July 2007: I Sometimes Know What God is Like

by Global Ministries | published on Oct 10, 2014

I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8

We are often reminded that it is not our own strength, but God’s strength through Christ Jesus, that enables us to meet the challenges of serving as Overseas Mission Partners in Botswana. Through the work and the people we meet, God instructs us in the way we shall go and strengthens us in our moments of weakness. In the process, we sometimes learn a bit more about what God is like.

I can truly say, “I sometimes know what God is like” when staff members at Sedibeng come to work to help disadvantaged youth learn job skills to sustain them in life, even though they, themselves, haven’t received a salary in months because of funding issues. Instead they draw strength from God to do what needs to be done.

I can truly say, “I sometimes know what God is like” when my students at Kgolagano College volunteer time in service to God. One student goes each week to the local government hospital to work with the children. Another student who is HIV positive, inspires and organizes other HIV positive women in her local village, helping them to be empowered and to feel God’s presence.

I can truly say, “I sometimes know what God is like” when we receive a gracious gift from our North American church partners, through Global Ministries, that enables us to create a special collection of theological books for prisoners that they can borrow through the prison chaplains.

I can truly say, “I sometimes know what God is like” when we hear of the continuing interest of churches in North America towards mission – local, regional and global – with the commitment to help others and so to share the Good News.

Perhaps this is why we are such enthusiastic supporters of mission in the Church….because through our involvement, we not only make a difference in the world, but we are blessed with the opportunity to learn more about what God is like.

Open our hearts, O God, to the strength and wisdom you share through your servants in Botswana. Amen.

James & Jayanthi Wilson have been missionaries for 18 years. They currently serve in Gaborone, Botswana. Jim serves as a teacher of theology at Kgolagana Theological College. Jayanthi serves in community development at the Mabogo Dinku Advice Centre.