I get a big kick out of reading the blogs of current and past World Racers. Through their stories and videos, I get to know them as individuals, and I appreciate how God is working in and through their lives.
There are certain participants whose blogs really speak to me. I would like to share with you two stories from my new “friend” Molly Garner.
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On March 27, Molly posted a blog about a man she met at the library in Mozambique. His name is Lazarus. Unlike some of the other random people who would strike up conversations with her, this man radiated joy with his huge smile. Also unlike others, Lazarus has very limited use of his legs, so he uses crutches to get around. His biceps are huge since his arms have to support his weight, and he walks great distances. From his house (on the outskirts of the village) to the center of town (with the church, library, and market) is more than three kilometers. The roads are made of sand, which poses an even greater challenge, but Lazarus walks because he can’t afford the bus ride. Lazarus lives alone and has no family.
He invited Molly to his house after church one day. He proudly welcomed her to his home where he had prepared a meal for her. They shared stories, and Molly found out that Lazarus owned a sewing shop which was his main source of income until recently because it was burglarized. Throughout dinner as they talked, Lazarus continued to praise the Lord for his goodness.
On April 4 (a week later), Molly posted an update. A woman from her home church in the USA had offered to buy Lazarus a new sewing machine. Molly had already moved on to South Africa by this time, but she honored the opportunity. She went shopping and found a sewing machine that runs on foot power. The lady at the store threw in a cord that would allow the machine to also work on electricity, in case Lazarus ever gets connected.
Molly prayed about how to deliver the machine to Lazarus, and – whatdya know?! – through some overheard conversations and a series of phone calls, it turned out there were some missionaries from Mozambique driving down to South Africa to renew visa paperwork, and they could do it. Yay!
On April 15, Molly sent photos of a very joyful Lazarus with his new sewing machine.
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Molly had other interesting adventures in Mozambique. She and her team worked with an organization that tries to help men get “back on their feet” after a rough childhood or a devastating life event.
Julio was one such man. He had actually been kicked out of the project and put in jail because of stealing. The director, Don, forgave him and gave him enough money to apply for a bus driver’s license so that he could support himself.
One Sunday, all the World Racers were at a church service, and Don was preaching a message from the gospels where Jesus revises the “an eye for an eye” law saying “if someone steals from you, give him your cloak as well.”
Ironic, because at that very moment, Julio was breaking in to Don’s house, where the World Racers were staying, and he stole two i-pods.
What would you do in that situation?!
They prayed for the grace to forgive Julio and for Julio to be convicted to repent and return the stolen items. They also asked God to provide for Julio’s daily needs.
The next morning, Don received a phone call from Julio saying he wanted to return the i-pods. They accepted, no questions asked.
Julio didn’t deserve any compassion, but Molly made the good point that I don’t deserve the grace God gives me everyday either.
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* To read Molly’s original posts, click here: Lazarus Part 1, Lazarus Part 2, i-Pods
** You can read the latest blogs of other World Race participants by clicking here.
