A Light on a Hilltop
“You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”
My first two stops were in North Africa. Both were Muslim countries where it is dangerous for the workers (missionaries) to be known as Christians. I arrived in the country that evening after spending the day in Paris. On the drive home from the airport, I looked up and saw the city on a hilltop. It was late in the evening, dark outside, and yet the light shone brightly. The city was not hidden but was seen from quite a distance.
It was another opportunity for the Bible to come to life. And it was a reminder for me. I was a light that God was sending into this world. I was to shine bright just like that city did. I was to share the message of love and be his ambassador here on Earth.
What Missionaries in North Africa Taught Me About Faith and Courage
One family had been on the ground only a few months and were still learning the language, making connections, and adjusting to the culture with the one and three year old. The other family had been in the country for over seven years. Their four children know more about living in Africa than America.
Although it would take another plane ride to get to the second family, both were incredibly hospitable, sharing their country, culture, food and sights. I learned of their ministry, the dangers, their fears, and their successes. They shared their lives with me in three days.
I observed and explored the beauty of each country simply asking each family to show me whatever they wanted. I wanted to be there for them. I explored ancient buildings and cities, went to kids soccer games, cooked dinners, and walked down the block for fresh breakfast pastries.
I was introduced to their friends and acquaintances. I shopped in the local stores. And I played with dolls, crayons, and trucks. God truly moved in their hearts and in mine. I made new friends while discovering my brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Power of Prayer, Fasting, and Communion on the Mission Field
There are no “Christian” Churches in these countries as they are illegal. I asked how they spiritually fed themselves. One family drove three hours to church once a month. It impressed upon me the importance of our care and encouragement.
The first family shared that they fasted one day a week and prayed. It was a day I was there. I offered to fast with them and invited the many people who were following me on a WhatsApp group. We prayed for the country, the people, their family, friends, and church in America and the mission that God had called them to. After our time together, they allowed me the privilege of serving them communion.
This became a staple at every stop along the way. I encouraged the Americans to fast with us and send us any words of encouragement or prophecy. Many were received and the missionaries were loved and cared for not just by me, but another 50+ people who participated.
While this was not something I had planned, it was Holy ordained. God laid yet another foundation that I was able to step into. His plan. Not mine. His love. I was just fortunate to be the vessel of light that said yes.
Raising Families on Mission: Stories of Sacrifice and Joy in Muslim Nations
Three days have already passed. It was time to leave.
Each family would drop me at the airport. I would board a plane. And the next family would pick me up. I prayed and asked God to let each flight be a time of refreshing and rest for me. I wanted to be able to give my best at each stop.
I am typically a great sleeper on an airplane. However, this time I spent my time in the air listening to worship music, worshipping, journaling and focusing on God and prayer preparing myself for the next country and family.
He answered that prayer. There was no jet lag. No exhaustion. No fatigue. He sustained me through every leg of the journey.
I arrived at the next city again later in the evening. Imagine my surprise when I awoke to a view of the Mediterranean Sea. This time my view was from the South, whereas just two years prior, my first morning in Isreal, the view of the Mediterranean Sea was from the north. A sea I had never seen prior and now I have laid eyes on both sides of it.
I took the kids out to dinner having pizza and ice cream. This was a special treat as it is normally outside the budget for missionaries. People forget how much kids sacrifice for the mission. It is difficult to tell if this is good or bad long term, but everyone deserves to be spoiled a little - or well loved if you don’t like the word spoiled.
How God Sustains His People: Lessons from a Journey Across the Mediterranean
I witnessed more historical sites, fasted and prayed for the family, shared prophetic words and was invited in as part of the family. But it wasn’t just me, it was many.
These days, there were many fasting and praying - supporting the missionaries. There were many who donated towards my trip - supporting ultimately the missionaries. There were many who read the posts, viewed the pictures, and participated in the ways that they could.
God calls certain people to fall in love with a country or the people who inhabit it. He calls others to pray. Others to fast. Others to encourage. Others to be generous. One role is no less important as we are all formed in one body. (I Corinthians 12:13). When we shine, we enable and encourage others.