Peace, or Trouble? (by Thom)
As a Westerner living in West Africa, there are no shortage of "lifestyle" annoyances: sometimes the electricity doesn't work, from time to time there is no water, and when we want a cheeseburger we can't go to McD's to get our fix. For some people, these annoyances add up until they reach a breaking point. One way to keep from reaching "the end of our ropes" is to remind ourselves why we're here: the people. We are here to touch people's lives with the Good News of Jesus Christ. We also get involved in projects to better lives on this world, like hospitals, work in prisons, and internet cafes. This morning Amanda and I went to a Bambara speaking church service and were reminded of the pain and trials in the believers' lives here.
The pastor at this church has become a friend of mine and I was very excited to be finally going to his church. As is the custom here, they asked to hear from any first-time visitors. The first person to stand was a woman, probably in her mid twenties. Her story brought tears to my eyes. She shared that she recently became a believer in Christ. A few distant relatives in her family are Christians, but for the most part she is the first believer in her family. After converting her husband demanded she renounce her faith. When she wouldn't, he took away their child and divorced her. Her brother told her that he was going to come and kill her if she didn't give up her beliefs. On the way he was in a motorcycle accident and eventually died. Life is suddenly very difficult for this woman, but as she shared her trials she had a smile on her face. I've noticed that Malians seem to be much better at realizing that this life is temporary, but Christians have an everlasting peace awaiting them.
I'd like to ask prayer for this woman. Pray also for her husband, that his heart will soften, even to the point of salvation himself.
John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
posted by Thom and Amanda McMurray @ Sunday, December 04, 2005
2 comments
2 Comments:
Hey, this is great - wew could picture the service you mentioned - don't know which of the churches you were in. We look forward to being back in Africa come January 23rd, first to Ouaga, then to Koutiala, back to BF for a while and then to Mali. We want to take you out to lunch or dinner while we are there and have a chance to talk. No doubt you know that we will be taking carfe of our grandchildren while Joel and Elin go to Thailand and we look forward to that also. Our lives are rich and we thank God for all of his gifts tous every day. Blessings on you both - we pray for you and are so glad you are there. Milt had a year with no bookkeeper in the office and it was awful! Your job is so important to the smooth working of the mission and the director. Our love to you both, Milt and Nancy
Hey Thom and Amanda! It was very encouraging to me and cool to see how God is working in Mali and how you have seen the strong growth of Christianity there! I enjoy reading your blogs as I prepare to head off to college next year and prepare for my life as a missionary. I love to hear of stories where new Christians really "get" it and hold on to Jesus no matter what!! Keep up th good work! -Stephen Winkelman
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