Village Life - June 21st

I’m writing from my bedroom in compound in a village. There are open windows, mosquito nets, and crickets chirping. I’m waiting to take a bucket shower after a day of sweating and playing in the red African dirt. In the morning I’ll wake up to the sounds of roosters crowing, goats bleating, and women who have already started on the days’ work of cooking and laundry.

Our first few days in the country were slower-paced, helping us acclimate to the new culture. We took drives and walks, absorbing all we could. We people-watched (and got watched by people! – I’ve never been so stared at before). We had devotions and training on the culture. Then, on Tuesday we loaded into a van, opened the windows, and made a 12-hour trip north. We passed through villages and towns and long stretches of countryside with rich vegetation and even some stunning mountains, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. When we arrived we met the missionaries and volunteers who live in this town.

On Wednesday we began our work! We went to a primary school and taught in the classrooms for a couple of hours. When the classes let out, the children swarmed us. Precious black hands covered every inch of my white exposed arms. Personal space ceased to exist! It was fun and new and exciting, but when we talked about the event that night as a team, we felt a quiet dis-settling. We were like celebrities to them. While the attention was fun, we established that we don’t want to simply promote ourselves. If all they see are some friendly white girls (and one black sister!) from America, they’ve gained nothing. We want them to see Christ. The next day, at a different school, we were more prepared. In the classrooms, after giving a school lesson, we shared the gospel and were intentional with our time. Several students prayed to receive the Lord.

On Friday I woke up sick and had to stay back from the school but the other girls had a great time with the kids and had them memorize some Scripture verses. We’re planting the word! That afternoon, I felt stronger (thanks to so many of you who were praying for me!) and was able to join my team for evangelism in a village. We went out in two’s, along with interpreters, and asked people if we could tell them about Jesus. They were incredibly hospitable and open to hearing what we had to say. Some were already believers. Others had heard of Jesus but did not know much about Him. After hearing, several said they wanted to follow Him. While we probably won’t see them again (on earth!), the missionaries will be able to get them Bibles and follow up with them.

Yesterday we played a town soccer game. As it was my first real soccer game, I was object of laughter more than once! It was particularly humbling when the referee told me, “You’re not very good at this game”! But thanks to some of the locals who joined our team, we managed a draw. After the game, we gathered all the children together, preached the gospel, and many wanted to follow Him. That makes all the humility worth it!

Today we drove an hour on bumpy roads out to a rural village where we joined believers for church. A year ago, this village had never heard the gospel, but last year’s team came and preached to them. Now their church is growing.

The Lord is good and we are grateful to be a part of His work. We’ve each had unique struggles. It’s not always easy. And we still need prayer covering. But we serve such a kind, loving Father and in Him there is joy (Psalm 16).