More than a few people have said to me lately something like, “it’s great you let Jonathan go to South Africa.” Yes, yes, it’s great that Jonathan is in South Africa, but I did not provide him with the permission to go. Oh, I prayed alright, and I know that if I’d ever said anything about wanting him to stay he would have, but ultimately the thing I could not get out of my head was the memory of this photo:
Jonathan and Nhlaka
You see, this child followed Jonathan around everywhere the whole time we were in Durban last year. While it initially seemed he was most interested in the camera equipment Jonathan carried, it quickly became evident that more than anything he really had a need to be loved and given some attention from a man. His father is not present in the home, his mom works in a factory that is not near their house, so he lives with his older sister and they do the best they can. They’re doing their best, but it isn’t God’s best for them. Jonathan was the only man on our team of eight that traveled to South Africa last year. He was almost always followed or surrounded by a crowd of little boys. Many of these boys don’t have fathers in their homes. When I think of how much we love our little child who is currently only the size of an ear of corn and how hard it must be for those mothers to raise their boys, it was not hard for me to support Jonathan in returning to Durban. Don’t get me wrong, I miss him like crazy and sleep horribly all alone, but it’s worth it. Worth it for me to know that the Lord is using Jonathan to work in the hearts of these children to tell them He has a good purpose for their lives and for Jonathan to love them in a way maybe they don’t experience all that often. My prayer during this time is that they realize that regardless of the situation around them, God is interested in their hearts and their future. God is bigger than AIDS, bigger than shanty towns, bigger than parents who cannot or will not provide for them. My prayer for the people of Cato Manor today comes from Psalm 5:11~
“Let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may exult in you.”
Lord, may those who are facing situations that seem terrible still find reasons to rejoice. May your grace and your peace be enough for them. Lord give us wisdom to see how we can serve those who are struggling and may our struggles be seen in the light of your grace and goodness.
It’s funny how you change during life. Carrie and I were running/walking one night and I was talking about how surprised I am that I actually enjoy running and miss it when I can’t get out there and run a bit. Then she asked me the type of question only your best friend would ask: “If you had to give up either chips and queso or running for the rest of your life, which would it be?” Oh man. I LOVE chips and queso. I know it’s bad for me, but while other people may crave chocolate or other sweets, I want some processed cheese. I really badly want processed cheese. You know what though? I pick running. Big time pick running because there are other things that I like to eat, but running is just, well, not replaceable in the same way. I’m not sporty, I’m not athletic, I wouldn’t even call myself a runner. I’m not fast and I won’t probably win any medals, but I’m at a stage in life right now where I desire, I crave, putting on my running shoes and hitting the pavement.
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