Although this is only my second month in Africa, I have learned something so precious and new. African Hospitality.
Now, I would consider myself a fairly hospitable person. I love having friends over, preparing meals, enjoying fellowship…but these last two months in Africa, it has been taking 5 notches higher.
Think about the last time someone came and knocked on your door. A total stranger. Did you even bother to answer? Maybe you answered, but you kept checking your watch and phone to show that you had better things to do? Maybe you turned off all the lights so they wouldn’t know you were home. Whatever the case is, I have probably done it. Especially when it comes to people sharing their religion with me at my door.
This month, we have been doing door to door ministry. Every single door, or hut, that we knock on, we are welcomed with abundance. The best chairs are brought out for us despite the fact that we are strangers, while these people graciously sit on the dirt floor. Even a woman is in her 90’s would rather have us sit on her chair than on the ground. Once we are seated, they smile as they are prepared to listen. Sometimes our conversations last for 10 minutes, other times they last for 2 hours.
One of the things that have blown me away the most, is that after the conversation, these new friends walk with us to our next destination. Sometimes that could be the next hut, but sometimes that could be miles! The past two days, after sharing the gospel these generous host went into their own garden, picked avocados and corn, and sent us on our way with something to eat. Sometimes they prepare tea and peanuts for us. For US! Complete strangers! They offer us so much even though we have nothing to give in return.
This level of hospitality has challenged me in ways I never expected. It hasn’t brought on shame, but it has brought on inspiration! I am so inspired to host to this level! Host strangers, friends, and loved ones. I am inspired to listen, and actually listen. I am inspired to sacrifice. Sometimes we can read about Jesus’ character in the Bible, and not fully grasp what he is asking us. When he says, “Love your neighbor as yourself” it might not make sense. We might think, ‘yeah okay just don’t hate them’. That isn’t what he said. He said LOVE. How differently would life look if gave our time, energy, or even money without expecting anything in return. Imagine if we would invite those who come to our door inside and prepare a meal for them. I guarantee they would be confused because of the level of love and hospitality they are experiencing. I challenge you to ask the Lord, “How can I love better”. He is teaching me a lot, but I know it doesn’t take a plane ride to Africa to be taught something new from the Lord.
