On August sixteenth I attended KISC International Church in Dhobi Ghat, Kathmandu. Before the sermon the Pastor asked the congregation if there were first timers in the audience. He asked us to say our name, where we are from and with what organization. As the Pastor was making his rounds through the audience I felt compelled to raise my hand. There were a couple of Canadians who generically said they were from Canada. I felt I should specify Nova Scotia when it was my turn to speak. The Pastor didn’t see my hand so I felt defeated and shied away in my seat. This was only to have Sarah pipe up and say “Over here.” The Pastor turned around and passed me the mike. I said, “Hi my name is Clare, I am from Nova Scotia, Canada and I am part of the World Race team.”
I sat down and abruptly was greeted by a couple sitting directly behind me who said “Hi fellow Maritimer.” Their names are Bob and Gail McLeod. I was delighted and came to find out they were from Fredericton and Moncton area. I was enveloped in conversation that I missed a joke that a Scotsman made about being from the real Scotland.
After Church, I was invited to their place for tea and snacks. I graciously accepted their invitation. I met them at their place at three with a loaf of banana bread. We commenced our conversation about the Maritimes and family lineage. I came to find out that many of the places they had lived I could visually reference it in my mind. They talked about the Cotton mill in Marysville, Killarney Road, Nashwalk, Cross Creek Baptist Church outside of Stanely, the Campbelltown, Doaktown, Jemseg, Grand Lake and the list continues. As we were speaking I was marveling at how small these places are in comparison to the globe. I was also marveling that I was half way around the world, sitting on a balcony in Kathmandu and talking about small-town New Brunswick.
As we dove deeper into conversation we find out that my Mom’s cousin Pammy Sparkes went to university with Gail. I have yet to have this information verified but if it is the same women, Pammy is currently one of the teachers of my cousin Haley.
Another story is Gail and Bob McLeod practically was at the birth of one of my former youth pastor Joanna Doak (who also has a connection with my Mom). The Doak’s and the McLeod’s have been family friends for a long time. I have even been to the same famous Doak cottage on Grand Lake as they have.
Yes, I am sure you see the point of all the descriptions and connections that Gail, Bob and myself have between us.
It is to show that God is so good. Our meeting was like sweet honey from Him. Truly Jesus was the maestro of our meeting. First to go to this specific Church, on this day, to sit in front of, to be compelled to speak and to specify Nova Scotia. It was utterly divine.
On top of all our connections, they taught me valuable lessons through their stories. This past year as you know I have been struggling to have faith in the Lord’s financial provision. Yet, here is a couple who have been missionaries since eighty five and have relied on the Lord’s provision since then.
I am challenged by their lifestyle. I don’t doubt my ability to live simply and frugally however I am not ready to live a long season with financial unknowns. Yes, to some degree I like a life of security and comfort. Maybe in due time the Lord will reveal the next step for my life. And if He calls me to a missionary lifestyle, I pray I can let go of worry and follow His plans.
I am thankful for meeting Gail and Bob. They have been incredible witnesses of surrendering to God’s will. They taught me about living selflessly and walking in the fullness of the Christian life.
Thank you both for pouring into me,
from the heart,
Clare
