Dark rain clouds filled the menacing sky deep within the Nepali mountains. Indeed a storm was brewing as we quickly made our way through the mountains on well worn trails, no doubt made throughout many generations of determined, hard working people treading on them. Here at this moment my team was walking back from a baptism tucked away in a hidden waterfall camouflaged by the mountain. This waterfall was only 15 minutes walk in Nepali time which means, to us, that we should prepare for an hour journey at minimum. But, at this moment my mind was not on the impending storm or even the long walk that lay ahead but rather I simply thought of the events I had just witnessed.
Hours earlier my team had the distinct honor and privilege of not only witnessing the baptism of new believers but one of my teammates, Aaron, was asked to take part in the ceremony. In this indescribable mountainous beauty were we rejoicing with God as he welcomed our new brothers and sisters into his loving family.
As the impending deluge transformed bright blue sky to its ever-alarming darkening shade, raindrops began to fall as we climbed the final hill to the tin church we left hours earlier. Most of the congregation was happily gathered for a time of tea and fellowship. Naturally, we were asked to join the congregation for this time of celebration. The rainstorm outside had gathered strength and was now sending sheets of rain down upon us as the wind whipped the small village church causing a terrible commotion. In this upheaval blankets were quickly gathered from the house next door and passed out. The now black sky released bolts of luminous lightning, ear-piercing cracks of thunder, and deafening rain; it was obvious that most of the people gathered felt uneasy about this situation to say the lest.
It was at this instant I realized that it was only been a few days before the first year anniversary of the second major earthquake in Nepal. And all at once everything made sense. The terrified Nepali people sat all around me most likely reliving the events of the previous year. A presence of heaviness filled the one room church as my heart grew with compassion for these beautiful people and the significance of this downpour.
Then something beautiful happened; the young women of the church gathered and began singing worship songs to our Father. At once, the fear in the room dissipated as God met with his people in their time of need. I was more then honored to be included in this meeting with God. Their beautiful voices carried up to the heavens. Others began to join in and at once a drum and a tambourine appeared. Soon after, the pastor we were traveling with started preaching a sermon and served communion. Let it be noted at this time the anxiety and trepidation was completely gone. After the impromptu church service ended, the young women continued to praise God. Consequently an elderly gentleman broke out in dance like a boss. In the excitement, we all joined in dancing celebrating the Father’s love for his children.
This was my favorite moment in Nepal.
Psalm 30.11-12
You did it: you changed wild lament
into whirling dance;
You ripped off my black mourning band
and decked me with wildflowers.
I’m about to burst with song;
I can’t keep quiet about you.
God, my God,
I can’t thank you enough.
