Building Always Holds Surprises

Whether it is homes or swing sets. I have always found the unexpected anytime I undertook another project to assemble something. Recently has proven no exception.

Friday we traveled once again the two and a half hour, 50 kilometer trek, through the bush, washouts, and river beds to Chuulu. Actually arriving a few minutes early we were well pleased with our progress. With a start time of 14 hours (2:00) we began to announce we had arrived; gathering under the shade of a large tree, in a dry, barren maize field, seeking protection from a scorching sun. Some 45 minutes or so later we had begun to sing some simple songs awaiting the arrival of a few more promising faces; Jesus Loves Me, Deep and Wide, This Little Light of Mine. Remember few of them understand English and we don’t claim to be singers, but they loved our awkwardness. By now there was a group of about sixty people. Finally with a go ahead to begin, my plan was to tell the story of Noah and the judgment of man with the flood, drawing attention to God’s provision of the Ark for the righteous man. We would then look at the story of Nicodemus in John and God’s provision of Christ. Something happened in the midst, my direction went awry and by the time we had finished 21 people felt led to accept Christ as personal Lord and Savior. I share this with all humility recognizing what happened occurred in spite of me.

You see this is not at all how we had envisioned things would transpire. We had imagined starting with just a few of half-interested listeners who really were present out of respect for their culture because a guest was in their village; thinking that after meeting some time hopefully some might bring a friend to join us. Possibly after an element of trust had been established we might approach the idea of forming a church.

We feel God has been at work in these hearts for some time. They want a church now! Naturally we have concern that it is for the proper reason and that it is sound as it emerges. That means among other things a need for continued discipleship, identifying Godly leadership, understanding the beliefs and ordinances of the church.

We pray for patience, God’s timing, and leadership of the Holy Spirit.

We ask you pray for the hearts of those in Chuulu and Dambilo for understanding of a personnel relationship with Christ.

That during the rains we will still be able to reach their villages for sharing and the example of faithfulness.

We also seek to continue to be amazed by what God wants to accomplish.

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made us understand that this light is the brightness of the Glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. But this precious treasure-this light and power that now shine within us-is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies.