Today God really surprised me at church. I was so anxious to go to a church in Tanzania but feared the entire service would be in Swahili. As I walked in the church with Ana and her brother Elisha, I felt like one of them. Ana said, “You’re dressed like one of us. They won’t think you’re American.” Sure enough, it was a treat not being an American. I worshipped with them and sang the songs I knew in Swahili. I was able to blend in. There were no children crowding around calling, “Mazungu.” There were no ushers escorting me to the front of the church because I’m the American guest. I didn’t have to do ministry, I was able to be ministered to. I cried to the Lord, “I really need to hear from you today. Help me understand.”
When the song was in the second chorus, the front doors were opened and I saw white people being escorted in. I was so surprised. Surprisingly enough they weren’t from the World Race. There was a group of about twelve. They wear dressed so smart. They walked in distinguished and were seated in the front row. When the choir was up to sing, one of them stood and began dancing with the choir. The church cheered for him. When it came time for the Word, their pastor introduced the drama team. Tears streamed down my face as they performed a drama showing that we don’t fight against flesh and blood but the devil and his forces. It was showing how the Lord jumps in and helps us fight our battles. Their pastor preached, making their drama come alive even more.
Before the service had finished, I walked to the back looking for Elisha. “I’m supposed to meet them,” I said. In no time I had stepped back into my American role and was permitted into the Pastor’s office. He was grateful to have another American in his congregation. I was introduced to the guests. I told them how God had answered my prayers. I thanked them for ministering to me today. They asked about my journey and began to lay hands and pray for me. That prayer gave me enough strength to finish this race.
God taught me to stay in tune with Him and be open to whatever appointments he has set up for me. He also taught me that I need to keep my eyes open to the people he wants me to minister to.
