Roger
Preparing to enter Africa again brings up a flood of memories of God’s faithfulness in the midst of fragility, uncertainty, and risk that goes with the adventure of Africa travel.
As we prepare to head toward customs, I am reminded of the time we were hauling two extra large suitcases of girls’ pads for the school only to be told that we could not take them into the country without paying a hefty ‘duty tax’, i.e. ‘bribe’, to get these to the village girls who desperately needed them. We decided to hold out rather than give in to this unfair treatment of a humanitarian donation. This meant waiting for hours as one official after another came by to inspect all of our belongings and repeat their warning that we were not entering the country without payment. Despite our tiredness after days of travel, we held firm. Finally, a woman supervisor came by, recognized the need for our gift, and waved us through.
Or, getting ready to head into Nairobi reminds me of the time that we were half a block away when a terrorist bomb destroyed a shop that we were walking toward. Or when, in Kitale, we were minutes away from an electrical explosion taking out the building next to the hotel we were planning to stay at. Or when we foolishly went into a refugee camp as dusk was setting only to find a mob forming who recognized that we may have valuables on us worth stealing. They were correct, but God opened up a way through the crowd and moved us to safety.
There are just so many uncertainties in life, and Africa just seems to bring out a host of them. But the adventure comes in discovering that God is always faithful in the midst of whatever situation comes our way.
This is the reminder that comes to mind as Africa beckons once again. That, and the reality that your prayers are the essential component. God has good things just ahead. Thanks for traveling with us!
Comments
Roger, reading this post (and
Roger, reading this post (and also, Many Are Left Behind) reminded me of so many experiences I had when traveling through Haiti. The culture shock can be immense and the dangers are real. I thank God for you and Brooks and your willingness to leave the relative comfort and security of home to step into a foreign world of uncertainty. Isn't that the call of Jesus? Going into the world (a world that can be strange, confusing, and dangerous) to make disciples, is a call for all disciples. Leaving our comfort zones to sacrifice for others and exemplify Jesus while praying for opportunities to share the Gospel should always occupy our minds. Woe to us (me) when we (I) become comfortable and complacent. Not everyone can or should go to Africa. Praise God for those who should and do! For many of us though, Jesus may be calling us to follow Him into the uncertain and uncomfortable worlds of the inner city, prisons, orphans, battered women, 12-step programs, etc. At the least, we all have neighbors, relatives, or co-workers outside of the Kingdom that God can use us to reach. My prayers for protection will continue for you, Brooks, and your fellow laborers. May all of us be inspired by your example and be compelled by the love of Christ to enter the uncertain worlds that surround us. God bless.
Michael Burns
HaleluYah
HaleluYah
Jim
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