Oh How He Loves!

It was a long, bumpy ride in the back of a feed truck. But, upon arrival in the small, remote village, the air was heavy with a feeling of expectancy. After two days of travel we had finally arrived at our outreach site. We were ready for what God had in store for us in this place and ready to pour out a love offering to Christ over these people.

I could immediately tell that this week was going to stretch me. I knew that I would need God to show up in a powerful way for me. It took until the end of the week, but, of course, he did! Shortly after we arrived something popped in my knee again--just like last year when I needed to have surgery. I was angry, in pain, confused, and honestly a bit scared. My team prayed for me and then I had to humble myself and get carted around everywhere on the back of a moto (glorified moped) for the week. I hated having special attention, I hated not being able to always be with the group, and I hated feeling like I was being a burden. I was sure God would heal me the next day. It wasn't until three days later when I was feeling pretty low, pretty selfish, and quite frustrated that God revealed his amazing plan.

Earlier in the week I had met Chan, a good friend of one of the leaders on my team, Channouen. Chan is a teacher in the local school and didn't know Jesus. He came to one of our "youth" meetings and seemed real interested, but left before I could talk to him (He speaks pretty good English.) On Friday afternoon I was sick of riding the moto and I decided to walk. Channouen, my faithful driver, wasn't around and I was glad. However, after about 5 minutes of walking, I hear the hum of the little engine and sure-enough, there he is. "K-vo, come on, you shouldn't be walking." I was annoyed, frustrated, angry, and honestly wished he wasn't such a polite guy! But I knew it wasn't worth arguing, so I hopped on.

Not more than a minute down the road we pass the school where Chan is a teacher, and, just as we are driving by, he is pulling out! "Hey friends! So good to see you, will you come visit with me?" Of course we say yes and go sit with him. A long story short, after an hour and half of talking with him and sharing more about Jesus, Chan tells us that he wants to ask Jesus into his heart to be his Lord and Savior! We were able to pray with him and celebrate together! A new life was born! Hallelujah!

Instantly I heard God speak to me, "Kovonne, had your knee not been hurt, you would not have been on that moto right then. My timing is perfect and my plans are so much higher than yours! Trust me!" I instantly repented of my anger and frustration and praised God for the crazy ways he chooses to use us. And, to top it off, I also heard him tell me that my knee was going to be okay. It isn't totally 100% yet, but it was instantly about 95% better. That night I was able to jump around and dance in worship! And the next day we got caught in a rain storm and had so much fun running through the rice-fields in the rain...all without any pain!

Praise God for the ways he chooses to use us, for the lengths he will go to bring one of his own to himself, and for how desperately he loves us. Please pray for Chan (on the right in the photo--Channouen is on the left) and his new found faith in the Lord. Also pray for the many others that we were able to share the good news of the gospel with--many of whom had never even heard the name of Jesus! And continue to pray for an increase in faith and trust, in my life, in your life, and in all of our lives. To this amazing God all glory, honor, and power!