Adventure beckoned Northwards, and the Spirit confirmed. However, tragic news at work made me seriously re-consider going to the Namibia Four12 Regional Equip, but I didn’t have peace to stay. And so, when my leave was graciously re-approved two days before we were to go, I facilitated an internal party and packed an empty notebook. Something was coming.
The two-day journey to Windhoek for five (somewhat unusual) new and old friends in one car, began. Car issues resulted in us only arriving at our hosts in Keetmanshoop well past most people’s bed time. However the experience of being overly tired yet so enjoying sharing (colourful pre-salvation) stories until past midnight at our hosts felt like enough reason already for trekking across nomad lands with limited breathing space.
Perhaps the first day of the conference should have come with a little warning note. You know – a little pastoral heads-up that If You Allow This to Sink In, Please Expect Nothing In You to Remain Untouched. That’s right, deep breath… are you ready to talk about First Love?
I thought I was, but I felt rather undone and convicted as Andrew and others shared on the significance of loving God with abandon, above anything else. What it means to really walk with Him – to be a Friend of God. A Lover of God.
That’s what mattered most to Jesus when He spoke to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:3-5
‘Without growing weary, you have persevered and endured many things for the sake of My name. But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love. Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first.’
And His longing when He addressed Israel in Jeremiah 2:2
“Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.”
For me, this set the platform for all else to follow at the conference. The fuel behind why we follow, lead, serve, obey and build. Why we worship… Not out of duty. No, thank You Jesus, there’s freedom. When captivated by Him, what would seem too much, too radical?
Namibia, I’d love to be back. Thank you church for your open homes, hostels, hearts – and meat pantries! Elders, speakers and worship leaders – for your humility, encouragement and risk-taking passion.
May YA’LL get DRENCHED in downpours!