So many times during the day I hear or experience things I feel need to be communicated... need to be shared. Then I sit down at my computer, stare at my blogging screen, and think- how can my words do it justice? How can I begin to express such moments in type...
This morning, I had another one of those times, and it gave me pause to think.
See, I think I knew when I came here that I wasn't going to be the big story. Yes, I hoped God would use me in the lives of these women, and I do believe He is-- but more than that, I think He may have me here to share the testimonies of these women to us in America... I believe we have more to learn from them, than they do from me.
Scripture calls us to spread the Word of God- to GO and make disciples of all nations, (Mat 28:19) to leave father brother, sister, mother, (Matt 19:29) and spread the word of eternal life to a thirsty and hurting world. (John 4:14)
By living in America, and the generosity of many of you, I have been able to GO. Physically. God has given me the opportunity to come, to encourage, to fill a need... I am grateful for that. But I also feel for these women, this population that lives on about 2 US dollars a day, and can only dream of a $2,200 flight - that their stories need to go across the nations too...
Rwandans are a private people. They have a thick history, and I have been told- treat anything personal you hear from them as a gift. Well, this morning 5 of our ladies were out-- either at the hospital (please pray for their health, and a coming baby) or at doctors appointments. That left for a smaller group of 8. As we read of the miracles of Jesus, the study leader asked them- "Do you have any miracles in your life you'd like to share?"
Her question was met with silence.... a LONG silence.... just as I was feeling the American need to move on from the question, a quiet voice spoke up.
Her miracle was shared...
Then another...
And another...
And another....
Until every woman sitting in that circle shared of God's clear intervention in their life- and gave Him the glory for it.
I sat there doing everything I could to keep the tears in my eyes from spilling over...
See, in America, I believe we have SO MUCH, that we rely on many, many things to meet our needs... Yet, ultimately, it is God THROUGH those things that is meeting our needs- yet I don't know if we (myself included) recognize God's hand and give him glory for them enough...
Here in Rwanda, where those THINGS and conveniences aren't as abundant, people are hurting-- it is hard to see.... Yet, there is a beauty as they also recognize the hand of God, AS the hand of God- because truly- what else could it be?? God gets the glory for healings, reconciliations, protection, provision... It's beautiful to hear of- and clear to see. There is NO denying His hand.
I am going to try, over the next 5 months, to share these stories with you that I am privileged to hear. As they don't really know what they'd be agreeing to if I asked if I could share it on my "blog" Im going to do my best to retain their anonymity as well.
I hope and pray I can begin to communicate to you some of the power of God that's evidenced in the lives of these ladies....
Their stories need to be heard... They need a way to "Go."
6 comments:
Listening... and pondering, and praying!
Rachel, you make my heart glad. It is so complicated to put it all into words but we must try and God is glorified in that as well. Such simple lives, yet such deep understanding and devotion. A purity of faith without all the trappings of this world. It will forever change your perspective but that is a God thing.Continuing to pray for you. Thank you.
So proud of you Rachel. Thanks for sharing this. Oh, that we would rely more on Him for miracles and not all of what we can buy with our riches...
Dear Rachel-I find myself checking the blog more frequently as the days go by to read, rejoice, and most importantly ponder what you are lead to share. Clearly, as we in America have created and adopted so many "things" that claim to make our lives easier, we have complicated and cluttered our lives with "things" that keep us from focusing on the simple blessings in the tasks and gifts our Father gives us each day. While the wonders of computers and technology allow you to share with us from Africa, those same things create increased work demands in our lives--think of life in our schools. I look forward to receiving what you will "send forth" from your village in Africa and the lessons I'm sure I can glean from those precious lives. Thinking of you and praying for you! Sue
Hey! Rachel, believe it or not but the speech tool, well, she did a very good job tonight of sharing your words. When I read, "How can I begin to express such moments in type..." I immediately said to myself, "The Holy Spirit will do it for you, Rach."
I'm afraid that when you come back home I be startled a bit when I hear of your time in Rwanda and it's not that speech voice :) Well, I hope that made you smile.
If you ever have the opportunity, please, somehow, share with these women that when we hear their stories, they will be heard by "a thirsty and hurting country." That, there is devastating loneliness here in the US of a different kind and we do absurd things like throw our resources away by trying to fill our hearts with things when we desperately need Jesus. Please tell, them that there are many who are very far from God who have hardened their hearts to the point that they can no longer hear His calling voice. Yet, there is a remnant here who wake in the morning and when the lay down at night with all that I have described around them, even in their own homes, but the fall on their knees and worship the King and no matter what they will not succumb to the negative attitudes of those who surround them. That they instead worship in praise and in Spirit with the very ones you have written of in your blog. Please tell them, Rachel, that they have been teaching us of Jesus and please thank them. Love and joy! Raquel
Hi Rachel, I'm so proud of you for following your heart and Gods instuction to be in Africa. I knew you were a "Mature Christian". Robin has tried to comment on this blog in the past but couldn't figure out why it wasn't going through. So tonight I'm giving it a shot although it's my 3rd time trying. I'm praying I can get in this time. We miss you Rachel and are glad to know that you're alright. Every time I think of what your doing it overwhelms me. You're in our thoughts and prayers. Blessings, Bill and Robin
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