They Say Yes!

My team member, Hayden, and I started down the path toward our assigned village. Puffs of gray dust bellowed up from our feet as we walked through dry trenches previously made by rushing water during the rainy season. I swallowed hard, trying to conjure up the tiniest bit of moisture in my mouth. The few bushes along the trail were wearing a thick coat of red dust, and I wondered if they were as thirsty as me.

Up ahead, little faces smudged with dust stared wide-eyed. Twelve miles into the bush, most of the natives had never seen skin so white. A broad grin slowly crept across our interpreter’s face as the tentative children stared in suspicion. Concern melted into white, toothy grins as Charles ensures the children that the Mzungus are harmless.

“Mubwangi,” we call to the smiling children. Torn, worn-out clothing hang haphazardly on their small, thin bodies. An extended, white hand meets a brave little one. “Bwino Mubwangi,” a chorus of timid voices veil soft giggles. My eyes meet the eyes of a beautiful little one too scared to come close. Skin of ebony covered with dust from the blowing sand, she was not willing to touch my out-stretched hand. She turned away, and we walked on.

The smell of burning wood filled my nose as I view the village just over the next hill. By now, our small group of barefoot followers had turned into a multitude of excited, skipping feet. Laughter and soft conversation trailed us as we entered the village. Huts with grass roofs were organized in sections with three to four huts to a section. Mud or crude brick sides with thatch roofs were typical.

Several people per hut scurried about finding small, homemade stools or mats to offer to their welcomed guests. I noticed how after a young woman placed her stool on the dusty ground, she wiped off the bench before she invited me to sit. I swallowed hard and fought back the tears that stung my eyes. I was touched by her willingness to give me her best, all that she had, just because she welcomed our presence. I was humbled and overwhelmed.

A back-and-forth exchange of handshakes, curtseys, and greetings took care of the introductions. Beautiful dark faces with never-ending smiles and occasional nodding heads made our upcoming explanation of the Gospel message seem so easy. I began, “I am here to share some good news with you. Have you heard of Jesus?” My heart raced as I waited on Charles to interpret. Charles’s eyes gave me the answer before he replied, “They say, No.”

As I sat there sharing the Good News to people who live in abject poverty, I asked God to show me how this life can be abundant in its overwhelming simplicity. How can I, someone with everything, tell these people about real hope, love, and the riches of God’s grace? Immediately, the God who created these beautiful people in His own image spoke to my heart to just be faithful to share, and He will take care of the rest. Every person listened intently, and discovered the hope and assurance found only in Jesus, the Son of the Living God.

As I finished sharing, I asked the people through the interpreter, “Would you like to have a relationship with Jesus?” Charles immediately began to translate the question. Even before he finished, his serious face melted into a big, beautiful smile. “They say yes!” “They say yes!” Those sweet words still ring in my heart and my soul. I’ll never be the same. I left a part of my heart in Zambia.

#Zambia #ZambianVillage #Evangelism