Report from Africa #14

My mind goes back over forty years to an experience I had on the Colorado River in America. Bert Everett and myself were riding down the rapids on a six man raft. The power of the current was unbelievably strong. Navigation was extremely limited as the dominion of the water pushed our craft back and forth. You had to anticipate the movement of the water and go with the flow.

Staying dry was not an option. The guides spoke about the danger before we left and gave stern instructions about how to handle issues if it got out of control. When we reached the end of the ride I looked at the guide and said, you weren’t kidding! Wow what a ride.

The same lessons splash in my face continually on the mission field. Cathy and I are teaching Bible to some German students who have given a year of their life to minister to farm children here in Africa. Over and over we hear the girls say, achso! (German for aha, I get it!) As we teach them inductive Bible study methods the Word of God comes to life. They are surprised with what they see in each story. We have never studied the Bible in this manner.

The undercurrent of time in the German society keeps them from spending any focused time in the Bible. They had never slowed down enough to observe and ask questions. Familiar stories breathed with new life. Ach. . .so. . . echoes through our hours together.

Last night we saw the rapids of ministry splashed over the hearts of the volunteers. It came from the day of ministry with the children. Perplexed they talked about the boys racing around the playground beating the girls. Every girl came to them crying. They tried to intercede but the boys were uncontrollable. The truth was the current of culture these children live in promotes such behavior. The little boys see men continually beating their mothers. Unfortunately it is accepted.

One of the girls came up to me last night and said, we are going miss ya’ll so much! All of a sudden I realized that we had taught them a Southern term while they had been teaching us achso. I wonder how many times the currents of life must turn over our raft before we can say achso, I get it Lord!

Tomorrow Cathy and I move to Knysna and George South Africa for the next two weeks. We will be meeting with new missionaries, volunteers and church leaders. The current of travel and ministry is going fast and we covet your prayers as we serve Him together.

Cathy and Danny Sartin



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