Guatemala has 76 volcanos! (At least that’s what one of our hosts told us). From the front gate of the youth center we are living in this month, we can see two of them. One is called Agua and the other is called Fuego. Fuego is active and we saw it erupting this morning. Yesterday we hiked another active volcano called Pacaya. We took a small bus to the base of the mountain, then rode on the back of a very rickety pick-up “truck” a short way up the mountainside. From there we were given walking sticks and 2 guides who ushered us up the rest of the way. The hike was strenuous but I almost wasn’t bothered by the strain because I was so amazed by both the power and the beauty of the volcano. We walked on volcanic ash from an eruption that took place 3 years ago. The guide told us that Pacaya had erupted again just a few hours before we began our hike. We were able to see the glowing red molten lava, mixed with rock and ash, flowing down the side of the volcano and feel its heat.
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. day in the U.S. As we hiked the volcano, I reflected on Dr. King’s speeches and specifically the part of one of his speeches where he talks about being to the mountaintop and seeing his dream realized; of freedom from oppression and injustice.
“I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. So I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
The civil rights movement and the mountaintop experience Dr. King had, involved both the power and beauty of the dream; the power of a vision that inspired a nation.
Power gets a bad wrap sometimes. Many times when people hear about power they think about the abuse of power. Even as Christians, we are sometimes more comfortable speaking about the love of God and His gentleness than His awesome power. God’s power changes atmospheres.
“You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. By your strong arm, you redeemed your people” Psalms 77:14-15
For this season on the world race, God has blessed me to be the team leader for team Mighty Love. Our team name encompasses both the gentle, intimate love relationship each of us has with Christ and the powerful impact of His presence as we go out to serve the world and usher in His kingdom. Please pray with me that God’s vision for my team of beautiful, gentle, loving and powerful women will be realized as we do life together for the next 10 ½ months.
