Surprises along the Journey

Thanks for praying for our friend and co-worker, Beth, during her one week “missions trip” into South Sudan…which was full of surprises (which Africans handle way better than we). Beyond the huge challenges of harsh living conditions, extreme heat, frequent lack of electricity, and traveling for hours in open vehicles in the thick dust, the current conflict added the need for numerous security checks. At one of them she gave the military person a copy of the God's Offer tract, and witnessed him suddenly shaking physically and rescinding his demand for more money! Although the youth conference she expected to join was not possible due to security concerns, she helped train 35 youth leaders in evangelism and discipleship including the Cross Talk. In an amazing way, God provided for a number of Bibles to arrive just before she did and they were distributed among these leaders…with great appreciation. God provided flights for her (she later learned that one of the airlines that she managed to get a seat on is considered by most to be unsafe…but God protected her) which saved many hours of overland travel. Her flight out of South Sudan was cancelled but she was able to get another one…and later rejoiced in the people she interacted with during the delay (God truly does work all things together for good!). She asked if she could come direct to our house upon her arrival to rest since her the area of Kampala that she lives in is going through frequent and prolonged electrical and water outages; she arrived in the early hours of Sunday morning but let herself in with a key we left with the guard. What a delight to be the first ones to “hear her stories” and experience her tender tears as she aches for all the suffering being experienced by so many there, as well as her excitement as she senses a deeper hunger for God's Word than before.

But surprises don’t stop there! Monday morning Ruth and I planned to go to Scripture Union to work out some details regarding test teaching…and Beth came along with us. While meeting with various ones…surprise…Beth announced that she’s decided she should experience the process so that she can help others; she already had plans to visit a church and school the next day! She did and received permission to begin teaching a combined class of 6 and 7 grade students starting tomorrow (Wednesday) for 6 weekdays in a row! Praise God for this encouragement and sacrifice of Beth to “lead the pack” as we launch the VOICE East Africa program. Yes, we like those kind of surprises, but continue to learn how to also “welcome” the other kinds of surprises as well.