Traveling by bus in South America has been like going to the circus. It’s usually a wild experience with lots of children who giggle, people getting swung around while holding onto bars, animals dressed to impress, and sometimes there are peanuts, well, at least fruit. The art of salesmanship has been perfected for the short window of opportunity in which they have to captivate the audience, you never know who or what will be joining you on this thrill ride.
After spending 42 hours on several buses to get from our host home in Cajamarca, Peru to our squad debrief in Banos, Ecuador I realized how much potential there was for ministry during this time and prayerfully asked the Lord to provide me with opportunity on every bus.
When we boarded our bus in Banos to go to Quito a man hopped on the bus to answer that prayer. At first I was not so certain what he was there to do as he spoke swiftly and carried a stereo. His eyes were darting up and down as they rolled back into his head, he was blind. He started singing a beautiful ballad about Jesus as he held out his hands for an offering. I placed money into his hand but we all agreed he was in need of healing prayer. Several of us laid our hands on him and prayed for not only his sight to be restored but for his ministry to grow as he touches lives with his testimony and love for Jesus despite his condition. He left us but he stayed with me. His sweet song lingered in my airspace, he may have been blind but he sees much of the Kingdom. He got on the bus to sell us some Jesus but I believe he received more than just money and we not only gave it but gave Him back God who will reward his faithfulness and answer our prayers.
On the way home from ministry the other day my team went into a local shop to say hello to the owner and as a gesture of kindness to her I felt inclined to make a small purchase. For some reason the Lord put it on my heart to buy glittery nail polish. Anyone who knows me could attest to the fact that I do not wear sparkly anything. We got on the bus and soon I came to know why I was supposed to buy that polish. A little girl locked eyes with me and came running over to sit next to me. I asked her if she wanted me to paint her nails, but of course! She was so delighted that she proudly displayed her fingernails as she beckoned her sister and small cousin to come over too. I painted 30 tiny little nails as they scrolled through the pictures on my phone, asked me all about the United States, and we talked about their church. When we came to their stop we said our farewells, gave kisses and they waved to me from the street until the bus turned the corner. So much joy in that little moment of children’s ministry.
Every time I now get on the bus I know God is taking me on a Kingdom journey… with the salesman, giggling girls and masses of people all going somewhere. I pray we all get the show on the road and go to the same place in the end, He is making sure I have opportunity to speak into just that.
