Thursday, the team’s last day in …., was spent packing and wrapping up various projects. Sean, Kevin and Michelle worked on school screening, Malachi and Nate on the clinic. Rev. Mike and I were discussing travel plans for the following day and George was on the computer drawing plans for a small bridge for our stream.
Suddenly Chief drove up on his motorcycle. He was with Abdul, the village ‘youth leader’ and spokesman for the village chief. There were two other Fulani men on a second motorcycle – two of whom I knew as top Muslims from the nearby village of …..
After greeting the men, giving them chairs and offering water, and after hearing what these men had to say, I called over Rev. Mike, Kevin and Michele and asked them to repeat their message.
“There was a meeting yesterday,” Chief began again, “of all the parents of children in the school. They discussed the program, the teachers, the new clinic, the medical work, even the soccer games you’ve been playing with the community boys. And they are so happy with what you all are doing for our village and for …. village that they have chosen us to come and say a special ‘thank you’ on their behalf. I, Chief, am here representing the Fulani of ….., and I say, thank you, especially for the school. “
“I’m here on behalf of the non-Fulani “ Abdul said, “the Bassa, Igala and Ebere of …..” “Thank you for everything you’re doing for our children – especially for the clinic. And I have a message from the chief. He says to tell you that anything you may need, even in terms of additional land - all you have to do is ask, and it’s yours.”
The two men from …. then spoke up. “We are here representing the Fulani and non-Fulani of ….. We are so grateful for how you are helping our village. You have brought real hope to this community, with education for our children and health care for our people.”
As the men were speaking, I thought of something Rev. Mathias once said to me. He said, “It is where the darkness is most intense that even a pinpoint of light brings relief. It is where the darkness is deepest that the smallest glimmer of light gives hope.”
As I drove home from the airport on Friday night, after seeing the team safely back on the plane for Seattle, I thought again of Chief – a Muslim by culture and tradition – yet allowing himself to be used by God to bring education and yes - Christianity to his people!
We both worship God, I know, but he in ignorance of the Son-ship, the Lordship of Jesus. Could Chief and his clan keep their family, their friends, their inheritance and way of life, yet acknowledge Jesus as their Savior?
“I know the plans I have for you,” God declares to Chief even now, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you….plans to give you hope and a future.”
Later that day, I picked up the phone and told Chief that I needed to see him. There was something of great importance we needed to discuss. He said he would come.
Suddenly Chief drove up on his motorcycle. He was with Abdul, the village ‘youth leader’ and spokesman for the village chief. There were two other Fulani men on a second motorcycle – two of whom I knew as top Muslims from the nearby village of …..
After greeting the men, giving them chairs and offering water, and after hearing what these men had to say, I called over Rev. Mike, Kevin and Michele and asked them to repeat their message.
“There was a meeting yesterday,” Chief began again, “of all the parents of children in the school. They discussed the program, the teachers, the new clinic, the medical work, even the soccer games you’ve been playing with the community boys. And they are so happy with what you all are doing for our village and for …. village that they have chosen us to come and say a special ‘thank you’ on their behalf. I, Chief, am here representing the Fulani of ….., and I say, thank you, especially for the school. “
“I’m here on behalf of the non-Fulani “ Abdul said, “the Bassa, Igala and Ebere of …..” “Thank you for everything you’re doing for our children – especially for the clinic. And I have a message from the chief. He says to tell you that anything you may need, even in terms of additional land - all you have to do is ask, and it’s yours.”
The two men from …. then spoke up. “We are here representing the Fulani and non-Fulani of ….. We are so grateful for how you are helping our village. You have brought real hope to this community, with education for our children and health care for our people.”
As the men were speaking, I thought of something Rev. Mathias once said to me. He said, “It is where the darkness is most intense that even a pinpoint of light brings relief. It is where the darkness is deepest that the smallest glimmer of light gives hope.”
As I drove home from the airport on Friday night, after seeing the team safely back on the plane for Seattle, I thought again of Chief – a Muslim by culture and tradition – yet allowing himself to be used by God to bring education and yes - Christianity to his people!
We both worship God, I know, but he in ignorance of the Son-ship, the Lordship of Jesus. Could Chief and his clan keep their family, their friends, their inheritance and way of life, yet acknowledge Jesus as their Savior?
“I know the plans I have for you,” God declares to Chief even now, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you….plans to give you hope and a future.”
Later that day, I picked up the phone and told Chief that I needed to see him. There was something of great importance we needed to discuss. He said he would come.
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