Once again yesterday, it happened, so common here in East Africa. I got stuck in traffic.
Traffic jams along two different routes caused blaring
horns and stuffy public transport… the madness had me jumping out of a packed
taxi to walk to my final destination, even though dark storm clouds were rumbling a
warning that big rain was coming.
Immediately my senses went into overdrive. As I quickly
darted across streets and through traffic- my mind was alert to every movement.
Watch my bag, my pockets…I didn’t want anything stolen. Carefully I jumped over
holes and puddles, mindful of where I stepped.
Packs of dogs passed me by- and I paid no attention, not giving eye contact. I knew if they knew I was
really afraid of them, I’m sure they would eat me for lunch. Suddenly, a huge
herd of oxen came running down the road in my direction- to me these were not
just big cows- they looked like bison with horns. I quickly shimmied into a café until they
passed, whew.
Finally, 40 minutes later,
I reached my destination. I was hot, tired, and had a headache.
As I tried to unwind and cool off, some thoughts ran through my
head.
If Jesus would have just taken that same 40 minute walk,
what would have been different in how He walked vs how I did?
Would He have sped along like me- mainly looking to avoid
confrontation?
Or would He have slowed down, acknowledging the people He
passed?
Would He have sat down by the beggar or street kid and
offered a prayer?
Would He have jokingly bartered for a banana at a local
vegetable stand?
Would He have stopped to munch on some local roasted corn
and talk to the ladies there?
Would He have joined in with some neighborhood kids
playing in a futbol game?
Would He have stopped for an afternoon macchiato-bunna-coffee-
leaning back in His chair to take in the view as afternoon storm clouds rolled
in?
OR would He have just hurried on, like me?
I was challenged by these thoughts.
I believe our King more often than not operates on “African
time” rather than western time.
He focuses on people!
May I slow down enough to see, to touch, to know the
people He’s made! To acknowledge their presence. To show that they matter, He sees
them. I see them. For Jesus gave us His
walk to finish, His love to show. If we're hurrying, we miss moments. We miss people.
May we walk like Him, sound like Him, represent Him well,
where He has placed us.
May we show His love, His mercy, His compassion, on every
walk, down every path, with every breath. Even in afternoon traffic.
Onward in God’s strength and mercy with you, keeping
these verses in mind…
2 Corinthians
5:20
We are Christ’s
ambassadors
I Peter 2:21
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps.
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others more significant than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Praises/Prayer Requests
-My Beginner English intensive class at a local seminary
has finished. This past week I turned in grades. What an honor it was to teach
this group. I’m excited that the seminary has now asked me to teach two Intro
to Mission classes and an Intro To Youth Ministry class when fall classes begin
in August. I'm humbled to begin preparation for these classes.
-My Dad had a yearly MRI done this past week and the results showed that no change had happened in his back. We give thanks that God continues to
hold my Dad’s back together! God is good!
-Please keep my sister in prayer. She left this weekend for her
final Czech English camp. She is in charge of the children’s part of the camp
this week. Pray God gives her a great week teaching kids and that God will
continue to help her wind up her time in the Czech Republic and transition to
Africa.
-Please pray for our Hope University students as they
prepare to graduate on July 26. We were able to complete their graduation
magazine this past week and most students are now done with finals.
Undergraduates still have one more week of final exams.
-Please pray for me as I focus on connecting with the
graduating students this month while also taking an Amharic language class. I will also be working to hopefully finish my
first book draft, while finalizing my fall schedule. Please pray for the right
connections and preparations for all.
Thank you so much for your prayers. Let me know how I can
pray for you as well! Happy July!
