On one of my favorite days this month (and maybe even a favorite for this Race as a whole), we went to visit an indigenous family from the Gnobe Bugle tribe (pronounced: NO-bee BOO-glay). I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was excited. The family we visited lives on the land next door to Manos de Fe (our ministry home for the month).
Here is a little background: the Gnobes are looked down upon in this community. Non-gnobes do not associate with Gnobes–so much so that they are often not allowed to ride the public bus. Not only that, but this family in particular, because the husband has four wives, was shunned from even the Gnobe churches. Our contacts have been pursuing relationships with this family for the past few years, and it has been a process. And this was the first time gringos (white people/North Americans) ever went over to THEIR home…
We brought drinks and veggies, and they cooked up a delicious Panameño dish with rice and chicken. It was a true privilege to be able to eat with them at their house. There were a handful of men, about ten women (not including us), and many, many more children, and there was more than plenty for all to eat. It was a full day of laughter and joy.
We played games with the children, who had more joy than a picture will capture. The women also taught us how to make bracelets and bags. The women even put on a little show for us! They called me and Sara up, dressed us in their tribal dresses, and invited us to dance with them. I noticed that after I put on the dress, the children would come up and lean on me, or put their hand on my shoulder. It was as if I had been initiated into the tribe. It was such a beautiful honor. I’m not sure why they chose me, but it is a day I won’t soon forget.
We later learned that this was the first time this family had ever been welcoming to a missionary team. They had never taught their trade, or shared their dances, or come to the outside to wave good-bye. This was a truly special thing.
The following Sunday, we invited them over for church. It was chaotic! Not five minutes after they arrived, it started to downpour. So, some two or three dozen people were quickly guided into the house, while two of our gals ran to bring chairs inside. This put quite the damper on our plans, but being the “experienced world racers” that we are, we came up with plan B in no time.
We sang songs… and the women clapped with us. We sang a song with hand motions, and invited them up to dance with us… and they came and danced. We brought the Word (in three different languages), and asked questions… and they listened… and responded.
I remember the excitement come over me when the women began to clap along, and it only got better from there. Watching this family, who had not even heard about this man named Jesus, respond to a message about how the most high God sacrificed His only son for someone who didn’t deserve it, was incredible. We could see the awe on their faces as they heard this new message.
This day together was another day full of joy and laughter. And it could only be explained by the Holy Spirit. We had prayed over this time–prayed for open hearts and ears that could understand. And we saw the fruits of that.
I don’t know that I can truly understand the significance of these “breakthroughs” with this family. I haven’t been here for the past two years of working for this relationship. I haven’t lived in Caisán long enough to realize the segregation in this community. All I can see is what has been happening this month. I see the Spirit moving. I see a family with more joy than I have witnessed in a long time. I see cautious eyes that are longing to accept and be accepted. I see curiosity growing and trust being built. I see life, and I can see new life coming.
Tomorrow, we will have another service here at our home. I am so excited to see these new friends again, and I am praying that the Spirit continues to move in their hearts as we talk about the Servant’s heart.
