I have forgotten to mention in my last few posts, the internet here in West Africa has been out for a week. Apparently some undersea cables have been destroyed, and the governments are saying that it will be at least five weeks before they can have it fully restored. As a result, yesterday was the first time I was able to access the internet or my email since it happened. So even though the last few posts are dated according to when events happened, I am actually doing a bulk catch-up post today.
On Monday night, after we had had a very delish dinner/late lunch cooked by Pastor Mac’s wife, they took me to the place where they had organized for me to stay for the week. It turned out to be a private home of one of the church members, who had given up her bedroom for me. That was very kind of her, and I appreciated it, but it was quickly apparent that it was not going to work for me. I was trying to have a prayer/Bible reading time, but every few minutes I had to stop to respond to her question of “Are you ok?” Then in the morning, again when I was trying to have my time with God, she kept coming in to get stuff from the room or to do her bits and pieces. Fair enough, it was her room. But it meant that I was not able to get that private devotional time.
The last straw was that at 4.45am, I had just woken up, I was laying there half naked trying to get cool, and some kid stuck his head in the door to look at me. No, sorry, my bits are for me to see and nobody else. So when Pastor Mac came I told him this is just not working, and said if they could find a cheap place where I can have some privacy I will pay for it.
As a result I am now in a room at a convent. It is more expensive than I would have liked, and up a daunting flight of stairs, but at least it means that I can have the time I need with the Lord in order to be prepared for what is going to be a very busy time of ministry.
This week there is a conference here in Monrovia. I am taking a daytime session and the night session each day, Tuesday to Friday, then I will be speaking at the Sunday service. The theme of the conference is Work While It Is Day, so for the daytime sessions I am teaching on gifts and ministries. The teaching has been very well received, and last night four people responded for salvation, so I was thrilled.
Next week I will be speaking every night at a revival crusade, but that will only be evening meetings. I’m believing for God to move in miracle power at those meetings.
Meanwhile, I’m still barking and hacking up gobs of gunk, but at least the worst of it – the feeling of not being able to breathe and my throat being closed over – has passed.