Sometimes I question the wisdom of coming all the way to Africa to minister to the poor, the sick, the hungry, the widows and the orphans. There's plenty wrong at home. It is an expensive trip in many ways. Some on our team came here only through the financial support of others. And we've all been saving for this for a long while. Should we have just sent this money to the organization here and prayed for these people?
I know that some would say - yes... For sure, prayer is the foundation for everything we're doing here. Prayers from home and prayers here.
But yesterday (Saturday) we talked about what we call the Ministry of Presence. When we visit people here - young and old - they are so appreciative, they grin from ear to ear! It seems clear to all of us that coming and listening and hugging and holding and helping these people sends a powerful message. And gives them hope. They begin to see the intrinsic value that they have simply because they are creqated by God. Everything we are doing here reinforces that to them. And it changes us too.
I told a sick 20-year-old man this week that I had come so far simply because I wanted him to understand completely how much God loves him. I quoted John 3:16 and he listened to loving words with tears in his eyes. It was a powerful moment for a dying man and for me.....
Will it matter? I think - yes....
He asked me to please come back, he wants to hear more of this hope... this man Jesus, who died in his place.
I'm going next Tuesday - and I can't wait.....
Olivia
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I have tears when I read this. I connect so much with what you are saying. Jason and I struggled so much with that when we were in Zim. But, God did reinforce to us the powerful message of love. Your presence there speaks volumes. I remember Temba telling us that it meant the world to the people we visited; that we came all the way from the U.S. to share life with them. Also, I began to realize to put my agendas aside and just simply live in communion with the people; to live the daily ins and outs with them and in doing so, the love of God could come through. I had to let go of my plan and let God work.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, your presence there is powerful. God is using it for the people and for you. I truly believe every penny spent is worth you being there--not only for the people but for what God is doing in your heart and will do.
I love reading these posts and you are daily in our prayers.
Remember, God has blessed what you are doing--you are simply now a part of His blessed and sanctified work!!