An Important Visitor

Mercy Ships is currently docked in Pointe Noire, Congo.  The President of Congo responded to the invitation from the ship to come for a visit. He and his 200 or more entourage gave notice 72 hours prior to their arrival for the security scouting to take place. On Sunday, the day of his arrival, we were allowed to be in our room/cabin or in the dining room from about 9 am until he left due to security reasons. Many of the crew, including me, decided to leave the ship for the day.

 Preparations began both on the ship and in the port in those few hours. Workers (not related to Mercy ships) quickly whitewashed the multiple building, made and hung sides announcing the the President's visit, finished sidewalks that had been unfinished for months, and filled in pothole on the road. They must have worked through the night to complete all the tasks. On the ship, cocktail party food was prepared, furniture moved, extra thorough cleaning done in central area in the ship, trash containers were removed from the dock, put out all the ships flags, countless other things that I am unaware of, and everyone on the ship donned their best. The neighboring ship on the dock even had all their flags out.

According to those who remained on the ship and the leadership of the ship, the President's visit went well. The friends and I who left for the day arrived back to the port just as he was leaving. Our landrover was met near the port entrance by three of his security officers which were holding machine guns. A compromise was made that all weapons actually on the ship would be concealed. I can see why. It would be concerning to see so many large weapons. It was neat to see all the cars holding him and his entourage parade by in front of us as they left to port. As we drove to the port gate, the street was lined with locals all wearing white t-shirts with a red or blue President's face. Apparently, they had been standing there for several hours waiting to see his car as he left the ship.

Monday, all the extra tents were taken down, furniture on the ship returned its position, containers on the dock moved back, ship activities hummed like to usual. To my surprise, the nicely laid stone sidewalks were quickly taken back up so the pipe work could continue as before. Traffic jams in the port returned and the fisherman returned to sorting the days catch on the dock in the evening as well. It amazing the effect one man in a high position can have an effect on so many peoples schedules and tasks.

It made me think about how I would prepare my house for an important guest. As many of you know, I do not like to be rushed or prepare things at the last minute. I also am not too impressed by people statuses or credentials. When is comes down to it, people are people. Some have worked hard to earn titles; some have been blessed with prominence. Most of us are simply doing the best we can and do not have initials or status to show for our effort. This is where a few traditions of the old south are helpful. Growing up in the south, the tradition of always having something small to eat prepared and tea or coffee easily accessible has come in handy several times when people "stop by." Also, having dishes accessible that you can choose to use china or everyday dishes. I would like to think that I would be able to welcome anyone into my home even at short notice and feel comfortable about it.

 I was also thinking about preparing for an unexpected guest we all will have one day, Jesus. The Jews have a place set at their Passover meal set for Elijah or Elisha. Christians and Catholics prepare their hearts often as they remember Jesus by taking communion regularly.  Am I ready for Jesus's arrival? We will not even get 24 hours notice, he will arrive in the twinkling of the eye. I go days and even weeks without thinking about His coming. I am comforted by the fact that like a house if a little clean up or confession is done daily, it is not a big ordeal if an unexpected guest arrives.  I am challenged to regularly take time, even briefly throughout the day, to pick up the items out of place in my heart...live with an attitude and behavior of confession and truly accepting Jesus' forgiveness. What a way to live that I should try out.