The Global Church

A while back, a friend sent me the following quote from one of her readings. It gives a new perspective on being part of the global church family.

"But there are times when even a whole community can't sing. In the face of the Holocaust, a whole people or least whole communities of that people were silenced. Just as rape silences the individual, so rape of a community silences a people. And then what? The praise of God goes on. The people of God elsewhere sing it in agony and pain with those who can't sing." (The Heart of the Matter by Paul Westermeyer)

Following the tragedy of Mr. Mudenda's murder a few months ago, it was all the people could do to muster a song. The morning service following his burial was the most quiet African service I have ever been in. There was singing, but the luster and energy was missing. Instead it seemed like it was taking everything they had to sing and you could feel their pain in every note. They had suffered a huge loss in the church and community. That day I sang in agony with them. Still being fairly new to the church at the time, and not knowing Mr. Mudenda personally to know the loss first hand, my heart was still deeply touched by those people; by their loss.

Since then there have been many more tragedies around here; many illnesses, accidents and murders. Everyone has been affected somehow. Jesse and I found a body in a ditch while out on one of our morning prayer walks. The man had a motorcycle accident and had been there all night. The atmosphere has been one of silence; people are fearful and wondering what will happen next. But yet, despite the pain, within God's church there is hope; a light in the darkness. "Darkness will not prevail!" is the message it brings. "In Jesus there is healing, there is security, there is life! Praise the Lord!"

When we realize we are part of a greater family, we can't be silenced. "The praise of God goes on." The praises are lifted up from the tongues of other believers. The pain of those silenced is lifted on those praises; supported by the love of others (as when one mourns, we all mourn - Romans 12:15). As children of God we share in each other's pain and praises. And we need not worry, for even if it seemed the whole world was silenced, the rocks themselves would cry out (Luke 19:40). His praise cannot be silenced! His sovereignty commands it. His faithfulness draws it. His love invites it. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:6)

Prayer Requests:
- For the church to continue being a light in Zambia and that us missionaries can continue to help and support them in this.
- That the church in Zambia would know it's part of the global church family, their song is being sung, and be encouraged to keep on in the work of the Kingdom.
- That the darkness/silenced atmosphere here would be pushed out by the presence of God. That people would see the hope in the Message, be touched by God's spirit and turn to Him.
- That the upcoming surgeries will go without complications and many people can be helped. We praise the Lord that this was the case already with the orthopedic surgeon a couple of weeks ago.

Thank you for being a part of the global church!!