From the Concrete Jungle to the Jungles in Panama

Most of you know that for many years (roughly 12) I was an urban or hip-hop missionary in the concrete jungles of the city. We used rap music along with several other tools to reach a people group within the hip-hop culture. Rap music was an extremely powerful and effective (did I mention fun) tool in communicating the LOVE story of our Lord Jesus. I was able to witness thousands, if not tens of thousands of young people introduced to the redemptive passion of Christ. Many of which accepted or rededicated their lives to the Lordship of Jesus; yet many still did not. Through the thick and thin it was an honor and humbling experience that God would choose such an imperfect vessel to play an instrumental role in the lives of many in His sovereign plan for humanity. This ministry was a complete passion of mine; still is in many ways.

Several years ago I felt God leading me away from this ministry. It was a season of change. I was stubborn and at first glance it was difficult to understand or even conceive, for I have been a hip-hop missionary since my early adulthood. I noticed that I would grieve for the young people I would meet at festivals, concerts and outreaches. I saw such an unmet need in their lives and a lack of passionate youth workers. The few that were dedicated, God bless them, but most were not strategic or even relevant. Ultimately the burden became too heavy and I stepped away from hip-hop ministry to allow God to start shaping me for His new calling in my life. This journey alone is a separate blog in itself, but finally I believe I am seeing God unfold before my very eyes a new ministry, a renewed calling.

No, I’m not going to the jungles of Panama as a full time missionary. Are you kidding me, I’m a city boy. I don’t even know how to attach my sleeping bag to my hiking backpack. But I do have the distinct honor of helping lead a group of young people from the student ministry of my church. I am totally excited. We are a few days away from flying out to Panama. I have butterflies in my stomach; it feels like I will be called on stage in front of thousands in a few minutes to deliver a message that will change the lives of many, specifically the lives of an indigenous tribe in the jungles of Panama. But even more exciting and fascinating, I get to see God shape and mold the hearts of the very young people going out to minister. I don’t think they even have a clue

I will close with this; God is already at work in a context beyond the mission fields of Panama let alone the comprehension of the human mind. I have yet to go but already this trip has allowed for the opportunity for me to talk to my four year old daughter about God’s love for all people groups. This morning as I dressed her up for school I explained that daddy would be going away for ten days and that I would miss her tons. She asked “why?” I told her that daddy was going to the jungles of a country far away to tell a people group who possibly never heard of Jesus that God loves them. And to show them God’s love. To my surprise as the words “God’s love” rolled out my tongue she started quoting John 15:12.

Love each other as I have loved you.

From the lips of a four year old… I could not have said it better myself!