Tuesday - Day 5

 We started the day with our usual Bible study conversation. It’s becoming a familiar pattern now and the daily discipline has been rewarding. Particularly the part where we commit to doing something as a result of the passage we’ve looked at. Taking a ‘three thirds’ approach to Acts chapter 17, v16 onwards helped us to understand that we should be ready to account for our faith and to speak out in a variety of different situations.  Paul was ‘distressed’ for people who don’t know God and those who have rejected him.  Do we feel the same level of concern for others? 

 We also were reminded that we should distance ourselves from being ‘religious’ The difference for believers is that we have a relationship with Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

After sharing lunch on site, we set off on yet another adventure to meet Christians gathered in a rural village.

At our first gathering we were welcomed with locally grown bananas and biscuits before joining together in praise and worship as the family of God. We are constantly made aware of how our differences of culture and language don’t have to be a barrier in the way we praise the living God. One of the women reminded us that prayer has to be a lifestyle not just an activity, something that they have to totaly rely on since converting to Christianity. As we looked at the story of the demon possessed man who was released from those demons when he met Jesus, we were reminded that Jesus has all authority, over even the worst of human situations as well as over the demonic.  (Mark 5: 1-20)

At the second home we were welcomed with Papaya cut freshly from the trees by  a family who had only become Christians a few weeks ago. The examples of conversion and endurance in the face of physical violence was staggering and it was hard to contain our emotions at times.  This meeting was a little different as we were able to ask questions about how they were using the three thirds study model and how they were taking the message of Jesus love to others.  It strikes me over and over again that we can learn so much when we share our stories and experiences . The women shared with us that they pray for others and tell them even the small amount of knowledge they have, as soon as they have learnt it themselves. We can have faith but we have to put it into action. 

In the evening we arrived back in the centre of the city for our next gathering with one of the Big Life leaders. We walked through a maze of narrow and dark passage ways on uneven ground. We were thank for for torch light and our guides who led us through swiftly and safely. We were welcomed to our guest’s house with a red rose for each of us, as we went up to the roof terrace for worship.  Once more, a real time of blessing listening to testimonies and sharing some of our own. Peter read from Hebrews chapter 12: 1-2 and encouraged us all to persevere whatever our journey might hold for us. In fixing our eyes on Jesus, we will stay firm in our faith, we must avoid turning our eyes away from him as this is when sin enters our lives. Tracey shared a few verses from Psalm 119 (105, 39,114) which help her to remain on the right path and stay with her eyes fixed on Jesus. Helpful for us all no doubt.  we ended a great day of encouragement and of course, challenge, with feasting!  A wonderful meal was provided by our hosts followed by some lessons in Indian dancing. A great day once again with plenty to think about as we take happily to our beds well after midnight!