After being on the race for 5.5 months (HAPPY HALFWAY DAY!!) God decided some changes were in order.
Two days into our work here the missionary couple we are serving with this month called a halt to all our projects. After observing our teams living and working together, God showed them that there were some issues that needed to be addressed. So, lead by God, they took 2 days to teach and disciple us.
We spent those days examining God’s word and our lives. God’s heart is for his children to be humble, to serve others in love without grumbling or complaining, to consider others more highly than ourselves, for individuals to come together and function as one body. The example he gives us is his Son.
As God held up a mirror, I found myself broken and humbled before Him. A light was illuminated in my heart and all the crap that is there was suddenly, glaringly obvious. Do I serve with a happy heart? Do I think the best of my brothers and sisters at all times? Do I strive to work with my team in unity? Do I think more highly of myself than I ought to? Am I willing to be open, honest, vulnerable; even in my weakness?
As I reflect on all that I’ve learned (or more aptly RElearned) I am so thankful that God desires growth; that he loves us enough to break us down in order to rebuild us anew.
We have resumed our ministry. Today, although I’m part of the boat crew, we planted a garden and did yard work. The boat crew has not, in fact, worked on the boat at all. We’re waiting for the guy that is going to reseal the boat before we can start painting, rebuilding the cabin and getting the motor working. This is Africa (T.I.A.) where things happen slowly, if at all, and that is okay. We just say T.I.A. and wait patiently.
