“By His (Holy Spirit) the disciples were promised the very ability to do the works of their Lord (John 14:12). In this light, evangelism was not interpreted as a human undertaking, but as a divine project which has been going on from the beginning and would continue until God’s purpose was fulfilled. It was altogether the Spirit’s work. All the disciples were asked to do was to let the Holy Spirit have complete charge of their lives.”

(Robert E. Coleman, The Master Plan of Evangelism.)    page 57

I’m wondering. How does one “let the Holy Spirit have complete charge” of our life?

“This present darkness” has never in my lifetime felt more present over this land. It feels horrifically, hauntingly determined. The people of God must, if we’re to withstand it at all, become exceedingly determined in taking the shades off our lamps and wiping away the soot.”  Beth Moore.

Wondering…Miss Beth, how do we “take shades off our lamps and wipe away the soot?” How do we do that in ways that makes a difference in 2018 America? I agree, but what are the mechanics?

I’m paying attention to the Caravans coming from Central America. Some are saying 14,000 are traveling in the first with three groups following. Christian Broadcasting Network has an embedded reporter. The “facts” of funding and purpose depends on who you believe. I saw an interview with a young man who seemed straight-forward honest. He said,

“Oh! There are criminals in this! But we are not all criminals. Some of us are looking for work—a better life….”

I’m trying to understand what Jesus would do if He were on the USA side of the Rio Grande. How would He instruct His followers to prepare for 4000-14,000 people? Some immigrants admit to having been here and deported. There are multiple nations represented apparently from every continent. Our country is The Promised Land the people are seeking. How do we live out “light on the hill” vision?

I think I have read all the “open borders” comments. Twitter is rife with anti-Trump and anti-government plans to repel what seems to be an assault to overwhelm our borders and then all of our institutions.

I have yet to hear a plan for processing these thousands into society, neighborhoods, jobs, schools, health care. “Just let them in” is national suicide—even if there are no planners of evil or lawlessness in the caravan. An alternative workable plan must accompany each criticism or protest!

I’m fascinated with the story of Rahab as she looks out her infamous window and sees the dust raised by hundreds of thousands of Israelites headed toward Canaan. Right past her hotel. At some point, Rahab had to say, “There is not enough room in my hostel to house that crowd!”

In an Illinois town, skateboarders gathered around the drugstore on Main street. The police chased them off. They weren’t doing anything illegal, they just made customers nervous. After they were chased away from several businesses, they flocked in front of the Methodist Church. The youth leader didn’t want cops to ask them to move on—he saw the youth sent by God to his front door.

Several months ago, a tentative “vision” began to form. What if God is sending those pilgrims to us? (I don’t know what to call them. Refugees? Immigrants? Illegal immigrants? Revolutionaries?) If we saw them in that light and became proactive to teach them what the American Dream is and how it is embraced—what if this is “giving every part of our lives to the Holy Spirit?”

What if we guard our borders with a plan to invest in these pilgrims?

I wonder! What if USA & Mexico draw up a covenant to vet these people on both sides of the border? Find 1000-1500 people with heart for their people, education, and willingness to learn. Let them tell us what the needs are from which they ran. Perhaps we can hire them—pay them—they say they are looking for work. If we are going to pay for their medical care, education, housing, anyway, then let it be an investment and not a dead-end cost. Equip them and then send them to their home lands to teach and live out “the dream.”

We will be charged with “colonialism.” Remember the caravan chose to come to United States of America, not Venezuela or Guatemala. These pilgrims have made a choice—they want capitalism—the American Dream!

Why should we give preference—either by the assault upon our borders or a choice to embrace the newcomers—to other nationalities while Native Americans live in terrible conditions? And veterans? The mentality on this subject has gotten crazy—this present darkness!

This may be America’s 4^th or 5^th Great Awakening—with the Kingdom of God experiencing great growth through evangelism and Kingdom life.

These suggestions may be cheesy, idealistic and naïve—perhaps ignorant, but they are plans. A proactive alternative to an aimless crisis.

I want to give my life to the Holy Spirit. I want Him to use my expertise and passion—whatever it is—so I can be solution provider as a member of God’s Kingdom. The view from Rahab’s window is staggering. Who will lead us? Who are the Joshuas and Calebs?

©2018 D. Dean Benton—a wonderer