The 410 staff gathered to pray over me and for our team before we headed to Haiti last week. I was leading an all girl team – most of them between the ages of 16 and 23. Ten young women, one Grandmother we affectionately called “Gramsie”… and me – “Mamma Say”.
It’s wonderfully normal for the 410 staff to gather and pray for each team and staff member before a team departs the U.S. As our staff took turns praying, one simple prayer was softly spoken, but I heard it clearly and it carried me through our week. “Lord, we ask for safety for this team if that be your will, but more than that, I pray that they serve you wholeheartedly – whatever the cost.” Now THAT’s a prayer!
Our team did arrive safely. Ok, so we were stuck in the mud in the middle of a river for a short time– but we were safely pulled out and arrived in Bohoc just a bit behind schedule and with a new adventure under our belts.
Throughout the week, we had our trials – heat, unfamiliar food and surroundings, culture shock in seeing the earthquake damage and experiencing what it means to be in a developing Nation. Yes, we had some illnesses and had to deal with a tarantula or two…ok, six, but who’s counting? (Did I mention, I don’t do spiders very well?)
Through it all, as I cleaned up after some pretty sick girls and swept tarantula #6 out of our guesthouse, that prayer kept ringing in my head. SERVE – No matter what the cost. We did, each in our own way and I’m grateful for those who served as our prayer partners. I’m grateful that prayer was so important to Jesus and that he taught us how to pray. I’m also grateful to Christi for uttering those words that I hope will ring in my head first thing when I wake up each morning.
Lord, I do pray that I represent you in a way that is pleasing to you. Father, please help each woman on this awesome team to be courageous and to serve you boldly – whatever the cost.
