Rachel's Reflections

The idea of teaching a class at the local theological seminary sat in the hypothetical world in my mind. A future possibility. Or so I thought. It sprang on me like a cat. Out of nowhere, I needed to attend the teacher's meeting, introduce myself at teacher/student orientation, and have my first class ready to teach in Portuguese within a matter of days. All while saying goodbye to my parents. Back in April, my team leaders had suggested the idea of me teaching at the seminary in Nampula. I had laughed it off as a joke, but they were serious. I told them I would pray about it. Me? Teach in Portuguese? Only if You want me to, Lord. The idea moved to the back shelf of my mind to collect dust. About mid-June, however, it came up again with my German colleague. Upon hearing that I have a bachelor's degree she talked to the director of the seminary about me teaching there. When she mentioned that I could teach the Missions course I thought she was talking about next year. My parents...

Who would have thought when I woke up that morning what God would orchestrate through the nudges of the Holy Spirit? I grabbed my purse, ready to walk out the door, and saw the box of newly arrived Kimwani audio Bibles. I should always carry one of those with me, just in case , I thought to myself. I slid one into my purse on my way out. I arrived at Mama Z's house and followed the sound of her welcome into the dimly lit interior. As my eyes adjusted I noticed a strange man sitting on the mat next to the wall. I greeted him as Mama Z emerged from another room. She introduced me to her husband and told him who I was. After returning my greeting, he asked if I had another audio Bible like the one I had given Mama Z. Pulling out the one I had put in my purse, I thanked God for the nudge to grab it on my way out of the door. After a short lunch break at home, I hesitated about my afternoon visit. I wanted to see *Rosa (not her real name) because I hadn't seen her for a while, but I...