Of Anglicans, Angels and Angles
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, of darkness." Ephesians 6:12
Since our arrival in Tanzania nine days ago things have been different. We have faced obstacles like no running water, intermittent electricity, and schedule changes. We've encountered discouragement when rented facilities were usurped by others forcing us into a back room. We know our issues are not with people or the Anglican bishop who seems to be trying to thwart our efforts at every turn.
"This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels." Ephesians 6:12 The Message
This morning at breakfast we were told the news that our meeting location had changed (again). It seems the same Anglican Bishop who "needed" the meeting hall we were using in Handeni, has now arrived in Korogwe and "needed" the meeting hall that had been arranged for our seminar WEEKS ago. We were assured another place would be available and someone would wait at the original location to let the participants arriving know of the change.
Really?!
First, the seminar was cut from two days to one day, and now after walking over an hour to arrive they hear the location is further down the road!
Really?!
What in the world is going on? Or actually what in the heavenly realms is going on?!
"One more thing friends: Pray for us. Pray that the Master's Word will simply take off and race through the country to a ground-swell of response...AND pray that we'll be rescued from these scoundrels who are trying to do us in." 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 The Message
When we arrived at the new locale honestly, I felt like I needed Patrick Swayze to show up, grab my hand and whirl me on the dance floor while professing, "Nobody puts Baby in the corner!" The gazebo was down a dirt road at the back "end zone" of a school yard, open sides with a thatch roof. I was shocked! We organized a two day Women's Seminar, a Sunday School Teachers Training Program and THIS is where you are going to put us?!
Don't get me wrong. I was happy "they" hadn't cancelled the meeting all together! The gazebo was nice, tea and cakes were brought down the road from the church, but it was a direct assault on all our American protocols and practices. It was just the angle the enemy wanted to use to put us in our "place." Reality check, not fantasy movie scene - WE ARE. a Chosen People, a royal priesthood and we BELONG to God (1 Peter 2:9).
The women in attendance were blessed. They were encouraged by the child upbringing training, and they were brought to tears as D
shared her personal story from tragedy to triumph. The individual who was elected as the new Chairwoman for the Ecumenical Women's Union stood in solidarity and connection and said, "My story is your story."
Devil be damned!
"When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders." 2 Timothy 2:3-4 The Message
We have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but whatever angle the enemy may construct against us, we know that the King of Kings has sent HIS Angels before us (Exodus 23:20), and the work He had for us to accomplish will be done, in His way, in His time! He is in control.
Smiling and dancing under the mango tree in Tanzania
Charlynn and D out of the corner!
Since our arrival in Tanzania nine days ago things have been different. We have faced obstacles like no running water, intermittent electricity, and schedule changes. We've encountered discouragement when rented facilities were usurped by others forcing us into a back room. We know our issues are not with people or the Anglican bishop who seems to be trying to thwart our efforts at every turn.
"This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels." Ephesians 6:12 The Message
This morning at breakfast we were told the news that our meeting location had changed (again). It seems the same Anglican Bishop who "needed" the meeting hall we were using in Handeni, has now arrived in Korogwe and "needed" the meeting hall that had been arranged for our seminar WEEKS ago. We were assured another place would be available and someone would wait at the original location to let the participants arriving know of the change.
Really?!
First, the seminar was cut from two days to one day, and now after walking over an hour to arrive they hear the location is further down the road!
Really?!
What in the world is going on? Or actually what in the heavenly realms is going on?!
"One more thing friends: Pray for us. Pray that the Master's Word will simply take off and race through the country to a ground-swell of response...AND pray that we'll be rescued from these scoundrels who are trying to do us in." 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 The Message
When we arrived at the new locale honestly, I felt like I needed Patrick Swayze to show up, grab my hand and whirl me on the dance floor while professing, "Nobody puts Baby in the corner!" The gazebo was down a dirt road at the back "end zone" of a school yard, open sides with a thatch roof. I was shocked! We organized a two day Women's Seminar, a Sunday School Teachers Training Program and THIS is where you are going to put us?!
Don't get me wrong. I was happy "they" hadn't cancelled the meeting all together! The gazebo was nice, tea and cakes were brought down the road from the church, but it was a direct assault on all our American protocols and practices. It was just the angle the enemy wanted to use to put us in our "place." Reality check, not fantasy movie scene - WE ARE. a Chosen People, a royal priesthood and we BELONG to God (1 Peter 2:9).
The women in attendance were blessed. They were encouraged by the child upbringing training, and they were brought to tears as D
shared her personal story from tragedy to triumph. The individual who was elected as the new Chairwoman for the Ecumenical Women's Union stood in solidarity and connection and said, "My story is your story."
Devil be damned!
"When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders." 2 Timothy 2:3-4 The Message
Smiling and dancing under the mango tree in Tanzania
Charlynn and D out of the corner!
