Tuesday, May 1, 2012

mayday


May is here. Happy, beautiful, May. The first day of May, May Day, is celebrated by many as a sign of new life and hope, ushering in the first signs of spring. Interestingly, Mayday is also a call for help...

April did not find me very much time or energy for blogging. I am sorry. April was brutal. Not only was it unceasingly HOT in Liberia (my thermometer reached numbers over 100 many times, add on the extreme humidity and I am sure the heat index was at least 1000 degrees), but the workload was almost unbearably heavy. Not only the actual physical work, even more the Spiritual and emotional work. Thankfully I found my strength in God, He proved to me (once again) that He gives me the strength to endure the unendurable. I also learned the importance of sharing the burden, it is not my burden to carry alone and God has surrounded me with many people, both here and in the states who are helping me to carry the burdens that come along with living and working in Liberia. 

So, like I said, April was brutal. The last few weeks have been especially difficult. My team-mates and I have found ourselves fighting harder for truth, justice and the protection of children than ever before. We have felt beat down and exhausted through this fight, but at the same time energized by God’s strength.

Last night the rain finally came. We had been begging for it, desperate for some kind of reprieve from the oppressive heat, a rescue from the heaviness of the last few weeks. And it came, refreshing and new. Last night brought a coolness to the air, a promise, rest. Today starts a new month, a new stage in the journey. Nothing has changed. The circumstances are the same, but there is hope in a new season, hope in a God who gives strength and loves beyond measure.

Still, I feel God leading me to ask for prayer today. We need prayer. The field team needs wisdom, guidance and strength as we continue to be a voice with action for orphans who literally no one else is helping. The children need protection, comfort, justice and provision for so much more than just their physical needs. The country of Liberia needs redemption, salvation from corruption and lies that continue to influence it to the very core.
Speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. 
Proverbs 31:8-9

1 comment:

MichelleM said...

Deb, Rob and I are praying. You are not alone and father God is watching over you - remember Nehemiah and how he stood for what he believed and his faith in Father God gave him the victory. I declare the victory is already yours. Father open doors and give this amazing team strength to carry on - remove opposition and increase favour for them. In Jesus name - amen!