Beautiful Feet

Romans 10:15

The team set out on the road to Maloma. It was two and a half hours of travel, a large part on a red dirt path cut with rocks and bumps, which finally smoothed out when we arrived at a narrow trail leading us to a red-roofed building, newly built by the Swazi Partnership. (SwaziPartnership.org) It is a simple place where God’s people gather for church. As the vehicle doors opened, children’s voices filled the air. They had been waiting for us; word had spread that visitors were coming!

Watching the joy on their faces, my attention shifted to an older woman slowly approaching us. A walking stick steadied her steps, but her bare feet captured my heart. How many miles had they carried her? The land here is filled with thorns and burs sharp enough to pierce the skin, yet she had walked with determination to reach the house of God. She wrapped her arms around Lydia in greeting, then quietly slipped to a seat at the back, smiling every step.

Her faithfulness stirred me deeply.

Pastor Mike opened the day’s teaching with Philippians 2:12-19. He called us to shine as lights in this dark world, to reject the easy path of the world and choose instead the narrow way of following Jesus. His invitation was urgent: Come to Christ. Find rest in Him. Every soul must decide for themselves, Heaven or Hell, life or death. Do not wait until tomorrow, for tomorrow may never come.

After the service, our team divided into sessions:

• Elinor expanded on Pastor Mike’s teaching on Philippines.

• Annah taught the children a song, “Shake, Shake, Shake the Banana,” filling the room with laughter.

• I shared with the youth about God’s Word as the Bread of Life; the nourishment our souls need daily.

The afternoon was just as full. Over lunch, a quick game of soccer brought smiles and energy. Then session two began:

• Annah loved on the children.

• Lydia led the women in expanding on Pastor Mike’s teaching of the Philippines.

• Terrie spoke to the youth about the uniqueness of God’s design. Each young person was reminded through a fingerprint activity: “You are wonderfully made.”

Meanwhile, Pastor Bheki Sikhiondze, Wayne, Mike, and Chris went to a home visit, sharing the Gospel and praying with a man they met. He was not a Christian but was interested. Pastor Chris prayed with him. He did not become a Christian today, but the seeds were sown in faith. The work of our Savior has begun.

Later, the children gathered again. We played games: Red Light, Green Light, and the Hokie Pokie, and sang, “Who’s the King of the Jungle?” Their voices shouted back the answer: “J-E-S-U-S!”

By the end of the day, we were tired, dusty, and sun-worn, but our hearts were overflowing. Seeds had been planted in sharing God’s Word, worship songs, stories, prayers, and simple moments of love. We trust God to water those seeds and bring the harvest in His time.

And as I thought of the elderly woman’s bare feet on that rocky path, Paul’s words echoed in my heart: “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15).

Yes, even the dust-covered, thorn-scarred feet of His faithful servants are beautiful in the sight of God. 

Lord, give us hearts and feet, like hers.

To God be the glory!

-HML