After two years of being in Christ the believers in the other village are doing very well. Normally the bible teachers from our home village hike up there on the weekends for teaching and discipleship, but once every 6 weeks or so we missionaries go up for a visit to encourage. This time I think I was more encouraged by them! They are doing very well and clearly understand how they were in the past and how well they exist now, and give all the glory to God!
Caleb went with me this time. After four hours of tough hiking we arrived and went to our host home. Normally we stay in a house that they built for us with just one or two bible teachers, but this time we stayed with the family. The families house had become unlivable so they have moved into this house. At first I wasn’t excited about this as it is a little awkward since the whole house is only one room! But it ended up being a very good thing as I got a unique picture of family life that I normally do not get to see. And since they are believers now much of their family life has changed!
It used to not be uncommon that husbands would hit their wives to force them into submission. Relationships between parents and children was not one of joy but just existence. And wives did not respect their husbands talking bad about them to other women. But what I got to be a part of this weekend was the exact opposite! The husband does not hit his wife anymore and the wife smiles when she talks about her husband now. The children smile and laugh together and with Mom and Dad. After I laid down to sleep I listened to the husband and wife share stories about how each of their days went. It was genuine and sweet fellowship. They actually enjoy one another, this is in stark contrast to the past. And indeed all glory goes to God!
The hike was intense and I’m still recovering, but worth it all to get to look into the windows of their souls and see Christ! Here are some pictures of our hike…
“Our trip to another village March 2012”
From Visit to other village, posted by Gary Esther Smith on 3/25/2012 (12 items)
- This is Caleb and me leaving our village (you can see it in the upper right corner of…
- Part of the hike was crossing a river several times. One time though it got a little …
- only had my point and shoot camera so the quality isn’t the best but still so nice se…
- We stayed with a lovely family and we shared our Ramen noodles with them, this little…
- Inside the house – yes, this is the whole house!
- Ok this just freaked me out. I was sure that the chicken would pop that poor baby in …
- How do you like my preaching attire? First time preaching barefoot!
- Church
- Some bought a sewing machine from town (2 day hike) and the ladies are getting pretty…
- Our destination
- Bridge over troubled waters – the bridge is pretty troubling itself, but it supported…
- nice “road” eh?
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