We recently traveled to Africa. One of many things that stood out to us on this trip were the roads.
The roads were beyond bumpy, bumpy to the point that it was comparable to navigating a boat through a storm. The hard dirt roads are firmly imbedded with rocks jutting four to six inches from the surface creating a random pattern. Driving a vehicle over these roads creates a banging down the spine and neck, an experience that one might characterize as torture. These roads are avoided by many at all costs. The roads are long. Even if the destination is not far off, the traffic is heavy and there are many roadblocks along the way.
We were in the vehicle for such long periods of time, we would tend to lull off to sleep, but just as we started to doze off, the jolt of the bumps in the road would jerk us back awake.
As I reflect on the journey in Africa, it very much reminds me of the journey our missionaries encounter every day. They choose to take the road less traveled, the road that some avoid at all costs. They encounter many bumps along the way, bumps that cause them to rely fully on the Lord to help them navigate. Missionaries encounter persecution to the point of hardship and pain. The journey they take is long, relationships take time.
Come alongside us and help us encourage and support our missionaries.
Join us in praying for perseverance for the missionaries around the globe sharing the good news of the gospel. Lord, renew your servants. Give them strength, may they journey the long road and not be weary. (Isaiah 40:31)
