Africa 2010 - Matrix Moments at Heathrow

February 7th, 2010

There is certainly desires in my heart for this trip. I discern that there is a period of me simply releasing a vice-like grip on my future – especially with regard to driving our business. There is almost nothing I can do to add to this equation from Africa – Ignition Garage has been kept in competent hands with Mike and is indeed experiencing a level of growth that we both believe would not have happened had either of us not answered this call. Mike is acting as our mission control – in the sending, organization, and coordination of efforts stateside. Kathy has also in all matters practical. We go with a full compliment of coverage into a known and unknown land.
Malcolm and I walked through several terminals at Heathrow this morning (at a ridiculously early hour, 4 am I think), experiencing multiple Matrix-ey moments. We expected the trainkeeper to hop out of a train at any time, as we walked down deserted concrete tubes. It was a surreal experience. However in our walking and talking, we covered much ground. We do tend to go to the deeper places when given time, context, and free reign. Much of the conversation is “Why are we here?” “Why are YOU here?” “What is the LORD doing in this?”. They are thoughts worthy of the time we spend on them.

A few takeaways from that walk:

Why are YOU here? (Brett)
The Lord has called and I am in the answer. He is unveiling the ultimate why in His time.

However, a few answers are:

To cover Malcolm’s back during, before, and after the teaching. The Lord had shared this with me even prior to a discussion a month ago when we got together to discuss the trip. The important message here is that no man can do this alone, and if the prayerful listening is going to be done well, it will require Malcolm to know that his 6 is covered. We have experienced several instances already of interference – the spiritual kind where the radar is pinging and we are stopped in our tracks.

A calling to a new level of Leadership. The Lord is unfolding what this is as I walk. Here, in this place, there is ought else that I can choose save an intentional surrender to His directing. My best efforts in teaching spiritual & business teachings to beautiful people of Kenya are misguided at best. I am a man with skills and relationships that has value to transfer, but it must be in a proper placement, where I understand the right relationship in the veil between Heaven and Earth. This point is for me, though, is to understand more directly His voice and His intentions for me, my family, my business and the vision I might so carefully craft. He must be Lord of All, or He is Lord of nothing. Leading with authority is the easy part – leading when the vision communiqué has been received, and no sooner, is the harder.

To receive a proper understanding of Stewardship. A significant part of this trip is about the Biblical teaching of stewardship, where the power of the application of gifts and resources, transforms nations. The common (and wrong) rules dictate that Power Rules and Poverty is Forever and that To Receive it to Consume. Each of these is not of God, nor is it effective in transformation. The Lord is calling us to dwell in the uncomfortable causality of the world’s rules, to understand the enslavement it creates, and how to teach and own the laws of God that frees the shackles of men.

To find Joy. I prayed to the Lord that He would lead me to a place of peace, rest, and joy in my spirit again. I had become aware a few months ago that since October of 2008, I have held onto a desperate and clinched hand. I have walked with this clenching unknowingly, but my body and spirit has paid the inevitable toll. The New Testament advises us to “Be anxious about nothing, but in all things, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God”. And “This is why I tell you: do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn't life worth more than food? And isn't the body worth more than clothes? Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren't you worth much more than birds?”

Linna and the family are my amazing joy while this Husband/Dad/CEO works it all out. And I battle (like I am sure most husband/dads/workers) the balance where I need to keep the priority reserve energy bank high - that I don't spend all of my energy or devotion prior to getting home. Linna certainly is my recharger. And playing with my kids - ah, that feeds my spirit. Being away from them in this is like a fast from something amazing, I don't like it much, but the Father who ultimately has our destiny in His hands is able to use it in transformational ways.

Music: Sara Tevales (Portuguese). Sang me across the Sahara and into the Southern Hemisphere for the first time in my life.