financial support -- even if sacrificially!     So that's my "African Christmas present" -- wrapped in the flesh of a graduating college student known as Vincent from the slums of Kibera!  And his following story is my Christmas gift back to you because your spiritual and financial partnership made it all possible!  His one life has been worth it all!  Our God is still the only God who can bring both salvation and transformation in the slums of Kibera -- or anywhere else in the world!  After all, since He was born in a cattle shed and laid in a manger, slums are His turf!  He still loves to do His Christmas shopping in places like Kibera!   In His saving love and transforming compassion,   J.L.   PS:  Update on Larry Warren:  After a dozen years of ministering with me through NDI, Larry started African Leadership, which he led for the next decade.  Under his leadership, it became the largest informal training program for pastors and leaders on the continent.  He has recently started a new ministry, Leadership International, and I serve on his Board.  It is primarily focused in Africa with a priority of evangelism through holistic community development.  Larry and I continue to work together as closely as our busy travel schedules permit. My long time friend and associate, Larry Warren     The Field Report, 2011-12-04T23:01:02+00:00