CEE Story From The Mission Field
Kosovo Morning
Febuary 21, 2003
It was one of those mornings when everything was inconvenient--not too unusual in Kosovo where the water and electricity aren't dependable. Though their absence on this gray morning was not surprising, it brought frustration to Mary*, not to mention a bad hair day and added aches and pains from the cold and rain that were nearly tangible in her bedroom. As a Christian worker in a place still recovering from years of war, Mary is used to hardship. This day she was coming to the end of a week that had exhausted her emotionally and spiritually and left her asking the kind of questions that linger--Am I doing any good here? What is my purpose? Am I seeing and doing everything that I need to see and do? Do I have what it takes to be here?
Without much joy, but with determination she dressed for the day and went out to her regular Sunday morning meeting. Afterwards, she looked forward to spending the day curled up under her covers, reading, resting, re-fueling, but on the way home two Kosovar friends stopped her and invited her for coffee. They asked Mary if she would share the story of her bother, who had survived cancer, with their friend who was sick with the same disease. This was definitely a God thing. Mary had been praying for this opportunity and finally it had arrived.
Mary was able to tell her brother's story in its entirety--the hope and faith of her family, the hardship and struggle endured by the extended family and the wonderful outcome that they shared. But most important, she was able to share with them her faith like never before. Not only did the cancer-ridden friend listen intently to all that was said, but also 8 other family members, including a grandfather who is the leader of a near-by mosque! She had told them many times what she believes and shared many stories, but this cold, wet, inconvenient day was the first time they really heard.
After most of the conversation was finished the group showed Mary a recent article in a well-known Kosovar magazine about another Christian worker from Texas who helped a small village get back on their feet during the first few months after the war.
"I realized then that God had set me up--made a way for me," said Mary. "He puts everything into place for us so perfectly." The sun outside peered through the clouds and the rain stopped almost at the moment Mary finished praying.
When Mary left their home it was dark, the day was almost over. They sent her away thanking her for giving them hope. She told them that what she shared was truth--that hope comes from God alone.
"It's funny how the consistent frustrations of living here disappear so quickly when He takes control," Mary said. "I don't have to see and know and do everything. That is HIS job. All I have to do is be here, willing and listening to His direction. Sometimes the road seems long and the fruit comes slowly, but that "second wind" I needed, came at the right time."
*Names were changed to protect identities