Strength to Serve Sacrificially
Bonga, C.A.N.
Bus ride to home state
When Corona virus first appeared in the world scene, I was about to leave the field for my home country for a time of rest. Little did I know that I was about to embark on a journey that would take me from Indonesia back to my home country, with many interruptions along the way. But I can honestly confess that God’s supply of strength was sufficient all through my journey.
When I began my journey, I was delayed due to the late arrival of my travel documents from the consular office in Indonesia. On arrival in Kuala Lumpur, I received news that my onward travel would be via Sri Lanka. Though I successfully arrived in my home country, I was denied access to the state quarantine facilities as I had transited via 5 airports on my way home.
Knowing my predicament, God, through our mission’s local partners located an alternative guesthouse where I could serve my quarantine. Unexpectedly, when my phone broke down, God provided a replacement phone from an unlikely source, the Army barracks in my home country. Yes, seeing that I was physically and spiritually drained after many hours of travel, God encouraged me by providing help through unknown sources.
After 5 days of travel by bus to my home state, I was tested positive for Corona virus, and was placed in a group to undergo quarantine in government facilities, with 5 other ladies who had arrived by train from other places. One by one, these roommates fell sick, testing positive for the Corona virus. Then I knew that there was an opportunity for me to minister to them. Truly an atmosphere of fear hung in the room, and I could not help but feel worried that I might also test positive. Yet I overcame my fear and suggested to the others that we could read the Bible, pray, and sing songs together. As we did this, our feelings of fear disappeared, and before long, all of us tested negative, allowing us to end our quarantine period.
God encouraged me by providing help through unknown sources.
God’s words to Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” strengthens me.
When I am willing to focus on the needs of others and sacrificially serve, even if I am myself feeling afraid or inadequate, His strength will be sufficient to me.