Leaving

August 11, 2008

We have made it out of Goma. It was to be the most difficult part on the way home, but we had no problems. Now, we have a nice leisurely nine hour lay over in Nairobi airport. I have window shopped every store. I think I will read some.

On our way to the airport, our translator, Simeon, reported feedback from some of the pastors who attended our Goma institute. Many of our lessons addressed forgiveness. One pastor said he had bitter relationships with several people in his church. He was able to reconcile with all of them. I taught on the qualifications of an elder in First Timothy 3. I applied it to all of us. Simeon said they had no idea of the high standards set for leaders. They were not discouraged but challenged to grow. They especially mentioned being above reproach and husbands of one wife. I explained to them that this is beyond the issue of divorce. It means that we are to be a “one woman man.” Many men may have only been married once, but they have wandering eyes and are not one women men. When I heard these stories, I felt ragged around the edges – just tired out. But, they made me feel that all the time, expense, and effort was more than worth it.

Thank you to all who prayed and supported me here in Africa. You have just as much stake in this as I do. I just got on the plane. You did the support and battle in prayer.

Pastor Joe