Last February, we met Mercy and prayed for God’s healing. I was so excited to see what God had done in her life for the past four months since we had served in Korah. Taylor and I decided to go to Great Hope Church on Sunday morning. It was a blessing to worship with the community in their world. One of the things I asked the Lord, was to make us invisible.. I didn’t want to be a distraction to the church family. We were definitely the only “Ferengi” in the neighborhood! We joined the prayer service and had an incredible time to pray for our sisters and brothers in Korah, as well as my team heading back home. I was amazed by the different worship style I was accustomed to in my church. I have the honor of attending James River Assembly and feel the freedom to pray outloud, but this was unlike anything I was used to. The congregation of Great Hope pray loudly and with great passion and emotion. I loved listening to the words in Amharic praising the one true God. He was alive in this place of worship!!

The best part, I noticed to my side, a beautiful woman in a red sweater (I recognized it immediately) was Mulu, Mercy’s mother. She was deep in prayer and worship, so I didn’t want to disturb her. Finally, after an hour of starring at her… I decided to go over and hug her, so I quietly crossed to the other side. I know she did not see me. In fact, one of the things I had prayed for was that Taylor and I would blend in… I didn’t want to distract anyone from worshipping by our presence.

I put my arm around Mulu and she still didn’t look at me. I will never forget the expression on her face when she finally opened her eyes and saw me standing there next to her. She literally screamed in joy and hugged me falling to the ground repeating my name “Kari”… crying. I started crying and held her close to me. She was trembling and praying to God saying… amesege’nallo’ (thank you in Amaharic) over and over again. She told her friend, sitting next to her to run get Mercy. We just held on to each other and worshipped the Lord like two sisters. I had no idea what the pastor was saying for 2 hours of service in Amharic, but I know his words were filled with truth, hope, love, and encouragement. I was so blessed!

We spent the morning with Mulu and Mercy. She took us to her home and prepared a special coffee ceremony. It’s very humbling knowing how very little this precious mother has, but she wanted to share coffee and bread with us. It was surreal seeing my photo album and Mercy wearing the ring I gave her in February to testify of her healing … all symbolizing change and hope and miracles. I loved watching my niece and Mercy become friends quickly. They are two teenage girls with very different lives, but equal passion for the Lord. Mercy looked simply radiant and singing again at a local church in Korah. God healed her body completely in February and was celebrating life by giving back to her community.

I am once again reminded how very little I know about deep worship. I was standing with a community that has felt unimportant, lost, persecuted and hopeless for over 75 years, but God sent them a Savior who radically changed their lives. He sent them Great Hope Church and Project 61… as well as many wonderful ministries directly serving the people of Korah. I’m grateful to call them my family and my friends. It was very difficult to leave Korah that day, but I know that God will direct my steps and open doors I never dreamed possible. I just have to keep walking forward in faith.

Mulu later told me that surprising her at church was exactly what it will feel like when Jesus returns… we never know the time or day, but we believe He is coming. It will be a surprise, she told me. I will never forget my BIG surprise and will long to return again to serve His precious people in Korah.

What is your favorite verse to share the excitement of Christ returning again?