For today’s devotion, I’m going to ask for a moment of personal privilege. I don’t usually like making things “all about me”—but I hope this story will give you the little push you might need to take action on something you’ve been pondering!
I’ll admit, I’m sometimes a bit rusty on my Old Testament stories. Some of them I learned so long ago, and if I haven’t revisited them lately, the details slip away.
Take, for example, the story about the spies.
This past Sunday, we had the privilege of having Odongo Geoffrey from Acres of Hope with us. If you weren’t able to watch or listen, I encourage you to check it out by clicking below.
As we briefly talked about how it all began, Geoffrey referenced the story of the spies and said, “I always think of you as the two spies.”
Now, I’d heard him mention this on a past trip to Uganda, and when he said it then, I meant to go home and reread the story—but life happened, and I forgot.
So there I was, sitting live on video Sunday, thinking, “Crap! I should’ve read that story. I still don’t quite know what to say . . .” But I knew Geoffrey was referencing it as a compliment. (I was too embarrassed to ask, “Who were those spies again? I know it has something to do with the Promised Land, but beyond that . . . I forget.” And yes, if you’re a pastor or biblical scholar reading this, sorry to disappoint!)
Anyway, this week I revisited the story of the spies.
Geoffrey’s reference humbles me. But even more humbling? One of those two spies who had the courage to move forward was Joshua.
Guess what one of our foundational scriptures has been at West since we claimed it 13 years ago?
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NIV)
Those are the words God spoke to Joshua as he prepared to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses’ death. Those are the words God spoke to the leaders of West 14 years ago as we began the preparation for this movement which still IS a movement. It is so much more than a “church.”
When that fateful Easter week 13 years ago, people at Williamson’s Chapel and West gave $75,000 to build pod houses for Acres of Hope, I had ZERO clue about ministry in Uganda.
But we had met this amazing human being.
One who, despite horrific life circumstances, had sacrificed endlessly to bring hope to the hurting. He had already purchased land out of his own pocket and drawn up blueprints for this vision called “Acres of Hope.” All he needed were partners willing to walk alongside him.
Here we are 13 years later.
Geoffrey has a lot of partners now, and we hope that list grows even more.
He’s led that community in serving orphans and helping adults become self-sustaining. He pours into others so that his leadership doesn’t exist in a vacuum. And he continues to dream about where they need to go next.
So, will you be a spy?
On Sunday, I challenged all of us: give up something for the next 14 weeks.
And as I sit here, having been up since 4 a.m. with a crazy busy week ahead, I’m hungry. I’m tempted to open up DoorDash—which, of course, costs twice as much as it would if I just went out and got the food myself.
But instead, guess what? I’m putting $25 into savings for my Christmas Eve Offering fund for Acres of Hope.
I challenge you to do the same. Give up something—anything—and let me know what it is. (Don’t worry, I won’t preach or write about it—it can stay between us.)
What if we’re willing to be spies together, helping Geoffrey and Acres of Hope achieve their vision?
Come on, write me back—give up something. It doesn’t have to be Lent to make a sacrifice for the Kingdom.
AND . . .
Be sure to watch or listen to Pastor Geoffrey below—he will inspire you to take on your own “something.”
Imagine if we all do that “one thing”—think of what that could mean in making the world a better place!