Reminders

Every once in a while, things can seem overwhelming.  Right now, for example, Kristen and I are preparing to move back to America.  In December, our term will be completed, and we will return to the States (Michigan, specifically).  As we move towards this next step, we are trying to tie up loose ends with our work and personal lives here in Madagascar, while also looking for jobs and transportation for when we get back; you know, the little details.

Through all of this, however, I try to remind myself of where, in the midst of busyness and disorganization, I can find peace.  One reminder comes from Philippians 4:6-7, where Paul encourages believers to take everything to the Father in prayer and thanksgiving, and lets them know that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  So, I lift things up in prayer, and find encouragement in the knowledge that others are praying also. 

A second reminder comes from personal experience.  I don't have to look very far back to see how the Father has been at work in me and in my community, which assures me that He is still at work now.  These recent examples are what I want to share with you here.

One of the most significant ways that we have seen the Father working is through the people we meet.  Rado, for example, is a friend that we met not long after moving to Fort Dauphin.

Kristen and me with Rado on his last night in Fort Dauphin

He immediately became a close friend and partner in sharing the Gospel. Now, he is doing a Biblical studies program in America, and we are so excited to see how he will grow in his knowledge of Scripture, and how God will use him to spread His kingdom in Madagascar and around the world.

A large part of our work is to learn about the towns in our region, making maps and building relationships with people there.  We typically draw a crowd everywhere we go, most likely because there aren't too many foreigners that stop in these towns.  But sometimes, once the novelty of the foreigners wears off, we are able to find people who are genuinely interested in hearing about who we are, what we do, and how they can help.

A group of men helping me make sense of a town map

The men in this picture, for instance, struck up a conversation with me as I was looking at a map of a town just outside of the mayor's office.  They were surprised to see someone showing interest in their home, and were quick to tell me about where their villages are and what life is like there.

Another time, I was looking for a village, but it was hard to find from the main road.  I stopped a man walking by to ask him where it was.  He said that even though he was just passing through, he was very familiar with the area, and would take us there himself.  So, he generously stopped what he was doing and accompanied us to the town.  While we were walking, I shared with him who I am and what my work is, and learned that he lived in a town a little further away, but worked as the head of the school in the town where I met him.

About three weeks later, I was visiting another town, looking for the town offices to talk with the leaders.  As I drove down the road, I (miraculously) recognized this man that I had met once, several weeks earlier!  I stopped to say hello, and again, he said that he wanted to join us as we did our work that day.  He went with us to the mayor's office, and as I was still getting out of the car, he jumped out and quickly made his way inside.  By the time I caught up, he was already talking with the mayor, explaining who we were are why we were there, based on what I had told him on our first meeting.  The mayor said he was pleased to welcome us to his town, because we were friends of this man.  Needless to say, that was probably the easiest initial trip to a town that we've made.

Along with making maps and learning about the different towns, part of our job is to work alongside our long-term teammates in building relationships that could lead to new church groups being started.  We have had the wonderful privilege of not just doing the sowing, but also being able to see the beginnings of the harvest as the hard work of our teammate is coming to fruition.  We have seen a couple different groups start meeting in the area, and have also seen a training of a group of men and women who are eager to learn Bible stories and take them back to their home villages.  Their eagerness to learn and share is encouraging and inspiring!

Some of the story training participants

A new church leader teaching salvation to his family and neighbors.  Thank you Sandy Springs Baptist Church for the wonderful soccer balls!

Of course, not all of our work takes place outside of Fort Dauphin.  Every week, we have the opportunity to minister to those that live, work, and study right here in town.  One way we get to do this is through weekly Bible studies and discipleship.  A friend and I teach a Bible story each week at the English Center as a way to help students with their English, build friendships, and share the Gospel.  It started out with just a handful of guys, but quickly grew into a group of about twenty.

The weekly Bible study group

These people and experiences only touch the surface of all that Kristen and I could share.  As I have said, even when things seem dim, I don't have to look far to see where God is working.

Even when I am overwhelmed by the stress and uncertainty of a chapter quickly coming to a close, I can have peace.  When it is so tempting to be frustrated over a faulty appliance, a busy schedule, or a mild but persistent illness, I can have peace.  When plans fall through, people don't show up, and when the unexpected happens, I can have peace.

I can have peace because I know that there is nowhere I can go where our Father is not already there.