Wow! What a day! This was the first time I got frustrated on this trip, Lord. Not to the point of stressing about it, but just a bit put off by it. The local people of Cantel (who were helping us run the festival) did not stick to the plan for the day and in turn we had to wing it quite a bit. Everyone did really well with going with the flow of things (or lack of flow) except for one. I won’t go in to detail of what happened but one person kind of blew his top and did something I’m pretty sure he regreted. You know his heart better than anyone, Lord, and I’m sure you set him straight. Anyhow, Lord you know how it made me feel and you know how I judged this person. Please forgive me, Lord, for my judgemental heart and bitter attitude towards this person. I know you forgive him and I, too, release him into your care and out of my judgement. (You know who you are, and if you’re reading this, please know that I have forgiven you- we all slip up and make mistakes.)
The rest of the day was amazing! Hundreds of people showed up and not even the sudden downpour of rain would drive the people away. We had a kids tent set up where the kids could make bracelets that told the gospel; we had a medical tent where people could get free medical attention; the Extreme Sports guys had the ramps set up down at one of the schools that we visted earlier in the week; there were a few scarey looking inflatables (that I had a tremendous urge to go start cleaning); there were food booths all down the street (which we didn’t eat, don’t worry) and of course the main stage. I finally got to hear some of Sam’s testimony, he had told his entire story at the prison while we were doing the market ministries the other day, what an amazing story! He blew the crowd away with his story and then started preaching as well, he is such an amazing man and I’m so glad I got the chance to know him better on this trip. I look up to him and have so much respect for him, he’s one of your true servants, Lord! We also got the chance to meet some other guy dancers, they were there with the church and as they sang songs they busted a move; they also had a couple routines they performed. Of course, we had to get our picture taken with them!
So, I also need to confess my anxieties to you, Lord. Brian asked me to share my testimony tomorrow at the last festival. I know this is an answer to prayer cause I woke up this morning wanting to talk to Brian about it and every opportunity got shut down. Then he asks me instead- you’re showin’ off again, Lord! I love it! But I’m nervous! I don’t know what angle to go with and what to leave out. Lord, I lay it at your feet and ask you to guide me in the most effective way. Help me speak clearly and make the point to you the most important thing. I lay it at your feet, Lord! Amen.