APPOINTMENT
Walk With Steve Into Missionary Appointment
Pastoral advice: "Steve, you may not see this in Burundi!"
Building a memory for Burundi
Oh the weather!
One of the joys of itineration is the unpredictability of the weather! A simple drive can take on unsuspected challenges. One just never knows what is going to happen. On Wednesday morning the temperature in Tulsa was 72 degrees. The wind was gently blowing and the sun was shining. The service that night was scheduled for Webbers Falls, Oklahoma- about 80 miles away.
At about 3 pm the weather drastically started changing. The temperature dropped about forty degrees and a terrible thunderstorm with torrential rain and hail soaked the whole region. The gale subsided around 4.30 pm so I decided to leave for the service. On the way to Webbers Falls, the rain started again with a renewed intensity.
At several places, the turnpike was flooded causing my car to hydroplane. To further complicate matters, visibility was minimal. The normal 65 minute drive took close to 95 minutes. As I arrived at the church, I thought “no way, anyone is going to show up in this mess”. Much to my shock over 30 people braved the elements to attend the service! God honored their determination and met us in a special way.
On the way back to Tulsa, the weather really deteriorated. Sleet and freezing rain began sticking to the roadway. I was quite nervous, but God demonstrated His protection getting me and my friend Eric back safely. I am so thankful for the Lord’s continual presence guiding and protecting during this whole process.
Late Wednesday night, the snow started with a howling wind. And it did not let up until Thursday night. 10 inches of snow in 24 hours! The weather report said it is the first time that a blizzard warning has been issued for North Eastern Oklahoma. The temperature was a cool 18 degrees. Moments like this make one more appreciative of warm tropical climates like Burundi!
Realizing that snow is not too common along the tropical equator of Africa, I decided to make the most of it. Next year this time I doubt there will be too much snow on the hills of Bujumbura. So I headed across the street to our home church’s property to sled.