So there I was, standing in front of a family, grieving the loss of a grandfather, at a funeral, and they were expecting me to give a word.
Part of our timer here in Malaysia is put towards house visits. This is something we have done in every country. We get to go into peoples homes and encourage them and build relationships. This is pretty normal in other countries. Homes are more willingly shared with anybody who comes by.
We were going to do a house visit and they had asked me to have a message prepared, so I made some notes on the story of Lazarus rising from the dead. When I got into the car I was told that I would be giving a word at a funeral. I didn’t think my message was super appropriate and felt led to change it. So on the car ride over I prayed for something else. Matthew 5. Before I was ready we were there and I was introduced to my translator, pastor Matthew.
The whole family was there. Everybody. Chairs filled the living room and spilled onto the back patio. Oh dear. What makes me qualified to speak to an entire grieving family? But of course! Not by my strength but by His. I started praying that God would speak through me. Because this isn’t about me at all, it’s about Him. Confidence and reassurance returned to me. Who knows what I actually said while I was up there. Maybe teammates said it was good. I’m just amazed that God has brought me far enough that I can stand up in front of a crowd and make my voice heard. Growing up I went through phases of not even being willing to make my voice known to my own family.
After we prayed for the family we were given lots of food and we got to spend time with the family. One of the grandmas kept convincing me to get more food and tea and more food and more tea. She didn’t speak very much English but she maid her love plain (I think my love language is food). We left that night feeling very full, both our stomachs and our hearts.
Love, Rosella
Well done!