Anyone who has ever heard me teach knows that I love to visualize what scripture is saying and I like to paint a picture of what is taking place. I had the privilege on this trip to Fortaleza and Ubauna to visualize some of the new testament.
When we were in Fortaleza we spent the evenings perusing the local markets. There was an intense hustle and bustle of people shopping as well as locals peddling their goods. People were everywhere. Directly infront of me sat a little girl in a wheelchair with crippled legs asking for money. To my left was an invelent seated on the ground playing an accordian, His legs were’nt functional. He kept playing the same to notes over and over and over. The monotony was droning on. About that time a little hand grabbed my arm and a voice said, “Fome, Eu seu Fome, Fome!” Translation: Hungry, I’m hungry, hungry! He was persistent. Standing on a box was a young boy who was painted with a metallic silver paint who would make strange facial gestures if someone put money in his box. I began to think about the beggars in the new testament who would sit by the city gates and beg for someone to help them, feed them, acknowledge them. How did Jesus do it. How did he continue to have compassion for them. How did he not pretend he didn’t see them. To me my heart was hurting but I knew I couldn’t help them all. I found myself battle a desire to dodge them or walk away. I wanted to be Jesus and help but how?
Fast Forward to Ubauna.
We were holding our first evening service for families in this school room. Our service opened with several of us leading worship followed by a video and message by papa Joe. As I headed toward the back of the room I noticed that not only was the room packed but that probably around 30-40 people were standing outside or leaning in the door just to catch a whisper of what was being said. As I grabbed a few of our team to pray for Joe during the service I began to wonder if this is what it must have been like when Jesus was teaching in a house and people were pressing in to hear a word. Could the message of Jesus be so compelling that people are willing to stand outside the house just to catch a glimpse of the King? I beleive it is.
God, thank you for making the Bible come alive for me.
Jeff,
I know this trip was definately life changing for you. I know you will never forget what you saw. I can’t imagine experiencing what you did. Glad you’re back safe and sound. I prayed for you all.
My heart is so linked with yours right now. After two trips to third world cultures it is amazing how similar I find our experiences to be, even though both were half a globe away from each other. I prayed for you while you were there, and I want you to know that I am still praying for you for the days that I know are coming after your return. You are going to process all that you saw and experienced for some time to come. Take care that a certain cynicism regarding how we do church in America doesn’t overshadow your perspective. Keep your head up! The same God is at work in both places. I love you Pastor!