I don´t know what´s wrong with me, but I can´t help it!  Maybe I need the help of a psychiatrist?    But I´m from an honest heart in love with the American people.  I hasten to add that when I speak of the American people, I mean that part of the nation I personally got acquainted with out in the open whenever I´m over there.  That doesn´t sound much, but to me it is.

Having said that I´m not as naïve as I used to be.  In the beginning I thought, “What a mighty country!  This is the country of know-how. God´s own country!  This is also the country with the cream of scholars!  Here´s where I can buy the best theological books!  This is the place where I´ll meet the best preachers!  And over there I shall meet my role models in soul winning!”

True I was naïve.  As I dared go out in the open to “meet America” with my heavy Danish accent, I soon discovered how lonely I was.  I didn´t understand why.  But I realized that the American Christianity by and large is confined to the church premises.  There you´ll find “spiritual” people.  Within the church walls all kinds of spiritual programs are running with good music, including the appeal to unsaved people  to “raise their hands” if they want to be saved.  I felt, spiritually, like a sparrow among hawks.

No, I´m not bitter, not the slightest bit.  On the contrary I found that as I shared my heart and vision with close friends “on the floor” they often responded warmly, - nay, so warmly that I almost got embarrassed. I showed them my simple card I hand out, and again the response is warm.  A brother referred me to a place in CA where I could get a beautiful “silver coin” with John 3:16 on it.  I got it in my own language and I´m using it now, hopefully to the glory of Christ!

But I´m not picking at the American Christians, for we have the same trend over here.  Within the church walls a lot of things are happening.  Outside the walls very little happens.  I said yesterday to a missionary couple from New Tribes Mission, Tony and Mary, at the moment in England, over the skype system, “I covet your prayers that the Lord will give me grace to be His mr. Joh.3:16 among my people. And also, of course, among my American friends as occasions arise.

I just this morning paused before Rom. 1:15 which I now pass on to you too, “ So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel…”  made.  Or as the Living Bible puts it, “To the fullest extent of my ability”.  My ability is limping and not much to speak of.  And yet His strength is perfect in weakness, - oh, what blessed gospel terms to go by!

July 17, 2012 – jn