experiencing

Besides the unique drill mentioned in the previous post, last Wednesday morning was a particularly special day. Yes, it was the first day day of work on the wards for nurses and our day volunteers (local translators). But, that's not what made it special. We didn't even get our first patients until later in the afternoon.

As we do before we begin any shift on the wards, we prayed together. But this time it was different. Our day volunteers joined us. And let me tell you, I absolutely love to hear them pray. Without being stereotypical, the Africans know how to pray. They pray with such fervency and power. They pray with faith. When we were praying together it was like the heavens opened and poured down on us. The Spirit was among us. His presence was real. And I felt it. There is something about the prayer of one who has experienced want, who understands what it is to be in need, both materially and spiritually; who lives in a country where scarcity provides dependence on God. You see, our country is so full of material wealth and focusing on satisfying "me," there is no need for God. For my African brothers and sisters, dependence on God is not for the weak, but for the strong; it makes sense, it is necessary. They have taught me a lot about prayer. And I'm still learning.

We sang songs to Him. The American, European, and African were united as we together offered up our hearts in worship to the same god, the Creator God, Papa God. Then in typical African fashion, with eagerness and joy, they taught us African dance. We taught them some line-dancing. :-)

I love it.