Two lessons and the Holy Spirit!

So what was the learning from this last trip and what progress are we making? Such Western Hemisphere questions! Such first world thinking!

Work on the new Out Patient Clinic in which we have invested

I say this because I’m finding myself increasingly at the intersection of two cultures that don’t always look at things the same way. This cultural intersection often explains misunderstandings. Cultural norms are different. Apply a Western norm to a situation and I get confused and upset. Enforce a Western norm and my African friends become confused and irritated.

This is seen particularly in issues of family, savings, money and ambition.

One thing I know is that “turning up” is reaping huge benefits. I’m a great proponent of “focus” in business. I could define focus in mission work as “doing what you know best in the same place over and over again!” In my case its coming to Arua time and time again and trying to help grow businesses. The first time or two you come to a place like Arua, you are a novelty. No-one quite knows what to make of you. The likelihood is that you will not be back. It’s part of “your” life experience. Perhaps one of your bucket list items! But then you come back …again and again. It’s hard for the people you are visiting not to give credence to the fact that you are sharing your life with them. Gradually you understand more and more of the prevailing circumstances, more and more of the cultural distinctives, more and more of the difficulties faced each day in just living life and more and more of what is and isn’t possible.

The second thing I know is that if we don’t rely on the Holy Spirit, then all of this is futile. We must believe in the resurrection power of Jesus to change communities that have been enslaved for centuries. The power of Christ changes hearts and minds, the power of Christ provides resources and the power of Christ transforms communities. I am fully convinced that God does not want the people of Arua and the West Nile to live in this marginal state of security and economic wellbeing. The importance of asking through prayer as individuals and as a community cannot be understated. This challenges me to ask whether I really believe what I believe? Is my God big enough? Is my faith in God strong enough? Will I continue to proclaim that God and that faith to the men and women of Arua?

Some interesting things are beginning to happen. On this trip, a prayer group of business people has begun to meet. A group of leading citizens has begun to gather together and talk about a community approach to the problems facing the community – how to encourage business, how to press for vital infrastructure needs, how to begin to change their long standing family and tribal culture? A group of business people met twice to encourage me and each other to press forward. So much in Africa revolves around community thinking and action. I am encouraged by these early signs. The proof will be whether they continue to meet and push forward in my absence, or whether they only meet when the “Muzungu” or white man comes to town?

May God’s will be done in Arua and west Nile. Amen!

Travel Africa style. Everyone has a right to the road! This herd took 10 minutes to pass!