To Be Like Jesus

Even though I always enjoy the Phokera Bible study, frequently I consider not going as it can be exhausting…but I’m always glad I go!

Boys carried chairs, benches, boxes with Bibles and song booklets as we walked past the chief’s house down the path to the big tree. Mercy insisted on carrying her little friend the entire way. In front of the chief’s house, kids gathered to help spread the tarp for them to sit on during the children’s lesson.

After singing songs, the kids go with me for a lesson while the adults stay with Eric and Pastor Nelson. This week I noticed some ladies and kids sitting off in the distance. A couple weeks ago someone had come and pulled those kids from the lesson and said they needed to go home. When I shared it with Eric later, he told me that he had met their father a while ago. They were part of another religion and wouldn’t let him share anything. Praise the Lord they can still hear the Gospel message!

As I was finishing my lesson, the ladies from the Bible study started coming down the path towards us. The past two weeks after lessons they have surrounded me and each try to greet me. One lady greeted me then let out what I’ll call the “African scream”. They shake their tongue back and forth in their mouth while letting out a high-pitched scream. It is what they do when they’re excited or instead of saying “Amen.” I looked at her, then replied by doing my best impression of it…though my tongue can’t quite do that! Brother Shadrick happened to be right there folding up the tarp. He looked up in surprise and said, “Now THAT is funny!” Everyone started doing it and I had to explain to Eric once I made it back to Eric what all the commotion was about. My kids think that I need to do it at an American church when we visit, but I’m afraid I’ld give everyone heart attacks!

The water still has not been working well since it was “fixed”. I was able to do a couple loads of laundry a week in the washer and a few with buckets from the well, but have been unable to keep up with laundry. I was feeling a little sad for myself, especially since the man has dealt so dishonestly with us after we’ve paid so much! Sitting in my “woes”, the system fully broke. The Lord immediately brought Jonah and his gourd to my mind. Though not completely the same, He reminded me that He is still working and I am complaining about a gourd.

Eric has been saying that he could hire someone to help with the laundry, but I haven’t wanted to. I finally gave in and asked for help. I’m afraid my pride has held me back. I like to do my own work and I have a hard time asking others to help with it. I remember being like that even as a girl. One time in particular comes to mind. I was out with my dad in my favorite twirly-skirt, lots of tiers making it twirl really nicely. I was climbing over a fence when my dad said, “Jess, let me help you.” Quickly I replied, “I can do it myself.” And before he could do anything, over the fence I went. What I didn’t know was that my skirt was caught on the fence. There I hung, upside down for a few seconds until the tier seems ripped apart and plopped me on the ground! I guess I have learned my lesson at least a little as I’m letting someone help before I fall!

It feels somewhat humiliating as comments are already made to me about how “our women go to the fields early in the morning, then search for bundles of sticks for cooking…” and “we can do our own laundry.” I want to cry out, “I could too! If I didn’t have the challenges and stress of living in a new culture, learning a new language, homeschooling 6 different grades, balancing home responsibilities, cooking, and ministry…” They can not understand all that. It is again only my pride that wants to bring some of these things up in my defense. Instead, I see that this is another opportunity to learn of my Savior. Another chance to become more like HIM, for He was humble of spirit.

Instead, I see that this is another opportunity to learn of my Savior. Another chance to become more like HIM, for He was humble of spirit.

Some days I feel like I’m doing better, becoming more Christlike, learning the language, bonding with people – others I feel like I’m failing in every way possible! I am not a perfect wife, mother, or missionary, but praise the Lord I serve a PERFECT GOD who can use even someone like me!