Running with perseverance

This past year, I was blessed with an opportunity to travel to Burundi, Africa. Our purpose was to bring water units to villages that didn't have clean drinking water. These units produce a chlorine that makes water safe to drink. We were there to bless the people.
   Burundi is one of the ten poorest countries in the world, and it shows. As the plane landed, my friends and I were instantly sobered by the living conditions. We viewed crowded, filthy streets framed by door-less mud houses, dirty and half naked children running about unattended, while their shoe-less parents worked hard in their fields. A pastor named Jean Marie met us, and was our host for the week. As we spent time with him, he reminded me of the Apostle Paul. Always thanking God, and always proclaiming blessings from Him.
   Jean Marie took us to a medical clinic, if you could call it that. They didn't have any more medicine there, than I had in my own cabinet at home. Looking at the children lying in their hospital beds, in the summer heat with flies all around, I thought of the pediatric unit I work in. The comparisons made my heart hurt. We asked the medical director how we could pray for them. He sobered as he spoke of the needs. Yet, the man was not defeated. He spoke as if he knew God would provide, in his own time. He spoke with joy and hope. Looking at the surroundings, I wanted his faith. The man was persevering.
   The next stop was a country school. Surrounded by lush greenery, but exposed to the elements, the school had sustained serious damage. Storms had blown the roof off three separate times. Villagers were unable to replace it, instead forced to send their children to the next door building. This room, about the size of the first floor of my home, schooled 92 kids. Kids sat five to a desk, with only one teacher. We spoke with the principal, and asked him how we could pray. Again, I was amazed by his requests. He knew God would answer, he just didn't know when. His eyes were warm and full of hope. He did not cave in to the circumstances surrounding him. Rather, he met them head on with the Lords strength. The man was persevering.
   I’ll never forget the day we visited the orphanage. Beautiful, smiling children ran to meet us as we pulled in. Forty-two kids with no parents, yet they treated us with such respect. The couple that lived there, with their own children, exuded joy and warmth. The children showed us about their home. Bunk beds were neatly made, and we realized the kids slept two or three to a bed. A frame for a wooden fence surrounded the perimeter of the orphanage, but the money was not there to complete it. Hence, outside villagers would frequently sneak in and steal the orphanages possessions. We quickly learned that the forty two kids ate one meal a day, beans and rice. One meal a day extended to the couple and their children, as well. Once again, we asked, “How can we pray?” And once again, soft voices were lifted, praising God and proclaiming His goodness. There wasn't a dry eye in the group as we witnessed the dire situation with hope. The forty-two kids and the family were persevering.
   The author of Hebrews reminds us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is marked out for us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb 12:1-2)
   Maybe your race isn’t a race at all. Maybe it’s a family situation, an illness, loss of a loved one. Or maybe it’s survival in one of the poorest countries in the world. Whatever it may be, God is encouraging you to persevere. Never give up. Ask God for the strength you need.  “Pray without ceasing.” (I Thess. 5:17) Without ceasing; that’s a lot of prayer.
   I grew to love the people of Burundi, despite their dirt and grime. I loved their hearts. I loved their faith. I loved the God they loved. Our water units were a blessing to them, and 45,000 of the villagers now have clean water. What I never estimated was the blessing they were to me. My heart is forever changed, and my daily prayer is consistent... to persevere.
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CrossRiver's Libby Samples is the author of 'Why We Run,' a children’s book (scheduled for release in late 2013) that teaches the importance of praying with perseverance. She is the race director of the 12:1 Run; a 5K, 10K, and half marathon which raises money to provide clean drinking water all over the world. Libby’s recent trip to Africa delivering water units inspired 'Why We Run.' Libby has also written for Focus on the Family’s 'Clubhouse Jr' magazine. She is a pediatric nurse. Married to her love, Jason, they have five children. You can learn more about Libby on her blog, samplesoffaith.blogspot.com.