By Cletus David

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' - Matthew 25:34-40

As I prepared to travel to Zimbabwe in August 2005, a missionary who had been there gave me a map indicating how I will travel. She also told me to be careful and added Harare is like Lagos! That comparison created a lot of anxiety in me knowing what life in Lagos is like. As I arrived at Harare International airport I wondered who I would meet and I was a bit afraid that I might lose my stuff.

The taxi driver quickly noticed I was a stranger, so he demanded payment in US dollars, from the airport to the Masasa junction. I paid him $30 US. All the same I was glad that I got to the junction unhurt. I waited at the junction for four hours and no bus to Mutare ever came. Finally a truck stopped to assist a young lady who was carrying a young baby of about five months old. It was now about 5:00 pm and I was tired or traveling. Surprisingly, the young mother shouted and motioned to me, “Come let’s go if you are going to Mutare!” she said. Without delay I got my luggage to the truck and settled in. Little did I know that it was a journey of about five hours, so we got to Mutare in the night about 10:30 p.m.!

I didn’t know where to go once I was in Mutare, but the same, kind young mother spoke to two other ladies who helped me carry my luggage to the taxi which they had called. I finally got to know the name of the young mother, Joyce! She told me that the University campus was 17 km from Mutare but offered for me to spend the night at her home!

After few minutes drive the taxi got to Chikanga, I realized from the sign post it was a military barracks (3rd Battalion Head Quarters), at the gate, National ID, International passports or drivers license were demanded for identity. Joyce got my passport and began to explain my situation but to my dismay the soldiers told her they won’t allow a stranger in the barracks.

Joyce never gave up! She called a taxi and pleaded with the driver to take me to Africa University and the driver agreed. I finally arrived at the university close to midnight.

This adventure reminds me of Matthew 25:38. I got to school safely. And, all attempts to reach Joyce again have failed. I have concluded she must have been an angel sent to direct me! I keep appreciating God for that lady who never knew me before she saw me at the junction, and still she gave her time to me and helped to ensure my safety.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to realize that you will always guide our going out and coming in as we travel the path of life.

Thought for the Day: People traveling to other countries for the first time on their own.

Prayer focus: Travelers.