Kay and Beate took us to the market to do some shopping. Unfortunately we couldn't take pictures, but it was an eye opening experience. Much of the marketplace is outside in the open. Bartering is the norm. It was fun, but the massive amount of people in this place was overwhelming.
I was realizing more and more how difficult life is for the people who live here. As we walked through the market and looked into peoples faces it was becoming more obvious that many of these people have no hope. They have trouble meeting their own basic human needs, let alone their sp*ritual needs. I wondered how in the few days I was going to be here, could I possibly make any kind of impact.
We also visited an artist that afternoon. Some of you have become the recipients of some of his artwork. We had a lovely visit with him and his family.
We had a hard time keeping Darrin focused when there were children around. Darrin managed to make a fun game out of a flat soccer ball. He also taught some of the children the fist bump explosion!Shane brought soccer balls with him. When we came back just before we left Ch*d, we brought the children a soccer ball, candy and jump ropes!In the video below you will hear a child crying in the background. Sadly and toddler who was standing in the middle of the "game" was knocked over by another eager player and face planted. No long term injuries were incurred :)
We had been away from home for 3 days now. I couldn't believe how much we had experienced and learned already. Kirk and Kay had been great at teaching us about the culture and the politics of Ch*d. We were all beginning to get the big picture about the "Ch*d Team" - their hopes and dreams and vision to further the Kingdom of G*d. We learned about the history of the m*ssions in Ch*d. There is so much work to be done. The M*slims have a very strong influence in Ch*d. Spreading the hope of the g*spel is not going to be an easy task.
I had tried to contact Scott several times by email, but they had not gone through. I was becoming frustrated and I knew that he was probably just as frustrated and worried. I just kept praying that G*d would speak to him and let him know I was ok. Late that night Scott sent an email to Kirk and then I was able to reply. It had been a very hard, but good day. G*d obviously teaches us more in our weakness than when we feel strong.
I guess it's ok to admit that I was not feeling very strong emotionally that day. We had experienced many exciting things I just wasn't sure how to process it all
In my quiet time that night my B*ble opened up to IIChron 16:9 -"For the eyes of the L*rd range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose heats are fully committed to Him." I realized again and again during the trip that G*d doesn't expect us to be strong - just obedient. We just need to follow up on the nudges and big messages He sends us in our quiet times. Then, we need to step forward, trusting that the L*rd who gave the orders will also provide the strength to carry them out. It's too easy sometimes to just sit and "wait" for G*d to give us strength to do His work. But it's clear that once we are given the "order" it's our job to carry it out. His strength to do the job and deal with things is already in us.
No comments:
Post a Comment