Well of course there are no real (or even fake) roller coasters here….. unless you consider the drives on the awful roads here as such ;) However, I will contend that there are many days when I feel as though that is exactly what I am on. There are times when there is hope: you see progress, you understand things a bit more, and things that you didn’t dare hope for begin to unfold.
Oh, but then there are the hours when it seems as though there is no way in the world anything can change. The problems are too deep, too numerous, and too painful. God, how does one even begin to tackle this ever illusive concept of “transforming lives?”These past 4 weeks, for various reasons, have been tough if I am honest. The situation in the country right now is challenging. We can’t keep going down this same road. Things were never brilliant relationally between the North and South, but these past weeks have proved that things are quickly declining. We have refugees coming here in increasing number who are fleeing the various conflict areas.
But it’s different now.
I know their brothers and sisters. They have been to my tukul, I have shared meals on their compound, and I visit their shops. I talk with them often. I see the hurt in their eyes and the strain that they are experiencing. I hear the questions of “What have we done so that God is punishing us?” My heart breaks with theirs….and truthfully, anger wells up within me as well. One of them commented to me “Thank you for listening to us. So many people just turn away because the situation is too difficult….”
I tell them it’s the strong coffee ;)
In the midst of the twists and turns on this roller coaster ride, I must learn to see as God sees and ask for the grace to move as He moves. I must always run to Him. I must learn that even though it is difficult, it is good to grieve with people.
But we do not grieve as those without hope. We do not grieve as those who do not know their Creator.
Fear not friends, I am learning :) God is merciful. I am keenly aware of what a privilege it is to be working here, and with joy I look forward to the ways in which he will move in and through me. In my most recent newsletter, I shared many of the victories that we have seen. Amazing things.This post is just an attempt to share some of the challenges that come along with the victories ;)
Lord, let your justice prevail! Move your mighty hand and protect your children. You are not a God who will be mocked. You are the King of Kings, the Alpha and Omega, the One True God.
Reveal Yourself.
