Pastor's Blog
Fight On, Robert Lie! Posted 2.19.2010
How is your ministry mindset these days? Perhaps we ought to look around at the opportunities we have to serve God – and then just get going. Let me share the story of our dear friend, Robert Lie. We will overlook his excessive (but highly justified) interest in all things Trojan. We shall overlook the fact that he has now fully retired. We shall overlook the fact that he could spend the rest of his life happy and satisfied, that is, as long as this Layne Kiffin works out well. But we will not overlook the simple fact that God is at work in his life and Robert’s driving passion is to serve God fully and intentionally every day.
I might not get this story absolutely correct, but here’s the gist. After a long period of walking with God and seeking God for a place of significant kingdom ministry, Robert is leaving Palos Verdes to open an orphanage in Bali. He’s going home to invest in lives for the Jesus.
That is a huge step. That is a kingdom-focused step. Robert’s sister decided that with the needs she faced in her community, that she wanted to open an orphanage there in Bali. So, she asked her brother to help.
In the dialogue that followed, the story is this: Robert said he would help establish an orphanage, if that orphanage would allow the children to come to know Jesus as God and Savior. In other words, this orphanage had to reflect his faith and become a ministry for Kingdom growth in Bali. His Buddhist sister gave it some thought, and agreed.
And so, not knowing where this will lead, not knowing how to launch an orphanage, and not knowing the next step, Robert leaves this week. He does know the power of God. He does know the grace of God through personal experience. He does know he must strategically use the gift of life he has been given. What he knows outweighs what he does not know. And so he leaves this week for Bali. For two months. Or three months. But maybe four or five or six months. He leaves his wife and family. He leaves his creature comforts. He leaves to pursue his dream of serving God and touching lives for Jesus Christ.
Robert goes with my blessing. In the journey ahead, may we support the family left here. May we pray for him, that he would enjoy godly wisdom and grace to pave the way. May the Bible be the light on his path that he needs each day. And, may children know of the love and grace of Jesus as they find a home, a home that Robert builds. You see, the story of God continues to unfold.
And for us? May we continue to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives. May we hunger to use every moment to do the King’s business. And, may Robert’s tribe increase. All to glory of an awesome God. God speed, Robert Lie! And fight on for the Kingdom!
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