The day started early ... like around 530 am early. There are a
massive number of stray dogs here on the island ... where they came from
who knows ... they for sure did not swim here. Apparantly some of them
see themselves as rooster replacements and so feel the need to get
rolling with their very intrusive barking and howling early ... I am
thinking this place needs a series of very authentic restauraunts of a
certain ethnic pursuasion that does not see dogs and cats above food ...
just saying.
The day started with a pick-up worship practice of sorts (that turned
into an all out worship service) with one of the assemblies worship
leaders, Charles, myself, and my wife ... that eventually drew everyone
in the house. It was really neat how we used music to bridge a pretty
large dialect gap. They play much of the same music but with their own
authentic Carribean signature in it. It really was a great time!
We eventually hit the road with several stops in mind, including
getting one of Bro Joshua's guitars serviced. The first stop was at
fhis church building site. They have been working at it on a cash basis
for 5 years (pics attached). They are almost ready to begin holding
services on site. As of now, they meet there weekly to pray. It is
across the street from an elementary school, the police station, and a
mosque while next door to a bar and down the street from a Hindu
temple. A great location in my opinion!
While there, Bro Joshua had a spontaneous but necessary meeting with
one of his ministry staff members. Three hours later, we were back on
the road ... but the plans had changed ... and we were in for a humbling
evening.
One of Bro Joshua's church members is a local tailor. He had prayed
to God to receive help ... and help came. In short, the help was a man
who had a serious drug habit that was seeking deliverance. After weeks
of being prayed for on and off of the job, things seemed to be going
well. Then, last week, as the church member left the work place to run
an errand, the helper, in a drug induced rage, brutally attacked the
church member's mother at knife point ... the details you can imagine
... the results traumatic ... the event unexplainable.
We spent the entire evening going to different houses praying and
comforting the family. Their strength and resolve to trust God ... and
to seek God ... was nothing short than miraculous and the greatest show
of faith I have ever seen. The son was angry ... but broken ... and
humble before the Lord. In America, we would have accused God of
failing us ... it was not the case here. I was asked in every home to
lead the prayer ... I did not expect that. I do not really understand
it. But as I prayed, I could sense God's leading and His working ... I
was honored but confused all at the same time. Mix that with
overwhelmed and that about makes it right.
I saw last night the true nature of the comforting of the Holy Spirit
and what an unconditional trust in God does for a family that has been
so hurt and humiliated.
I ask that you pray for this family ... I will not at this time share
their names as they are walking through this ... but this is a
different world here.
There is a tangible gap between the mannerisms of the Jesus followers
here and the rest of the Island inhabitants. In America, it is often
difficult to see the difference ... that is not true here. The church
here silently suffers on all fronts. They also, unfortunately have
within their ranks those who use the position of the church to hurt
others ... not a new concept for Americans ... it is very hard for them
to understand it. Bro Joshua has within the ranks of his own extended
family is having to deal with this ... watching it happen is difficult
but very familiar. Pray for him.
Today is a new day with new things to do ... pray for us as we go
through the streets. I will attempt to drive today ... fun fun!
Til next time, thanks for reading and enjoy the pics!
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