Mwanava Snapshots

By David Mantock

Schuepfen, Switzerland

How can mere words describe the experience of a lifetime? They can’t really, but they can at least give a picture, although limited. Tanzania was a time of great contrasts. There is the ruggedness and danger of the land contrasted against its great beauty. There is the ruggedness of the Maasai people, that contrasts not only with their outward beauty but also with the beauty of the love of God that is in their hearts. Our Maasai brethren are in a fierce battle every day, and that is how they make their living. It reminds me of the spiritual battle that we all face and how Jesus told us to combat it:

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (Matthew 10:16)

What more can you say about a people that speak the Word of God to you without words. I was reminded of so many verses of Scripture just by being among the Maasai.

The next contrast I would like to mention is about us travelers and the One Who sent us. There is such a contrast between us unworthy sinners and our glorious Lord and Saviour:

What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? (Psalms 8:4)

The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
(Psalms 113:4)

A telling moment for us was the clarion call to serve the King of kings. It was so inspired that it quickly brought me to tears, tears that flooded down in full realization of my total and utter dependence on Jesus my Lord. (From now on I will be more understanding when my wife Beatrice cries in Church.) The Lord loves us so much that despite our lowly state He would want to use us as labourers in His glorious kingdom. A Lord Who loves us so much He would confirm our calling to minister to the nations.

That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. (Psalm 67:2)

We love you Lord. Thank you so much for loving us first.

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From the December 2005 edition of the Vine & Branches