During our time in Rwanda, I quickly learned my favorite aspect of our ministry there was the door to door visits, aka being a Jesus salesman. Door to door visits are simply dropping in on members of the church or their family who are in need of prayer and/or encouragement. Sometimes it could also be a member of the community who needs to hear the gospel of Christ. We followed our pastor from house to house, singing songs, sharing scriptures, offering testimonies and encouragement, and never leaving without lifting up a word of prayer. This was my first experience doing this type of ministry and it only took one visit for me to fall in love with ministering to people in this way. The Holy Spirit really showed up every visit and God’s Word came alive as the Father directed me to verses He wanted me to share with those He had led us to meet. I loved getting to see so many homes and be immersed in the culture. And with one of my spiritual giftings being encouragement, offering words of support was right up my alley. The presence of the Lord was so evident during these times of visits and my love for the Lord grew even more in watching Him work in this way.
My favorite visit actually took place once we reached Uganda. We spent a few days visiting the homes of the children who attended our pastor’s school. On one such visit, we listened to prayer requests, we offered up prayers and read some scriptures, but then the visit quickly became different than any other. As we prepared to leave, the family asked us to wait just a bit before continuing on. Then here came the parade of gifts! They brought out bananas, sugar cane, nuts, eggs….. and yes, a live chicken! They also gave us sodas and bread to have to eat. Out of this family’s blessings they blessed us. We came to offer them encouragement and then they turned around and totally blessed us as well. I had never seen such generosity. You must realize this took place in a small village where their children were walking 7 miles each way to get to the school every day. Very few of the children are even able to pay their school fees. Many children have no shoes and their uniforms are worn out. But this family chose to walk in the example of Christ and give of what they had and to show honor to the visitor’s God had sent them. Needless to say, this was an incredibly humbling experience that none of us on my team will ever forget.
This is the verses the Lord brought to me to share with them that day are in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 where Paul is praising God for cheerful giving and proclaiming blessings for all those who practice generosity. I challenge you to meditate on this passage and check your own heart for generosity. Are you giving out of your blessings or hoarding God’s gifts?
