October 3, 2019
HOW AWESOME IS THIS PLACE
Rick Delaney
Volunteer, Ohio
“When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, ‘Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.’ He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”
Genesis 28: 16-17
The Karonga team had been working together for nearly three weeks. Long hikes for 3-4 miles. Valley to mountain tops – and back again. Rugged roads with miles of navigation. We were blitzed emotionally, physically and spiritually. One early morning we drove 2 hours to a previously visited area due to miscommunication about a well site’s readiness for installation. I was convinced this was due to un preparedness by the team in coordinating with the village. Our Field Officer and I spoke about fuel costs, wear and tear on the vehicle - time lost in the logistical criss-cross in the northern boundaries of Malawi back to the Livingstonia region. The two hours translates to four when factoring drive time back to our original start point to install the 2nd, 3rd – 8th well of the day. Then, the probable drive at night from the mountains to guest house back in Karonga.
Upon our arrival to the village – we were greeted with warm handshakes and smiles. The murmur of conversation and footsteps down to the installation site; and the subsequent installation of the well. A perfect fit. A prayer. Our dedication. We asked the headman to share remarks. Slowly, thoughtfully – he praised God. His gratitude for MMM for bring- ing protected clean water to their village for the first time; and a request to share this love with neighbors whose need was far greater than their own. I was being reminded ~
As we readied to depart, they were insistent on our breaking bread with the headman. Adjacent to the well, they built a small canopy to sit under to sip tea and share biscuits and conversation. The village community sang hymns. A light fog rising from the valley – and the continued conversation and song. We sat. We smiled. We held hands.
It was innocent, pure, divine and calming – as I was reminded of those who’ve gone before me. Patience. Pause. Presence & Praise to our heavenly father. For this must be the house of God; and this surely is the gate to heaven
Application Question: How will you pause each day, trust each day, be present each day and praise God for bringing you to this sacred place?
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, I ask for Your grace and peace as I rest at Your feet and meditate on Your word. Give me the patience to linger in Your presence and to share Your love and spirit with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen
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