Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Prayer for Peter


(Peter and I on our way home from our last M&E field visit together)
I learned yesterday that my close Liberian friend, Peter, lost his younger sister while she was giving birth to twins ... he wrote me this note:

"Things were really moving fine until on November 11, 2008 when I lost my younger sister in child birth at the JFK Memorial Hospital in Sinkor. The news came as a complete surprise to us the family members as she was not sick at all.

But we can't ask God why cause He giveth and He taketh. We ask Him for strength and courage to carry through. The Burial is scheduled for saturady, November 22 , 2008."

My heart breaks for Peter. I agree with my friend Marcel, it's all so confusing sometimes. Please feel free to join me in praying for Peter and his family...to cry out to God with Peter today...our Lord promises us that He hears our cries.

"Lord, do not hold back your tender mercies from Peter and his family today. Our hope is in your unfailing love and faithfulness." Psalm 40:11

Friday, November 14, 2008

Dancing with my namesake

I think about Malawo a lot. I think about my namesake, Gdobo Dede. Always smiling when she spoke to me. I remember how she took care of me and the other ladies. Making sure we had hot water for evening bucket baths on the hill. I remember our instant, seemingly unconditional friendship, when she found me and spoke my name. There was something of God in that.

I wonder with hopeful tears, was she one of the 30-some that accepted Jesus Christ?

I remember dancing with her and the other ladies of Malawo. I was so excited when she pulled me over! It was so much fun!! (And this was a dance I could do.) Man, these ladies can dance I tell you.


I think of that day - of that joy. I think of the little bits of love we got to share. There's really something of God in that. God is so good to have given us that time together - that bond - that dance - that love. He really is something amazing.

Praying for Gdobo Dede today. That she would be dancing for joy because of what our Father has done for her. That she would know His love and love Him too. That we would get to dance together in Heaven someday!

"Love Him totally who gave Himself totally for your love. "
Saint Clare of Assisi

**Photos courtesy of the wonderful, talented Joni Byker