COFFEE CHATS

God’s Promise

BY TINA KADOLPH

It was 2010 or 2011 when we took a trip to the middle of the jungle of Guyana. We were the first Americans ever to visit Paramokatoi, the small village that could only be accessed by plane. It was a trip that would change my life for so many reasons.

That was the first time I flew in a tiny plane over the wilderness and the first time I would be dropped in the middle of the jungle with no way out other than by plane. Personally and as a team, we truly had to trust Jesus as we did not know what to expect.

Looking down from my seat in the airplane, I saw trees packed so tight they looked like broccoli. I’ll never forget the excitement I felt knowing I’d soon be in the middle of this jungle in a tiny village sharing Christ’s love, and at the same time, the anxiety as I thought that if we crashed, no one would ever find me. I didn’t know that other members of the team were feeling the same way.

The trip and experience were incredible, but what I want to share with you today is about our return flight.

As we prepared to leave, we discovered that the combined weight of our bodies and luggage was too much for the plane to get off the ground. The runway was very short, making our arrival exhilarating as the amazing pilot skillfully landed on a very short runway. But flying out using that same runway required strict weight limits, and we were too heavy.

So why didn’t they think of that before they took us in? We all wondered and laughed about it. We knew God would find a way.

They finally decided they would have to bring another plane in and split the team so we could get out.

My daughter, Katrina, asked the pilot if he was sure we could now take off. His reply was, “I think so.”

My daughter said, “THINK?”

He then smiled and laughed. But we didn’t really find that funny. I not only had my family but also a whole team I was responsible for. The pilot assured us he had our backs. And I prayed and felt peace. I knew God had our backs.

The takeoff was definitely an adventure. Trust Jesus, trust Jesus.

Finally, we made it!! Whew! Up, up, and away. We were going onto another larger village, and then, from there, we would hop on another plane big enough to hold us all. This was just going to be a little detour. I had no idea this “little detour” would be a huge turning point for me and Love Missions.

This time, I looked down as we were flying and saw nothing but ugly dirt—not the beautiful broccoli-like trees I had seen before. Miles and miles of nothing. Dirt. Not a tree in sight.

I finally asked the pastor, “What is that?”

He told me it was where they were mining for gold— they were stripping the jungle. My heart sank as I thought of how people, for greed, were destroying God’s beauty. What I didn’t realize was that God wanted me to see visually the damage being done; He wanted me to see the beauty that was being destroyed. He was preparing me.

It was about to get worse.

Both planes landed in the village, and as we were waiting to get on the next plane, I realized we were in the village where the mining was originating. It was there where mining supplies were being brought in to destroy God’s creation. That’s why they had a bigger plane.

As we wandered around, tents were set up in the dirt that seemed to stretch forever. A few of the tents had lines of men leading up to them. I asked, “What is that? What are those men lined up for?” My thought was they must be waiting for supplies or food. I was not prepared for the answer.

The lines were for prostitution.

Women and children were being sexually violated in those tents. Their bodies were being used over and over by the men waiting in line.

Do you feel the impact of those words the way I did?

Children were being raped and sold for prostitution, and no one cared. The answer to my question came out of the man’s mouth so casually, as if he had said they were picking up bread.

God wanted me to see visually the real damage being done; He wanted me to see the real beauty that was being destroyed.

I was devastated. What could I do? How could I help?

That’s the day huge prayers began. That’s the day God showed me that addressing human trafficking was His will for Love Missions. That’s the day my heart truly broke, and I knew God’s heart was being broken, too! That was the day God told me it was time to start sharing His story of what He has done in my life.

That was a hard day. But it was the day so many lives would begin to be changed. God knew what I didn’t.

AS FOR YOU, YOU MEANT EVIL AGAINST ME, BUT GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD, TO BRING IT ABOUT THAT MANY PEOPLE SHOULD BE KEPT ALIVE, AS THEY ARE TODAY. (Genesis 50:20 RSV)

It has surely not been easy. But I continue to remind myself that I’m not in control; God is.

As we were flying out of that horrible village with broken hearts, anxiety, disgust, and worry, God gave us the biggest rainbow, showing us He knows and that we must trust Him.

Way up in the sky, we could now look down over our broccoli trees and see God’s promise. He always has a plan, even if we don’t see it.

THE LORD IS CLOSE TO THE BROKENHEARTED AND SAVES THOSE WHO ARE CRUSHED IN SPIRIT. (Psalm 34:18 NIV)

Thank you, Jesus, for loving us. Even when we see the evil of this world, and it feels so overwhelming, you show us you know and you are in charge. You have a plan. Our job is to trust you, listen, and follow as you guide our every step.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV).

There is so much more to share on how God used this moment in time. But that’s for another article.

Thank you for always reading about my little adventures with God.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28 NIV).