Miles In Missions

C.A.R.E. Africa has grown and it was recommended by a leader in the town that we meet with the King to share our ministry. I trusted this leader and knew he knew best but was also hesitant. First I am a female leader in a male dominant culture. Second, he is the King!! I was anxious to say the least. What would he ask me? What would he want to know? I was checking all my i’s and dotting all my t’s. I knew we had filed all the proper paperwork with the Nigerian government and SIM, but what if the King didn’t like what we were doing?

We arrived to his house and sat on his front porch waiting for him to join us. I anxiously awaited the questions that would be asked. When he sat down there was silence. I am still learning in this culture when it is OK as a female to talk, look someone in the eyes, curtsey, shake someone’s hand or just stay quite. I was praying the whole time for the Holy Spirit to lead the conversation. I felt he was urging me to speak so I started to talk about how I arrived to Egbe and how God put C.A.R.E. on my heart. I was brief, gave him a book to keep that explained everything and was going to be on my way. Luckily my husband was there with me and he elaborated on a few things which brought back some memories for the King.

Then God showed up and showed off as he does so much in my life. The King began to tell a story of how he was orphaned at age 11. He was blessed that some missionaries came alongside him and helped him through life. He credits who he is today because some missionaries cared enough about an orphan who is now the Ilegbe of Egbe. He said that my ministry brings tears to his eyes. I was doing everything I could to keep from crying myself. I serve an amazing God and even though I know he already approves of me, the town of Egbe now approves too! Thank you God!