Snake bite victim rescued!

I recently sent some video recorded messages to Nyoman asking for some clarifying details at the request of my editor. It was a few days before he replied, which isn’t really uncommon as he has a very busy ministry. Turns out he was tending to a young man who had been bitten by a snake in the village and required escorting to the hospital. That is just so Nyoman. Praise the Lord Nyoman was able to convince the man to go to hospital – he was initially hesitant saying “it was only a small snake!” I wonder if he is part Aussie? Praise the Lord the doctors were able to treat the poisoning – his blood had started to coagulate; he arrived at hospital just in time. He came home yesterday!

For those of you who have been following along for a while now will know that this couple are selfless in their love and service for others. For those of you who are new to this journey, (thank you for signing up) welcome!

If I could think of three words to describe Nyoman and Eka collectively it would be: passionate, present and purposeful. If I had to think of three words I would love to be described by… these would be a most worthy trio!

Are they naturally selfless? No way. They would be the first to tell you they were incredibly self-centred before coming to Christ.

Naturally present? Um, no. Nyoman was away for seven months at a time working on a cruise ship, away from his wife and family, and when he was home, wasn’t really the kind of family man he was supposed to be. Eka, as wonderful a mum as she is, would also admit to not being the most present. She had a deep longing and void in her life that she filled with “retail therapy.” How relatable! Hers sadly had dire consequences. It ended in bankruptcy.

Purposeful? Depends what the purpose was. If the purpose was to have the most knowledge, the most clout and the most attention... yep, Nyoman was purposeful. But we know that’s not what we mean when we refer to a person of purpose. His purpose currently? To know Jesus and make him known. To love and serve sacrificially. To one day hear the words from Jesus himself at the end of the race “well done, good and faithful servant.”

The difference?

Jesus.

Pre-Jesus Nyoman and Eka were inward focused. Years of trauma and unmet needs contributed to this lifestyle. Post-Jesus Nyoman and Eka are upward and outward focused. I would dare say that very few people cross their path without being impacted in some meaningful way.

Hungry? Let’s get you food.

Lonely? Let’s sit on the ground with you, chat with you, comfort you, pray with you.

Suffering from illness? Let’s take you to the hospital.

Suffering abuse and neglect? Let’s home you in our safe house and together rebuild your crushed spirit with the love, hope and joy of knowing Jesus.

What three words would people describe you as being?

If they’re negative ones, ones others have forced on you, or ones you label yourself unfairly, that can end today.

If they are negative ones but actually full of truth, find a quiet place and confess that to the Lord. Ask him for forgiveness and to make you a new person. That’s his expertise.

John 8:34-36 says Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!”

How good it is to be set free by the Son of God. Set free to live passionate, present and purposeful lives. Confess, be set free. Easy peasy!

Thanks for reading, drop a comment below if this impacted you in some way.