Today was a good day at clinic which we held at one of our partner churches in the village of Sirari, Tanzania; I met several older widows, their appearance was unusual because of their earlobes! A tribal custom- recently abolished-required that the women have large rings put through their earlobes, which caused the earlobes to eventually hang down –looking almost like long fleshy earrings. But the women were very sweet and appreciative of our medical care. (Team member Pam is shown with one woman, who thought it was funny that Pam could put her finger through the hole in her earlobe!)
God reminds me that the earrings are not the only customs of tribes such as these – many still cling to ancient rituals and beliefs in multiple gods; they visit witch doctors who prescribe rituals intended to heal them or cleanse them of evil spirits or bring them good luck or fortune – none of which actually work of course. But the people are deceived and for some reason, continue to visit the witch doctors, giving them whatever little money they can scrape together. I pray that after hearing about Jesus, they will know the truth and the truth will set them free. We shared with many many people today.
FROM CHEERS TO JEERS!
Another showing of the Jesus film tonight after medical clinic – despite weariness, I am excited at the prospect of seeing the people as they respond to seeing the story of our Savior. Last night, the people were reverent as they watched, they cheered for Jesus and cried when as He hung on the cross.
Tonight was different and I almost lost it! The film started as usual and people began to gather, more and more as time passed. Then we started hearing laughter and jeering, coming from a particular group sitting at the top of a ditch near the church where we showed the film. I thought it would die down, especially as Jesus began to be beaten and then was falling under the weight of His cross. But the group continued to laugh loudly and I began to be upset, wanting to rush over to them and tell them off!
But I held my peace; God encouraged me to pray for them instead, which I didn’t do very convincingly. Pastor Moses asked me to say a few words as he was giving the invitation; I was tempted to call out the group and chastise them, but instead encouraged the crowd to give their hearts to Jesus, the only way to heaven. At the close, many people responded and I was encouraged. However, the disruptive group still lingered. I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to go and talk to them – I made excuses. It was dark; I didn’t have a translator; I was in no mood to share about the love of Jesus; etc. etc. But eventually the Holy Spirit won, and I grabbed a translator and managed to find my way through the dark and the crowd to the small group of rebels.
Much to my surprise, it was a group of young kids, most whom looked as if they lived on the streets – dirty and unkempt, and I think that one or two were high on something (thus the laughter and inappropriate behavior.) But as I talked to them, my anger melted and I felt just love and compassion for this group of kids who didn’t know Christ and who live without His hope. Most likely they have not known love of any kind. (The pastor later confirmed that some of them were indeed street kids.)
All I did was talk to them. I told them simply that I was there to tell them that Jesus loved them. They were very sweet and respectful, asking me questions about my life and of course – America. I told them why we had come from America. I asked them to come to church on Sunday and they said they would. I don’t know what will happen; I just know that I was obedient to go and tell them that yes, there is someone who loves them and if they trust Him, they will be with Him for eternity.
I learned several lessons – the main one is that the people who irritate us the most – the ones who get under our skin – the ones we want to shun and push away – the ones who jeer the loudest – these are the ones who need Jesus, the ones whom He is calling loudly (or sometimes softly.) Maybe there is someone like this in your life. All you have to do is tell them that Jesus loves them.
From Dr. Brenda in Tanzania
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