I spent the last week in the Bush with a group of Jehovah's Witnesses. A group that hated me, called me a child killer, wicked American and said that I came to Africa to hurt the African people. I'm sure I don't have any idea of all the horrible things spoken about me. Why would they say such things?
A member of their family needed medical treatment and I said that God laid it on my heart to help them...
The child in question was 3 years old when we met. I asked the parents if we could take the child to the hospital to see if anything could be done. The answer was yes. After several visits to a local Cameroonian Dr., he decided that surgery was our only option. The mother and father discussed and a message was sent back to me that we could move forward with raising money for the surgery. It was decided that we would wait 6 months for the child's health to improve to be able to tolerate the operation.
During one of our hospital visits, mom told me that the last time she had taken her child to the hospital was when she was a year old. At this time, she was told that her child was being punished for sins the mother had committed and the punishment for both of them was for the child to live this way. Mom hadn't taken her child to a hospital since then. She and I had long discussions about this and how wrong this form of thinking was. I had to tread very lightly because there are "traditional beliefs" in Africa that I just don't understand and you don't want to completely offend people's way of life when trying to introduce Christ to them. The next day I went back to America.
Flash forward 4 months later... I called back to Africa to wish the family a happy Easter and to check on the birth of the new baby mom should have had a few weeks earlier. I was informed that the baby was stillborn. I wept, I prayed with mom and then spent a lot of time with God asking numerous questions...
What I did not know at the time was that when mom informed their family members (parents, brother's sister's etc) of the pending operation they essentially ex-communicated them. Apparently there is some "doctrine" that JW have that prevent them from doing things with blood...African's also traditionally "ex-communicate" members of their family that bring shame to the family. I don't understand it all and at the time of meeting I had no idea of this families "religious beliefs." We discussed salvation and God's plan for their lives. They gave "all the right answers." This is why relationship is so important. You can't just run through asking questions and spouting off "Christian-ese" to people and expect their lives to be truly changed. People learn to say what you want to hear to "get you off their backs." In this case, mom was terrified that we would not help her child if they didn't believe the way I believed. When the new baby was stillborn, their family blamed me and the parents for agreeing to have the operation. This is where I earned the name child killer. The family was convinced that not only would this child die, but the child having the operation would die as well.
Mom and Dad discussed at length whether to go through with the operation or not. They desperately wanted change for their child but living without family in Africa is beyond difficult to say the least. When your family disowns you, many members of the community do as well and it makes an already hard life one hundred times harder. They ultimately decided to do what was best for their child and move forward. Mind you, I had no idea all of this was going on behind the scenes. It was only after the fact that I found all of this out.
So our precious child had an operation and it was completely successful. Mom actually got pregnant again shortly after the operation and gave birth to a healthy baby boy. The parents were convinced this was a gift from God and that I was their angel. Her words to me were, "We will never refuse anything you tell us because God sent you to us for a reason. All of this pain and suffering could not be for nothing." While honored with her words, I stressed the importance of God's words being the authority in our lives and His words are the ones we follow.
On my next trip to Cameroon, I learned of all the "drama" that had unfolded the year before. The family had been welcomed back into the lives of their families and no one had an unkind word to say. Shortly after the extended family found out I was in the country, they "called for me." Mom and Dad also insisted that it was important for me to "see their roots" and to know where they were from. Well, you can imagine, I was not thrilled about going and in all honesty, I didn't have the time to travel 8-10 hours away at the time.
This year, I was asked again to go to the Bush to visit the family during their annual family meeting/gathering. I asked why? What is the purpose of me going? God is the one who deserves the glory for the wonderful outcome of the operation. The answer, "They want to know why an American who has so much would leave her country to come and help people she doesn't know?" Well, that changes things a bit. A friend once told me, you pray for doors to be open to share the gospel and when they are opened, how can you refuse? This was one of those times.
So last week, I squished in a truck designed to carry 6 people with 10 people inside and the back loaded with "stuff." We drove from 10 p.m - 7 a.m. this way. Physical pain is all I can tell you. It was not comfortable, it didn't smell good and I'm sure I have a permanent bruise on my shoulder from bouncing up and hitting the "chicken bar" every time we hit a pothole. If you have ever traveled in Africa, this is about every 15 minutes...
I wasn't sure what to expect but I was welcomed with open arms and shown love that I didn't expect or deserve. For days, people walked from all over the village to be able to meet the "stranger who is not normal." I was able to share the love of Jesus with them. He is the only reason that I can do anything that I do. Their answers to that statement, we know God but many people who say they know God do not do such things. This is where RELATIONSHIP with God makes a difference and listening to the voice of the Lord comes in to play. I certainly don't do any of these things on my own. If I had my way, I would be traveling around the world from beach to beach chilling and planning some serious parties. That was my plan for my life. God had a different one and I am oh so happy that He did.
We talked about the Lord, I taught about physical hygiene and the importance of clean water. They don't have electricity there or any plumbing of any sort. This opened the door to talk about the Light of the world and the Living Water in a way that was not threatening or seemed condemning to them. This particular area of Cameroon is very cold. In the evenings around 10 p.m. someone would start music and we would dance for hours until people were exhausted and ready to sleep. This was both to keep warm and to make you tired enough to sleep through the cold. They had their morning and evening prayers that I did not participate in for obvious reasons. I wasn't sure how that was going to work but they were very respectful. We didn't have any converts on this trip but I have been invited back. I asked if I came back, could I bring others with me to talk about Jesus with the children in the form of Vacation Bible School. The answer was yes... My heart is full and I am overwhelmed. Now we just have to find the right group of people who can withstand the "harsh" conditions and the tough questions.
One could not have told me a few years ago, I would be living in Africa sharing life with people who once prayed for my death. I would have been more surprised to know how much love I would have for them.
People all over the world ask me why I live this type of life. Many times I don't have a very good answer to give. This is one tiny example of why I live this life. Jesus died so that we could all have life and life more abundantly than we could ever ask or think. I'm grateful that He chose me. I'm grateful that He loves and accepts me with all of my flaws and quirks. How can I be selfish and keep that just for me? He fills us up with His love, so that we can share it with others and others will come to know the TRUTH of who He is. What a joy. What a privilege.
It's not always easy. There are days that I cry and many days that I miss my friends and family. There are times that people take advantage of me and I am often misunderstood. There are even days that I want to give up and go home and have a "normal" life. (whatever that is, I never have, nor will be normal) Every time I have my times of tears, I am reminded that Christ went through all of this and so much more. He didn't give up so how can I?
As I reflect back on 2011 with all of it's challenges and happy times, I'm grateful for my life and grateful that God is using me to hopefully change lives all over the world to know and love Him.
Thank you for your prayers, your sacrificial giving and your love and encouragement today and every day. You are a part of all of everything I do. One plants, one waters and God is the one who gives the increase. Continue to allow Him to mold and shape you into a vessel for His use! People all over the world are depending on you! Remember that you don't have to travel to Africa or some foreign country to make a difference. Your mission field is right where you are!
Blessings to you for a wonderful New Year!
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