My team and I had the incredible opportunity to minister in the bush last week! As nervous as we were for the unknown, we had an absolutely incredible week and were stretched in such wonderful ways.
This past week has been filled with new experiences … Experiences that I never imagined I would claim as my own. Many were strange, some were uncomfortable, but all were beautiful.
I have improved my squat form in order to use the infamous squatty potty, held a chameleon, and prayed for the sick on house visits.
I have woken up every morning to a majestic mountain scene and preached in an African church service (with a translator!).
I’ve stared into the despondent eyes of a demon-possessed child and laughed with joy because of one African man’s infectious smile (whom we affectionately nicknamed Happy).
I have achieved a new record of days elapsed between showers, and have gotten dirtier than ever before.
I am now utterly convinced that dancing is one of the most beautiful ways to worship the Lord (thank you, African brothers and sisters).
I know that God has used this past week to stretch me and enlarge my heart. I am so grateful for my dear little friend Eliza, who wore the same purple shirt all week and would return my smile with a precious smirk. I am grateful for the unhindered way the people here worship. I am grateful for the team bonding that has unfolded as we cram into the back of a pickup truck like its a Guinness Book of World Records challenge.
I just have to share with you one of the coolest moments of this past week…
So my team and I went on our first house visits early in the week, accompanied by our ministry host and translator. We got to pray for a man who had intense stomach pain and hadn’t eaten in 7 days. Spoiler alert: GOD HEALED HIM!! Right after praying he said he felt better and he was able to eat!
We also prayed for a young girl named Gina who lived there. We picked up on the fact that they had visited a witch doctor and that her issue was demonic. We are still praying for her and trusting the church to follow up there. My heart was broken to see this child looking so downcast and in so much pain. Please be praying for her.
Anyways, a few days later, we had an opportunity to do some more house visits. The pastor invited us, and we were eager to go! There was just one slight hang-up…. Our translator had left for the afternoon. One of my teammates, Janelly, speaks Spanish, and was willing to attempt to translate for us through the pastor, who spoke some Portuguese.
These house visits were so amazing. We had to hike quite a distance to get to each one. We were warmly welcomed into every house … and I mean warmly. We would all crowd into a small, dark room stuffy with heat. Sweat would pour down my temples upon entry.
We would begin our time with an opening prayer, and then the house owner would share prayer requests. A man translated in Portuguese to Janelly, and then she would share with us. Finally, we would lay hands on the person and pray.
Get this… After praying at someone’s house, that person (and their family) would then tag along with us to go to the next house, and that person would join as well. By the time we reached our final house, we amassed quite a caravan of people. I was amazed to see these people desire to pass on the blessing they had just received.
The entire group of people who joined our house visits came to church with us that night, and the room was tangibly filled with joy. It was so very beautiful.
Imagine going door-to-door in your neighbor, praying for the people in that house, and then going next door with the people you had just prayed for to pray for those neighbors. What a beautiful example of what Christian fellowship can look like.
I challenge you to give this a try in your own creative way, right in your own neighborhood. I would love to hear how God moves!!
