This month, our whole squad has been together in Senga Bay, Malawi, right by Lake Malawi. It is absolutely beautiful here. I will have to post pictures another time, because of the Internet connection here.
We have been ministering to people in the villages around us, some are Christians, but most people are Muslims. We have gone to different hospitals and clinics to pray for the sick, but really any time we go into the villages as we walk through, anytime we encounter someone, that is ministry…loving on people and showing them Christ. We have also been doing ministry with each other in our squad, as well as some physical labor.
We are in our tents surrounded by corn fields and mountains. We do not have electricity, and running water means you run to get your water! Actually, you can’t really run to get it. You have to carry 20 liter jugs down a mountain half a mile to a well, pump your water, and carry it back up the mountain. You do this for cooking water, drinking water, bathing water, and anything else you need water for.
My whole life, I have been smaller than everyone else, but I have never let that stop me from doing anything. When I can’t reach the top shelf, I climb on the counter. Sinks, mirrors, countertops, tables, etc, are usually too tall for me. I literally live my life walking around on my toes, because the extra few inches makes it easier to do everything, including conversating with others. When someone assumes I am weaker because of my size, I go the extra mile to prove I am as capable and helpful as everyone else.
A couple days this week, I have had water duty. Aside from using a 5 liter jug to haul my own shower water, I had not hauled water. So when it was my turn, I was excited to carry my load and help the squad.
Excited, that is, until I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t carry it.
I tried to do it like everyone else and carry it on my shoulders, but my shoulders weren’t broad enough. I tried to carry it in front with my arms, and wasn’t strong enough. I was able to carry it on my head, but only for a little while, and someone had to take it from me.
I was so overwhelmed with disappointment in myself. Why couldn’t I carry my load? So the next morning, when I was told I was on water duty for the team mixing cement all day, I couldn’t hide the tears anymore.
The enemy was attacking me with three words: WEAK, USELESS, and INADEQUATE.
A few people tried to get me to ask our contact to switch me to something better suited for me, but I knew this was something God wanted to walk me through. Someone suggested using my hiking pack to carry the water back and forth in…maybe that would make it easier.
So I decided to try it. I had so many people around me to encourage me, but really I had to rely on the Lord to allow me to carry 20 liters of water up that path. God gave me the strength to carry it twice! He literally comforted me and encouraged my spirit the whole journey. I felt His presence in a way I haven’t before. He reminded me that He created me just how I am for a reason, and that in my weakness, He is my strength. I am not lacking anything because I am complete in Christ.
I AM ENOUGH.
And through this weakness, I have never been stronger, because the strength is not mine anymore, it is my Savior’s.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
