“Thanks for the reminder that my plans can easily change, Lord God! I am thankful that Your ways and thoughts are above mine and that we still had an opportunity to visit some interesting sites with much of the World Relief team on Saturday.”
I was pretty disappointed when Norm and I found out that we could not climb Mt. Merapi on Friday morning, but we still had a great day on Saturday. And it provided an opportunity to talk about James 4:13-16 as I led our devotions this morning. Isaiah 55:8-11 has also been on my mind since last night’s church service-God is uncountable and we cannot fully fathom all that He is and all that He thinks. I also shared some encouragement from Philippians 3:7-17. We should not boast in our plans or who we are in the flesh, but we should press on to know and be found in Christ. His plans and purposes cannot be thwarted, just as precipitation is effective in providing water for living things to grow.
As Norm and I wait in the airport for our plane, which is running over two hours late, it is raining the hardest it has since we have been in Jogja. The dreary weather fits with the mood of having to say goodbye to the Jogja World Relief team. We had a special dinner with most of them last night at one of the fanciest (international food) restaurants in Jogja, and then we met for one last time after lunch before the Community Development Facilitators headed to a village for another “triggering session.” My thoughts and prayers will be with them and the technical team as they continue the task of training and then providing for better sanitation. I think they have a good plan and are approaching the challenges that lie ahead with a great attitude.
I am thankful beyond words for their hospitality and their effort to learn what Norm and I were able to teach the staff. Praise God that we were able to find a hand sight level and even a hand sight inclinometer at a local office supply store today! Now the team will need to work out the finances to purchase one of the sight inclinometers. Even though no new latrines have been constructed yet, I think the team has made some major strides in moving forward in that effort. They should be well-equipped technically, and they were able to take some good elements of approach from Project Concern’s CLTS (Community-Led Total Sanitation) training.
Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
(Psalm 111:1-10)
John,
I am so moved by your wisdom and so blessed by your sharing. God is so good and your obedience will be blessed as God uses the team you trained to change living conditions for the good for this community. We will continue to pray with you that God will help the World Relief team remember all you have imparted and that they will be able to teach these communities how to improve their sanitation systems and maintain them for the long haul. You have “taught them to fish” – which is ever so much longer lasting.
Thanks for sharing. Thanks for going. May God direct your paths as you seek to do his will.
Lynn