Sunday, July 6, 2008

R&R


 

We came here with the intentions of resting, relaxing, and preparing for the “missions” part of our trip.  And we’ve been doing just that! We’ve had time to partake in many different “worship” times. Many were not in the traditional sense of the word, but yet I felt the presence of God closer than in many more traditional services. We have been abundantly blessed by the believers here. Their faith in strong and I have been encouraged by their devotion and passion for the Lord. On Wednesday night, we were invited to the bure, which is gathering place for boys and young men, The youngest was 7 and the eldest was the leader, who is 22. They meet every day at 6 am and 6 pm. That’s dedication! They meet in a short little shack, lit only by the light of a kerosene lamp, and comforted Only by the spare pillows and cushions that could be found.

Here, I was humbled.

 

They spoke both in Fijian and English. Sharing the word of God with each other, asking for forgiveness for being late, and with deepest sincerity. They asked us to share a bit. After that, they all simultaneously prayed for us. Some in English, but mostly in Fijian.  

It was a moving experience.

 

Not a one minute prayer, but prayer at length and earnest asking the Lord to bless us and continue to guide our ways, and show us clear direction. We had just met them.

From boys so young.

 

I was humbled at their love for the Lord. They come together twice a day to praise Him and encourage one another. ….And I have a hard time spending 30 minutes with the Lord in the morning?

 

WE know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.

 

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God- Through Jesus Christ our Lord!

 

Romans 7:14-17, 24,25

~R

 

2 comments:

Jeff A said...

Wow guys, that sounds great. Its hard to understand how someone could do something like that, but then I think about some of my experiences in doing things that are not comfortable. We used to have a men accountability group every week. I used to get up for 7:00 meetings everyday when I was self employed, now I go to TaeKwonDo 3 times a week and wish I could go every day.
My instinct tells me that its like riding a bike. The biggest challenge come when you just start pedalling, soon you can take your hands off the handlebars, and just let momentem do most of the work. Until you hit an uphill section I guess.

Love you guys, keep having fun.

Martha said...

I'm keeping up with you guys - our prayers are with you! *hugs*