Our Stay in the Magnificent Mountains

This week our family had the opportunity to step back in time. MAF flew us out to one of the remote landing strips it flies into and from there we took a bumpy trek out to an even more remote village. There were only 5 miles between the two villages, but it took us over an hour by Land Rover to reach what would be our home for a few days.

National Geographic photographers and reporters have tried their best to record civilizations such as this, but we were immediately impressed with the realization nobody could capture this experience for another individual. It was an honor to experience one of the untouched parts of this world. One in which we knew we’d cherish for the rest of our lives.

The ways of deep Basotho are rugged, harsh, unforgiving, and laced with satanic rituals. While at the same time their ways are just, timeless, and sweetly Biblical.  For us the latter was the most precious part of our visit to the isolated Basotho people. We felt as though we had the distinct honor of walking in Biblical days, and the stories of the Bible came alive to our family in ways they had never before.

Sure, you can go and visit the Holy Land in Israel, we’ve been there, but it is so commercialized and modernized that one has to press hard to visualize what it must have been like in Jesus’ day. Here, in one of the most untouched places in Africa we literally could see the Word of God come alive. From the stunning rising of the sun, to its awe-inspiring decline behind the majestic mountains, we saw Is. 45:6, “That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun That there is no one besides Me.”

The farmers laboring from the break of dawn until dusk with tools from the Stone Age brought to life, 2 Tim. 2:6, “The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.”

The tenacious plants growing in some of the most unforgiving land in the world, caused us to recall Gen. 1:29 “God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.”

The filthy orphaned children, the hunger, the loss, the pain, and the discomfort reminded us of Deut. 10:8, “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing."

We saw oxen yolked together, pulling, and working strenuously to tame the mountain fields. Prov. 14:4, “Here there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.”

The shepherds and the lambs were the personification of the sacrificial lamb in John 1:29, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

The list of the Biblical truths we saw illustrated in the quiet, stillness of the mountains of Lesotho goes on and on. The realization that so many of the Basotho people are completely blinded to them is heart wrenching. With all the ways in which God has shown himself to them, they continue to be in bondage to their ancestors and the wicked ways of their fore fathers. 

We woke in the morning to a beating drum, which was intended to ward off evil spirits. Several of the rondovals were left vacant because somebody had died inside, and the Basotho hold firm to the belief the dwelling is now inhabited by demons. The fear is palatable in the village. The ravaging effects of sexual immorality, HIV/AIDS, and death are all encompassing. The integrity and spirit of the Basotho man has been crushed by alcoholism.

However, while there are still people willing to sacrifice it ALL to live among these people there is hope. We left behind dear friends and African Inland Missionaries, Chris and Michelle Gennaro, who’ve made it their lives’ work to build relationship, and trust with these Basotho. They, and their children live without electricity, running water, and all modern conveniences in order that these villagers will one day see Jesus not as just the, “White man’s God,” but as a Savior of their very own.

 This is the prayer we prayed as we stood as a family on top of a mountain over looking the village, and it is one we hope you pray along with us.

Dear God we see you in all that surrounds us in these magnificent mountains. Please God allow your ancient story become known to these people time has not touched, and in doing so…please set them free!