Life is composed of tiny, little stories that God somehow works together to create an incredible testimony that both reveals His glory and teaches us many things. My life here cannot be fully conveyed through these short updates but I would like to share a few snapshots, if you would allow me…
I’m sure we all have weeks where discouragement gets the best of us.
I was having one of those weeks when I went out with a group one evening. I wandered off to check out a commotion and as I walked past a mother and her young son, he almost threw himself out of his mother’s arms reaching for me.
I, of course, took and held him as I tried my best to converse with his mom. I discovered his name was God Bless and that’s exactly what he was to me, a blessing. I have missed interacting with young children and God knows that.
I believe that was God’s way of encouraging me in the midst of discouragement.
This is a gift-giving culture. If you go anywhere, people will shamelessly ask you to bring back a gift for them. When I mentioned traveling to the island north of here for a week, one of my guards asked me to bring back a gift.
Not knowing what to get him, I wandered the market looking for anything that would be appropriate, praying God would somehow show me what to get him. I found nothing and headed back to my accommodations wondering what I was going to do.
As I got close to where I was staying, a man passed me selling cashews. Figuring it was the last opportunity I would have, I bought a couple of bags. When I got back and gave them to my guard, he got the biggest smile on his face and asked me how I knew.
I replied with confusion, “How did I know what?” He said cashews are his absolute favourite snack. I was able to tell him that I had no idea but God knew and must really care about him.
Pictured: Plane ride to the northern island. Right before takeoff, an automated voice said system failure. I’ve never prayed so hard 😂
This is a shame-based culture that is filled with mistrust. Ask any student that comes to the English center who they trust and they will either say no one or their parents only.
Ask them the most important lesson they have learned and many will tell you not to trust anyone. With that in mind, most people will not share any struggles or anything they consider shameful with anyone.
Recently, I got the chance to be one of two people to hear the struggles of one of my closest friends here. In the midst of it, I was able to share that Jesus said to cast our cares on Him and He will help carry them. I was also able to say I would be praying that Jesus would provide wisdom and help.
Thank you for walking this journey with me.
Reaching the nations together!
