The Wind

"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)

Today it was windy, very windy. In fact, it was also windy yesterday, and last night. Our bedroom windows rattled, sometimes forcefully, sometimes playfully, all night long. Bishop Todd said that it hasn't been this windy since the cyclone hit in March.  

Wind can be a destructive and deadly force. It can blow hot, or cold. It can also bring incredible refreshment and cleansing. As John writes, we don't know where the wind comes from or where it goes (science may have an answer for this, but that misses the point. John is, of course, speaking of the Holy Spirit.)  As I listened to the wind, I reflected on how our family over the years has been led by the Spirit in such unexpected directions. I could never have predicted our living in the UK, or ministering in upstate NY, or taking mission trips to Madagascar. There have been so many other surprises along the way as well. The Spirit has blown us along a path that has been filled with both joy and difficulty. But, looking back, we can honestly say that when we have listened and responded to the leading and prompting of the Holy Spirit, we have never been led astray. Blow where you will in our lives Holy Spirit! Lead us on! (Life in the Spirit is a guaranteed adventure.)

Today was a day of rest and preparation before our ministry begins tomorrow. We spent much of the day out on the veranda watching the wind pick up the dust and whirl it around as the local villagers got on with their daily lives. I have to say that I am truly amazed how one small boy can drive a whole herd of Zebu (cattle). Shay was busy preparing Saturday's children's program, and I finished up Sunday's sermon and began preparing other talks and sermons for the days ahead. Tomorrow afternoon we head out to a village an hour away to hold a healing service and show the Jesus Film. I can't wait to see what God will do. Please join us in praying for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit -- and that many will be saved and healed!

-Bruce

Here's a picture of Avery and Shay flying a kite on the grounds of the Bishop's Gathering Place. (The kite actually flew much higher.)