Ladies and gentleman, he’s done it again!
So, I left you all at a KFC in Indonesia. Waiting. Anticipating.
And because God has a pretty great sense of humor, the answer came literally minutes after I posted that blog. Our three scouts returned with tales to tell of the divine appointment that was ready for them to find, a diamond in the rough.
They had walked around the city for only a few minutes when they came upon a church. The church was gated – the type of gate one of girls on the team had seen in a vision while praying about where to go this month. It just so happened, the pastor was having a birthday celebration after the Sunday service. With many people milling about and tons of food to share, the girls were welcomed into the church to eat and talk. After explaining our situation, our journey of following God’s voice to this city looking for a place to stay and a place to serve for the month, they were informed the church just so happens to have a guest house not far from where we were.
There are no coincidences with God.
The girls spent time talking with the pastor and some elders of the church getting to know them, and them us. After all, it’s not every day three foreigners show up at your door asking to serve you and be housed… The church leaders were a little taken by surprise.
It was decided that the other three of us camped out at KFC would join the group so we could all meet one another before it was agreed upon that we stay at the church. So, big packs in tow, we trekked to the church to see our potential new home and hammer out details to check the feasibility of living and serving here this month. Once there, we ended up attending an afternoon worship service. And, on the spot, were asked to offer a song to the congregation as our introduction. The World Race turns everyone into impromptu worship artists. Part of the job description. Fine print. No problem. We were warmly greeted, welcomed, and prayed over during service. I felt so much peace in each moment and knew this would be our place.
After service came the moment of truth. Would we be staying here?
Yes. An echo of God’s voice when I had prayed in the KFC just hours before.
Yes. With little to no details, but oh so much peace.
Yes.
So, we were driven just a few minutes away to the ministry guest house complete with two massive beds, enough to sleep the six of us, plenty of space to spread out, bucket shower and squatty potty accommodations, electricity, running water, markets and food options nearby, and safely enclosed on the church compound with minister housing to our right and the church on our left.
Yes.
But it doesn’t stop there.
After settling into our perfect new home (outfitted with sheets and pillows for our beds purchased by our generous new friends during the time it took to drive to the guest house. I mean, how kind!!!) we were taken out to dinner at an authentic Indonesian restaurant and treated to a beautiful feast where we got to know some elders and youth group members.
We ended the day tired from all that had changed in 24hrs but completely at peace in our new beds and beyond grateful and deeply humbled for God’s astounding faithfulness to us, and ready to see what more God has in store for this month and how we’ll serve the people who have already blessed us so richly.
We couldn’t have dreamed it up if we tried. And yet, it isn’t a surprise. This is our God. Great and mighty to be praised. Abounding with steadfast love and mercy. Who loves giving good gifts to his children. He deserves all the praise and glory for this one.
Whoever said following God is boring, well, maybe it’s time to hop a train to nowhere, sit in a KFC and ask him what’s next. Worked for us!
