It’s Sunday before Christmas, I’m sitting on the dirt floor of an African church watching a group of children (barefoot, haven’t bathed in days, ripped clothing) singing their hearts out, worshipping Jesus. It’s like nothing I’ve ever heard before. It’s beautiful. It brings me to tears.
I’m crying, sitting in the front, and I’m the only white woman here. Get yourself together, everyone’s staring.
I can’t. I miss home. I love these children. I can’t believe this is my life.
I let the tears come; happy and sad.
Moments later, everyone in the church is on their feet dancing, clapping, singing at the top of their lungs. I might not know the words to the song, or understand the language, but dancing, laughing, clapping, and the joy of the Lord are universal.
I want every single person I know to experience this.
This is a thought I’ve had every day in Africa. Every day I experience something that I wish you were here experiencing with me.
How do I begin to tell about all the things Jesus is doing?
This month my team is partnered with a local Pastor, and everyday we go out and evangelize in all of the surrounding villages.
How do I describe evangelism in Malawi?
it’s draining
it’s exhausting
it’s overwhelming
it’s challenging
it’s growing
it’s sometimes sad
it’s celebration
it’s laughter
it’s encouraging
it’s telling stories
it’s relying on Holy Spirit
it’s not knowing what to say
it’s being taken over by emotion
it’s witnessing poverty
it’s not understanding
it’s healing
it’s holding babies
it’s trying to speak Chichewa
it’s bringing Muslims to Jesus
it’s being followed by all the children in the village
it’s learning about your teammate
it’s sitting with strangers and meeting them exactly where they are.
Through each experience in Malawi, Jesus has been teaching me about Joy. (Shout out, Mom!)
JOY
the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying.
The basic definition of joy states that it’s an emotion caused by something, but what the Lord has been refining is that true joy is not circumstantial. He lives in us, His love is unconditional and never ending, His joy fills us and overflows outward. His joy and grace are a gift given to us everyday and it’s up to us to choose into it.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all of the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
PSALM 100:1-2
Waking up this Christmas Eve, I am not with my family at home getting ready for church service, making sure all the food and presents are ready for our huge (53 humans this year) gathering later that day, taking our traditional photo in front of the Christmas tree, playing the annual Cornhole tournament, or hugging my Grandma & Grandpa.
I am with my Rooted team, drinking tea with our hosts, eating French toast, listening to Christmas music, and choosing JOY. God loved me enough to send His only son to live and die for me. For you. For all of His Children. So whether you’re celebrating Christmas at home, or in the middle of the African bush; choose JOY, because you are loved.
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11
Merry Christmas fam.! I miss y’all so stinking much! Sending alla my love from the other side of the world!
