I realized there’s some pretty substantial gaps in between this blog and the last, so here’s a meek attempt to fill you in:) But more than just an update on the random events of life, above all, I hope to point your spirit to the steady Rock of love.
The last bit of Turkey consisted of prayer walking whatever streets we found ourselves accompanying. We met a local, that the group sent last year had brought to know Christ. We were able to walk alongside him in navigating some of the struggles early on in following Christ. Although, unable to relate to the struggle of persecution from his own family members. Later, we found out he stopped attending church and busying himself with nearly 4 jobs at once. We press on to pray for him to yield to the yoke of Christ and find rest for his soul.
I was especially excited about coming to Northern Africa in particular. The combination of being in a predominantly Muslim African country, with varietal terrains, and not knowing anything about the people was very appealing to me. Spoiler: my high hopes were not put to shame. A land covered in colorful hijabs, extraordinarily kind people, rich history, an assortment of flavors and sunshine that adds an orange hue to every scene. Not to mention the numerous orange trees arranged along the streets. With bundles of flowers curling over the sides of buildings and cats peeking out to greet you. These enchanting quirks all remind me of His endless pursuit to capture my attention. It makes my heart sing!
Day by day this melody in my heart grew increasingly in tune with the rhythm of heaven. Quite honestly, I felt myself drawing back from anything that has to do with worldly affairs. At times, this meant spending time alone with the Lord, while my squad hung out together. The narrow road seems to have less and less people, as I go further down. I count this as a cross I joyfully take up for the prize of knowing Christ deeply and intimately. Yet in the midst of drawing away, God lavished me with windows of grace to meet with Him alongside my community. We met daily to come together as a group and spend time intentionally seeking Him out as a collective, breaking bread and giving thanks. In my time alone with Him, He filled me with fresh compassion for each individual on my squad that allowed me to press in with a power beyond my capacity. At times, I was worn out by my own efforts to make myself more “digestible” to others, which resulted in veiling myself of the glory that He anointed me with. A temptation that still pays a visit every so often, but repentance becomes increasingly easier each time as I look to the One who knows me deeper than any person ever could. Slowly, allowing Him to unveil parts of my heart that He has touched so deeply with His love.
Although, as I press on towards the prize, I am often met with a friend, always well timed with my weariness. One consistent character on the scene is Megan Wright. The Lord has called me to lead others into the promise land and often feelings of inadequacy creep in. With but a mustard seed of faith, I lift up my staff and find Megan holding up my arm. She’s been someone that always meets me with prayer and joins in to make intercession alongside me. When you sing a song of prayer in a friendship, it’s adds colors and dimensions unthinkable. Another faithful coworker in Christ has been my one and only roommate, Jaiden (rare to only have one). I don’t know how we got the only 2 person bedroom in the house, we just plopped ourselves down in the first place we found to sleep at 3am after an exhausting travel day. But God knew what was good for us. That room quickly became a sanctuary where any and all were welcome for prayer, conversation or a spontaneous cuddle puddle (minus the boys lol). Not only that, it was as such a gift to me to have space for personal time with the Lord. Anyway, kind of irrelevant. But He’s in the small things:) And if you ever feel alone is your walk, may he bring others to you at the adequate time, and for the time in between, for comfort in the deep friendship of Jesus.
Just looking for a segway here… speaking of friendships… I made all of one friend in the 2 weeks of being in this city. So far, this has been a country of very few relationships. Mostly because it’s illegal for locals to spend time with foreigners. This requires for a certificate from the police because they want to limit the influence of outsiders. This is a place that may require more time investment for effective kingdom work. But there are no limitations on prayer! Okay anyway, so the one friend we made was a man named Abdul. Began as every good friendship does, in the middle of a parking lot. Even better, continues in the traditional American way of inviting strangers to your home. But seriously, imagine bringing 3 random foreigners into your home after just meeting them. Then putting away hours of your time to serve them tea and any food you can find. Middle eastern hospitality is nothing like we know followers of Christ to do. We must be weary of buying into the idea that we need more money for the more stuff so we can do more this or that. Because in reality we end up with less time and less love for Gods people and less capacity to know His love deeply. Which is the very thing that prompts us to love in the first place. Okay rant over. God just loves you and wants to transform you by the power of His love. I haven’t even told you about Abdul! To keep it short, he has struggled with a chronic stomach disease for the past 8 years and is just now recovering and was so kind to serve us in his home, then show us around the markets. Then to continue in faithful friendship to help us when Malachi unfortunately got his passport stolen. Yeah that was interesting, but for the sake of the length of this blog I’ll refrain from telling that story for now.
I haven’t even mentioned that we read through the whole Bible in the course of 3 days over Easter weekend. That was a whole thing in and of itself, so may have to write a separate blog for that. Needless to say the eyes of my heart were enlightened to the grand love story of God. To be continued…
I can’t even conclude with a pretty little bow on top to say we saw this fruit or that fruit from our first few weeks here, because we work for a kingdom unseen. There are countless little moments that the sovereign hand of God worked together for His glory but to tell of them would be too great for words. Besides why would I tell you about it when you can just go experience it for yourself! Give yourself over to prayer and take a dive into the Word of God!
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