Bear One Another’s Burdens

“Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

The scene took place in Zeongehn Town, a village in Upper Nimba County of Liberia, West Africa.  The faces were the people of the seventeen village churches of the Zankunwoan Baptist Association.  The date was January 2009.  Gary and Ruth Luukkonen were there.  

“With God’s help we shall rebuild our only clinic that was destroyed during the war,” the women and men chanted with one voice.  With sharp machetes the men, young and old, joyously chopped down the tangled vines obstructing the spot where they had chosen to build.  The women tirelessly carried bricks on their heads from the bottom to the top of the hill.  Men and women alike rolled up their sleeves to work in the mud under the hot African sun.  I was amazed how they all worked together without even complaining. 

 As Gary and I sat in one of their church gatherings, we were challenged by the fervor with which the villagers volunteered.  Each church represented agreed to bring a bag of cement, and rocks from their river beds.  Individuals pledged to donate timber from their land.  And everyone agreed to share their time and labor.  In celebration of their giving, the members began to clap, sing, and dance to the rhythm of the African drums.  What a delight it was to be part of such a joyous occasion!

By God’s grace, Gary and Ruth Luukkonen will soon be returning to the scene.  The date?  As soon as God completes the way!  Where will we live?  In the villages.  What will we do?  Assist the churches in their ministries.  Who will go before us?  Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!  

P.S.  A big thank you to all of you who are helping us go

Add comment June 22nd, 2010