What breaks my heart the most about the World Race is the people I’m constantly leaving behind. The Lord has been teaching me the purpose of empowerment. Even though I’m traveling and going to and fro, I pray that I leave them with the remnant of who Jesus is, because He will never leave their side. I’ve become callused to the idea of being in people’s lives for a short season, and I realize that it’s okay. God has brought me to the nations to be a seed planter or a garden waterer while I’m on the race. Which essentially means to create something new or to help cultivate what is already happening here. One day, I will be a harvester and see the fruit of all the labor that we’ve poured into this year. God has given me a really cool vision of what He wants me to pour into long term and really invest in. I’m excited about this next season of my life, but I realize that I need to stay present – so… more on that later!
Last week, my team and I went to Gokwe, Zimbabwe. It was an incredibly rural town. The straight-up bush of Africa. We hosted a Beauty for Ashes retreat for the women there. During our first day, I met Promise and Praise. They were two young girls who were there with their mother, Lizzie. It was so cool because I met Lizzie a few days before when I went to the market to get potatoes for the team. Ben and I saw her again, a few days later when we were doing door to door evangelism. Lizzie opened up her home to us and we sat and talked with her for a little bit. She told us that she loves the Lord and was really encouraged by us coming to preach in Zimbabwe. She also talked about her business selling potatoes, her husband being a teacher and their three beautiful daughters. The oldest lives in Harare and the other two live at home. So I knew that since I saw Lizzie a third time by chance at Beauty for Ashes, that this family was really special.
On Saturday, the second day of the retreat, I saw Promise and Praise, but they told me that their mom had to work in the market today. Saturdays are the busiest days and she makes the most amount of money for the family. I was so happy that the girls decided to come anyway and play with the other kids outside. So Beauty for Ashes continued in full swing. It was a beautiful day, so many of the women shared their stories, the hurts of their past and inner healing took place. It was so heartwarming to see these African women opening up with us. After lunch, the side room where everyone ate in got so messy. There were food crumbs and grass everywhere. Since I had already led my talk earlier, I decided to stay back, tidy up and sweep the floors. As I did that, I saw Promise and Praise looking out the window watching the golden hour unfold. They looked so picture-esc, two sisters sharing a beautiful sunset together. Promise turned and saw me sweeping, walked up to me and said, “Oh let me help you!” as she grabbed by broom. I was so surprised and grateful for her servant heart and went into the other room to grab another broom. I thanked her and we started to talk. She shared with me that she was 12 years old and Praise was 5, she loved her school and really enjoyed reading. It blows my mind how hungry Zimbabwean students are to learn. Earlier that week, my team and I walked through the streets doing ministry. During that time kids would often ask us for a book to read instead of a dollar. It blows my mind and makes me so happy.
After we finish cleaning, I thank Promise for her help and rush back inside to help with the retreat. An hour or so later, I leave to check on dinner. The kids are all out playing and then Promise runs up to me. Praise is crying in her arms. Promise tells me that she heading home, but she’s afraid. I ask her why, and she tells me that her mom is still selling potatoes in the market, but she knows that when she gets home her father will beat her. At first I thought I heard her incorrectly. Surely no one would harm this sweet girl that stood before me. She continues to tell me that she hates being home alone with her sister when her father is around. My heart starts to break for Promise. I tell her that I’ll be right back and not to leave yet. As I head inside, I grab my teammate Rachel to come with me and to pray over Promise and Praise. Rachel and I hold their hands tightly and pray protection over these two beautiful girls. We prayed that their father’s heart would be softened and that he wouldn’t harm them anymore.
After we prayed, Promise said, “Maita Basa” and smiled up at us. She placed her little sister on her back and started the trek home. Tears started to swell my eyes as I watched them walk away. Rachel gave me a tight hug and comforted me, telling me that they are in God’s hands. Even though, their home life may look and sound horrible, God’s got huge plans for those two girls and he’s going to use their story to impact others. I was and still am heart broken to hear Promise share her fears with me, but Rachel was right. They are in God’s hands.
I firmly believe that redemption is on the horizon for Promise. One day, she’s going to grow older, wiser and stronger and I believe that she’s going to inspire other women and her nation someday. I believe that Zimbabwe will not look the same 10 years from now. I believe it’s going to be a land filled with powerful Christians that are rising up to bring people closer to Jesus. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.
