Day 7

Today was a much needed day of rest. We all took things pretty easy today. So easy, in fact, that I don’t have any big news to share. I did sit down inside the gate to Emmanuel’s home and the children took this as a sign to come by us as well. Leo was at the well, pumping water and I sat with the children. This isn’t much, but it was a lot when you think we were given this little time to rest and enjoy these children.

I do want to share how Leo and I were able to witness conflict resolution in a church done in a very good manner that was very God honoring.

Leo and I were all set up go for a walk after a late breakfast when Emmanuel came up to us to request our presence at a meeting with a local Pastor and the board of deacons. Of course we said we’d ride along. As Emmanuel drove to their church, he filled us in on there issues causing conflict. The details are unimportant to the results. As we rode I looked up verses to help with conflict resolution, not knowing if I would be asked to take part. I was all set with Ephesians 4, Romans 12:18, Matthew 5 & 18, having them bookmarked in my digital Bible if necessary.

When we arrived they welcomed us as if we belonged and we were all given an ‘order of service’. As the young meeting leaders laid out the ground rules for the meeting I could tell they were well thought out. In fact, all the Scripture references I hastily looked up were mentioned in the meeting guidelines. The issues were read out loud with both ‘sides’ able to make statements regarding the issues. I still wasn’t sure if this would turn out well or not. They went down their agenda, allowing only acceptable attitudes and tone of speech, or the meeting would be suspended. They came to a break where people got up and walked around and talked a bit. After 5-10 minutes, the next step was suggestions for resolution, which would be followed by each side either agreeing or disagreeing. There were 3-4 more items on their agenda when one deacon got up and went to the disagreeing person and (I couldn’t understand all the words) basically said that they loved this person and hoped these steps would lead to full restoration. The other person begin to quietly drop their head and then the sobs of understanding and relief were evident. This brought all the board together, crying and hugging. What Leo and I witnessed was Biblical conflict resolution at its finest. I didn’t need my words or verses, we just marveled at how God showed us how this was done.

The meeting concluded right then with prayers of praise and a restored leadership. May God continue to use this church to reach their community for Christ.

We returned after the church meeting…I did receive a text from Renee on where Leo and I were. She was in her room when we left and as she was out and about, going through supplies for WOP, she realized we weren’t around. Once she found out we were with Emmanuel, she didn’t worry, knowing we’d be done when he was done.

The late afternoon turned into a time of rest and I laid down and slept a little, but with no power on (typically off during the day) it was very hot. I got about an hour of rest when I woke up and realized LEC was back on, so I turned the air conditioning on and stayed in the room a bit more to cool off. I had a little upset stomach so I skipped eating anything for supper. Leo and Renee are doing well, although Renee realized today that after her intense week of training she was exhausted today. It was a good day.

I look forward to church services again tomorrow. I am privileged to preach again and I hope to feel refreshed and ready tomorrow. We will see what tomorrow brings us.