“One time I can remember, we had a lovely preacher come and visit us out in our tribe. He was not from Africa and did not really know what to expect. He had prepared to preach on the story of the Lost Coin in Luke 15:8-10. Faithfully, he read his text:

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbours together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.” In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (NIV)

As part of his talk he asked if anyone had a coin to use as a visual aid. Not one hand went up. So, he turned around and asked all the Senior Pastors on our team for a coin. He went along the whole line. But not one of them had a coin. He was getting flustered and incredulous. I watched his face as it suddenly dawned on him. The poverty in that place overwhelmed him. His eyes filled with tears and he wept, right there and then. He wept for the lack he saw in front of him, a lack he had never experienced before, a lack he had never personally been challenged by. He could not help himself crying.

Certainly our tribe is financially poor. No-one has anything of monetary value to speak of. But let me tell you something. It does not stop us being rich in other ways, or making our offerings to God.

Our people might not have cash to put in a bucket but they have a different kind of gift to give to the Lord. They worship Him in dance. Their WHOLE bodies are given over to Him. They might not have money but they have no shame in dancing as an offering of praise.
They will walk for 3 days to go to a meeting and dance for God. They will travel through hot and dusty villages to reach us, without food or water to give the only thing they can offer – themselves.

My people are some of the richest on earth. They are some of the most joyful. They do not consider themselves to be poor. They REJOICE that they have been found. They see themselves as blessed and rich and whole.
They are full of passion for God, full of His glory and full of His presence.

When I look at them I do not see lack, but plenty.”

You can read more of Heidi and Rolland’s stories in their latest book “Reckless Devotion” 2014