We had a pet dog for many years in Venezuela. This little mutt of a dog has lived in and seen many parts of Venezuela where most Venezuelans have not even seen. This little dog, named Short Stop, lived in Cuidad Bolivar with gringos, then moved to a Yanomami village, Parima, then a Piaroroa/Gringo/Yanomami/Ye'kwana village, Tama Tama, and then with us in Chajuraña, for ten years. We took her to the large city of Barquisimeto and when we left Venezuela she went to live with Brazilian friends in the town of Acarigua. A smart little dog! Well traveled!
But, while in the jungle, Short Stop would follow us everywhere. She was one of the most faithful church attenders! She would walk with us and sit outside the door to wait for the service to end in order to accompany us back home.
The Ye'kwana churches always open up the service so that anyone who would like to share anything at all, may have the opportunity to come forward and do so. Some people may share a verse of scripture, others a testimony or prayer request. This is culturally part of every meeting as each member of the tribe may speak his thoughts at the round house and so in the church, each member also has a chance to speak if desired.
Usually, anywhere between 5 - 20 people might share something before the pastor would bring the message. Makes for a long service, but they enjoy it!
Except one Sunday morning. It seemed no one had prepared anything to share on this morning. The pastor asked yet again if anyone at all would like to share but no one responded.
Short Stop must have decided that having lived with so many missionaries for so many years, she was as well prepared to lead the worship service as anyone else. So ...she walked right in the front door, slowly up the center aisle, directly up onto the platform. 100 eyes followed her as she turned to face the audience and, head high, let out two resounding barks, turned, walked slowly back down the aisle and out the door to await the end of the service!!!
I have never seen anything like it!
All the Ye'kwanas looked around with wide eyes and smiles and my husband decided it might be a good morning to share about Balaam's talking donkey!
25 comments:
lol..love it..what a cutie!!!
Great story!! Your husband's a quick thinker too... Balaam's Donkey-- perfect!
I wonder what she said to honor God. I love this story.
Oh, that's just priceless!
But I have to wonder, would using that as an opportunity to preach on Balaam's donkey really send the right message. Balaam's donkey thought his master was the real a** apparently. (Sorry, I just couldn't resist...bad TC, no cookie!)
Good dog! :-)
LOL Funny!! You make me laugh
She was the best. Most definitely adorable and sweet as can be...Now she's learning Portuguese!
LOL, Wonderful story! That is so funny. Even God's creatures praise Him!
Kristi
LOL! Great story, Rita. I'm positive dogs understand a lot more than we give them credit for. :)
I absolutely had to comment here. First that is a great story.
Second I think dogs understand us. If not the words, then at least the emotion.
What covers tree? Bark
What is on top of a house? Roof
How does sand paper feel? Ruff
Some people will say this is no more than that.
But I KNOW BEYOND A DOUBT God uses all things for his purpose.
This is a funny story and one I will be sharing with my wife and homegroup friends.
How funny! Once you & Jackie write that book about all of your jungle stories I definitely want to know where I can get a copy.
That is just hilarious!!!
and mutts are always the BEST dogs, we've had one for 9 years now and we love him so.
LOL! That is really funny
That's great! Well, the Bible says if we don't speak out the rocks will, I guess that goes for dogs too!!!
Oh that's too funny.
As my brother says, "My dog is my best friend."
They don't dump you if you run out of cash, and they'll stick with you to the bitter end.
Very cute dog!
Seemed like a very smart dog to me. I think your husband had a great idea. connie from Texas
Way funny!!
God uses miraculous things to speak to His people and those whose attention He wants!!
This brings a cuckle to me!!
Thanks for the memory!!
That is a wonderful story!
This is what I love about your site. Such a lovely, humorous story. After all the anger many blogs (sometimes mine included) have, it is refreshing to visit a warm, loving blog.
May G-d bless and keep you and yours in good health and spirits.
oh wow, now that's just tooo good!
Oh how funny! I've never heard that one! Maybe she wanted to get saved! It also reminded me of Snickers being so faithful to Smyrna!
Lol. you always have an interesting story to tell JM. If i'm ever in your neck of the woods [in your case that's literally], i must invite myself for tea and a good story.
MK, your invited!!!
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