S.O.S.?

Words to my previous post!!!

I should be sorry for the size of my last post but I am not. We have made “THE CHURCH” a building with a meeting filled with rituals that God has little or nothing to do with. We have been duped and fed a line of crap about the worlds idea of church so long we have forgotten to ask HIM what HE desires.

He desires what is good for us, not necessarily what is convenient for us. I am at odds with most of the folks I thought were my friends and even members of my family over this simple issue of “CHURCH”. To me it has become as Paul described as a marriage. I have a fundamental question that ties both subjects, (church and marriage), together. Here it is, are they just legal contracts or blood covenants? Legal contracts demand and set boundaries and can be broken by either party. But blood covenants are freeing and liberating and produce new life since life is in the blood. And by the way the only one who has the right or authority to break or free us from a blood covenant is the one who shed the blood.

The limitations we put on our blood covenant relationships are controlled and limited only by the recipient, (us), of the covenant. We have limited out “meeting” time with and even relegated the meeting to a specific location of our choosing and construction. Seems to me according to scripture we have become mobile homes if you will for God Himself. But who wants to be trailer trash? My idea is this we must follow Him, (become a trailer) and we must look at everything as dung, (that’s poop, crap, do-do, feces and plain old shit oh yeah and trash), if we are to be His disciples. We must decrease and He must increase.

In short it will cost you everything to follow Him. Plain old stuff and habits can be given up but the hardest thing I have ever given Him was my religion. By the way He don’t take your will away when we receive eternal life. Most of my prayers seem to be asking God to deliver me from myself….it ain’t worked yet, but thank God He made the covenant, He shed His blood once and for all. The cross was the last of the altars mentioned in the New Testament, we need to return to the cross not a wooden bench in a building chosen and built for our convenience where we are led in prayers that are not biblical.

Let’s get caught up in being the church and not be so concerned about attending our weekly legally prescribed meetings and watch Him prove Himself and build His own church. One that will a bride worthy to be presented to Him for eternity.

That’s my story and I AM sticking to HIM!

Babu Lonnie

“THE CHURCH”

If a picture is worth a thousand words, here’s 43,000 words for ya! My pictorial definition of “THE CHURCH”. Warning: “THE CHURCH” may not be a building and the Body of Christ may appear to be different from what you thought it looked like!

 

 

 

     

         

The Rumors Are False, I’m Alive!

I realize it has been a month since my last post, and this one may be  bit long, but it has been a busy month. I have had some good times and some bad times. For those who have emailed and texted wondering of my whereabouts, i know I've said it before but I’ll try and do better!

I don’t want to sound like I’m whining but I suppose I am just a little bit. First my mother has had multiple heart attacks and has a heart rate of as low as 28 and today it zoomed up to almost 50. Her blood pressure has leveled off at somewhere in the 200 over 90 range. I have had the privilege of feeding momma at least one meal a day, almost every day for the last month. It seems only fair she fed me when I was unable to feed myself. What bothers me most as I spend hours a day sitting with her as she struggles with COPD gasping for air is the fact that this has to be my mother before i even attempt to show any kind of Godly love and servitude. I looked at momma and remembered the words of Jesus when He said “ who is my mother and who are my brothers and sisters.”? His answer was “these”. I strongly believe He motioned toward those around Him and layed and inditement against those who where not loving Him more that themselves and their immediate families.

I believe on another occasion Jesus bluntly stated if you love, (specifically family members), anything or anybody more than Him you are not fit to follow Him.

I’ve put considerable time in pondering this particular statement lately. Love Him more!!! Since the flesh. bones and blood man Jesus is no longer with us that would only leave His present day body, “the church”, for me to love more than anything or anybody. But wait, it’s so much easier to love some spirit hovering over me that has a purpose of only good for me than it is to love the body He has chosen to inhabit. I am finding out more and more about the individual, particular, peculiar members of His body. Here’s a news flash…they are different, very different. I was always taught and under the assumption that we all had to look alike, talk alike, walk alike and of course meet in the same building under our dividing banners of denominations. Oh yeah lest I forget we had to all hold to the same doctrines and creeds.

I am finding many people who I doctrinally disagree with but yet they hold to the sufficiency of The Lord Jesus Christ, and unless I’ve missed the point altogether…that makes them my brother and sister and fellow members of His body. It is really hard not to bring division over doctrinal issues.

But remember this when each of us stand before Him, the only issue that will matter at all is whether or not you received the price that was paid for the Gift of God Himself which redeemed you to eternal life and brought you back home to Himself. Then I wonder, just wonder if He may carry this thing on down to receiving His present day body for the gift of salvation.

Got some pictures I’m gonna post, (latter) of some members of His body, hold on to your seats folks…sitting with momma has put me to wondering and I believe the signs will follow!!!

Babu Lonnie
P.S. Sorry Kate I did all the stuff in tis one you taught me not to do, I’ll need to be retrained>

Church?

Church…what is it? I seem to be confused as to what “church” really is. I THOUGHT I knew for several years, but now I am SURE I know. If you posed the question at the beginning of this paragraph to a vast majority of “Christians” in the U.S. I dare say a good number of them would not know. I say that because as a former pastor for over thirty years I really didn’t want folks to know what the church was or it would have put me out of “a job” before I resigned. I am not saying that most pastors do things to intentionally mislead their congregants, they are simply following the herd mentality and doing what the one in front of them is doing.

There is presently over one million people a year walking away from “church” as we have know it. There seems to be an exodus of people who are, in many cases seeing what the church really is or as with some…just fed up with what they have been sold and now see it’s broken or does not work as the professional pitch men have professed. The are deciding to go be the church instead of going to church! I found three such groups this past week. Let me tell you a bit about where I found em”

Friday I gathered with thirty to forty members of His Body for an outdoor time of communion. Met new friends and saw some old friends I hadn’t seen in quite some time. It was awesome! We sat around a big campfire as night fell with hot dogs, Cole slaw, potato salad, chips, home made cookies, candies, made samores and drank coffee and soft drinks. You might say that sounds like a picnic not communion, believe me it was both. Folks from many walks of life…farmers, contractors, military personal, retirees, professional musicians and at least two ex-Pharisees that I’m sure of. 

Yesterday, Sunday, I gathered with two very different groups. I didn’t go to church, I (a part of the church) assembled with other parts of the body of Christ in one of our local parks under a shelter. As the various parts begin to connect the eleven people present seemed to have one common goal, to build the Kingdom of God. There were no talent shows, professional speakers, sound system, fancy building but as we shared scripture, sipped coffee, and prayed a prodigal came home.  Without coaxing, coaching or human interference of any kind. I stood in the background in silence and marveled at the simplicity of the “church”. Parts assembled, mutual love, mutual submission, mutual authority and Christ at the head…WOW He works, He is simply looking for parts to be joined so He will have a body to work through. Body parts that functions without competition but rather complete each other. When there is completion not competition then the Holy Spirit will do His work. He draws, Jesus is offered as the solution for sin and The Father welcomes home His wayward son.

Most of us rode off on our motorcycles and I was headed to the second gathering which was about forty miles from where I live. It was a beautiful ride and I was the last to arrive. There were eleven members of His body gathered there also. We sat around the kitchen table and feasted on what each other had to share. I came away full and satisfied. I believe I can honestly report that we all heard what we needed in this gathering.

Between the three gatherings the Kingdom was built up and the Body of Christ was edified. What a weekend, Can’t wait till we meet again…oh yeah some of us have decided to get together on Thursday, parts being drawn together in their proper places by their creator works much better than the man planned, thought out, bulletin following meetings that have been limited to our buildings and we’ve called church.

Church? What is it? You’ll have to hear it from God before you’ll believe me. But here’s an idea how about joining me just anytime and let’s be church!!!

Babu Lonnie

 

Wounded But Alive

It seems I am always apologizing for something. Which is quite a shock to me and those who say I never apologize for anything. I will give a couple of reason for my silence on the blog since my last post.

First my mother, who lives near us here in a local rehabilitation center due to a stroke in 2002, has had a heart attack. Along with the heart attack she has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, C.O.P.D. and has contracted pneumonia along the way. She has bounced back as well as could be expected from her leg amputation and is now facing hurdle to make it over.

Until yesterday she has been hospitalized and was unable to feed herself so I stayed with her two meals a day, lunch and dinner. Yesterday they moved her back to the rehab center where she lives so some of my time will be freed up. Patti says new cloths always make you feel better so when mama got back to the center yesterday Patti and I went and picked up six or seven new spring/summer outfits. (color coordinated and ll that of course, Patti did it!!!)

Also as most of you know my father in law lives with us. He seems to be rapidly deteriorating from Alzheimer’s. I am not complaining at all, Ivan is a dear man and has been instrumental in mine and Patti’s lives. He has had to be taken to three different VA facilities and is requiring more and more attention. Patti and I along with our younger son Joshua and his family, who lives very close to us, have shared in Ivan’s care.

During the past three weeks since returning from Kenya I have resigned the pastorate of Beaver Dam Community Church and plan on focusing all my attention primarily on the work in Kenya and help oversee the ministry God has given us at Ohio County Christian Center.

To my successor at Beaver Dam Community Church, Dickie Casey, I pray the very best best as he and his wife Cindy continue the work God has laid before you.

I will do my best to get back in the swing of things and be more regular with my post as life gets as close to normal as it ever will for me.

Please feel free to contact me about a presentation of the work in Kenya to your home group or house church meeting. No group to small, if there is only one of you…when I get there, that makes two and we meet the requirement for a God meeting.

Babu Lonnie

Back In The States Again!!!

Today I Wednesday I think, I also believe I am coherent enough to post a blog. We’ll know for sure in just a few minutes. I used to laugh at people who would talk of such nonsense as jet lag and proclaim in a loud youthful voice," “it’s just in them old people’s head”. Now that I am officially an old people I would like to retract any stupid statement of my youth. Jet lag MAY be in you head but it also drifts down over the rest of your body and causes havoc with the biological clock and all the confusion that brings.

I don’t remember laying down last night in my big plush king size bed, however I do recall waking up as if an alarm had gone off after a wonderful mid day nap. My “alarm” went off at exactly 3:28AM. I proceeded to unpack all my luggage put things in their appropriate places, sort and rearrange all my medicines in their proper places, took a shower, walked the dog, went to our child care ministry all before 8:00AM.  I then proceeded to answer emails, do other office things that needed my attention placed a called to my family in Nakuru and am now in the process of writing this blog for my first post on American soil in three months. I’m doing all this so the rest of my day will have no obstacles to hinder me from getting on my 2003 Harley Davidson Road King Police Edition and getting a comfortable seat, a handful of throttle and riding till I’m finished.

For those who don’t ride, you have no idea what you’re missing. I know this will sound a bit foolish but the thing I miss most when I’m in Africa, other than my family are my motorcycles. The day we were leaving Nakuru we Johnny and Ali and I met a young man going up Crater Road toward our house on what looked like about a 600 black, no emblems or markings, crotch rocket that was scootin’. I told the guys, other than that type bike, there I go on Wednesday. So I must be a man of my word.

Johnny, Ali….This ride is for you!!! If Mama Mercy has not had little Christine yet find that guy on the crotch rocket, I got a feelin’ he could help things along. Loving to ride but missing you guys in Nakuru and Lanet. I ain’t gonna lean em’ up, I’m gonna let the wind blow em’ off.

Grace, Irene, Millie, Sarah A., Mercy Mcubwa, Sarah M., Beatrice, Edith, Mercy Kidogo, George, Geoffery, Gregory, Joyce. And I cannot leave out Andrew, McKenna, Butterfly, and Emma and the two that are in the oven. (Christine & Little Brooksy) this is what Babu does when He is away on Business…..One is old business and the other is ne business. Decisions, decisions… Pray for the warmth of Nakuru Kenya to invade Beaver Dam, Kentucky.  Nanaya don’t ride much anymore she’s just cool. You can see here purple Chrysler PT Cruiser behind me in the center photo.

 

Babu Lonnie & Nanaya Patti

Saying Goodbye (temporarily) To Kenya

     It is Thursday evening about 10:45 PM here in Nakuru and I most likely won't do many more, if any posts from here. I want to take a little time and tell all those who read this blog, if you are ever in Kenya and are interested in seeing how to be a home for orphans....Come and See!
     Johnny and Kate Brooks are two of the most awesome young folks I have ever come across. They are being what most only dream of. They are allowing themselves to be made into something that really doesn't fit in most of our western religious way of thinking. They are literally becoming the hope of the hopeless, the help for the helpless and lovers of those who yet have no love to give. I don't by any means want to put them on a pedestal, I've lived with them long enough to see who they really are. Like Jesus they are flesh and blood that has become the house that God lives in.
     Speaking of pedestals, I think the people we put on pedestals are there because we aren't willing to rise up in the equality we've been given. So other than rise up and stand up for our King and His kingdom we allow those we placed on pedestals or thrones to keep us beat down as their spiritual slaves instead of rising up and being HIS bond slave.
     Johnny and Kate along with Ben and Pauline, Ali and Virginia have shown me things that I have only talked and read about. It is absolutely satisfying to actually show people what you have been talking about every Sunday and Wednesday for over thirty years. It is not true what has been said! On the contrary you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. I'm living proof, I just had to be shown how to stop growling at all the other dogs that weren't in my yard or wasn't the same breed, I had to be more than willing, I had to equally not only share my food but learn to eat from the bowl of other who were sharing,  I had to realize where home really was and stop allowing myself to be pinned up when I should be out looking for others to build relationships with and reproduce.
     These are hard lessons to learn for an old dog like me, but this new breed of pups coming along have some thing that will add life to us old ones if we will allow it. The six that I just mentioned have shown me how not to bark (or bite) at those who aren't like me and don't live in my pin, they have let me experience how to be fed as well as feed, and they helped me come to the realization that there is a freedom in Christ that most of us only talk about but have not experienced.
     We sing a song around where I'm from in Kentucky, called "It's All About Jesus", if it really is. let's live like it! That means we take it past this WWJD stuff...for me it's WWBD, what would Babu do? Jesus already did it. Now it's our turn to be the house that God lives in and go where He says go, do what He says do, speak what He says to speak. When we do there will be no pedestals or thrones left for us because we will be lifting HIM up and He will draw ALL men unto Himself. To Him who sits on the throne be glory and honor for ever and ever, amen.

Babu Lonnie
PS: There is a time when the old dogs will pass away as we experienced here with the passing of "Old Lightening"  but there is now a new sheriff in town   

Welcome to Kenya (part 26)

I have been so bless this week with some visitors from the U.S. They are not just any visitors they are fellow Kentuckians. Both these ladies are on their spring break from their respective schools and can only stay with us this one week. Both are working on their Master's Degree from Murray State Universality.

One of the young ladies I just met when they arrived on Monday. In three short busy days I have seen characteristics of Jesus in her, and she has displayed them well. Her name is Dusty and she has taken a sabbatical from a teaching career to finish her education. She is a beautiful twenty something year old single follower of Jesus. I have become more and more interested in spending time with her ever day. She is a woman who speaks her mind and she and I have had a number of good theological, morale and ethical discussions. Not that our theological, morale and ethical views are so different we both just enjoy expressing our opinions. And then there is that old saying about opinions, no I won't go there! I will always consider Dusty a new found jewel that God has placed in my life to sparkle and bring light to any of us who are willing to open our eyes. Dusty is developing into a mighty woman of God, and if she were here in the office as I write this post I would offer her the following advice, don't ever let anybody intimidate you girl, you got a message to share. I am thankful that our paths have crossed to sharpen each other and to tune our ears to His voice. I have to remind myself often that, He said nothing He didn't hear His Father say. Our message must be from Him, His voice is sometimes heard through one of His children, and sometimes His children try and speak for Him and take His name in vain. There has been such a counterfeit produced that knowing His voice is not always easy. But once you hear, that changes everything. Dusty I love you and thank you for coming.

The other young lady is also a twenty something year old beautiful single follower of Jesus. But this one I've know for over twenty years. Her family has been a friend to me all these years even after I did all I knew to do to serve them as a pastor for five years. It was my first senior pastorate and this young lady is living proof of God's grace and mercy. I realize now I knew nothing but what I was taught by other men. It was the beginning of my "full time" pastoral ministry. What it turned out to be was the beginning of about thirty years of parroting what others said with maybe my particular perception of it from time to time, but a parrot none the less. I am so thankful that God has proven Himself once again. He has used a donkey, a chicken and a parrot to turn people toward Him. Miranda has become an amazing young lady. She has spent two years in Brazil serving with a missions organization. She teaches special education near by where both of our families presently live. I saw things in her yesterday that made me so proud, the smile of her mom the wit of her dad but the most outstanding thing was her hand out stretched to the sick and then in the next breath that same hand reach out to the throng of children that surrounded her. I saw the hand of God yesterday though a little girl I once knew but now has grown into quite a woman. Most of you reading this won't understand this personal note so just bear with me please. Brenda, it's alright all is well, Randy you'll have to work hard to be as proud as I am today. Miranda I've known since she was three years old and she knows I love you without saying it, but I just like saying it...I love you, thanks for investing in my life by coming.

These young ladies knowingly or not have been on display as the Body of Christ in action, and they have worked and represented Him well. His Kingdom has come and His will was done yesterday in Rhonda Estates in Nakuru Kenya, I saw, I was there, I experienced it and no one or nothing will ever take that away from me. I have accepted His invitation to Come and See. I came and I saw. Thanks Dusty and Miranda for coming I pray you saw Him in your visit with us.

Babu Lonnie

Welcome to Kenya (part 25)

     I want to share with you a side of the prevailing religious system the rules a vast majority (in my estimation) of Kenyan and other churches around the world. What is unfortunate is they have been taught this an know nothing else. I'm talking about the lack of care for people and the promotion and protection of a system that continues to fed on it's self.
     The following is a portion of an email I received from a pastor here in Nakuru, who is most likely a part of an organization or fellowship that should be dealing with these issues internally if they are truly doing what God and scripture says the church must be doing.
Hello!
     How are you today?  hope all is well with you.We are also fine despite the challenges each day and we look unto God to fight for us at this hour of trial and prophetic fulfillment. It  is long since we heard from you and how is the going? Tell us more as per your family situation. Please i do need your help. Our girl needs help to pursue her education and request you to connect her to any charity organization or Para church ministry that may help. All details are provided and kindly do your best. My personal situation is very bad but will trust God to help us move forward. God bless you richly.
     Before you read my response to his email. I want to explain that it was written with love and concern for his problem, and it is a problem. I love this pastor, I just feel sorry for him as I believe he is one of the many victims of a religious system that supports, protects and promotes it's self rather than the people it is supposed to be serving.
Dear Pastor,
     I am sorry to hear about the shortage you are experiencing concerning your daughters education. I am aware and very sympathetic about the future of young Kenyans who aren't afforded a proper education. It is for that reason we are assisting in the lives of over twenty students, most of them are orphans. We are assisting them by offering them more than just money, school fees, uniforms, food, clothing and shelter. We have provided homes with fathers and mothers that love them and hold them when they hurt and laugh when they are happy. I am proud to be a part of offering these young people a future and a hope that they would not otherwise have had.
     We are building a new nursery school to help prepare the little ones for their formal education. Our goal is to provide milk and vitamin daily to a well balanced menu that will support not only their bodies but clear their minds of the stress of a poor diet in order that they may achieve a standard of academic excellence that will propel them into the educational system.
Because of my commitment to the orphans and other students, the nursery school and the over three hundred HIV/AIDS victims we care for with medicines, visits and love I am sorry to tell you all our funds are already allocated for the purpose, use and benefit I have just shared with you.
     I am presently in Nakuru, and have been for almost three months, I will be going back to the U.S.A. at the end of April.  I am sorry I am not able to help you with your need but I am sure there will be someone you sent this letter to that is doing absolutely nothing for the Kingdom of God. I hope that the Spirit of God will prick their hearts to help you solve your problem.
I would suggest you ask those who are building their own kingdoms to stop wasting money building buildings for meetings, sound equipment for people with no a message, holding crusades to advance the spirit of competition instead of promoting unity and a spirit of completion. I suggest that we call the church to a fast not to manipulate God but to gather the food we would have eaten or the money we would have spent on food and feed some folks who have nothing to eat. I would also suggest that all those self appointed apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers begin to humble themselves to the position of servanthood those titles Biblically carry and stop this nonsense about the high and holy office they hold. They need to begin investing in others as scripture fully supports. Your daughter seems to be a good place for them to start their investment.
A Follower of Jesus,
Babu Lonnie 

Welcome to Kenya (part 24)

Well here I am again, It's already Friday morning the 27th of April here in Nakuru. While the western world sleeps it is time to start our day. I am thankful that it is Friday, the ministry we provide actually slows down a bit. For the first time in thirty plus years of "ministry" Sunday has actually become a day of rest. It is not that we don't have "church" but it is in a format that most of the Christian faith have not yet embraced. It maybe that Sunday should be the day we rest from the DAILY ministry we are supposed to be providing. Whether that "ministry" or "service" is provided in the workplace or in the highways and byways there must be rest for the body and the soul (mind)

I am pleased to announce that "Christopher's House" is now thoroughly modern it has in complete operation electricity, running water, western style (sit on em') toilets, the beds are in place, the kitchen has been completely redone. and. final touches of interior paint and landscaping is being completed right now.. A precious family from the Chicago, IL. area has mailed the bedding for all six beds plus extra. Part of my family is providing throws for each of the beds. The first two boys have been selected and the boys new dad and mom (and Babu) are ready to get under way. It is an exciting time here at the old home place in Nakuru, well actually in Kiondo which is on the eastern side of Nakuru.

Ben is getting some rest and trying to eat better although he is still throwing (puking), as they say here. Ben's wife Pauline is due the first of May but I'm praying the baby comes early so I can bring fresh pictures back to Kentucky with me of the latest addition to the community at Milimani. We have also been notified of a new little Brooks in the basket. Those strange cravings Kate has been experiencing has apparently started the process of eating for three. Not that we think there are twins this early on but Emma is still Nyon Nyoing (nursing). When Johnny and Kate decide to build a community they are more than willing to do their part. Personally I'm praying for a little brother for Andrew. He's in the house with fourteen females...help him Jesus.

On Monday we will be starting the process and some of the construction for our school now that "Christopher's House" is complete. We have been so blessed to have land made available to us for our building projects. Our plans are to reach those children who cannot afford to attend school with not only a firm foundation in academics and good nutrition but give them an opportunity to come and see a risen, living God in the form of man once again. If we lift HIM up HE will draw. i hope some of you will be an active part of our projects here in Kenya with your prayers and donations. Leave a comment to inquire how you can help sponsor a child in school or one of the orphan boys in "Christopher's House".

It's now Sunday evening before I've been able to finish and post this bit of information. Pole. (sorry)

Babu Lonnie