A Place Called Mango

It was a day that makes your heart full and your feet hurt. It was a day that you dream missions is all about, but to live it was special. We drove in as far as possible on a dirt road by a raging river. Then we loaded up our sound equipment, books, and lunch in our back packs and arms. Then the real journey began.…

The place called Mango was only accessible by a narrow steel cable and board bridge suspended across a very full and fast river below. The bridge swayed with each step and gaps revealed the waters below. Once the team made it across we began our trek to the first school. Up and down the dirt path by the smells of cows and chickens and pigs; the sights of lush tropical flowers and trees and the steep hillsides all around; metal and cinder block homes hidden here and there in the hillside, some brightly painted. Curious children (sometimes naked, all barefoot) would gather by the side of the path, watching us. Sweat pouring out of us by the bucket full in the hot tropical weather. We arrived at the first school, unpacked our gear, took a moment to rest, drank water and motivated ourselves to do what we came for.


The children were all sitting in the shade around a tree, we told them about Jesus, handed out the Book of Hope and salvation bracelets. Hugged several of them, high-fived others, interacted a little bit and then it was on to the next school. This time we went up the hill to a blue building perched on the hillside. We stopped many times to catch our breath, and drink more water. It was a challenge in the heat of the day for all of us, even though this was a very fit group. But the reception at the top of the hill was worth it all: Children hearing and responding to God’s word.

We returned in the evening to a church cut into the hillside to show the GodMan movie. The only advertising we needed was to blast music out of our sound system and curious villagers came near to see what was going on. The screen was positioned towards the hillside creating a natural amphitheater as boys perched high on the hill to watch as the younger ones sat close. In the end the pastor was overjoyed with the response of all those around that came by to watch; seeing the life of Christ perhaps for the first time.We packed up our equipment and made our way back over the bridge in the dark. Very tired but also very happy at what God did through us that day because we were willing to go where few would.

More Photos can be seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimart4ch/sets/72157606452447816/