In each country of the Race that we’ve been to, they are experiencing a drought. Month one, in the Dominican Republic, we were told to pray for rain.
See, personally, I hate rain. It’s cloudy, wet, and droggy. The sun (aka my main man/best friend) is no where the be found. My mood seems to change with the weather. Bright and warm days parallel my joyful and inviting demeanor. In the same manner, gross and dreadful days spur on a melancholic and unmotivated demeanor. In my opinion, these days are best spent curled up in bed with ice cream and a movie.
Despite my rather strong dislike for the rain, we prayed for it. Believe it or not, it came. Our ministry host described her overwhelming gratefulness for this answered prayer.
We have continually found that most countries we’ve visited find themselves in a drought. I’ve learned how much rain is a necessity for life. Farmers need rain to feed their vegetation. The land needs rain for moisture; when it becomes too dry, brush combusts in instantaneous fires. In the majority of homes, water for bathing and cooking comes from pooled rain water. Without rain filling the streams, there are shower-less days and smelly people.
Like good ole country music says, I learned something for myself: “rain is a good thing.”
In the Dominican, I learned to appreciate and pray for rain to come. I was thankful for God’s faithfulness in answering small prayers. In Haiti, I learned to embrace the moment and dance in the rain. In Costa Rica, we prayer walked in the rain, and in Panama, we were pelted by raindrops in the back of a truck zooming down the highway. In South Africa, God put all of the puzzle pieces together for me. He did something incredible. He showed me His consistency.
Not only did he “bring the rain” in the DR, but in EVERY single country we have been in. Each country we arrive in, within days, rain falls down from heaven. This isn’t a coincidence. The strangeness of rain is noted by our hosts every month. I’m not talking about a half-day drizzle but downpour. People are continually astonished by the rain during their “dry season” or drought.
I don’t believe the Lord is only blessing His people with feeding the soil. I believe He is using the rain to show He has come to also feed souls.
Rain signifies new life and new beginnings. Each month as we enter a new country, we begin the month with rain. I believe this is His way of showing us the new life He is bringing to the people here through us.
The rain foreshadows the raining down of His Holy Spirit on this place. It symbolizes He has come to reign over this place.
We are but messengers and carriers of the good news; but by God’s gracious use of us, we bring the rain.
