We made it into Atlanta Friday afternoon, and everything went really smoothly. We headed to Wadley to spend the night — we just didn’t think we wanted to drive six hours back home after spending almost 24 hours traveling. We got there and Sarah, my sister-in-law, made us an awesome dinner and then we crashed. We were still messed up on time because all of us were up at 4 a.m. We headed to Auburn to take the girls to a softball game and then headed home. It sure is nice to be home, but we can’t get the people we met out of our minds.
Easter was good — we wore the clothes we got in Africa. The girls looked great in the outfits that Pastor Nelson’s wife Sarah made for them. I sat there in church and just couldn’t get out of my mind the people over there how they worshipped and how they loved God and How I wish the American church and myself could grab on to how much God loves us. I really think that if we could understand that our worship would be different.
Don’t get me wrong, it was a great service and I know most of the people there really love God, but what kind of sacrifice did we have to make to get there that day? God made the ultimate sacrifice for us, and sometimes I feel like I don’t sacrifice anything for Him. It is just different being back because the people we met totally depended on God for everything. I know some of you are saying, “Oh they will get over it and forget about those over there once they are home for a while.” I pray that will never happen. I feel God has burned those images of them worshipping a God that is so real to them that they feel they touch Him every time they sing His praises. People walking miles to come to worship a God that provides for them every day. People who don’t care what they have or what they don’t have, but instead about how much they love God.
I know that there are so many needs in America and around the world. But I think the biggest need is on an individual basis. We all need to look at ourselves and ask ourselves, “Am I really doing all I can for God, and if not, what can I do differently? Am I really in love with Jesus or just the idea of Jesus?” We can’t fix all the problems, but we can make sure we are right where we need to be. I guess my biggest lesson learned is spiritual poverty is a far greater concern then material poverty and that most of us have it backward.
I am talking to myself here also, so don’t get your panties in a wad thinking I am saying I am better because I went to Africa. Really it would have been easier to stay at home and pretend there isn’t a problem. I went there to help people I thought, but came home with a new awareness of my flaws. The people I met helped me way more than I helped them.
Thanks to Mark, Simon, Kenneth, John, Festo, Pastor Nelson, Isaac, and all the boys and Girls I met for showing me what it is to be a true Christian and how it looks to totally depend on Him for everything. I am forever grateful for the friendships we have made. Thanks also to all my friends and family here that prayed for us supported us on this mission. We hope you will continue to pray for us and support Ransom Ministries.
I pray this experience will help us better serve here at Ransom Café in the ministry that God has given us.
The Armbrusters