This is Africa

“It is Christ…who also makes intercession for us.” – Romans 8:34

I have learned many expressions in the short time I have been here in Africa. One of the most commonly used phrases I hear from the missionaries, “This is Africa”, loosely meaning that people come and go pretty much as they please and do pretty much what they want. People walk down the middle of the street, they park down the middle of the aisle in a parking lot, and businesses are closed on the Monday after Easter because yesterday was a holiday. But I do not think I fully comprehended the meaning of this phrase until yesterday, Easter Sunday as we were singing “O come let us adore Him” in church. I remember just looking at Amber and smiling because “hey, this is Africa”. But that got me to thinking, do I full comprehend the apathetic mindset that causes people here to do whatever they please and not care about the welfare of others?

One of the great things, for a person who does not have a clue what to do with free time, is that in ministry there is always work to be done. Important work that betters the ministry. But this weekend, I realized something as I was busy being busy. I had the opportunity to house mother for seven children under the age of eleven. Each day there is a checklist of things they must do including bathing, chores, and school work. All of these very important structure for the children. I found myself getting caught up in making sure all the work was done instead of the well being of the child. I did not take the time to listen to what God had to tell me about these children or how I should respond in each situation with discernment, love, and understanding until one night the three oldest came to me and asked to pray with me. I asked them what they wanted to pray about and they shared concerns over their house parent’s safety, their relationships with their siblings, Uncle Brian who had not been feeling well that day, and even me. How great is Thy faithfulness to teach me so much through these beautiful children.

I am not here in Africa to do work for God. I am here in Africa to do God’s work. If I busy myself with the daily checklist, I will miss out on the opportunity to reach out, intercede, and show someone else His love. So it is now that I desire to get into such a living relationship with God that my relationship to others may be maintained on the line of intercession where God can work His marvels. And to know God so intimately that I feel His prompting in every situation and act with His discernment. But most importantly, to never lose sight of the people He has laid on my heart and show them His love above all else.

“A heartless Christian must be a terrible grief to Our Lord.” – Oswald Chambers