God is good. What a blessing the last two weeks have been.
Where do I even start?
I remember pulling into the gates of Rafiki and instantly understanding that this place was special. The perfectly manicured green grass and the full trees. It was beautiful. Before long I was walking into my first meal. All the kids with wide eyes and soon I found that they had open hearts. My first meal was with Cottage 9, and instantly I connected with them. Cottage 9 is full of mischievous pranksters, curious minds, and the biggest smiles you have ever seen.
Fast forward one week and 5 of the Cottage 9 guys earned the opportunity to move up to Nehemiah Hall, the eldest boys home. Seeing their smiles as James and I helped move David, Ivan, Daniel, Williams, and Moses up to their new home was priceless. They were so excited to move up with their new brothers and new house mom and dad. Their laughs and joy were contagious.
These kids and this time away has taught me so much about the Lord and my own faith. Their is one theme throughout this entire experience: dependence. In America, I think we are prone to have our dependence sway. We are told to depend on money, friends, and many other things. But here, removed from all the noise, I can see my utter dependence on the Lord. The Lord not only asks for our dependence, but is faithful to us in that dependence.
I have learned specifically three ways with which he is faithful: strength, peace, and obedience.
Firstly, I have found the Lord is faithful in the strength he provides for us. These last two weeks have been busy and extremely tiresome, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. But in my weakness Christ’s strength is made all the more prominent. One example of this is our evenings, when I am ready to sleep, we have had the opportunity to go to devotions with the kids. These devotions are the best! I have been able to share at some, but not out of my own strength, but the strength I have received through dependence on Christ. One devotion that sticks out, was my devotion with Nehemiah. I shared about being a leader, specifically a spiritual leader. Following this, multiple boys shared the impact the devotion had. Christ is strong in my weakness.
Next, I have seen Christ’s faithfulness with peace through trouble and anxiety. In the midst of this trip, the Lord has challenged many things. How I live back home, how I love people, and how I want to spend the rest of my life (vocationally). In these moments, the Holy Spirit reminds me that the Lord is faithful and I receive peace when I present my requests to God. He reminds me of this in the quiet; He also reminds me of this with the smiles and laughter of the young Rafiki children. Talk about joy and peace from the Lord. The Lord gives peace to those who trust Him.
Finally, I have seen the Lord’s faithfulness in obedience. This is what I am challenged with as I look to the end of this trip and returning home. What is the work the Lord is calling me to while I am still here? What is the work the Lord is calling me to when I return home? One thing I do know, is that obedience to the will and word of my Savior is the best, most fulfilling life. You never outgrow your need to depend on the Gospel, and I look forward to being obedient as I step forward in this trip. Delight in the Lord through obedience and he will be faithful.
Lord, send me.
Lord, use me.
God bless!
Colin
Where do I even start?
I remember pulling into the gates of Rafiki and instantly understanding that this place was special. The perfectly manicured green grass and the full trees. It was beautiful. Before long I was walking into my first meal. All the kids with wide eyes and soon I found that they had open hearts. My first meal was with Cottage 9, and instantly I connected with them. Cottage 9 is full of mischievous pranksters, curious minds, and the biggest smiles you have ever seen.
Fast forward one week and 5 of the Cottage 9 guys earned the opportunity to move up to Nehemiah Hall, the eldest boys home. Seeing their smiles as James and I helped move David, Ivan, Daniel, Williams, and Moses up to their new home was priceless. They were so excited to move up with their new brothers and new house mom and dad. Their laughs and joy were contagious.
These kids and this time away has taught me so much about the Lord and my own faith. Their is one theme throughout this entire experience: dependence. In America, I think we are prone to have our dependence sway. We are told to depend on money, friends, and many other things. But here, removed from all the noise, I can see my utter dependence on the Lord. The Lord not only asks for our dependence, but is faithful to us in that dependence.
I have learned specifically three ways with which he is faithful: strength, peace, and obedience.
Firstly, I have found the Lord is faithful in the strength he provides for us. These last two weeks have been busy and extremely tiresome, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. But in my weakness Christ’s strength is made all the more prominent. One example of this is our evenings, when I am ready to sleep, we have had the opportunity to go to devotions with the kids. These devotions are the best! I have been able to share at some, but not out of my own strength, but the strength I have received through dependence on Christ. One devotion that sticks out, was my devotion with Nehemiah. I shared about being a leader, specifically a spiritual leader. Following this, multiple boys shared the impact the devotion had. Christ is strong in my weakness.
Next, I have seen Christ’s faithfulness with peace through trouble and anxiety. In the midst of this trip, the Lord has challenged many things. How I live back home, how I love people, and how I want to spend the rest of my life (vocationally). In these moments, the Holy Spirit reminds me that the Lord is faithful and I receive peace when I present my requests to God. He reminds me of this in the quiet; He also reminds me of this with the smiles and laughter of the young Rafiki children. Talk about joy and peace from the Lord. The Lord gives peace to those who trust Him.
Finally, I have seen the Lord’s faithfulness in obedience. This is what I am challenged with as I look to the end of this trip and returning home. What is the work the Lord is calling me to while I am still here? What is the work the Lord is calling me to when I return home? One thing I do know, is that obedience to the will and word of my Savior is the best, most fulfilling life. You never outgrow your need to depend on the Gospel, and I look forward to being obedient as I step forward in this trip. Delight in the Lord through obedience and he will be faithful.
Lord, send me.
Lord, use me.
God bless!
Colin