Flexability, a Lifestyle

As an American, I like to plan out my schedule...plan my workday, plan my weekends, plan my traveling. I want to know, "When? Where? How? Why? How long?" That doesn't work here. I love the fact that each of my days are totally different one from another. They start the same...coffee or tea, time with God, then, I "go to work." Even if I plan something, it rarely goes that way.

On a recent Saturday, I traveled on my motorcycle to Kunyukuo to be with the mother of a child who had died. As I was with her, I received word that the step child of a church member in Kalsagri had died and the burial would happen soon. So, I hopped on my motorcycle and I was off. (Rev. Clifford, Razak and Steve were there, too.)

When we arrived at Kalsagri, we were greeted by family members and taken to a shady spot to sit. A cold drink was given to each of us. As we spoke with the family, we discovered that the minister of the deceased was not able to come. So, Rev. Clifford was going to do the grave side service. He had no liturgy book with him. But, I had my phone with me. So, I "Googled" Christian burial service" and found several. We were ready! When the time came, Rev. Clifford preached, Razak translated and I helped out with the prayers. We all worked together and God was glorified. The grieving family was most appreciative. And, when we left, we knew we had done the right thing.

Did we have other pland for the day? Yes.Did it matter? No. We went where we were needed. It was a God appointment. This or something similar happens ALL the time. Flexability has to be part of life. If it isn't I wouldn't survive. I guess another way to put it is I need to always be looking for how God intends to use me. It's right in front of my eyes. Lord, may I see the opportunities You set before me.

The Congregation has Left the Building!

Sunday was a typical Sunday morning at Kalsagri Methodist Church. The service was almost over. We had taken a special collection called the Kofi-Ama collection, based on the day of the week on which a person is born. (You put your money in the bag that is labeled with the proper day.) The congregation was singing, dancing; the drums were playing as well as the gyil (local xylophone.) I went into the back room to help count so that we could announce the amounts collected for each day. As we were counting, I noticed that the drumming had stopped. I didn't hear any singing. So, I went to check it out, to see what was going on. when I looked, I saw that our worship area was empty. The congregation had left the building!

I found someone and asked, "Where is everyone?" They had gone across the street where a motorcycle accident happened. Most people were just gawking, looking to see what happened. There were a few who were very concerned and tried to help. The guy who was driving lost control of his moto...I am wondering if it was because of the bald front tire. He didn't hit anyone. He had gone into a ditch. The front wheel of his motorcycle was bent in ways that a wheel shouldn't be bent. The man's hand was bleeding, so, someone brought water from the church to wash it off. Then, hand sanitizer. (That must have stung!) The palm of his hand was really messed up. He would probably need a couple of stitches. A couple of the boys ran up the road to the new clinic, but, no one was there. We found some kleenexes and a bandana to cover his hand. A few people prayed for him. Then, someone who had stopped took him into town to the hospital. 

We went back to church and finished the service. Hmmm...was that a God appointment for our congregation? Caring for the injured on the roadside? That's how God had used the Kalsagri Church this week. How has He used your church?

Flexibility

Richard stepping in to lead worship.

What happens at your church when the musicians don't show up and the worship leader disappears? What about when you are ready to start the Christmas Pageant practice and Joseph has left the building? Or at least 50% of the sheep don't show up? All of this and more happened at Kalsagri today!

These children should be in church, instead, they are finding a snack growing high in a tree.

Church service would soon start. I was writing out the announcements for the day when I looked at my watch. Oh, we are late starting. I walk into the worship area. Evidently, I was not the only one late! There were not even twenty people at church! I looked for Nicodemus, so he could lead the worship service. Oh, he was no where to be found. I was thankful to see that Richard had returned from school for his Christmas break. He most willingly led the service until Nicodemus returned. When it was time to read the morning Bible passages, no one was prepared. Again, Richard helped out, as did Samuel who was also home from school. I was (and still am) very grateful for the two young men. 

A shepherdess and some of her sheep.

We were ready to sing our first song. The drummers weren't here - yet.So, we sang acapella. We sounded tired and half asleep! I am happy to report we improved as people joined us. Seventy eight people attended worship today.

Searching the Word of God for the Christmas story.

After church, we had Christmas Pageant practice. Ready? No! Joseph has left. He had another commitment in his home village, but will be here Christmas Day. Sabina was Joseph for our practice - again! Half of the sheep were missing. More were recruited. We were ready to start. 

Jesus, on a bed of ebony fruit, what sheep would eat in this part of the world!

Godwin, our narrator, did a great job again. The first run through was a bit shaky. They would do it again. After a few pointers, I took a back seat and did not say a word. Trust me, it was hard! Jesus was born and placed in a "manger," a bowl of ebony fruit that animals in Kalsagri would eat if it were available. The kids did a great job. After the second time through, everyone started eating the ebony. "What will be left for Baby Jesus' bed?" I asked. "Oh, we will bring more," was the response. I was glad to hear that!

So, despite this old, American woman, Christmas Pageant practice was fine. And, I believe God will be glorified when it is presented on Christmas Day. Praise the Lord!