“Welcome to the Congo….”
“This is really bad news” were the words coming out of Paul’s mouth from the conversation on his cell phone. The Saturday flight, that three of our African team members were taking out to Kinshasa had been postponed until Monday. Jerry Kulah, Monrovian DS in Liberia, was in charge of a critical meeting with United Methodist officials on a listening tour concerning “The Nature of the Worldwide Church”. His bishop had asked him to lead this meeting. He had already changed all of his flights once while here to make these meetings. He was heartbroken.
Jerry’s faith had a huge impact on me. I was desperately trying not to show my fear when our plans crashed. Jerry said, “This cannot be!” Then, he reclined on the couch and went sound asleep. How could he do that? I was trying not to panic, and Jerry went to sleep! What a contrast in faith!
The decision was made for all of us to take the Monday flight. Our regular flight is Tuesday, but with a Monday flight, there is no assurance that the Tuesday flight would occur. We will not take that chance. If the pilot doesn’t have enough passengers, he doesn’t fly…welcome to the Congo! Now we will spend an extra day and night in Kinshasa. Paul is trying to line up transportation and motel for us….welcome to the Congo! As long as we hit the 8:55pm flight out of Kinshasa on Tuesday night! LOL
A couple of thoughts about our conference….the foot washing service! After speaking for an hour on serving, I told the Africans that we had come from half way around the world to serve them and thank them for their work for the Kingdom. I told them we wanted to wash their feet as a symbol of our love for them. They could not believe that white people from the United States would wash their feet! No white person would wash a black person’s feet. They were crying and incredulous. The ones with cell phones were taking pictures…. “This is historical,” said one. It did something between us all that no words could have done.
A natural question is “are you glad you came”??? If I make it home, yes! Lol. Catching people after the Annual Conference enabled us to train leaders from all 14 districts in the Central Congo conference. Incredibly strategic! Their words to us brought tears to my eyes…. “Life changing.” “Never had this kind of teaching and seminar in 30 years.” “This is just the beginning.” “Please come back and teach us more.” I could go on and on. Like most things that are very difficult, when it is all said and done, there is a great sense of relief and fulfillment. That is how I will feel when I get home!
August 14, 2010 at 4:04 am
Thank you for a strong message. Few things have a strong impact on the way we see things as does a foreign mission trip. We will be glad to see you when you get back!
August 14, 2010 at 9:02 am
Rurel, I know without a shadow of a doubt that you will be back home in Niceville this up coming week. God is using you in a mighty way in Africa and in Niceville. You are bringing hope and a future in God’s kingdom for the African people. When everyone that has been taught brings others to Christ it just multiplies on and on. I believe he is giving you all an extra measure of time for a reason only he knows. He will use this extra time in a way that will amaze you just like the miracles you saw going to Africa! Be ready in the next few days to witness these miracles. Everything happens for a reason. “Let not your heart be troubled”. See you soon in Niceville…praying continually for your safe return. The angels are watching over you and will be on the wings of the plane, just look out you will see them!
August 16, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Tim. I can relate to soooo much of the culture twists and the airplane pilot’s load criteria.
, lol. The foot washing in northern Canada would have the same unparrell reaction. This says little for my Christian walk amoung my fellow Canadian believers 
. I look forward to hearing you are back in the caring arms of my sister.