THUR -Day 3a) Foxes Have Holes
We have finished the outreach in Gouapar. We prayed long and hard this morning before leaving for the village. Because of the opposition we faced the day before we were unsure what the atmosphere of the village elders would be.
We pulled off the side of the road and walked down the path to the schoolhouse with over a hundred waiting children. There were a few mothers with babes in arms but suspicion on their faces. We waved hello, and the national team helped raise interest and the enthusiasm of the children by singing songs. It took several choruses before they understood the words, lost their inhibition and decided the strange looking creatures really were harmless. We might even be fun!
By the time the children started singing, the men started arriving. I immediately recognized some of the agitators from the first village the day before. The enemy is alive and well, and he was back.
The men motioned and called over the village evangelist and Lipok to question what were our intentions with the children. They asked if we were attempting to "indoctrinate" them? The nationals assured them we were only there to play with them, to sing, and give gifts.
We started the "short" program version; one designed to ease the tension before the Gospel was presented. I told a story, we played games like "hot potato" and frisbee relay, all while the adults cheered the children on. After a few games, Hokey Pokey, and the proverbial "Chicken Dance" we had the children sit down.
Even through the chaos of handing out cut string and a thousand beads, the Gospel was preached, the truth of the Living God proclaimed, and the Name above 330 million no-gods was lifted up! When all was said and done, even the "opposition" took what we had to offer (the bracelets, the cookies and candy and the pencils). They may not have accepted the gift of salvation - but the seeds of righteousness were planted on what was before today fallow ground.
We returned and loaded up our travelling "show" and prepared to thank our hosts. When we arrived late in the night we didn't quite understand the nature of our accommodations. We were introduced to the "owners" of the house - but they hastily disappeared, only to present themselves to help with the meal preparations. Today, as we were leaving Lipok explained we had been staying in their house. "Yes, yes thank you." We all expressed our gratitude. Then what was "lost in translation" was clarified. This was not some dwelling they rent to outsiders. This was THEIR HOUSE! They removed their few belongings and allowed us to move in "lock stock" and 500 lbs of luggage that were far from barrels! We were all shocked and humbled. Not one of us could think of any church goer we knew (INCLUDING ourselves) that would totally vacate their house and allow very strange foreigners to take over their home.
As in many places around the world I am humbled by the generosity of believers. They exhibit such willingness to sacrifice READILY in service to the King. Where I live we are more concerned about protecting our "territory" than advancing the Territory of the Kingdom of God.
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When a man asked the Master if he could become one of His disciples. Jesus let Him know it would not be. a road of prosperity or possessions. The King of all Kings, Creator of the world did not own a single piece of property.
"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Through the things I have seen, the attacks and what little persecution I have endured, I have learned to embrace the culture of surrender. It was once easy to "think" "Lord, I would die for You." It is much harder (and heartbreaking) to begin to list the things I'm not ready to release.
I'm not sure I would let strangers move into the perceived sanctuary and safety of the place I call home.
I praise God there were people here in India who were!
On the road to the next temporary "fox hole"
Humbly bumpingly
Down the road of His service
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