The Journey
January in Nosy Be… rain falling, rice growing, and language learning. We have been told that January and February are miserable here, with nothing but hot days interrupted by thunderstorms. But being from Texas… these “thunderstorms” have been only an enjoyable daily refreshment; taking away the heat and helping our recent landscaping adventure take hold and flourish.
Recently, Rebe had a devotional published as part of a booklet for MTW’s Global Missions Conference. You can purchase “The Journey” devotional booklet here: http://www.mtw.org/Pages/RESOURCE_Devotionals.aspx
Here is her contribution to “The Journey”…
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:29–30).
Last year, while on home ministry assignment in our comfy, first world home, there was a conflict in my heart that left me with a sense of discontentment at the end of every day. Like a toddler needing direction as he learns to walk, I longed for the LORD to direct us in our calling. I said to myself, “When the LORD gives us a clear path, and the confusion regarding our mission calling is resolved, then the conflict in my heart will cease.” A year later, I find myself standing on fertile soil in Madagascar, Africa, a few miles from the town of Hellville, ministering among a tribe bound to the worship of their ancestors. Yet the conflict in my heart still remains.
Our living conditions have drastically changed, and while we face the daily challenges of no electricity and running water, we live in the village among vibrant banana and pineapple plants, wild vanilla vines and coffee and cocoa trees. Our Sakalava neighbors are teaching us their language and culture, and we have confirmed for ourselves that learning this language is an absolute necessity if we hope to better understand the way our new friends view God and the world. This is no small task and comes with both great sacrifice and (with God’s help) fluency in the Sakalava dialect.
As I travel between different languages and cultures, the LORD is gently showing me the sin of my heart. My failure to rest contentedly in His faithfulness, timing and plan, both in my home culture and abroad, is becoming clearer to me, and I am ashamed of my weakness. But in this weakness, Jesus carefully picks me up, washes the soles of my feet and sends me boldly onward to persevere, in Him and the hope of His glory. A “perfect imperfection” is one way of describing the conflict that remains—“imperfect” left alone in sin—“perfect” in union with Christ’s death and resurrection.
Learning to live in the village requires that I take notice of what is happening with my neighbors, the life of the community and the rhythm of their responsibilities. My desire is to join in that rhythm and share the beautiful perfection of Christ Jesus’ amazing love with our Sakalava friends. While God seeks to completely sanctify my own restless heart, He also has plans to stretch my heart beyond itself to a people and place that desperately need Him.
What conflict in your heart is the LORD calling you to lay down at the cross? For His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. No matter where you are on the journey, rest for your soul can only be found in Him.
-Bryan
I really love hearing from you two! It is a privilege and blessing to read of what the Father is doing in and through you and to remember you in prayer before Him! I am learning so much (well, as much as one can through your words and photos and actually not living there) about this new culture and people.
We look forward to seeing you at the Latin America/Africa Area Retreat later this year.
Peace and love in Him,
Sue and John Burch
2100 Willow Chase Ct Tucker, GA 30084
jandsburch@gmail.com
770 558 6028 Home 404 863 7624 John 404 863 8116 Sue
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We are blessed by your encouraging words and prayers for our family. We are looking forward to the Area Retreat…what a blessing that will be! Grace and peace, Rebe
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Rebe and Bryan – I went to SNU from fall 94 to 99 and I remembered you guys. I get newsletters via email from Bob and Becky’s ministry and they shared a little about you and your work and the prayer needs. Wow! So excited about your work and so blessed. I am here in inner city Fort Worth….in the ghetto as my family might say youth pastoring and teaching thru our church/compassionate ministry…. It’s a dark community that needs light and love! Raising my 4 kids here is crazy and exciting – and we are led thru constant prayer. It’s our hub! Just wanted you to know a
s that we are crying out for you and the Saklava people. Been sharing your facebook stories with children and youth here. Thank you for sharing your journey – it humbles us!
Brandy Adkins Hernandez ChristCity Church
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I love seeing your updates. I love ya’ll, & pray for you often.
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Hi Britt, we love you and miss your family. I’m thankful to see your growing kiddos on Facebook and look forward to sharing a meal and fellowship together again. Grace and peace, sister.
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