Last Night’s Commissioning
A true description of the event last night is really beyond words. It was a night of excitement, imbibment, enlightenment, and expectation. From 4:15PM the November Team and supporters arrived. Nicole … bless her precious heart … and I set up the room for our expected guest. Tables, chairs, tablecloth, cloth napkins, overlaps, center pieces, 100 balloons, serving tables, music, tv with VHS … we set it all up. Lisa put the Rwandan flag in the center of the room. Laura assisted with balloons, having picked up some food. This morning I realized this 50+ body was not meant for such activity. The food kept coming and coming. Yet I was glad I had Laura bring my insurance food (soul food) [you just never know with potlucks].
One of the objectives of this event was that the Leaders of the team show the team members our servant heart … totally serving all the members, with excellence and humility.
From the very beginning it was obvious that the most honored guest had arrived. If you’re one that looks for miracles, you would have seen one after another, after another last night. In case you didn’t know, that honored guest was God himself.
Roy welcomed each Team Leader who told us where they were assigned in Rwanda. The miracles started with a red apron that completely matched our apronless facilitator’s and my personal mentor, Jane Wallace. Jane showed us a film clip of when Jesus called the name of the disciples [Matthew 10]. Just as we going to Rwanda were called by name. How personal Jane made this story feel to US! It was as if Jesus called to me — audibily — “Betty, daughter. Come.” The miracle of this is soon to come.
Then our own Lisa challenged us! 3 challenges she give us. Did I mention the favors on the table were two scriptures: II Chronicles 20:15 and especially Isaiah 61:1-3.
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, [a]
2to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
Responsive readings came next. I was the voice of the scriptures.
Then Buddy gave us an awesome sermon. All the aforementioned props were already set up to compliment his sermon. The film clip, the challenge, the favors on the table, which he had everyone read out loud (see above). And it all ended with an emotional anointing of the palms of our hands.
Rwanda Bob gave us an update having recently returned from Rwanda.
Roy … what an outstanding leader you are! Laura thank you for always being there and for your servant heart. Mary and Carolyn … thank you for your wisdom and heart of God.
What an incredible commissioning.
Prayer for today for Rwanda
Abuse
Although others have hurt Rwandans,
all they have to do is turn to You and they will be comforted.
God heal them, and make them whole.
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble,
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 32:7
