(Written July 28, 2010)
As I mentioned in my previous blog, “I Will Sing of Your
Mercies…,” this month has been especially challenging for me. It has also been difficult for many
other people both on our squad and on N squad, as there have been multiple
robberies, sicknesses, and other maladies that have hit us with a vengeance
over the past several weeks. I
must confess, there were moments where I was extremely frustrated with the
country of Tanzania as a whole and just wanted to go back to America where I
could feel somewhat safe again. I
began to judge and blame many of the people here based on the string of
unfortunate occurrences that had taken place over the course of our stay. A little over halfway through the month
I realized my anger was directed toward the wrong source. I am not discounting the sin of the
people in this nation, but I am simply saying that the one to blame is not any
particular human being or people group.
We have a cunning enemy, and I have seen him at work this month probably
more than I’ve ever witnessed before in my life. He has wielded multiple attacks on myself and just about
everyone else on our two January squads.
He has several blatant strongholds in place over the country of
Tanzania, and the people here are simply falling prey to his schemes by
willingly taking part in them.
As discouraging as this month has been for a lot of us, I
have seen God at work in the midst of the abounding chaos and uncertainty. I have witnessed a 180-degree change
take place in my own attitude, and have been inspired by others who have kept a
smile on their faces, despite being robbed, sick, confused, angry, or otherwise
miserable.
Yesterday was our last day of ministry, and I must say that it
was my favorite by far. It may
very well have been the first time in nearly five weeks that my eyes were truly
opened to the beauty and magnificence of the people here in Mwanza,
Tanzania. It was the first time I
actually allowed myself to see them through the eyes of Christ, rather than
through my own prejudiced vision.
As we said our goodbyes, I prayed over our contacts with more
sensitivity and passion than I had in months.
Overall, I am unendingly grateful to our strong and loving
God for His protection over us this month. At the beginning of July, I found myself asking the
difficult question of whether God really does
answer prayers. I now know the
answer to that question is a resounding yes,
and I’m grateful to have had month seven be redeemed!
