Colombo: Church Visit

Sri Lanka, though neighbouring India, had never been visited in spite of the coordination the serving ones there and us, in India in the literature service, have. I had been harbouring a vague notion about the country and the people. This time, our visit was an eye opening to me.

As we landed, a brother picked us up and took us for a dinner lovefeast to his home. The saints are wealthier than I anticipated. Their hospitality was very good and their love for us was so warm. I was of the assumption that the country is on par with India. But it appears to me that they are better off than many parts of India. The beautiful landscapes, fresh air, cool breeze, and the lovely saints changed my whole concept about the country. Experience indeed is the best teacher. 

I was given hospitality at a saint's home who came to the church life few years ago from a Roman Catholic and Bhuddist background. The truths of the Bible properly interpreted in the ministry of the word have been their continual life supply that keeps them in the enjoyment of the church life. 

My host, a brother and his wife, drove me around the city of Colombo for sight seeking, for shopping, and even for dinning. We also had good time of fellowship on the word of God during breakfast and dinner. I especially was glad that we could fellowship on the word of God in depth with experiences that were so encouraging, edifying, and I believe, a certain amount of building up has also taken place among us. They shared the vision and trench they saw and wanted to know how I would consider. To me, the ministry of the word which is an interpretation of the word of God, is the yard stick I use to expound any vision. With Bible references I showed them what their vision could have meant in the light of the word of God. Interpreting spiritual vision  with spiritual truths cannot go wrong. In fact, the interpretation I presented turned out to be what they exactly are today. Their getting saved, seeking for the truth, finding the ministry of the word, coming into the church life, and finally, their home being opened for the church meeting and for the saints' hospitality are the fulfillment of their vision. It was so marvelous to see how the Lord led them in their lives, and now the consideration even to serve full time. God is sovereignly wise in leading them all the way.

One evening the church arranged a lovefeast dinner for us, visiting saints. The feast was grand but a great surprise awaited us. After the dinner, we were all requested to share our testimonies. It was my first time to hear the personal testimonies of the brothers with whom I serve and it was also my first time to share my testimony to them. Though arranged by the church, it was also good for all of us who serves together in the literature service. Though I had shared my testimony many times to different people, that night was very special. I was beside myself, and the inner anointing was so sweet as I shared what the Lord has been doing in my life. Point by point, word by word, I could testify of the Lord's doing. It was such a blessing to be blended in a way of sharing what the Lord has done in our life. That night was indeed a night to remember.

May the Lord bless the saints and the churches in Sri Lanka.