In reality nothing could be further from the truth. In a world where the economy is affected by global sensi- bilities, political antics in the US change international thought processes, and fashion trends here have a global reach, we must move out from our little intellectual domains and domiciles.

The creation of international news mediums like BBC, CNN, FOX, and others have made the world—and every one in it—my neighbor.

Today a flood in Tibet can be seen in Tallahassee in a few short minutes. Everything from TV media to Internet chat-rooms have connected people from different parts of the globe with speed and haste. It is time for many of us grass-roots people to step up our way of thinking.

We as American, and Christians in particular, must begin to understand and respect other cultures and world views.

Further we must go beyond tradi- tional understandings of missionary work to understand that we have as much to gain by our associations with people from other continents as we do to give!

As I prepare to gather what some have dubbed the largest gathering of people of color” (not withstanding that many Caucasians, Hispanics, and other ethni- cities who will be joining us) to go at one time back through the middle pas- sage, I am so excited.

I am sure most of you realize that Mega-Fest has always been an Interna- tional meeting. We normally draw some five to ten thousand international dele- gates from around the world, even when it was in Atlanta. We historically translate each message into two or three languages for those who attended the Georgia Dome event but didn’t speak English.

God blesses America but John 3:16 says that He so loves the world not just our country! I am learning that South Afri- cans are far more interested in trade than aid.

In fact I recently heard some stats that were amazing. They said that 1% of increased trade would be more valuable to South Africa than all of our foreign aid currently given to HIV/AIDS relief and all other humanitarian efforts combined!

Yes there is a buzz in the United States about Mega-Fest and the fact that it is being hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa this year. Thousands of brochures have gone out, deposits are coming in, and many have already paid their full fees in anticipation of a great experi- ence. I am hearing from more than my normal base of attendees. I realize that some of them, due to our economic fluc- tuations, cannot make such a trip across the Atlantic to discover the rich heri- tage, food, dance, and ambiance that will leave us talking about this to our grand- hildren.

To those who know the value of this opportunity and are willing or able to make the sacrifice---this is going to be awesome. I am hearing from pastors, poli- ticians, educators, news reporters, busi- ness leaders, and students.

I want to say a word about the busi- ness piece of this puzzle as this web site is designed to be where faith and finances intersect. One of the first black billionaires after the apartheid in South Africa is hosting a wonderful business mixer for us while we are there.

He will amass South African business leaders and entrepreneurs at this event. It is going to be a smorgasbord of oppor- tunity for serious investors and those who understand global economy, and the chance to import or export materials, for or from, your own business.

International business is what the big boys have been doing for years!

And then there are the saints who want to have church on another continent and hear worship in different languages and styles. Bishop Noel Jones, Pastor Paula White, Bishop John Francis, singer Israel Houghton, and yours truly, along with a host of others are coming together for power and renewal.

This is going to be church on ster- oids!!! What power. What ministry. What an experience.

We are going to have an incredible time renewing a conversation with our South African brothers and sisters. For people of color this will be healing moment to reflect on the fact that our ancestors left through the gate of no return, chained and shackled, and told that they would never return; and now we are going back in 747 jets to celebrate the fact that we did survive.

That alone is healing to the souls of those who share my ancestry. It is an amazing experience to set your feet on soil that smells of your ancestors and is rich not only in natural minerals, diamonds and gold but also rich with opportunities.

By the way, you ladies could do some real shopping…I still have some very nice cuff links from my first trip. I got them for very little and I smile every time I wear them! I got a really great deal, too!

But the real jewel is the glistening opportunity to touch history that our parents would have never dreamed possible and my ancestors died wishing to see the motherland again!

But let’s not make this myopic, my friends from Venezuela and Columbia are coming, my faithful supporters from the United Kingdom as well as Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, the Caribbean Islands, and so many other areas. As you know, Africa is the motherland to all humanity—the cradle of civilization.

Remember the old adage---“the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world!”

Let’s rock this cradle in October like it has never been rocked before!

The oldest human remains ever excava- ted are from Africa. The biblical garden of Eden was from the continent of Africa and we are going home for a taste of his- tory and a drink of destiny.

We are going to have church. We are going to have fun. But most of all we are going to have taken God up on his offer to enjoy the planet.

What is really lighting my torch is the enthusiasm I am starting to hear from South Africa about our planned arrival. We are building The Potter’s Houses for Children, a wonderful under- taking—houses being built for children whose parents are deceased from HIV/AIDS.

We are investigating opportunities to build water wells in rural areas where access to clean water is an issue. But you must realize that tourism is our greatest gift to the country. The more of you who sign up to accompany us on this trip are giving a gift to the economy that is sorely needed.

Going with us insures that you get the benefit of our collective influence and our extensive work in choosing hotels that are reputable, and having support from the South African government is quite helpful in insuring a pleasant experience. Our involvement with and support from the US embassy and the team of security with which we move also help to insure a great time.

But what has my passions on level high is the excitement I am hearing coming across the waters as people of faith over there have been waiting for us to acknowledge that God is not just the God of the US but of the entire earth, and He has given it to all of us to enjoy and experience.

Wouldn’t it be a tragedy for you to live and die with a gift of the world in your hand and you settled for a lifetime of traveling around your town?

If not now then when? This is a lifetime opportunity.

I would like to pray for those who need a financial breakthrough to go, a good babysitter, the time off work or whatever hindrance to be moved.

I know everybody can’t go and some may not care to go, but I just have a feeling this is going to be so much fun flying together, shouting and shopping together, praying and learning together. Once we are there I have worship leaders from four different countries leading us into the presence of God!

I guess you can tell I am thoroughly enthused! But generally when I am this elated about something God always blesses it. I want you to go. How I pray for you to hop the lake and hang out with me in South Africa?

So let any "extras" appearing in your script know---"they in UR movie"---just fo' the sho'...or you can give up a buck or two. ;)

Until next time, Bishop Jakes