I’m writing this blog at Lao and Jill’s house (the missionary couples house I get to have a sleepover at every week). A thunderstorm is going on overheard. The lights flash off every once in a while because of the intensity of the storm. Earlier today I worshiped with the squad, I painted for ministry, and then got to enjoy the pool here at Lao’s. It’s a privilege to have Wifi here each week; most of the squad won’t have Wifi even close to this much. It’s been a little overwhelming seeing all I have to do for my final class of Truett when I have such limited Wifi. But even as I sit here writing, listening to the rain fall and splash the Lord is calming my soul.
In regards to ministry we still haven’t been to our care points (hopefully we will this week), but we have had some awesome ministry days.
REVIVAL IN A PRISON
Lao and Jill are from Holland and have been doing amazing ministry here in Swaziland. It’s a privilege to spend time with them. Lao has been going to the prison here every single week for the last six years. He has been loving on the people their and bringing Jesus and the Gospel and their has been such a revival in the prison. The people have been so receptive to the Gospel and the love of God that many of the inmates who leave the prison become leaders and role models in their communities back home.
On Tuesday I got to go to the prison and be apart of that ministry. Around 45 inmates all gathered in a room to hear Lao share what was on his heart today. He then introduced us and we got to share our testimonies with those guys. There was so much attentiveness and I felt welcomed among them. After each of us shared one of them played two songs. Seeing His passion as he worshiped beautifully in both siSwati and English was breathtaking. We didn’t have any time to talk or meet with the inmates in smaller groups but I’m hopeful we’ll get to in the future. As we left we got to shake each and every one of their hands; look into each of their eyes and say it had been a pleasure. Each of those eyes revealing a little of their soul. A soul with a life and a story and a potential to meet Jesus.
JESUS LOVES THE DRUNKARDS
On Wednesday and Thursday we went to a nearby town called Matata to do street evangelism. We spent most of that time at a bar. It’s not really a bar though. It’s just an area where people buy beers, drink, and play cards and pool. It’s such an awesome opportunity to minister to the people there. They are actually very approachable and open to conversations about Jesus. Although it’s a mostly Christian culture many Swazi people don’t really know what a relationship with Jesus is like; they are searching. And we get to love and share the Gospel with these people.
One such man was an elder cripple (I can’t remember his name). He really enjoyed us being there and simply talking with him. We learned a little about his life as we spent time with him. A couple of the guys bought him lunch. He cannot do pretty much anything in his condition and he showed interest in me bringing him a Bible. I’m hoping I can find one somewhere to give him.
Another man I met was named Aaron. We talked for a good 40 or so minutes about life and belief. He said he loves and follows Jesus but also that he worships his ancestors. It was somewhat awkward to confront that belief. It’s hard to know the line between correcting someone and offending someone and damaging the possibility of impacting them. He seemed to understand what I had to say about worshiping the Lord alone but He quickly changed the subject. After praying for him he had a lot of questions about the Holy Spirit to which I told him what I could and then directed him to John 14, 15, and 16.
The last man who approached me was very drunk. He had several questions about religion and the resurrection but I couldn’t really make out what he wanted to know. He very much invaded my bubble and behaved as if I was his best friend or as if he’d never seen a white person; he took several selfies with me. Although that was a very odd interaction where I didn’t have much to say or do it was still a chance to love on someone and show him that I (but more importantly God) cares for him.
PRAYER FOR THE FUTURE
I have had a lot of quiet alone time here in Africa both in the mornings and evenings. Times to sit and revel at the beauty. Both the sunsets and the stars have reminded me of home and filled me with so much joy. But I also want to use the peace and quiet to be intentional with praying for my future especially in regards to Missions Aviation. It’s a huge decision that would impact the rest of my life so I want to playfully consider it as much as I can.
Part of this considering is counting the cost. A huge part of the cost would simply be being so far from family and missing time with them. Another cost would simply be the cost of comfort and knowing what life would be like. Missions holds so many unknowns about what I’ll enjoy or not enjoy. Another cost would be the likelihood of a later marriage and family.
I know living for God’s Kingdom will always be worth the cost. But is the cost even necessary? Will the ministry of me being a missionary pilot be greater than anything I could do in the States? This is a very difficult question because I know the Lord could use me greatly wherever I choose to go. But only He can answer this question.
It isn’t all cost though; I believe I would enjoy living overseas and the adventure and the obvious impact I would be making. I’m trying to figure out what it is that I really want most. Do I want adventure and a life that is crazy? Or do I want a peaceful life of comfort and family? Both could be equally glorifying to you.
So far in my times of prayer I haven’t heard or felt anything. I’ve have peace about going into aviation but peace isn’t an answer. I rest in the fact that even without clarity He will guide me and use me, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t seek clarity.
