Rapt

I know I promised yesterday that my next blog would share what Christianity lost when it substituted a preoccupation with righteousness for learning to live in the Father’s love. Someone pointed out I’d already done that blog.  You can read it here.  I do have more I want to share on that, but it will come later.

Also, a new interview I did for the Rapt website was released today. In it, I answer eight very provocative questions that give you some unique insights into my life, most of which you haven’t heard before here.  Here’s what they said about the interview:

With books like The Shack, The Naked Church and Just Love, Wayne Jacobsen isn’t afraid to challenge the assumptions underlying the modern Christian church. Having experienced the transformation that comes with living authentically and truly loved by God, he now wants to share those life-changing experiences with others. In today’s conversation, he discusses how he cultivates intimacy with God, the projects and passions that are moving him and the resources that have ushered him into a deeper relationship with Jesus.

You can read the interview here.

But I come to you today with an urgent need in Kenya and an opportunity there.  Please know that I am careful to vet all the requests we get for support in Kenya. In addition, Sara and I meet many of them on our own and don’t bring them to you. So, when we do, it’s because the need is genuine and we would appreciate others coming alongside us to help with it.

First, the need. An orphanage has gotten behind in its bills and may have to close. The children have not eaten in a couple of days, and the staff have not been paid. There is a court hearing on Friday where bills have to be paid, or someone else will be making decisions for the orphanage. I am convinced the leadership is sound, but they simply got caught in some unforeseen circumstances that left them overextended. This need is critical, as is the timing.

Second, while I consider He Loves Me the most significant book I’ll ever write, I’m beginning to see that Just Love just may be the most consequential book I’ll ever write. The two go hand-in-hand. Until we know we are deeply loved by the God of the universe, even in our sin and brokenness, we will never know what it means to be saved by him. Most of us mistakenly believe that Jesus came to save us from his Father, when he came to free us from living in the brokenness of lovelessness and the injustice it causes in human relationships.

Just Love is the sequel I want people to explore. It shows how our focus on sin and shame has created a greater concern for personal piety instead of showing us how to explore life through love. If we let love overrun our hearts, not only do we find increasing freedom from our preoccupation with self, but we also become people who live justly alongside others. That’s how the kingdom is revealed in the earth as the natural expression of the way we live.

The two books are finding an ever-growing audience in Kenya, and there’s a demand for 5,000 copies of both books for leaders and, surprisingly, for public schools. Unfortunately, I can’t give them permission for He Loves Me, but I can for Just Love.  

Recently, I got this email from an educational officer in Kenya:

I recently came across your book, Just Love, and I have been greatly encouraged by its message.

As I reflected on it, I was reminded of the lessons that “Christianity is about relationship, not just rules,” that “God wants us to experience His life now,” and that “God’s Kingdom operates through love.” These truths continue to encourage us as we seek to share God’s love with others.

Mr. Jacobsen, as a team working within the Education Department in Kenya, we are doing our level best to reach the generation we call Gen Z, who are in universities, colleges, and high schools. Many young people today are quick to respond to conflict with anger, revenge, and violence. After going through Just Love, I am convinced that this message is a God-given assignment for this generation.

The lessons that “God’s love changes hearts,” that “love motivates lasting transformation,” and that “fear is not the foundation of spiritual growth” speak directly to the challenges our young people face. We have also been encouraged by the teaching that “God’s plan is to restore broken relationships” and that “loving others includes treating them fairly.”

The discussion about your book is continuing among our Education Department colleagues. As we share its message, more and more people are embracing the desire to obtain a copy. Many have been deeply touched by the truths that “the gospel transforms relationships,” that “God’s love should flow through us to others,” and that “faith affects every area of life.” We believe the message of forgiveness, reconciliation, and genuine love can help shape a generation that reflects God’s character and brings peace to our communities.

I would like to know whether it is possible to obtain copies of the book. I highly recommend that this book be made available for our students to read.

And Michael, our brother in Kenya also spoke about how this book is influencing Central Africa:

Since we began sharing the message of Just Love, we have witnessed conviction, healing, reconciliation, and genuine transformation in many hearts. This is not simply about reading a book and placing it on a shelf. We believe God is using this message to bring spiritual renewal. We do not know what the Lord intends to accomplish through Just Love. There are countless books written about love and conflict resolution, but perhaps God has chosen this particular message for such a time as this.

Our joy also is found in simply being faithful to the assignment the Lord has given us. We have already begun planning outreach throughout Kenya and into East and Central Africa, carrying the message of Just Lovee. Our greatest desire is not merely to distribute books. Rather, we long to build small groups where people can meet face to face, share their hearts, experience God’s love together, and then disciple others. Books become much more effective when they are accompanied by genuine relationships and discipleship.

Even if one day we have the opportunity to provide books to government institutions, our priority will always be to meet people personally, share the message heart to heart, and then place the book into their hands. Transformation happens through the work of the Holy Spirit in living relationships.

We need about $15,000 to address these two needs. If you carry this on your heart and would enjoy being part of it with us, please visit our Donation Page at Lifestream. Check the box for “Kenya Relief”. You can also Venmo contributions to “@LifestreamMinistries” or mail a check to Lifestream Ministries  • 107 N. Reino Rd, PMB# 411 • Newbury Park, CA 91320-3710. Or, if you prefer, we can take your donation over the phone at (805) 990-8780.

As always, every dime you send will end up in Kenya. We do not take out any money for our administrative costs.