| God commanded the Israelites to go back into the middle of the Jordan river and collect 12 rocks to build a memorial. As they stepped out of that tunnel with water piled up on both sides, I am sure they thought they would never forget. Why was a memorial necessary? It would be impossible to forget such a demonstration of the power of God! And yet, God knew. He set them up, knowing the nature of children, for they would ask: Why is this pile of stones here, dad? What does it mean? And the question would stir a memory, and faith would rise. | |
Wonderful, one of our Iris boys, enjoying his morning at Iris Africa Primary School. |
I walk around our small town, and even our base, there are memorials to God’s faithfulness. The trees themselves are a witness to God’s blessing on the land. Fields of maize shout out his favour. Our primary school is evidence of God’s people in Tasmania choosing to partner with us here. Our women’s dormitory is a memorial to the Father’s love. Recently we have added a new memorial. It is a memorial to obedience. A small idea grew into a project bigger than any of our imaginations. What does 1000lbs of fish look like anyway? That is how much fish we expect to harvest from our fish farm every month. With this aquaponic fish farm system we also expect 1000lbs of vegetables a month – this will certainly enrich the lives of many people. |
| It is so important to remember. The Israelites are repeatedly admonished to remember what God has done, so that they can tell their children and their grandchildren. God is disappointed when they do not remember. Oh you of little faith! It is really a question of remembering. The disciples saw 5000 people fed through their own hands, but they did not remember when they were in the boat and had forgotten their dinner. |
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| There are things which I must remember, miracles which must not be forgotten. As we testify about what has happened here, we make space for the miracle to be repeated. To me the greatest miracle is the changing of children’s lives. Most of our children have not known love until they arrive on our base. They appear much better after a shower, some new clothes, and a few days of 3 square meals. What we are learning is that the interior miracle takes a lot more time, many more hugs, much prayer. It is a gradual miracle. It can be seen at school. Some of our kids appear unable to learn when they come. They can hear the same lesson repeatedly, and still forget. When will they get it? When they know that they are loved, and their hidden wounds are healed.
It is a wonderful thing to see a child discover that they can learn something new and remember it. Eyes light up and smiles stretch wide. Ten out of ten is something to be treasured and displayed. Then there are the physical miracles. Just last week I walked through the village behind our house. I came across a very tall man, who greeted me warmly. At first I didn’t recognize him, his face was so changed. I had prayed for him a year previously, and had not seen him since. I remember the day he came. There were many who came that day for prayer and medicine and help. I prayed for many, but as I prayed for Luka I felt the presence of God strongly. I spent time though others were waiting, and peace seemed to settle upon us. God graciously restored him. Luka is so much better now, and looking for a way to get a job and look after his family. I need to remember Luka’s story when next I am faced with a line up at the gate. God heals! |
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| Some of our kids who came with serious health challenges are healthy today. Esther could hardly walk, and now she runs and dances. Cecelia was hunched over and in constant pain. Today, she plays soccer and dances freely. Several of our kids came with TB and are free today thanks to good medicine and good food, and love, lots and lots of love. God restores. |
While exploring the dry river bed in Bangula, Paulo finds some treasures. |
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What is consuming our energy and time today? We are pouring into our 52 children, preparing them for the next step in their lives. We want them to trust God and pour out their hearts in worship to him. Our school is growing and maturing under the leadership of Jerry and Linda Jones from the U.S. Our teachers are also growing in creativity and confidence. Kids are learning how to make rugs, knit sweaters, and sew clothes. I have a bag full of skirts and shorts made by our standard 5 and 6 classes ready to give out to kids in the community. The older students are also learning recorder, and some have progressed to the flute. God is preparing them to lead and to stand firm in the battle. They will be the leaders of the future, and their families will be unusual because they have experienced God’s love. |
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