Hallelujah
"Hallelujah. In the name of God the Father and the Holy Spirit. My heart rejoice because of God's love, that he was able to meet both white and black together and are united in the love of Jesus Christ. I am very happy that I can shake hands with my brothers who are in white skin, and I wan to ask the Lord to continue to bless you so that your ministry will expand more and always be continue to follow God's steps."
These words were brought to us by one of the Sudanese widows we talked to today. Though the main focus of this trip has been the building project I have mentioned before, Remember is always on the lookout for people to help, and we arranged a meeting with 9 widows from one local congregation. We asked them to briefly share their stories, and to share prayer requests with the church in the United States.
One after another they came, but they refused to be limited to prayer requests. As they told us of their suffering and loss, they offered up their thanksgiving and praises to the God that giveth–and taketh away. No trace of bitterness was anywhere to be found, not in the woman that is not only a widow, but is also a diabetic; not in the woman who pulled aside her head covering to reveal a massive goiter on her neck; not in the others who spoke of stomach troubles and even deafness.
Instead, their praises rang out. As they stood, beginning their testimonies by saying "Hallelujah," those waiting their turn would echo with a simple, but vibrant, "Amen." One praised by simply thanking God that He had allowed her to survive to this day. Another shared that, though they miss many meals, God was ever faithful to keep them from going an entire day without eating.
These beautiful testimonies are but a drop in the bucket. One generous church in North Carolina donated enough gifts for 185 widows, and the church leaders did not bat an eye when they said they could make sure it was distributed. And this is but one city in a country awash in suffering.
What sweet incense their praises must be to the father of the fatherless and the husband of the widow.
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this…
The whole team, representing three partnering organizations (L-R): Gabe Waddell (Remember), Edgar Feghaly (Remember/MAP), Sam Stricklin (MAP), Mark Searcy (Remember), Will Halker (Operation Renewed Hope), Marshall Hamilton (MAP)