Well I am back from the 'bush'.
I went on a trip to visit and encourage some churches in the Angoche area with a friend of mine and i learned a lot. First thing i learned was flexibility. We planned on two days, they expected three and we planned on visiting two churches they had 'arranged' four. When asked how far it was to the next village/town, we would be told, "oh, half an hour" but the roads would not allow and we would arrive an hour and a half later! Meal times varied by many hours although the content of the meal was pretty consist ant with sweet potato, peanuts, rice, local chicken and assorted meat parts--we think goat-- and it all tasted good! We were shown hospitality and so much respect it seemed...well, embarrassing. For these pastors and churches the visiting missionary was a big deal. It gave them validity and encouragement i cannot understand. They know how hard it is to reach them, they know life is busy and full of obligations and when someone shows interest and spends time to see them, they are grateful. Also their entire community sees the church is taken seriously and it is a testimony to them as well. Often the missionary is their only link to Bibles, materials and information about Bible Schools as well.
We shared simple truths but found the people eager to hear. At night we would show the Jesus film in their language which always drew a crowd and the second night drew a lot of noise from unbelievers who showed up. Being in a highly mu$lem area you don't always know what reaction one will receive but besides a very loud 'high' guy we had not one problem the whole trip. Many showed appreciation and asked when we would be coming back. (Hint, hint--short term trip) One church gave us a chicken, 10 pounds of peanuts and some flour to show their thanks. These villages have no electricity, no running water, little access to goods and a LONG bike ride on a sandy road to the main dirt road (still hours from a town).
The Sunday am i woke up with a headache and was asked to preach again...'but i already gave the only sermon i have prepared in Portuguese' AHHHH! Well as i read through the scripture the story of the woman at the well came to life and it was EASY to preach on it. It was...actually FUN. I had forgotten that being a missionary was fun, exciting and very gratifying work. this was the biggest lesson i learned...and that when a he end of my capabilities, God would provide a way.
But there is also something else i learned, there is a lot of work to be done! Tons. Come on out. See for yourself. You need not be a scholar or genius. Just love Jesus and share his words...and remember (as i was reminded) most of the work is Gods!
What a relief.