Since that cold December day, Irene has maintained constant contact, no matter where I am in the world, even if she didn't know me really well (thank God for wifi!). She has taken a keen interest in me, enquiring as to what God is doing in my life and through my life for others. She has sown into me continually with love, prayers, fellowship and so much more, even if it is from afar.
Being a missionary is not the easiest job in the world. It may seem glamorous, getting to travel far and wide, seeing God restoring His sons and daughters but putting your life in His hands does mean relinquishing control. There is a constant reliance on God in every day for every thing: food; water; shelter; fellowship; protection; purpose and all else. That in itself is no bad thing because He always provides and, because He is far from predictable, not usually in the way you may expect. Therefore all the natural ways of thinking and therefore being must be scrapped as you journey. Jesus said, pick up your cross and follow Me. There are great adventures, meeting incredible people and seeing wonderful healings but it can also be tough, it can be lonely, it can be frustrating. So when you have someone like Irene, equipped with a tender, nurturing heart, who is concerned for you and rooting for you despite great odds, you know the love of Father God through her is not just a matter of talk, it's real. What started as a simmer is now on the boil: the deep bond of sweet, everlasting friendship that God Himself embodies has manifested itself for Irene and I.
When my season in the USA was nearing its end, Holy Spirit told me my next stop would be at Irene's. I hadn't seen her in a long while and though she had been 'walking alongside' me through the various missions, we hadn't spent much time together face-to-face. It was with great joy that we both anticipated my arrival. But before that joyous reunion...I missed the flight that would take me to her. I had been longing for the end of that season, I was ill and sorely needed a rest and some tender loving care, truthfully my heart was already with Irene. Missing a flight is never great but this time it, can I say, sucked enormously!
1 Thessalonians 2:17 ESV
But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face...
I've discovered the average American does not use the 24 hour clock, they call it 'military time' so not having been called up to serve, it's the 12 hour clock for me. So I had some doubts about when exactly my flight was leaving but I went with what I thought and I got it completely wrong! I eventually called the airline and found out, too late, that my flight had already departed. Lesson learned. I had to get over my disappontment, and also kicking myself, quite quickly. It's at times like these when I have to remember that God does not hold our mistakes against us, He still cares deeply about me and wants to help me. Knowing this makes it easier to move on from the mistake and move forward into discerning what He is doing to help me out.
Holy Spirit had told me that I would be leaving on May 21st and would be with Irene on May 22nd - which was her birthday - my arrival was going to be a great gift or so we thought. I simply couldn't face another night there, I had to leave, the season was over and I chose to believe that I would leave when He said I would leave. God had blessed me with finances to pay for my flight out of NYC but as the original flight was expensive I knew I had insufficient funds to buy another similar flight for that day. But trying to remain calm I looked for another flight. We were all praying for a miracle. It took only a few minutes but I found a flight I could afford, just. I booked with shaky fingers and with only an hour to get to the airport to check in, I raced to the subway, backpack and 23kg bag in tow. There was a man standing at the very top of the subway stairs, he took a look at me with my big, heavy suitcase and offered to carry it, he took it all the way down for me. Thank you God for practical help! Just to note if you are ever in this situation please be sure to use the facilities before you set off, as a full bladder in transit whilst your adrenalin is pumping, is not fun.
I didn't arrive at the airport I was meant to arrive at or meet Irene when I was meant to. But I arrived nonetheless. Another friend, after being prompted by Holy Spirit booked me a bus ticket to get to where I needed to be, once I arrived. All the while, Irene (and others) had been praying for me. I kept having to change the time I was going to meet her on the other side but she never got frustrated. When I finally arrived, filled with relief but brandishing a birthday banner, I slumped into Irene's loving arms. Even writing this I feel like crying with relief. A familiar face, a warm embrace, a patient friend, a caring heart was there waiting for me. I hadn't had a hug like that in a while, it was good. She took me to her home and showed me my room which had an array of toiletries, including a new toothbrush which was much needed, and even the snacks I liked, waiting for me. I was also given a bunch of pink tulips as part of my welcome. Here was not just physical rest but the tender, loving care I needed.
I met Irene's husband Alan, for the first time, a bit later on that day. Deb had told me of his kind heart and cracking sense of humour, so I had been really looking forward to meeting him. He did not disappoint. Alan was open to having me in his home despite not knowing me.
During my time with Alan and Irene, I was taken to the doctor for much needed antibiotics, had my laundry done, was bought new shoes, got home cooked food, a hair cut and time to just be. In addition, I had to get a new SIM card for my phone so Irene took me into town to get it done. She waited patiently with me while we got, what initially seemed a simple thing but wasn't, sorted out and paid for the extra parking no problem. She told Alan that I really felt like eating a good curry so he made reservations at their favourite Indian restaurant and drove at least 20mins to get there. I was introduced to the restaurant owner, a long time friend of theirs, who recommended a dish for me. I know a good curry when I taste one and I have to say the food was wonderful, the company excellent, service great and the red wine Alan had kindly brought complemented our meal beautifully. I felt completely at ease in Alan and Irene's company and in their home. I didn't feel like a guest, I felt like a daughter.
God knows our needs, not just physical ones but our emotional, mental and spiritual needs. He knows how to connect us and He knows the fruit of those connections. Everything is meaningful when we invite and expect God to show up. I can now call Alan, dad. I can embrace him knowing he cares for me and not just as a visiting missionary. How can I know that? Because he welcomed me, a stranger, into his home or bought me a really delicious curry? Yes, that is part of it. God sealed it for me on the day I left their home for the airport. Alan was at a dentist's appointment so Irene was taking me to the airport. I was a bit sad Alan wasn't coming along too and wondered if his dentist's appointment was for the right day. We were a quarter way through our journey when the phone rang, at least three times. So I finally fished it out of Irene's handbag and we found it was Alan. His dentist's appointment wasn't for that day, it was for the next week. We all arranged to meet at a nearby parking spot were we transferred my luggage into his car so he could drive us to the airport. When we got to the airport I expected them to drop me off and say goodbye outside the terminal. But they wheeled my suitcase for me and accompanied me right to the check-in desk.
Who would've thought that meeting Irene in that season, which seems so long ago now, would produce such an incredible blessing, especially for me. I can only say thank you, thank you for tirelessly loving me, feeding me and spoiling me, for embracing me everyday I was in your company and for the laughs, how we laughed. I honour you, Alan and Irene, as a dad and mom. I thank God for connecting us. I love you both.
Matthew 25:35-36 KJV
For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came to me.
Missions are not just about missionaries going out. Missions involve those who pray, those who encourage, those who supply finances, those who receive the missionary, feed; clothe and accommodate them, and those who are open to receiving the ministry they bring. This is the body of Christ at work together, we are one with Him and one in Him. To all those who have prayed, payed and encouraged and still do, those who have provided food; water; shelter; clean laundry; love and hugs thank you, to God be the glory and to you be honour for your obedient, servant heart. God bless you!
Ephesians 4:16 KJV
...we are to grow up in every way, into Him, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
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