Simbala
October 11, 2011
My last blog was about how Eli was getting a new roommate. Well, Ben has been here for over a month now and the relationship is going well. The first night Ben moved into Eli’s house we had a nice dinner and then Ben received his African name. Eli had picked out two different names; both of the names are original to the “Nomad” people group. Eli explained the meanings of the names and asked us to choose one for Ben. We choose the SIMBALA. This name means “to lean on God” in Nomad. It is pretty fitting name because Ben has made the intentional decision for the next two months to give up the comforts of home, give up a common language, and FULLY lean on God.
Since that night Ben and Eli have had many conversations about what it means to follow Jesus. When the questions kept coming the Lord led Ben to ask Eli if he would like to study the Gospel of John together. Eli agreed and about three weeks ago they began their study. Eli was very interested the study and asked many questions. However, as they got deeper Eli began to pull away. He told Ben, “I need to think about some things that we are studying.” Eli now has begun to try and change the subject the topic of study comes up.
From the outside and at a first glance this story can seem disappointing. However, since I have been in Africa God has been breaking and molding me. As I read His Word, as I Pray , as I talk with other believers God brings conviction into my heart. Conviction that shows me something is wrong and I am not living the way God wants me to; and that conviction is tough. Sometimes it hurts and weighs heavy on my heart. Sometimes I even want to run away from that conviction. However, when I surrender and let God do a purifying work in my life there is praise for a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Father.
So, Eli has begun to change the subject…Could it be that he experiencing conviction from the Father? In Hebrews 4:12 Scripture says, “What God has said isn’t only alive and active! It is sharper than any double-edged sword. His word can cut through our spirits and souls and through our joints and marrow, until it discovers the desires and thoughts of our hearts.” CEV Every night Eli has been interacting the Word that reach into desires and thoughts of our hearts; a Word that is active and alive! We praise God for conviction, even though it is tough, because we know what the outcome can be. So would you join us in praising the Father for the conviction on Eli’s heart! Eli may not quite know what to do with it yet, but pray for the Father to provide that understanding and we know He is faithful!
Prayer Requests for Simbala (Ben) and Eli:
- For boldness and courage in Christ to speak truth as he lives at Eli’s and travels around the capitol meeting new friends.
- That Ben would not discouraged by Eli’s disinterest. And for wisdom to discern between conviction and disinterest.
- For Ben’s language as he is daily trying to learn “Nomad.”
- For Eli to be open to the gift of Christ.
