The art of testimony

I have to laugh as our brothers and sisters at Emmaus share their testimonies, because so many elements are utterly universal! Some of our brothers came to church because of a pretty girl, and came home with Jesus instead. Some had mamas that never stopped praying...loud and often and within earshot. Some were dragged to church every single time the doors were open, others lived in such broken homes that only Jesus could ever redeem. Some are struggling still to forgive parents who abandoned, family who abused, friends who betrayed. Some have tears in their eyes over loved ones who continue to live in darkness. Some came to Jesus in mountain-top preaching crusades or moving youth retreats, others came quietly in the day-to-day of walking with Jesus, but now on purpose. But then, there are many elements of our student’s stories that aren’t common in all cultures, that I have to ask them to repeat several times.   In a country with little to no medical care, there are many powerful testimonies of miraculous healings you wouldn’t believe. Almost every story is laced with unexpected dreams and vibrant visions, often retold with such weight that I have to double-check that these were dreams, and not physical events. The Voodoo/Catholic combination that many believe define what it is to be Haitian infiltrates many stories, wrapping dark fingers of fear and bondage around the pasts and loved ones of many of our students. How I marvel to hear of the battles the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has powerfully and lovingly fought on their behalves! But being raised in a “What do you want to be when you grow up?” culture--in a society where following hard after your dreams and desires is celebrated and even idolized--what strikes me most powerfully in the stories of our students is their readiness to surrender all plans for His. They have not been trying to figure out what they want for themselves. Their support systems have not been trying to help them decide what they want to do with their lives. They did not come to Emmaus because they are dying to pursue a profession that doesn't pay and isn't culturally respected or valued. Their lives are not seen as their lives to do with as they please, their futures not seen as their futures, to fill with their own dreams and passions and talents. “Pray for me,” I have heard countless men and women ask instead, “That I might walk so closely to Him that His will for my life, for every step of the way,  is clear…that He might hold me right where He wants me, use me to bring others to Him, and to bring glory to Himself on a beautiful path that is paved with pain.” For all that I have learned through the stories of our brothers and sisters at Emmaus, most, I have learned to hold my life in open and upheld hands, an offering to the One who gave His for me.  How beautiful are the redeeming plans of a mighty God for His children, far better than our own.   The students have taught me that. We are in desperate need of scholarships for these students,  making it possible for them to be formed and filled  for ANY plan God has for their lives.  They're ready to go, and Emmaus is well-equipped to  train, feed, house and send them...but we need your help.  Are you ready to come alongside? Provide a student scholarship today! Please join me in becoming a priceless part of the story of an Emmaus student today...for His glory!