A simple shot in the arm.
Some of you may know that lately I have been passing a particularly difficult time with my ministry, challenging deep, longstanding traditions and unbiblical beliefs. This has proved to be far more exhausting and upsetting than I could have imagined. Then a Pastor came to my house today.
His name is Pastor Sapala and I had seen his church down our dirt road, around a corner many times before. I had never stopped in nor had I recognized the name of the denomination. Honestly I chalked it up to be another small, slightly (or not so slightly) whacked out local church. That changed Sunday when I decided to stop by and visit and invite them to study with us. I entered the church at the tail end of a Bible study time and then sat and introduced myself to the pastor and his 5-6 believers (the church filled as i left and the normal service began). They were sincere and he seemed strangely excited by me coming by. He even knew who I was and what I was doing. He had been a guard at the SIL compound and remembered me and my various visits there in years past and how I normally stopped at the gate to greet before entering or leaving (something I need to remember to do more often!). As I left after a few minutes that Sunday it just felt ‘good’, like I had been at the right place at the right time. I went on that am to stop by a Methodist church (honestly was not impressed with the ‘display’) and then went to my own church to hear my friend preach. I got home tired but satisfied that i had tried, and thought to myself that most likely no one will get back to me.
So this brings us to today. I have been trying to be ‘faithful’, trusting that God would move and speak to my guys and change their hearts or at least help them understand what the big issues were. I met with the ‘trouble-maker’ and after an hour talking was further troubled rather than reassured. So today I didn’t want to speak with anyone connected to the ministry and took a day to do other stuff.
Dinner time rolls around and there on my porch was P. Sapala “Hmmm?” We chatted and it became clear this was ordained. He had studied some TEE long ago and was using an old tattered book he had to teach his people but was looking for another opportunity. SO, when I showed up, unannounced and uninvited he was shocked and excited God had answered his prayers. (yeah, WOW!).
We talked, swatted mosquitoes and realized God had used each of us to encourage the other. There at least 6-7 from his small congregation who want to study and possibly more from his churches out of town. He even wants to circulate in the neighborhood to tell other pastors from other denominations about the class.
After the last two weeks of discouragement, confusion and frustration it was much needed boost. Strangely it appears as i pray God enlightens others, someone is praying for God to enlighten me. Once again i am strangely, mysteriously brought into understanding this work, this ministry isn't mine, i need not fret nor worry. Thank you those who pray for me. Not a bad shot in the arm…
Onward.
