Our board chairman, Edward Elliott, wrote this a couple years ago after returning from Africa. He's had these same thoughts several times since. He recently found the piece he wrote and shared it with us to share with you.
Let the Lion Loose
Edward Elliott
October 5, 2008
Some years ago – perhaps 35 – the young student sat in his West African seminary chapel. Some days ago – perhaps 35 – that seminarian, after a lifetime in the pulpit, recounted to me words spoken in that chapel. “Let the Lion Loose.” Those words roared into his spirit and provided inspiration and guidance over years of service to his God.
Those weren’t the only words spoken by Kenneth Taylor, author of The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes, translator of The Living Bible, mentor, friend, associate, publisher, writer of books whose words almost certainly impacted you as they have me.
I picture in my mind an oasis on the plains of East Africa. The animals are alert as they drink. For the lion is loose.
Oasis International looses the lion of words. Words about God, even the very Word of God. The seminarian, the village elder, the young man struggling to find his way in the crowded, unfamiliar urban jungle, the school child, all listen to the words. Perhaps the words are quiet, gentle as a resting lion, perhaps they roar into his spirit, perhaps they sleep in his soul to wake years later as a call to follow the Christ.
All of them are let loose in Africa by Oasis with the prayer that men and women, young people and children, will find in the words the way to Christ, the inspiration to follow him, the motivation to serve him with all their heart.
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