On Thursday, I pulled up to a vacant stretch of oily, scuffed curb at the Delta terminal. I put the van in park, clasped Joy's hand
tightly, and stumbled through an impromptu prayer for safety, stamina and
success on her 9-day trip to Sri Lanka.
There were no tears to mark the moment—just a lot of smiles,
kisses and long hugs. We’d been preparing for this moment, and both knew it was the right thing to do from the beginning.
I got her all situated on the curb, gave her one last long
hug, and slowly drove away. As I watched her disappear through the revolving
doors in my rear view mirror, it was like I was watching half of myself in the
mirror. And I’ve been half here, half there ever since.
On the drive home, I tried to imagine all that my soul mate
would see over the next nine days: Regions of the world where rest is an
exception, and not a rule. Families whose food and water is scarce, and
survival is the biggest thing on their minds. People who live on pennies a day,
yet still manage to smile and run and jump and play. Children whose chances of
getting an education are as slim as their malnourished bodies. Souls who need a
Savior, and who need to first see Him on display in selfless acts of love.
Practically speaking, half of me is in Sri Lanka. As I keep
things going at home, I feel a persistent tug toward the East. I have
calculated her local time countless times. I take in her texts and photos like fine wine. This is good for each of us. This is good for both of us.
Will you join me in praying for the World Vision Bloggers? Big prayers?
Ask God to use those who have been sent to advance World
Vision’s sponsorship success in Sri Lanka beyond imagination. Ask that this trip be an
historic week in the lives of hundreds, perhaps thousands in need. Pray that
this week will be looked back on for generations as the week hope came to the people
of Sri Lanka, as it had never come before. And most of all, pray that the team's presence, and their acts
of love, might till more ground so that more people will receive the gospel of Jesus Christ.
And if God has moved you to sponsor a child in Sri Lanka, you can do that here.
How then will they call on him in whom they have
not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never
heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are
they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are
the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14-15
praying for her and her team, and thanking God that our daughter has a very special husband who loves her dearly. ~ Anne for Anne and Dave
ReplyDeleteGracious and loving God, we praise Your holy name for all that You have done for us in Jesus Christ. We lift before Your throne of grace these people who are serving in Sri Lanka and their families who remain here. Grant them strength and patience for the activities and travel set before them. Give them not only compassion for those in great need, but also the heart and ability to share their stories through their words with the world. Open our eyes to Your work through World Vision. May Jesus Christ be evident in all they say and do. Protect them in their travels, and protect families here. May this be a time that You are honored in every way possible; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen
ReplyDeleteBless you, Scott, for holding down the fort, for encouraging your soulmate to use her gifts, for writing it out so beautifully for us here. Praying for you and the kids as well as for Joy and the team.
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