Not Quite Finished

Our three month assignment is about to come to a close. It has been challenging, emotionally exciting, encouraging, physically tiring, and has brought back innumerable memories. Old friends that we have encountered, new friends that we have made, smells of the local food that made us overeat, sounds of a foreign language that we studied and enjoyed for years, not a cloud in the sky since we arrived, the call to prayer five times a day, and an increasing amount of traffic that we never remembered from the three times we lived here. 

On July 4th we were able to go up on a mountain that we visited many years ago, for the same holiday, and were able to gather with old and new friends for a day of pure joy. As I trekked around the paths surrounding the mountain I was able to see across a border into the land that God promised to His people many thousands of years ago. It brought out some songs in me, with my weakened voice, that reminded me of His love for me and my service to bring Him glory. The drive there and back was with a former teammate from 25 years ago, and the stories that we told about the past were delightful.

Reflecting on the physical work that we have done here is overwhelming, but the “side” work that God had for us here is really encouraging. We never imagined that we would encounter three former colleagues (and their families) that have recently been kicked out of their countries for engaging in God’s service. We think that is the real purpose that God sent us here. Having been in that same situation years ago, and witnessing God’s plan for our lives following that difficult pathway, was a blessing as we listened and encouraged those families going through those paths now. And they weren’t the only ones…

Large groups of colleagues were also removed from two different countries within a few weeks – and the place they landed was here. We were blessed to be able to provide needed things for them, to listen to their stories, and engage them in spiritual conversations that were encouraging. The fact that we were able to make some more friends was an added benefit to us. 

There was the “12 day” war which sent missiles from the east flying over our heads – and even some debris falling on our city. Having lived in two different countries with civil wars going on was somehow enabling us to be less anxious than a lot of other people here. I’m assuming that God knew about that issue as well. 

Then there were the conversations that I had with my old, and new, supervisor. In Holy Spirit guided convos certain things came up that hopefully will promote the addition of more people coming to this area of the world to serve the Master. Thinking about it, though we are located stateside these days, our hearts and minds never seem to leave the needs for this part of the world. Nor Africa for that matter – there are still many old friends that we help out in that neighborhood.

All in all, our time here was God’s plan for our lives (Psalm 138.8 NLT) and we are so grateful that He was able to use us to be of service to Him. Would we do this again? Yes – after I get my crushed ankle replaced and possibly my knee as well. Will it be in the same area? That is totally up to the Master. Does He have a plan for us in the States? Certainly, though I can’t say I know what that is. At this point in life (and one of my goals for 2025) I am trying to be a good and better listener – to other people, and to the Master’s still, small voice…