Ingoni (hello) everyone!
It has been awhile since I have sent out an update and for that I apologize. Our family has been busy in preparing and planning for two upcoming ministry sharing trips the last 10 days of Aug. and this fall (cross country). We also welcomed my older brother, Josh, back last night, who has a month leave at home, after a 9 month deployment in Afghanistan.
In a week, the four Luekens will be driving up to Prince Edward Island for over a week of sharing about the work of Operation Nehemiah. We are excited to share with old friends and new, especially for the opportunity to be presenting the ministry at a Church summer camp and a church in New Brunswick as well.
We're also planning for a tour across the USA which will see us as far west as Arizona. We are looking for opportunities to share about the awesome work God is doing in South Sudan. Let us know if you would like myself and my family to come and share, and we can work it out. Appreciate prayers as we step out and follow God's leading and see Him provide.
Have you ever heard of the African bug? I am not talking about ebola, malaria, or the host of other diseases that take residence in Africa. This condition seems particular to people who do missionary and relief work for a long time in that continent. There is no known cure. Talking to different missionaries and from my own experience I have become familiar with this "bug" and, I admit, have contracted it as well!
It starts subtly and almost imperceptibly and takes affect on the mind and heart. You can be in any African country, but soon that place starts to feel like home. The common sights, smells, and noises are what make you think, smile, frown, laugh, and cry, all at the same time. Pretty soon walking for miles isn't an inconvenience. Eating unidentified "Bush" meat becomes an adventure and not a dread of possible pathogenic microbeasties. The ever present herds of chickens and scavenging goats are just part of the rural village scene (I don't necessarily consider goats to provide a good ambience, but "ambience" nonetheless). At this point at least half your heart has been planted in the African soil and the rest will be sure to follow.
Here in America I find that two months absence from my beloved South Sudan is enough to get Bad symptoms. I can't help, but compare and find that quantity and ease of acquiring in the west, does not make up for the lack of quality.
The unequal comparison comes to mind when I think of "Fresh Fruit". The true definition of those two words is this: When you climb up the tree, knock down several mangoes and share the juicy deliciousness with several friends a few minutes later. In addition to the best thing you ever tasted, you get exercise and are challenged by an opponent who wants the mango on the tree as much as you want it off.
The Mango Ant was aptly named for its symbiotic relationship with the fore mentioned tree and a soldierly devotion to defend it. It packs quite the bite and one of them would be quite the pain to deal with. Multiply that by thousands and then cover the branches of the tree your climbing with this standing army. I very quickly learned two lessons on my first mango harvest:
1. Be prepared to endure never ending biting on various appendages and in clothes as you ascend the tree.
2. Learn how to continually brush your self off with one hand while climbing with the other.
It may sound pretty miserable, but after a couple forays into the canopy you learn to move swiftly and avoid certain ant covered branches. I now can harvest for over a half an hour without receiving or feeling too many bites. Even with that slight irritation, the resulting fruit is more than worth the climb. I have been spoiled for the produce section at the grocery store. Picking fruit and veggies out of those safe little bins into plastic bags makes me want to fall asleep!
So in my experience, things that come easy are not better. The most difficult path we tread is often the most rewarding and satisfying. No better example can be given than following after the Lord Jesus Christ!
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."
Matthew 7:13-14
Rubanga kola nito (God be with you)!
~Jonathan Lueken with Operation Nehemiah 774-254-4336
