It was Day 4 of our clinics in Ganvie and we were at a different location for the day - the school right next to the new church. I spent the morning with Jen at the intake station, taking blood pressures and temperatures. Despite the fact that my French is essentially zero, it amazes me how far a smile, gentle touch, and looking someone in the eyes can go (along with a sad attempt at hello in their language). Midway through the day, Jen and I were told that it was our turn to go out with one of the translators and the Pastor to visit a couple of homes. (Cue a little nervous excitement, as I had not prepared nearly enough with stories for outreach as I desired.)
After another quick round of patients, Jen and I boarded the boat with Michael and the Pastor to head for a home. The first home was a kind man who welcomed us in, engaged in conversation (lead by Jen and the Pastor), and I sat quietly praying for the conversation and guidance. The man proudly showed us his master certificate in corn grinding as we prepared to leave - a neat 'ag' connection for me! At this point, to be perfectly honest, I was a little relieved that Jen led the conversation, and I...in my perceived unpreparedness...was not called upon to share. Yet, at the same time my heart dropped because I also figured this may be the one opportunity to share...and sharing the Gospel was indeed the key purpose of the trip in the first place. Just as I was about to be disappointed, the Pastor led us to another home and knocked on the door. A handful of kids opened the door and welcomed us into their home; their parents were not home, but they were open to hearing a story (let the frantic prayers begin...it was my turn to share). After a little nervous banter with my translator, I took a deep breath and shared the Creation to Christ story. As I sat on that floor and shared (while being double translated), I found myself completely at peace and simply praying for the next words to come, to not mess up the story. It was a confidence that only can be explained by His Presence with us...humbled that He would use my perceived weakness in a simple yet meaningful way. And, in the stilted house, His Word drew a young man out of bed and into the area we were sharing and brought a young girl to tears...because they had not heard the story of Jesus' love for them before. Praise God, we gained a new little brother and sister in Christ that afternoon! What a joy to share in the growth of His work in Ganvie, and to encourage the Pastor as he begins his work with the people of Ganvie and the new church! They prayed in their heart language of Fon; but you don't have to speak the same language to see His work in someone's eyes and in their smile. That is one afternoon I will not soon forget!
As I began reading a little book tonight, I came across this quote: "The pride of learning is against the dependent humility of prayer." - EM Bounds. It made perfect sense to me...how often it is that I get caught up in thinking I need to learn or relearn something to be able to share it or present it; yet, God simply desires us to come to him in prayer with a humble heart, so that He can work through each of us in various ways. I can't help but wonder how many opportunities I have missed to share the Gospel because I was so concerned about not having the knowledge rather than trusting in His words to come to mind. You know what...the words do come by His grace, and His word will not return void. Thankfully, as I sat on a mat in that stilt home, He answered my simple prayer and brought to mind step by step the greatest story of all time with a passion that grew with each bit translated.
I pray that the Ganvie church continues to reach out into the community to share the truth of the Gospel and grow in the simple yet profound knowledge of Christ's love and sacrifice, never losing the joy and urgency of sharing the story with others!
