It is a battle

[Sept 23] I was headed to bed, but as I returned to the hallway to turn off the final light I got caught by the sound coming through the open windows -- drums in the night. Witchdoctor drums, drums to summon evil spirits drums. I heard stories about these drums last year when I was here. Today I uncovered a CRI newsletter written by Noemia in Sept 07 that I had stuck in my luggage - she had written a story about these drums. But until tonight, I had never heard them for myself.

The sound carries through the night air along with the occasional whistle of a train. I wonder how people in that part of town can sleep, it must be loud. The beat sounds intense and commanding. I resist my natural urge to try and pick up their rhythm. But I am stirred to take my place in the battle. Drums have always been used as a battle cry, particularly significant to me. I have waited for this night for an entire year -- what would I do when I first heard them, how would it affect me, would I be compelled to grab my drum, run outside, and beat right back?

Tonight, as I listened I found myself steeled and focused to find my place in this battle. Not in the immediate, not with a drum, but with the way I protect my thoughts and ground myself in the Word and move about the village tomorrow. It heightened the responsibility I feel to the teens who are taking drum lessons from me this week -- to talk and pray with them, consecrating their playing for the Lord and no other. It gave weight and urgency to my desire to go and take the gospel that has the power to save out into the village before it is too late.

So tomorrow, I want to take my place in the battle here. Next month, I want to come back to America knowing more the power of the gospel. And tonight, I will pray. Will you pray with me for the souls of those who are beating? And hearing? And waiting to know the Lord?