An army was concealed from their enemy that had them outnumbered by a whole lot. Yet, they weren’t really hidden; their enemy knew exactly where they were. They had them completely surrounded and were just waiting them out entertaining themselves by tormenting them. This invader was not only bigger; they were stronger. They had better weapons and were better trained. They even held the high ground. The army that protected a nation will face a sure quick death, by immeasurable horrible violence the moment they leave their hiding place. If they stay where they tremble then starvation will be their fate. Either way, at their death not only will an empire disappear from earth, but the wives, children, mothers, sisters they leave behind will be enslaved at best, but raped and then slaughtered when they fall as they run most likely. Humanity can be incredibly cruel, and there was no hope. There was nothing they could do.
A few months ago, Jimmy and I were sitting in the home-office of one of the heroes of the faith - Dr. Jerry Rankin, the president emeritus of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Of the hundreds of questions that we asked Dr. Rankin, this one stood out. I asked, “When do you know you have done all that you can for Christ? When do you know you’re done?” He replied as only Dr. Rankin can answer, “When you have done all you can do, you’re done.”
Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come on, let's cross over to the [enemy]. Perhaps the LORD will help us. Nothing can keep the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14:6)
International Missionaries for Christ is legally an organization. It is a registered 501c3 in the US, and a registered Non Governmental Organization operating throughout East Central Africa, but honestly it is much more than that. IMFC numbers thousands of rescued people of different races, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds working together to make a difference among the poor, the distressed, the displaced, the lonely, the lost peoples on the dark continent. All these people who claim to be associated with the IMFC are united in two things only - Jesus rescued them where they were, and gave them the vision that they can do something to rescue more people from the horrible place they find themselves. This ragtag group of thousands very much resemble the unnamed men from Cyprus and Cyrene, that are found in Acts 11:20. Acts 11:21 “And the hand of the Lord [is] with them, and a great number believe[d] and turn[ed] to the Lord.”
His armor-bearer responded, "Do what is in your heart. You choose. I'm right here with you whatever you decide.” (1 Samuel 14:7)
Standing on the side of the Indian Ocean just south of Mombasa, Kenya, after watching what God was doing in Satan’s strongholds throughout Uganda and Kenya, Jimmy and I were in deep contemplation, and we weren’t saying much. Finally the silence was broken first, by Jimmy. He said, “We are going to need $250,000.” I said, “No, I think we are going to need $2,000,000. This ocean will not stop these guys from running with the Gospel. They are going to take Jesus over there, and they are going to run as fast as they can.” Jimmy then said, “Then let’s go to work.” If you want to read what we have been doing, read the article Perhaps - The Plan (Part 2) directly below.
“All right,” Jonathan replied, “we’ll cross over to the men and let them see us.” (1 Samuel 14:8)