When people ask about ministry in Africa, the running joke is door-to-door evangelism. People think of the white missionaries walking the red roads for miles, going hut to hut. Now, some parts of that is accurate for me this month.
But, let me share with you what the Lord showed me one day evangelizing.
Our group on this cold Rwandan morning was Pastor Fred, Daniel, Alysse, and I. We had a few things on our agenda that day, but were definitely open to whatever the Lord had planned. As we were walking, we stopped to talk to a young man. He was probably 20 years old and did not have a relationship with Jesus. We began talking about what a relationship with God looked like, and within 5 minutes, there was another gentleman who joined us. A few minutes after, the group went from 2 men to 7 men. Within 10 minutes, our group was growing larger and larger. At one point the group was almost 20 people! A man driving a motorcycle taxi stopped by and asked what was going on. Pastor Fred boldly said, ‘We are talking about something very important! Come back when you are free to listen!’ and the man parked his bike, got off, and took a seat. Kids began to come, women who were balancing baskets on their heads stopped, the few turned into a crowd!
Eventually, a man who spoke rather good English asked if he could ask some questions. He explained he was new to the area, didn’t have a church, but was curious about the Bible and Jesus. He asked us about baptism, Catholicism, and the Holy Spirit. This man promised to come to our church down the street on Sunday, along with other strangers in the crowd. (Of course, I have learned after living in Asia, people make promises they don’t intend to keep in order to please you in that moment. )
As we continued talking to the group, a woman came out of her house across the street. She pushed people aside to get to the front where she told us, “After you are done, you come to my home and preach to my family!”
Standing there in complete awe, the Lord gave me a picture. He showed me Jesus standing in that group, speaking through us to this crowd of people. He reminded me of his ministry on earth and how crowds were drawn to him because of who he was and what he taught! The image of the crowds and Jesus being invited to homes. This was the gospel in real life! I was speechless because he was allowing us to partner with him!
Fast forward a few days later. As I sat in the bed of our truck on our usual Sunday drive, I closed my eyes and spoke to the Lord. I prayed on behalf of the people who said they would come to church. I prayed for their hearts, that they didn’t just listen to be polite, but they listened because the Holy Spirit was moving in their heart. We got to church and there was no familiar faces from the crowd. By the next song, I saw a familiar face walk in! It was the man who promised he would come! The man who was so curious and asked many questions. I smiled and thanked the Lord for the one. Because even for the one, it was worth it. BUT THEN, another came in! And another! During the service, one of the pastors asked for an introduction. The men from the crowed shared how they heard what we were talking about the days prior and had to come hear more. At the end of the service, the pastor asked if anyone wanted to receive Jesus. ALL of the people from the crowd who came walked up on stage and accepted Jesus!!! ALL!
Most times in ministry, you don’t get to see the fruit. I would love to say that I’ve seen hundreds come to Christ on the race, or that every month I see fruit. But the truth is, I don’t. I have learned that I cannot expect fruit for the 4 weeks I am in a country. But, I have also learned that the Lord uses me to help water seeds, and that is just as important! This month, we got to plant, water, and see growth! Please continue to pray for our team as we evangelize daily in this village! God is moving in big, special ways.
