Today as Meshach, Leon and I wandered through villages we met drunk man, one who is mentally unwell, a demonically possessed lady and a deaf man.
Our plan was to wander through the village to see Meshachs childhood. A crowd of children followed us to watch the funny white men and listen to the old village priest.
An important piece of context: Meshach’s grandfather converted to faith via his cousin (The first man to bring the gospel to Malatia Island). Meshach’s father was a pastor and Meshach therefore is a third generation pastor and carrier of the tribes priestly lineage.
Meshach is therefor a highly regarded man in the Solomon Islands and even more so among his village. Even younger ones have heard his name and stories. His father is buried beside the church in a prestigious grave.
It is therefore not a surprise that when we sat at the fish market only Meshach was offered a refreshing coconut in the midday heat (sign of respect).
It was the drunk men of the village who sought him out to ask him spiritual questions, for two hours I may add.
It was the mentally ill who followed by his side as we walked.
It was the demonically possessed who manifested when he shook their hand.
It was the deaf who offered him a chair to rest his legs.
As we walked our mind was intent on enjoying the day, seeing the sights and going ‘walkabout’, (no doubt a term borrowed from Aboriginal Australia). Before us was the people Jesus ministered to, but we were unaware, instead trying to push ahead on our journey.
It was when we returned home to reflect on the significance of those we encountered that we prayed for Gods forgiveness. Truly the troubled came to us today but our mind was elsewhere.
How often are we too busy that we miss those God brings before us. It is not that there is no opportunities for us to share our faith but rather that we are not in the right mind for the Holy Spirit to come through us to offer a word of faith.
Ironically, my favourite part of missions is watching God lead me to divine appointments. Yet even I, (the passionate missionary as some label me) was caught unaware.
As we prepare to leave Malatia our prayers are for the work Meshach has to do. He is not here to minister to the church, but to the lost sheep. Just like Jesus.
Praise God for His Holy Spirit teaching us.