The journey that shaped us

 

There are journeys that merely take us from one place to another, and there are journeys that shape us from within. This was such a journey. What began as a simple plan to visit fellow believers in nearby towns unfolded into an experience that would deepen our faith, strengthen our fellowship, and remind us of God’s unseen hand guiding every step.

After a season of prayer and careful preparation, our team set forth from Phek one clear morning, with hearts united in mission. Our destination was Zunheboto, with a planned stop in Satakha to encourage a small fellowship that had recently begun there. We did not know then that the Lord would weave unexpected detours, divine appointments, and quiet lessons into our path—a journey not just remembered, but one that would shape us.

 

From Phek to Satakha – The Beginning of Fellowship

We were eight in number as we departed from Phek, our spirits eager though the road before us was unfamiliar. The morning air was cool, and the hills lay stretched before us like a path awaiting obedience. Our journey began slowly and gently, for the roads were rough and winding, yet our hearts were filled with joy and anticipation. Along the way, we paused to partake of the refreshments we had brought, strengthening our bodies and encouraging one another with light-hearted conversation and prayer.

When at length we arrived in Satakha, a dear friend joined us—she had come from another field of service, having completed her own assignment. Her arrival brought gladness to our hearts, for her zeal for the Lord was known among us. Thus, we became nine in number, journeying together with one mind and one purpose.

There in Satakha, we entered the home of a believer, where a small fellowship of graduates had recently begun to gather. They were few, but their faith was sincere. For about three hours, we joined them in worship and mutual encouragement. We opened the Scriptures together, shared testimonies of God’s faithfulness, and exhorted one another to stand firm in the faith. Many of their struggles were like ours, and in the sharing of our stories, bonds of fellowship were deepened.

At times, questions were raised that tested our understanding; suggestions flowed as we sought wisdom together; and there were moments of quiet, as hearts reflected on the truths spoken. Yet in all, the Spirit knit us together in love. Before we departed, the believers served us a rich and hearty meal, their hospitality overflowing with grace.

 

Onward to Zunheboto – Strengthening each other

As the afternoon drew on, two brothers from Zunheboto came to meet us, that they might guide us on the next stage of our journey. Together, we set out again, winding through the hills until we reached Zunheboto. There, we were received with warm welcome by believers in the home of a pastor. We shared a brief time of fellowship, lifting our hearts in thanksgiving, before retiring to rest for the night.

When morning came, we gathered with graduates and students from the town for a time of teaching and reflection. We spoke on the meaning of discipleship, calling each other to follow Christ not in word only, but in deed and in truth. Hearts were stirred as the Phek team led a song of worship, and the presence of the Lord strengthened us all.

Later, we visited Zunheboto Government College and the Nito Mount Mission Centre as part of our exposure. In those halls of learning, we saw both the opportunities and challenges of living out the faith in the academic sphere. With renewed vision, we prepared to return to Phek, believing our work was drawing to a close. But God had prepared yet another chapter for us.

 

The Landslide – A Detour of Providence

As we set out on the road home, we came upon a place where a great landslide had fallen, blocking the path entirely. We waited for many hours, hoping the way would be cleared. The sun descended, and weariness began to settle on us. We spoke of alternate routes, but none were immediately open to us. Frustration began to rise, yet even in this moment of uncertainty, the Lord was at work.

Nearby stood a village, and some among us went to meet the pastor of the church there. We shared with him our purpose and the ministry we were undertaking, and he welcomed us warmly. In that unexpected delay, God opened a new door for witness. We shared our burden with people who had not expected our coming, and they were encouraged by our visit.

When evening came, we decided to return to Zunheboto for the night, finding a new place to stay. There among ourselves, away from the bustle of plans and roads, we enjoyed a quiet time of fellowship, singing, and prayer. The delay had become an opportunity for refreshment of the soul and strengthening of team unity.

 

The Long Road Home – Persevering Together

The following day, our hosts invited us once more for lunch. Their kindness did not waver, and their home became to us a place of comfort and encouragement. Afterward, we were given the privilege to visit one of the largest churches in Asia. Guided by one of the pastors, we walked through its great halls, marvelling not at stone and structure, but at the testimony of faith that had built such a place for the worship of God.

Still, the road remained blocked by the landslide, and the time had come to choose a path. After prayer and counsel, we resolved to take the longer road, though it was twice the distance of our original way. Trusting in God’s guidance, we set forth through Lumami and spent the night in Wokha. There, after a long day’s journey, we rested well, preparing for the final stretch.

On the following day, as the sun began to descend behind the hills, we arrived back in Phek. Though our bodies were weary, our hearts were rejoicing.

 A Journey Etched in Faith

As we finally returned to Phek, weary but rejoicing, we carried back more than stories and memories. We returned with hearts enlarged by fellowship, faith refined through delays and detours, and a deeper awareness of God’s providence at work in the ordinary and the unexpected.

This journey reminded us of those early missionaries who crossed hills and rivers with unshakable resolve, carrying the gospel to distant places. In a small but meaningful way, we had tasted their road—the joy, the uncertainty, the shared burdens, and the unwavering hope that God’s purposes will stand.

Truly, this was the journey that shaped us—not because of where we went, but because of what God did within us along the way.