“NOT GUILTY”, One Christian-American Black person’s perspective and response to the recent exoneration of George Zimmerman

Let me preface my response by stating that I do not claim to speak for all Black people, pastors or every Christian due to the array of feelings and perspectives conveyed in this high profile case.

First, there is a plethora of emotions from every end of the spectrum concerning the recent outcome of the State of Florida vs. George Zimmerman that rendered him full exoneration of the shooting death of young Trayvon Martin with the announcement of the two words heard around the world – “Not Guilty”! As a Christian-American who happens to be Black, I am a husband, a dad of four adult sons, two adult daughters all between the ages of 21 &25, a grandfather of three grandsons, and to top it off, a pastor. To hear such a resume can lead many white or non-Black people reading this response to pre-judge my reaction to such a shocking verdict, ending the saga of the Trayvon Martin story, as unjust and unfair. However, I write this response as a Christian-American Black person (the order of my Heritage is intentional for this article) and is meant to convey the true sentiments of my heart. 

My initial reaction to the verdict was that of shock, though I expected a similar outcome or possibly a manslaughter conviction based on in my opinion, a lack of evidence needed for a conviction. The verdict propelled my emotions to go in many different directions. First, my heart went out to Ms. Fulton and Mr. Martin because their son is dead and the person responsible is not guilty of taking their baby from them. I thought of me, my own sons, and the times we were profiled by others just because we are black. Next, I thought about the jurors who were mandated by the law and judge to remove their emotions and deliberate the evidence presented to them based on current law. I to was given the same instructions as a juror in a murder case a number of years ago. The outcome of that case still haunts me today at times. I thought about the many black people, especially the older ones who lived through Jim Crow era and the overt racism allowed in this country during those times that will see this case as a set back or reminder of dark days in the past. I even thought about George Zimmerman whose life will never again be the same for killing the young man who in the minds of many has now become the new face of racial injustice, young Mr. Trayvon Martin. After I endured the emotional aspect of the case and verdict as a black person who himself has been profiled, called the “N” word, and given sub-par service in restaurants, the Christian-American side of me kicked in. I thought about this story. Follow me for a moment. A man profiles another man of a different race and claims that he is tired of members of this other race doing things to hurt or plunder his neighborhood. He confronts the person and eventually kills him and is charged with murder, but is eventually set free by a justice system that is unjust and unfair. George Zimmerman? No, Barabbas, the man who profiled Roman soldiers or citizens because he was tired of them plundering his Jewish neighborhood and murdered any Roman person he could when opportunities presented itself. Ironically, I immediately thought about the gospel and how it reveals that Jesus, an innocent man, is murdered while the one responsible, Barabbas, goes free. At last, my mind thought of my own sins of the past. Sins that include profiling, unforgiveness, impure thoughts, and many others I care not to mention. I find that the list of sins in 1 Corinthians 6:9,10 impugns all of humanity resulting in overwhelming evidence of guilt as an offender of God’s holiness. Yet I find hope in the 11^th verse that really spells out a verdict of “Not Guilty,” and being justified freely by our Judge’s grace. So for me, a Christian-American Black person, the George Zimmerman case moves me to look at my own sins. Unlike Mr. Zimmerman who came into the courtroom with a presumption of innocence requiring the State to prove otherwise; I came into the courtroom of heaven with the overwhelming evidence of guilt for sins past, present, and future. Yet, a Holy God charges His Son with my sin, convicts Him of them, and sentenced Him to death in the cruelest way possible and pronounces over me a verdict of “Not Guilty.” It’s not fair or just in my opinion, but it is love displayed in its highest form (John 15:13). How can I then demand justice for Zimmerman when true justice for me is death and hell? Don’t get me wrong, there should not be laws or a culture of hate allowed in this or any country that provides a green light for people to take the life of another unjustly. Responsible leaders and citizens should make every effort to correct any disparities or and every unjust law. As for me, a Christian-American Black Pastor, I choose to correlate all current, past, or future events in light of the cross of Christ. The Apostle Paul declared that he did not want to know anything amongst the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 2:2) except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. So as a minister of the Gospel, it is my opinion that my voice should be used to redeem situations and outcomes such as the Zimmerman case and point people to the cross and the “Not Guilty” verdict we all enjoy as believers in Christ. 

For my non-Black brothers and sisters, do NOT minimize or dispel the hurt and pain many Black people are experiencing because of this high profile case. If you are in relationship with or know any Black people, acknowledge the historical realities of racism in America and the unjust rulings and adjudications from racist courts and judges of yesteryear. It would also be wise to not celebrate Zimmerman’s exoneration for that would be heartless and insensitive. This case reveals the covert hatred and racism that continues to exist in this nation. But as Christian-Americans, we should point to the cross and the historical document unique to American culture which states that “All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights…!” I find then that true justice will never be experienced on this side of heaven. It can only be fully realized at the cross of Christ, a begotten Son who was killed unjustly and mercilessly at the hands of a guilty person like me. Oh how Jesus loves a sinner like me, to declare the person responsible for His death, "Not Guilty"!

Summary and Speaking Points:

• Do NOT minimize or dispel the hurt and pain many Black people are experiencing
• Acknowledge the historical realities of racism in America and the unjust rulings and adjudications of the past
• Do Not celebrate Zimmerman’s exoneration for that would be heartless and insensitive
• Acknowledge the realities that hatred and racism continues to exist in this nation
• As Christian-Americans, we should point to the cross
• True justice will never be experienced on this side of heaven
• The death of Christ is where true justice is realized
• We are all as guilty as George Zimmerman making us an equal sinner as he is
•  Jesus loves you and renders the verdict of “Not Guilty” to everyone who believes in Him

Grace and peace from God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, to all those who read this one perspective from a broken, messed up, knucklehead of a sinner like me and allow me to live and lavish in my exoneration by Jesus Christ, the great Judge, with the unjust verdict of “Not Guilty” making me justified and clear of all of my sins!

David Outing, Lead and Teaching Elder

H.I.S.CHURCH of Orlando

www.his-church.info & hischurchorlando@gmail.com

LaPaz, Bolivia - South America Missions Trip 2013

DAY 8 - Friday July 5th
Our last day in LaPaz, Bolivia.  It began with going to a city view point, looking out over the city with praise and worship before praying a blessing and benediction over the city.  Afterwards we went shopping and later went to a steakhouse for a group meal.  At 3:45am we prepare to leave for the airport.  We are scheduled to arrive back in Orlando around 8:00pm.
What a tremendous time we had on this trip!  I am grateful for the invitation to join the team by my good friend Scott Crossman.  The Lord be praised for great things He has done!  Let us all pray that the seeds that were sown and watered will take root in good ground and yield the fruit of righteousness and lives committed to the cause of Christ.  To all of our supporters and intercessory prayer team, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Time to rest up for the long trip back home!

Love you much, David.

DAY 7 - Thursday July 4th
What an exciting day this was! This was our longest day this week! We arrived on mission site around 10:30.  Had a team meeting and then left to evangelize the community.  We had a chance to share the gospel with two workers in an ice cream shop, a couple, with their son in the park and many others.  We had a hot meal prepared by two wonderful sisters before resting for the evening celebration.  One of the young girls who was a guide for us while we were there, asked us to come to her house to share the gospel with her mom, dad, and brother.  We did, they welcomed us into their home and we shared our testimonies and the gospel.  The family professed Christ!  Salvation has come to another family! Hallelujah!  We made it back in time for the evening service.  Many of the people we shared Christ with or gave glasses to came for the service and the Lord poured out of His Spirit.  People received Christ, healing, deliverance, and children were prayed over and dedicated to the Lord.  To God be all the glory! 
Check out my Facebook page for more pictures of these highlights at: https://www.facebook.com/douting1

DAY 6 - Wednesday July 3rd
What a day this began to be!  In the midst of nursing a cold, we had an awesome time in praise and worship, and a wonderful devotion by my friend and brother, Pastor Dean Blankenship.
Off we went to conduct the eyeglass clinic.  Over 200 people received reading glasses as a gift from God and their brothers and sisters from America.  Each of them and the children heard the gospel message preached to them using the evangelizing tool created by E3 Partners called the cube.  Each of them were invited to tomorrow night's celebration and healing service.  Please pray with me that God will pour out of His Spirit in a miraculous way.  I informally adopted a new grandson, Haddad Misael, and had the privilege of blessing him and dedicating him to the Lord. Check out my Facebook page for pictures of these highlights at: https://www.facebook.com/douting1
Lastly, I finally finished my paper for school and now feels a great weight lifted off of my shoulders.  I am going to bed early tonight to rest up for what is sure to be a powerful service of salvation, healing, and deliverance.  Rest well my friends and please keep praying for us!

DAY 5 - Tuesday July 2nd
Woke up bright and early at 6:00 for meditation and reflection.  At 8:00 we had breakfast, our team meeting, and I was asked to lead a short devotion.  The text I spoke from was Mark 3:13-15 with the highlighted point that Jesus called His disciples to first BE with Him and then He would send them forth to preach.  Let us not be busy with the work of God, and not take time to enjoy the God of the work.
Afterwards, we all loaded the vehicles and traveled to our various mission areas.  My team's assignment takes us to El Alto, about 1000 feet higher than LaPaz!  The people at New Vision Church have unmatched hospitality and it is an honor to serve and be served by them.  After a session of fervent prayer, off we went into the streets knocking on doors, meeting people, sharing the gospel and inviting them to our reading glasses clinic.  There were a number of professions of faith.  Only Christ knows who are His, but we at least brought Christ to them and many were receptive to the gospel.  We prayed over families and homes.  God truly met us there in El Alto.  The low moment was traveling back to the hotel when along the highway we saw a family sacrificing something to satan.  Overall, it was a great day and it ended with me going to bed at 3:00am from writing a big paper that is due Wednesday night.

DAY 4 - Monday July 1st:
Woke up early again for the 8:00 team meeting and breakfast.  Left for our missional community in El Alto about 45 minutes away.  Upon arriving, we noticed a whole community of people, mostly women and youth, breaking up the hard floor in preparation for some kind of renovation.  These people worked!!! And they did it with joy!  Some of them even with babies!  These were some bad sisters and I wish we had that kind of work ethic and team participation in the USA.
The pastor assigned us four young local women to assist us in our prayer walk and door to door evangelism.  But first, we spent 4 1/2 hours just listening to everyone's testimony and having Bible Study together.  We learned that the Bolivian people's desires, wants, needs, and challenges are a mirror image of the USA.  The most amazing thing was the common thread of being found by Christ and how He came and rescued us from sin, self, and the world.  God is indeed very present here in South America and the USA does not have a monopoly on God.
around 3:00 we left the ministry compound and commenced a prayer walk around the perimeter of the area will be evangelizing and the people we will disciple.  We met a lady who saw me and really wanted to meet me and shake my hand and asked if we could come to her home tomorrow at 4:00 to pray.  We also identified a street corner that had a special marker identifying it as a drug area led by a certain gang.  We prayed at that corner and rebuked the evil spirits and invoked the presence and power of God.  Check out pictures on my Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/douting1. 
We left after 5:00 to return to the hotel where we had dinner, cake, coffee, and retired to our rooms to rest up for tomorrow.  Except me, I'm up doing college homework and taking a break to write this blog.  Yall pray for me to finish a big paper by Wednesday night, prepare to do team devotion tomorrow, and to awaken without any cold symptoms and just being cold period.  Thank you for taking the time to read this blog.  Please pray for me and the team to be prosperous in our missional efforts and covered by the blood of Jesus and His angels for protection.  Good night!

DAY 3 - Sunday June 30th:
The team rises early for an 8:00 team meeting and breakfast.  I brought my Medifast meals and trying very hard to stay on program.  Exceptions include food the natives prepare for us and the missional nature of our visit requires that we eat whatever is placed before us.  I must say that the food and hospitality were good.  I haven't had rice, pasta, and carrots in a long time.  Any pounds gained is worth the glory that came through our non-offending attitude that led to the people receiving us and our words.
Because it became known that I was a Pastor, I was asked to be the guest speaker.  My message centered around loving our neighbors as ourselves.
They fed us again and then we were the honored guest for a second service.  You see, New Vision Evangelical Church in El Alto, Bolivia, feeds 300 to 400 children daily as an outreach ministry.  To reach out to the parents, the church invited the mothers and fathers of the children to a special 2:30 service to meet and hear from the people from America and guess who was asked to speak?  You guessed it, ME!  Immediately, the Lord gave me a message that talked about the original sin, how it separates us from God, all of mankind are sinners, and only God could provide the solution which was to become like us, die for our sins, be buried, and rise again for our salvation.  The Lord then led me to speak about their role as parents and the most important aspect of that role is to introduce them to Jesus which they cannot do if they do not know Him for themselves.  I finished and gave the mic to the pastor.  He encouraged all the unsaved to come up front for prayer and only two of the approx. 150 came up.  I was led to get the mic from the pastor and with the help of my interpreter, encourage everyone who needs physical healing, or heart healing to forgive others, or anyone who was not sure of their salvation for me to lay hands on them and pray a prayer of faith.  Our  team worked that line of people and God moved mightily in our midst.  We prayed for physical healing and cast out spirits of infirmity, unclean spirits, and for broken family situations.  Truly the Lord moved through our entire ministry team.

DAY 2 - Saturday June 29th:
We arrived in LaPaz and immediately the thin air of oxygen was noticeable.  I took a few steps and got winded quickly.  All passengers had to walk up a ramp and going up (Lord have mercy), I thought I was going to fall out and need some oxygen to keep me going.  I am so glad I followed the doctor's instructions when taking the altitude medication or I may have been coming home in the cargo section if you know what I mean (LOL)!  At least I was closer to God at 13,000 feet above sea level.
Thankfully we all got our bags and passed through customs with all of our missions materials.  Oh! It was indeed cold! 28 degrees I believe.  Thank God I came prepared.  Soon we checked into the hotel, ate breakfast, rested, and had a team meeting.  The Bolivian hospitality is out of this world.  They should come to the USA and train some of our folks!  Finally, we went to bed, but not before completing my homework assignment my professor still requires of me even while on mission! Oh, just in case I didn't mention this before, there is NO heater in the rooms.  Just a heavy comforter and a blanket if you need it!  I needed it and two pair of socks for my feet.  Before going to bed, I did take a much desired hot shower.  Afterwards, I began feeling a little weird.  Like catching a cold kind of weird.  I don't know if it was the cold weather, the water, both, or just a coincidence.  To combat it, I came prepared.  I popped in two Tylenol Cold Symptoms tablets and drunk a bottle of water mixed with ZipFizz, a healthy energy drink and boy was this a lifesaver for me.  Thanks Jay Johnson for introducing me to this.  I had a good night sleep and was fairly warm under the circumstances.  The highlight of my night was facetiming my wife and seeing her face and hearing her voice which gave me so much comfort.  Thank you Lord for my wife April.

DAY 1- Friday June 28th:
All packed and ready to go.  Got my pack of eyeglasses to give out to the natives, got the bibles as well, got witnessing tracs, and got my altitude medication that I began to take the day before.  THANK GOD!  Anyway, I did ok until we got to the airport, unloaded the bags, and embraced my wife one last time before leaving.  Her tears led to my own stream of water running down my face.  After praying with and for her and my family at curbside, it was then that the realization of this trip would have us apart from each other longer than any other time in over 25 years of marriage.  We both got through that moment and departed in the strength and purpose of our Lord.
The team checked in without any issues and we were off for Miami.  We had an extended layover there and finally left well after 11:00pm.  It wasn't long before I went to sleep and woke up about one-hour before landing in Bolivia.  Thankfully we were blessed with smooth flights.