I used to be the person who would always slam American Christianity and proclaim that other countries had it together. I no longer shout that with great conviction (Now, I just whisper it). I have noticed that each country, people, sub culture, hemisphere, and tribe has a particular way of doing things that would be hard to justify in scriptures. These are things we need to handle in love and wisdom.

But I can't help but acknowledge the challenges that slap me each time I leave the country and see how people exercise their faith.

I've decided to share a few things that rocked me:

• Americans (or just me) constantly think from the perspective of "Save the Day" or "We have the answers."

This possibly can be interpreted as a form of colonization or imperialism. It's easy for one group of people to look at another group of people's resources and think because of what would seem to be limitations in our paradigm means limitations in theirs. I was compelled to challenge some of our South African brothers and sisters to believe that GOD has blessed them with the same spiritual capacity (ACTS 1:17,18) that he has blessed us with. However, they can continue to import western philosophy, but they must create a South African legacy in light of the gospel. It would be easy for me to say, "Yeah, just buy my cds and pass them around," instead of trying to train capable musicians there. I would prefer they create their own musical identity, which would translate into a more meaningful impact, and movement for Jesus.

• We are all made in the image of GOD.

Racism, apartheid, slavery, denominations, tribalism, the Holocaust, caste systems and the Indian Removal Act were all formulated under the selfish mindset that one particular person is more superior to the other. If we saw each culture, people, and nation being established for the glory of GOD, then we would be able to appreciate the beautiful differences GOD created in us all. "When the believer begins to grow tired of celebrating our differences, then he has also grown tired of looking at the Cross"-Adam Thomason

• There are spiritual ramifications to all things.

When a man is seen as less than a man, what makes you think that he will believe there is a GOD in heaven that cares for him? That's a hard wrestle. I've experienced this. Cultures are reproducing this nihilism within themselves, because they have no hope in eternity. Therefore, they also don't value anything on earth. The contrast can be that too many times all that they do value is on earth, which becomes idolatry. The gospel is powerful enough to destroy these lies, but first we as believers have to not only believe this but also experience this. One way to experience it is to serve in communities, cultures, or nations different from your own.

• Make every effort to visit another country.

Blueprint Church just had a guest speaker who came through and challenged us on missions. He stated how much he hates it when people use the word “missions” flippantly to communicate some trip they are going on that really sounds more like a vacation. I don’t want to sound pretentious; however, I do agree that many people use the term missions out of context. Often times we use it to sound spiritual amongst friends and other times it’s the colloquialisms Christians have created. I just want to challenge all people to experience life outside their context. But to also experience the grace of GOD displayed in ways that are foreign to you. Whether or not it’s in the 10/40 window (the most hostile areas towards opposing religions) is not my call to place in your life. But I challenge all to die to themselves and lose their life for the sake of the Gospel and others. Then, you will truly know what it means to see GOD's heart for the nations.

I could stay in America for the rest of my life, or I could become a missionary in a hostile country. No matter the location, God has called us to serve. He has called us to die to our selfish ways and prejudices. He has also called us all to love each other unconditionally. There is no way out of these commands.

Here is a video of our team performing "I See the Lord" at a Bible college. I hope it encourages you. (We had to make adjustments, so it's just vocals and a guitar.)

I See The Lord (Cape Town Remix) from sho baraka on Vimeo.

“Excuse me, but is my banner blocking your view? Believe me, I raise it with the best intentions.”
by (some dude I know)

{Due to confusion the (*) denotes a correction}

I have hurt many people because they didn’t believe what I believed. Not that they didn’t believe Jesus was God or that salvation came by grace through faith. It wasn’t because they * thought the Holy Spirit wasn’t God or that the Bible wasn’t the final Authority.  It wasn’t debates over the eternal existence of the Godhead.  I’ve smashed them because they believed that they could call their pastor “Bishop”.  I’ve sparked arguments over Christians working in Non-Christian markets.  I’ve called people out at conferences because they don’t share my method of discipleship.  I’ve blasted people because they actually wanted to study for a test rather than go to a bible study. Well I’ve grown a lot since last week! I’ve come to learn that some people have the freedom to exercise their faith differently than me. (Romans Chap 14,15 and 1 Cor 6:8-13)

I’ve also come to learn that some people don’t want you to think. Some individuals would rather you just adopt their philosophies and move on. I am not that person. I believe one of the many things Christians should do more is think.  I want people to challenge my beliefs to keep me sharp, although I do believe I am correct 98% of the time. The other 2% is when my wife corrects my improper grammar. My point is to express the enormous disdain I have for Christians who smash other Christians for not having the same stances they have.

I do believe some teachings are essential to confront (Titus 1:9, 2 Tim 6:3-4). There is a matter of how we confront that issue which is equally important. The question is, do we confront in Love? Is the issue even worth confronting (Mark 9:38-39)? Is this an issue where I should submit to the weaker brother (Romans 15:1)? 

The one burden I’ve had recently is hearing people use the argument of wise men to fight their battles and not the scriptures. I know some wise men. Some of these wise men quote other wise men. In principle, I will never grow tired of hearing wise men quote wise men. What does concern me is when people who follow some of these wise men filter their information and allegiance improperly. I believe some individuals name-drop because it saves them from actually having to communicate what they believe. As long as I associate with this person you should know where I stand. These people don’t actually study and learn what they believe; consequently they just become clones quoting their favorite wise man.

The reason I bring this up is because this effects how we communicate our beliefs to those who believe differently. When you do not have a proper grasp on what you believe, when you attempt to defend your stance, the first thing to go out the window is gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).

I remember a friend of mine attempting to call out a very intelligent Pastor about his method of prayer in a laymen’s class. My friend quoted a famous dead pastor in his rebuke. The Pastor didn’t tell him he was wrong or proceed to kick him out of the class. The Pastor simply asked, “Have you been to any of the corporate prayer times this year?” My friend said no and the Pastor followed that up with, “Well Sir, you’re just quoting a Dead Man.” 

We all knew what he meant by this statement. This pastor didn’t have time to debate men who didn’t even understand the depth of information he was quoting. If your going to tell me about your method or philosophy then you better do it with respect and love, as well as understand it.

Sometimes we are just quoting dead men. We need to understand every human being has flaws. Every wise man has taught or done something he regrets. Some have repented and some have not. There are some things on my last album that I regret saying.  One thing I feel like I have together is my understanding of men. I know that men are fallen and I put my faith in Jesus Christ alone. Not my pastor, not “The MAN of GOD”, not the prophet, not the Bishop, not my favorite author, not Reach Records and not any dead men.  I appreciate their contribution to the faith but I will place my faith in the one who is living. 

If I use their resources it will be an added pearl to the understanding I should gain in scripture. If I adopt their philosophy I should make sure I’m not fighting for the integrity of them alone but the integrity of the scriptures and biblical truth. If someone disagrees with the wise man I quote or even myself, I will not drag their name through the mud or dismiss them as non-solid as long as it is an issue outside of “Essentials”.

Ultimately, I’m asking us to Preach with Fire, Love Unconditionally, be careful with the Axe and always have an extended Hand.

Below are some questions to help challenge us.

Questions?
1. When I communicate my beliefs, am I just recycling the quotations of my favorite author, pastor or artist without a genuine grasp of their stance? Or Do I communicate it with an understanding of truth in the scriptures of GOD?
2. Is the incorrect doctrine that I believe this person is teaching, something that disqualifies his or her salvation or the salvation of those who follow them?
3. If I believe someone is teaching wrong doctrine, am I attempting to reconcile him or her in love or just attempting to embarrass him or her by proving how ignorant his or her stance is? 
4. Do I believe this because it makes me feel better or because it is what the Scriptures teach?
5. Before I smash my brothers Banner do I know what he believes? Or Am I just going off what others have told me?
6. Is your beef a Biblical or a Cultural debate? If cultural, are you willing to die on the hill for that stance?

Apa Kabar, Reach family? That’s “What’s Good” in Bahasa Indonesian. As some may know, I was blessed with the opportunity to see Yahweh’s sovereign hand move in Indonesia.  Json and I spent two weeks in Papua, which is a province of Indonesia.  When I committed to the trip I had no idea what Papua was like or what an international (mission) trip would be like.  The LORD began to work on me from the word go. Faith to believe that I could receive my passport in time, because I was born in Canada, I had to go through tons of red tape. Faith to believe I could financially afford the trip, after support fell through.  Faith to know GOD would give a peace to my wife and family. I needed faith not to fear the planes crashing in the seas or being hijacked.  Challenged to believe that I wasn’t doing this for public approval, but for private worship.  But there was one thing I did expect.  I did expect to be more impacted by the people, circumstances and positions I was put in rather than thinking this American scholar was coming to fix all of Papua’s ills.  Even though, I was told repeatedly how encouraging Json and I were to the locals, I definitely believe they did more impacting than they know.  One of the most encouraging things was being told how happy they were to see brothers of the same skin color come to their land and serve.  We were the first Black missionaries (if you will) to come to their church.  I don’t want to sound as if I have come back with all the answers to church struggles but I would like to share four things that challenged me the most.

1) Persecution
• The Struggle: When I was told we were going to Indonesia, the highest populated Muslim country in the world, you could only imagine the thoughts that were running through my mind.  Then on top of that we were traveling during the Muslim holidays of Ramadhan.  By this time I had already made a commitment to go, so backing out would have only shown my fear to lose my life (Matt 16:25).  Then having Paul Washer tell Json and I, “he would see us in heaven,” once we told him we were heading to Indonesia during Ramadhan didn’t help any.
• GOD’S Glory: Two things could have come from this struggle. I could have either retreated from the idea of Persecution or I could realize that this life is not my own (Gal 2:20) and that my life is “literally” a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1).  Praise GOD that by his grace he gave me the real courage I rap about to fear neither weapon nor man. Once I caught that perspective my heart was free from fear of death or persecution. Although I wasn’t going to run through a mosque smashing idols, I didn’t shy from sharing with Muslims.
• Application: Don’t just rap about it, be about it. Live unashamed!

2) Prayer
• The Struggle: Having a higher education, decent jobs and freedom of religion, in the states can sometimes interrupt your dependence on GOD. Because of our resources and freedom, we can easily go to and fro eating; drinking and being marry without really trusting in GOD for everything.
• GOD’s Glory: I never prayed so hard before in my life, until this trip (Phil 4:6-9). The reality of possibly losing your life will bring you to your knees and make a real man/women out of you.  Also knowing that I got my shots and pills a week later than recommended really changed my prayer habits. (Lord keep me from illness, but if not to you be the glory) (LORD protect me from harm, but if not to you be the glory) (LORD this trip is going to put a dent in my account, but to you be the glory)... this trip changed the way my wife and I prayed forever.  I will never forget the night I left for the airport and my wife prayed the realest prayer I have ever seen.  With tears in our eyes and hugging each other, she offered me back unto the LORD (as not to make and idol of me) something like Hanna did with Samuel (1 Samuel 1&2).
• Application: GOD is concerned with everything, so pray about everything; therefore the Peace of GOD will guard our hearts.

3) Community
• The Struggle: I come from a church were we preach heavy community. Some people have even called our stances “Cultish”.  We believe Christ established the church for the purpose of using our Gifts to edify one another for God’s glory.  So everything should be done with the idea of “We” not “I”. But many times I see the structure well planned and thought out but the heart is far from him.  I still struggle with believing that nothing is mine but all is his for the use of the body. (Act 4:32) I don’t share all things with my brother. I’m not authentic and transparent with my brothers and sisters. I sometimes feel that I own my disciples and are solely responsible for their growth.  Sometimes I’m more concerned with rapping, bills and if Barcelona won this weekend (Yes I’m a soccer fan)
• GOD’s Glory: My heart behind community changed. I saw real biblical community. People living together. People sharing in all things. No body in need. The lack of concern for excess. Even the ways they read and study their bibles are more community driven than us. They literally lived out Acts. (Acts 2:42-47)
• Application: Pray that GOD changes my heart for community. That I would humble myself daily and serve my community.  Relieve myself of unnecessary responsibilities that remove me from community.

4) American Mythology  
• The Struggle: I think as Americans we can mistake wealth, industrial progression, and comfort as forms of Godliness.  While they are not necessarily bad things, they can most definitely be detriments to our growth and character. How often do we make proclamations like: GOD has blessed America or America is a Christian nation.  In many countries on the East you can see the affects of imperialism and commercialism.  And that also rings true in Western churches as well as mission.  There are famous stories of Dutch missionaries in Papua who came and just built pretty elaborate churches but did not invest in the people.  Json and I struggled with the idea of coming not to changed their structures and philosophies but to change the hearts of the people. I found myself getting mad at some of the testimonies only because “We wouldn’t do that in America”.
• GOD’s Glory: After praying with Json two nights into the trip, GOD opened our eyes to the reality that these are different people with different struggles and they will not conduct church or life in that manner the same way we do. After being rocked by the hearts of these people, I began to think, why do we send missionaries to places like Papua? They need to be sending missionaries to America. While I was wondering does anybody in the church know what T.U.L.I.P is? They were wondering how to gather enough money to pay for a sister medical operation. 
• Application: Be careful with exalting the means over the end…or GOD. Structures, ideologies and philosophies are good but not godly.

I understand some of these statements are broad and a bit hasty.  Every country, culture and fellowship has his or her problems. But I do believe this is a common struggle for Americans and westerners of the Faith.  I do not believe all individuals are called to overseas mission. But I would challenge those capable of taking a mission trip do so. It may not challenge you the way I was, but I know it will challenge you. To GOD be the glory. Puji Tuhan (Praise the LORD)
Random Stuff about the trip.
• Json and I got to fly a Cessna Plane
• I ate two worms to Json’s one and a half (Cooked worms) but my man Andrew ate two live worms so that put us both to shame.
• We performed three concerts to a total of about 8000 people.
• We got to build with one of the top rappers in Indonesia “Saykoji”.
• We fell in love with Papua…permisi permisi

check my myspace.com/shobaraka for pics of the trip.

Saya Cinta Yesus Christo,
Sho Baraka