When it Rains in the Mountains
By Nella Verschuur (field worker)
It's December. The sun is shining, the birds are singing; it is high summer. The children are on an extended school break that lasts more than five weeks. Many people are visiting family. In short, it's truly vacation time. That means a different time for us too. With the exception of a few Bible classes, most programs are canceled. Time... to hike and climb mountains.
Today I'm going on a hike with Letta and Maria. A day out together. For these women, it's truly a getaway. For me, it's also enjoyable and good to be together. But above all, it's valuable for our relationship and for the conversations that arise. There are so many lessons to be learned on a hike.
Striking image
It's a striking image of missionary work. We get to accompany people on their journey for a while. Some for a short time, others for a little longer. And as we journey together, we get to point them to God and His Word.
Climbing mountains isn't always easy. It takes effort and attention. Where do you put your feet? And precisely because you have to pay so much attention to where you walk, you risk missing nature's beauty.
Read together
Halfway through the walk, we rest at a small waterfall. It's amazing to see how much water can flow down the mountains, especially after a recent rain. We sit together for a while. I brought some booklets by Rev. Bakker about prayer. We read a chapter together and then continue our walk.
Yes, Letta and Maria enjoyed this vacation day. And so did I. I bring them home. Meanwhile, my thoughts drift to my approaching farewell. Lord willing, I may ‘walk with’ the people here for two more months.
Prayer
That week, I read with the elderly in the seniors home about the battle against Amalek. Moses, Aaron, and Hur, praying on the mountain. And only when the rod was held high did the Israelites prevail (Exodus 17).
Once again… climbing the mountain. The mountain of prayer. In my heart, there lives a silent hope that there are people in the Netherlands like Moses, Aaron, and Hur, who pray for the missionary work. Can I see that? No. Or can I? When it rains in the mountains, the water flows down.
I reproach myself. Why do I spend so little time climbing the mountain of prayer? Can victory be expected then? Yes, indeed.Because there is One who always prays.
