During our weekly “Ask the Lord” and grocery shopping day in Manzini, Eswatini, we were invited into a Muslim mosque for a second time to discuss and learn about Islam. At the end of our conversation, I asked the Mullah (head clergy member named Tahir) why my beard was not as good as his. “Grass doesn’t grow on stones,” he responded. To all those who criticize my inability to grow facial hair, there you have it. My jawline is too sharp for hair.
You’re probably confused why I opened my blog with this. Well, for one, it’s random and hilarious. Moreover, I wanted to point out the obscure things that happen when you follow the voice of the Lord. Never would I have imagined that when I was 19, I would be invited into a mosque in Africa and have the opportunity to share the love of Jesus. God’s plan is so intricate and unique for every one of His children.
Speaking of children, that’s the majority of our work here in Swaziland. Our team is working with a local after school care point that provides food and activities for children from preschool to 7th grade. It has been such a joy to bond with the kids by throwing them in the air, giving them affection, and crushing them at soccer. One of the funniest parts of the ministry is learning the kids’ names. They like to say their names very quietly for some reason, so it usually takes around ten attempts to get their name somewhat right. With that comes a whole group of Swazis making fun of you. It’s honestly the best. They love to laugh and it makes me laugh. Other funny moments consist of receiving a marriage proposal on day one and explaining that I don’t drive a Lamborghini, nor am I friends with Chris Brown or John Cena.
In terms of personal growth, the abandonment of previous comforts has driven me into deeper intimacy with my Heavenly Father. Sharing a bathroom with 12 guys, having no wifi, and being away from home is uncomfortable, but it is true life. Through forgetting certain things I once relied on, I have grown ever more reliant on my God. He is always inviting me to visit Him in more and more ways. What a blessing it is to have Him and Him alone. He is worthy of my all. The worth of knowing Christ truly does surpass everything else. It’s not metaphor. It’s not up to interpretation. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
Please pray that the Lord would fill me and my team. We desire to be ministering out of overflow and not pouring out of empty cups. In addition, specifically pray that the love of Christ would pierce Tahir’s heart. We visit his mosque on Mondays.
Stand firm,
Ezra
PHOTOS!
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