Author: Jonathan Dodson

LEAD Conference 09

Posted on July 29, 2009

Here is a description of the LEAD 09 Conference, which I will be speaking at with Tim Chester:

The main theme of “gospel | community | mission” Lead09 is open to people of all ages.  We are excited to see the Church come together for Lead09, with people from high school to retired pastors; college students to pastors; lay leaders to paid staff.  Lead09 strives to not only talk about community, but display it.

If you sign up now, get a free copy of Total Church and entered into a drawing for an ESV Study Bible. I’m looking forward to returning to New England, working with the Josh’s, and speaking alongside Tim. I am just about to send the titles of my talks to LEAD.

Hope to see you there!

Returning from Uganda

Posted on July 27, 2009

This evening we fly out from Kampala, Uganda to Chicago, Il. This two week trip seems like it has been a month and a half, largely because we have done and seen so much, from village to urban African life. Our host, Pastor Gerald, has been very gracious, opening lots of minstry doors for the team. We have learned so much. Pray that the Spirit would help us process these important lessons, both for ourselves and for Austin City Life.

In the next few weeks we will have a Uganda presentation to share photos, videos, and stories of what God is doing in Uganda. I have also started blogging theological insights from the trip here. I can’t wait to see my family and to worship with ACL. Thanks to all who have prayed so dilligently. We escaped any serious sickness or physical hardship, and fought the fight of faith well. Grace has been upon us, underneath us, and before us. With you in the mission, Jonathan.

Uganda – Kampala UJV orphans

Posted on July 26, 2009

This blog is written by Tara Jamieson, ACL team member and Austin nurse.

Lord’s  Resistance Army

This morning we were blessed enough to visit an orphanage composed entirely of children, ranging in ages from 7 to 18, rescued from the intense conflict in Northern Uganda. This area is terrorized by the Lord’s Resistance Army, who kidnaps children from their families and forces them into slavery. Girls become part of the sex trade, and boys are made child soldiers. Often the Army kills the family in front of the children. The violence leaves indelible marks on the children, both physically and emotionally, and the children fortunate enough to escape battle the repercussions their entire lives.

Stories of Redemption

At the orphanage, we heard the testimonies of some of the children. Luna, an 18-year-old girl, shared her desparation in becoming responsible for her two younger sisters after her parents were killed. She ran to her uncle for help, but was told, “I am not a bank.” Chris shared with Justin how his parents and younger sister were killed in front of him. Luna said that at first, many of the children did not want to hear about Jesus, but after repeated exposure to the word of God, He opened their hearts to His gospel.

After the testimonies, the choir sang songs for us accompanied with dances. We bought CDs to bring back! The first couple songs proclaimed their newfound joy in Christ. Their smiles were the most sincere and joyous things I have ever seen. Their last song told their story, describing the loss of their parents and the war-torn country they came from, but ended with praise to God for saving them. It was so beautiful to see tangible results of God’s promise to reconcile all things to Himself!

Murmuring and Redemption

I have been reading Deuteronomy these last couple months and was reminded of a passage while watching the children today. After the Israelites were brought out of captivity, Deuteronomy tells of how they rebelled against God, “murmuring” in their hearts towards God, saying that is was because God hated them that they were brought out. I thought of how often I murmur against God, thinking that my sufferings have much more to do with God’s lack of love for me than His immense love for me. I am much like the Israelites in all areas of my heart. I saw today, though, that the children singing and dancing never thought to blame God for what has happened to them. Instead of anger, they felt gratitude. Instead of feeling like they were owed something by the God of the universe, they were humbled that He would look upon their sufferings and call them out of the pit.

Communal Insights from Africa

Posted on July 25, 2009

As we wrap up mission in Uganda, here are a few things I have learned from our experience. The church in Africa has many lessons to teach us, both through failure and success.

A worshipping church is a confessing community. We think of the church as a place an individual attends. Many Africans think of church as a building where people worship. Thier worship is exuberant and communal. Consider the familiar song: “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Africans sing this song, but make one important change—“WE will rejoice and be glad in it.” They lead off in worship as a community; they rejoice as a people, not a collection of individuals. This is a great reminder that worship is a communal activity. God doesn’t save individuals; he saves the Church. 

Just because we change our pronouns, doesn’t mean we changed our ecclesiology. Although there is a general communal emphasis in African culture. Kinship systems are extened families, not nuclear. More people are crammed onto buses and taxis. Shared meals in big gatherings. These things are great. However, true community is Christ-centered. All of these activities can happen without Jesus at the center. What Africa needs is the same thing the U.S. needs, gospel-centered community. People in relationship based on bold love, not undying need for social acceptance. The community in all of our churches hinges, not on how much we share but on what we share. To share food and finances is one thing, but to share the gospel is quite another. Communities that place Jesus in the middle are willing to confront one another in love, to tell the truth despite the consequences, to suffer together while pointing, not to the sufferings, but to the suffering Servant.