Workin with the Holy Spirit

Greetings from Rwanda! The people here are beautiful, so warm and welcoming. During our interview with Phil Smith of World Relief, there was a heartfelt connection between sisters and brothers in Christ working together to be in relationship, to empower the most vulnerable, and to transform the world in His name. The Holy Spirit continues to move us in amazing ways, assuring that we are on the right path. For instance, just before I closed my suitcase back in Mesa (it seems so long ago!), I ran across a prayer and tossed it into my suitcase. Last night I shared it with the team, and it was so much more appropriate than any I would have consciously chosen. I hope it conveys to you, our loved ones, our prayers for you and a glimpse of our experience to date:

We give thanks unto you, Heavenly Father, for graciously protecting us this day. We ask you to forgive us all our sins, and any wrong we may have done, and by your great mercy, keep us this night, O Lord, from all works of darkness whether we wake or sleep. Give us faith to see beyond today, to sow the seed and cultivate the soil, then wait serenely, trusting in your power. Let our thoughts and deeds be in accordance with you holy will. Preserve us from all dangers and terrors of the night, from restless watching and sorrowful thoughts, from unnecessary or fretful care and imaginary fears. When we put our heads on our pillows and pull up the covers (a.k.a. mosquito nets), give us your good gift of sleep and keep us safe ‘til morning light. Let us awake tomorrow renewed in strength and cheerful of spirit with holy thoughts as we go forth to live in your honor, to the service of our fellow people and the comfort and joy of our households. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit keep us and give us peace, now and evermore. Amen

Shalom,
Barbara