One of the most frustrating things about life here in Ethiopia is the
network "problems." Most everyone seems to have a mobile
phone. Even shepherds tend their flocks while talking on the phone...quite comical to see. But there is often a problem with the
connection. Either the signal is too weak or it's busy. Or there is
NO NETWORK. This is especially true in our school area.
Not being able to connect has a way of making you feel lonely. Almost "stranded." Stuck somewhere, left alone, in a place that often feels not comfortable. I've felt this alot in recent weeks. It's very easy to feel out of place when everyone says to you "forengie" (meaning foreign). And I so often see random cattle standing here or there- looking alone and lost- and sometimes I feel like saying- yeah, you're out of place too. I know how you feel buddy.
I think some times and in some seasons of life you can feel lonely, where you kind of feel like you don't belong. Whether you're single or married- young or old or somewhere in the middle- that feeling can hit you and it's hard to shake. Maybe everyone is busy and you're not. Everyone has someone to hang out with but you. Everyone has work but you haven't found any yet. We've all hit seasons and sometimes days or just hours when you feel alone. With the network problems here, it seems to hit me alot.
God has been reminding of many truths during these "network
troubled" times.
First-
and most important- is my network with Him remains.
I'm connected to Him. I'm a blood-bought child of the Most High
God- and with Him- I'm always connected
IF
I choose to be. He's always there- ready to listen, advise, comfort,
direct. John 15: 5-17
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing...If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in
my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just
as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have
told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be
complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s
friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer
call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s
business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I
learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose
me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear
fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my
name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.
...remember that at that time you were separate from Christ,
excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants
of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in
Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the
blood of Christ.
...you are
no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s
people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of
the apostles and prophets,with Christ Jesus himself as the chief
cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises
to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being
built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.
Sometimes we connect to other networks- maybe friends or co-workers- BEFORE we connect with Him. Big mistake. Those can drain us,
distract us, and deplete us of perspective and energy. God is giving
us Himself- His words...His wisdom- His strength- through His Word-
DAILY. If we don't check that "mail"- connect into that
network that is always available to us- FIRST...that's not wise.
I remember one time God reminded me of this in a big way. I was
working as a youth pastor at a church in Ohio. It felt like I was at
church ALL the time, so me and God were okay, right? At least that was what I thought. Well, one day I
was out driving and I saw my Dad walking at a park on a path by
himself. I tried to yell out my window, but he couldn't hear me. My
Dad looked alone- and I wanted to be with him. I turned my car
around, parked and ran to catch up with him. We ended up walking for
about two hours, it was one of the sweetest walks and talks ever,
just me and my Dad.
Later- when I was driving away- I remember
praying- thank you God for letting me have that sweet time with my
Dad. Help me be able to do that more. And that's when I heard God
say...you know what Holly, you are often "doing" things for
me. But sometimes you forget to just "be" with me. I'm
walking in the parks of your life alone, I long for your fellowship.
Just like you just ran to your Dad, I want you to seek me that way.
I'm ready to walk with you, talk with you, share your life. OUCH. In
the cool of the morning, in the cool of the evenings, on our lunch
breaks, in our school cafeterias, in our office cubicles, in our hallways and sanctuaries, our heavenly Father is there, longing
for us to be with Him. Do you make the time to connect? Do you run
to Him, seek Him, do you miss Him when you don't spend time with Him? The other day a little boy sleeping on
his dad's shoulders while his father carried him through the fields brought all this
to mind as well. Our Dad is with us, for us. Do we spend time with Him?
 |
| My Dad- Jim Garrett, the best Dad in the world! |
Isolation can be a killer. Our Enemy, Satan, likes to pick on and mess with those who look "stranded"- alone- away from the safety of the pack or herd or family. It's a classic trick of our enemy. Watch out for that. You are being "hunted." Satan wants to steal your joy, your peace, and your desire or confidence to connect to God. Don't let him do that!
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come
that they may have life, and have it to the full.
We have Him, We have each other. And God is the third strand that can keep us together, strong. We are knitted to each other and hemmed to Him. Stranded in all that is GOOD. :-)
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their
work: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But
pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two
lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm
alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A
cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
You hem me
in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
“But you,
Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of
Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its
farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I
have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am
with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen
you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
“All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.
As we continue in whatever field or season God has us in, may we
remember- the big family and storyline that we are part of. And
holding to this truth, may we continue to run on with great joy!
ONWARD- Grateful to be Stranded Together with You!
Praises
-I fought off a cold this past week, - no fun. But I'm
feeling much better now. Praise God for overall good health!
-I was able to get out of Addis for a few days and it was very
refreshing to see outside of the city. My mouth literally hung open as
the miles passed by at the beautiful African countryside that has
been my home for over a year. The beautiful land, people, and even
monkeys stealing my coffee- made me smile.
-I've started raising money for a ticket to come stateside and I'm
thankful for those who have given. And I'm so grateful to those who
have continued to provide financial and prayer support.
-The rain is making an exit- and sunny days have begun to return.
Praising God for this change of season!!!
Prayer Requests
-Our staff reports to campus in one week, classes start back in two
weeks. As I begin another semester- for as long as God has me here-
please pray I can be the best instructor I can be- that I can be an
advocate for the students- having the strength, patience and courage
to be what God needs me to be here.
-The new year, 2005, is underway and I have a new "plan"
for being at my best for God- which includes- physical, spiritual,
financial, professional goals. Please pray I can put these in place
in honor of our God
-Please pray for a friend of mine who has applied for a visa to the
USA, that this may be granted; and also for my sister who is in the
process of obtaining a work visa for the Czech. She has an
opportunity to teach at a high school and a work permit is needed for
this.
-Please pray for many still seeking work, that God will open up doors
and that hearts will stay encouraged.
-Please pray for our staff and students- for good health, strong
families, and good focus
-Continue to pray for my parents and sister- for a great and blessed
and healthy fall season for them- in Ohio and the Czech Republic
-Please pray for the draft of my book, that as I continue to write
and things get busy with classes again, that I will still be able to
write.
-Please keep Ethiopia and its leadership in prayer, as new leadership
arises- that it may be blessed and favored by God.
Thank you for continuing to be with me on this journey.
Thank you for continuing to be with me on this journey.
