it’s witness week here in mundri. various churches, including okari, are reaching out to their community, sharing their faith. this past thursday, i had the privilege of joining a group from my church. vida (a sweet old women with a zeal for life and the Lord, always patient to listen, trying to understand my broken moru sentences), goodwin (an endearing elderly man, doesn’t waste words, but his quiet smirk speaks volumes), ngulu (my friend, teaching me embroidery, always laughing, cheerful confidence), and tensa (though she seems reserved at times, her preaching packs a punch).
we crossed the road, navigating single-file along narrow trails and through overgrown bush. from house to house, we sang (well i mostly hummed) while ngulu beat steadily on her drum, adding a little pep to our step. at each home, we gathered under a large mango or lulu tree in the middle of their compound. vida, ngulu, and tensa took turns to preach a mini-sermon. we sang a couple of songs and prayed for sicknesses or specific requests from the family. then over tea and some food, we visited with the family.
halfway through our trekking and visiting, i found myself checking out, mentally exhausted from processing the language. i tried not to be discouraged by my lack of ability to communicate. i tried not be distracted by the mysterious and itchy rash that was quickly covering most of my right arm. i tried not to worry if i would be able to eat yet another sweet potato, another scoop of beans, and down a 5th glass of tea.
and then... i asked that the Lord would take my attention off of myself. it seemed like a good time to give thanks and pray for those that would hear his word.
it was great to experience this with my moru community, to meet more people outside of my church, and most of all to witness my moru friends putting their faith into action.
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