The Conference went well, and we were blessed by our time together. Hearing how God is moving in so many ways was uplifting and encouraging. Some photos are attached below.

We know many couldn’t attend the conference, but that doesn’t mean the message of God’s work can’t be spread! So, we’re asking for your help.

Social media is great, and we certainly appreciate any sharing happening there. But the truth is, face-to-face interaction is better. And we would love to get out there and speak at your churches or groups. If you know of a church or group, please contact us, or have them contact us. We’d love to share what God is doing in Africa with the pastor’s school, children’s school, children’s feeding programs, clean water, church plants, Rael, Silas, etc. He’s on the move, and that’s worth sharing!
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The US Embassy did not give Rael and Morrice their travel visa. See the note below from David:

For those that may not be aware: Rael is the wife of Bishop Morrice Okiring in Kenya. They are subsistence farmers with their main focus on ministry. Morrice is founder of Jesus is Lord Safe Water Ministries. He has sent out people to begin 4 or 5 churches.

Rael has been with a broken hip for 10+ years but for the 1 year where a surgeon in Kenya repaired that hip. But, it only lasted a year. Since that surgery failed she has had great difficulty and harm to the hip and leg. Even to the point of the steel rod that had been put in her leg bent and protrude out of the skin. She has battled infection and great pain for more than 1 year now and we have had no success in getting a doctor and or hospital in Kenya to help.
We thought that the Lord had done something when the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota had agreed to examine her.
Today, November 12, They had an interview at the US Embassy in Nairobi Kenya with hopes of obtaining a visa to travel to USA. That visa was denied because the letter from the Mayo Clinic stated that the normal cost of exam is approximately $16,000.00 dollars and Morrice could not show financial assets to cover the cost,
So I am asking for prayer for Rael. She is in great pain at all times. Please pray that God may give her relief from the pain: that HE will give wisdom and discernment for the next step; and that HE may provide all that is needed to heal her.
The process for the visa must begin all over again, meaning apply for visa with a $350.00 fee, and travel to Nairoobi for interview. Difficult for Rael and very different from what we all know here as travel.
I know, and they know also Romans 8:28, that God will cause all things to work to good according to HIS purposes. But there is still a disappointment and a let down on the human side. So pray for their peace and joy in all this too. She has been great through all that she has been through, sharing the Lord along the way.
Thank you for your prayers.

David Spencer
HERE AM I Ministries

In Galatians 6:9 Paul says, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do no let lose heart." Going back to the Psalm 1 post on Monday, we know there is a contrast between those who follow God and those who do not.  And, for those who follow, there was never a promise of ease.  On the contrary, Jesus says, "...‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you." (John 15:20) Living for God in a world that is, at its very core, against God can be exhausting. Doing that which we are called to can appear to be fruitless, or even pointless.  But, as Paul said, "...in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." And so, the hope of today's post is to reiterate Paul's encouragement - that we set our eyes on God and not on our circumstances.  Or, as Paul tells the Colossians, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:2-3). We can be heavenly-minded because, praise God, heaven is the end result!  We can have hope and strength because we know what God has done, and where we're going to end up because of it!  

Psalm 103:1-5 really puts it in perspective:
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

When we grow weary we can remember the forgiveness, healing, redemption, lovingkindness, mercy, and provision God has given us. And, the Psalmist says don't forget these things because of the rejuvenation it has in us, restoring to us the vitality of youth! To not grow weary in doing good, we can remember all the good God has done. We can remember that He does not grow weary, but on the contrary He offers strength to those who wait for Him, as Isaiah says in Chapter 40:

"Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:28-31

Today we'll be in John 1:35-51:

Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God! The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying? He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).
One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, a Stone).

The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Throughout this passage we see three people reaching their world in the same way - they led people to Jesus. John the Baptist points out Jesus to his (that is, John's) disciples and tells them to follow Him (that it, Jesus). Remember, John was quite the spectacle at the time.  Apart from the camel hair suits and grasshopper and honey diet, he was preaching about the soon to come Messiah and challenging the religious leadership.  At the time, the Pharisees were the pinnacle of religious goodness. And yet, John was not only speaking out against them (even calling them a bunch of snakes!), he encouraged his own disciples to stop listening to his own message and follow Jesus (not the Pharisees).  John's calling from before birth had been to proclaim the coming Savior.  And once he knew that Savior, he led others to follow Him.  

Likewise, we see Andrew, one of John's disciples, bring his brother Simon to Jesus. And, once Philip met Jesus, he eventually took Nathanael to Jesus, even though Nathanael was skeptical.  So, we see a very important aspect of ministry and missions.  Often we are very concerned about our own convictions, and even our denominations.  We focus on getting people to church or Bible studies.  We encourage them to listen to certain pastors/teachers, read certain authors, etc.  But, how much more if we would take them straight to Jesus - to talk about what He's done in our own lives, how He's changed us, and what love He's shown to us through the cross. The goal of reaching the world is not to make disciples of pastors, authors, or churches, but disciples of Jesus.  Furthermore, we in our personal lives need to know Him to bring people to Him. In order to lead others to a relationship with God, we must also have our own relationship with Him. The beautiful thing about Jesus is he never puts up a wall.  We can be as close as we want to Him.  And, He desires that intimacy with us - an intimacy that can't be found in religious actions. No, He wants us to know Him personally, not just know about Him. 

Therefore, let us come as close as we can to our God and Savior, Jesus.  Let's truly know Him that we can truly introduce the lost and dying world to Him.  Because, He is the way of Salvation for all.

To continue from yesterday's thoughts, we'll return to Psalm 1:

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners, 
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season, 
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgement,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, 
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

The first paragraph contrasts the follower of God from the worldly person, the second paragraph carries a comparison. The idea of a tree has multiple facets, and we'll explore a few of them.

First, the tree is planted by the rivers of water.  As mentioned yesterday, the godly person is dependent on God, just as the tree is dependent on the river.  There can be no tree without the water because the water has dissolved within it the minerals and nutrients needed to actually build the tree.  It's a strange thought, but the very building blocks, the atoms, that allow the tree to grow come from the minerals taken in from the roots.  In other words, without the water providing the minerals, there can be no growth for the tree because there are no building blocks from which the tree can be built.  In comparison, the godly person cannot grow in their faith or sanctification apart from God.  Furthermore, Romans 10:17 takes us deeper, saying "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." The river for the people of God to draw from - the source of that which builds us into the person God called us to be - is the Word of God. And, that which God has called us individually to be is the point of the sanctification discussed yesterday.  Therefore, we must draw from the Word to be sanctified.

Secondly, the tree produces fruit.  Not to be weird, but the sole purpose of fruit is plant reproduction.  The apple tree doesn't spend all its energy and effort to make sweet fruit for itself.  Rather, the sweet fruit attracts the animals which eat the fruit, and with it disperse the plant's next generation, the seeds.  The godly person also will produce fruit, spiritually speaking.  As we grow and mature, as we become more sanctified and conformed into the image of God, our lives should produce attitudes, actions, and responses that are attractive to those watching.  Our reactions to hard situations, how we deal with adversity, and especially our grace to those who wrong us are all the fruits the world should see in our lives.  It is through this that the seeds of our faith, the sharing of our hope through difficult times, can be taken and dispersed.  The mission field starts for us each individually in the fruits we produce.  And again, the building blocks for the plant come from the minerals in the water, and the same spiritual building blocks for spiritual fruit must come from the pure water of the Word.

Concerning unwithering leaves, I'd like to spend time discussing photosynthesis and things, but instead I'll keep it short.  From a ministry standpoint the leaves are a source of shade and refuge.  The godly person should be a place of refreshment and encouragement.  The fruit is attractive, but it is best enjoyed in the shadow of the tree.  And it's among the leaves where animals can find refuge from a harsh world.  We should be the same to the outside world. And, the larger the tree grows, the more leaves and shade is produced.  It is the same in our lives.  The deeper our roots grow into the Word, the more leaves we produce, and the more refuge we can offer! 

Lastly, we see another contrast in the third paragraph. The ungodly are like chaff, while the godly are like a tree. Chaff is the part of the plant or seed that is not usable. When harvesting wheat the seeds would be thrown in the air with a basket, that the wind may blow the chaff away.  This is very different than the deeply rooted tree.  The chaff has no stability.  It may seem harsh to compare people to unusable and unstable things, but the fact remains that apart from God, we really have nothing to stand on.  Our works become our own, and there's no eternal value to them. Our philosophies become founded on ever changing cultures and men's ideas.  Not so for the Word of God! It is stable and eternal.  As Jesus said in Mark 13:31, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words will never pass away." The beautiful thing about God is that, when we come to Him, He makes us something new, as it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new." The good news is this: God can turn chaff into trees! And, He's called each of us to be the fruit-bearing, shade-casting, ever-growing trees to spread that message to the world, whether in Walmart or Uganda.  We are all called to be witnesses and missionaries.  May we dig our roots in, that we may grow and fulfill that calling.

There's less than a week until the Mission Conference in Maryville, MO.  We thought we would share some thoughts concerning missions over the course of this week to not only set our minds on the conference, but also to share the Word. There is still time to RSVP if you're interested, either through the Here Am I Facebook Page, or email us at hereamiafrica@gmail.com! The conference will be held at the Maryville Community Center on November, 9th, from 8:30am-4:30pm. Speakers will include our very own David Spencer, Jeff Kennedy and Casey King of HERE AM I Ministries, and Greg Stout of Safe Water International Ministries. We'll have worship with JC Dirks and Eli Masilko. Plus, lunch will be provided! All are welcome to attend! Now, onto the the Word!

Today and tomorrow we're going to look at Psalm 1:
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners, 
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season, 
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgement,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, 
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Hebrew poetry often contrasts two ideas or themes.  In this case there's a contrast between those who follow the Lord and those who do not.  From the first paragraph we see what the blessed (or literally, "happy") person doesn't do, implying that the ungodly person does do these things. Ultimately, the blessed person is separate from the "wisdom" or ways of the world - not following the world's way of thinking (counsel of the ungodly), doing things the world's way (path of sinners), or judging as the world judges (seat of the scornful). On the contrary, the blessed person delights (or, longs for) the law (or, instruction/direction) of God, focused on it all the time, as the ways of God are also contrary to the ways of the world. In other words, the more we seek God and what He has for us, the less like the world our lives should look, if we truly want the blessing God has for our lives.

God has called all of His followers into a closer, completely dependent life with Him.  That alone is contrary to the world's ways.  We aren't supposed to need anyone! We're supposed to be strong and independent! But God knows our absolute need for Him.  And, He wants us to be dependent on Him. Why? Because His way is best for us! Blessing can't come apart from Him! (Just as the tree the blessed man is compared to in the second paragraph is dependent on the streams of water to bring forth the fruit, have unwithering leaves, etc.....but we'll get to that tomorrow!)

The bottom line is this: in missions, the ministry, and the life of the believer, God has called us to be set apart, or sanctified.  Sanctification means what we do, how we live, and how we deal with others is different than the world's way of doing things. And apart from being what's best for us, sanctification is the primary way the world can see the power of God in our lives. This is what Jesus was referring to in Matthew 5:14-16:

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Sanctification is key to really reaching the world, whether in our families, towns, or even in Africa.  Our lives must be contrary to the way of the world.  And, we pray God continues to lead us into that sanctification, that the work of missions God has called each one of us to, may be done God's way and in His power.

First, David has been to Africa and back in the last month. He and Hayzlee King spent some time in Uganda visiting HERE AM I Bible School and doing some children's ministry with Heartland Worship Center. The feeding program for the children is booming, and David and Hayzlee were excited to spend some time with the kids. Below are a few pictures and videos from their trip.

Second, we have a HUGE update on Rael. For those who may not know, Rael has lived with a broken hip for over a decade. She had a surgery to fix it, however it failed and her condition was made worse. You can read more about her story here. By God's grace the Mayo Clinic has agreed to see her! This means she is coming to the United States! We are currently waiting on her and her husband (Morrice) to get their new passports, which should happen in the next week. When she gets to the Mayo Clinic they will see her for 5-7 days and will have to stay in a hotel during that time. Then, a group of doctors will meet to discuss treatment options before they proceed. We are so thankful for the Mayo Clinic's help, and they have been very open and kind to the whole situation. We are asking for your prayers that the visas, passports, finances, etc. would all be met. We know this will bless Rael, but we also know Rael will bless all those she will come in contact with.

Next, we are holding a Mission Conference at the Maryville Community Center on November, 9th, from 8:30am-4:30pm. Speakers will include our very own David Spencer, Jeff Kennedy and Casey King of HERE AM I Ministries, and Greg Stout of Safe Water International Ministries. We'll have worship with JC Dirks and Eli Masilko. Plus, lunch will be provided! All are welcome to attend. Please RSVP through our Facebook page or email us at hereamiafrica@gmail.com. We'd love to have you join us!

Lastly, David will be returning to Africa for most of the winter. We are asking for many prayers for him as we continues the work at the school and reaching the lost with safe water and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you all for your support and prayers.

Many of you have been praying for and supporting Rael, and we have some amazing news! The Mayo Clinic has agreed to see her! At this time all we know is that they want to examine her and that, for the initial exam, they should plan 5-7 days. After the initial exam a team of doctors would discuss her condition, and a decision would be made after that on how (or if) they would proceed further. No date is set yet while they arrange all the desired appointments.

If you are unaware of Rael’s story, click here. This news is a huge answered prayer and we thank God for all He’s done in this situation. Our prayer for now is that His hand would be on all the visa paperwork, plane tickets, doctors, and for the ministry we know will happen through it all. Thanks to all for your support in finances and prayers!

Well, 2019 is approaching the 50% gone mark already. Time seems to fly by as you get older.  Ephesians says that we should be "Redeeming the time because the days are evil."    How am I spending my time? Each of us should ask ourselves.
    In January I ,(David), traveled to East Africa, spending time in Kenya in January and spending February in Uganda.   In Uganda I spent time teaching pastors and church leaders at HERE AM I Bible School in Bugiri  and we also traveled to one of the islands where we visited Pastor Stephen Opilo.  February also took us to Rwanda to share the Word of God and to tell people about safe water.
    In Kenya I taught at a conference in a community with Jesus Is Lord Safe Water Churches about unity of the Spirit and serving Jesus not denominations or man; seeking God to be glorified and not self promotion.
   Traveling home on March 18, I was accompanied by  Pastor and fellow board member Juma Fredrick Bwire of Uganda.  Juma was in the USA until traveling home on April 24th.  We traveled as far Philippi West Virginia to share about what God is doing in and through us. From West Virginia to Kentucky to Arkansas to Missouri and Iowa, were blessed to visit churches and schools and bible study groups and visit with a Rotary Club. Many miles driven and many friends made and good fellowship enjoyed all along the way.  We shared what God has us doing in East Africa and shared the Word of God.   
    Juma got to see and experience the USA and see many sights along the way. We visited The Ark Encounter, saw Gavins Point Dam,(not Gavin Cypret's) in South Dakota, visited Fantastic Caverns along the way.    A big thank you to all that hosted us and provided for us along the way. May God bless you.

NEXT UP:   We are planning a trip for September.  I feel that God is saying that there are others that should be going on this trip also. So I am planning for 6 people to visit Uganda.  If you are feeling the calling or the stirring of God on your heart to be going and wasn't sure where, maybe this is for you. We  will teaching at The Bible School and also working with children. So if you are called and gifted in either of these areas, contact us through the website. We also plan some outreach and possibly going to one of the islands,.   The cost of the trip for a group of 6 should be about $750.00 plus airfare.  Airfare has been from $750- 2500.00 The past 2 trips it has been at the 1400.00 range.  The $750.00 will cover all rooms, meals and travel in Uganda. 

Please keep this ministry in your prayers.

BE A BLESSING AND BE BLESSED.
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We finished a week of teaching at HERE AM I Bible School in Bugiri. Saturday the 9th is resting and preparing for Sunday service at Heartland church on Sunday.
Sunday night around midnight we will board a bus to Rwanda. We will be carrying 2 CPUs and meeting at a church that Musyoka Anaclet has worked with. We should return to Juma’s house late wed night.
On Friday the 15th we will work at Heartland Church with the school that they are operating in the village there.
Sunday the 17th will again be sharing at Heartland Church. Then another week of classes at HERE AM I Bible School.
After that e hope to go out to an island that 2 of the students at the school hail from.
Then I plan to return to Kenya on March 2 where I will be speaking at 2 conferences and some churches.
We are asking the Lord for property for the school, housing for guest teachers from USA, continued operating expenses and wisdom.
I would like to build an email mailing list also.

Thanks for serving with us and continued prayers.

David

Also, Juma will be visiting the USA soon. If you are interested in having he and David visit and speak at your church or group, please contact us! We’d love to spread the word about what God is doing!