Dear Friends,

I was in Indonesia in May and took this picture of a row of Muslim vendors selling carrots to the tourists which flock to this particular area in the mountains outside of Jakarta. After spending a weekend speaking at a retreat, I was taken by a nice family to their beautiful home in Jakarta. After resting for awhile, we all went to a very upscale mall in downtown Jakarta to eat.

Near the mall was the national soccer stadium and the game had just concluded. Unfortunately the home team had lost the the fans were in no mood to celebrate. After eating we were just about ready to get in the van when the security people from the mall urged everybody to quickly get back inside. Apparently one of the guards had aggravated some of the already irate fans and they came charging to the front to the mall, breaking windows and causing havoc on the way.

From the sanctuary of the mall I watched the mini-riot took place. It was the first time I witnessed a riot and it was all quite exciting. It was over almost as soon as it had begun and in a little while we were able to go home.

When you come to think about it, nobody would be threatened by a carrot. They are quiet, keep to their place and silently wait for their ministry to end with a resounding crunch! On the other hand, because of sin, people are constantly causing havoc in the world. Daily we hear the news of pain, victimization, the human spirit running riot throughout the land.

Eat carrots. Be like a carrot. Minister in a gentle carrot way to the people around you today. Thus you will fulfill God's purpose of ministry in your life until He comes and stops the riots and we can go safely home.

August 9, 2010