 |
Post #8 Blair's Blog: I Know How You Feel, Mr. Wesley!
Mission Report Thu Feb 14, 2008, 3:31 pm by Blair Ritchey
|
|
1) The focus of our trip has been 3 days of outreach concerts in Manzini that got off to a tremendous start tonight. The crowd was enthusiastic and since we had no idea what to expect we were even pleased with the modest numbers. It's hard to get a count in an outdoor park - many people just stopped to listen as they walked by. Most importantly, Pastor Jim Machuku reported about 15 new contacts for his church planting project. That's a big "Yea, God!" We have some good momentum heading into Friday and Saturday.
2) These guys are good! I am so proud of our team. The tech guys pulled off a miracle -- logistics are always a challenge and Manzini, Swaziland is a long way from Plano! The band was hot -- something about letting it all out in the park is sweetness to guitar players and drum bangers! I love how our worship team has bonded to our African brothers and sisters. They sounded awesome tonight. I wish we could bring them all to Plano -- do you think an upper middle class technoburb is ready for this? Collin Creek Community Church: you would be so proud of your ambassadors. These guys are putting it out and God is blessing. Keep up your prayers!
3) The weather prayer worked! We have had a lot of rain the last couple of days and as we were setting up for an outdoor concert, the humidity was building and rain clouds were threatening all around. Just in case you didn't know this: rain is not good for outdoor concerts. I usually save my weather prayers for the golf course, but it was good to see God's mercy and grace as the rain stayed away and we managed to get the first round in. Yea, God!
4) John Wesley made a career of preaching out in the streets and fields of England. What a lot of people don't know is that Wesley despised field preaching. He was a high church man who believed the sacred book belonged behind the sacred desk. But God had other plans for Wesley and the revival that God sent as a result of his obedience in taking the Word to the people is the stuff of history. Today was my first attempt at field preaching. While I am certainly not in Wesley's league, it was great to sense the power of the LifeLine at work here in Swaziland. The Spirit of God, the Word of God and the prayers of God's people made field preaching a joy to this preacher, who was certainly out of his comfort zone today.
5) Seswati Texan: that's what happens when a crazy Texas preacher tries to teach a bunch of Swazi's to speak in Texan. It went something like this: I say: Sunebonani, all-y'all, Swaziland!" They say, "Yebo, Y'all!" Believe it or not, the Swazi's had a blast trying to speak Texan. Wonder if I can teach them how to say "Yunse!"
6) Today is Valentine's Day. Swazi's also celebrate Valentine's Day. This was the first time in 34 years that I've celebrated Valentine's day apart from my Valentine. But oceans and continents cannot separate true love. At our devotional time this morning, Dawn presented us all with a surprise package of cards and notes from our friends and family back in Texas. We were all in tears and it really fired us up for a great day of ministry. Love is a pretty incredible thing. What a privilege to tell Swaziland about a perfect love that has come to heal our broken love. Hope you have time this Valentine's Day to soak in a little of God's perfect love for you (1 John 3:1)!
7) Being on a mission trip with a bunch of artists is weird. When artists are all keyed up they play "Name this song" and sing songs from old movies. I think I'm going to bed!
Love,
Blair
|
