Diamonds in the Sky

Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so bright, like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are!

Every American child knows this bedtime rhyme. I have always loved the simple poetry and unpretentious descriptions of such a magnificent part of God’s creation. But I also felt the wording was a little grandiose. After all, stars don't really twinkle, and they aren't that bright (except for in cartoons like Disney's Pinocchio). And the only resemblance to a diamond was in how they lay so innocently against the black silk of the night sky.

My time in Africa has changed my view of this childhood verse completely. Far away from city lights, removed from the polluted haze that hangs over the horizon, I have truly seen the night sky as if for the first time. My friends, if you could see what I have seen in the nighttime sky for the past few months, your souls would be captivated and your breath taken away by the true magnificence of God’s creation. There is no smoggy veil between me and the stars burning billions of miles away; I can see them more clearly than I can see this screen in front of me. I cannot convey to you the depth of the awesome wonder that falls upon me as I gaze into the heavens each night, but I will try.

Stars do twinkle! I do not mean their brightness fades in and out as clouds or dust pass over them, but they flicker like the bright flame of a candle. And they are bright, much brighter than we can ever see in the States. They blaze brilliantly across the sky, millions of tiny moons burning brightly in the black material of the sky.

And oh! the moon! Her glory is more magnificent than can ever be imagined. My eyes water as I gaze upon her brightness. I cannot make out her features for the brightness of her radiance is more than I can gaze at for any length of time.

I thought I understood the second line in the poem comparing stars to diamonds. They are sort of round like some diamonds, and their color somewhat resembles that of diamonds. But gazing into the African sky with the night fully enveloping me like a cloak, I can truly grasp this illustration. Imagine, in your mind’s eye, a diamond. Do not place it in the dark against a black cloth. Instead, place it in the brilliant sunlight. What does it do? It sparkles and casts brilliant prisms around it. Not only do you see its clearness, but you see many tiny jewels of ruby, jade, amber, and sapphire sparkling across its surface. This is how stars truly appear in the night sky. There are millions and billions of miniature diamonds twinkling across the night sky.

I am brought to my knees as I consider the One who created the heavens I gaze into each night. Who but God could have created such beauty? Words fail me as I attempt to describe my awe for my God who created such wonder and glory. I am reminded that “all the heavens declare the glory of God”- my friends, what I am seeing in the night sky is a piece of God’s glory- and “since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen” (Psalm 19:1, Romans 1:20).

The Beginning is in the End

I know I haven’t written anything for a while and I’m sorry about that. We’ve been very busy here trying to get all the grades in and wind the quarter down. I am actually looking forward to going home May 9- I plan on sleeping for a week straight!!

For the past couple of weeks, an American couple has been staying at the mission. Thomas and Jill Businelle have an 8-month-old son named Titus (who is adorable, by the way). They were working with the HIM program (out of Memorial Road church of Christ in Oklahoma City) in Mozambique. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a bad time for them to go. They started a 2 year contract last November, but as soon as they arrived, they all got sick and more or less stayed sick until March. Thomas, Jill, and little Titus then spent several weeks in a hospital in Johannesburg. After healing, they came to the Chimala Mission to reflect on their experience and recuperate before returning to the States.

It seems, at the outset, that a trip such as theirs has ended in disaster. But I don’t think so (and they don’t either). Even though they were only able to stay in Africa 6 months instead of 2 years, they learned a lot about themselves, mission work, and their relationship with God. It truly has been a time of growth and maturity for all three of them.

Garry and I grew very close to Thomas and Jill during their stay at the mission. They have a lot of great ideas to improve the work here. They were also wonderful encouragers and supporters. They are leaving tomorrow, and I am sad to see them go. We really need a young, energetic couple like them to come work here in Chimala. I hope they do well in whatever ministry they pursue, but I really pray God brings them back here to Chimala.

As my time here winds down, I realize not only how much I have learned, but also how far I have to go. I am still not fluent in Swahili, though my vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation improve daily. I am also not content with the education I have. This summer, as I finish my Bachelors in Biblical Studies, I am also going to begin my Bachelors in Education, with a minor in Intercultural Studies, at Liberty University online. I am very excited to begin this new phase of my life and hope that my studies will produce much fruit for the kingdom and glory of God.

The Providence of God

Late last night, a group of Malawians was traveling from Dar-Es-Salaam back to their home country. Their route passed through the Chimala Mission. While driving through a forest between Iringa and Chimala, they came upon a roadblock of big stones across the road. A man dressed in a police uniform waved down the first car in the caravan. As the cars slowed to a stop, bandits armed with clubs and knives surrounded the three cars. The second car attempted to drive around the barricade, but ditches had been dug on either side of the road. The car dived into the ditch and wrecked. The third car took a chance and drove straight over the rock barrier. They were able to drive on to the nearest police station. The other Malawians were dragged from the remaining two cars and beaten with the clubs and knives. One man suffered a severe cut across his temple. They all suffered from multiple contusions and scrapes. The police finally arrived only to find the one car still in the ditch and the other car stolen. The victims lay bruised and beaten along the side of the road. The police ushered everyone away from the scene of the crime, telling them to leave all their passports, visas, and over 60 million kwachas (about 40,000 US dollars) behind. One Malawian, who had just returned from Texas, left behind his American visa. The injured men were dropped off at the Chimala Mission Hospital. Early this morning, hospital workers called the Malawian students attending Chimala Bible Institute. The students rushed to the hospital to meet the victims and attend to their needs. It turned out the victims were from the same village as Samuel Tambala, a first year student at CBI. Disturbed at their countrymen’s plight, the students left to report the incident to Garry Hill, CBI’s administrator. Garry saw the distress on the students’ faces, and gave them a bundt cake to calm them down. Then two girls who were attacked along with their brothers walked up. The students immediately handed over the cake and explained the police had given them neither food nor water since the attack. Garry was able to give the Malawians enough money to fill the tank of their remaining car to get across the border. There, friends would meet them and help them on their way. This event truly throws into sharp relief the need for a serious emergency fund for the mission. Garry and I have agreed to travel to Malawi before the end of the year to hold Bible studies and seminars in Samuel Tambala’s hometown, where the victims were from. There is a serious opportunity for evangelism and the growth of the Lord’s church originating from this tragedy and we intend to take full advantage of it. Praise God no one was killed before they could hear the truth of God’s word! Another providence of God is seen in Garry and my own protection from such a disastrous event. We planned this morning to travel to Iringa, through the very forest the robbery took place, to visit the American missionaries living there. We were unable to because a new tire failed to be delivered to Mbeya in time for the trip. Yesterday, we were frustrated and angry at the inefficiency of the African way of life. Today we are grateful. Not only were we able to use the money for the trip to get potential Christians safely home, we avoided unknowingly traveling through a dangerous area. Praise God for His amazing acts of kindness and compassion! I cannot wait to see what other good will become of this tragedy.