Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:10)
God is the ultimate provider—the Good Shepherd. He was orchestrating my time in Rwanda years before I knew I would go on the World Race.
Here’s a little backstory: before coming on the Race, I was involved with Iron City Church in Birmingham, Alabama. I could sing from the mountain top my praises, love, and adoration for this church family! The biggest gift the church gave me was authentic Biblical community.
At Iron City, I met an incredible couple, Rachel and Chase Carroll. They moved to Rwanda last year for Chase’s job. They don’t call themselves “missionaries,” but they are passionate about vocational ministry: everyday life on mission.
So fast forward to the end of January when I contacted Rachel for advice on things to do in Rwanda and places to stay for my team. Not only was she helpful with cultural information, but she also welcomed us with open arms to live with she and her husband for a few weeks!
I was overwhelmed by their generosity and willingness to open up their home, hearts, and lives to us. We were all essentially strangers, but the glorious part about following Christ is that it connects you deeply to other fellow believers around the world! My home in Birmingham came full circle to Africa.
We pulled up to their beautiful home overlooking the capitol city. As we walked into their house, Rachel froze and exclaimed, “Wait. Something isn’t right!” We scanned the house and saw that it was rummaged through—
Drawers were left open, items turned upside down, and the back door left wide open with the lock broken. They were robbed.
While Chase and Rachel were away picking up my team for just an hour, someone broke into their home and stole everything- passports, cameras, laptops, cash, etc. Even more so, the thieves stole their peace of mind.
I watched helplessly as the entire day was filled with police investigations. They were stressed, and I questioned why this happened. I felt guilty.
However, now I see glimpses of His glory in this trial. Their Rwandan friends surrounded the Carrolls with love and support. The Lord used their friends to affirm to the Carrolls that they are supposed to be in Rwanda. As a couple, they learned to seek the Lord to be their only comfort and protector.
The timing of it all was a divine appointment. Their authenticity and vulnerability were refreshing, and it brought us all together. We still don’t fully understand why it happened, but we trust He works all things for good for those who love Him.
Even in the midst of tragedy, the Carrolls continued to bless us! They used their spiritual gift of hospitality to serve us. They cooked meals, let us do laundry, use their showers, sleep in their beds, taught us the language, pointed us to drivers and restaurants, and connected us with churches/ministries! (Rach even took care of me while I was sick with a parasite. Talk about servanthood. I can’t brag enough on her!) In the midst of their darkest moments, Rachel and Chase showed us the Gospel. This is the beauty of the global church and Biblical friendships!
Ministry isn’t as black and white as we view it to be. I think our main “ministry” for the month was to be placed with the Carrolls and to encourage them in the midst of the chaos and hardship. In exchange, they encouraged us to live on mission wherever we go. The way they lived their everyday life was inspiring. Life = Ministry, Ministry = Life.
This tragedy pointed me back to Scripture when Joseph speaks grace toward his betraying brothers. Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
In God’s hands, intended evil becomes eventual good. God redeems pain. He doesn’t let things happen for no reason, there is ALWAYS a purpose.
When Scripture says “You MEANT evil against me,” the word “meant” is the Hebrew word for weave. So essentially, this scripture is saying “You WOVE evil, but God REWOVE it together for good.”
I am confident in this: God is the master weaver. Take THAT, Satan. You have no victory.
On our very last day with the Carroll’s in Rwanda, we awoke suddenly at 5AM to the ferocious barking of their dog. We discovered that someone jumped their fence and attempted to rob them again! Thankfully, their guard and dog chased them away. It was startling and frustrating. We started and ended our time in Rwanda with the enemy trying to steal, kill, and destroy, but we were confident Jesus would turn it for good. He always does, and He is a promise keeper.
I wrote in my journal that morning: “This is our Jericho. May the walls of fear and evil be broken down. Father, lift up these walls of protection and refuge- the Carrolls are in your hands. Oh Lord, give us your will today. May we finish strong in Rwanda despite this morning’s scare. Our hearts are turned to you and we want to bless this country and this home in your name.”
So that day, our team plus the Carrolls prayer walked. We walked in circles around the home and declared safety and protection over the ground. Prayer became alive and active! It was a beautiful picture of the church. We are always in the struggles, hardships, and darkness together.
My heart swells when I look back to Rwanda and clearly see the Carrolls as our people of peace, and our divinely ordained friendships. We needed each other and the Lord knew this.
In the midst of hardship, the Good Shepherd promises: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” NOTHING can rob us of this truth.
(We love and miss you, Birmingham and Iron City Church!!)
