Ministry is more that a 5-8 hour block of time during the days of the work week.
I have learned this past month how to have Spiritual eyes to see and ears to hear more and more. In so doing, Jesus has invited me to take part in His redemptive plan, beyond the “monthly ministry”.
In Swaziland I made a new friend. Her name is Julia. She has worked at El Shaddai, the orphanage where I lived this past month, for 15 years. She has 10 children. She is a grandmother to 11. She is leaving a legacy; investing her life in the future of Swaziland and investing her faith in the next generation. We became friends through our work in the garden. The more I got to know her the deeper our friendship grew. While in Mbabane, Swaziland each team was assigned a day to do a house visit, bringing a blessing of food and prayer for those thatwe visited. Through talking with Aunty Julia I found out that no one had ever come to her home for a house visit. I knew that this was something that was disappointing to her so I asked if she would allow me the privilege of visiting her and her family’s home. With a bright smile she said, “Ok!” We planned it for over a week and finally, on the last day of August, myself along with my dear friend Racquel and our two Squad leaders, Zach and Alysa headed out (with limited direction) to visit Julia’s home.
We carried with us a small portion of food… Two bags of apples, a large bag of brown sugar, peanut butter and Wheat-bix. Thankfully, we arrived with no problems and were received with smiles, hugs and joy. We were not only the first Missionaries to enter her home, but also the first Americans. We sat around on the bare concrete floor, singing praises to our Father in our native tongues. Rejoicing as a True Family of God and Body of Christ. We prayed together and Julia drew our attention to her cabinet. She said, “Read my nightly prayer there on the cabinet door.” There were two pieces of orange paper tapped to the modest cupboard doors. Her prayers were humble and specific, making her requests known to God. She was asking for food. She didn’t have food to feed her family… Her prayers were full of hope! She trusted in the provisions of her God.
“Open the cabinet doors! There is nothing inside. No food. All we have is that half bag of rice you see there on the floor,” she said. Zach, Racquel, Alysa and I had the privilege that day in being an answer to prayer for Aunty Julia and her whole household. We were doing something simple, giving something that I know I take for granted too often. We were the hands and feet of Christ extended. I know that Julia and her family were blessed that day… But what I do not know is who was blessed more… The hungry family who received food or the four missionaries who’s hearts were touched and faiths were strengthened. Perhaps that is for God alone to know…
Jesus says, “Freely you have received, freely give.” God revealed to me that day that the only person who is robbed when we do not give is us. For it is in giving that we receive.
As we left their home and blessed them in parting Patrick shook our hands and said, “I will not forget this day.” Raquel and I ended up going back again the next day, feeling impressed to do more and to bless them in other ways. We brought with us clothes, food and money that had been generously given from not only members of our Squad, but also from those in the Body of Christ that had heard of the need in America.
We were received into their house with joy! We shared the story of Jesus washing His disciples feet… After He washed their feet, Jesus said…
“Do you know what I have done to you?
You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet,
you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
For I have given you an example,
that you should do as I have done to you.”
Racquel and I washed Julia’s feetand painted her nails; blessing her with the same love and acceptance that we ourselves have received from Jesus. The whole experience will forever be dear to my heart.
Thank you Supporters for being obedient to God!
I can freely give to those in need that I meet along my journey
because you have freely given to me.
