Highlights of Africa - Part VII

After I shared my story, my dear friend, Rob, a young missionary whom I met on my last trip to Africa, stood up after me and followed up with a very powerful inquiry and invitation: Who would be willing to be soldiers for Christ? “You who live here, you who have black skin and can go places where I cannot go, what are you willing to do for God? Will you go? Will you go and share the Gospel? Even if it means you could be killed for your faith, are you willing? Who is willing? Who is willing to put his life on the line, to join this army of Love, to share the news of the saving grace of Jesus Christ? Who is willing?” Then Rob asked them, if they were willing, to please stand and come forward so that we could pray for them. He said that there was no pressure, and that if God was telling them not to go, that it was not for them, that he completely respected that and that he did not expect nor want people to just come forward because someone else was. He asked only that those who believe God wants to use them as evangelists and are willing, come forward.

There was not an empty seat left.

Among the pastors and evangelists who had come to be encouraged, among those very ones who had met us at the dirt runway, cheering, singing praises, and waiting in anticipation of visitors who were willing to travel a long way to share the Love with our African brothers and sisters, among those who have suffered so much, not a one stayed seated.

As each man boldly stood, and stepped forward toward Rob, all of us Americans watching from the sidelines ignored the tears that welled up and overflowed, and joined in prayer for these brave people, who know on such a deep level the importance of Christ in their lives.

Rob was so moved he could no longer speak and another pastor took over and we all prayed and rejoiced at the commitment and the movement of the Holy Spirit we had just witnessed. In my spirit, I could hear angels rejoicing as I stood in awe of these people who wanted Christ more than anything. I was taken with the vision and thought that someday I will be singing and dancing with my family – and with all these people.