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Topic: 24 Hours (01/27/11)
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TITLE: God of the Mountain | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dawn Thomason
02/03/11 -
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“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Two weeks of ministry in Zambia approached an end. Never would I forget the little boy at the orphanage who, upon receiving the soccer ball said, “God heard my prayer and brought me a ball all the way from America!” The gospel was freely shared in local government high schools, without hesitation of mentioning the name of Jesus. Competitive soccer games ensued between the students and missionaries – students INNUMBERALE – missionaries ZERO. Laughter is truly a universal language. Once at the campus of the fledgling Bible College, the women prepared meals with the pastors’ wives as they taught us to sing praise songs in their native Nyanja tongue. Residences for future college students were constructed in the cool of the day, and the evenings were replete with Bible teachings beneath the stars.
One last interaction would be a time of praise and prayer atop Kazemba Mountain with the mission’s team and local pastors. Eighty pounds overweight, and uncertain of my ability to reach the mountain top, I quoted The Little Engine and repeated, “I think I can. I think I can.” I paused to recall an episode of Little House on the Prairie. Laura was heartbroken and climbed to the top of a mountain to be closer to God. I relished the sense of God’s heightened presence and so I pressed on. I found myself singing, “Put one foot in front of the other …,” from the Christmas classic Santa Claus is coming to town.
Atop the mountain, hands clasped in unity, voices praised the God of the universe. Tears flowed freely as prayers were uttered in humility. I possessed the heartache of a mother estranged from her son due to divorce. “Dear Father, you have enabled me to bear the four years of silence. Please let me know what to do next and help me to trust you even still.”
Within twenty-four hours we were state side, but life would never be the same. My heart possessed a new amazement at the depth of God’s love, mercy, and provision. I had garnered a small glimpse of heaven, where harmony among brothers and sisters in Christ is perfected.
Months passed, with no word from my son, but I continued to believe God heard my heart’s cry atop Kazemba Mountain. One day symphonic tones announced an incoming call. I recognized the voice instantly, “Hi, Mom. It’s me.” God whispered to my heart, “Embrace him, Dawn. Welcome him home.” Years of estrangement melted away in God’s love.
Mountain top experiences are often preceded by valley dwellings. God is with us every step of the way.
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