Recently I have had a reoccurring revelation that I have been traveling around the world and am currently in Africa. Many of times I have stepped onto a plane only to get off and feel like it looks no different than where I just was. Or maybe your mind knows that you are physically in a different place, yet your other senses do not affirm that fact. Have any of you ever experienced this? Well after being here in Mozambique for nearly a month that I am and know that I am here in Africa.
We had just taken a ride in the back of a flat bed truck that was reminiscent of my childhood when doing such a thing was dangerous and illegal. My mom was quick to remind me of these things. The ride was longer than usual, but not long enough were one would mind; the extra breeze was enthusiastically welcomed as a break from the sweltering African sun.
Not after long we realized that we were slowing to a halt, which was not uncommon to pick up some help or other acquaintances for the outreach. Upon coming to an abrupt standstill on the side of the road we were informed that the truck had run completely empty of diesel. You would think this would catch some of us by surprise, but it did not and actually it was not even the first occurrence for most of us on the race. Regardless an over eager African, leaped from the truck with a five-liter bottle for gasoline as we all presumed.
During this whole incident everyone was completely calm and worry-free. It stuck a chord with me, transporting my mind back to all of the little things that often shook me and stressed me out in my life prior to the race. The vague memories of a fast-paced, connected, and rushed society flashed through my mind, followed by the ways that I am changed. I have a changed perspective and outlook on life. Hopefully this reinforces my newly developed reactions to these situations within my future re-entry into American society.
Soon we were back on the road again. This road was asphalted, which paled in comparison to the sandy almost desert-like roads that had abused our bodies only fifteen minutes prior. The sun had begun to set, which transformed the day into a crisp, cool night, with a breeze that cooled the sweat on your skin from the African heat.
In the cover of darkness we pulled up to the location for outreach that ironically used to be where a witch doctor practiced. Praise God for the way that God works and conquers darkness. In what seemed like just a few moments the setup was complete. The joyful sound of upbeat worship music was shattering through the unsuspecting quiet homes. The thunderous noise echoed throughout the area acting like a call to worship, and as if on cue men, woman, and children poured into the area. The reasons for showing up varied from desiring to worship to curiosity of the noise and influx of white people, but the motivation for why the people came did not much matter. The important thing was that they were there!
As the music continued to thump, you visibly see how the people allowed the music to infiltrate their bodies and they moved in harmony with the music and with one another. The movement was quick, high-energy, and ecstatic. Although the moon began to show, the air was still warm, and it only fueled their dance. The ease and endurance of the people still comes as a mystery to me. Their bodies almost seem to operate contrary to human anatomy, because at the time when you think their bodies are depleted of energy they prove you wrong. They dance for at minimum an hour, all the while the sweat poured, the dust clouded your vision from the stomping, but the joy never ceased. Such joy could only come from God alone.
Silence falls on the anxious crowd, and but the intensity remains in the crowd. You know that at the smallest opportunity the people would bellow back into their outwardly passionate state. They do not have to wait long before someone on stage screams, “AMEN” and the crowd resounds on cue with an exponentially louder, “AMEN.”
The crowd falls back into a lull, where Felito (our pastor and contact here) gets up and passionately delivers a word to the people. It meets them where they are because before long ninety percent of the people come forward for prayer without hesitation. It is refreshing and evident that their reactions are driven from their souls, emotions, and hearts before their head even has time to process it. They react without worry, care or concern. All they know is that they want prayer and desire everything that God has for them.
Among the people my team emerges with some others to help pray and you can feel the atmosphere- still intense, sincere, and intimate. This time ends with arms lifted in adoration to our God. The air is thick, and there is no doubt that the Holy Spirit is present, stirred, and transforming in front of our eyes.
It is in these moments that I stand in awe, studying my surroundings not wanting to miss a thing because this is AFRICA. It is feeling, experiencing and being within the culture. Meeting the people where they are and loving them right there!
The Bible says in 1 Peter 4:8; And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” It is without a doubt that the love that I have for God has brought me here to Africa and it is through prayer that I continue in love for all of those that I have met here in this mysterious and authentic land.
I have taken those drives as seen in travel shows, been in malaria zones, eaten unique food, stuck out in crowds because of my skin color, but it is in these immense and intimate times that I truly feel as if I have been in and experienced Africa!
