What is your story?

February 2013 What is your story? Here in South Sudan, we are blessed to meet people of all walks of life - from the farmers in the village, to a church leader from the Nuba Mountains, to the doctor at the government hospital, the traditional birth attendant, the relief worker with Doctors without Borders, the student in primary school well into his teens, the laborer digging up tree stumps, or the grandmother who is guardian of 3 orphans. Each one has their own story....if we take the time to listen! This past week I got into a conversation with a pastor who is just 39 years old. He shared his story with me - from being a refugee with his parents in Uganda, working at heavy labor in tobacco and tea fields as a youth (before and after school), struggling to come back to Sudan after finding out he had brothers here, chopping and transporting poles of teak wood by himself to make money to start over after his simple home was destroyed by the LRA. His story is one of struggle, hardship, family bonds, faith, and commitment to making a better life for his own family. Could this story really live within this humble man who now serves as a pastor and works through the week as a farm extension worker? It is good to remember that we each have our own story. Do we share it with others? Do we ask others about their stories? One of my favorite old hymns is "I Love to Tell the Story ….. of Jesus and His Love." I think I grew to love it when I was first at a missionary conference and observed “saints” singing at the top of their lungs, a song which resonates in their hearts! I am challenged during this Lenten Season – do I share my story of God’s faithfulness in my life? And do I listen, truly listen as other’s share their stories – their struggles, their doubts, their joys, their sorrows, their hopes? The story of Jesus is one of love for all. May we who follow Jesus share his love with each one we meet! Blessings!