Two
weeks have passed since our initial emigration to a country that we
previously knew so little about. Eleven days have been spent visiting
two very distinct and different tribes: the Maasai and the Turkana. Both
live off the beaten track of “normal” civilization, and forgo many
modern conveniences in order to preserve culture, heritage, and history.
Much of the time has been spent visiting homes and “evangelizing” to
those who may not know about the grace so freely given. The usual
responses vary from exuberant yes’s and no’s with the tag-line, “It is
not my time.” Most times, frustration ensues.
That was until,
yesterday…
This was the day my team came in contact with
Mussa, a member of the Maasai tribe located in the Rift Valley. Upon
first glance, one could assume he has trouble with his legs as he uses
two very short walking sticks to stabilize his movement. If you looked
into his eyes, you could see the cloudiness hindering his natural sight; what is not so evident is the frustration and bitterness for his
current plight.
You see, in about 1997, Mussa was an alcoholic. He
and multitude of others drank beer that at the time, did not meet
regulations and was, for all intents and purposes, tainted. Everyone who
consumed this tainted beer died, that is, except Mussa.
He was cursed
with blindness, at least that is his general sentiment. This instant
disability sparked him to accept Christ, but not for his love and grace; he accepted out of fear, anger, and bitterness. In short, he was being
punished for what he did so he felt he needed God in order to keep away
the flames of hell.
What was not so evident was that this
bitterness was brewing inside of him as a stronghold; in fact, the
bitterness was coupled with anger and hostility, so he felt no freedom.
He wanted to be free but couldn’t let go of the “wormwood” that was
poisoning his bones.
This is what God was showing and
explaining to me. I saw such love and desire for this kindly grandfather
that God called worthy, accepted, holy, and loved. I began to ask
questions and then we began to see his countenance change as shame
caused him to lower his head. We then asked if we could pray for him and
lay hands upon him. In a shallow voice, he replied, “Yes.”
At
that moment, the Holy Spirit said, “You will see a miracle today that
until now, you have never seen before. Let your team know that anything
is possible through Me.”
We laid hands upon his weak joints and
eyes, and began to call forth blessing, honor, and forgiveness in his
life. As we prayed, he convulsed as if he was uncomfortable or had a
stomachache. At the end of the prayer, he turned to us with tears in
his eyes and said, “I need to throw something up.”
Our translator
helped him over to a rubbish pile where he threw up some algae-colored
liquid. In that moment, God revealed that we saw Him purge bitterness
out of a man’s soul, by physically forcing the “wormwood” to the
surface.
After this his countenance changed for a second time to
reveal his true heart of repentance and admiration for the Father which
created him. Love, joy, and peace were pouring out of him as his face
shone with radiance. From this day forward, he will never be the same
again.
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