On our second Sunday here in Lesotho, our team went deep into the mountains to attend church. Not knowing what lies ahead of us, we prepared a sermon, a few testimonies, and a song. We were picked up by a rugged old van and made a 30 min long journey into the mountains. Going through the city, we picked up a few women who were going the same way. This made it very cramped in the van. After fearing that the van was gong to tip and roll down the mountain, the driver pulled into a persons drive way. We contemplated for a few minutes whether or not we should get out of this cubical van which was burning hot inside. The driver suddenly appeared and opened the squeaky sliding door. We all piled out to find out that this church service will be right where we stood. The pastor and some of the women put 10 chairs out facing a small little empty hut next to a very small house. We sat around and waited for 45 minutes till the church service started.
When it finally came time to start, the translator and the pastor made announcements and started worship. My team and I awkwardly clap our hands to an awkward rhythm and just moved side to side while everyone else sings. We were then handed the floor to run the service. Katherine and Cole gave testimonies then Katie gave a sermon about suffering and that God will heal you in your suffering. We prayed and sang another African song. We recognized this song because the church we went to in Swaziland also sang this song.
The church split up into 3 groups to go across the deep valley and the shallow river to a hut village. My group consisted of a few teenage girls, a translator, and Sam. When we arrived at one of the huts, one of the girls rushed over to ask if we can come over and talk about the gospel, we were not welcomed.
That was okay. We just moved on. Our group went a bit further to see a group of adults surrounding a small hut. The translator went over again to see if we can be welcomed, we were. We walked over and was welcomed inside. It was about 18 feet in diameter. There was one bed, a large cabinet, lots of plates on a much smaller cabinet, a couple 5 gallon buckets for water, and lots of large logs to sit on.
We all gathered in this small space and then the translator began to speak to the people.
Sam and I were asked to pray and give the gospel. Sam took the initiative and prayed over the people. Then I began to preach the gospel. This was my first time actually talking to a community about the gospel who has never heard of it before. I started with my name, age, and where I am from. I talked a little about myself to be relational with this group of people. I then began to explain the gospel in the most broad and basic way possible. I knew I could have dug a little deeper in the explanation of the gospel. It is okay, you live and you learn. I know God did use my words to help these people.
After I closed, most of them began to ask questions but one man began to ask theological questions. He asked where was God before the earth? Is God married? He even asked about the signs of Jesus coming back in Revelation. All this and more. The translator, Sam, and I were trying the best we could to answer all of his questions.
I love being asked these questions because it means that this guy is curious, trying to find answers, and growing in his faith. I have faith that this man will have all of his questions answered and become a spectacular leader in his community.
I have seen one of my teammates come up with a list of questions and doubts about God and his faith back in Swaziland. Since then he feels that most or all of his questions have been answered and I can see in his heart that he is stronger and more confident than ever.
I’ve also gone through a journey of doubts and questions but now I am here.
If you are also having a lot of doubts and questions, it is okay. Apologetics is good. One of my favorite verses is Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you.”
This questions you have now will later be used to help someone else.
Let it Echo (Heaven Fall)- Jesus Culture
“There was a time when only specialized Christian missionaries needed to be able to defend the gospel of Jesus Christ against the attacks of Islam. Today every Christian has an opportunity and obligation to present the gospel effectively and in Christian love to the Muslims who have permeated our Western society. When your neighbor, your mechanic, your favorite basketball player, your employer or employee, or even your children’s friends could very well be Muslims, the need for proper understanding and an effective Christian witness is abundantly clear.” –Josh McDowell
