Word got out that there were missionaries in Katadji, a small village in Côte d’Ivoire roughly an hour outside of Abidjan, the capital. Soon our pastor Jason was getting phone calls from other local pastors inviting us to visit their village. We had our mornings booked with visits to surrounding towns.
We would arrive and be greeted at the pastor’s house. They would share their ministry vision and their heart for the church they pastor and what they were doing in the village. Next we would explain our ministry and tell them a little more about the World Race. After we met church leaders we would walk through the village stopping at various houses to pray and bring the word. We continued on and prayed with many others for healing, for strength and encouragement. We read scripture and gave our testimonies.
In one particular stop we met an elderly couple who had a youth ministry for years. They were so full of life and energy! It was amazing to sit with them and listen to their testimony. They had been married for 50 years and always wanted children of their own but never did. They couldn’t have children. Many villagers had told the man to leave his wife and get a wife who could give him children. He refused to divorce her and instead decided to remain faithful. Instead they had a powerful youth ministry and were witnesses for remaining faithful.
As we sat there in the shade of a tree the man prayed blessings over our team as we continued on our journey. They were so excited to have met missionaries doing God’s work. They had worked with missionaries years ago when they first came to that small village in Côte d’Ivoire. It was encouraging to spend time with a couple who had been faithful not only to each other but to the calling of the Lord.
Overall it was very exciting to be able to visit other villages and encourage the people, but looking back I am again reminded of the power of this couple’s story. Sometimes following God doesn’t make sense. Sometimes our friends and family don’t agree and may even try to deter us from doing what He says. Sometimes we ourselves resist the Lord’s instructions.
Personally I have found that following God has been more satisfying and life giving than the plans I make for myself. As I enter into a new season there are many unknowns, expectations and hopes that I have or that are placed on me. Previously I wrote about Proverbs 3:5&6. Remember, it doesn’t have to make sense to everyone and we don’t always have to have things figured out. Sometimes all it takes seeking His face and a little faith.
