Living out of my backpack has been something that I have learned to do quite well. I feel as if my pack is packed and being transported more than it is actually empty which means I am settled. The past ten days have been more days on the move. Living a transient lifestyle is one I have submitted to because God has chosen it for me. Although it can get old, I know I must fully embrace it because there are still eight months to go.
After leaving the orphanage, we went to a small village called Momias. This area is heavily populated by Muslims, but the Lord is working in this rural area. My team and I were asked to speak several times at a youth revival. For those of you who have not been to Africa before, please know that youth in Africa means almost anyone who is alive and not doing something else. We had babies there all the way up to grandmas. Three times while we were there Summer and I were able to take those actual youth aged in attendance to do some small group Bible study time. This was one of my favorite times of our whole month. We were able to bring scripture and a short testimony and then open it up for discussion. They asked some great and deep questions. I always love a good discussion.
Something else interesting happened in this small village that has never happened to me before. After one of our many sessions, we were asked to pray for the dozen or so people that came forward in need. Them coming forward is not something new, but how my prayers transformed while I was praying for them was amazing. While I was praying for this young child in front of me, I had overwhelming love and compassion for him. I had never met this child, nor do I normally care this deeply about the person for whom I am praying. I know that it sounds terrible, but I can pray for someone I don’t know and not have feelings of love or compassion for the person. Only several hours later while I was contemplating this occurrence did I realize that God had answered my prayers. As a team we have been praying for us to love the people with whom we come in contact in the same way that Christ loves them. I can attest to the fact that this prayer can come true and when you least expect it. This love and joy was not of me and absolutely from and of God.
