Day 3 in Freetown

To use an old, old phrase, “we shelled the corn today.” We saw our first serious opposition, but also saw a serious breakthrough as well.

I began the day with a lesson on the authority of God with an emphasis on how that applies to the question of instrumental music in worship. Hearts were touched – some to try to defend their current practice and some to serious reflection. During the first q/a session, a gentleman took the mic and challenged us on the present day existence of miracles (the q/a did not exactly follow what had been taught). He was rather loud, boisterous and brash. He “healed” me – of course my legs were still weak, me feet still hurt and my back still had problems. We met him forcefully. Steve, especially, did a very direct and forceful job of responding to him with some passion (Denver you trained him well!). After a brief break, Steve delivered a powerful lesson on the work of an evangelist. He tied that in to seeking Bible authority so as to define that work.

That led us to the “revival” portion of the day. Jimmy Lee presented a lesson entitled, “Do we have a right to our own belief?” Let me tell you, that boy flat done good! (excuse the grammar) He made the lesson so practical and applicable to the folks in Freetown that it was obvious that people were moved.

After Jimmy’s lesson was over, Joseph closed out the day with an admonition to take these lessons seriously, reject the traditions of men and simply return to the Bible. He said that we have heard teaching today that can change lives forever. He said that we would never be the same after these lessons. He said that “we need a church of Christ in Freetown” – people converted to Jesus and added to His church. The three of us were moved to tears to hear the sincerity of his plea and emotion of his appeal.

I have no doubt that some of the people in attendance got the point, understood the truth, and know of the changes that need to be made. Do they have the courage to make those changes? No man knows – only God. Please pray that those who heard and understood the truth will have the courage to apply the truth regardless of the cost.

The ride back to the hotel…how can I describe it? Imagine a very narrow two lane country road littered with potholes and full of people and traffic. Now try making that a 6 lane super highway with horns having the power to move the oncoming cars, so you just go! If you have ½ inch that is enough room to pass. If you want to turn you just assume that the oncoming traffic really likes you and will let you turn. The theme song of the ride back to the hotel…”Rescue the Perishing” with a few added strains of “Lord, I’m coming home.” Thank you Lord, for a talented driver and our safe deliverance.

What will tomorrow hold? Our day is to begin with a visit to a chimpanzee compound to visit orphaned chimps. Hope Steve can leave the compound without a visitor in his back pocket.