Today I received a beautiful gift (see picture) from a pastor in Nigeria. It is a hand made garment for men to wear. The reason I was given this gift from a man I have never met, from a place I have never been, is he read my book "Noblesse Oblige" and wanted to express his gratitude for my writing the book. It is very humbling that a man from Nigeria would be blessed by something a suburban white American had to say.
How did he get a hold of the book? Well, a couple in our church bought the book for their son who was graduating from college. He in turn took a school related trip to Nigeria and brought the book with him. He gave it to the pastor whom he happened to be staying with. The pastor so enjoyed it he wanted to give a blessing to me. So the couple and their son met me at church today and gave me the gift.
I hope and pray that one day I can go to Africa. I want to experience the beauty of the land and the beauty of the people. I want to witness the hand of God upon the humble church in Africa. Maybe I can even meet the pastor who read my book.
I remember when I was writing the book having the thought:"I wonder if someone from Africa read my thoughts would it connect with them?" I honestly thought that! Well, I guess my question was answered. It is very fulfilling and humbling at the same time. I did not write the book to be rich and famous, but to grow in Kingdom influence. My hope is that it will continue to challenge people to spend their lives on what matters most regardless of nationality or culture.
Revelation 7:9-10
"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." NIV
