God gives us opportunities of service and uses us in unusual ways if we are willing to be used and flexible, allowing Him to do it His way.Asked to preach part of a crusade – two nights of a four-night crusade – just on the outskirts of Kibera, the largest slum in East Africa, Jerry agreed.
Currently we are in the dry season here in Nairobi. The short rains come soon, October and November mostly, and as we start out for the crusade venue, the sun is shining. It is 4 p.m. The praise team, standing on a wooden stage-like structure set up toward the back of a crowded shopping area is singing, the volume cranked up – it is time to get out the cotton that we use to stuff our ears!
As we walk toward the crowd clouds roll in and it begins to sprinkle a bit – ahhh well – perhaps a sprinkle or two, maybe a light shower, soon to be over. The rain increases and before long everyone is running for cover as the sky opens up with a cloudburst. Running into a small hoteli (café), we shake the water off our clothes and order a cup of hot chai (tea) determined to wait it out –of course, we brought along no rain coat or umbrella.
Two hours later the rain begins to subside. Asked if we are willing to keep going, “of course” is our reply and we wait another 30 minutes or so while the electronic equipment is dried off.The meeting, while down in numbers as people fled the rain, is good – the preaching, excellent – of course I am a bit bias, and we count the night a success – however, for us, it wasn’t the actual crusade that made an impact, but a conversation over chai during the deluge.
Sitting down across the table, an older pastor begins to share his life story – a God story, and as we listen, we see the life-tapestry that God is weaving in this servant’s life.Encouraged in our knowledge that God is faithful, we see afresh that He will do abundantly more than we can possibly imagine as we walk in faith.
Usually we won’t see the whole road ahead, but He only requires the next step from us. Walking by faith, leaving whatever is around the corner to Him, He will do far more abundantly than we can ask or think – and He will give us a peace that surpasses all understanding – Philippians 4:7
Isn’t God good? Who could possibly refuse the incredibly awesome gift of His love through Christ?
However, not all have heard – not all have been faced with the choice yet.
Will you do your part for the Kingdom?
Will you do your part of the mission, helping mankind understand the matchless grace of Jesus?