When I left Cambodia and Asia in general, I wasn't sure what to expect coming into Africa. A lot of the people on my squad were excited to come here. As for me? Entering Africa, I simply saw it as one month closer until I could go back to Asia to continue to pursue the things that God has laid on my heart.
Two days though.
Two days is all it took for that to change.
I don't know if it's the faces, the smells, or the power of the living God working through everything…but I know this is where I need to be for now.
That the lessons learned in this season of my life will forever impact what I do in the future. And for that, I sit here and type this full of excitement.
This month, my team and I are working with a local pastor reaching out to the community that he works in. We're going door to door and telling people about the love of Jesus and what Jesus has done in our lives. We talk. We listen. We allow God to move through us and the power of prayer.
This blog is a glimpse into that…
The red dust from the road swirls around as you look off into the distance. With each gust of wind, the smell of the honeysuckle and jasmine floats more in the air. Each and every smell is all too familiar. You have no idea how, but they are.
“This way, ladies and sirs” your pastor says.
You follow, not knowing which house is going to be your next stop to tell of the love of the Father.
As you walk through the corn fields and bush, you see the house. It's small, but you can tell what it lacks in size it makes up for in joy. The children in the front yard makes it even more evident. When the children hear the voices of your group, they drop everything. One second they look around in shock and in the next have the biggest smiles ever. They run at you full speed. It's as if slow-motion has taken over as their arms are spread wide and their little legs push them further more towards you. You crouch and wait for the embrace that will inevitably take place in a few short seconds.
It happens.
One hug.
One giggle filled embrace.
One love.
After a few kicks of the make shift soccer ball and tosses of the children from one teammate to another, it's time to head inside.
A woman, much older than you, leads you to one of the three couches in the living room. Despite wanting to give her your seat, she insist that it is yours. She pulls up a wooden stool instead.
When you begin to tell the woman of why you are in her country, you can see the excitement on her face.
You represent everything she needs.
She explains that today is such a blessing because of how sick her husband has been. He hasn't been the same since the cancer took over his stomach. What used to be the easiest of task, now seems like the most daunting of challenges for her lover. Whether it's getting dressed or going to the bathroom…nothing is as what it once was.
As she sits and waits for her son to bring her husband out to you, her mind races to the hope, peace, and comfort that you provide.
Can your prayers work? Can they provide comfort for the family?
As the man enters the room and sits in front of you, you do more than see the hurt…you feel it. It shakes you with each and every tear that slowly runs down his cheek as he speaks. Words have always had the power to hurt…this provides a new meaning to that.
As the man, Francis, tells you his story through a translator, you're captivated. You see through all the hurt in his life and you see joy. You see beauty. You see a son seeking his Father's embrace and that moment when they encounter again.
The time has come for your team to pray for the man.
So you do.
The offering of words that the Spirit gives your team is beautiful. Where you were worried about weakness, the Spirit has interceded for you. As you pray and fill the power of the Spirit rushing down from Heaven, you see nothing but the flickering of white and feel at peace. Not knowing what else to do, you laugh because that's how the Holy Spirit touches you. One teammate cries. One sings. One raises their hands in adoration. You laugh. You laugh like the children out in front of the house.
As the prayer ends, you embrace Francis one last time.
Tears stream down his face and his eyes lock on yours. Wide and gleaming like a child.
He thanks you.
Walking out of the house, you know that there will be comfort and peace tonight for Francis. The Spirit was there and for the time being will fill the void with an unparalleled love.
You look into the distance at the sun going down behind the bush and you know that for this month…there's no place you'd rather be. Or no other place you need to be.
It wasn't by coincidence you ended up at the house of Francis today…and it won't be coincidenece when you go to the next house either.
For the smell of honeysuckle and jasmine and children draped around your arms tell you that you're home. At least for one month…
First off, thanks for everybody for the support that has been given. I made it to Africa and I am still a little bit away from being fully funded to continue the rest of this incredible journey. If you'd like to partner up with me financially…you can do so two different ways and now would be the PERFECT time.
First, you can click the "Support Me!" tab on the left of my blog and it will take you directly to the website to donate by credit card. Secondly, if you'd like to partner up with me by check, you can do that as well! Make it out to AIM and on the memo line write CRANFORDKENT
Send it to:
Adventures In Missions
PO Box 534470
Atlanta, GA, 30353-4470
Each and every donation goes 100% towards helping me show the love of Christ and to expand the Kingdom of the living God.
Thank you and much love all around!
