March has been one interesting month for us. There’s been quite a bit of struggle here as we’ve worked to clear up some confusion with my Visa. In the process, there were several inquiries regarding what I’m doing – Web Development and on campus assistance. Needless to say, this website came up. Not knowing how the local authorities would react to our outspoken faith on this site, we thought it would be best to go dark for a few weeks until the situation blew over.
This was not an act of “shame” or “hiding” our faith. This was an assurance that what we do online – with an audience in the US – doesn’t hinder the legal, appropriate, and honest work we are trying to do here. With as fickle as the local authorities can be, it might have done just that. The end result would be me being deported without a renewed Visa.
We are very honest with those around us about the fact we are Christians. It’s no secret in the department or to those who have seen us get go out on Sunday morning with our Bible in hand. But none of that involves speaking our minds. And those are all within the parameters that can be controlled, whereas this site is not something the local government has any say over, which could become a threatening situation, possibly. So rather than take that chance and ruin what is being planted/started here, we figured a few weeks of silence here was a better approach.
And those few weeks are up! And with it came an awesome Easter!
As we do most Sundays, we spent this Resurrection Sunday in one of the local churches. It was absolutely packed! In a rather large building that could easily seat 150-200 people, they were struggling to find seats for everyone! They were pulling folding chairs out of closets and scrunching everyone together to ensure everyone had a seat. It was awesome to see a House of God packed! But, the best was yet to come.
At the end of the 1 hour 45 minute message (1 Corinthians 15, 1 Peter 4, Mark 15, Romans 10, we were all over the Scriptures this morning!) we saw the power of God at work. Eight people in the crowd stood up. With another phrase from the pastor, the eight came up front where church elders met them. As one Body, we prayed with them, and as one Body, we cheered! Eight more lives were brought into the Light of Christ today!
It was wonderful to witness the grace of God calling more into the kingdom! I find it powerful to be able to see this take place, knowing that even when you don’t see it – even when you can barely understand a few of the words being spoken around you – the power of God is bigger than all of it.
God is at work all around us, in every culture, in every country. You may not always notice it. You may not be able to understand it. But when He moves, there’s no denying it. Redemption is always possible – no one is beyond hope… but Bethany will talk more about that later on this week! 🙂