In a couple of hours we are heading to the Gypsy village we visit most regularly for a sleepover, returning Sunday. My team leaders are back in country and we will have 3 visitors also joining us for the two days. We are looking forward to this time with our Gypsy friends, and will likely experience breaking their daily Ramadan fast at 8:10pm tonight. There really is never a dull moment venturing into these villages. However, on a less exciting note, this will likely be my last opportunity to visit this particular village, which has become a regular part of life for me this year and found a place to nestle in my heart. Emotions were high a couple of weeks ago when the mayor’s wife and I were talking about my departure and how God has a plan for each of our lives. And whatever the plan may be, that must trust Him through it all, and the joy found in Jesus Christ alone is indescribable in all seasons, at all times.
Since that particular visit two weeks ago, as my departure from Central Asia grows increasingly near, and the uncertainty surrounding returning here sets in, my thoughts are many. I have been incredibly struck the reality that many – or even all – of the people I met this year, I may never meet again on this side of Heaven. I know we are not even promised tomorrow, but I have been thinking a lot about what I would say to people whom I may never meet again. What do I want them to know? What do I want them to remember? What are the most important things to communicate? How do I love them best? A simple “goodbye” or “see you soon” just doesn’t seem sufficient. And I think these questions transcend further then present transition I find myself in. In life in general, I (we) may be the only Believer people encounter, whether here in Central Asia, back in Canada, or anywhere else I may end up one day. But perhaps in some situations or quick encounters, words are not possible but rather a smile, a cup a clean water, washing their feet, a bowl of soup, a hug regardless how dirty they may be, give them a Bible, or food purchased from a nearby market is all that can be communicated or done in love.
As I head into the village later today and say many goodbyes to local friends in the days ahead, I am still very much wrestling with what to say and how to best communicate my love and His love to them. What are the most important words for me to say and what do I want them to know that I have not yet been able to communicate? My desire is that He would be glorified through it all, and I trust his spirit will fill my mouth with only the words that He wants them to hear. May it be so…
As always, I ask that you continue praying, because I believe there is power in prayer and He will accomplish great things as we seek his face and ask him to do what only he can do. And on a more personal note, I would love for you to be praying specifically for these coming days when the “goodbyes” are many with people my heart has genuinely grown to love in ways I cannot express. My heart is burdened for them. Very burdened.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21