I think that today was the best day I’ve had on the World Race. If the whole purpose of these past eight months were just for today—my heart is overjoyed. Let me talk a little about ‘fellowship” this afternoon.
We all set off in our group of eight, with our guide and translator—we were setting into the hills–through the Africa brush, as usual—it was a steep incline of clay ravines and overgrown thorn bushes—but we finally made it to the village.
MAN—that was a sight to see. You could practically see the whole valley, coupled with the blue picturesque mountain backdrop and thunderclouds rolling in from the distance. Breathtaking to say the least.
We arrived and were seated inside a fairly large (by standard) clay hut and were greeted by the host and hostess and were served lunch (our 2nd by this point in time) of flavored rice, potatoes, and hunk of meat—Jen and I split and could hardly touch it. The Coke on the other hand, we all received gratefully.
We all were asked to come to this particular village on behalf of our pastor—who went home and actually couldn’t make it that go around. The house was just finished being built and so the family wanted to gather all the neighboring villagers to hold a church service there—giving thanks to the Lord for blessing them with such a place. TONS of men, women, and children showed up. Maybe 50? The most we’ve had at any “fellowship gathering” since arriving in Maasai Land.
Since pastor was away, it was decided that Josh would bring the Word. There was a written out schedule of the speakers and worship leaders and everything!
There were two girls singing/dancing groups that led worship first, then Josh preached—which was translated into Swahili and then Mah. Afterward, we had another pastor come up asking if anyone wanted to give their life to Jesus.
Moments later she stood up.
A mother from neighboring tribe, in her traditional Maasai garb (including her bright green Vans-esque sneaks), she walked to the front of everyone—bravely and determined. There was thunder in the distance and suddenly, my heart started to soar and I began to cry tears of sheer joy.
This woman knew exactly what she was doing—the Gospel was clearly laid out in front of her, she wasn’t pressured outrightly (except by the Holy Spirit of course) or swayed by some emotional worship or sermon. My heart rejoiced. I saw this woman stand, walk to the front of the crowd, and as people cheered, I saw her taking her first steps from darkness into light. As I prayed and rejoiced with her in Spirit I got a vision of this morning’s sunrise—except it was even better.
The sun was behind the grey-blue clouds for a while, and finally, it burned right through and in the vision the sun shone through the clouds brighter and more colorful than ever before. Darkness was defeated and no more.
After the service ended and everyone began to make their way home we said goodbye to the groups and communities. I shook the hands of some women, telling them I’d see them again—and then the woman who just gave her life to Christ turned around right in front me.
I smiled at her and hugged her tightly. With joy in my heart and tears in my eyes I said, “Welcome to the family, sister!” The women around her echoed “sister…” in awe, accompanied with sweet hushed laughter.
We parted ways, knowing fairly well we’d never see each other again in this lifetime—but I know full well we’ll see each other again the the life that’s forever, and to come—worshipping our Heavenly Father side by side.
Now, I’ve attended rallies and youth conferences before—even seen altar calls go down quite often. People will rise from their seat, raise their hand or walk down the isle to “ask Jesus into their life” but a lot of the time, I never really fully believe those people actually GET what it means to become a Christian.
A lot of times I get cynical and think they do it because the pastor’s a convincing speaker and—like the worship team–plays on the emotions and preys on the vulnerabilities of the crowd to “get numbers”. Or even the pressures from friends or family is harping on them to make the “right decision”, because “they should”.
…Anyway, I could be 100% in the wrong for thinking like this, but today, I’ve never been so sure within the moment (other than my own salvation of course) that someone’s eternal destiny shifted LITERALLY right in front of my eyes. (*to your rebuttle: Yes.. Ultimately, God knows the heart—I know..)
Even if this woman turning to the Lord is the only tangible fruit I see from us being here on the Race for the past eight months—and even the rest of the three coming up—I feel most assured of my being here now more than ever. Even if I never see fruit again in front of me again on this Race—THAT in and of itself was absolutely and totally worth this whole trip.
