Below you’ll find some thoughts from Joanna and David, written in late September. Writing from Joanna is in italics. David’s writing is in regular text.
Hello to our faithful and prayerful friends!
Both Mo and I have so valued your prayers. Never have either of us needed to depend on God so completely. I thought I was depending on God until now. Let me just say that there is much more!
Mo’s arrival in Bangula was difficult. He arrived at night after a very long journey – there are no street lights and many bugs and the heat is, well, very hot. The first few days were tough as he adjusted to the poverty of the people, the slowness of the pace, the struggle of not having a vehicle, and not being connected to the internet. However, after a few days he got back to Blantyre and began to feel somewhat at home.
Several new friends have made a big difference. Timothy is one of the other teachers at the Bible school. Mo is enjoying getting to know him as they work closely together every day. Along with Pastor Bauline, whom Mo hired, these three will divide up the teaching time between them.
Here are some of Mo’s thoughts from September 14, the day before the Bible School opened:
“…Tomorrow will be a big day – feels like the first day of pre-camp when the staff arrive. I’m learning more about being dependant upon God – there’s just no where else to turn. God has been faithful – He is carrying me. There is so so much work here to do – and so much to get ready for the school start on Monday with so few of us working. So, this week has been a scramble catching up on where things are at, getting equipment and people in place, hiring cooks, cleaning up the school, ordering building supplies for the classroom that we are building, etc. etc. etc.. There is no power at the site but the main thing that I have had to make an emergency expense on is water. I signed a contract yesterday with a drilling company to come this week and drill us a bore hole on the Bible school grounds. Until it is finished, probably by the end of the next week, the pastors will be hauling water with an ox cart.
These are the practical details but what is truly awesome is what God is doing in Mo’s heart, sustaining and strengthening his faith. Keep praying for greater faith and greater humility…here’s Mo sharing some of what the Lord has been teaching him…also below, you’ll find some journal entries from his first few weeks in Bangula.
Blessings,
Joanna
What does Jesus want from us? He simply wants us to follow Him. He wants us to say “YES” to Him and walk in obedience. He wants us to say “yes” to His purposes – even if that means moving far away to one of the most remote places on this earth. He wants us to take the Bread of Life to those who are poor, hurting, and suffering, take the hope of Christ to those who have been forgotten by the world, those left to fend for themselves struggling day to day in search of food to eat and medicines to heal their illnesses. Jesus wants to pour his grace, mercy and love into these people. It is not comfortable here. It is not easy. It is not always safe. Sometimes it is painful saying “yes” to Jesus. Jesus understands this pain and so much more. He said “yes” to His Father and went to the cross to save us from our sins. I have been experiencing the pain of saying “yes” for a while now. It is the pain of a broken heart for the people and the things that I have left behind; it is the discomfort of being in an unfamiliar place; it is the uncertainty of moving forward into new territory; it is the feeling of being alone; it is weeping over those who have been forgotten, with the compassion that comes from Jesus by the Holy Spirit. It is not easy to say this, but you know, this pain is a good thing. It draws me that much nearer to my Heavenly Father. It takes me to my knees to drink from the River of Life. It keeps my faith in the Faithful One and allows my relationship with Jesus to become stronger. It allows God’s purposes to be accomplished in and through my life. It builds up God’s Kingdom here on earth. Not my will, but Yours be done Lord! You said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who mourn, blessed are the meek, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, blessed are the merciful, blessed are the pure in heart, blessed are the peacemakers, and blessed are those who are persecuted.” (BWB) I receive your blessing Lord – let it come. I want your blessing…I need your blessing. I was created to worship You – so I offer myself to you as a living sacrifice. Use me Lord for Your glory. I am thankful that You are with me through this pain and I look forward to the joy that comes in the morning. Psalm 90:14 “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days”. I pray that more people would come to know this pain. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
