My bags have been unpacked, most of my stories have been told. I've washed the Nepali scent from my clothes, I've sent thank you cards. I've stuffed down my feelings and put off writing this post so I wouldn't have to face them. I haven't let myself dwell on the memories, because the fact that I'm here and they're there breaks my heart.
They ask us to make an "I will.." statement about something we would do when we came home. All I can think now is, "I WILL NOT FORGET." I'm so afraid that my daily routine will overtake my life again, that my busy-ness will drown out my memories, that I will forget to pray for their beautiful souls. With a deep passion, I do not want to forget!
My emotions overwhelmed me on my first Sunday back at church. For starters, I was extremely disappointed when I woke up and remembered that I was home, I had dreamed of Nashville all night. Then, I don't know who picked the Operation Christmas Child video that was shown during the church service, but it was filmed in Nepal. Seeing the children and hearing the language just broke my heart. Memories flooded my mind. The four year old boy with the brilliant smile, riding a bike that was way too big for him all over the place by himself. The sincerity and passion in Rita's voice as she accepted Christ as her Savior. Her beautiful laugh and the way she says "Phillip" and "Isaiah". 14 year old Ambika, and the loyalty she has to Hinduism. Little Oosaipaw and his marbles, the way he tugged my arm and absorbed my affection. Kamari, who was too afraid. 18 month old Alex, watching cars in Nepali and cuddling his daddy as Mitch shared the story of Jesus with him. Mon trying to teach us how to say "thank you" in Nepali. Our Nepali Christian interpreter Tika, how she would reach out and hold my hand in such a sweet affection, or when she was scared. So many more faces and names. The tears and the giggles. The fear and the freedom. I would have much rather been in their strongly scented homes, sitting cross legged on the floor in a long skirt, eating whole sardines and using a bathroom with no toilet paper than sitting in the sanctuary at that moment.
The pastor had asked me to speak, and I thought I had my emotions under control enough. But as I stood before my church family, as the passion of God overwhelmed me, I just cried. Worship songs that had just been sung with a lack of passion, "Lord have mercy on us, Christ have mercy on us." and "Oh God let us be, a generation that seeks Your face... that turns our eyes from evil things... that casts down our idols." All I could think of was the people I had told Jesus about, who had refused Him. The houses where all we could do was pray, Lord please have mercy on these people!! They know not what they do! These families where literally generation after generation have worshipped idols. And those of them who did discover Christ, who knew that they might be beaten or mocked and were still willing to turn their faces from their idols and share the story of Jesus! And yet here Christians stand, eyes closed to the spiritual battle. Singing deep words without an ounce of passion. I expressed all of this. I stood there and bawled and urged them to worship! Missions exists because worshippers do not. The closing song for the service, Ten Thousand Reasons. 90% of the congregation was standing at the front of the church, before the alters, singing the very same song we had sang more than once in Nashville. Bless the Lord, O my soul. Your beauty steals my breath, every single time.
During our time in Nashville, I was a member of a team of 86 people. 44 of them were "nationals" from Nashville. We shared the gospel with 397 people! 47 of those people accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, and 5 of them were baptized! 24 new I Am Second groups were started. The 44 people who live in Nashville will follow up in our absence, and disciple the people who accepted Christ.
So far, I have been able to train the youth leadership group at my church, and one of our middle school after-school clubs in telling a story about Jesus. We will continue meeting each week in a fashion very similar to "I Am Second" groups. Seeing them learn and share the stories blessed my heart more than I can express. I pray that the fruit of our labors will be abundant in this town. You're the God of this city!
Obstacles are the greatest opportunity for God to move.
♫ Spirit lead me when my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters- wherever You would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander, and my faith will be made stronger- in the presence of my Savior ♪
-SaraKate
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