I don’t know how to just sit and be silent. I am constantly talking because I am a talker. I don’t like awkward pauses in conversation, silence in the car, and just sitting. It is not something I know how to do. I never understood the power that comes just simply being present; the power of presence. Well, at least until the Race began. Then I met Arafat.
When we arrived at our home in Uganda, we met Arafat. The sweetest 5 year old boy in Uganda. He lives in our compound with his grandma and two cousins, Gift (she is 3) and Diana (she is 11). On the first day, Julia and I noticed that Arafat would not smile or laugh. He was very shy. Most African children would run toward us with smiles as bright as the sun. But not Arafat. He always stood back in the shadows and would just peek through the window of our home to see the “muzungos” (white people). Julia and I were determined to make this little boy smile! So we began the “Make Arafat Smile” project.
On Sunday I decided to wash Arafat’s arms and legs. No smile. I let him and his sister color in my journal. Still no smile. I let him type on my laptop. Again, no smile. I even tried tickling him! Nothing. (He is really good at holding in a smile!)
A few hours passed by. I figured I would give him a break. He was probably annoyed with me! I went outside to play with some of the village kids and was taking photos. I took a photo of Arafat and I showed it to him. I got a little smirk!! I was filled with so much joy! Oh my gosh, he just smirked at me! It was like Christmas morning in my heart. To make Sunday even better, he let me hold him as he fell asleep in my arms. I held him and prayed over him. And you bet your bottom dollar I cried!
On Monday, Billy & I celebrated 2 years of marriage! We had some cards from friends and family back home to open in the morning and one of the cards had 2 lollipops inside. (Thanks Mama Oliphant!) Without hesitation, we knew we wanted to give the lollipops to Arafat and Gift. He was smiling so big! I even got a “Thank you!” Candy makes any kid like you!
Later in the afternoon after ministry, we went into town for some supplies with the team. Julia and I decided to get Arafat, Gift, and Diana notepads & crayons. (They were starting to take over the pages of our journals!). When we gave Arafat his gift he lit up. He took his notepad & crayons and colored for what seemed like hours.
Joy was starting to take residence in his heart.
On Tuesday, we learned that Arafat’s family had never seen him smile. Ever. He is 5 years old. Think about that. He never smiled or laughed for his family. I do not know the reason. But I know that my heart shattered in that moment. Oh, how I longed to love on him any chance I could. I wanted joy to become part of his identity. So, again, I made it my mission to see him laugh and smile so much this month.
Days went by. Tuesday. Wednesday. Thursday. Friday. And Arafat was growing to love us. He now runs to me with arms open, has a huge smile whenever he sees me, plays with me, and has even started learning English words! He tells me “Good Morning!” and “Hello”! I love it. He radiates JOY. All it took was patience and the power of presence.
You see, I had no way of communicating with Arafat except through my actions and through my presence. I couldn’t sit and tell him how awesome he was or how loved he was. I couldn’t even tell him about Jesus. I couldn’t use words. I don’t know his language and he doesn’t know mine. Instead, I had to be Jesus and be love. I had to be patient. I had to love him, even when it was awkward, even when he didn’t want to be loved, and even when I grew frustrated. I had to show him love. Be love to him. I had to sit with him and just be silent. That is the power of presence.
This story reflects our relationship with Jesus. This whole scenario with Arafat reminded me of how patient God is with us, yet how he pursues us by just being with us. Always. His presence is always around. And in that presence we find joy, love, peace, courage, strength, and so much more. The power of presence.
I hope this story encourages you. When was the last time you sat in the presence of the Lord? He wants to sit with you and fill you up. Sit. Be silent. And allow His presence to bring you all that you need.
I have 2 weeks left with Arafat and I pray that my presence is nothing short of joy and love for him. That Jesus would work through my presence to show him how loved he is. Gosh, he is loved.
This is Arafat typing on a laptop for the first time. I think he wanted to say Hello to the world, if you can read between the letters!
Gfhvgv hggghjefgjg bn,ghldbydblsssjhjgjhodkmbdgjm
This is a story from the first week of month 1. There are still so many stories to be discovered and so many more months to go! BUT we are not yet fully funded. And we won’t make it the full 11 months unless you partner with us. ANY amount helps. Would you consider partnering with us to help bring the Kingdom to these nations?
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