Work hard, play hard. That seemed to be the motto for month 3/all squad month. We partnered with Jzone to clear some land and organize a couple camps for kids.
Our days were filled with cutting grass with machetes, racking grass, digging holes, and learning to put up a fence. The African heat didn’t make things easier, so we took comforts as they came out way. Our adventure days were some of the best we’ve had. I saw squad mates bungee jump/swing of a bridge. We saw one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls. There was a sunset boat cruise on a river full of hippos. We went on a trip to a bordering country to go on a safari. There was a 5star hotel we end days taking everything in. Our host and staff went above and beyond. I learned the need for quite time with Jesus. I also found that I love my squad. There was some personal growth and old ghost that needed attention but I think my highlight didn’t come until my last day in Africa.
My squad leader took time to give me great feedback and gave us opportunities to DO more. The morning of our flight to the Philippines we took time for an A.T.L. (Ask The Lord). We spend a few minutes in prayer asking the Lord to give us prompts. We write them down and go out looking for them. My team leader saw the number 20 and black shoes with a white outline, and right as we walked into the mall there was a young man with black shoes and a white trim. He talked to him about school and the future. At the end they prayed together and we went about our journey. I was looking for a guys in his mid to late 20’s, middle eastern/Indian and a bird tattoo. I didn’t find him. It was the second time I’ve tried this and nothing happened.
I rode with my squad leader and logistics coordinator to the airport early. As I stood with our luggage someone catch my eye. You might have seen this picture of me pray with him.
This is Johnny. He’s 26 years old. His family is from Greece, and on his left shoulder was a tattoo of a bird…. This is how the exchange went. “Hey, can I ask you where are you from?” Surprised but the question he said Zambia but family was from Greece. Intrigued, he asked why. I told him about being a missionary and about ATL. I told him that he fit the person I saw. I was kind of freaked out that this conversation was happening. I was more surprised that I asked to pray for him. I didn’t know him, and there was a lot of pressure. When he said sure I asked for the word to be from God, took a deep breath and started going for it. I prayed for his health which he was having issues with. I prayed for him as a brother, a son, husband and a father. I let the words loose for those two minutes. As I shook his hand I noticed the water in his eyes and I told him I didn’t believe us running into each other was an accident. I don’t know his Johnny is doing. I don’t know his past and I don’t know his future, but in that moment I knew why he was. He was a child of God needing to be shown that he’s seen, heard, and loved. Johnny helped me tap into something that I believe the Lord has been cultivating.
The Philippines proved to be solidify a calling in my life. I’m still not fully funded but hope is all I can rely on for now. God bless.
