Madagascar's welcoming committee

Arriving at Ivato International Airport in Antanarivo, Madagascar I was welcomed by a growing throng of people. Numbering in the thousands they encircled the airport parking lot and lined the streets leading into town. Quite the welcoming party! As much as I would like to say that the masses were present because of their great love for missions and missionaries, this would be a lie. Rather, they came out in number to welcome the ex-president's wife scheduled to return to Madagascar from a forced exile in South Africa just half an hour after my arrival. At the last minute the government warned her not to come just as they did for her husband two weeks ago. So the crowds quietly dispersed.

Later that night I was officially welcomed to Madagascar by some of the largest cockroaches I've seen. One was so cordial that he decided to crawl into bed with me feeling that I needed extra hospitality. After pumping enough bug spray in the room to cause my head to spin, I settled back down in bed. Just a few minutes later and another welcoming party decided to make their visit. Mosquitos. Lots of them. For nearly an hour I was serenaded by their sweet songs in my ears. With such beautiful melodies reverberating in the still night air I found it difficult to sleep. Some 40 bites later I decided I had been over-welcomed and decided it was my turn to do some welcoming.

The next morning the results of my hospitality were seen clearly: dead cockroaches strewn across the wooden floor and bloody splotches on the sheets where the mosquito committee met their match. Yes, it was quite the grand welcoming: crowds, giant insects, and mosquitos. Thankfully, there were some positive aspects of the welcome. Friends at the airport, warm sunshine, and lush vegetation.

I preached this morning on abiding with Christ. I wonder if sometimes we welcome Christ into our lives only to ask Him to dwell with creepy motivations and ambitions in our hearts, false cries of affection and adoration, and the distractions caused by the buzzing of too many things permitted in our lives from this world.

Rather, may we create an atmosphere and environment where the King is most welcome to abide in our hearts and lives.

Yes, I'm learning all kinds of new methods for welcoming. Should any of you choose to come visit, you will be probably feel most welcomed.

(There are pics posted on FB).