After a long bumpy ride we pull into “The Jesus House.” We were introduced to Sarah, our supposed contact. As we walked into the house we sat on the couches for a short orientation so we could get out to the villages and get started.
Sarah began with how to dress.
“In the villages women have to wear long sleeves and long skirts.”
That didn’t seem too unusual. Then she told us how the men dress.
“I know this may sound uncomfortable, but the men in the village go completely nude. So, men, you will need to go nude when we are in the village. Are you ok with that?”
Speechless and in shock, none of us say anything but a few of us shake our heads left and right as to signify “NO” in the politest manner possible. Sarah continues on with what she’s saying.
“Well maybe you can all just pray about it and see what God leads you to do”
At this point I’m in PANIC MODE and the rest became a bit of a blur. I was trying to think of whom we could call and other ministries we could possibly escape to. While my team starts praying for direction on this decision, I start praying for the Lord to give me strength and somehow get us out of this place. As we pray Sarah starts shouting and speaking in Tongues,
“YES LORD! THAAAAANK YOU LORD! OHHH. SHALADA BOBO LASHRA YLORACHIKIDO… THE HOLY SPIRIT IS HERE! LETS WORSHIP THE LORD!
WHO IS GIFTED IN LEADING WORSHIP?!”
Johnny steps up to the plate and takes the guitar with no idea what to play. So he plays one of his originals that starts, “I pick up my shield, I ready my weapon, I’m ready for war, I’m ready to step in…”
Excellent song choice for this situation. My thoughts racing, palms sweating, face probably white as a ghost, I was ready to run out of this loony bin as fast as possible.
Halfway through Johnny’s song, bursts of laughter come around the corner as our fellow squad mates walk out of the back room. As the popular MTV show would say, “We Got PUNKED!”
Turns out she wasn’t our contact and we weren’t at the Jesus house at all but our contact was friends with her and we got set up. Welcome to a life of never really knowing where you’re going and hoping the van you just put all your stuff in will take you where you are supposed to go, and putting your trust in people who you’ve never met except through maybe a phone call or e-mail.
I know I write a lot of serious stories, but it’s not all work, preach, and heart break. The Lord takes care of us and constantly brings us laughter, smiles, and blessings.
By the way, it was all caught on video by the team who Punked us and will probably be floating around cyber space for your entertainment soon.
