There we were, three Western girls in a sea of twenty-something South Africans and other nationalities. With a bit of spontaneity we emerged through the mountains with these strangers we had only met a few days ago. However, we all shared a common passion, to make Jesus’ Name known throughout Lesotho. The village of Hyjabo was thirteen miles away from our ministry point, “Africa 4 Jesus”, about a nine hour walk mostly uphill. Why did Lissie, Daniella, and I decide to be included in this endeavour you might ask? I will tell you. We all have The Holy Spirit which drives us to go on radical adventures to bring His kingdom. At three A.M. we embarked on a grand journey carrying the bare minimum; we had no idea what to expect. All we knew was that we were about to accomplish the most strenuous hike with a bunch of South African college students to arrive at an indigenous village high up in the mountains.
Never in my life had I ever encountered someone who has never heard of The Name of Jesus before. What a surprise it was on our first day of ministry, when we met a ninety-five year old woman who had never in her life heard of Christ. My two teammates and I briefly shared the Word from creation to Jesus returning the second time. As one of us were speaking, another was praying silently in hope for this sweet woman’s salvation. When we felt like we were done saying everything necessary, we asked if she wanted to accept Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. Being led through a prayer, she joyfully received Him. Now pay attention – this is a part you do not want to miss. She told us of how she was blind in one eye and eagerly desired restitution of her vision. Daniella felt like we should pray seven times over her condition, unfortunately it was not healed that day. However, Agnes, the woman we prayed for, said how she has FAITH that she will be healed one day. A true definition of how quickly The Spirit can fill someone up. Seeing the fruit of the labor is magnificent to witness.
The next day of ministry we split up into two groups to preach at different houses. We continued to ask the people if they knew of this stranger named Jesus. At this one rondoval (a typical hut you might imagine) we prayed for a woman who suffered numerous miscarriages. Portia, our Besotho friend and translator, became so connected to this woman and prayed fervently over her womb. One could sense darkness because of the sorrow that laid within her heart. At the same time, one could feel the hope through Portia’s passionate words. As the tears were streaming from their eyes, The Holy Spirit was unequivocally bringing beauty from pain. In short, we came back that night having witnessed four people come to Christ and the other team having brought twenty-two Basothos souls into His Kingdom. God was at work, nay, God IS at work. Later, they slaughtered a sheep to honor us. Being an animal lover, you can imagine my disgust as they cut the throat of the innocent creature and served us the intestines.
A Lesotho rondoval
The next day we returned to the “Africa 4 Jesus” base in the valley – home. I experienced culture shock for the first time. In the past, I have been capable of restraining culture shock by comprehending my surroundings prior to the journey. However, only the night before had we decided to commence on this wild expedition.
Coming back to the rest of my world race team and entering back into “normal” ministry, I resolved to take what I learned in Hyjabo into action at our daily village. I realized that we had not actually been asking people if they really knew Jesus. We just shared a piece of scripture with the locals, served, and prayed for them. Never did I observe whether or not the people indeed acknowledge Jesus. Upon starting back up ministry with my team, I started inquiring to the locals as to whether they apprehended Yahweh. We came across one man’s homestead who didn’t know Him, and he received Christ. The next day we visited these three young shepherds of which also accepted The Lord. THIRTY people got saved in one week.
Before Hyjabo, I had no idea my team would be encountering unreached people. It opened my eyes to realize that there are so many people all around the world walking in blindness, darkness, and deceitfulness. The kingdom of God is at hand. There are those who do not have the opportunity to know my Savior, and that breaks my heart. Beautiful people cover this earth like a blanket, but only a patch of them have a relationship with The Father. This dilemma has only grown my passion for those who are not following God. It is our job, as believers, to SHOUT IT FROM THE MOUNTAINS.
PROCLAIM HIS NAME UNTO THE EDGE OF THE EARTH
I was not expecting the outcome of Lesotho. That is the fun of being a missionary, never knowing what is going to happen and always seeking opportunities to glorify God. Through witnessing those thirty people COMING ALIVE, there is a new found perception stirring deep down in my bones. God always has something up His sleeve, He is quite a surprising Father. If I had not gone on that treacherous trek to that rural village, those other four locals would not have stepped into light. Be the “go-er”, be the one who takes chances, be the change, and challenge yourself for the sake of the gospel.
Journal entry 10/09/17:
“The saints listen to the mountain sound,
From it they hear the echo of a boistering voice.
The tips of the range reach unto the skies and crumble under His breath.
We believers wander but are not lost,
we ponder on the cost.
Bowing before His mighty throne we shout like a hawk.
Like the lilies of the field bloom with excellence,
so will my soul bloom.”
