We had been with a group of passionate people from all over the world for about 4 days when the pinnacle of our experience occurred. We were attending a small networking and training conference for people and organizations who were working with women in prostitution. The group was made up of a short-term team from Canada providing support for the organizations, African women and men who were seeking follow the call God had laid on their heart to care for “the least of these,” & former prostitutes who had a desire to help others leave the lifestyle they had known, and hated, for too long.
The trainers were: an Ethiopian friend from one of our partner organizations, a dynamic girl working for Samaritan’s Purse, Canada, and a counselor from the United States whom I personally grew to love and admire as the week went on.
Throughout the week we wept during the training sessions that touched the places deep in our heart that long for God’s goodness and beauty. We drank way too much coffee. Those of us who were not African laughed at ourselves as we attempted to participate in the African-led worship. It was an amazing time.
The last evening, when everyone was gathered together, the leaders of the conference went to the center of the room. They said they had a gift to offer us and implored us to accept. The lights were turned off and we had only candlelight to illuminate the room. Small basins of water were brought out along with rags. One of one, each of the leaders went to one of the participants, took their hand, and silently led them to a chair in front of a water basin. Then, they washed their feet.
The counselor I had grown to admire so much came and took my hand. My eyes immediately filled with tears. While I have read about Jesus washing the disciples’ feet and have heard of this act being done in other contexts, I have never myself had my feet washed. It was more overwhelming than I would have expected. I smiled through my tears as I accepted this gift. It wasn’t easy. I know the disciples also had a hard time allowing Jesus to wash their feet. Peter protested, saying, “No, you will never wash my feet.” I imagine the other less-extraverted disciples were thinking the same thing. There is something within us that thinks it’s just not right for someone of higher standing to stoop to such a low level. But Jesus, as he did throughout his time on earth, turned things upside down.
I learned a lot through that simple act of having my feet washed. Experiencing pure humility is impactful beyond words; it grips the heart and leads you to a place where you want to give that gift to others. Jesus guided the disciples to the right conclusion by telling them that he had given
them an example and they were to go and do the same for others. And I hope to do the same for the women and children I have the opportunity to be in contact with most days here in Ethiopia.
them an example and they were to go and do the same for others. And I hope to do the same for the women and children I have the opportunity to be in contact with most days here in Ethiopia.
