Finding Faith in "Bus Lotu"

Our first Sunday on Station, we were invited to join our mentors, the Myers, at our Station church located adjacent to the front gate. Well, that WAS the plan until our Saturday night dinner hosts, Jordan and Rachel Thompson, invited us to join them at a "Bus Lotu" (Bush Church), where Rachel Thompson had been invited to speak. Always looking for the most exciting opportunities, we notified the Myers of our plans to abandon home base for a trek into the wilderness.

The next morning, we took a small road winding up the mountain from back of Station, the Land Cruiser tearing up packed clay riddled with potholes and rivulets where streaming rainwater had run amuck. While we were still on level ground, I was curious as to why an old lady was loping along the road ahead of us decked out in her Sunday best. I then noticed the cluster of deep puddles ahead, and felt sorry to have scared the poor old dame into the bushes as she fled the risk of a mud bath. We did our best at a friendly Sunday morning wave as we slowly passed, and I was thankful to see a weathered smile appear between rows of corn. 

As we climbed the earthy orange scar through lush jungle, it was clear that some areas of the road were still soft, not yet baked hard by the sun, and the 20 degree incline was putting the Cruiser to the test. Jordan expertly maneuvered the manual beast, but well short of our final destination, a steep incline held the vehicle at bay, and we reversed to try the hill again. Ready for another go, Jordan eased the transmission into action, but our clay caked tires found no purchase. Reversing another 15 feet, we tried again, but still with out success. Upon our final reverse and attempt, the Cruiser moved!...but not forward. This section of road, which was currently winning, had a relatively steep drop off to the right, and as Jordan engaged the wheels, they performed a Cha Cha Slide right off the road! Our fearless leader informed us that a nice "little" walk awaited us ahead. 

I was infinitely happier trudging up the mountain than bouncing around in the back of the vehicle, and I stopped frequently to investigate the plants and the view. It was not until we reached the church that I found the best view - a breathtaking survey of our beautiful Waghi valley - Kudjip Station campus in the foreground, easily distinguished by so many tin roofs amongst jungle green, and great cloudy mountains beyond. 

The church building was quite small and plain from the outside - simple thatch siding and tin roof - the front doorway surrounded by an army of battered shoes, discarded in honor of entering this House of God. But while it did not appear much from without, as with most things of God, it is what lay within that shone the brightest. 

Approaching the door, I was captivated by the Spirit of freedom which carried forth upon joined voices. Shoeless, I found my place next to Rachel, standing among a throng of PNGians, worshipping our Lord and Savior. There were no chairs, but woven reed mats greeted our feet, and a perfectly orchestrated floral masterpiece crowned the simple alter. As I joined in song, not quite understanding the words, I remained stricken with the powerful beauty of these brothers and sisters - hands raised then clapping, bowing low then dancing, tears of joy released in the presence of His Love. 

Thanksgiving and praise carried through hymns, a few specials (including a lovely piece played by Jordan), an exhortation given by the pastor's wife, and powerful testimonies volunteered from members of the congregation. Rachel Thompson then gracefully took the stage, and in Tok Pidgin, delivered one of the most beautiful sermons I have witnessed.  The message was simple - Jesus is present and active in our time of need:  #1 - He is present to save us from tribulation when we call upon Him [Silenced the storm when sailing with disciples - Matthew 8:23-27], and #2 - He is present to hold our hand as we endure trials [Peter's faith failed as he walking upon water, but Christ held his hand amid the wind/waves - Matthew 14:22-33].   Rachel T. is the MK high school teacher at Kudjip, so I suppose she's had some experience capturing the attention of her pupils, but in these simple parables, the Holy Spirit was very much at work - and EVERY soul present heard and received the Truth.

After the service concluded, we had a nice picture taken of us overlooking the Wahgi Valley, then headed back down the mountain - trailed by a parade of villagers who had kindly offered to help free our sorely stuck Cruiser.

Though it took about 10 minutes of trying various methods (and sorting out who was calling the "1,2,3"), with Jordan at the wheel, the back seats filled with excited village kids, and about 20 strong men pulling, pushing, and levering, we finally freed our ride from the miry clay. But of course, when the Body of Christ works together in Faith, anything is possible!